How To React To A Blowout:

A blowout is a rupture in the tire which causes air to quickly escape to the point that the wheel is unable to support the weight of the vehicle. Aside from driving over a nail or any object that creates a large gash in the rubber, most people don’t realize how a blowout happens. Experiencing a blowout while traveling on an interstate highway or other high-speed roadway can present  significant dangers to drivers.  It is important that drivers are educated on the various techniques to counter a tire blowout in their own Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Milwaukee.

In an effort to decrease the amount of fatalities and injuries caused by tire blowouts the National Safety Council offers tips for coping with tire trouble. At the first sign of tire trouble, the driver should grip the steering wheel firmly, let the car gradually slow down by taking their foot of the gas pedal, and work their vehicle toward the breakdown lane or, if possible, toward an exit.  A motorist should not apply the brakes while attempting to maneuver their car to the side of the road. On the surface, this action sounds appropriate. However, applying the brakes will actually reduce the level of control the motorist has on his or her vehicle. When the tire blows out the driver will likely feel a pulling sensation to the side. It is best advised that the driver counters this pull. For example, if the car pulls to the right, gently guide the steering wheel to the left. Once the car has stabilized decelerate and slowly guide the vehicle over to the side of the road. 

It's important to have the car well off the pavement and away from traffic before stopping, even if proceeding to a place of safety means rolling along slowly with the bad tire. Once off the road, put out reflectorized triangles behind your vehicle to alert other drivers and keep your emergency flashers on. If safely able, the driver may now change his tire or call a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Milwaukee  or tow truck. 

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Drowsy Drivers Kill

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving results in 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and more than 100,000 accidents each year. Sleepiness impairs drivers by slowing reaction times, impairing vision, and causing lapses in judgment.  One of every six deadly crashes and one in eight crashes resulting in serious injury include drowsy drivers.  Yet, two of every five drivers surveyed admit to having fallen asleep at the Car Accident Injury Milwaukee.  

Being aware of the following signs of drowsy driving is the first step: 

Difficulty keeping your eyes open and focused, and/or heavy eyelids

Difficulty keeping your head up

Drifting from your lane, swerving, tailgating and/or hitting rumble strips

Inability to clearly remember the last few miles driven

Missing traffic signs or driving past your exit

Yawning repeatedly and rubbing your eyes

Feeling irritable or restless  

If you do feel drowsy, remember the following AAA safety tips: 

Stop driving if you become sleepy

Travel at times when you are normally awake

Stay overnight instead of driving straight through to your destination

Take a break every two hours or 100 miles

Drink a caffeinated beverage 30 minutes before driving to allow it to take effect 

Travel with an awake passenger

 

Lastly, you can adopt the following good sleeping habits to prevent drowsy driving:

Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning

Try not to take naps during the day, because naps may make you less sleepy at night

Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day

Get regular exercise but not within three hours of going to sleep

Don't eat a heavy meal late in the day. A light snack before bedtime may help you sleep 

Make your sleeping place comfortable. Be sure that it is dark, quiet, and not too warm or too cold 

Follow a routine to help relax and wind down before sleep, such as taking a bath

If you tend to lie awake worrying about things, try making a to-do list before you go to bed

See your healthcare provider if you think that you have insomnia or another sleep disorder  

If you or a loved one has suffered an Car Accident Milwaukee due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

The Proper Way To Use A Roadside Flare

What is the best way to avoid additional troubles when you are on the side of the road at night after a breakdown or an accident? Setting up road flares is one way, and when used properly, they can mean the difference between life and death. A roadside flare is a signal to oncoming drivers that there is a potential hazard and to be on alert of Bike Accident Injury Milwaukee. 

A road flare is a type of pyrotechnic that produces the light you need, but does not have the explosion that we associate with fireworks and other pyrotechnics.  A typical road flare is also known as a fusee, and it will burn for approximately 10 minutes to one hour.   You will often find flares in many ready-to-go roadside emergency kits that you purchase. If you are making your own emergency kit, you can buy flares separately to put in it. One of the biggest problems with road flares is that people are afraid to use them because of the danger involved. As long as they are used properly, there should be no danger in using road flares.

Safety should always be in play when using road flares. A road flare burns at approximately 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.  Phosphorus is the main chemical in road flares and the vapors are toxic so you should avoid breathing any fumes.  Sometimes flares will splatter or shoot particles of hot burning phosphorus and contact with water can cause small explosive-like reactions. It is important to use gloves and eye protection when igniting and extinguishing road flares and to keep bare skin covered with the use of a PPE (personal protective equipment). 

First consider the location of the flare before lighting it. You should place multiple flares well behind the vehicle so that oncoming traffic has time to move over. A hundred steps behind or "upstream" of your vehicle is a good distance to light the first one. Make certain there is no gasoline leaking from cars nearby and if there is gasoline leaking, do NOT use a flare. 

Next, Bike Accident Milwaukee locates the cap at one end of the flare; it will generally have a rough striking surface on the outside edge. You should then remove the plastic lid or cap to expose the surface. Next, examine the cap, oftentimes, the caps are designed with fold-out tabs or flat sides that will help prevent the lit flare from rolling around.  

Remove the cap, exposing the end of the flare. You may need to twist gently. The end of the flare will have an ignition surface or "button". This is the end you will light. Hold the flare as far away from your body and face as possible and stand with your left or right shoulder facing into the wind. Point the flare away from yourself and others. Also, remember to hold the flare by the middle, with your hand away from the end you will be lighting.

Light the flare much the same way as you would light a match. Rub the end of the flare briskly against the coarse striking surface on the cap.  Remember, the flare will spray ignited, molten material from its end so you may damage your clothing.

Carry the lighted flare pointed downward and away from yourself, so that no burning residues can drip back onto your hand. Keep the burning end of the flare away from hair and clothing. Replace the cap on the back end of the flare (the end that is not burning) and set the flare down gently, in an appropriate place. When setting the flare on the ground, be sure that it will not roll. If you drop the flare you will have less control over its location, and the flare could break. 

Make sure that the flare is extinguished before leaving the site. If you wish to extinguish a lighted flare before it burns out, either douse it completely with water or tap the lighted end against the ground to break the burning part off of the rest of the flare.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Transportation Guidelines For A Safe Milwaukee Summer

Although the weather here in Wisconsin has fluctuated extensively over the past several months, the calendar still indicates that the summer season is upon us.  In the coming weeks, traffic surrounding the Milwaukee area will increase substantially as the weather continues to grow warmer and festivities begin to transpire in Southeastern Wisconsin.  Wisconsinites are encouraged to enjoy all such activity, but be aware that such dense unification can also increase the probability of Motorcycle Accident Milwaukee accidents.

In 2010, during the months of June, July, and August, Wisconsin tallied over 11,500 injury causing accidents, constituting the most in a three month span during that year. Furthermore, nearly 20% of all 2010 accidents in Wisconsin occurred within Milwaukee County. These statistics provide a clear indication that those travelling throughout the Milwaukee area this summer should do so with heightened caution.

Aside from an increase in traffic, the influx in accidents may be attributed to a number of other factors. First, many young adults enjoy significant time off during summer months.  Their inexperience and sometimes hasty decisions behind the wheel play a key role in many automobile accidents.  As a result, individuals below the age of 25 are involved in nearly 25% of all automobile accidents in Wisconsin. Additionally, individuals attending Motorcycle Accident Injury Milwaukee’s summer events such as Brewer games, Summerfest, and State Fair may enjoy alcoholic beverages, at times to the detriment of other motorists.  In fact, in 2010 there were over 44,000 drunk-driving convictions in the state of Wisconsin. Furthermore, alcohol contributed to 800 automobile accidents in Milwaukee County in 2010. 

Gruber Law Offices encourages everyone to relish the summer fun and entertainment Milwaukee provides, but be mindful of the associated dangers.  In order to ensure your safety, here are a few helpful tips:

Always wear a seatbelt 

Avoid combining alcohol with driving

Stay alert of your surroundings

Take advantage of Milwaukee County’s 50 public bus routes

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!

Increase Of Fatalities In Wisconsin Drivers Vince

Although Wisconsin is committed to lowering the amount of deaths resulting from traffic accidents to zero, there has been an increase in traffic deaths throughout the first two months of 2012. This increase is attributable to many factors, but none more apparent than the failure of drivers and passengers to wear safety belts. The mild winter may have also been a contributing factor. An increase in drivers on the road could result in a higher probability of an Accident Injury Attorney Milwaukee. 

 

As of the end of February, 78 people died in 65 traffic crashes. Over the same period last year fatalities totaled only 61. The total number of deaths through February is also above the five-year average of 71. In February alone, 34 people died in 25 traffic crashes, which is 12 more than last February’s total of 22, and one more than the five-year average of 33.

February 2011 was the safest February ever recorded for traffic deaths on Wisconsin roads, so the increase in February 2012 is not necessarily as startling as it appears. Also, the death total in February 2012 was much lower than the worst month of February on record, 73 deaths in 1968. 

 

While drivers and passengers are wearing safety belts more frequently than they did 20 or 30 years ago,A Accident Attorney Milwaukee which is evidenced by the large drop in traffic fatalities over that time period, some drivers and passengers are still choosing not to buckle up. The fact that drivers and passengers still choose not to wear a safety belt is unfortunate. Wearing a safety belt is one of the best preventative measures a driver or passenger can use to avoid a fatal outcome in an automobile crash. All drivers and their passengers should perform the very simple task of wearing a safety belt every time they step into a vehicle. It will lead to a decrease in traffic fatalities instead of the recent increasing trend. It is also the law in Wisconsin.

Drivers Must be Aware of the Dangers Deer Pose

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), “deer are the third most commonly struck object in Wisconsin.”

However, the deer are not the only ones suffering in these collisions. In 2010 deer related accidents resulted in 14 deaths, 65 incapacitating injuries, and many more less severe injuries. The reported 403 injured people in 2010 comprise the 4^th lowest annual total in the last 30 years. However, May and June of 2010 totaled 2,726 crashes, and formed a secondary peak of reported incidents to those occurring during the fall. These statistics are based on crashes reported by the police, but many more deer carcasses are taken off the roads suggesting that actual collisions are much higher than reported. While this could mean that most collisions do not result in serious Personal Injuries Milwaukee, the deer also pose a significant threat to the vehicle. 

 

The following safety tips offered by the Wisconsin DOT address both how to prevent collisions with deer and what to do should you hit one.

Be aware of the time and remember that you are more likely to encounter a deer in the early morning and evening hours.

• Eliminate distractions while driving and look out for deer, particularly, the glowing eyes on the side of the road. 
   
• Always wear a safety belt; crashes where safety belts were worn resulted in less severe injuries. 
   
• If you do see a deer by the side of the road, slow down and blow your horn once for a long blast to frighten the animal away. 
   
• Remember, if you see one deer, more are likely around.
  
  
• If you see a deer in your headlights, don’t expect it to move, headlights can confuse the animal and cause it to freeze.
  
  
• Do not swerve; not only does swerving increase your risk of hitting another vehicle or an object, but it will also confuse the deer and the animal will not know where to run.
  
  
• Motorcyclists however are encouraged to swerve when absolutely necessary to avoid a collision after taking every precaution and avoiding the oncoming lane. 
   
• If you do hit a deer, try to get your vehicle off the road and call the police; do not walk toward the animal, walking on the road is dangerous to you, and other drivers. If the animal is not dead, it can hurt you or itself trying to get up.

If you or a loved one has suffered an Injury Attorney Milwaukee due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

County Immune from Liability Due to Construction “Flagger’s” Alleged Negligence

Occasionally, county employees are responsible for controlling the flow of traffic on a county highway or roadway that is under construction. However, a Wisconsin court of appeals recently ruled that a county is not liable for the injuries a driver sustains due to a county employee’s negligence while directing traffic on a county highway that is under construction. 

In 2009, Outagamie County employees were directed by the county to serve as “flaggers” at a county highway under construction. Beverly Socha and Jennifer Greiner were both driving towards the intersection being controlled by the “flaggers” from different directions. At the direction of the “flagger,” Ms. Socha proceeded into the intersection and was struck by Ms. Greiner’s vehicle. Ms. Socha did not see Ms. Greiner’s vehicle approaching as she proceeded through the intersection because her view was completely blocked by construction equipment. As such, both Ms. Socha and Ms. Greiner alleged the “flagger’s” negligence caused the accident and that the county was therefore liable for the Personal Injuries Milwaukee and property damages they received. 

The court of appeals disagreed with the plaintiffs’ contentions that the county was liable for the personal injury and damages the plaintiffs incurred. The court of appeals stated that Wis. Stat. § 893.80 (4) prohibited the plaintiffs from recovering against the county because Wis. Stat. § 893.80 (4) provides immunity to acts involving the exercise of discretion and the control of traffic in a construction zone is an inherently discretionary decision. As such, the court ruled the county was not liable for the injuries the plaintiffs suffered. 

The ruling that a county is not liable for the Personal Injury Attorney Milwaukee a driver sustains due to a county employee’s negligence while directing traffic on a county highway that is under construction makes it all the more imperative that you proceed cautiously at intersections to ensure the safety of you and those around you.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”