Why Driving Distracted is Dangerous

Distracted driving is a common cause of many vehicle accidents. Not only do you face legal dangers if driving distracted, but you can also cause harm to yourself and anyone on the roadway. Driving is a big responsibility that should be taken very seriously. As an experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know about the legal ramifications you may face if the cause of an accident due to distracted driving.

Why is Distracted Driving Dangerous?

Being distracted takes your attention away from the visual, cognitive, AND manual requirements of operating a vehicle. When you mix this combination with operating a vehicle, the eyes, mind, and hands cannot focus on both the distraction and driving at the same time. While it may only seem that a driver looks away for a second to read a text, driving conditions can change in less than a second – delaying the driver’s reaction. If a driver is traveling 55 mph and takes their eyes off the road for 5 seconds (the average time it takes to read a text), they will have traveled 100 yards without looking at the road.

Top Distractors for Drivers:

Texting - Texting takes visual, cognitive, AND manual attention away from driving - all at the same time. The average time the eyes leave the road to read a text message is five seconds. That is about 100 yards if you are traveling 55 miles per hour. A driver is 23 times MORE likely to be involved in an accident if they text while driving.

Eating - When you eat while driving, you are taking your attention away from the roadway. Many times you may look down to search for your food in the bag or look to locate your drink. When you eat in the car, there is a higher chance of dropping food which can lead to further distractions trying to pick it back up. Anytime your eyes leave the road or your attention is drawn away from driving, it can create a dangerous situation on the roadway.

Grooming - A number of people will take care of some facial grooming behind the wheel. From putting on makeup to shaving, you may feel like you are saving time if you do these tasks while driving. Multitasking behind the wheel is dangerous for you and others on the roadway.

Music - Changing the radio station seems like a simple task, but it can easily take your attention off the road. Reaching to turn the dial and worrying about which station you are on can be a distractor. If you are changing a cd, it can be an even bigger distraction fumbling with the cd case and inserting it into the player.

GPS - It's best to configure your GPS before starting to drive. Trying to type in an address while moving can be difficult and dangerous. When driving, try to pay attention to what your GPS is telling you ahead of time. This can help to avoid last minute lane changes when you are busy driving.

Without a doubt, driving while distracted is dangerous. If you find yourself in an accident due to distracted driving, it may be time to seek legal representation. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm can help protect your rights if you are involved in an accident. A personal injury lawsuit in mid-MO can have a big impact on your life. An experienced lawyer, like Gibbons Law Firm, can help ensure your rights are being respected in the legal proceedings.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Tips for a Safer Deck this May

May is Deck Safety Month and now's the perfect time to inspect your deck before the long holiday weekend. With BBQs, family gatherings, and friends hanging out -- your deck will likely see a lot of action this summer. Ensure it's a safe entertaining space to protect against a personal injury lawsuit at the Lake of the Ozarks. If someone is injured on your property, you may be liable for the injury. From medical bills to time off work, a personal injury can get pretty expensive. Help protect yourself from such a situation by making sure your deck is safe before your next summer gathering.

Learn how to make your deck a safer place this summer.

Check Railings

Railings are a place for leaning, but they can also become a dangerous area for guests if they aren't properly secured. Ensure your deck rails are sturdy and no spindles are missing. This railing system can help keep your guests in place.

Inspect Deck Flooring

The deck flooring is a common place for danger on your deck. A lose or rotting board can be a huge danger for anyone on your deck. If you notice a board that is broken or rotted, replace it as soon as possible.

Look Over Stairs

Stairs can be a danger all in themselves. Ensure you have railings along your stairs to assist as your guests make their way up and down. Also, check that your stairs are in good condition. Over time, the stairs may come unattached from the deck itself, presenting a danger for all.

Examine Support Beams

Support beams are what holds your deck up off the ground. It's also a common place for a fault to go unnoticed since it is often out of sight. Take time to look over your deck supports to ensure they are in good condition.

Refinish Deck Surface

To help prevent a stubbed toe or a splinter, it's best to have your deck surface resanded and painted/stained on an annual basis. It not only makes your deck look better, it makes it a safer place for everyone on your property.

Summer is full of backyard parties and enjoying time on the deck. If you're looking forward to a summer full of outdoor fun at your home, take some time this week to make your deck a safer place for all. If someone is injured on your property, even if it is not your fault, you may need to consult legal advice from a lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks. Your first consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free and we look forward to offering you legal advice for your unique situation.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Legal Tips for Landlords

There are a number of rental opportunities at the Lake of the Ozarks. Whether you're looking to rent out part of your property to make it more affordable or to make money as an investment property, it's important to have a good lawyer on your team. A lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you draft a legally binding rental agreement to help better protect your landlord rights. Check out some quick legal tips below to help set yourself up for a successful rental experience.

Legal Tips for Landlords:

Conduct A Thorough Background Screening 

The best way to avoid challenges with your tenants is to screen prospective tenants to filter out applicants who may be more likely to cause trouble. A background check does have some upfront costs, but it can save you a big headache down the road. 

Have Both Parties Sign A Comprehensive Lease

A proper lease agreement is the foundation of a successful landlord-tenant relationship. Your lease agreement should clearly outline all expectations tenants are expected to meet. Clearly explaining and documenting your expectations can help start your rental agreement off on a great foot. 

Keep A Written Record Of All Correspondence

As you work with your tenant, it is wise to keep a written record of all communication. Consider saving all emails, texts, and even written communication. If you have a verbal conversation with a tenant, recap the conversation for your records. This information can help protect you if a dispute arises pertaining to a conversation you've had with your tenant. 

Consider Eviction As A Last Resort

When your tenant violates your lease agreement or becomes problematic in another manner, your first approach should often be to simply talk with them. Make multiple efforts to work out a payment plan or work with the tenant to resolve the issues you're experiencing. It can actually take a court order to evict a tenant so try to resolve any issues before it gets to that point in the tenant-landlord relationship. 

Document All Payment Activity

As a landlord, it is essential that you keep thorough documentation of your tenants' payment activity. This information can come in hand when it comes to proving how much a tenant owes or when their next payment is due. It's also a good idea to establish a payment date that works with both you and your tenant. 

With these legal tips for landlords under your belt, you're ready to move forward with a positive rental experience. Renting your property can be very beneficial. It's important to ensure your rights are being protected and a lawyer for your venture is a great idea! Contact Gibbons Law Firm today to learn how we can help prepare you for a successful tenant experience. 

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Actions You Should Avoid When Getting a Divorce

Going through the divorce process is a time of high emotion. Along with these emotions can come irrational actions. Your character is being scrutinized while going through a divorce so it's important to keep composure of your actions. As a divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, we've seen a number of cases take a turn due to irrational action of one or both of the spouses. Take a look below for some of the common actions that should be avoided when getting a divorce at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Believing a Battle is the Only Way to Resolve

While most divorces you hear about end up in a large dispute, it does not have to be that way. Matters can often be handled in a civil manner. This can actually help the process go much smoother and quicker. If both parties can decide on how to split property and time with kids (if there are children from the marriage), it does not have to be a drawn-out process.

Pitting Your Children Against the Other Parent

It's important to remember your divorce is between the two adults, not the kids. Try to limit talking about your split in front of the children, if you have any. This could end up driving a wedge between one parent and the kids. Try to stay as involved as possible in your kids' lives, as well. It can be a tough time for children as their parents split apart and they need as much love and support during this time as possible.

Getting Pregnant

If one of the parties becomes pregnant, the divorce proceedings may come to a halt. Whether the father is the spouse or not, it can complicate the divorce process. This will be an emotionally draining time and it's best to avoid adding stresses to the situation.

Increasing the Amount of Debt

Divorce can be an expensive time for the parties involved. You are typically going from two incomes down to supporting yourself (and your family) on your own. Any debt that is accrued while you are still married may be brought into the divorce process. Try to avoid racking up unnecessary debt while you are getting divorced.

Reply on Outside Advice

Every divorce is different. Keep that in mind when taking advice from friends and family who have been through the process. Emotional support and advice are welcome - but keep in mind your divorce may look different than that of your friends. Just because a divorce was ruled a certain way for an acquaintance, the factors in your divorce are likely much different. Don't stress over outside advice too much!

Keep Assets Hidden

Hiding assets is a bad idea. Once the lawyers/court/judge finds out about the asset, it is going to be involved in the division anyway. This can also make you look bad if you try to sneak away with unaccounted for assets. It's best to be upfront and honest during the entire divorce process.

Avoiding the above actions while getting a divorce can help make the entire process easier on everyone involved. If you're thinking about filing for divorce near the Lake of the Ozarks, finding an experienced lawyer is important. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we have a great deal of experience in family law at the Lake of the Ozarks. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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All About the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals

The Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals is this weekend -- May 3rd & May 4th and it's one of the most highly anticipated car shows in mid-Missouri. Bringing locals and visitors out, this event pulls a large crowd. If you've never been, it's a sight to see as the shined up vehicles line the Bagnell Dam Strip for a day of fun and cool cars. Take a look below for event details and ways you can be extra cautious behind the wheel with a number of people around the Lake of the Ozarks this weekend!

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

About the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals:

This unique car show at the Lake of the Ozarks is for all makes, models, and years of cars, trucks and motorcycles. The show draws in about 1,000 participants and close to 10,000 spectators annually. The historic Bagnell Dam Strip at the Lake of the Ozarks comes to life for this fantastic car show! The strip is closed to normal traffic during show hours, so there are only have show vehicles within the boundaries. This creates an absolutely electric atmosphere! Some say it's like being on the set of "American Graffiti". If you've never experienced the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals, come out for a weekend of fun times and cool rides!

2018 Grand Champion
Todd Widhalm – 1962 Chevrolet Impala

Driving Safety Tips:

Put the Phone Down - texting, using social media, and checking emails are all very dangerous behind the wheel. The road conditions in front of you can change in a matter of seconds. If your eyes are elsewhere, you may not be aware of the need to stop or turn to avoid an accident.

Watch for Pedestrians - car shows bring out a lot of people, some of which may not be paying attention to traffic. This is especially common with kids who do not stop to think about crossing the road. With people walking near the road, ensure you use caution to make sure the road is clear of anyone or anything before driving by.

Practice Patience - crowds go hand in hand with car shows and traffic can get a bit hectic at times. Take your time and don't try to rush, when traffic is heavy. Getting in too much of a hurry can lead to making irrational or sudden movements behind the wheel, creating a dangerous roadway for everyone involved.

With many more vehicles on the road and pedestrians in the street, it's important to give 100% of your focus to driving. Looking down for a split second can be dangerous. Protect yourself from being involved in a personal injury lawsuit at the Lake of the Ozarks by doing your due diligence behind the wheel. If you do find yourself in a sticky situation and need legal representation, our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is here to help. Your first consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is free -- call to set up your consultation today!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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