Staying Safe This Holiday Weekend

At Gibbons Law Firm, we look forward to the upcoming holiday as a way to honor our fallen heroes. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices that have been made defending our freedoms. We also know that this holiday weekend is a time when many families gather together to celebrate, make memories and have fun. Unfortunately, the holiday weekend historically brings some safety hazards along with those festivities. So, this week's blog is dedicated to sharing three things to consider as you are enjoying this holiday weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you want some helpful hints on how to stay safe as you celebrate, just keep reading this blog.

Fireworks

Many people will be celebrating with fireworks over the holiday, so we want to remind you of a few safety tips to avoid any emergencies or injuries. Of course fireworks should only be used under close adult supervision. It is a good idea to wear protective eyewear, and never allow any part of your body to be over the fireworks while lighting. It’s important to place fireworks on a hard flat surface away from people, houses, cars, trees, etc. You also want to have water or a fire extinguisher ready just in case. Keep in mind that your safety and the safety of others around you is dependent on your diligence. We all know that drinking alcohol can affect your judgment, your reaction time, your coordination, and more. So whoever is in charge of shooting the fireworks should wait until afterwards before they indulge.

Swimming and Boating

It’s hard to resist the urge to get out on the water during the first major holiday weekend of the year.  That means there may be a lot more boat traffic, as well as people who haven’t been boating for several months. Be sure to follow the rules on the water, keep a safe distance from other boaters and paddlers, and always wear your life jacket (and make sure everyone else does, too). Use the buddy system, and don’t go swimming alone. Don’t forget to check the radar before you head out. You don’t want to get stuck out in the middle of the lake during a lightning storm. Once again, understand the effects of alcohol on your body and your judgment, and don’t accept the responsibility of being the captain of the boat if you’ve been drinking.

photo credit: Fun Lake MO

Traveling

It only makes sense that there will be more people on the roads this weekend as well. There is the potential that a percentage of them will be drinking or distracted, excited to get to their destination, looking forward to the weekend, and thinking about anything but they’re driving. So look out for yourself, again keep a safe distance, avoid distractions, give yourself plenty of time so you don’t feel tempted to speed, and avoid drinking and driving. Not only do you want to be sober so you are not a hazard to someone else, you actually need to be more diligent this weekend because, unfortunately, statistics indicate that there likely will be more drivers under the influence driving on a holiday weekend like Memorial Day.

Gibbons Law Firm Cares

We have represented numerous people who have suffered serious personal injuries because of someone else’s negligence. Negligence doesn’t have to be intentional, but it is often preventable. So we wanted to share some of these safety hazards with you as you prepare for your holiday weekend. Obviously, there is a common theme when it comes to being responsible with alcohol consumption. Nobody wants to have a tragedy result from a desire to celebrate and have fun. But unfortunately it happens, and when it does, it can permanently change a person’s life for the worse. If you or someone you love has suffered a personal injury at Lake of the Ozarks due to someone else’s negligence, Gibbons Law Firm wants you to know that your initial consultation is free. Our mid-Missouri personal injury attorneys can work with you, help you understand your rights and legal options you may have to seek compensation. Call our Lake Ozark law firm today. Be sure to use the link below to follow us on social media and stay up-to-date with the latest tips and information from our personal injury lawyers in central Missouri.

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

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Estate Planning Tips for Parents

Being a parent is rewarding and also challenging. It involves tons of decisions and responsibilities, and joys and discoveries as well. As a parent, you will probably spend countless hours of time thinking about your children’s needs and future and what is best for them. You dream of being there for all the milestones in their lives and celebrating their accomplishments. With all that considered, thinking about what your children's lives would be like if something were to happen to you is not something most parents want to spend a lot of time thinking about. However, it is an important part of looking out for your children’s well-being and future security. But it is still something that is hard for most parents, and at Gibbons Law Firm we are experienced with the process and know how to make it more comfortable for parents and help them get their wishes decided and legally in place. We see first-hand the peace of mind it creates for a parent knowing they have taken care of this important responsibility. So, in today’s blog, we are going to share with you 3 things to think about when planning your will as a parent. 

1) Where Would You Want Your Child to Live?

Is it important to you that your children still live in the same town or the same state? Do you want your kids to have access to other relatives and supportive adults in their lives if something were to happen to you? Do you want them to remain in the same home, if possible, and maintain the same routine, friends, and family relationships they have grown up with? These are all things that can be specified and provided for in your will when you choose a knowledgeable estate planning attorney in mid-Missouri.

2) Who Will Be a Guardian for Your Children?

If you do not choose someone to be the guardian of your children, the court will make that decision. You know your children much better than the court and you know who in your life is more likely to bring your children up with the same values and lifestyle that you would yourself. You don’t have to leave that important decision up to strangers. You can voice your wishes and make them legally binding with a properly drafted will. 

3) How Should Your Assets Be Used?

Some of your assets may be needed to carry out your wishes in raising your child. If you want them to remain in their own home, then you might need to use some of your assets toward paying for the home or living expenses. You may want to dictate that your assets can only be used for expenses directly related to the child, or you may give your child’s guardian discretion to use money provided as they see best for the children. If you have assets that you want to leave for your children directly, at what age do you want them to take possession. Do you want to wait until they are of a certain age when they may be more responsible with the money? These are all things that our estate planning attorneys can help you with while planning your will at the Lake of the Ozarks. 

Gibbons Law Firm Can Make the Process Easy. 

If you have been putting off getting your will made, we want you to know that it may not be as hard as you anticipate. We are skilled at helping parents through the process and looking out for them and their children. Your initial consultation with us is free and can provide you with the direction you need to move forward and get this very important task done. You don’t have to let the court make these decisions for you and your children, let us help you sort out your wishes and get them legally established. Just give us a call at 573-348-2211 to schedule a consultation. Be sure to follow us on social media using the links to our channels below to stay in touch and hear more helpful tips from our law firm in Lake Ozark. 

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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Kudos to Designated Drivers and All Those Who Use Them!

Temperatures are warming up and it’s starting to feel like summer at the lake of the Ozarks! That means tons of people will be having fun in the sun and making memories together. From boating and swimming to dining, shopping, and enjoying live music at one of the many venues here at the lake, lots of people will also be indulging and enjoying adult beverages while having fun. That means that as you are out on the road this summer, it is more possible you will be out on the road with people who have been drinking.  It also means that as you are making plans to go out and have fun, it’s important for you to be responsible and have a designated driver. 

Drinking can impair your driving in a number of ways that you may not notice at the time. But when you think about it when sober, we know there are some obvious ways that being under the influence of alcohol can hinder your driving skills. In today’s blog we just wanted to remind you of some specific things that are affected by drinking and why having a designated driver is so important. We also want to give a huge shout-out to all the designated drivers out there and the people who use them. It is a real way to make a difference and help avoid tragedies and we respect you for it. Our mid-Missouri personal injury attorneys have seen firsthand how devastating a drunk driving accident in central Missouri can be, and we know that no one wants to cause one or be a victim of one. So today’s blog is just a friendly reminder of 3 specific ways alcohol affects your driving and are reasons for you to choose a designated driver and avoid drinking and driving. 

1) Reaction Time and Decision Making

This is one of the biggest and most obvious disadvantages to trying to drive after you’ve been drinking. Alcohol is a depressant and can slow your reaction time and cloud your judgment. At highway speed, even a fraction of a second can determine whether or not you have a collision. There are numerous obstacles that may arise unexpectedly while driving such as animals, other drivers, and even changing of traffic lights and reacting quickly to such things is essential to avoiding accidents. But when drinking, you may be slow to react, you may overreact, or just not react at all. Of course, most people make better decisions when they’re sober, so make a good decision and arrange for a designated driver when you plan to go out and drink.

2) Tracking and Speed Control

People tend to be much less consistent in their speeds and tracking after drinking alcohol. Staying in the center of your lane and not crossing the lines becomes more challenging when you’re not sober, and in the curvy hills of the Ozarks, one small move outside of your lane can cost a life or lives. Blind hills and curves on roads with no shoulders create an unforgiving driving environment, so don’t take chances when it’s as simple as planning ahead.

3) Vision

Alcohol can affect your eye for detail and how your eyes respond to light. When driving at night, it’s normal to be drawn toward the light of oncoming cars. We know instinctively to stay in our lane and avoid them, but this can be harder to judge when drinking or drunk. It’s also important to be able to keep an eye out for things such as deer and to be able to accurately judge the distance between you and the cars around you. Alcohol makes all of these things more challenging and therefore more dangerous to you and others on the road with you.

At Gibbons Law Firm, we don’t want to see any more drunk driving accidents at Lake of the Ozarks. We know that we won’t stop them all, but every accident that any of us can help avoid should be considered a win. We want everyone to enjoy their time at Lake of the Ozarks, make memories, and have fun to the max. But we encourage you to do it responsibly. Having a designated driver allows you to do it worry-free. No one wants to be hurt, hurt someone else, or go to prison because they were just wanting to have fun. So plan ahead, do it the right way, and party on! If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in mid-Missouri, we want you to know your rights. You should not have to go through your recovery alone, and you deserve compensation for your losses. We offer a free initial consultation with our personal injury attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks, and we would be more than willing to speak with you about your case and help you understand what your options are. Just give our Lake Ozark law firm a call to make an appointment. If you’d like to hear more tips and helpful information from our personal injury lawyers at Lake of the Ozarks, we invite you to use the links below to follow us on social media.

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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Know Your Responsibilities and Protect Your Rights as a Landlord

Investing in rental property at the Lake of the Ozarks has become a very popular way of creating an income stream. The housing market is in need of rental properties, and being a landlord at Lake of the Ozark can be a great way to earn income. If you have ever considered buying property at the Lake of the Ozarks for rent, it is good to know about some of the legal issues that will be involved in renting property. The more educated and prepared you are when it comes to legalities, the easier it will be for you to avoid losses or lawsuits. If you are a landlord or are thinking about getting into the business, in today’s blog we would like to share a few ways that having an experienced landlord-tenant lawyer at Lake of the Ozarks can help protect you and make things better for your tenants, as well. 

Lease Agreement

It’s important for all parties involved that the expectations are clearly outlined. Tenants need to know what their rights and responsibilities are and landlords do too. When those rights and responsibilities are mutually understood, it is easier for you to enforce and for your tenants to comply. Your contracts may determine exactly what you’re able to enforce and how. So, it’s important that you position yourself in the best way possible in case an enforcement issue come up. The agreement should be clear and specific, it should outline exactly who the tenants are, the terms of the lease, payment amounts and when they are due, deposits, fees, or fines, etc. You can trust our law firm in Lake Ozark to know just what needs to be included in your lease agreement and how it should be worded to protect you as a landlord.

Property Damage

Unfortunately, tenants are not always respectful of the property they are renting. If you suffer significant damages because of your tenants, having a tenant-landlord attorney look at your situation will help you know if you have a case and how to go about receiving compensation. On the other hand, you may have a situation where your tenants are claiming their property has been damaged due to negligence or some issue with the property like a leaking roof. Again, a knowledgeable attorney will be key to helping you understand your liability and whether or not your tenants have a case.

Injury or Illness

It can be a very scary situation to be in if you are accused of negligence that has led to an injury or illness. If your tenants are injured and believe it’s because you have failed to provide a safe and hazard-free home, you want to take that seriously. Your attorney at Lake of the Ozarks can help you understand what your responsibilities are, and whether or not the injury was due to your negligence or the fault of the person who was injured. They can also help represent you and protect your rights in the event of a court case.

Eviction

Having to evict a tenant is usually a very sad and stressful situation. If you have to take that step with one of your tenants, it’s important that you do it correctly. Both you and your tenants have certain rights, and it is important to understand the process and the steps you need to take in order to evict someone the right way. An experienced landlord-tenant attorney can show you how to do it legally and effectively.

Let Gibbons Law Firm be Your Partner in the Rental Business

Of course, this is not an all-inclusive list, but a reminder of some common legal issues that you might face as a landlord. We hope you found it valuable to understand how having an excellent attorney in mid-Missouri could be helpful to you. We encourage you in your journey to becoming a landlord and want you to know we are here to help. At Gibbons Law Firm, your initial consultation is free, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you. If you would like to hear more legal tips and information from our law firm at Lake of the Ozarks, feel free to follow us on social media using the links below.

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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