Dangers of Drinking and Driving

With Lake of the Ozarks Mardi Gras Pub Crawl right around the corner, it's important to keep the legal dangers of drinking and driving top of mind. As you go out for the evening, remember it is best to designate a driver or take a cab. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we want you to have a good time AND stay safe. Our attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks has provided some of the side effects that drinking can have if you try to operate a vehicle.

Delayed Reaction Time

Alcohol can inhibit the time it takes for you to react to a situation. If you are operating a vehicle, you may not have the same reaction time as you would sober. If someone in front of you stops abruptly, you may not be able to get your vehicle stopped in time. If a deer jumps out in the road, you will likely not be able to react in a timely manner to avoid the animal. Swerving may be your instinct and this can lead to overcorrecting or travel off the road.

Lack of Coordination

Your coordination may be impaired when driving under the influence of alcohol. It may make it difficult to navigate the roadway safely. Staying between the lines can be difficult for someone who has been drinking. Coordination is a vital part of safely operating a vehicle.

Blurred Vision

Road lights, signs, and other car's headlights can all blur together if you have been drinking. Many times a drunk driver will subconsciously drive toward a light that catches their eye. This can lead to a very dangerous situation on the road, especially with oncoming traffic.

Impaired Judgement

When drinking, your judgment may be impaired. This is not a good attribute of a driver. Your judgment of traffic and other situations on the roadway may be hindered if you have alcohol in your system. It's best to have a ride home lined up before you even head out for the Mardi Gras festivities.

If you are pulled over for drinking and driving, you will likely get a DWI charge. The legal ramifications of such a charge can have a lasting impact on your entire life. A revoked license, jail time, a hefty fine, and educational courses are all punishments you may be sentenced to if you drink and drive. Help keep the roadways safer and stay off them if you have been drinking. A taxi is much less expensive than a DUI conviction!

Now that you know the dangers of drinking and driving, you can be prepared before you go out for Mardi Gras Pub Crawl. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm wants you to stay safe as you enjoy this annual event in the area. If you do end up with legal trouble on your hands, give Gibbons Law Firm a call. We always offer a free initial consultation with our experienced lawyer. Remember to stay safe and designate a driver if you are out drinking!

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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Test Your Legal Knowledge

Being in the legal business, we get asked a lot of questions! As your lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we pride ourselves on offering sound legal advice for our clients. While legal situations can often be tense, we've decided to have a little bit of fun in this week's blog! Take a look below and test your legal knowledge by answering these questions before you read the answers.

Question #1: How can your employment be impacted by a criminal conviction?
Answer: Many employers will require a background check for all applicants. If an employer sees your criminal history, they may be less likely to call you for an interview or offer you a job. It's best to be upfront about your conviction when trying to land a job.

Question #2: What is a Homestudy in the adoption process?
Answer: Your adoption agency will send a representative to conduct a homestudy. During this process, they will ensure your home and your family are ready for the potential new addition to your family. This is typically an ongoing process that takes place over time.

Question #3: Can a business be sued for not taking action after a sexual harassment situation has taken place?
Answer: If nothing is done about sexual harassment in the workplace, the victim may have grounds to sue the employer. It's best to take action quickly if you are informed about sexual harassment at your business.

Question #4: Who is responsible for regular wear and tear in a rental property?
Answer: The landlord is to handle all typical wear that may happen in their rental home. Significant damage caused by the tenant should be repaired by the tenant.

Question #5: What is an easy way to reduce the number of workers compensation claims for my business?
Answer: Routine employee training can help to make sure all of your employees know how to safely conduct their duties. If a new piece of equipment is added to your business, ensure everyone knows the new safety protocol that is required for the new machine.

Question #6: How do I make sure no one else uses my business name?
Answer: Once you have double checked that your name is not used by anyone else, you can trademark your name. This can help give you rights to the name and deter other businesses from using it.

Questions #7: How can I make the divorce process less stressful on my kids?
Answer: It's encouraged to keep communication lines open with your spouse as you navigate the divorce process. Try to keep the conversation as positive as possible, especially when your children may overhear.

Question #8: Do I need an attorney if I was falsely accused of a crime?
Answer: An attorney can help gather the right information to present your case in a professional manner. Even if you know you are innocent, the judge or jury has the final say about your case.

Question #9: What does a bail bondsman do?
Answer: A bond agent can provide the funds needed to cover your bail to get out of jail, for a small fee. Once an agent has posted your bond, they are now responsible for ensuring you make it back for your court date.

Now that you've taken the legal quiz, you hopefully have learned a little more about the legal world. Do you have a question that wasn't answered? Gibbons Law Firm would be honored to help you with your legal situation. Contact us today to help answer your legal questions. Remember, your first consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is always free! We look forward to answering your legal questions and hearing about your case!

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 Avoiding a Workers' Compensation Lawsuit

Workers' Compensation insurance can help protect your business' financial assets when a worker is injured on the job or due to a work-related task. While you may think this coverage can help protect you from all work injury claims, that is not always the case. There are extra precautions that can be taken to improve your protection from being involved in a lawsuit from a workers' compensation claim. As your Lake of the Ozarks attorney, I know how important it is to protect your business. Take a look below to find some extra ways you can help to prevent a work injury at your business.

Perform a Complete Training with New Employees

A complete and thorough new employee orientation should be performed with all new workers who join your team. Walk through your business and get all employees familiar with your property. Point out any dangerous areas in which the employee should avoid or any equipment that they are not authorized to use. After you've been on a tour of your property, clearly show each employee the ins and outs of their daily tasks. Will they be working in any dangerous areas or with equipment? Make sure to point those items out. Also, ensure your employees know how to use safety equipment and that these items are actually being used.

Remind Employees of Work Safety Annually

On a yearly basis, host a refresher course for workplace safety for your business. It's a good way to remind everyone of the potential dangers that are out there on a daily basis and helps to keep good safety tips top of mind. These training courses can help to remind your employees of safety precautions that should be followed on a daily basis.

Mark Dangerous Areas Clearly

If there are areas that are off-limits to certain employees, be sure these areas are clearly marked. In addition to marking off areas, verbally explain to all employees why this area is dangerous and off-limits. It's important for people to be aware of why they shouldn't be in a certain area, instead of just blocking it off.

Provide Safe Equipment for Employees

Ensure all equipment your employees use is safe. Whether it's a ladder, forklift, or other items, workers should be able to have equipment that works properly for them to help complete their job duties. Also, encourage an open relationship with all employees in which they feel comfortable letting you know about any hazards or dangers with the equipment that they use.

Don't Forget OSHA

The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers. The OSH Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards. It's important that you meet these standards in your workplace, not just for safety for your employees, but also to help you avoid a lawsuit. You will also need to have appropriate OSHA publications displayed in your workplace.

Are you ready to make these changes around your business? It's important to ensure your work environment is safe for all of your employees. These safety steps may not prevent a workers' compensation lawsuit, but it can help to reduce the chance that one will occur. If you do find your business in the middle of a workers' compensation lawsuit at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact Gibbons Law Firm right away. We can help evaluate your case and make legal recommendations for your business.

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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