How To Boat Cautiously While Having Fun at the Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is known for its boating fun. People from all over the country will come here to enjoy this BEAUTIFUL lake. That being said, when you choose to boat at the Lake of the Ozarks, you're choosing to boat among MANY others when you're out on the water during a weekend, typically, so it's important that you're boating cautiously. Keep reading this week's blog for a few boating safety tips to help you do that. If you or someone you know has been injured in a boating accident at the Lake of the Ozarks that was caused by an intoxicated boater, it's important that you seek the legal help you deserve. This, unfortunately, DOES happen and it can be in your best interested to have an EXPERIENCED personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks on your side. Call Gibbons Law Firm today for your free consultation. We can be reached at 573-348-2211.

How To Boat Cautiously While Having Fun at the Lake of the Ozarks

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AT ALL TIMES!
There is typically a lot happening at once out on the water during a nice, summer weekend at the lake. Keep in mind, you may come across patrons kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, etc. Be courteous and boat at an appropriate speed. Can you imagine how many boating accidents are caused simply by the boater not paying attention? Too many.

ALWAYS HAVE ENOUGH LIFE JACKETS ONBOARD AND EASY TO GET TO.
Not only do you legally have to have enough life jackets on board for everyone aboard the boat, but this is for your own safety. You may be a GREAT swimmer, but if you do get into a boating accident and find yourself stranded, you'll be thankful these are on board.

NEVER BOAT WHILE INTOXICATED.
This should go without saying, but you should never under any circumstance operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are so many services available if you need a sober boat captain at the Lake of the Ozarks. It just isn't worth the risk. Not only would you be putting yourself in danger, but you'd be facing extensive jail time and fines and putting others at risk too.

Get The Compensation You Deserve, If You Were The Victim of a Boating Accident, With Gibbons Law Firm!

If you think you may have a personal injury case, and if you were the victim of a horrific boating accident, you probably do, it is important that you consult with an experienced attorney to know your legal rights. As a plaintiff in a personal injury case, you will have the burden of proving your case. Consequently, before you hire a personal injury attorney, you may want to consider his or her willingness and ability to take your case to trial, if necessary, and whether he or she has a proven record of obtaining settlements and winning jury trials. Understand that Roger Gibbons has successfully tried HUNDREDS of cases and has the experience and resources to give you an opportunity for a successful outcome on your personal injury case. Call today for your first consultation, the first one is free.


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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Common Personal Injury Cases in Summer

The summer season is well known for being busy, active, and adventurous. People of all ages are glad for the warm weather, and get the seasonal itch to get outdoors and stretch their wings. While it's great to have some summer fun, you don’t want to forget that some summer activities can come with a certain level of risk of injury. Here are a few common injury types that have people calling a personal injury lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks during the summer.

Car Accidents

During the summer months, you don’t have to contend with the risky driving weather that snow and ice bring - but that doesn’t eliminate other risks. Summer driving can be a common time for accidents, and according to an old study by the Insurance Information Institute, August had the highest number of accidents. Nicer weather means that more people will be out and about, which can increase the risk of car accidents. Some of these accidents can include more teen drivers on the road since they aren’t in school, as well more people being out for summer parties, family reunions, and summer vacations. More summer parties can also mean that more people could be drinking and driving, as well.

Heat-Related Injuries & Illnesses

Spending time outside on incredibly hot days can mean that it’s even more important to take steps to prevent heat stroke. If you are an employer with employees who work outside, it’s incredibly important to make sure that your staff (specifically construction workers or landscapers) are taking proper precautions to stay cool and hydrated. According to OSHA, more than 40% of heat-related worker deaths occur in the construction industry.

If you are an employer, it will be your responsibility to make sure that your outdoor workers are protected from the heat by providing access to water and shade, as well as the opportunity for plenty of breaks.

Bicycle & Motorcycle Accidents

The beautiful weather makes it nearly impossible for cyclists of all kinds to not get out on the road. From motorcycles to a standard bicycle, it is very easy for riders to become the victim of an accident. Because bicycles and motorcycles are less visible and other vehicles, drivers need to be on high alert for cyclists during the summer months. If you are a cyclist, one of the best things you can do is to wear proper safety gear and fits, use reflectors, and have a good helmet.

Boating Accidents

At the Lake of the Ozarks, it’s no surprise to see hundreds and thousands of boats out on the water, especially during the peak summer months and busy holiday weekends. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for a fun day on the water to turn dangerous - especially when drinks are involved. Alcohol use is one of the top factors in fatal boating accidents, so if you are operating the boat, you’ll want to skip the alcohol. Even if your passengers are good swimmers, you’ll want to make sure that they always wear life jackets while on board.

Playground Accidents

The weather s nice, the kids are out of school, and it’s the perfect time to burn that extra energy off. It’s not uncommon for parents and caretakers to take kids to the playground, but every year, tens of thousands of children are rushed to the emergency room because of injuries that came from playing on a playground. Many cases come from children simply playing around, however, many of them also occur because of issues with the playground equipment. This could be caused by the equipment not being maintained or it could be because there isn't enough surface protection to keep kids safe if they fall. Make sure you take a look at any playground equipment before letting children play on it, just to make sure things are safe and secure.

Personal Injury Cases at the Lake of the Ozarks

Mishaps and accidents are not always avoidable, and they can lead to injuries which may fit within a personal injury case. If you have been injured, it’s important to call your Lake of the Ozarks lawyer, to see how we can help you through this challenging time.

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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National Safe Toys & Gifts Month

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. With the gift-giving season upon us, it's important to purchase gifts that are safe for your recipient. This mainly applies to children, but some adult gifts can pose dangers, as well. If you receive a gift and are injured, you may have a personal injury case at the Lake of the Ozarks. Our personal injury attorney in Lake Ozark, MO may be able to assist if you find yourself in this situation. While you're selecting toys and gifts this Christmas, consider the below tips for finding safe items to give!

About National Safe Toy & Gift Month:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported about 251,000 toy-related injuries annually. The majority of people with these injuries (72%) are 15 years of age or younger. This epidemic of unsafe toys is very dangerous for kids. Toymakers are working diligently to make toys safer for all. Stricter regulations have been put into place in recent years. Over 19 million toy recalls have been made due to safety concerns. National Safe Toy & Gift Month is all about promoting safe toys and gifts you give this holiday season.

Tips for Selecting a Safe Toy or Gift:

Consider Choking Hazards
When gifting for a child, consider choking hazards. Small toys and small pieces that can break off can be very dangerous for a kid. Many young children will put anything they find in their mouth. If an item is large enough, it can block their airways, causing them to choke.

Pay Attention to Ages
Age suggestions are on almost every toy. Be sure you are looking at these age guidelines when picking out a gift for a child. The toymakers have a reason behind these suggestions and it's safest for everyone involved if they have accurate toys for their specific age. Especially if you aren't familiar with children toys, pay close attention to the ages on toy packages.

Consider Other Threats
While a toy may seem adventurous and fun, consider other treats that may go along with the item. A skateboard or rollerskates are popular gift items, but many children fall and get injured using this type of toy. If you are giving a gift like this, consider giving a safety item along with it. For example, a helmet and knee pads may compliment a bike well.

Now that you know what to look for when shopping for toys and gifts this holiday season, you're ready to start selecting the perfect gifts for everyone on your list! Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we know how important it is to give a gift that someone can truly enjoy, but it's also vital to ensure it's a safe gift for them to use. Think about safety as you make your gift selections this Christmas shopping season, especially when picking out items for the kids in your life. Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!

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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4 Essential Road Trip Safety Tips to Close Out Your Summer

With an increase in road trips and family vacations during the summer months, the roadways are usually busier than other times of the year. Along with the increase of traffic comes the additional chance of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Safety precautions should be taken by all drivers on the road. As your trusted law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks, we want to help provide you with tips for safer travels this summer. Below are a few pieces of advice when traveling the remainder of the summer months, courtesy of our personal injury lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks.

1) Increase Following Distance

It's recommended to stay back 1 car length for each 10 miles an hour increment you are traveling. If you are going 70 mph on the interstate, try to stay at least 7 car lengths back from the vehicle in front of you. Traveling at a safe distance between vehicles gives you adequate reaction time should another vehicle swerve or come to a sudden stop. Multiple car incidents can often be avoided by increasing the distance between vehicles.

2) Avoid Tractor Trailer Blind Spots

With an extended trailer behind, many diesel trucks have large blind spots as they cruise down the highway. If you do pass a semi truck, use caution and get by them in a timely manner. Also pay attention to their blinkers, as you make a pass. In addition to blind spots while driving, a wide turning radius is another danger of traveling next to semi trucks. In order to navigate a turn, more than one lane may be needed. Try to stay clear of tractor trailer vehicles, as they turn at an intersection.

3) Keep Speed In Check

While traveling to your destination, it may be quite tempting to travel faster than the recommended speed. Whether you are running behind or simply want to get to your vacation destination quickly, try to fight the urge to speed. Increased speed not only leads to a more dangerous roadway for yourself and others, you are more apt to get pulled over for a speeding ticket.

4) Put the Device Down

In 2015, about 391,000 people were injured in a vehicle accident due to distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While taking eyes off the road for a few seconds can seem harmless, the driving conditions in front of you can change in a split second. Designate a texter or leave the phone out of reach, to resist the urge to respond to a text. Also program your GPS before you hit the road on your next trip. This can help you and your family avoid being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Gibbons Law Firm Can Help

Even when using the utmost caution, roadway accidents to happen. If your are involved in a collision on your next summer trip and are injured, our Lake of the Ozarks personal injury lawyer can help. Our lawyer can help walk you through the necessary steps in your personal injury case. To learn more about how Gibbons Law Firm can help with your situation, call us to schedule your free initial 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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No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.

Your Responsibilities During A Personal Injury Suit

When you have been injured as the result of someone else's negligence, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your injuries, expenses, and associated pain and suffering with the assistance of a Lake of the Ozarks personal injury lawyer. As your legal team, it will be our job to defend your rights and fight for you to receive the maximum compensation you deserve. As the client, you will also have several responsibilities along the way. Keep reading to learn more about your role in a personal injury case.

Keep Lines Of Communication Open

The single most important responsibility you will have during a personal injury case is to communicate with your attorney frequently and promptly. Many aspects of personal injury (and other) cases are time-sensitive; though it may seem trivial, returning your attorney's missed call one or two days after the fact could in fact seriously hurt your chances at getting the compensation you need. In order to position yourself for success, it is essential that you respond to your attorney's communication promptly.

Be Honest With Your Attorney

In addition to communicating with our team frequently, we expect you to be completely honest about the circumstances surrounding your case and your experiences following your accident and injury. In order to have the greatest chance of winning your case, we need to know everything about it. Don't make the mistake of angling your story so as to improve your chances of victory - once you explain the entire situation to us, we can work together to develop a strategy for moving forward.

Seek Medical Attention

If you sustained serious injuries and are in need of medical attention, it is essential that you take the time to get the care that you need. Your health and physical well-being is of the utmost importance. You have to get the care you need before you will be able to dedicate the time and attention required to pursue a successful personal injury case.

Stay On Top Of Your Medical Expenses

While the goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to enable you to get financial compensation that will help you cover your medical bills, being in the middle of a personal injury suit does not free you from the responsibility of paying your medical bills in the meantime. You will be compensated if your case is won, but until then it is your responsibility to stay on top of your expenses.

Contact Gibbons Law Firm For Personal Injury Representation

If you have been injured through no fault of your own and are looking for financial representation, schedule your free initial consultation with our personal injury attorney in Osage Beach MO. We have experience representing a wide variety of personal injury cases, including car accidents, boating accidents, work-related injuries, premises liability cases, wrongful death, defective products, and more. 

For more information about our personal injury services at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website or call our firm at (573) 348-2211. We look forward to serving you.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

4075 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 300

Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2211

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No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.

6 Scary Halloween Statistics

Halloween is one the most highly anticipated holidays among both children and adults. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous. A wide variety of dangers await children (and adults) on Halloween night. In order to keep your family safe, it is important to be realistic about the risks you face. Our personal injury attorney in Osage Beach MO is here to help you keep your family safe this Halloween.

Halloween Statistics

1. 75% of parents admit to having fears about Halloween, but only 25% of parents talk to their children about Halloween safety every year.*
2. Child pedestrians are twice as likely to be killed by a car on Halloween night.*
3. 12% of children ages 5 and under are allowed to trick-or-treat without adult supervision.*
4. Only 18% of parents use reflective tape on their children's costumes to make them more visible.*
5. Most major brands of Halloween face paint contain detectable amounts of lead.**
6. Drunk driving incidents skyrocket on Halloween. In 2015, over half of all driving fatalities that occurred on Halloween night involved a driver with blood alcohol content above 0.08%.***

* Source: SafeKids.org
** Source: Visual.ly
*** Source: TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov

Halloween Dangers

Many of the classic Halloween pastimes can pose significant risks for young children. As examples, children can get hurt by...

• Cutting themselves while carving pumpkins.
• Tripping and falling as a result of poorly fitting costumes.
• Burning themselves with the candles in jack o'lanterns.
• Injuring themselves with sharp costume props.

Keep your children safe by supervising their Halloween activities at all times. 

Halloween Propaganda

Fortunately for parents, some highly publicized Halloween dangers actually pose very little risk to children. For example, many people talk about increased incidences of child molestation and kidnapping on Halloween night, but crime rates show us that these crime are no more likely to occur around Halloween than they are at any other time of the year. People also talk about households passing out Halloween candy that has been randomly laced with drugs or poison, but there are no reports of this actually happening. (There are reports of children consuming candy that is laced with drugs, but this typically happens when children get their hands on candy that was intended to be kept in an adult's private stash.)

Contact A Personal Injury Attorney For Representation

We sincerely hope you and your family stay safe this Halloween. Unfortunately, life is impossible to predict, and sometimes even the best precautions cannot prevent accidents from happening. If you or a loved one suffers an injury at the hands of another this Halloween, our personal injury lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks will be here to defend your rights. Visit our website for more information about our personal injury representation in central Missouri.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

4075 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 300

Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2211

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No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.