Safe Driving Tips for The Fall Season

As seasons change, the tactics for safe driving can change a bit as well. Personal injury law at the Lake of the Ozarks applies to claims that arise when a person has sustained injury or damage caused by another party. There is a range of cases that this applies to, but one such is when it involved a motor vehicle. If it is proven that another party’s wrongful conduct caused injury or damage, the injured person may be entitled to monetary compensation from the other party. In situations that involve auto accidents, it’s important to get a refresher on safe driving tips for this season before you head out on the road - it could help you avoid being involved in a personal injury case.

Gibbons Law Firm has a few tips to help keep you safe on the road during the beautiful Autumn season.

Watch For Season Related Road Hazards

There is one prominent thing that sets fall apart from every other season - leaves. Those beautiful falling leaves that the season is so known for can also be one of the hazards of the season as well. When leaves are caught between a wet road and vehicle tires, they can momentarily cause a car to lose its grip on the road. It only takes an instant, but an accident can occur if the driver brakes suddenly without proper traction. Another hazard is that if too many leaves are on the road, it can interfere with a vehicles maneuvering capacity. This can be important because it deals with the car's ability to stand up to the unexpected.

Daylight Savings Season

Daylight Savings Time will end on November 3, 2019, and for many, this is a great time of year. However, your body can take several days to get used to an earlier sunset. Because of this, it can cause many drivers to become drowsy. It’s important to make sure that you are getting plenty of sleep so that your body can safely operate your vehicle, even when you are adjusting to the time change.

Another factor that plays into Daylight Savings Time is that it will get darker earlier. For many that means your commute home could be darker than it was and you may spend more time driving during dark evening hours. Be careful while you are driving, and make sure that your lights are working properly before you will start needing them.

The Holiday Season

As the holidays approach, there will also be more traffic on the roads over the next several months. From Halloween to Christmas, it’s going to be a busy season, but also a time when some drivers may choose to drive intoxicated after a party. Always remain alert while you are on the road, especially during the later evening hours.

There is also another holiday that affects the Ozarks during this time of year. It’s not an official “holiday” but deer season can also impact the hazards on the road this time of year. As the hunting season gears up, the deer will be on the move a lot more. It can be incredibly dangerous to dodge a deer, especially when it throws you into oncoming traffic. Be sure to scan the sides of the road and watch for deer, especially when you are driving early in the morning and later in the evening.

Personal Injury Lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks

If you think you have a personal injury case, 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.

Having successfully tried hundreds of cases, Roger Gibbons has the experience and resources to give you an opportunity for a successful outcome on your personal injury case. Find out more about how we can assist you by contacting our Firm and making an appointment 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

Follow us on...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Avoiding Personal Injury Cases During Holiday Weekends

As Labor Day weekend approaches, it’s important to make sure that you are safe, but also the people around you. Personal injury cases at the Lake of the Ozarks can be even more prevalent when the area is busy and enjoying a vacation. If you are planning on visiting the Lake of the Ozarks from another state, remember that hiring an in-state lawyer, like Gibbons Law Firm at the Lake of the Ozarks helps to provide you with the best representation.

Here are a few of the most common accidents that happen during holiday weekends, as well as some safety tips to help you avoid personal injury cases for Labor Day Weekend.

Four Most Common Accidents on Labor Day Weekend

1. Traffic Accidents

Auto accidents can be even more prevalent during holiday weekends when there is a higher percentage of traffic. You can’t avoid all car accidents, that’s why they are called “accidents,” but there are a few things you can to do help decrease your chances.

• Get plenty of rest the night before driving.
• Provide plenty of time before leaving to come to the Lake.
• Avoid driving between midnight and 3:00 am and be cautious on rural roads.
• Drive sober and slow down.
• Avoid distractions.
• Be sure your vehicle is in top shape.

2. Boating Accidents

Boating accidents at the Lake of the Ozarks are a serious personal injury lawsuit. If you will be lounging on the water for Labor Day weekend, make sure the necessary safety precautions are being performed.

• Know the law and be sure that you meet all the safety rules.
• Always check your boat before heading out to make sure that it’s safe.
• Get educated through the boating certification course online.

It’s incredibly important to make sure that you are practicing safe boating habits while visiting for the weekend. Avoid drinking too much while operating the boat, and be sure that everyone has a life jacket. Also, watch your surroundings closely. Just as when driving a car, taking your boat out can involve some waterway hazards. Observe the no and slow wake zones, and watch for people in the water. We have also had some rain recently, which can stir up debris, so always watch for anything floating on the surface.

Burn Accidents

It’s time to pull out the fireworks and crank up the grill - but did you know that burns can be a huge liability issue during the holiday weekends? Be sure to do your research and follow the safety tips and procedures for the safe use of fireworks on the National Council on Fireworks Safety’s website. Be sure that you also know where you are permitted to use fireworks, as many city limits do not permit personal firework displays.

Grilling can also pose a unique danger during the holiday weekends. Be sure to check the major connection points between the gas tank hose and the regulator and cylinder where the hose connects. You can also check the gas tank hose for potential leaks. An issue with the grill could fall under product liability, so if you find that the manufacturer was negligent in the design of the product, this can be a whole other issue.

Swimming Accidents

Swimming accidents can happen in a pool or lake, and you need to be careful when swimming. Watch young children, and never swim after consuming alcohol. Also, be aware of swimming near docks, and educate yourself on how to react if electrical currents are in the water.

Happy Labor Day Weekend from Gibbons Law Firm

We hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and when they do, your personal injury lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks is ready to assist. Visit our website to learn more about how we handle these cases and give us a call if you need to schedule a 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

Follow us on...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

The Basics to Personal Injury Law

The purpose of personal injury law is to allow an injured person to receive compensation financially or to be “made whole” after he or she has suffered harm because of someone else’s carelessness. If you feel like you have been injured because of the actions of someone else, it’s time to speak with a personal injury lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks. Here are a few basics you need to know about personal injury law as you get started.

Personal Injury Law Basics

Because there are many different cases that can count as personal injury, it’s important to know what the basics are. The best route is to speak with your lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, but until your appointment, here is something to get you started.

Accidents
An accident would be a case where someone is acting negligently, and their carelessness causes harm to someone else. The most common examples can include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and medical malpractice - among others.

Intentional Acts
If personal injury comes from the result of a defendant’s intentional conduct, it could be a case for personal injury. The most common causes of this are in assault and battery.

Defective Products
Defective products can create a situation where a defendant could be found liable for injuries without intentional wrongdoing or neglect.

Defamation
This personal injury case is less about physical injury and more about the harm that has been caused to another person’s reputation.

How Does a Personal Injury Case Work?

There are many different types of personal injury cases, so each one will have differences. However, there are some standard steps that most personal injury cases share in the overall big picture.

Defendant Does Something That Injures Plaintiff
This situation can be almost any bad act on the part of the defendant. The only exception is with contractual breaches, which are then handled under a separate body of law known as “contract law.”

Plaintiff Determines that Defendant Breached a Legal Duty
The definition of “legal duty” will depend on the situation in which the injury occurred. Some examples could include that a driver has a duty to operate their vehicles with a certain level of care. Doctors also have a duty to provide medical care with a certain level of competence that could be expected from any skilled health care professional. Manufacturers and distributors are responsible to not put defective or unreasonably dangerous products on the market.

Settlement Talks Occur
When it has become clear to all involved that the defendant breached their legal duty, it will be time to discuss a settlement. This may happen outside of court. It involves making an offer of monetary compensation to the injured individual. In exchange, the injured person makes a binding promise not to file a lawsuit over the injury.

From here, the plaintiff can agree to a settlement and the case will end. If not, the plaintiff may go to court and file a personal injury lawsuit over the situation.

Personal Injury Law at the Lake of the Ozarks

When you’ve been involved in a personal injury case, it can be hard to see the end of the tunnel. One of the most important things you can do for your case is to hire a personal injury lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you have questions about your case, please visit my website to learn more about my history as a prosecuting attorney for the State of Missouri, and about my private practice which I’ve been engaged in since 1992. I serve the entire Lake of the Ozarks area including Osage Beach, Lake Ozark, Camdenton, Macks Creek, Richland, Linn Creek, Greenview, Sunrise Beach, Climax Springs, Edwards, Montreal, Eldon, Brumley, Tuscumbia, Laurie, Ivy Bend, Gravois Mills, Stover, Versailles, Syracuse, and St. Elizabeth. Give me a call at 573-348-2211 for a free consultation with Gibbons Law Firm.

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

Follow us on...

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter