Keep yourself and your family safe with these helpful pedestrian safety tips:

Keep Children in Close Proximity

Because of their diminutive stature, fragile bodies, and unfamiliarity with proper safety habits, children are especially vulnerable to pedestrian auto accidents. According to a pedestrian car accident report by the California Department of Health Services, approximately half of toddler and preschooler injuries occurred in a nontraffic setting, such as driveways.

Be Aware of Automotive Blind Spots

For adults and children alike, it essential to be aware of the blind zones of different vehicles. Everything from the size of the vehicle to the physical height of the driver has an effect on the blind zone. Large vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, have a bigger blind zone both behind and around their vehicles, making it more difficult for their drivers to see pedestrians when turning or backing up. Additionally, other vehicles and obstructions can easily obscure the line of vision for any driver in a crowded setting.

Avoid High-Traffic Areas

If taken by surprise, then even an attentive driver may not be able to stop the sheer momentum of his or her vehicle in time to prevent a serious personal injury. While using designated crosswalks can reduce the chances of being struck by a vehicle, other unpredictable factors, such as driver inattentiveness, can result in a pedestrian car accident.

Remember, in yesterday’s post, Share the Road: Accidents Involving Pedestrians and Motorists, we learned that pedestrians do not always have the right of way!

If you’ve been struck by a car, then the Law Office of Sherrill P. Cline is here to help. As a professional auto accident attorney for the Marlborough and Worcester areas since 1979, Sherrill P. Cline has extensive experience in a variety of personal injury and pedestrian accident cases. Call (800) 422-2010  today to receive professional guidance and personal legal services.

Notes:

1 – Pedestrian Safety Fact Sheet (cdc.gov)

Help prevent future accidents by using the following resources to gain a better understanding about accidents involving motorists and pedestrians.

- This list of debunked myths about crosswalks and pedestrian safety can help you prevent accidents and injuries. Take myth#1 for example,

“MYTH #1:  Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
REALITY:   No, not always…”

- Statistics about accidents involving pedestrians and motorists indicate an annual decline, but, still not enough.

“Pedestrian injuries have been on a downward trend, with 70,000 reported injuries…”

- After several pedestrian-car accidents, police officers in Lexington, Kentucky, work to raise awareness of the importance of taking care when sharing the road.

“And police say even when you are following the rules of the road–and as a pedestrian have the right of way–still look out. Sometimes drivers might not see you.”

“Be in that crosswalk and always look both ways and take your time,…”

- DMV.org provides tips about When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney.

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in the Worcester area, count on the Law Office Of Sherrill P. Cline to provide aggressive representation to get you the financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation in our office, call (508) 480-0818.

An experienced personal injury lawyer or auto accident lawyer can provide legal representation following a motorcycle accident— however, there are several ways that motorcycle riders can stay safe on the road.

Safety Gear

The clothing you wear while riding a motorcycle is just as important as your driving habits. Invest in a helmet that is approved by the Department of Transportation, goggles or shatterproof eye glasses, a sturdy jacket, thick leather riding pants, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, and some type of hearing protection. More on motorcycle safety gear…

Increase Visibility

1. Make yourself stand out among other motorists by:
   • Wearing bright reflective clothing (PDF)
   • Using your headlamp at all times
   • Using both electric signals and hand signals when changing lanes or making a turn.
2. Avoid putting yourself in the blind spot of another vehicle. Instead, position your motorcycle where you can be seen by staying in the center of the lane.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Motorcyclists must adhere to the same traffic laws as all other motorists. Riders should maintain the speed limit, avoid tailgating or weaving between lanes, and check both ways when nearing an intersection regardless of the current traffic flow.

Maintain Your Motorcycle

A properly maintained motorcycle is a safer motorcycle.

1. Check your lights, brakes, cables, and turn signals regularly.
2. Ensure that the mirrors are positioned correctly.
3. Maintain the oil and fuel levels.
4. Be sure that the chain is lubed and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, seek the counsel of qualified personal injury attorney. Let the Law Office Of Sherrill P. Cline help you gain compensation for your injuries by calling (508) 480-0818.

Did you know?
If you ride a motorcycle, you are 35 times more likely to die in a crash, per mile traveled, than someone in a car or truck.

To prepare yourself for riding, wear the proper protective gear: helmet, gloves, and heavy clothing to protect you from road rash. Watch the video to learn some tips for keeping safer while riding your motorcycle on different surfaces and in different kinds of weather. Learn how most motorcycle accidents happen, so, that you can take steps to avoid those situations.

Sadly, car drivers aren’t always very careful about looking for and avoiding motorcycles. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and would like to discuss obtaining compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and other costs, call the Law Office Of Sherrill P. Cline today at (508) 480-0818.

More on motorcycle safety gear…

Motorcycle helmets and gloves are a good start to the safety gear needed when motorcycling

Motorcycle helmet. Whenever you’re on your motorcycle, you should always wear a motorcycle helmet. Even if you’re never involved in an accident, the helmet will protect your head and face from stones, dust, and other debris that may fly at you on the road. If you are involved in an accident, your helmet may be able to prevent a skull fracture or brain injury.

Gloves. Protect your hands from dirt and rocks with sturdy gloves that go over your wrists and under the cuffs of your jacket. Gloves will also prevent any loss of traction on your handles from sweating palms, allowing you to maneuver easily and safely on the road.

Sturdy clothing. Though jeans seem sturdy, they simply won’t stand up to an impact with the road. When your clothes tear, so will your skin, resulting in painful road rash. To prevent this, wear clothing made of leather or a material specifically designed for motorcyclists. You may be able to find jeans or a jacket lined with armor, which will provide protection from the asphalt. No matter what you choose, be sure your pants and jacket cover as much of your body as possible.

Boots. You need boots with rubber soles for good traction to ensure that you stay in control of your motorcycle. Don’t wear steel-toed boots; the steel could actually cut into your toes in a collision. Boots will protect your feet from abrasions and other damage if you get into an accident.

Injuries from a motorcycle accident can change your life forever. If you’ve been hurt while riding a motorcycle in the Worcester area, call (508) 480-0818 to schedule an appointment with a personal injury attorney at the Law Office of Sherrill P. Cline in Marlborough MA. We can fight for the financial compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

You may also be interested in reading Roadway Safety Tips for Motorcycles and Cars and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s detailed list of safety gear for motorcyclists (PDF).

The study is the first of its kind, as it is based on the performance of  43 research participants driving an actual vehicle on a closed course. Other research efforts have evaluated manual versus voice-activated tasks using devices installed in a vehicle, but the TTI analysis is the first to compare voice-to-text and manual texting on a handheld device in an actual driving environment.

Participants in the hands-free texting study drove around a closed course three times. Each time, they used a different texting method including manual texting and using voice-to-text apps on handheld devices (phones). Reseachers timed drivers and recorded notes about their ability to stay on course and their reaction time.

Bottom line: Voice-to-text applications installed on handheld devices do NOT help reduce risk. The voice-to-text applications are as distracting to drivers as manual texting.

Drivers reported feeling safer when using the voice-to-text method of texting. This is cause for concern as many who have not heard about the study will have a false sense of security. There is no driving safety benefit. Texting via voice-to-text apps while driving doubles reaction time – the same as when manually texting.

The numbers of deaths and injuries caused by distracted driving increase every year. These figures are posted at the govenment website D!straction.org:

In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 3,267 in 2010. An additional, 387,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 416,000 injured in 2010.

Read the whole TTI article about the texting-while-driving study.

Watch video summary of the texting-while-driving study.

Download a PDF of the texting-while-driving study.

More about Distracted Driving at the D!istraction.org

Here’s some tips for traveling safely – even when just a few miles from our homes.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that:

“…in 2010, 4,502 motorcyclists died in crashes, up 0.7 percent from 4,469 in 2009. In 2010, 82,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents, down 8.9 percent from 2009. In 2010 motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, 16 percent of all occupant fatalities and 4 percent of all occupants injured.”

• The Centers for Disease Control outline just a few of the important reasons you should always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. (More Motorcycle Safety tips at CDC website.)
• Get the facts about motorcycle accidents from the Insurance Information Institute.
• The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has published a detailed list of safety gear for motorcyclists (PDF). The pamphlet contains detailed descriptions and images of the gear.

Automobile Safety Tips

• If you are thinking of purchasing a new car – read this article first: “Blind spots getting worse in new car designs“
• A mathematics professor at Drexel University has designed a side-view mirror that actually eliminates cars’ blind spots. Read about it here: “Math professor’s side mirror that eliminates ‘blind spot’ receives US patent“

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident or a car accident in the Worcester area, call (508) 480-0818 to schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Sherrill P. Cline, a personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience who gets satisfaction for her clients.  (Read clients’ reviews of Sherrill P. Cline.)

1. In most states, you have a limited period of time to file a dog bite lawsuit…Begin preparing your case immediately. Lawsuits take time, and you do not want to have your case derailed because you were unaware of the local statute of limitations.
2. If the dog’s owner is not present at the time of the attack, notify the owner and the police; a police record is essential evidence for the courtroom. You should also get the contact information of any witness to the bite so you can use their testimony in your suit.
3. Gather all the evidence you will need for your personal injury lawyer, including copies of all your medical records and medical bills. Take photographs of your injuries soon after they happen, and take new photographs if your injuries change in appearance.
4. Call a qualified personal injury lawyer who will determine whether you have a viable case. Liability laws regarding dog bites differ from state to state; the requirements for proving an owner’s blame for your bite may be as simple as establishing ownership, or it may mean demonstrating that you have been bitten by the same dog on previous occasions.

When you need a personal injury lawyer, call the Law Office of Sherrill P. Cline. Sherrill P. Cline is a personal injury lawyer who has been fighting for the rights of the injured since 1979. Our areas of practice include dog bite suits, slip and fall cases, auto accidents, wrongful death cases, and disability insurance claims. Call us at (800) 422-2210 to schedule a free consultation. See the client reviews of Sherrill P. Cline.

If you are bitten by a canine, it is important that you take the following actions:

Remain Calm

Being bitten by a dog is an unsettling experience, but it is important to do your best to quickly regain your calm. Panicking may make the dog that bit you become more defensive and could result in further injury.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although most people who are bitten by dogs make complete recoveries, a dog bite can be potentially life-threatening and should always be taken seriously. If the dog that bites you draws blood, visit the emergency room immediately. Infections, diseases like rabies, and wounds can be treated more effectively when dealt with promptly.

Consult a Lawyer

If your dog bite results in a considerable degree of physical or emotional trauma, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. Dog owners are often deemed liable for the damages their dogs inflict on others. Recovering compensation is unfortunately not an automatic process, but a skilled personal injury lawyer can aggressively seek the financial retribution you deserve.

Tips for taking the correct actions after being bit by a dog when you think the dog has rabies.

Have you sustained injury as the result of a dog bite in or near Marlborough MA? If so, you will have a number of personal injury attorneys to choose from when seeking legal representation. To work with one who specializes in dog bite injuries and has decades of experience representing individuals who have sustained personal injuries, contact the Law Office of Sherrill P. Cline. Your initial consultation is 100% free. Call (800) 422-2210 to schedule it today!

Controlling a dog can be difficult, but owners are responsible for the behavior of their pets.

Here are a few steps you can take to prevent your dog from biting:

1-Socialize your dog

Just like children, a dog needs time to get adjusted to the world. To help him get over his fears and exuberance towards other animals and people, take him on walks through your neighborhood or to a dog park.

Socialization is the first step in raising a well-behaved dog. During the first weeks of their lives, puppies go through a critical period of development. When a puppy is exposed to new people, places, and situations… (from Puppy Socialization by Amy Bender)

2-Use a leash

It’s important that you always keep your dog on a leash while in public, especially if he or she is just getting used to his or her surroundings. A leash is a great way to keep your dog in a more controlled environment, even if it is new to your pet. You’ll also find it to be an effective discipline tool as you train your dog to follow your commands.

3-Take some dog treats

Though an important tool, sometimes a leash isn’t enough. In order to begin socializing your dog, take him or her to a public place, treats in tow. Ask strangers to calmly approach your pet and offer him or her a treat. By reinforcing interactions with strangers as a positive experience, your dog may learn to be more social and trusting. (How to train your dog using treats video)

If you find yourself the victim of a nasty dog bite, then contact the Law Office of Sherrill P. Cline. In addition to dog bite cases, Sherrill Cline also handles medical malpractice, auto accidents, slip and falls, and other personal injury cases. To learn more, give us a call at (800) 422-2210.