On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC

We spend a lot of time on this blog talking about personal injury lawsuits and the financial relief that they can provide to those who have been injured in a car accident. While it’s true that one of these claims may give you the relief that you need and deserve, if you’ve been injured in a wreck then you might have more immediate concerns. Amongst them are simply paying your medical bills, keeping the roof over your head, and putting food on the table.

As scary as your situation can be, there are options out there to help you bridge the gap between your accident and the resolution of your personal injury claim. Here are some of them:

• Insurance companies: Whether it’s your own or the other driver’s, start analyzing what these insurance companies will pay for while you await resolution of your personal injury claim. While they’ll probably help cover at least some of your medical expenses, make sure you understand the extent of these policies so that you can maximize your use of them.
• Hospital lien: Medical providers deal with car accident victims all the time. They understand that you may not have the money right now to cover all of your expenses, especially if your injuries were significant. That’s why they’re usually willing to enter into an agreement with you whereby the hospital takes an interest in your personal injury recovery. That way the hospital has reassurances that it’ll be paid once your case resolves. This buys you time and reduces the stress of having to deal with pushy medical providers who are looking to get paid.
• Personal injury loans: There are businesses out there that loan money to victims of car accidents to help them get by until they obtain a recovery from their claim. These lawsuit loans can help you cover your rent or mortgage, your utilities, and your groceries. Just be aware that these loans are going to a carry an interest rate, so you’ll end up paying back more than you borrowed. Also, be cognizant of the fact that there’s no guarantee that you’ll recovery compensation from your personal injury claim, so taking out a loan could be risky in that regard.
• Other forms of credit: Some car accident victims end up having to turn to their credit cards to cover their bills while they wait for their case to resolve. Although it may be unavoidable, we urge caution here because credit cards can carry such high interest rates. If you do use a credit card, be sure to track your expenses so that you can properly request reimbursement through your personal injury claim.
• Family and friends: We know that a lot of people don’t like to ask for financial help from family and friends. But depending on your circumstances, this might be your best or even your only option. To put everyone’s mind at ease, it may be best to write up an agreement that specifies how much was borrowed and how it’ll be repaid.

Do you need guidance navigating your claim?

Dealing with the nuances of a legal claim can be difficult to say the least, especially when you’re struggling to figure out how to make ends meet. But you can have an ally in your corner who can advise and guide you throughout the process. We find that this lifts a burden from car accident victims’ shoulders and leaves them feeling confident that their voice will be heard, and their financial interests will be protected.

If you’d like to learn more about what an attorney can do to help position your personal injury case for success, then we encourage you to continue to research those firms that seem right for you and your set of circumstances.

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On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC

As you try to change lanes and continue your journey on the road, your eyes may drift over to the drivers around you. One issue that you may notice that is becoming more common is people falling asleep behind the wheel.

It is important to notice the signs of drowsy driving, especially if you are on a highway or other crowded area.

Ignoring the warnings

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, driving over the rumble strips on the side of the road that warn drivers of a long drop is dangerous. When a driver continually ignores or accidentally drifts over them, it could be a sign they are asleep.

This excessive sleepiness from a long shift or an unsafe medication can leave a driver struggling to remember the last few miles of road. They may make dangerous mistakes when startled awake, such as wildly turning the wheel or slamming the brakes without warning.

Failing to recognize danger

A driver who is falling asleep may not pay attention to signs or stop lights around them. Whether they are too unfocused to process these signs or they are simply not reacting fast enough, a crash can happen when one person fails to stop in time.

Going over the speed limit

When a person is traveling for a long time on a highway, it can feel easy to accelerate without realizing it. This means that someone used to not turning or slowing down can lose control of their vehicle while on a lengthy stretch of road.

Noticing these signs of people around you can help you if you worry about crashes caused by a drowsy driver.

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On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC

Although motorcyclists can drive on Connecticut’s roads any time of the year, it is more common to see them when the weather is warm and sunny.

With the warmer months at hand, other drivers should be on the lookout for more motorcyclists on the roads. Drivers should also refresh themselves on what they can do to prevent motorcycle accidents.

This makes the month of May an ideal time to commemorate Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Awareness is indeed key when it comes to other drivers preventing motorcycle accidents.

Drivers need to pay careful attention to the road and lookout for motorcycles which, obviously, are much smaller than full-sized cars. Because they are smaller, motorcycles also may seem to be travelling much more slowly than they actually are.

Because they are smaller, motorcycles are much harder to see, especially when they are alongside a car.

Motorcycles also operate differently than do regular cars. Motorcyclists will usually downshift instead of brake to slow down, meaning they decrease their speed without activating a brake light.

They also may have to swerve to avoid objects in the road that the driver of a full-sized car would choose to ignore and hit.

Not being aware of motorcycles and their operation can lead to severe accidents

Motorcyclists do not have the weight and frame of a car to protect them in accident. Because of this, motorcycle accidents frequently end with serious and even fatal injuries.

Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and broken bones too often follow in the wake of motorcycle accidents.

A driver who did not take the right steps to be aware of a motorcyclist and who causes a severe accident may be legally responsible to pay for these catastrophic injuries.

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On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC

As your parents age, you may worry about their ability to continue driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, senior drivers accounted for 20% of all traffic fatalities in 2019.

You might notice signs that your parents can no longer safely operate a vehicle. For example, you may discover multiple dents and dings on their vehicle or find that they easily become lost on familiar routes.

Talking to a parent about giving up the car keys can be difficult. Try these tips to help facilitate a productive conversation.

Avoid overwhelming your parent

Approach your parent one-on-one. You do not want him or her to feel ganged up on or defensive. Carefully, consider who will be the best person to relay the family’s concerns. This could be you, or it may be a sibling, spouse or close friend.

Provide specific examples and reasons

Broad statements about your parent’s driving habits are not likely to be persuasive Instead, provide specific examples of unsafe behaviors or recent accidents. Make sure to use a sympathetic and understanding tone and avoid accusatory language. Let your parent know their situation is a normal part of getting older.

Discuss alternatives

As people age, they want to maintain their independence, and driving is often an important part of that. Offer up transportation alternatives that can help your parent continue to enjoy the same activities and routines. Options include public transportation, senior-focused transportation programs and rideshare services.

Asking your parent to stop driving can be a difficult conversation that may evoke many emotions. Makes sure to stay calm and focus on your goal: your parent’s safety.

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On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common type of car accident is a rear-end collision. In 2019, 32% of all accidents involved a driver hitting another car from behind.

Being rear-ended may cause injuries as severe as those from any other type of auto accident. If another driver hits you from behind, even at a low speed, do not assume that you should skip a visit to a doctor. Injures may show up days or weeks later, leading to a lifetime of discomfort.

Causes of rear-end car accidents

Distracted driving is the most common reason for rear-end collisions. Whether drivers are talking to passengers, changing radio stations or glancing at their phones, failing to watch the car in front of them results in an impact. Other causes of these accidents are speeding, following too close, weather, traffic and malfunctioning brake lights.

Common injuries of rear-end collisions

According to NHTSA’s 2019 report, out of over 2 million rear-end accidents, 27% resulted in injuries. The speed of both vehicles affects the severity of the damage. Some of the most predominant ailments from a rear-end impact are the following:

• Spinal injuries including breaks, muscle strains and herniated disks
• Whiplash which may lead to headaches, dizziness, stiffness in the neck, fatigue and neck pain
• Arm trama from holding the steering wheel during impact lead to dislocated shoulders, sprained wrists and fractured bones
• Facial injuries such as knocked-out teeth and lacerations

While a rear-end collision is out of your control, what you do next may have a long-term impact. Seek medical treatment after an auto accident to protect your right to pursue damages.

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On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC

Given the ever-increasing amount of large truck traffic on the main thoroughfares in Connecticut, you might think most truck crashes occur in urban areas or on the interstate.

Various factors come together to cause truck-car accidents, and as a result, these crashes do not necessarily happen on major highways.

Common causes

Poor weather or road conditions often contribute to vehicle crashes. A commercial truck driver travels long distances and may remain on the road for 11 hours or more at a stretch. Driver fatigue can result and is a primary cause of truck accidents. Cargo overloading is another problem since this makes a truck difficult to control. Rollovers are a frequent result of overloading. Reckless driving, alcohol or drug use and worn-out brakes or other components are other reasons behind large truck crashes.

Primary locations

The majority of truck crashes occur on rural roads during daylight hours. Drivers tend to exceed the speed limit in rural locations. They might cross the center line and are often driving too fast to avoid a deer or other animal crossing the road.

Potential injuries

The occupants of smaller vehicles usually suffer the worst injuries in a truck-car crash. Common injuries include:

• Crushing injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Paralysis
• Burn injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Deep lacerations with profuse bleeding

Financial help

Accidents in rural locations are especially concerning since it will take longer for emergency personnel to arrive at the scene and take the injured to the hospital. Injuries resulting from a truck-car crash may require lifelong care. However, the victims have the right to pursue fair compensation to cover current and future medical expenses, pain and suffering and more.

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On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC

After a serious motor vehicle collision, individuals might struggle with devastating injuries and medical conditions. In many instances, these consequences are life-altering. A traumatic brain injury (TBI), for example, can dramatically impact the personal and professional lives of the injury victim as well as his or her entire family.

A TBI might be a difficult condition for medical professionals to diagnose as the symptoms do not always align with the severity of the injury, the medical history of the individual or the impact of the collision. In fact, medical professionals classify TBI symptoms in three categories:

• Physical symptoms: In a TBI, the physical manifestation of damage often comes in the form of perceptive challenges such as blurred vision or ringing in the ears. Additionally, victims might struggle with headaches, nausea and the loss of balance.
• Cognitive symptoms: After a serious head injury, cognitive challenges could come in the form of memory impairment, brief losses of consciousness and persistent disorientation.
• Emotional symptoms: Symptoms can also include a strong emotional component including personality changes, mood swings and persistent irritability. Individuals might also experience conditions such as depression or anxiety.

While every injury is unique, individuals often suffer similar, overlapping symptoms. In fact, it is not uncommon for the victim of a serious TBI to exhibit symptoms covering all three categories. Following a serious motor vehicle collision, it is imperative that all vehicle occupants receive a thorough medical evaluation.

Often, the head trauma shows no visible signs of damage such as lacerations, bruising or swelling. It is possible that the injury is completely internal, mostly impacting the brain’s function rather than structure. In these situations, the diagnostician must carefully examine the injury using neurological tests. The injury victim must identify and list all symptoms across any classification to aid the doctor in a proper diagnosis and course of treatment.

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On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC

From inattentive drivers to wild animals, many hazards on the road can lead to costly and painful collisions.

Following these defensive driving tips will help you remain prepared to take preventative action to avoid accidents.

1. Stay focused on the road

Distracted driving leads to many avoidable accidents. Silence your phone or put it out of reach while driving and limit drinks and snacks to items that do not require you to look away from the road. Keep your focus on the task of driving so that you can spot and avoid hazards.

2. Do not rely on other drivers to keep you safe

In a perfect world, everyone would drive safely and be respectful of others. In reality, your safety is your responsibility when you are behind the wheel. Wait an extra moment at stoplights to make sure crisis traffic has stopped. Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead of you, especially in poor weather conditions. Be proactive about your safety when driving and stay out of others’ blind spots.

3. Look out for hazards

Defensive drivers are vigilant about looking for safety hazards so that they can avoid them. Watch for aggressive drivers and those who change lanes often. If you are driving in a rural area, keep an eye out for wild animals darting into the road. Use high beam lights at night to give yourself a bigger field of vision, but remember to turn them off when facing oncoming traffic so that you do not blind other drivers.

Defensive driving does not mean aggressive driving. Remain calm in all situations while behind the wheel of a car to avoid instances of road rage. Plan ahead for every trip to reduce the temptation to speed or drive recklessly.

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On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC

The horrific highway crash left you uncertain about your life. Your injury is a permanent one that forces you to immediately adapt and relearn many of the everyday tasks that people take for granted. While surgeons saved your life, they had to amputate your right arm below the elbow.

You understand the medical costs and rehabilitation and the chance that you may have to find another career. The pain and suffering, too, likely will never go away. But now, you must adapt to this abrupt change. Challenges await you because of the negligence and recklessness of another driver.

Therapy, pain and relearning

When a person loses a limb, there really is little time for transition. Accept what happened and soldier on to overcome challenges that may include :

• A number of surgeries: The first one likely was to save your life. Others may take place to get fitted with a limb. Remember, complications may surface during any surgery.
• Extended hospital stays: Lengthy periods in the hospital are not unexpected. There could be multiple times of admission.
• Psychological trauma: You may face lifelong mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Ongoing therapy: This ranges from physical and occupational therapy as well mental health therapy. You need this healing help.
• Becoming accustomed to a prosthetic limb: Once fitted for a new limb, you will work closely with therapists to get used to it.
• Relearning everyday tasks: Whether it is walking, driving, dressing, eating or brushing teeth, you likely must relearn many activities.
• Continuing pain: It is possible to suffer pain at the wound site. You also may experience “phantom limb” pain.

The outcome was not of your choice, but you must cope with your situation as best as you can. You have the ability to do so.

Face the challenges

The loss of a limb after a motor vehicle accident will lead to many changes and challenges in your life. Face those challenges, do your best to overcome them and always look ahead.

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On Behalf of Adler Law Group, LLC

Many pet owners worry about their pets getting injured or ill when left at a boarding facility. However, sometimes boarding your pet is necessary.

Who is responsible for the bill if your dog gets sick at the kennel?

Assumption of risk

A recent outbreak of kennel cough, a highly contagious upper-respiratory illness that affects dogs, prompted one local kennel to pay the vet bills of more than 50 dogs that got sick after staying at the business. However, not all kennel owners are so willing to cover thousands of dollars in veterinary bills.

Most boarding facilities require owners to provide proof of vaccination against kennel cough and other diseases and sign a contract that includes a waiver of liability. This can make winning a case against a kennel difficult for pet owners.

Legal responsibility of kennels

Connecticut law requires kennel owners to maintain safe and structurally sound kennels and provide isolation facilities for dogs quarantined or under treatment for contagious diseases. Additionally, kennels must confine dogs in separate cages.

For pet owners to hold kennels liable for an injury or illness to a pet, the pet owner must prove that the kennel owed a duty that it breached and that the breach of duty resulted in the injury or illness.

Proving that a kennel breached a duty and that the breach caused your dog to get sick can be difficult. However, if you can prove your case, it may be possible to collect damages, such as the cost of your veterinary bills.

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