Pedestrian Safety: Tips on How to Stay Safe at Night
Whether you’re out to experience the nightlife or you simply enjoy an evening stroll, it’s essential to understand the rules of pedestrian safety. Staying safe as a pedestrian in the daytime is one thing, but walking on sidewalks and crossing streets at night presents a different set of challenges. According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, most pedestrian deaths occur at night between 6 PM and 12 AM. Here’s a look at some of the most effective ways to protect yourself while walking outdoors in the dark. Basic Nighttime Pedestrian Safety Traffic is an obvious risk of walking along the street at night, and it’s something you should be aware of and watch out for. But there are also other potential hazards and risks. Take the following precautions to keep yourself safe when walking at night: Avoid walking in dark and poorly-lit areas. Stick to well-lit areas with bright streetlamps. Do not take shortcuts through dark alleys and side streets. Wear bright clothing that drivers will be able to see. Reflectors on your shoes or clothing can be extra helpful to stand out at night. Carry a flashlight or light source with you. Cell phone flashlights are ok in a pinch, but a flashlight with more lumens would be more effective for lighting the path in front of you. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. Utah laws require pedestrians to use sidewalks if they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the shoulder as far away from the roadway as possible. The law also states that you should walk on the left, facing traffic, if you somehow find yourself on a road with no sidewalk and no shoulder. Don’t scroll on your phone as you walk. Cell phone use while driving is illegal because of the dangers it presents, but it can be equally dangerous for pedestrians. A pedestrian staring at their phone can easily step off the sidewalk, veer outside of the crosswalk, or find themselves stepping into oncoming traffic. Obey all traffic signals unless a police officer is otherwise directing traffic. Stick with a group or another person, and try to avoid walking by yourself at night. Walking with someone else can help protect you from danger and crime, and if an accident does occur, you have someone to call for help. Assume that motorists cannot see you. Practice walking defensively, and wait an extra few seconds to make sure the driver will stop before you proceed into an intersection. Those few extra seconds could save your life. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Accidents can happen when you least expect them, even if you’re following all of the rules of pedestrian safety. If you’ve suffered injury as a pedestrian, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help you collect damages for your pain and suffering. Our offices are conveniently located in Provo and West Jordan, Utah. Contact us today for a free case evaluation so you can get started on the road to healing and recovery.
Medical Malpractice: Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
Most medical malpractice cases involve misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, but there are a lot of factors that determine if you have a legal case. Diagnostic errors are common in the medical field, and therefore, medical professionals cannot always be held legally liable. For the case to be medical malpractice, there must be proven negligence, and those negligent acts must lead directly to the patient’s harm. You also need to demonstrate a patient-doctor relationship—this part isn’t usually difficult. But proving there has been negligence can prove challenging. Suppose a doctor or other medical professional contributed to a patient’s harm or injury due to their negligent actions. In that case, they could be vulnerable to a medical malpractice lawsuit if their efforts lead to the patient suffering further and even death. If death results from misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and proven negligence, it may qualify as a wrongful death lawsuit. Identifying Negligence Diagnosis errors are not proof of negligence, but they can result from it. Even very experienced and careful doctors make mistakes. By law, doctors are not legally liable for errors. However, if there is negligence involved, that’s a different story. You’ll need to prove that the doctor did not act the way any reasonable, competent medical professional would perform. For example, if the doctor concluded the correct diagnosis but failed to treat the patient, they may be guilty of negligence. Another example might be if a doctor correctly diagnosed one condition but failed to recognize a second condition that needed to be diagnosed and treated that another doctor with the same specialty and credential could have identified. In some negligence cases, it may not be the doctor who acted negligently. It is possible for another person involved in the process to be liable for the misdiagnosis. For example, if the doctor was given the wrong test results and reported them back to the patient, someone else may be held legally liable. Defining Misdiagnosis Misdiagnosis can be very dangerous. But for a legal case to be considered medical malpractice, you must be able to prove that the medical professional’s negligence led to the patient’s harm or injury. In most cases, misdiagnosis means missing a medical condition. But it can also mean that a patient was diagnosed or even treated for a medical condition they do not have. If a patient can prove that the treatment for the wrong condition caused harm, the patient could be entitled to compensation. It’s important to note that the damage can be caused by the stress and anxiety of going through medical treatments. What is a Delayed Diagnosis? A delayed diagnosis means that a doctor eventually achieves the correct diagnosis after a significant amount of time. If the condition progressed beyond where it could have been caught in a more timely manner, there might be a case for delayed diagnosis. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton for Questions About Medical Malpractice If you feel you have a case for medical malpractice, get in touch with the attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton. We will help you define if you have a valid lawsuit and if so, we will represent you as you seek the compensation you deserve. We have offices in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Contact us now for a free case consultation.
What Percentage of Accidents Are Caused by Trucks
Accidents happen, but what percentage of accidents are caused by trucks? We’ve all experienced a traffic slowdown where multiple lanes are closed while police and emergency medical services work to clear an accident scene. Often, big rigs are involved in those accidents, whether they caused it or were hit by another vehicle. It can be hard to tell what’s happened while driving by. But did you know that accident statistics are available? Multiple, reliable sources provide information, including the percentage of accidents caused by trucks and how many deaths there were. The National Safety Council, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration track these accidents. Large Trucks Involved in Accidents It might surprise you just how many big rigs are involved in accidents. In recent years, trucks have accounted for 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes, and that number is increasing every year. That number doesn’t include accidents where no one was killed, either. These accidents happen in urban neighborhoods, rural roads, and interstate and non-interstate highways. Over 64% of accidents happen during daylight hours, and about 5% occur in work zones. Why Do Trucks Cause Accidents? Several factors can lead to a truck causing an accident. Two leading factors include truck braking capability and driver fatigue. Trucks need far more time to come to a complete stop than the average four-door sedan. On average, a truck will travel 20% to 40% farther than a car before coming to a complete stop. Wet, slippery roads make that gap even wider. Driver fatigue is also a problem, even when drivers stay within the time frames allotted by the federal government. Truck drivers are allowed to drive for up to 11 hours before stopping. But many drivers violate these regulations to get to their destinations faster. They risk not staying alert or falling asleep behind the wheel, both of which can have disastrous consequences. Deaths Involving Large Trucks We see the percentage of accidents involving trucks, but what about deaths? It’s most often smaller vehicles, and that’s because they weigh 20 to 30 times less than the trucks involved in these accidents. The impact alone from a crash of that caliber could easily kill someone. But it’s not impossible for a truck driver to die in an accident they caused. In recent years, at least 16% of fatalities have been truck drivers or their passengers. Unfortunately, that percentage is rising every year. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton The percentage of accidents doesn’t look good, and they’re getting even worse. Have you or someone you loved been involved in an accident caused by a truck driver? Was your car totaled? Were you injured? If so, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries as well as your pain and suffering. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has over 25 years of experience representing car accident victims just like you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today for your free case evaluation. We’re here for you!
Everything You Need To Know About Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and anytime; knowing what steps to take after your fall is crucial. Slips, trips, and falls are some of the biggest causes of injury in the United States. Examples include a shopper at the local grocery store and slipping on a wet floor, a child falling from damaged playground equipment, or an employee tripping on the uneven sidewalk outside their office building. The injuries caused by these incidents can be anywhere from minimal to catastrophic, including spinal cord or brain injury or even death. Continue reading to learn more about slip, trip, and fall accidents below. Slip and Fall Accidents Cause Injury for All Ages Slip, trip, and fall incidents are a significant public health concern. According to the CDC, 25% of adults aged 65 and older will fall in the United States. Nearly 36 million falls are reported annually among older adults, resulting in over 32,000 deaths. However, slip, and falls do not only affect those older in age. Slip and fall accidents are the number one cause for non-fatal injuries to occur in almost every age group (minus those aged 10-24, where it is second). 4 Steps to Take After Slip and Fall Accidents The steps you take after a slip and fall accident are crucial. Here’s what we recommend: Take Care of Yourself — What you do in the moments right after your fall could be incredibly important. Your number one priority needs to be your health and overall wellbeing. If you do need medical care, you’ll need to determine whether you need emergency services or if you can make your way to urgent care facilities on your own. Remember that injuries from these types of accidents may not appear serious or concerning at first, but they can suddenly worsen with time. Promptly seeking medical treatment is the safest, best plan. Insurance companies could refuse to pay and suggest your situation was not “serious” if you delay medical care. Inform Whoever Needs to Know — As soon as your situation allows, report your accident to the property or business owner or a senior management person. If the accident occurs on public property, report the accident to the proper governmental agency. Neglecting to do this promptly does not always mean that you’re out of luck; however, insurance companies or juries may negatively interpret a delay in reporting the incident. Gather Necessary Information and Evidence — It’s understandable to want to make a swift exit after a fall; however, if you do not need emergent care, taking some time to gather important information and evidence is wise. Take a moment to take photos of where you fell and what caused you to tumble. Gather evidence of anything you feel might have contributed to your accident. Talk to witnesses and gather a brief statement and their contact information. Contact a Knowledgeable and Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer — Before moving forward, seek the advice and representation of a trusted and experienced personal injury lawyer. This process can be overwhelming, confusing, and stressful. But finding a trusted lawyer to be on your side will make things easier and help guide you to a fair settlement. Contact Flickinger, Sutterfield, & Boulton for Your Slip and Fall Accidents For effective legal help concerning slip and fall accidents, contact the office of Flickinger, Sutterfield, & Boulton. For over 25 years, our legal team has been representing injured victims throughout Utah, including Orem, South Jordan, and more, and we are here to help you decide the best course of action. Contact us to request your free case evaluation today.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrians have the right of way, but not every driver pays attention or respects that, so it’s essential to teach your kids about pedestrian safety. Did you know that children crossing the street is the second leading cause of unintentional injuries for children ages five to fourteen? Even with crosswalks, school crossing guards, and school safety zones, children still get injured by moving vehicles. Teaching your children about pedestrian safety will decrease the risk of them getting hurt. How to Talk to Kids Under 10 It’s hard to explain to younger kids how speeds and distance work. That’s why they need an adult to help them cross the street. Teach them that pedestrian safety means never crossing the street without an adult, like a crossing guard, babysitter, or older sibling. How to Talk to Kids Over 10 1. Cross the Street at Intersections Older kids can more easily judge distance and determine if they have enough time to cross the street. But they still need to be very careful. If they can, they should cross the street at intersections. The least amount of pedestrian-related accidents happen at intersection crosswalks and street corners that utilize traffic signals. 2. Look Both Ways Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street, even if traffic signals give you the right of way. They can’t trust drivers always to pay attention, so they need to look out for themselves. 3. Walk, Don’t Run Your kids need to walk when they cross the street. They might want to run to get across the road faster, but walking is safer. They’re more likely to trip and fall in the street if they run. 4. Use Sidewalks or Paths Your kids should always use sidewalks or paths to cross the street. If there are none, they should walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. It’s the next-safest way to cross the street. 5. Keep Eyes and Ears on the Road Most kids enjoy listening to music and texting, but it’s dangerous to have headphones on or not watch their surroundings while crossing the street. It’s important to hear if someone yells for them or a car honks at them. If they can’t hear or see, they might get unnecessarily injured. 6. Make Eye Contact with Drivers Finally, drivers are supposed to give pedestrians the right of way. But in today’s digital age, that doesn’t always happen. Teach your kids to make eye contact with the driver before crossing the street. Eye contact ensures that the driver sees them and will wait for them to cross the street. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Teaching your kids about pedestrian safety will undoubtedly help protect them, but it’s not a fool-proof plan. Was your child hit by a car while crossing the street? Being hit by a car is a traumatic experience that usually results in injuries and medical bills. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you. We’ve represented clients for over 25 years, and we can help you and your family through this challenging time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for your free case evaluation.
What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can happen right under your nose, and it’s not always obvious. Some of the signs are apparent, but some are very subtle. So, how can you tell if a caregiver is abusing an elderly person in their nursing home? If you know what to look for, you can help protect the elderly so they can spend their days living in comfort, not pain or fear. What is Nursing Home Abuse? Before we tell you what signs to look for, it’s a good idea to define nursing home abuse. It occurs whenever a nursing home resident is neglected or mistreated, whether physically, emotionally, or sexually. Less common forms of abuse include financial exploitation and healthcare fraud. Abuse isn’t always intentional, but it’s still abuse and needs to be taken seriously. Signs of Physical Abuse If you notice an elderly person acting differently for no reason, you should be alarmed. Take note of this, even if their mental health is deteriorating. It could be nothing, but it could be something, so it should be taken seriously. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you do notice changes in behavior or personality, keep an eye out for the following physical signs: Broken bones, dislocated joints, or sprains Bruising, scarring, or welts Bedsores Improper use of medications Signs that they have been restrained (marks on wrists) Broken eyeglasses Caregiver not giving you private time with your loved one Signs of Emotional or Sexual Abuse In addition to physical signs, look for signs of emotional or sexual abuse, including: Strange behavior that mimics dementia, such as mumbling, sucking their thumb, or rocking back and forth Seeing their caregiver belittle, control, or threaten them STDs or similar infections without a legitimate reason Bruising on the chest or private parts Underwear with tears, stains, or blood Genital bleeding for no reason (not medically related) Signs of Caregiver Neglect While physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are the primary kinds of nursing home abuse that you’ll see, caregivers also neglect their patients. Watch for these signs of caregiver neglect: Elderly person left alone in public Unsafe living conditions such as no heat, running water, or improper electrical work in the facility Not wearing enough layers of clothing in the cold or wearing too many layers in the heat An elderly person not properly bathed An elderly person having dirty conditions, including dirty sheets or dirty clothes An elderly person having bedsores from staying in the same position for too long Unexplained weight loss or dehydration Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Are you concerned that an elderly person in your life is suffering from nursing home abuse? If so, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help. No one deserves to be abused. With over 25 years of experience, we have the skills and expertise to help you through this challenging time. Please feel free to contact us today for your free case evaluation.
Advice on Moving on From a Bad Car Crash
Whether it was last week or last year, moving on from a bad car crash can be difficult. At first, you might feel fine, but then it hits you later. The trauma from a crash doesn’t have a timeline it must follow. It can strike immediately or years after the event. For some people, there is no shock or trauma. They simply move on from the crash. But for many people, the trauma comes, and it lasts for a while. So, how do you handle trauma when it strikes? That’s what we’re talking about today. Your emotional well-being is equally important to your physical well-being. Signs You’re in Shock from Your Accident If you’ve been in an accident and you have some of these symptoms, you’re likely in shock: Your emotions are unpredictable. You’re getting into fights more often. You’re having flashbacks. Your heart is racing. You sweat a lot. It’s hard to concentrate. You can’t sleep well. You’re having nightmares. Certain noises or smells trigger you. You get headaches. You’re nauseous. You’re shaking. You feel anxious. You’re isolating yourself. How to Move On It’s important to acknowledge that you’ve been in a traumatic situation to recover. Working through your emotions will help you process them and begin recovery. As the days since the accident turn into weeks, you’ll notice yourself feeling better and better. So, what steps should you take? Give yourself time. Our bodies are equipped to handle stress and to recover from traumatic situations. But we do need time to process what’s happened to us. If your car was totaled or someone was injured or killed in the accident, it will take longer to recover. You might consider speaking to a grief counselor to help you cope with your emotions about death. Don’t isolate yourself. Talk to your friends and loved ones about what happened. This will help you process what you’ve been through. Express yourself through a creative outlet. Examples include writing in a journal, drawing or painting, or playing sports. Eat regularly, and eat well. Try to be balanced with your nutrition. Get lots of rest, even if you can’t sleep. If your body gets what it needs, it will recover more quickly. Keep a consistent schedule. Keep working, exercising, and cooking meals for yourself. This is really good for your mental health. Don’t make any major life decisions while you’re recovering from the trauma. You might make a completely different decision when you’re in a better headspace. By taking the proper steps, you’ll heal. The bad car crash will be part of your past. You won’t remember it fondly, but you’ll be okay. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Were you involved in a bad car crash? The stress and trauma that come with a crash can be devastating, but we’re here to lend a hand. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton have been representing car accident clients for decades. If you were injured or lost a loved one, you deserve compensation for your pain and suffering. Don’t try to fight for yourself on your own. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
How To Be A Safe Motorcycle Driver
Being a safe motorcycle driver requires different skills than driving a car; however, road laws apply to every driver just the same. Consistent education, regard for traffic laws, and common sense go a long way in reducing the amount of motorcycle-related fatalities each year. As a motorcyclist, you need to understand common safety motorcycle tips to ensure that your future rides are safe. Wear the Proper Gear Wearing a helmet is the most secure way to avoid a head injury in the event of a crash. A motorcycle rider who isn’t wearing a helmet is five times more likely to sustain a critical and potentially fatal head injury. Make sure that you’re wearing the appropriate motorcyclist gear and clothing that will help minimize the number of injuries in the event of a skid or accident. Wear leather clothes, boots with nonskid soles, and gloves to protect yourself from severe injuries. Another safe step to take is to attach reflective tape to your clothes so that other drivers can see you, especially in the dark. Ride Defensively To be a safe motorcycle driver, you must remember to drive defensively. Don’t forget that you are not riding in a big car, but other people are. There is always a chance that another driver might not see you since you’re operating a smaller vehicle. Unfortunately, nearly two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents are caused by a driver that violates a motorcyclist’s right of way. So here are a few tips that can help you stay safe: Always ride with your headlights on. Stay out of a car driver’s blind spots. Signal far in advance of any changes in direction you’ll be taking. Keep an eye out for turning vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Study up on the lane sharing laws in each state. Only operate a motorcycle when you are awake and sober. You should never drive fatigued or while under the influence. Hone Your Skills Through Continuous Education Complete a formal motorcycle riding education program, become licensed, and take riding courses every couple of months to develop new riding techniques and finetune your street-riding strategies. You may find classes that private companies offer, but you can often find ones that the state provides. Make sure to always stay up to date on your motorcycle license as well. Thoroughly Prepare for Your Ride If there is a problem with your motorcycle, it’s best to find out while you’re still at home rather than when you’re already on the road. Ensuring that your bike is fit for street riding is just as important as practicing safe riding. To give yourself the best chance of being a safe motorcycle driver, make sure that your motorcycle is in perfect working order; check the following: Tires: Inspect for any cracks and bulges and any signs of wear and tear in the treads. Checking this is a must because low tire pressure or defects could cause a tire blowout. Under the motorcycle: Look for signs of spilled oil or gas leaks. Check your hydraulic and coolant fluids every week. Check your headlight, taillight, and signals, and test for high and low beams. Make sure that each taillight is functioning. Motorcycle Accident? Call Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Even if you are a safe motorcycle driver and always exercise precaution, reckless drivers on the road may cause crashes and injuries for even the safest motorcyclist. If you experience an accident while riding your motorcycle, file a personal injury claim so you can recover the financial losses you experienced due to the crash. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton if you’re a motorcyclist who needs an experienced personal injury lawyer. We’ll fight for you to settle the lawsuit and get you the payments you deserve. We have office locations in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, so if you are involved in a severe accident in the state of Utah, we’re on the case.