Job injury? Don’t become a statistic!

Back injuries can change your life forever!

Is a slip-and-fall accident at work making your life miserable?

Maybe you can relate to Jimmy, the  bus boy (names  and details changed to protect the innocent).  He worked in a ten bucks-an-entree upscale burger joint.  Jimmy was a big guy —  friendly and eager to please. Maybe that’s what got him into trouble in the first place.

So when someone called in sick, Jimmy waited and bussed tables and unloaded heavy boxes of supplies off the truck. All in a day’s hard work, right?

Jimmy didn’t see the greasy spot on the floor due to the supplies he was carrying that day.   He slipped. He ended up flat on his back groaning in pain!

However, the manager was desperate to keep the  doors open. So Jimmy continued to work the rest of the day. The back pain was so unbearable he called in sick the next day and the next.  In a few weeks he lost his job.

Insurance didn’t want to cover his medical bills.

He ended up needing disability pay to cover months out of work.  Getting disability pay was a nightmare.  Insurance tried to wiggle out paying saying that his size was to blame for the extent of his back pain. Really? What about doing everyone else’s job all by yourself? `

The chronic back pain continued, and his life felt like it was over even though Jimmy was only in his early twenties.

According to studies cited by WebMd, chronic back pain is responsible for over a third of all disability cases in North America.

https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20140325/low-back-pain-leading-cause-of-disability-worldwide-study#2

It doesn’t matter where you’re at in life. Chronic back pain levels the playing field.  Losing your ability to function normally is bad enough.

When your job and income is at stake, you worry about living under a bridge somewhere.

Truth be told, people do live under bridges due to chronic pain ruining their lives. The homeless population in North America is full of disabled people.

For families and individuals struggling to pay the rent, a serious illness or disability can start a downward spiral into homelessness, beginning with a lost job, depletion of savings to pay for care, and eventual eviction. – National Coalition for the Homeless (www.nationalhomeless.org)

If you’ve been injured on the job, there is hope. 

There are important steps you can take to keep yourself from joining the homeless population.

First:  ASK for help. It’s okay to ask. No one gets through this life successfully without a helping hand.

Where do you find strength and energy to fight a court battle when you’re in continual pain and completely broke? You need help!

Did you know that an experienced personal injury lawyer or workers’ compensation lawyer will fight for your rights without compensation unless they WIN your case?

Next:  LIsten to your lawyer’s advice. He or she will guide you through each step you need to take.

An experienced personal injury/workers’ compensation lawyer will research all the details of your case and leave no stone unturned to help you!

Don’t give up.  Prepare for a marathon, not a sprint.

Document everything. Get a dollar three-ring binder and fill it up with every medical report.  Ask for print-outs from your doctor’s office.  With the push to have all medical records accessible online, you have to ask if you want a printed copy.

If you live in the greater St. Louis area, The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC will give you a free evaluation of your potential  personal injury.Their office is also licensed to try workers’ compensation cases in the neigboring state of Illinois.

http://steimel-law.com/personal-injury.html

Don’t wait to fight back against pain and financial strain! Call Attorney Steimel at 636-244-3737  today. 

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

 

YOU can help prevent accidental teen drug overdose

Beware! Prescription drugs are a leading cause of accidental drug overdose!

A visit from family isn’t supposed to be your worst nightmare come true!  But what if they arrive with “extra baggage”, a.k.a, prescription medications?

Years ago, my husband’s elderly grandmother came for a lengthy visit. We felt the visit went well after we safely delivered her to her home.

Then we discovered our preschool- aged daughter in our guest room with a pill in her hand.  Our hearts nearly stopped when we realized she could have swallowed that pill — prescription heart meds.  One pill accidentally dropped on the floor could have ended in tragedy! After a total cleaning and vacuuming of the room, our hands stopped shaking.

Today she’s sporting a new set of braces and wincing in pain.  Yes, she needs pain meds, though not the prescription type.

She’s almost a teen. Still, we’re not keen on giving her unlimited access to the Tylenol bottle.  Like any responsible parent, we’re painfully aware of the epidemic of drug experimentation and usage among teens.  We dole out her pain meds personally.

Did you know that more deaths each year occur due to accidental drug overdoses  than car accidents? 

The Centers for Disease Control states that 91 Americans die every day from drug overdoses.  https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html

It’s a problem that’s not going away. In fact, the CDC says that drug overdose deaths have quadrupled in the past fifteen years. That’s astounding!

Sometimes accidental overdose happens with the chronically ill or the elderly who mix up the times, amounts, or combinations of prescription meds.

However, for the young and restless, accidental drug overdose is more often a case of foolish experimentation or pressure from friends.

According to a 2013 survey reported on WebMD,  more than 5 million teens admitted to abusing prescription drugs. http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20130423/prescription-drug-abuse-up-among-us-teens-survey#1

What’s a parent to do?

  • Keep a close eye on and find a safe place for prescription pain meds in the house. A locked cupboard is a great idea!  As cancer and other chronic illnesses are on the rise,  pain meds are necessary and more accessible.  Even common injuries can spawn leftover pain meds.  It may be time to double check and empty out your stash.  Many police departments have a “no questions asked” drop off box for extra prescription meds.
  • Talk to your teen. (Use bribery like pizza and ice cream, but just do it!) Let them know that pain meds and alchohol don’t mix — it’s enough to slow or even stop your body from breathing.  Talk about toxic drug mixes.  Talk about drinking, drugs, and driving. Ignorance is not bliss!  If you have grave concerns, find an EMT or police officer who sees the havoc and heartbreak of drug overdoses on a first- hand basis. Ask if they will deliver straight talk to your teen.
  • Get to know your teen’s friends. This takes time and careful planning. We’re not just talking cyber-spying. (All’s fair in love and war, though).  Be fun and friendly!
  • Set the example.  Treat prescription drugs like a loaded gun, not a party favor.  Only use as necessary.
  • Tell your teen about Missouri’s  new “Good Samaritan Law” which passed in May of 2017. If you or someone you love calls 911 to report a drug overdose, they will not be charged with drug possession! This is a potential life-saver!

No one wants their child to be the next drug overdose statistic!

What if you or someone you love has already “blown it”? Facing drug charges in Missouri? You need the help of an experienced, local criminal defense attorney. http://steimel-law.com/criminal-defense.html

 You wlil find Attorney Steimel has extensive legal knowledge and will aggressively fight for your rights in court.

Call The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC today for a free initial consultation.  (636)244-3737

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

How to choose a senior living option that is right for you

Happy senior friends spending time together

“Who  will care for you?” The October 2017 Consumer Reports cover story about senior living  asks.

Preparing for needed care in old age is a subject  that  gets joked about or shoved into a back corner.  Watching it unfold in real life is not so funny!

Dear friends of mine in their 80s  ended up moving into a senior apartment during a time when their nearby family was in the midst of a life-threatening medical crisis.

The elderly  husband was weak from a recent hospital stay.  His wife is experiencing more “senior moments” these days.  Their downsizing and moving experience was extremely traumatic despite hired movers!

Downsizing and moving while in your 80’s is not for sissies!

Safe senior living is a  topic we need to discuss with our parents and our children. Single? Even more reason to prepare.

Asking some basic questions is a place to start.  If you write down your answers, the decision-making process may become clearer.

  • Does your current medical history imply you may need a great deal of care in your old age?
  • Do you have family who has clearly stated they want you to move in with them?
  • Do you want to live with loved ones who have offered?
  • How much will it cost?
  • How soon will you have to move?
  • What can you afford with your retirement budget?
  • What type of living facility would you like and enjoy?

According to Penelope Wang, author of the  Consumer Reports article “Who will care for you?”,  the average  assisted living “move-in age”  in 2016 was 84. That may be pushing the envelope, though. What a hard age to make a major move!

It’s a difficult decision of timing for many. If you have a home nest where you’ve spent many years and made many memories, tearing up those roots is so painful. It’s your comfort zone. It’s home, sweet, home.

On the flip side, there is the cost and stress of home maintenance. Your home many not be aging as gracefully as you are.

What if aging or ill health has already taken a toll?

Unfortunately,  some assisted living residents actually belong in a nursing home where 24/7 care is available.  The intense level of medical care they actually need at this age is not fully available in a stand-alone assisted living home. What kind of care do you or your loved one need?

Maybe what is needed is an assisted living with specialized care. Many assisted living facilities are offering dementia care.  Some include care for Parkinson’s disease and very commonly, for diabetes.

When you are looking at your options,  have an honest discussion with each facility about your medical conditions.  Care matters!

Continuing-Care Communities are an option with flexiblity.  Maybe you are breezing easily through your 70s with few health issues.  You just want to shed the homeowner’s responsibilities and kick up your heels a bit. Downsizing sounds good to you. You are a canidate for an independent living unit.

With independent living units, you can enjoy your health and privacy.  If and when you require additional care, you can transfer into assisted living facilities on the same campus.

Small group homes are another option.

My grandmother with Parkinson’s was actually transferred near the end of her life from an assisted living into a small private home with a few rooms available for seniors. Happily this was a very specialized private care home able to give her more personalized care.

However, many small group homes are simply a healthy group of seniors each renting  a single bedroom and sharing common living spaces and common dining.  For the socially-minded down-sizer, this could be the perfect choice.

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care was started as a voice for nursing home reform  in 1975.

They provide detailed information about the positives and negatives of each option here:  http://theconsumervoice.org/issues/recipients

Are you happy with the care your loved one receives now in a nursing or assisted living home?  Concerned that your loved one may be experiencing nursing home neglect or abuse?

The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC  will take your concerns seriously and provide aggressive, knowledgeable  legal defense. You need an experienced nursing home abuse attorney today!

Check here for the signs of nursing home neglect or assisted living abuse: http://steimel-law.com/nursing-home.html

Call for your free consultation  today at 636-244-3737. 

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

 

 

 

National Child Passenger Safety Week — 3 ways to protect your child from personal injury

According to the Centers for Disease Control,  more than 121,350 children  ages 12 and under were injured and 602 chldren  died in car accidents in 2014!  Statistics like these are why September 17-23, 2017 is National Child Passenger Safety Week.

This hits close to home for anyone who loves and cares for children. In fact, car seat and seatbelt use saved the lives of both of my friend’s neices a few years ago. Sadly, this horrific accident claimed the lives of three adults in the same vehicle.

Here’s another story I’ll never forget:

A fifteen passenger van collided with a semi-truck on a high speed highway years ago wiping out almost the entire vanload of passengers. A tiny survivor was found still strapped into his car seat in the middle of the highway, basically uninjured.

You may have a similar story to tell.  No doubt, child safety seats and seatbelts save lives!

Parents and caregivers, you can help protect our most precious natural resource — your children — whenever they travel in a vehicle.

Here are three simple steps to improve child passenger safety:

1.) Choose the right safety seat.
This sounds like a no-brainer. But, if you are a busy parent  or childcare provider with multiple children,  this step might fall through the cracks.

There are basically four types of car seats/restraints suitable for children — rear facing, forward facing, booster, and seat belt.

The appropriate type of child safety restraint changes with size and age.

For an excellent guide on which restraint is appropriate for your children’s size and age, check out this page: https://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/Car-Seat-Types.htm?view=full

2.)  Check to see if your child safety seat  may be unsafe due to excess usage or involvement in a car crash:

Sometimes  budget constraints cause us to “make do” with what we have on hand.  A car seat’s buckles and straps get worn out by multiple users, limiting their effectiveness in an auto accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Advisory (NHTSA) advises against reusing a car seat that has been in a moderate to severe car accident.

How do we define a moderate to severe car crash? Again,  www.safercar.gov has a helpful brief guide here:  https://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/Using-Car-Seat-After-Crash.htm?view=full

Did you know that you can get your car seat inspected for safety and correct installation  for free?

To find a free inspection station near you, check out the link on NHTSA’s website.  https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats#inspection-inspection

3.)  Buckle up that tween in the back seat away from airbags. This may be the most difficult step to follow!  Gulp.

We wear seat belts in our family. Period. That’s a non-negotiable. It’s also the law.

Riding in the car’s front passenger seat, however, is another battle for a coveted spot!

It’s common knowledge that many car accidents damage the front of the car. So, the back seat is usually safer for children ages 12 and under.

Why? That’s the question your tween will ask. Ha! Here’s your bullet-proof answer. Airbags deploy at approximately 200 mph.

Imagine the damage this could inflict to anyone, let alone a child!  If you parent a tween,  you will have to decide if this is a risk worth fighting for.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles for the state of Missouri, children under 16 must wear a seat belt.  Unfortunately, this does not apply to school buses or public carriers for hire.  We have safety issues that still need to be addressed!

National Child Passenger Safety Week is just a friendly reminder to help you protect your most valuable treasures — your children.

If you or your child are injured in an auto accident due to another’s negligence, you need a car accident lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve!  A good car accident attorney will help you handle the insurance company as well as expertly represent you in court.

You will need money to cover injuries, damages, loss of work, and the many hidden costs of a car crash.

Do not settle with your insurance company without first contacting an experienced car crash attorney! 

http://steimel-law.com/personal-injury.html

The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC believes in fighting aggressively for your rights. Call to schedule your free evaluation at 636-244-3737 today!

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

 

 

 

 

Ride to survive — bicycle safety and enjoyment tips

While the National Bike Challenge of 2017 ends on September 30th,  that won’t stop you from pedaling along if you are a bike enthusiast!  (Be sure to sign up next May for the next National Bike Challenge.)

You may love to cycle for many reasons.  The crisp, cool fall weather is the perfect time to get out and go cycling!

Commute to work, anyone?  We have a friend who regularly cycled twenty-plus miles each way to work for a few years. Only bad weather dampened his enthusiasm.  That’s a lot of leg power!

Small town or big city dweller, cycling to work has seen a 40% increase since 2000 according to this  Business Insider  article.

http://www.businessinsider.com/13-reasons-you-should-bike-to-work-2012-10

My favorite reason  for biking to work cited by the  author was the overall health benefits.  Places like Portland, Oregon have invested in a biking culture with the potential of saving millions of dollars in healthcare expenses over the years.

Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are probably the top reasons people enjoy biking. 

Cycling is great personal therapy!  You cycle to get away from the “rat race” and to feel the wind in your face.

For you, biking is a wonderfully healthy hobby.

Want to explore a new trail away from the traffic? If you live in the greater St. Louis area, there are  many trails options to enjoy.

You can check them out here:  https://www.traillink.com/cityactivity/st-charles-mo-bike-trails/

Riding bikes together can promote family unity and happiness. 

Skinned knees and scraped hands — who remembers the thrill of learning to ride your own bike?

I was reminded of this childhood rite of passage when visiting with a nephew and niece this summer.  Their young faces beamed with pride as they boasted of their new skills on wheels!

Commuting, therapy or hobby cycling, and family cycling — wherever you roll, you want to stay safe and avoid being an bicycle accident statistic.

The good news is that only 2% of traffic deaths in 2014 were bicyclists!  To help stay on the good side of those statistics,  a quick run-down of safety rules on a regular basis is helpful.  Read and share the love (and safety) with your family!

Basic Bicycle Safety Tips:

  • Protect your brain-power. Wear a proper-fitting safety helmet.
  • Follow all traffic laws. It’s the law!
  • Avoid cycling at dawn, dusk, and after dark. Even with safety reflectors, bike lights, and light-colored clothing, bicycles and pedestrians are still almost invisible at these times of day.
  • Make sure your bike is in tip-top shape — no faulty brakes or leaky tires.
  • Cut out distractions such as cell-phone usage or listening to music on headphones.
  • Wear protective and reflective clothing. Fellow flip-flop wearer?  Well, just give them up for the ride!
  • Avoid drinking and riding. Why? One in five fatal bike crashes involved a cyclist with a blood alcohol content of .08  according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicyclists
  • Printable bike safety tips are available from AAA: http://exchange.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/AAA-Bike-Basics.pdf

Sadly, even the best bicycle safety practices cannot prevent all accidents due to a negligent driver. If you or a loved one are suffering with a personal injury from a bicycle accident due to a careless driver, you need expert legal help and advice!

http://steimel-law.com/personal-injury.html

The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC will give you a free consultation and a fair evaluation of your personal injury case with an experienced personal injury attorney.  Call 636-244-3737 to get help today!

 

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How you can help prevent work-related back pain

Sometimes your job is just plain a pain in the BACK!

According the Mayo Clinic’s website, back pain is one of the leading causes of disability! It’s also a very common reason people miss work.

Truthfully, neither you nor your employer win if you miss work.  Even if you have paid time off, it’s no fun if you’re miserable!

While many factors aggravate back pain, there are some common causes for work-related back injuries.  Know your possible back pain triggers and protect yourself!

Believe it or not, sitting at a desk all day is a common cause of back pain.
Not using good posture is one key reason for this.  Poor back support is another aggravating factor.   Your boss can take the rap for cheap office chairs. Only you can prevent poor posture!

Here are a few tips to help you take control of your posture:

Lots of repetitive motion is another key factor in work-related back pain.

If you work in a factory doing assembly-line work, you know exactly what this means. The list of jobs requiring repetitive motions  is seemingly endless.

One summer I lost a lot of sleep for months due to pain from  repetitive motion injuries to my neck and upper back.

Here is a small list given to me by my physical therapist that helped me to recover.

  • Gently strengthening core muscles is key to helping with back pain due to repetitive motion.
  • Listen to your bodyChange up the direction of your motion if you can.  Always bend with your knees.
  • Give yourself a daily massage or ask a friend! Stretch and rub sore muscles  during breaks.  Make sure you take those required breaks, too!

Heavy lifting is the most obvious pain-in-the-back culprit.

It’s a double whammy to work at job in which you must do both repetitive motions and heavy lifting. UPS and FedEx, anyone?

Movers, mechanics,  nurses and medical staff, child-care workers, and almost everyone in the construction industry — our vital “movers and shakers” are everywhere!

Proper back support is key. Most companies that require a lot of heavy lifting will provide a handy back brace. In fact, check your workplace regulations if in doubt.

Practice proper lifting techniques. Thankfully, my summer job at an upholstery shop years ago emphasized this.  “Bend with your KNEES, not your back.”   Have you ever hauled seven couches in one afternoon?  Knees bent– back saved!

Have you injured your back due to your line of work? You want to work, but your back screams at you every day?

Do you have  back pain that lasts for more than two weeks? This is considered chronic back pain. Chronic back pain is often debilitating and can lead to depression.  You just want to be able to function, right?

Seeing a doctor for an evaluation is vital. Doctor’s records and notes are also a genuine evidence of your work-related back pain if you need to apply for workers’ compensation.

Is your workplace ignoring your back pain? Are you out of paid time off? Are you unsure if you qualify for workers’ compensation?

If you are struggling to work due to back pain caused by your line of work, you may qualify for workers’ compensation to give your body time to rest and heal. You need the help of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer!

http://steimel-law.com/workers-comp.html

 

At The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC  we  aggressively help employees win workers’ compensation and personal injury cases in both Missouri and Illinois.

Attorney Steimel says, “Under the Missouri and Illinois laws governing workers’ compensation, you can be compensated for most types of injuries suffered at work, no matter who was at fault for the injury.”

Call 636-244-3737 for your free consultation today.

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

 

How to ensure your loved one avoids nursing home abuse

Care Worker Mistreating Elderly Man

The Hurricane Harvey photo of the nursing home with elderly residents sitting knee-deep in brown flood waters — well, you have to wonder. What happened to the staff?

Probably a lot of folks are asking that question, especially in Texas.

The outcry on social media assured us these elderly victims of Hurricane Harvey were indeed evacuated.  But, seriously,  wasn’t there enough staff  and resources to prevent this catastrophe from happening in the first place?

Why weren’t the residents moved out of the path of such a dangerous storm?

I’m not going to cry abuse. Who knows all of the surrounding circumstances?  Hurricane Harvey was beyond the scope of a “normal” event.  Heart-breaking! What if that was MY mom sitting helplessly in a flooded home?

Sadly, elder abuse and neglect in Missouri and nationwide is a tragic problem!  A recent article in The Kansas City Star highlights one major aspect of this hidden problem – sexual abuse.  http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article146106369.html

According to this article,  the sexual abuse of seniors  often gets filed under general abuse and neglect claims or not reported at all. It’s really difficult to put an accurate number on this problem. Chances are, sexual abuse is under-reported.

Why do senior abuse and neglect issues get little attention?

When dementia or other mental degeneration exists, abuse problems can be hard to validate.  My own grandfather suffered from  Lewy body dementia.  His mind took wild trips to places and scenarios that couldn’t even possibly exist!

Seniors can be very frail and prone to falls, but  very determined to continue living life as they wish.

Just this week, a friend’s elderly dad fell again in the bathroom.  Despite 24-7 care, this fall would have been difficult to prevent.  Respecting his privacy is a challenge for all involved!

The voices of nursing home abuse victims sometimes fail to get heard or taken seriously.  Abuse victims across all walks of life have to fight to get heard. Like children, the elderly are especially likely to be ignored if they complain of abuse. Shame silences voices, too.

Nursing home facilities are often understaffed and  the staff underpaid.

We’ve seen this first-hand, even in a very decent  assisted living facility.  The caregiver on duty would inevitably be floating between several rooms. It could take a while for help to arrive.

Once, when we arrived  and found our relative sitting in a dirty diaper,  we immediately took action.  The requested help came with an apologetic  explanation about a staff member leaving early.  The assistant was polite and kind.

 What can you do to make sure your loved one is getting proper care?

Check on your loved one frequently. Getting acquainted with the nursing staff helps. Knowing that someone else is watching over their care makes a difference.  It’s a way of quietly ensuring quality care.

If you live out of state, hopefully collaborate with a nearby relative to keep eyes on your loved one.

Treat your loved one’s caregivers with kindness and respect. It’s a hard job! Just like an appreciative boss is easier to work with, so are appreciative clients.  Use good manners and polite words. Your kindness could create an attitude of paying it forward to your loved one!

Look for warning signs of nursing home abuse.  Here are a few.

  • Staff that is rude or impatient with the elderly
  • Long delays in getting requested help
  • Failure of staff to communicate with the family
  • Frequent bruises or signs of injuries
  • Facilities that are often dirty

If you even suspect your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a Missouri nursing home or assisted living home,  you need a free legal consultation right away! Don’t let possible  elder abuse slide through the cracks!

http://steimel-law.com/nursing-home.html

An experienced, caring nursing home abuse attorney is waiting for your call at The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC.  Call 636-244-3737 today!

 

 

 

5 ways to avoid personal injury on an ATV or motorcycle

The invention of the wheel changed people’s lives forever.

Our obssession with wheels and travel keeps evolving.

We go further and faster than any previous generation. The flip side of the coin is that few of us get through life without some sort of personal injury due a car or motorcyle accident.

I’ll never forget the day my brother’s set of wheels failed him!

We’re talking two wheels here. In fact, it was a souped-up bicycle with an actual motor attached.  He didn’t have to waste good energy pedaling.  It saved him extra exhaustion from the summer’s heat while he commuted to do yard work for clients a few miles away. (When you’re competing with older siblings for a ride to work, having your own wheels is a real plus!)

Unfortunately, he experienced a mechanical failure that sent him face first into a gravel driveway.

No bones were broken, but a faceful of imbedded gravel is super painful! Thankfully, there were no serious lasting injuries. Just a few facial scars.

Mechanical failure is one cause of car and motorcycle accidents.

Unfortunately,  the most common motorcycle and ATV accidents happen due to human failure — mistakes in judgment or carelessness.

Kids, country living, room to roam — add wheels to the mix, and you have the recipe for personal injuries that could be life-changing!

A friend I know was a best man at a wedding years ago. The night before the wedding, to celebrate,  friends and the groom-to-be took a rip-roaring spin through the fields and woods. No alcohol was involved.  Just speed-lovin’ guys and their wheels…

The bride will never forget that her groom arrived at the wedding with his arm in a cast and his ribs taped.

Again, it could have been so much worse.  Thankfully, none of his groomsmen suffered permanent injuries, and the groom recovered!

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports  over 1,700 deaths in 2014 due to motorcycle crashes alone.  Close to 2,000 injuries were reported.  https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/SAC/crash_data_motorcycle_960grid.html

This does not include any statistics for ATVs or other offroad vehicles that young people love to use.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data reports show that nationwide fatal ATV accidents have reduced significantly since 2006. The average for adult deaths per year ranges around 564 adult ATV-related deaths and 123 children.

If your young person is going to enjoy some offroading fun on a motorcycle or ATV, here are some safety pointers to review:  ( see https://onsafety.cps.gov)

1.) Get training on how to use the ATV from an experienced instructor.

Like me, you may know very little about operating an ATV. You need a teacher who knows what they are talking about and can show you or your young person the ropes in a hands-on way!

2.) Like a motorcyclist or any cyclist, you should always wear your helmet!

Just do it.  Head injuries account for almost 30% of personal injuries due to ATV accidents.  Would you really choose a wheelchair to be your next set of wheels? Imagine a brain injury that takes away your child’s ability to work or take care of himself!

3.) Maybe you’re working on that farmer’s tan, but wear protective clothing, too!

Long sleeves, long pants, protective eyewear — these are all smart moves to help protect against personal injury.

4.) Don’t overload the motorcycle or ATV! 

Seriously, unless you’re in a third world country and this is your ride to work, no crowds allowed!

5.) Last but not least, don’t let your smaller young person drive an adult-sized ATV!

Kids die in these accidents. Trying to drive a 600lb +vehicle  is a far cry from riding a bicycle. These wheels are FAST and HEAVY.  Even your super-kid with common sense may find themselves overwhelmed and unprepared.

Your friends at The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC want to encourage you to avoid needing a personal injury lawyer.  However, if you or your child have suffered a personal injury in an ATV or motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you need legal help!

You will receive meticulous attention and a free evaluation of your personal injury case at The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC.  They will aggressively pursue your rights to compensation.

To schedule your free consultation call The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC at 636-244-3737.

http://steimel-law.com/personal-injury.html

 

 

Drive to survive — don’t let an auto accident eclipse your weekend plans!

St. Louis and the surrounding areas are preparing a PARTY to celebrate the first total eclipse viewing in our region since 1442!  This predates Columbus.  The excitement is building!

With 1.6 million residents in the St. Louis area alone, this is going to be one massive celebration when you consider the guest list.  EVERYBODY and their uncle is invited.

Not only that, the party stretches over multiple counties and towns. Visitors and locals alike have an amazing array of events to choose from.

People are going to go places. Crowded streets and highways are a sure bet!  Tempers flare. Then we have trouble.

Car accidents and injuries are also a sure bet in crowded conditions.

Area hospitals and emergency centers have been laying in extra supplies.  Public service workers, officers, and emergency management teams are prepping as well.

No one wants trouble. While you can’t control those around you on the crowded roads, you can also certainly take precautions. 

If you plan to be out and about this coming weekend,  here are some common sense ways to prep.  C’mon! You KNOW you want to enjoy the fun!

1.) Avoid the main roads if possible.

It’s okay. Take the scenic route. You may get there faster, anyways!

Being a local, you have the edge. You probably know the back roads and multiple ways to get to where you want to go. So plan that extra time and spare yourself some headache.

2.)  If you’re going somewhere unfamiliar,  map out your adventure!

Guess what? With so many people converging on an  already crowded area, some states are expecting cell towers to be overloaded. You may have trouble with your GPS!  Plan ahead and bring a paper map. If you can’t find one (age of dinosaurs, he, he), print out your directions from an online mapping service.

Besides learning about astronomy with your family in living technicolor,  you can take them back to the days of Columbus! Teach them how to read a map.

Map out multiple routes, and don’t forget to plan your way home!

3.) Pack your own emergency supplies!

Obviously, you may already be bringing a picnic lunch. You’ve already got your solar viewing glasses, too, right.  (See what NASA says about eye safety in the link below.)

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety2.html

Add to it! Extra water, extra food, road flares, and first aid supplies — you can’t go wrong. If you don’t need it, you may be a friend in need is a friend indeed to someone else.

4.) Don’t forget about prepping your car!

Got a full tank of gas, oil, and coolant? A quick peek under the hood before you leave could make big difference in your day.  Your family will love you more if you don’t run out of gas!

Walk around and check the tires.  AAA will rescue you, but you might be in a long line for the tow truck, too!

5. ) Plan to keep your cool.

Crowds are more stressful for some of us than for others, true?  If you find yourself in a fender-bender or a minor car accident,  take a deep breath.

You may not be able to watch the eclipse from your top choice of viewing locations, but it will still happen!  No one stops an eclipse.

If you plan for the worst (bring your car accident lawyer’s number with you), you will know exactly what to do. Reach for the phone.  If there is personal injury involved, you already know the drill — call 911 first.  Then call your experienced St. Louis car accident attorney:

http://steimel-law.com/personal-injury-carcrash.html

Take another deep breath.  Wherever you are,  check your watch and gaze in awe at the skies.  You can munch on some of those extra snacks while you wait.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment.  Make sure you don’t miss it!

If you’re traveling in the St. Louis, Missouri area, you need your best St. Louis attorney in your phone contact list as an added emergency safeguard.  Better safe than sorry!

Call The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC anytime to get meticulous, aggressive and accessible legal help. (636) 244-3737

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Zero tolerance laws and your teen driver

Parents of a tween? Who’s ready for them to drive? Any hands raised? Um, not mine!

Reality check — one day I’m going to blink and my daughter’s going to be a teenager proudly flaunting her very own driver’s license.  I can feel my hair turning grey just thinking about it.

Now’s the time to start educating your up and coming driver about the dangers they face when they get behind the wheel.

Let’s put alcohol near the top of that list of dangers! You don’t have to parent too long before you start hearing the horror stories.  Tragically, one in ten highschoolers drink and drive according to Center for Disease Control.(https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/teendrinkinganddriving/index.html)

GOOD NEWS!  Teen drinking and driving has reduced more than 50% since the 1990s. 

Zero tolerance laws may play a role in this.  I also like to think that parents are stepping up to the plate and educating their teens.

Hello! I didn’t even know about zero tolerance laws before researching and writing this post . Drinking and driving has never been an issue in my family, so I just hadn’t paid attention.  I’d like to hope drinking and driving never will be an issue for us, but our kids don’t come with guarantees, do they?

You need to be armed and ready with the facts about Missouri law and teen drinking and driving! 

FACT # 1: Zero tolerance laws for drinking and driving under age 21 exist in all fifty states, not just Missouri.

Moving to Illinois will not help! Moving anywhere will not help.  Tell your teen home sweet home is still the best option (or dorm sweet dorm).

FACT #2: Beware of one beer! That’s right. One measly beer and driving could seriously mess up your teen’s life and plans. ONE glass of wine, one cup of hard cider — you name it. Zero tolerance means zero.
NO blood alcohol content permitted!

FACT #3: Under zero tolerance laws, consequences are harsh!  Take a minute to read your teens this news, even if you get the eyerolls.
One online driving course for teens (www.teendrivingcourse.com) listed the following possible results of a first time DUI offense in Missouri.

  • Possible jail time of up to 6 months (That’s more than half a school year.)
  • If you’re lucky, a license restricture of 60 days.
  • $45 License Reinstatement fee – there goes your allowance!
  • Possible $500 fine – now you’re out of a few paychecks IF you can still get to work!
  • Possible Ignition Interlock Device installation — more money, more time, more hassle.
  • License suspension 30 days — if you’re not in jail, you  still can’t go anywhere!

Does this sound like a nightmare to your teen? It should!

Talk to your early teen driver. Ask them some thought-provoking questions.

How would it feel to have to get pulled over when they’ve had  just one beer?

What would it be like to dread facing a judge in court?

Worse yet,  can they imagine spending time in jail?

Do they want to graduate with their class or start college soon?

What about losing their driving privileges? Would that cost them their job? Their employment records might be trashed!

Is one drink really worth all this shame and sorrow?

Knowing the consequences of the zero-tolerance teen drinking and driving laws  just might change your teen’s mind about having a drink.

Sometimes we have to learn our lessons the hard way! If your teen is already facing a DUI charge, you need an aggressive, experienced Missouri DUI attorney!    http://steimel-law.com/traffic-matters.html

The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC  understand what is at stake for a young person under 21 facing DUI charges.

It’s worth a free initial consultation to see if you can get a life-time of consequences reduced!  You will get a fair and thorough evaluation of your teen’s case and the best possible outcome.  Call  636-244-3737 today for your free case evaluation.

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.