Gruber Law Offices, LLC.

Motorcycle Safety

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

Spring and summer are rapidly approaching, and warm weather is on the horizon. The increase in warm weather will undoubtedly signal an increase in the number of motorcycles present on Wisconsin roadways.[1] Though many Wisconsin residents enjoy riding their motorcycles during the spring and summer months, it is important for motorcyclists to be aware of the risks of motorcycle use and to take proper safety precautions that will decrease the likelihood of serious injury as a result of motorcycle use.

Though motorcycles account for less than 7% of the vehicles on Wisconsin roadways, motorcycle accidents account for over 17% of all highway fatalities.[2] In 2010, 666 persons were seriously injured and 104 persons were killed, in a reported 2,707 motorcycle crashes.[3] Over 39% of the motorcyclists killed in 2010 had a positive blood alcohol content and in over 75% of the motorcycle fatalities, the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet.[4]

Simple precautionary measures can and should be taken by motorcyclists to alleviate the potential for serious or fatal injury as a result of a motorcycle accident. For instance, motorcyclists should never drive impaired and should always wear proper protective equipment.[5] Proper protective equipment includes a helmet and proper clothing, such as gloves, boots, long pants, and a durable long-sleeved jacket. Additionally, rider education courses are available through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for both beginning and experienced drivers.[6] The Wisconsin Department of Transportation also has a new mobile motorcycle training facility called the REF.[7] The REF aims to “reach out to motorcycle riders and to educate and encourage formal rider training.”[8] By encouraging both motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists to learn more about sharing the road and crash avoidance techniques, the rider education courses and the REF will help to provide the training and education that is essential to prevent injuries and save lives.[9] Whether you are riding a motorcycle or driving a car this summer, do your part to make sure Wisconsin roadways are safe.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

[1] http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/library/publications/topic/safety/hwysafetyplan.pdf

[2] http://www.zeroinwisconsin.gov/TheREF/Default.asp

[3] http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/library/publications/topic/safety/hwysafetyplan.pdf

[4] http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/library/publications/topic/safety/hwysafetyplan.pdf

[5] http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/library/publications/topic/safety/hwysafetyplan.pdf

[6] http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/vehicle/motorcycle/

[7] http://www.zeroinwisconsin.gov/TheREF/Default.asp

[8] http://www.zeroinwisconsin.gov/TheREF/Default.asp

[9] http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/vehicle/motorcycle/ ; http://www.zeroinwisconsin.gov/TheREF/Default.asp

Posted in: Motorcycle

Using Your Car as a Dinner Table Can Be Dangerous

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found eating while driving to be more dangerous than using a hand held cell phone while driving. According to Hagerty Classic Insurance in Traverse City, Michigan, the top ten dangerous foods to eat while driving are:

10. Chocolate

9. Soft Drinks

8. Jelly and Cream-Filled Donuts

7. Fried chicken

6. Any Barbecued Food

5. Juicy Hamburgers

4. Chili

3. Tacos

2. Hot Soups

1. Coffee

The study also found that more food-related accidents happen in the morning hours than in the evening. The odds of having a food-related accident can double if the vehicle has a stick-shift, as shifting and steering require increased dexterity.

Despite the above mentioned statistics, many drivers still eat while driving. In fact, 65 percent of drivers admitted to eating while driving, according to a PEMCO Insurance poll on driver distraction. The poll of 600 Washington residents also asked drivers to rate the danger of several common distracting driving activities. Each activity was rated on a scale from one to five, with one being “completely safe” and five considered “very dangerous.”

While 65 percent of respondents admitted to eating a meal while driving, that activity received a “danger rating” of 3.8 on the five-point scale. Talking on a cell phone was regarded as a 4.0 in danger, while reading a newspaper or book, something only six percent of drivers admit to, earned the top danger rating of 4.9.

This sample study shows that while the activity of eating and driving is more dangerous than using a hand held cell phone, drivers still do not realize the dangers of doing it. Eating inside of a restaurant as opposed to utilizing the drive- thru may just end up saving your life.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Posted in: Car Accidents

Study Reveals Increase in Teen Fatality Rates in Car Accidents

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

According to a study released by the Governors Highway Safety Association last month, more teenagers are dying in fewer accidents this year. It is theorized that this hike in teenage fatalities is due to smaller, quicker cars that young drivers are operating. The study used data from all fifty states and the District of Columbia to establish that teen traffic fatalities were up from 190 to 211; an increase of 11% in the first six months of 2011.

The study casts a shadow on the optimistic news that that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released earlier this month stating that total traffic fatalities decreased by slightly less than one percent during that same first six months of 2011. Twenty-three states reported increases in fatalities, nineteen reported decreases, while eight states and the District of Columbia remained the same. It is theorized that the increase may be due to the residual leveling of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws. While these GDL laws and programs appear to be helping, more can be done to save potential lives.

Parents and teachers can take an active role in decreasing teenager traffic fatalities by proactively establishing safe driving habits for their teens and improving driver education classes. Not allowing teenagers to drive late at night, banning the use of electrical communication devices while driving, are just two of the steps parents can take to increase the odds of safe driving. A recent study suggested that most parents believe that more driver training should be necessary. By establishing stricter requirements on driver’s education courses, we can better prepare young people for the dangers they will encounter on the open road.

Congress also has a chance to protect young drivers from possible fatalities. The upcoming highway reauthorization bill could provide financial incentives to states that have or will strengthen teen driving laws. By providing financial incentives and increasing the budget for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, we could potentially determine the most effective ways to increase teen seat-belt use and compliance with the GDL laws.

While the increase in teenage fatalities over the first six months of 2011 is a step back for safer driving, it can be used as a chance to establish better procedures and safeguards for future drivers. Everyone must play a part in better preparing the youth of America for dangers and risks they will encounter on the road.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Posted in: Car Accidents

Hybrid Vehicles Combine Safety and Fuel Efficiency

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

The obvious benefit of driving a hybrid vehicle is that they get much better gas mileage than your average car. However, a recent study by the Highway Data Loss Institute has revealed that hybrid vehicles are also significantly safer than their non-hybrid counterparts. In fact, the chances of being injured in a car accident are 25% lower in a hybrid than a conventional car of the same model.

Heavier vehicles are safer than smaller vehicles because they have more mass. We all feel safer in bigger heavier vehicles for a reason—because we know that if we get in an accident the bigger car is probably going to receive less damage, hence the driver of the bigger car is likely to suffer fewer injuries. The fact of the matter is that heavier vehicles are more likely to move, bend, or deform the smaller cars they hit, which is why heavier hybrid vehicles are safer.

Hybrid vehicles are much heavier than conventional cars because they have two engines—an electric engine and a conventional gas engine. This added weight not only comes from the additional electric engine, but also from the batteries that are needed to power the electric engine. So, even though hybrid cars get better gas mileage than conventional cars they are actually much heavier and therefore, much safer. For example, a hybrid Honda Accord weighs approximately 500 pounds more than a conventional Honda Accord and a hybrid Toyota Highlander weighs approximately 400 pounds more than a conventional Toyota Highlander. This 10% increase in weight is what makes hybrid vehicles 25% safer than conventional cars.

The fact that hybrids are 25% safer than their conventional counterparts is exciting for us, as consumers, because we no longer need to choose between the safety of a larger, heavier vehicle and the fuel efficiency of a smaller, lighter vehicle. As gas prices continue to rise, hybrids can provide us with the best of both worlds by combining the safety and fuel efficiency that we demand.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Posted in: Cars General

Ten Tips for Buying the “Right” New Car

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

Summer is just around the corner and many of you may be in the market for a new car. This is an exciting time! You get to shop around and test drive cars. However, buying a new vehicle is not easy and a lot of consideration is put into the decision process. Fortunately, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has offered ten tips to assist you in picking the “right” new vehicle.

First, evaluate your driving habits and be honest with yourself. Are you a commuter, or do you only drive a short distance? How many passengers will the new car need to carry?

Second, create a list of required features that the car should include. At this point, it is important to separate actual needs from the wants. Further, you should consider your needs today, and several years down the road because most people own their vehicle for multiple years.

Third, seek recommendations and reviews. Ask the people you know about the cars they drive. Find out what they like or do not like about their vehicles.

Fourth, look at prices for new vehicles, as well as models that are a few years old. Certainly, there are benefits to both new and used vehicles. Specifically, new vehicles tend to have a longer warranty, the latest features, and are widely available at auto dealers. On the other hand, a used vehicle is usually much more affordable, but it might lack the latest features, and be harder to find.

Fifth, do not forget to consider depreciation because that is the biggest yearly cost to a new car. Pick a vehicle that has a good record of holding its value for longer periods of time. AAA provides an application on their website, http://aaawisconsin.zag.com/main.html that can assist you with this step.

Sixth, determine what you can afford. AAA suggests that a car should cost no more than twenty percent of your total monthly income—including gas, insurance, parking, and all vehicle costs. Be sure to speak with an insurance agent and get estimates on the type of cars you will be looking at.

Seventh, be sure to review the warranty and consider the maintenance costs. It is important to understand what the warranty will cover and for how long. Also, you should examine the recommended maintenance schedule and calculate the costs associated with maintaining the vehicle.

Eighth—this is a very important step—investigate safety ratings and features. Consult the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, http://www.nhtsa.gov/Research, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, http://www.iihs.org/research/default.aspx. These organizations can provide valuable information about the safety of a particular vehicle. This is important because not all cars are created equal when it comes to safety. Consequently, vehicle safety should be the deciding factor when buying a new car.

Ninth, be open-minded and do not limit your choice to one vehicle. Narrow your choices to two or three vehicles. Allowing flexibility will increase your chances of finding the “right” car for you.

Tenth, financing is key. AAA recommends that you secure financing before visiting the auto dealer. By doing this, you will avoid the high interest rate loans that auto dealers might offer you. Further, you should shop around for loan options and interest rates that are available to you. Get the lowest interest rate possible. Even a single percentage point or two could save you hundreds of dollars over the life of the loan. Moreover, make sure that your loan does not include any hidden costs or fees.

Buying a new car is an exciting process, but it is also a big decision. Luckily, if you follow these ten steps the decision process should be a little easier. Talk to your friends and decide what you might want but be sure to know what you need, how much you can spend, how much a car might depreciate, and most importantly how safe a particular vehicle is. If you are in the market for a new car, be patient and take your time. Find the car that is “right” for you and your family.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Posted in: Cars General

Wisconsin Boating Safety Courses

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

Spring is upon us and our favorite summer activities are just around the corner. Water sports and boating are a part of life in Wisconsin, but we cannot forget to follow the law and be safe when participating in the joys of boating. Several laws govern boating safety, and following these regulations could prevent injuries and save lives. As a result, all boaters should attend a boating safety course through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in order to become familiar with boating safety laws and practices (DNR http://www.dnr.wi.gov/education/outdoorSkills/safetyEducation.html.#1)

Wisconsin law requires that anyone born in 1989 or after complete a boating safety course in order to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft on Wisconsin waters. This training can go a long way in preventing injuries by providing boat drivers with the skills they need to safely enjoy boating. In fact, four out of five people who die in boating accidents each year have not received this formal training and that is precisely why everyone should complete a boating safety course.

Indeed, the DNR recommends that everyone—regardless of age—should complete a boating safety course. Registering for a boating safety course is very simple. In fact, a quick visit to the DNR website will provide you with everything you need (www.dnr.wi.gov/topic/boat). The course is offered at various locations around the state and only costs $10. If you are unable to attend a class in person, there is an option to complete the course online—this online option costs $30.

The joys of boating are obvious, but some of the risks are not so apparent. Boating can be very dangerous and that is why we should all take the time to attend one of these important boating safety courses. Doing so could prevent injury and even death.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Posted in: Boating

Road Rage

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

It is 5:15 p.m. and you are on your way home from a long day at work. The car in front of you gets cut off by another driver and has to slam on their brakes. The car in front of you then hits the gas and begins tailgating the car that cut them off. Most of us have witnessed an act of road rage like this. Road rage and aggressive driving puts everyone on the road at risk of getting in a car accident. Car accidents can cause severe injury and even death.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that one-third of all traffic accidents are caused by aggressive driving. Tailgating is especially dangerous because a driver is left with little or no time to react if the vehicle in front of them brakes. As a responsible driver, you want to always leave enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to stop. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recommends that if you are being tailgated you should allow enough room for the driver to pass you safely.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recommends taking the following steps if you are a victim of road rage: Try not to react. Avoid making eye contact with the other driver. Don’t accelerate, brake or swerve because this may be seen as confrontational. If the other driver continues to be aggressive or appears to be following you, call the police or drive to the nearest police station.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Posted in: Car Accidents

Ban on hands-free devices?

Posted on May 16, 2012 by admin

In 2010, there were over 3,000 roadway fatalities involving distracted drivers.[1] Due to a growing concern over the amount of roadway fatalities caused by distracted driving, the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) recently issued a recommendation to state governments advising state governments that they ban the use of hands-free mobile devices while driving.[2] The recommendation, if adopted, would outlaw non-emergency phone calls and texting by operators of every vehicle on the road.[3] However, the NTSB recommendation does not affect passenger’s rights to use mobile devices.[4] The NTSB released a fact sheet regarding distraction-related accidents that accompanied the recommendation to ban hands free-devices while driving.[5] The fact sheet notes that drivers using cell phones look, but fail to see, up to 50 percent of the information in their driving environment.[6] Additionally, the fact sheet notes that a recent study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that a safety-critical event is 163 times more likely if a driver is texting, e-mailing, or accessing the Internet.[7]

Though the NTSB recommendation does not have the force of law, the NTSB’s recommendations are influential.[8] Since the release of the NTSB’s recommendation that the use of hands-free mobile devices be banned while driving, at least two cities have proposed banning the use of hands-free devices.[9] However, even if legislation banning the use of hands-free mobile devices passes in these cities, the difficulties of enforcing such a ban may prove to be difficult.[10] For instance, the question remains, how do you keep people from talking on their mobile devices, and how does one know if a driver is talking to their mobile device as opposed to another passenger or just singing along to music?[11] Regardless of whether additional cities and states choose to adopt legislation banning the use of hands-free mobile devices while driving, it is important for drivers to be aware of the dangers associated from the use of mobile devices while driving and to minimize these distractions while driving on the roadway.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

[1] http://articles.cnn.com/2011-12-13/us/us_ntsb-cell-phone-ban_1_smart-phones-texting-pickup-truck-driver?_s=PM:US

[2] http://techland.time.com/2011/12/19/should-we-ban-apples-siri-while-driving/

[3] http://articles.cnn.com/2011-12-13/us/us_ntsb-cell-phone-ban_1_smart-phones-texting-pickup-truck-driver?_s=PM:US

[4] http://articles.cnn.com/2011-12-13/us/us_ntsb-cell-phone-ban_1_smart-phones-texting-pickup-truck-driver?_s=PM:US

[5] http://techland.time.com/2011/12/19/should-we-ban-apples-siri-while-driving/

[6] http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/fact_sheets/PED_Ban_Fact_Sheet.pdf

[7] http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/fact_sheets/PED_Ban_Fact_Sheet.pdf

[8] http://techland.time.com/2011/12/19/should-we-ban-apples-siri-while-driving/

[9] http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/03/12/1925477/chapel-hill-could-lead-state-in.html; http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/03/07/evanston-mulls-ban-on-hands-free-phone-calls-while-driving/

[10] http://techland.time.com/2011/12/19/should-we-ban-apples-siri-while-driving/

[11] http://techland.time.com/2011/12/19/should-we-ban-apples-siri-while-driving/

Posted in: Car Accidents

Understanding the Dangers of Concussions in Car Accidents

Posted on May 16, 2012 by admin

It is often said that playing in a game of football is like being in multiple car accidents in the same day. The dangers of concussions in football have become a topic of interest as the concern for the safety of players has increased. Do you play football? Maybe…maybe not. Why should you care? You should care because although we are not all in danger of getting a concussion on the football field we are all in danger of suffering a concussion in an accident. It is important that everyone understands the dangers of suffering a concussion in an accident.

The National Institute of Health describes a concussion as a traumatic brain injury that may result in a bad headache, altered levels of alertness, or unconsciousness. A concussion temporarily interferes with the way your brain works, and it can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance, coordination, and sleep patterns. It is important to know that concussions don’t always involve a loss of consciousness. You can have a concussion and not realize it. Because of the danger of not realizing you have a concussion, it is extremely important to seek medical attention after being involved in a car accident.

Recovering from a concussion can take days, weeks or even months. You may be irritable, have trouble concentrating, have trouble remembering, and have headaches, dizziness, and/or blurry vision. Recent research has shown that concussions can have significant long term affects. A study performed at the Ohio State University’s Center for Biobehaviorial Health showed that 20 percent of the children who had lost consciousness as a result of a concussion had lingering forgetfulness or other non-physical problems a year after their injury. Even what is considered a mild concussion should not be taken lightly because any concussion is a traumatic brain injury.

The best way to help protect yourself from getting a concussion during an accident is to use your seatbelt whenever you are in a vehicle.

Concussion Symptoms (from National Health Institute)

-Altered level of consciousness (drowsy, hard to arouse, or similar changes)

-Confusion, feeling spacey, or not thinking straight

-Headache

-Loss of consciousness

-Memory loss of events before the injury or immediately after

-Nausea and vomiting

-Seeing flashing lights

-Feeling like you have “lost time”

Emergency Symptoms (from National Health Institute)

-Changes in alertness and consciousness

-Seizures

-Muscle weakness on one or both sides

-Persistent confusion

-Coma

-Repeated vomiting

-Unequal pupils

-Unusual eye movements

-Walking problems

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Posted in: Car Accidents

Operating While Under the Influence (OWI) in Wisconsin – Zero Tolerance

Posted on February 21, 2012 by admin

Attorney Erik M. Knobloch

Most people know that the legal limit for drinking and driving in Wisconsin is .08. The penalty for operating while under the influence (OWI) First Offense in Wisconsin is a fine of $150-$300, a 6-9 month license revocation and 6 demerit points on your driving record. Penalties increase dramatically for OWI-Second violations and may even include up to 6 months in jail and a mandatory 1 year license revocation. The penalties for OWIs that cause bodily injury range from 30 days in jail to up to 40 years in prison, depending on the severity of the injuries caused.

For drivers under the age of 21, Wisconsin has adopted an “absolute sobriety” law that makes it illegal to have any alcohol in your system while driving. This law also applies to drugs including marijuana, prescription drugs and narcotics. Penalties for violations of this law include a $200 fine, a 3 month license revocation and 4 demerit points on your driving record. However, those under 21 should be aware that it is likely you will be charged with a standard OWI in addition to the charges for having any alcohol in your system.

OWI and underage alcohol offenses normally have an adverse effect on auto insurance rates and availability. Insurance companies set rates based on risk; if you are a higher risk, your rates are generally more expensive. When you apply to purchase auto insurance, the insurance company has access to your official driving records. Because OWI convictions and other alcohol related offenses usually appear on your driving records, the insurance company is likely to deem you a higher risk and charge higher rates, or deny the application altogether. If you obtain insurance at a higher rate, this rate is likely to stay high for several years after the alcohol related offense.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Posted in: Car Accidents

Gruber Law Offices, LLC. 100 E. Wisconsin Avenue Suite 1650 Wilwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Archives

Topics

Motorcycle Safety

Using Your Car as a Dinner Table Can Be Dangerous

Study Reveals Increase in Teen Fatality Rates in Car Accidents

Hybrid Vehicles Combine Safety and Fuel Efficiency

Ten Tips for Buying the “Right” New Car

Wisconsin Boating Safety Courses

Road Rage

Ban on hands-free devices?

Understanding the Dangers of Concussions in Car Accidents

Operating While Under the Influence (OWI) in Wisconsin – Zero Tolerance

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