Noticias

ROAD SAFETY IS A TWO-WAY STREET

Road safety is a priority throughout the year. However, with the new year comes new year resolutions. Since most resolutions revolve around fitness, this means people will be exercising. More importantly, they will be out on the street walking, jogging, running, and even cycling.

With so many people heading out onto the road this January it is imperative we remember basic road safety. It starts with following the rules of the road. To keep everyone safe, avoid accidents, and injuries we have put together some safety tips.

Motorist Road Safety

First, we would like to remind motorists to share the road. Be vigilant as cyclists and pedestrians will typically be out in the morning and evenings. Additionally, drivers should follow these tips:

• Turn on their headlights during twilight hours
• Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Adhere to the posted speed limit.
• When turning yield to pedestrians and cyclists.
• Look before opening your car door.
• Be careful when passing stopped vehicles.
• Allow three feet when passing cyclists.

Cyclist Road Safety

Similarly, cyclists will be traveling on the roadways the same as motorists. Therefore, they must follow all the same rules of the road. In addition, to obeying traffic signs and lights cyclists must use signals to indicate if they are stopping or turning. However, here are some other road safety tips cyclists should also follow:

• Do not wear headphones while riding.
• Be predictable, ride with traffic, do not swerve in the lane, and do not pass on the right.
• Be visible – wear reflective clothing, use a front headlight, and rear red light or reflector.
• Wear a helmet.
• Carry identification like driver’s license or ID

Pedestrian Road Safety

Unfortunately, not all areas have sidewalks. As a result, pedestrians could be using the roadways alone side of the motorists and cyclists. Therefore, pedestrians are bond to the same rules of the road. Whether you’re walking or running here are some tips to help keep you safe out on the road.

• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Use signaled crosswalks when possible
• Be visible, do not wear dark clothing
• Use a reflective device and wear reflective clothing during twilight hours.
• Carry identification like a driver’s license or ID bracelet.

If You Are Injured

Lastly, it is easy for drivers to forget they are sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians. This can be dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. Unlike the driver of a car, there is no protection for either the cyclist or the pedestrian in a collision. For this reason, an accident with an automobile could lead to serious injury or death.

In most cases of accidents that involve pedestrians or cyclists and an automobile, it is difficult to determine who is at fault. However, if you have an auto accident attorney, they will complete an accident scene investigation. This will help uncover the facts to protect your rights and allow you to recoup the maximum for your injuries.

CONTACTO

After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our equipo de lesiones personales is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.

Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.

HOLIDAY GREETING

At this joyous time of year, all of those from our firm wishes to extend our very best wishes to you and yours for a safe, happy and healthy holiday season, and it is our sincere hope that the New Year brings you peace and contentment.

We find there is no better time than the holiday season, to look back with appreciation for your loyalty and trust in us to protect you and your family. Our equipo de lesiones personales is joyously looking forward to moving into the New Year together.

Thank you to all our clients, friends, and associates who have made the past year so special.

HOLIDAY SUGAR COOKIE TRUFFLES
by Haley D Williams

READY IN: 30mins SERVINGS: 18 sugar cookie truffles

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups (200 g) or 12 sugar cookies¹ about 2 1/2 in diameter
• 4 tablespoons (2 oz or 57 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers, or candy melts
• Sprinkles for decoration

SUGGESTED TOOLS

• Food processor
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheet
• Dipping tools

DIRECTIONS

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Place sugar cookies in a food processor and process until cookies turn into fine crumbs. Add cream cheese and process again until well-combined and mixture can be pressed into a ball, 1 to 2 minutes.2
3. Shape cookies into balls about 1-inch to 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Place on prepared cookie sheet and place in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. While the truffles freeze, melt white chocolate in a medium bowl according to instructions. See notes below for tips on melting chocolate.3
5. Remove the cookie truffles from the refrigerator. Using two forks, dip and roll chilled truffles, one at a time, in chocolate coating. Return to lined cookie sheet and immediately top with sprinkles. Repeat process for remaining truffles. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to one month.4

NOTES

1. Preferred sugar cookies: Use hard sugar cookies, not soft. I suggest using my cut-out sugar cookie recipe or buying Pepperidge Farm sugar cookies at the store.
2. Crumbly dough: If the sugar cookie truffle dough is not firm enough to roll into balls, add a teaspoon or two of milk.
3. Melting chocolate: Use melting wafers or candy melts. Microwave at 50% power level in 30-second intervals until chocolate is melted and smooth. Never add water to melted chocolate. If you need to thin out the chocolate, add a tablespoon of shortening or coconut oil.
4. Freezing cookie truffles: Truffles can be frozen up to a month in advance. I suggest dipping them in chocolate before freezing for storage. Layer them between a sheet of parchment paper in an airtight container. Defrost them in the refrigerator before serving.

CONTACTO

¿Herido o arrestado? Our mission is to form a lasting partnership with every client. Our passion is the people we help and the lives that we help change. So, don’t become just another case.

Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.

PROLONGED RECOVERY FROM A CAR ACCIDENT?

Getting the Insurance Company to Pay Gets Tricky…

Many car accident victims experienced back and neck pain. Even insurance companies will agree. When your body gets thrashed around in a violent crash it causes pain and stiffness. Which often requires some medical treatment.

However, if you’re experiencing a prolonged recovery, insurance companies are quick to deny your treatment. Generally, they will first argue that your prolonged treatment wasn’t necessary. Then they will claim that you are malingering (a fancy way to say that you’re faking it).

Next, they may claim that you had some type of pre-existing issue that is really the cause of the pain. Remember that back twinge you had three years ago while helping your brother move? Well, if you got some physical therapy for it, the insurance will claim that’s why you got all of that treatment after your accident.

If for some reason you had delayed receiving care after your accident, the insurance company will also argue that the treatment simply was unrelated to the accident. For example, if you didn’t go to the ER after your accident because you didn’t have health insurance, that may be held against you.

That said, if you’ve been in a car accident, and your recovery is more complicated than you had hoped, give us a call.

CONTACTO

RHINO Lawyers know that car accidents can happen at any time. After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our equipo de lesiones personales is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from a car accident.

Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.

ROLLOVER CRASHES

Rollover crashes are caused when there is an extreme shift in the weight of a vehicle that causes it to tip over onto its side or roof. In some cases, a vehicle could complete several rotations before coming to a stop.

Often these are some of the worst accidents that can occur. Due to the amount of force applied to the occupants in the vehicle a rollover crashes are usually fatal. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, nearly 85% of all rollover-related fatalities are the result of single-vehicle crashes.

This means that most rollover crashes and fatalities do not involve any other vehicle. Suggesting that a driver’s behavior (distraction, inattentiveness, speeding, and impaired driving) plays a significant role in rollover crashes.

Statics of a rollover crash

The fatality rate in a rollover crash is higher than other automobile accidents. Luckily this type of crash is rare. For instance, NHSA (National Highway Safety Administration) states:

• Of the nearly 9.1 million passenger car, SUV, pickup, and van crashes in 2010, only 1% involved a rollover.
• However, these rollover crashes accounted for nearly 35%of all deaths from passenger vehicles.
• In 2010 alone, more than 7,600 people died in rollover crashes and the majority of them (69%) were not wearing safety belts.

Avoiding a rollover crash

The news is not all bad. When seen in terms of rollover-fatalities per million registered vehicles, all vehicle types have improved, and SUVs have improved the most. Common sense and routine maintenance can greatly increase your odds of avoiding a rollover and walking away from one if it happens. Here are some survival tips:

• Newer is better. Choose a vehicle with the most up-to-date safety systems. Especially important are electronic stability control and side-curtain airbags.
• Wear safety belts. Belts help keep you in the seat, so you are not tossed around in a rollover crash.
• Check the tires. At least once a month check all the tires are properly inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and that they are in good shape.
• Watch the load. Overloading any vehicle, particularly SUVs and pickups, decreases its stability. The worst practice is to place heavy loads on the roof. Try to stay well within the load ratings specified by the manufacturer.
• Watch your speed. Speed makes a vehicle’s tendencies to roll over more severe, and it also makes more demands on a driver’s attention and skill.
• Beware on country roads. Almost three-quarters of fatal rollovers occur in rural areas on roads where the speed limit is 55 mph or more.

CONTACTO

RHINO Lawyers know that car accidents can happen at any time. After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our equipo de lesiones personales is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from a car accident.

Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.

DRIVING HABITS THAT CAUSE ACCIDENTS

It is important for every driver to stay safe while on the road. However, with all the distractions of life, we sometimes forget and that’s when an accident can happen. RHINO Lawyers want to keep you in the driver’s seat with a clean record. Here are some common driving habits that cause accidents.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol continues to be a problem on the road. In Florida, there were 17,748 alcohol-related crashes in 2010. So yes, impaired driving tops the list of accident-causing behaviors in Florida or any state.

Speeding

Speeding continues to be the number one cited driver-related factor in highway fatal crashes. Speed limits are in place for the safety of people who are on or about our roadways. That’s because the faster you go, the higher the chances are that you’ll get into a serious accident. Just slow down!

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can be an activity that takes your concentration off the road like texting and eating. Activities that take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road put you at risk of an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, states that “in 2011 3,331 people died in distraction-affected accidents.”

Aggressive Driving

Most people consider themselves good drivers, but stress can turn even the most courteous driver into an aggressive one. Aggressive driving contributes to 5 million car accidents each year. Most people don’t even realize these driving habits are aggressive: rolling stops, speeding through yellow lights, not yielding the right of way, preventing a merge, honking the horn, failing to signal, tailgating, or weaving through traffic. Being mindful of these behaviors will make your daily travels safer.

Using Your Phone

While most states have made talking and texting on your cell phone illegal, using hands-free is still allowed. However, this can still be distracting. When you are distracted while driving you to put yourself and others at risk. It’s safer to put your phone away until you reach your destination.

Failure to Yield Right of Way

Every-day drivers forget to follow this very simple rule. Waiting to turn left against oncoming traffic, yielding to the driver on your right at a 4-way stop, allowing pedestrians to cross safely could prevent many unnecessary accidents.

Lastly, it’s always important to obey traffic signs, pay attention to your surroundings, and exercise caution on the road. For more preventative techniques try brushing up on your knowledge and skills with a Florida traffic school course.

CONTACTO

After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our equipo de lesiones personales is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.

Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Wishing you the happiness of good friends, the joy of a happy family, and the wonder of the holiday season. Here is a yummy recipe for the holidays. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

pumpkin cheesecake recipe for Thanksgiving
by Todd Wilbur

READY IN: 1hr 44mins SERVES: 8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar, plus
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 3 eggs
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1⁄4 teaspoon allspice
• whipped cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Make the crust by combining the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and 1 sugar in a medium bowl.
3. Stir well enough to coat all the crumbs with the butter, but not so much as to turn the mixture into a paste.
4. Keep it crumbly.
5. Put foil partway up the outside part of an 8-inch springform pan.
6. Press the crumbs onto the bottom and about two-thirds of the way up the sides of the springform pan.
7. You don’t want the crust to form all of the way up the back of each slice of cheesecake.
8. Bake the crust for 5 minutes, then set aside until you are ready to fill it.
9. In a large mixing bowl combine the cream cheese, 1 C sugar, and vanilla.
10. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth.
11. Add the pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice and continue beating until smooth and creamy.
12. Pour the filling into the pan.
13. Bake for 60-70 minutes.
14. The top will turn a bit darker at this point.
15. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool.
16. When the cheesecake has come to room temperature, put it into the refrigerator.
17. When the cheesecake has chilled, remove the pan sides and cut the cake into 8 equal pieces.
18. Serve with a generous portion of whipped cream on top.

CONTACTO

Injured or Arrested? Our mission is to form a lasting partnership with every client. Our personal injury team’s passion is the people we help and the lives that we help change. Don’t become just another case.

Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.

CONSTRUCTION ZONE ACCIDENTS

Each year, hundreds of road construction workers across the country die in work zones due to construction zone accidents. One of the top causes is drivers who pass on the outside of the construction zone. And, collide with workers, equipment, or other vehicles. Drivers passing through work zones need to pay attention, follow instructions, and observe the speed limits.

However, construction zones can be dangerous for passersby as well. According to a study conducted by the WorkZoneSafety.org, in 2017 construction zones were the sites of roughly 94,000 vehicular accidents, leading to over 37,000 injuries, not to mention damage to property.

Work zones containing incorrect, improper, or confusing signage; insufficient warnings on lane closures, merges, or shifts; sudden speed changes; missing cones or barrels at key points; dangerously uneven pavement or unblocked, unmarked holes in the road; poor lighting; and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway in a reckless manner are a few of the hazards that may lead to accidents.

Road repair/construction is an inevitability. Roadways in a state of disrepair will be a source of danger to motorists so they need repairing. Yet, it needs completion with the highest standards of safety and care in mind. All the situations mentioned before are completely avoidable.

CONTACT A TAMPA CONSTRUCTION ZONE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

If you are involved in an accident at a road construction zone, you may file a claim against a worker, the construction company, the city, or other entity involved in the situation. Our equipo de lesiones personales is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from the accident.

Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.

WRONG WAY CRASHES

Wrong-way driving crashes occur when a driver does not observe the posted traffic sign, travels the wrong direction in the lane and collides with another vehicle. Unfortunately, these crashes are all too common.

If you were involved in a wrong-way crash, you may not know what to do. A car accident attorney like RHINO Lawyers can help. With our free consultation, we can inform you of your rights under the law.

TIPS FOR AVOIDING A WRONG-WAY CRASH

These crashes are more prevalent at night, dusk, and dawn. Considering, most wrong-way crashes are head-on crashes following these safety tips from the FLHSMV could help you avoid a crash:

• Stay Right at Night. This will help you to avoid crashes with wrong-way drivers.
• Call 911 immediately. Immediately reduce your speed and pull off the roadway to report the wrong-way driver.
• Stay alert. Do not drive distracted and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Learn and obey all traffic signs. If you drive past a wrong way sign, turn around immediately. When you see a posted red sign, think: “Stop.” “Do Not Enter.” “Wrong-Way.”
• Look for FDOT dynamic messaging signs for wrong-way driver alerts. When you see an alert, reduce your speed, move over to the right and proceed with extreme caution.

CONTACTO

RHINO Lawyers know that car accidents can happen at any time. After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our equipo de lesiones personales is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from a car accident.

Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.

DANGERS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Don’t Let Social Media Destroy Your Car Accident Claim

Social media has become a major part of our daily lives over the last decade. With many kids and adults using social outlets like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with friends, family, and share stories of their life. Unfortunately, these sites can become your worst enemy if you suffer injuries from a car accident.

Incidentally, most people have the temptation to share their car accident on social media. However, this is a terrible idea. Posting pictures of your accident, your injuries, or even commenting on your condition you risk hurting your case. At RHINO Lawyers we want to help you avoid that risk.

It is important to seek legal representation quickly. The more time that passes since your accident, the more chances for losing evidence and for making these and other simple mistakes that could hurt your case. Contact our equipo de lesiones personales today so we can help you protect and get the most from your injury case.

Call RHINO Lawyers en 844.329.3491 or complete the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” and we will answer your questions and review the facts of your case.

How They Use Social Media Against You

For instance, if you file a personal injury claim, the insurance company or the opposing party will likely research you on social media. Here are four ways your social media posts can damage your case:

• Accident Scene Photos – The other side can use these photos and take them out of context to weaken your claim.
• Talking about the Accident – Everything you post on social media they can use against you. Therefore, don’t mention your case at all. This includes posts about lawyer meetings, doctor’s appointments, and case frustrations. Even comments with good intentions can be construed in negative ways by the other insurance company.
• Comments from Witnesses or Friends – Posting a status update about your accident could attract comments from someone that may have seen it or the people with you. These too can be twisted and taken out of context to weaken your case.
• Posting about your Medical Condition – Avoid posting updates about your injuries while you are recovering. The defense can use this information to suggest that your injuries were not as serious as you are claiming.

Information Unrelated to your Claim Can Hurt You

Surprisingly, even posting updates that don’t reference your injury can still hurt your claim. For example, if you injured your back in a car accident and are seeking compensation for your pain and suffering, don’t post photos of your recent trip to Disney World. Even if the photos of you don’t show you doing any strenuous physical activities, they could show a picture of you smiling and laughing to a jury. And use it as proof that your injuries are not as serious as you are claiming.

Safe Practices for Social Media after an Accident Claim

So, with insurance companies, their adjusters, investigators, and defense attorneys trying to find “dirt” on a person who is making the injury claim they are handling. Social media makes for an easy source to find this information. Here are a few tips you can follow if you have a personal injury claim.

• Set account to private – setting accounts to “private” will make it more difficult for investigators to access your profiles. Use H2 privacy settings to prevent being tagged in images, or being mentioned, on any social media sites.
• Don’t post anything – Yes, we said it! Don’t post anything. However, we know that is not always possible so if you must post something DON’T post about the accident, injuries, anything related to travel, or physical activities.
• Don’t accept friend requests – Insurance agents may pose as alternate personas to access your account. Also, do not accept requests from your insurance adjuster as they have no business sending you any friend requests on social media.

Contact RHINO Lawyers

Lastly, do not use social media to discuss your car accident claim. It’s best to keep all details about the accident, injuries, and the claim progress to yourself. Remember, the less you say after an accident, the better off your claim will be.

Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.

DAMAGES CAN GO BEYOND PAIN & SUFFERING

If you’ve been injured in a car or truck wreck, there’s no question that pain and suffering are some of the most serious harms you may have to endure. These are the injuries that affect your quality of life and the very essence of who you are. But, many people don’t realize that damages can go way beyond pain and suffering. There are a myriad other ways a serious accident can impact their lives.

The following list, while not exhaustive or complete, is designed to give you an idea about some of the different types of damages that may be available to you (in addition to pain and suffering) if you suffer injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence in a motor vehicle wreck:

As you can see from this list, it is vitally important that you receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine the injuries and harm you’ve sustained after an accident. Your lawyer will use this information to help him or her decide what would constitute a fair and full settlement and jury verdict with respect to the injuries you have suffered.

CONTACTO

RHINO Lawyers know that car accidents can happen at any time. After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our equipo de lesiones personales is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from a car accident.

Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.