Emergency Car Accident Kit

emergency car kit

Emergency Accident Supplies 

Emergency Car Accident KitWagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore in Tampa, Fla., wants you to have an emergency kit in your vehicle to help you if, gosh forbid, an accident should occur. You might wonder what you should have in an emergency kit. The law firm recommends storing these items in your vehicle’s trunk.

Emergency Kit Item 1: Road Flares

You should have road flares to place around your vehicle after an accident so that other drivers can see you when it is dusk or if there is inclement weather. Road flares can prevent a second collision, or the items can alert other drivers who can call for assistance.

Emergency Kit Item 2: Fire Extinguisher 

Buy a fire extinguisher to keep in your vehicle’s trunk. With this item, you can extinguish a small fire that occurs in a vehicle’s engine. Use extreme caution while extinguishing any fire. When the fire grows, it is often better to stay away from a burning vehicle altogether.

Emergency Kit Item 3: First-aid Kit

Keep a first-aid kit in your vehicle’s trunk to help with minor injuries until paramedics arrive. You should take a first-aid class to understand how to care for particular types of injuries along with knowing how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Emergency Kit Item 4: Blankets

Make sure to keep one or more blankets in your vehicle to have when an accident occurs. Not only can a blanket keep you warm in cold weather, but also, you can use it when someone is hurt to help prevent shock. The signs of shock after an accident include constant shaking and a drop in body temperature.

Emergency Kit Item 5: Cellphone

Have a cellphone ready to call for help when a vehicle accident occurs. Make sure that the cellphone is charged so that you can call paramedics in any location. Many cellphones also have GPS systems so that telephone operators can find your location.

A Law Firm’s Telephone Number

You can prevent an assortment of legal problems by having handy the telephone number of an accident attorney in Tampa, Florida. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore’s phone number is 813-225-4000. Please be careful out there, and do not hesitate to call us any time you need us.

 

 

distracted driving

distracted drivingNew cars come with cool technology on the dashboards. Car consoles are supposed to make driving more convenient. However, new technology can take a person’s eyes off of the road. A team of researchers at the University of Utah examined the effects that technology had on driving. They found that touchscreen tasks took drivers’ eyes off of the road for an average of 24 seconds.

Navigation systems were among the most distracting systems. They distracted drivers for an average of 40 seconds. The researchers asked drivers to engage in various tasks while they were driving. The subjects had their cognitive and visual distraction measured.

The United States Department of Transportation considers distracted driving as any non-driving activity that takes a person’s attention away from the driving. It is important to note that it does not take long for a person to get distracted and get into an accident. There have been a number of cases reported where a person got into an accident while changing the radio station, which is something that can be done in two seconds.

In the past, vehicle consoles were simple. People used to have a radio with only five or six stations. Today, people have satellite radio with thousands of stations that they can choose from. Consoles can also come with GPS devices. More buttons and possible functions creates more opportunities for distraction — and, thus, more risk to the driver and other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the road.

Vehicle manufacturers often put more consoles in the vehicles in order to get more people to buy their vehicles. However, they are advised to consider the fact that technological advances can have adverse effects on driving.

Contact Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore

Distracted driving can cause a person to seriously injure or kill another person in an accident. If you have been injured in an accident, do not delay in contacting an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer. The personal injury lawyers at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore have years of experience in helping to make sure that people who are injured in a distracted driving accident are fairly compensated.

 

 

 

football injuries

football injuriesEvery sport comes with risks. However, football is one of the most dangerous sports that one can play. One of the reasons that football is so dangerous is because it is a contact sport. Blocking, tackling, and other physical interactions can make this sport a very activity.

Every year, thousands of football players are forced to miss games because of an injury. There are a number of injuries that are common among football players.

Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It is caused by a jolt or sudden blow to the head. Concussions are more likely to occur during football than any other sport. In fact, football accounts for 60 percent of the concussions that occur during sports. It is important to seek medical help right following a concussive event. Head injuries are often more serious than they seem. People should not return to the sport until they have been cleared by the doctor.

ACL Injuries

The anterior crucial ligament, which is also known as the ACL, is located in the knee. It can get torn or damaged if the player is hit from the rear or front.

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain is a relatively minor injury. The ankle is often injured because its soft tissue is easily hurt by turning, twisting, and suddenly changing direction. The ankle can also be sprained if too much pressure is put on it.

Torn Hamstrings

Sudden bursts of speed can cause the hamstrings to tear. This injury is more likely to occur if the muscles are not warmed up.

Shoulder Tendinitis

Shoulder tendinitis is a condition that occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed. This often occurs as the result of overuse injuries, such as repeatedly throwing a football.

Contact Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore

Under certain circumstances, football injuries can be the result of negligence. That is why you should call a Tampa personal injury attorney if you or one of your loved ones has been injured while playing football. We can discuss your case and help you get compensated if negligence caused your injuries.

 

 

child injuries

child injuriesParents place a lot of trust in the schools that their children attend. People rightfully expect their school districts to provide a safe environment in which their children can learn. However, it is not unusual for a child to suffer minor cuts and bruises from accidents while participating in normal childhood activities during school. This is to be expected. Unfortunately, however, sometimes a child is seriously injured because of the negligence of the school district or some of its employees. If you are in this situation, you need to immediately consult with a personal injury attorney in Tampa to get your child the compensation that he or she deserves.

School Liability

A school district is legally obligated to ensure that its schools are reasonably safe for students to attend. A school district can be liable for a child’s injuries if it was negligent or somehow violated its legal duty of care towards a child. However, suing a school for your child’s injuries is not a simple task. Proving negligence is complicated. Also, you may have to overcome claims of governmental immunity when suing a school district. If your child was injured at school, it is not always the best route to try to handle things on your own. Your child’s future is too important to gamble with, and any mistakes that you make can damage your case. You should immediately consult with a personal injury attorney in Tampa to protect your rights.

Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore

The law firm of Wagner and McLaughlin has been helping personal injury clients in the Tampa area since 1967. We understand the legal intricacies involved in suing a government entity such as a school. Our highly experienced personal injury attorneys will fight hard to get your child needed compensation for his or her injuries. If your child has been injured at school, don’t take chances with just any law firm. The lawyers who handled your last real estate or family law problem may not have the experience and judgment necessary to litigate a personal injury case.

Call the law offices of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore for a free and confidential case evaluation today.