March 15, 2021

What Can You Do to Prevent a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents can result in serious injuries to drivers and passengers alike. Since trucks are so much larger and heavier than cars, they can often inflict even more extensive harm. Unfortunately, truck accidents are much more common than many people assume. Whether you drive a pickup truck, a box truck, or a semi-trailer truck, it’s important for you to do your part to reduce the risk of a truck accident. So, what can you do to keep yourself and your passengers safe?

Truck accidents can result in serious injuries to drivers and passengers alike. Since trucks are so much larger and heavier than cars, they can often inflict even more extensive harm. Unfortunately, truck accidents are much more common than many people assume. Whether you drive a pickup truck, a box truck, or a semi-trailer truck, it’s important for you to do your part to minimize the risk of a truck accident. So, what can you do to keep yourself and your passengers safe?

Here are some important tips that truck drivers should follow in order to prevent truck accidents:

Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Because your vehicle is larger than other vehicles, it takes longer to come to a halt. That means that if you need to brake abruptly, then you run the risk of hitting the vehicle in front of you. To avoid this potential issue, make sure that you’re always maintaining a proper stopping distance whenever you’re on the road. If you keep that distance between yourself and other drivers, then you’ll be protecting yourself from rear-end collisions.

Avoid all distractions.

It’s important for all drivers to avoid distractions, of course, but it’s especially critical for truck drivers. Never use your cell phone or look away from the road while you’re driving, and do not allow yourself to become distracted by anger over other drivers’ behavior. You should also avoid driving when you’re fatigued. In order to drive your truck safely, you need to be as alert as possible at all times.

Obey the speed limit.

If you’re driving on the highway, then it can be tempting to exceed the speed limit. However, violating this law doesn’t just risk a traffic ticket—it can also raise your risk of getting into an accident. The faster your vehicle is going, the more deadly an accident is likely to be. To keep yourself and other vehicles safe, always obey the posted speed limit and drive in the proper lane for trucks.

So, what should other drivers do to drive safely around trucks? Here are some valuable tips to follow:

Stay out of trucks’ blind spots.

When you’re driving near a truck, make sure that the driver is able to see your vehicle. That means that you should avoid all possible blind spots for the driver. Here’s a rule to keep in mind: If you can’t see the truck driver, it means that they most likely can’t see you. If you stay within a truck driver’s view, then you’ll be less likely to collide with them.

Don’t follow trucks too closely.

Just as truck drivers should keep a safe distance from other vehicles, so you should keep a safe distance from them. If you’re driving behind a truck, make sure that you’re leaving yourself enough space to come to a complete stop if they suddenly hit the brakes. If you see that a truck needs to make a turn, then make sure that you’re giving them plenty of space to complete the maneuver.

Be cautious when passing trucks.

While passing trucks can be done perfectly safely, it’s still important to exercise caution. Make sure that you pass on the left and that you signal that you are changing lanes first. Once you’ve passed the truck, do not move back into their lane until you see the truck in your rear-view mirror. Finally, avoid passing trucks when you’re going either uphill or downhill—wait until you’re both driving on flat ground.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, then you need to act immediately to protect your rights. That means contacting an attorney as soon as possible. When you need an experienced truck accident attorney in Ontario, it’s time to call The Baum Law Firm. Our team can provide you with the legal services you need, including representation. We’ll also make sure that you fully understand what your rights are, and we’ll explain the merits of your claim to you. If you’re ready to learn more, then contact us today for a free phone consultation!

Things You Should Do If a Dog Bites You

Let’s face it: Nobody ever expects to be bitten by a dog. If it does happen to you, however, it can be a frightening experience. Not only can it be disruptive to your day, but it can also be dangerous. Dog attacks can lead to lasting injuries, and they can also put you at risk of deadly infections.

Many people are also uncertain what they should do in the aftermath of a dog bite incident. They may also not be sure what their rights are. If you have medical bills to pay, then will the dog’s owner pay them? Should you also report the dog? Fortunately, it’s easy to get the answers to these questions. Here is a guide to what you should do in the event that you are bitten by a dog.

Take immediate steps to treat the wound.

Once you are safe from any further injury from the dog, you should take immediate action to minimize any complications that may be caused by your dog bite. After gently pressing on the wound area and thoroughly washing it with soap and water, use a sterile bandage to cover the wound. If you are bleeding, then you can use a clean cloth to wrap it. If you have an antibiotic cream, you can use that to help reduce the risk of infection.

Contact a medical professional right away.

It’s important to go to the doctor—or even the emergency room, if the dog bite happens at a time when your doctor is unavailable—as soon as possible after you have been bitten. Dog bites can result in badly torn tissue, which can lead to severe infections. Dogs can spread harmful bacteria through their bites, which can easily cause health issues. Individuals who have compromised immune systems are at an especially high risk of infection after a dog bite. That’s why you shouldn’t take chances, even if the bite looks minor.

Exchange information with the dog owner.

A dog attack can be extremely upsetting. However, you should remain as calm as you can, especially when speaking with the dog owner. You should be sure to exchange contact information so that you can get in touch with them if necessary. It’s also important to ask for proof that the dog is up to date with their rabies vaccination. If you don’t have proof that the dog does not have rabies, then you will have to get a rabies shot to protect yourself.

Document the incident and its aftermath.

You should also try to keep a record of the dog attack, so that you can use it to protect your rights. Take a photo of the bite with your phone as soon as possible after the incident, so that you have a record of what the bite looked like immediately after it happened. If the wound changes at all in appearance or severity, then you should try to keep a visual record of those changes. Also, keep all medical records related to the incident, including your receipts. If there were any witnesses to the dog bite, then try to get their contact information.

Are you in need of an injury lawyer? The Baum Law Firm provides legal services in Ontario, San Bernardino, and other cities in the state of California. We have been serving the community since 1959, so we are always available if you need representation. Our team will make sure that you always understand what your rights are, and we will work to protect them for you. That’s why you should schedule a free phone consultation with us after your injury. You can reach us today by calling (909) 202-4501.

Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are very common. Unfortunately, they are also highly dangerous. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, a motorcycle rider is many times more likely to die in the event of an accident than a passenger in a motor vehicle. As a result, it is very important for everybody on the road—both motorcycle riders and motorists—to take preventive action to reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents. If you have been involved in a road accident near Ontario, CA, then get in touch with an attorney right away.

Here are some important tips for lowering the chances that a motorcycle accident will happen:

Be aware of your surroundings.

It’s crucial to be alert to everything that is going on around you whenever you are on the road. If you are a motorcycle rider, then make sure that you are paying attention to the conditions of the road. Always scan the street or highway in front of you so that you can quickly see and prepare for potential road hazards. If you’re a driver, then you should always be aware when there are motorcycles near you. Be sure to give motorcycles plenty of space, and keep a safe distance between yourself and them.

Don’t make impulsive decisions.

If you are in a hurry, then it can be tempting to drive more recklessly than you normally would. For example, you might have the impulse to switch lanes without first checking to see if there is a vehicle in your way. However, this can easily lead to a serious accident. Always check your blind spot before changing lanes, and be 100 percent sure that the way is clear for you to move your vehicle. Be especially cautious at intersections, as this is where a significant number of motorcycle accidents happen.

Make sure that you’re visible.

Maximum visibility is the key to avoiding accidents. If you’re riding a motorcycle, then it is important that you stay visible to other vehicles at all times. Always wear brightly colored, reflective clothing whenever you are on your motorcycle. In addition, you should keep your headlights on even during daytime driving. If you’re a motorist, then make sure that you turn on your headlights whenever you are in low visibility conditions, such as tunnels, inclement weather, or dusk. Needless to say, of course, you should never ride a motorcycle without a helmet.

Try to avoid bad weather.

If possible, it’s a smart idea to avoid riding your motorcycle when the weather is bad. Rain, snow, hail, and even high winds can all drastically increase your chances of becoming involved in a motorcycle accident. Bad weather can make the roads slick and difficult to drive on. Many drivers are also unused to driving in bad weather, which means that they may behave more recklessly than usual. Finally, it can simply be difficult to see the road clearly if the weather is bad. Thus, it’s simply safer to save your motorcycle for clear, sunny days.

When you are in need of a personal injury lawyer, it’s time to connect with The Baum Law Firm. Our team provides legal services to Ontario, San Bernardino, and surrounding communities in the state of California. For the past six decades, we have been offering our services to individuals who have been harmed by the negligence of other parties. If you would like to learn more about the services we offer, then call us today at (909) 202-4501. Our team will be glad to answer your questions for you, so give us a call as soon as possible!

December 16, 2019

Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident

It’s safe to say that nobody ever expects to get involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, it is a situation that most drivers will have to confront sooner or later. So, how can you prepare for it? If you want to be ready for the possibility of an accident, then you should know in advance who you’re going to call. A personal injury lawyer near Ontario, CA, can provide you with the guidance you need to protect your rights—especially if you have been injured. Here are the other steps you should take in the aftermath of a car accident.

Check yourself and others for possible injuries.

The first and most important step to take after a car accident is to see if anybody has been injured. If you or someone else has been hurt, then it is important to call emergency services right away. Also, try not to move an injured person until emergency personnel arrive. If you don’t have a phone, then ask a bystander if they can call for assistance. It’s also important to make sure that you pay attention to any symptoms you experience that might be related to the accident. If you experience any pain or discomfort later, then you should go to a doctor.

Make sure you are in a safe place.

After checking to make sure nobody has been injured, you should then move out of the way of immediate danger. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road, out of the flow of traffic. If this is not possible, then make sure that you and other people at the accident scene are not standing near the flow of traffic. Be especially careful if you are outside at night, or even at dawn or dusk. Turn on your hazard lights to make other drivers aware of the accident.

Gather evidence of the accident.

To protect your rights, try to get as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Use your phone to take pictures of your vehicles, and write down details of the accident while they are still fresh in your mind. You should also exchange information with the other driver. Make sure to get their full name and address, their driver’s license and license plate numbers, and their insurance information. Also, be sure to keep any medical bills or anything else that documents any treatment you receive for injuries sustained in the accident.

Call the police to report the accident.

Under California law, you must report any traffic accident to the police within 24 hours. If you do not call the police from the accident scene, then you will need to fill out a report at the local police station. Having a police record of the accident is also essential for protecting your rights. If anyone was injured, then you will also need to report the accident to the DMV within seven days.

If you have been involved in a car accident near Ontario, CA, then you need a seasoned lawyer in your corner. That’s when it’s time to call The Baum Law Firm. Our firm has been representing clients in the area since 1959, and we will be glad to answer your questions about your claim. Remember: You won’t owe us a dime unless we are able to recover money for you. Are you ready to learn more? If so, then call (951) 200-4265 for a free phone consultation.