September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide and suicidal ideation have impacted the lives of millions around the globe, including many of us at The Advocates. 

While these can be heavy, troubling topics to think about, we believe that education, awareness, and access to resources are what will ultimately move us toward the goal of a world without suicide.

Statistics for Suicide and Suicidal Ideation in the United States

Understanding risk factors for suicide can help us know who is at greater risk and find ways to help, as individuals, communities, and as a nation.

• Suicide is the 11th most common cause of death in the United States
• In 2021, suicide rates were highest among adults aged 25-34 and those older than 75
• On average, there are 132 suicide deaths each day in the US
• The CDC estimates that in 2020, more than 940,000 years of potential life were lost to suicide
• The states with the highest suicide rates include Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, New Mexico, and Idaho
• 12.3 million adults have seriously thought about suicide
• American Indian men and non-Hispanic white men are the two racial demographics with the highest rates of suicide deaths
• Veterans, people living in rural areas, LGBTQ people, and people working in certain occupations (such as mining and construction) have higher than average suicide rates

Resources

You are not alone—there are people who care about you and are there to listen. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, get help using the following resources.

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: You can call or text 988 to be connected to a trained crisis counselor. This service is available 24/7. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741. These crisis counselors can provide support with suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, and other crises. 

Veterans Crisis Line: If you are a veteran experiencing suicidal ideation, dial 988, then press 1. You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to receive help at this crisis line.

How You Can Make a Difference

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: The AFSP provides educational materials, awareness programs, and research funding for suicide prevention. Each year, the AFSP hosts suicide prevention walks across the United States. Find a walk close to you here. You can also donate to the cause here.

BeThe1To: Learn the five research-based action steps for communicating with someone who may be having thoughts of suicide. Then, download a 5-step message kit to spread the word.

National Institute of Mental Health: The mission of the NIMH is to “transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.” They offer free shareable suicide prevention resources.

More than 1.3 million people are killed in motor vehicle accidents every year. Most of these are caused by human error. Some, though, are the result of deadly conditions–and some roads are more prone to poor conditions than others.

The deadliest roads in the world are often home to sharp turns, sheer drops, dangerous weather conditions, massive potholes, and other terrifying environmental circumstances.

In no particular order, we’ve listed 9 of the most dangerous roads in the world below.

Skippers Canyon Road–New Zealand

Unfortunately, sometimes the most scenic roads in the world are also the deadliest. Such is the case with Skippers Canyon Road in the South Island of New Zealand. This winding road is roughly 11 miles long and, while beautiful, claims nearly 100 lives each year. This is not nearly the deadliest road on our list, but traversing it requires extreme concentration and patience.

Skippers Canyon Road was hand-carved into the side of a cliff by miners in the late 1800s. The narrow road is mostly one-way and has no room to turn around for miles at a time. There are no guardrails preventing cars from falling off the steep drop-offs to the Shotover River.

With access to bungee jumping and white-water rafting operations, Skippers Canyon Road may seem like the ideal destination for a road trip, but use caution. Most rental car insurance will not cover you in the event of an accident on this road.

Karakoram Highway–Pakistan to China

The 810-mile Karakoram Highway, connecting Pakistan to China, is one of the highest paved roads in the world, at an elevation of more than 15,000 feet above sea level. Obviously, at such high altitudes, weather conditions are often unpredictable and dangerous. In the winter months, the highway is often closed for long periods of time due to heavy snowfall.

Even when skies are clear, there is a constant threat of mudslides in the area. These landslides can create blockages that prevent motorists from getting through.

More than 1,000 Pakistani and Chinese workers died in the construction of the road in the 20th century. Since the road opened to the public, another 1,000 people have died while driving it.

Atlantic Road–Norway

The Nowegian Atlantic Ocean Road is another popular tourist route–with breathtaking views of fjords, mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean, it makes for a memorable trip. Unfortunately, the severe weather conditions can make it an unforgettable drive for other, more tragic reasons.

The 22-mile road often experiences winds of up to 30 miles per hour, along with low visibility. On days with poor conditions, the route’s eight bridges can feel like death traps.

Though the Atlantic Road requires technical driving skills and nerves of steel, it is considered one of the best coastal drives in the world. From stunning sunsets to unparalleled Norwegian seascapes, it’s no wonder that thrill seekers and adventure enthusiasts put this drive on their bucket lists.

North Yungas Road–Bolivia

North Yungas Road is also known as the Death Road, and for good reason. Until 1994, the road saw nearly 300 fatalities each year. Stretching through the Amazon rainforest, the 43-mile roadway is home to hairpin turns, steep drop-offs, and thick fog. Landslides are common on the narrow mountain pass.

For many years, North Yungas Road was the only way to get from La Paz, Bolivia, to the town of Coroico. It was only one lane and lacked guardrails. In 2006, the Bolivian government built a new road connecting Coroico to the capital city. They also made improvements to North Yungas, adding another lane and repaving the surface.

Even with the safety updates, the road can still be treacherous. It is estimated that more than a dozen cyclists have lost their lives on Death Road in the last ten years.

Fairy Meadows Road–Pakistan

Though its name might evoke images of wildflowers and magic, Fairy Meadows Road is not exactly a pleasant drive. High in the Himalayas, the nearly 10-mile stretch is entirely unpaved and unmaintained. The surface is uneven and rough, having been carved into a mountainside many years ago. At certain points, there is only room for one car at a time.

Because the road lacks barriers of any kind, any car could easily slide off the mountain’s edge into the valley below. Only high-clearance vehicles with expert drivers can safely make it up this road. Near the end of the trip, only foot and bicycle traffic can travel on the narrow path.

As with many experiences in life, the terrifying challenges of Fairy Meadows Road come with quite the reward. The route ends at Fairy Meadows, a stunning valley at the base of the Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain in the world. 

Due to the high altitude, the road is only open in the summer. 

Dalton Highway–United States

Given that many of the deadliest roads in the world are in remote, mountainous areas, it makes sense that the United States’ only entry on this list is in Alaska. The 414-mile James Dalton Highway is one of the furthest north roadways in the world. It passes through only 3 towns–this means only 3 chances to fill up with gas or purchase other supplies.

The reality TV show “Ice Road Truckers” features Dalton Highway on many episodes. The road is remote, icy, and unpaved in most areas. It’s recommended that every traveler on the highway have emergency supplies in the car with them. It is also advised that no one travel alone.

The only medical facilities in the area are at the two ends of the highway. This means that, in the event of an emergency, it can take hours for first responders to arrive.

Guoliang Tunnel Road–China

High in the Taihang Mountains, the Chinese village of Guoliang used to be almost entirely cut off from the rest of the world–the only way to get to the town was by traversing a steep, narrow staircase carved into the mountainside. Naturally, this trip was dangerous and exhausting.

Since 1977, the Guoliang Tunnel has allowed vehicles to access the village. Though Guoliang Tunnel Road is relatively short (less than a mile), it is narrow and treacherous. In many places, there is only room for one-way traffic. Unfortunately, because the tunnel twists and dips as it travels through the mountain, it can be impossible to know if other cars are coming in your direction.

Guliang Tunnel has been deadly even before it was open to the public–it was carved by hand by local villagers, and some of them died in the process.

Sichuan-Tibet Highway–China

The Sichuan-Tibet Highway is the longest road on our list at more than 1,300 miles. The highway travels between the cities of Chengdu and Lhasa. Though the route is mostly paved, it frequently suffers rock avalanches and flooding, which can damage the asphalt and leave potholes.

Because the road traverses 14 different mountains, it is full of hairpin bends and steep grades. The high altitude makes for unpredictable weather. When the road becomes blocked by rockslides or water, the traffic jam can stretch on for miles.

Zojila Pass–India

Yet another high-altitude pass, Zojila Pass (also known simply as Zoji La) travels through the Himalayan Mountains. The area often experiences heavy rains and mudslides, which can make the unpaved road impassable at times. Connecting the Kashmir Valley with the Ladakh region, the pass stretches over 100 miles.

The road is steep, winding, and narrow, making it a white-knuckle ride for most drivers. Strong winds and precipitation add to the risk.

The Indian government approved the construction of a Zoji La tunnel in 2018. This tunnel will cut through the mountain under the Zojila Pass. The tunnel will decrease drive time from three hours to 15 minutes. It will also be the longest bidirectional tunnel in Asia.

Bayburt D915–Turkey

Bayburt D915 has been called the deadliest road in the world. The unpaved route travels 111 miles from the town of Of to the Bayburt province. Along the way, drivers face 29 hairpin turns without guardrails. 

Due to fog and snow, visibility can be extremely limited in the area. In wet or dark conditions, the road is particularly dangerous, as mud or landslides can cause cars to become stuck. In fact, the route is impassable for much of the year–sometimes from as early as October to as late as July.

With few dense urban centers, most people are surprised to learn Montana is the most dangerous state to drive in. With a record 22.6 car accident deaths per 100,000 people, Montana’s roads and highways are some of the most deadly in the entire country. The biggest reasons why are due to low seat belt use, only 74% compared to the national average of 87%, and a culture of drinking and driving. Too often, driving in Montana is a gamble for too many commuters. Below is a list The Montana Advocates have compiled of the top 5 deadliest roadways in all of Montana.

5. US Highway 191: An Icy Gauntlet of Death

During the winter US Highway 191 is so dangerous that locals suggest avoiding driving through the Canyon despite it being the quickest route to Bozeman and the Yellowstone National Park. Running north to south from Bozeman down to West Yellowstone, US 191 is a snaking and twisting reach of carnage and destruction during the snowy season and is responsible for plenty of car accidents each year. Built in the shadows of two mountain ranges and long known as the preferred route for hurried 18-wheelers that skid and slid as they rush to deliver their cargo, driving through this expanse of Montana asphalt is a little like running the gauntlet. Traveling down an iced US 191 is without a doubt a white-knuckle, panic-inducing experience. Any motorist prone to heart palpitations or a weak bladder should probably just take Highway 287 instead.

4. US Highway 12: The Road of Treachery

From forest fires to rock slides to moose crossings, US Highway 12 surely has its fair share of treacherous obstacles for drivers to overcome. But what earns this roadway a spot on this list is the winding and bending dangers of the infamous Lolo Pass. Located on the border of Montana and Idaho, Lolo Pass is a sky high mountain roadway twisting through the Rocky Mountains at an eye-popping elevation of over 5,000 feet. With few guardrails and sharp turns that seem to pop up out of nowhere, Lolo Pass is a dizzying experience that requires absolute attention of any driver willing to test the mettle of its asphalt. Do yourself a favor when traveling on US 12 and just ignore any texts you receive while driving and try not to blink too long because a moment of distraction is all it takes to send you careening off the road and down into the chasm below.

3. US Highway 93: Where the Wild Things Are

Reaching south from the Canadian border straight through Missoula and all the way down to Idaho, US Highway 93 is one of the most deadly roads to travel on in the United States due to the enormous amount of animal crossings. With over 3,000 wildlife crashes reported in Montana for the year of 2015, Highway 93 is ground zero for animal car accidents in the US. The most dangerous section, however, is the 20-mile stretch between the 90 and 110 mileposts, which studies have shown to have the highest concentration of deer, elk, and even bears lumbering across the roadway. So if you ever find yourself traveling down northwest along Flatlead Lake on US 93, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any lonely moose crossing the road.

2. US Highway 2: The Lonely Road

What lands the infamous US Highway 2 in the penultimate spot on this list is how remote much of this roadway is at times. Indeed, the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety lists Highway 2 as one of the most dangerous roads in the country due to its abnormal fatality rate, which is easily the highest in the nation. The reason for Highway 2 is due to how long it takes for emergency vehicles to respond to an accident. Car accident victims must often fend for themselves while they wait on average of 80 minutes for ambulances arrive. And considering that Montanans have a propensity of not using seat belts, Highway 2 is deathtrap just waiting to spring.

1. Interstate 90: Don’t Let the Good Times Roll

It’s little surprise that Interstate 90 sits atop the rankings for most dangerous Montana roads. In fact, I-90 is considered the most dangerous stretch of highway in all of the United States. And the reason why has nothing to do with the road itself or any wildlife wandering over its paved lanes.

Unfortunately, I-90 owes its reputation of recklessness to one thing and one thing alone: drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration there was an average of 5 drunk-driving-related deaths per 100,000 people between 2004 to 2013 along Interstate 90. Heavy drinking is a big part of Montana culture and when you mix this with the usual distracted drivers, excessive speeding, and a statewide habit of not using seat belts, Interstate 90 is, by far, the de facto highway of mayhem and destruction in the entire United States.

Call the Attorneys with the Advocates Today

And there you have it. The worst roads and highways in all of Montana. Automobile accidents are a grim reality of the road for far too many people. If you’ve been hurt in an accident through no fault of your own you will need an Advocate on your side. Our car accident lawyers have decades of experience helping victim of an accident victims recover what they are owed according to Montana law. Don’t wait to get back on the road to recovery. Contact the Montana Advocates today. You can either call our office at 406-534-7179 or chat online with a live car accident attorney right now from our homepage. You deserve an Advocate!

Did you know that millions of cars have been recalled due to faulty airbags? Airbags are designed to help keep drivers and passengers safe from serious injuries, but what happens if they don’t work?

In the last 30 years, car manufacturers have worked tirelessly to make motor vehicles safer to drive. For the most part, airbags have helped save many lives. In fact, airbags dropped the number of traffic fatalities by 29% in the U.S.

While they are certainly one of the most important safety features in a vehicle, defective airbags can cause serious, if not life-threatening, injuries.

In the following article, we will outline what can go wrong with airbags, common airbag-related injuries and how we can help you recover compensation for an airbag injury.

What are the Top 4 Airbag Defects?

A defective airbag can pose an imminent threat to a driver or passenger’s safety during a collision. But before we discuss some of the most common defects, it’s important to understand just how airbags work.

When a vehicle collides with another object, the speed of the vehicle reduces significantly. In those few seconds that your car decelerates, an accelerometer (which is an electric chip that measures acceleration or force) detects this rapid change. If the change in speed is drastic enough, then the airbag is triggered to deploy.

When this sensor stops working properly, the results can be alarming. Here are 4 common airbag defects you should know:

1. Airbags can deploy at the wrong time
2. Airbags can fail to deploy at all
3. Not all airbags deploy
4. Airbags can release too aggressively

If an airbag deploys incorrectly during an accident, you can suffer serious injuries from this malfunction. Even worse, a well-known airbag brand named Takata created a faulty airbag that exploded at the time of deployment and ended up claiming the lives of 16 people, leaving hundreds more injured. All of which could have been avoided with the proper safety inspection during the manufacturing process.

Common Airbag-Related Injuries

There are a number of factors that can cause airbag-related injuries. A few being the speed in which the airbag is deployed, the chemicals used in the device and the timing and effectiveness of deployment.

Below are the most common types of airbag injuries:

• Burns to arms, hands and chest
• Damage to the lungs
• Abrasions to the upper part of the body
• Spine injuries
• Bone fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Eye injuries

If you recently suffered an injury due to a faulty airbag, you should speak to a medical doctor right away. These injuries can worsen over time and create even more problems later down the road.

How to Sue for an Airbag Injury

You have the right to pursue a legal claim if you were injured by a defective airbag. This type of injury claim is called a product liability case, where our attorneys will hold the people responsible for your injuries accountable for their faulty product.

Here at The Advocates, we know the ins and outs of product liability law and will make sure you are fairly compensated for your pain and suffering. Your initial consultation is on us. Simply call our office today at 307-466-0003 or Chat with Us on our homepage. Don’t wait.

Your recovery is our top priority.  

A strange paradox has emerged with the recent Coronavirus quarantine: fewer cars on the road has caused more deaths.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), while miles driven during the pandemic have dropped by a whopping 18%, motor-vehicle deaths only dropped by 8%. This translates to an increase of “motor vehicle fatalities per miles driven” by 14% compared to this time last year. Indeed, there were 1.22 deaths for every 100 million miles driven in March compared to just 1.07 in March of 2019.

If there are less cars on the road due to the quarantine, then why is it suddenly more dangerous to drive on the roads? What gives? Ken Kolosh, the statistics manager for the National Safety Council, is just as confused when he spoke to NPR.

“What really strikes me is the incredible speed of the changes we’re seeing on the roadways. Looking at other recessions what you usually see is a decrease in the number of deaths, or the injuries and fatality rate holding steady or decreasing slightly.”

Experts believe that empty stretches of highway encourage motorists whom are out and about on the road to speed and drive recklessly.

“Per mile traveled, our roads are less safe than they were prior to Covid-19,” said Kolosh. “A lot of drivers are taking the open roads as an invitation for an open season on speeding and other dangerous behaviors.”

The most likely cause of the uptick in motor-vehicle deaths is due to lead-footed drivers blowing through posted speed limits. The president of the NSC Lorraine Martin sees the rise in deaths as an “apparent open season on reckless driving.” Martin pressed the need for responsibility during the quarantine.

“Right now, in the midst of a global pandemic and crisis, we should take it as our civic duty to drive safely. If we won’t do it for ourselves, we should do it for our first responders, our law enforcement and our healthcare workers, who are rightly focused on coronavirus patients and should not be overwhelmed by preventable car crashes.”

The National Safety Council provided safety tips for drivers over the Memorial Day on how to avoid automobile crashes during the pandemic:

• Follow all posted speed limits, regardless of the density of traffic
• With more people staying home, watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists
• If you are a pedestrian or bicyclist, remain vigilant; reduced traffic doesn’t mean no traffic
• Drive defensively by wearing a seatbelt, not driving inebriated or with little sleep, and avoid distractions such as your cell phone
• Lecture your teenage drivers about safe driving

If you are unlucky and are involved in a car accident, be sure to contact The Advocates about your legal options. Our attorneys have the expertise and experience you need to make the best recovery possible following your accident. No need to settle for second best when you can have an Advocate looking after your legal needs. Contact our Casper office today to find out how an Advocate can help your case. You can either call us at (307) 466-0003, fill out the form below, or chat right now with a live attorney from our homepage. You deserve an Advocate!

Speak With an Advocate Today!

With nearly 7.5 million cases of COVID-19 in the U.S, it’s no doubt the pandemic has reshaped society in many ways. The amount of negligence that continues to arise due to the virus has caused even more people to contract Covid-19 and either experience long-lasting symptoms or worse, they pass away.

As we continue adjusting to the norms of the pandemic, an increasing number of personal injury lawsuits are being filed against companies throughout the country. For example, many employees and customers are seeking recovery for financial and emotional damages caused by the drastic effects of COVID-19.

If you recently contracted the virus at work, you may be wondering whether or not you speak with a personal injury lawyer. In the following article, we will go over some of the most common questions involving COVID-19 personal injury lawsuits in the workplace.

1. What should I do if I was infected at work?

For people who are infected with COVID-19 at work, your best option to recover any damages is to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney right away. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance provided by companies to cover employees who suffer any work-related injuries or illness on the job.

A workers’ compensation lawyer will help you determine whether your sickness arose during the course of employment and how to retrieve fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages or emotional distress you endured due to the virus.

2. How long do I have to file a COVID-19 personal injury lawsuits against an employer?

Like most personal injury lawsuits, states require civil tort claims to be filed two years after an injury. For injuries or deaths that occurred early in the pandemic, the statute of limitations will not expire until March of 2022.

3. If I file a lawsuit for a workplace transmission of COVID-19, will workers’ compensation exclusivity apply?

To put it simply, it depends on the state your job is in. State laws vary greatly when it comes to determining whether illness or death from COVID-19 is exclusively covered by workers’ compensation programs in your state. Several states, such as California, have adopted a rebuttable presumption that certain employees who test positive for COVID-19 contracted the virus at work for workers’ compensation purposes.

However, most states have not adopted a reputable assumption and instead can deny claims suggesting employees contracted the virus outside of the workplace. Although, many states are starting to recognize an exception to workers’ compensation exclusivity in instances where negligence or intentional harm is inherent. These instances include:

-Employees were denied access to proper protection equipment

-Employees were given false information about the safety of the workplace and the likelihood of contracting the virus

4. Can my employer receive tort immunity if they follow mitigation guidelines?

While most state laws vary depending on the type of business involved, several states have passed laws limiting tort liability for in-state business. However, the laws pertaining to the extent at which tort immunity applies greatly depends on whether the business followed local health department guidelines as well as if gross negligence or intentional torts are involved. Many COVID-19 complaints contain allegations of intentional wrongdoing on behalf of the defendant businesses.

Over the last year, the FDA has requested that all products containing ranitidine, more commonly sold under the brand name Zantac, be pulled from the market immediately.

The recall was ordered due to concerns that ranitidine medications may contain dangerously high levels of a cancer-causing chemical called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). The FDA has ordered that all prescription and over-the-counter ranitidine drugs must be taken off the shelves.

If you or a loved were developed any kind of cancer after taking Zantac, you should speak with a Zantac lawyer to see if you can file a lawsuit.

What Type of Cancers are Linked to Zantac?

In 2019, an online pharmacy in Connecticut reported that it had found the cancer-causing chemical NDMA in several batches of Zantac and its generic brand, ranitidine.

Less than a year later, the FDA announced that the medication shows a risk to public health and may be causing different types of cancer in consumers. Exposure to NDMA can cause any of the following cancers:

• Bladder cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Liver cancer
• Stomach cancer

Many doctors have diagnosed people with cancer after taking Zantac. The list above is not limited to the different types of cancer caused by the prescription drug. If you developed any kind of cancer after taking Zantac, it’s in your best interest to speak with an attorney right away.

Do I Qualify for a Zantac Lawsuit or Settlement?

In order to potentially quality for a Zantac lawsuit, you have to first prove use. This means that you have to show that you took Zantac or ranitidine. If you were prescribed ranitidine, then it can be easily proven that you took the medication in a copy of your pharmacy records. If you regularly took Zantac, you will need any medical records or even receipts/statements that support this.

Second, you will need to prove an injury was caused by taking the medication. If you were diagnosed with one or more cancers listed above, you can request a copy of your medical records from your doctor or hospital (or you can work with an attorney to obtain your medical records for you).

Considered the most important part of filing a Zantac lawsuit is being able to prove that your medication use and cancer diagnosis are related. There are many factors that go into this, which is why it’s vital to at least speak with a Zantac lawyer about your case.

Speak with a Zantac Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were recently diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac, you will need to speak with an attorney right away. You may be entitled to compensation for any injuries associated to the use of taking the medication.

Our Zantac lawyers at The Advocates can provide the legal knowledge you will need to determine if you qualify to file a lawsuit. Should you qualify, we will represent you and your case until you get the recovery you are rightfully owed. You can contact us today at 307-271-6404 or use our Live Chat Here.

You deserve an Advocate.

Trucks and semis are vital components of commerce and the economy. They provide an invaluable option for countless businesses from coast to coast. The never-ending flow of goods does, however, have a dark side. When truck accidents occur, the sheer magnitude of their size and weight become fatal liabilities.

Statistics show that in traffic accidents involving cars and trucks, passengers in the car are four times more likely to suffer fatal injuries than operators of the big rigs. Weighing in upwards of 80,000 pounds and with twice the needed stopping distance of a car, trucks are dangerous to share the road with and Montana, especially, is notoriously known for its truck accidents. Here are the five worst truck accidents in Treasure State history from the Montana truck accident lawyers with The Advocates.

Fiery Collision Near Whitefish, Montana

One of the most tragic truck accidents in Montana history occurred when a school bus collided with a fuel tanker truck during a January snow storm in 1984. The local high school wrestling team was returning from a match on Saturday evening when the double tanker truck jackknifed across the highway right in front of them.

Nearby onlookers said a large fireball completely surrounded the bus as soon as the truck hit with flames quickly engulfing the interior. Although the driver of the truck survived, nine people in the school bus, including a coach, his wife and small child, sustained fatal injuries while another 19 people were injured as well. This is the worst truck accident in Montana State history.

Great Falls Collision Blamed on Foggy Wet Conditions

Fort Benton High School lost five students and their musical director who were en route to a music competition in March of 1957. The head on truck crash occurred at 7:30 am on a foggy, wet morning. While the driver of the truck escaped with only minor injuries, unfortunately none of the passengers in the car survived.

The front end of the truck was severely damaged but newsmen arriving on the scene reported the passenger car was utterly demolished. Too often, these roadway giants severely damage smaller vehicles, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Five Truck Pile-up with a Fatal Twist

A flatbed truck hauling lumber lost control on eastbound I-90 in the early morning hours of December 19, 2018.  The truck broadsided, spilling its load and completely blocking the eastbound lanes. Neither the driver nor passenger sustained injuries, however, moments later a second semi-truck veered left trying to avoid the crash and jumped the median landing across the westbound lanes. This driver exited the truck and, fearing being struck by westbound traffic, he jumped over the guard rail. Tragically, the semi truck driver did not realize it was over a 100’ drop and sustained fatal injuries in the fall.

At this point, a third semi-truck went into a broadside skid, partially ejecting the driver, who was left with serious injuries. Two more semi trucks soon followed and crashed right into the carnage, killing one of the truck drivers. The icy conditions also led to a first responder slipping and falling 40’ off the bridge deck, also sustaining serious injuries.

Passing Lane Error Leads to Head On with Oil Tanker

Just outside of Roundup, Montana on April 29, 1955, one of the most tragic truck accidents occurred on Highway 6 that evening.

In an ill-advised attempt to pass a second automobile, the driver in the first car of the truck accident leaned into oncoming traffic and collided head on with an oil tanker. The head on collision left three passengers with fatal injuries including the driver’s sister and two others. Both the driver of the second car and oil tanker truck escaped without injury.

Truck Spills Military Projectiles on Highway 212

One of the most recent tragic truck accidents in Montana closed over 60 miles of highway for more than 24 hours. On February 9^th, of 2019, Highway 212 was shutdown for an entire day when a pileup of three semi trucks occurred. The truck accident happened between Hammond and Boyes when two semi-trucks collided head on, forcing a third truck to swerve and wreck into a ditch.

According to Montana sheriff officers, one of the trucks spilled military projectiles across the roadway. The truck spill forced a wide and lengthy closure of Highway 212. Nevertheless, crews worked fast and diligently to clear the scene. The military even had to detonate some of the ordinance. Miraculously, no injuries occurred in this potentially explosive situation.

The Advocates of Montana

Being in a truck accident can be incredibly traumatic for anyone involved. Worrying about insurance claims, lost wages and the headache of an ongoing legal case is a lot for one person to deal with alone. A truck accident attorney who specializes in truck and semi truck accidents will be able to help you navigate the ins and outs of building a strong truck accident claim.

We at the Advocates believe everyone deserves a dedicated and diligent truck accident lawyer to help guide you through the difficult process of obtaining just compensation after being in a truck accident. From handling insurance adjusters and compiling medical records to assisting in renting a car, your truck accident attorney will be there for you every step of the way. Call us today 24/7 at 406-272-6986 or take advantage of our live online chat on our homepage. You deserve an Advocate!

Few things are more quintessential Americana than the road trip. A veritable scenic wonderland awaits intrepid motorists across our great nation. Those lucky enough to call Montana home are surrounded by some of the most diverse and amazing scenery to be found anywhere. Lewis and Clark described its natural beauty as “scenes of visionary enchantment.” If you’re ready to pack up for some spectacular natural beauty via the highways and byways then here are some of the most scenic drives in Montana from the car accident lawyers at the Advocates.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

No list of scenic drives in Montana could be complete without including this spectacular route through the heart of Glacier National Park. The 50-mile passage originally opened in 1933 and was the first National Park route specifically designed with the automobile tourist in mind. Passing by luscious cedar forests and waterfalls as it winds its way up toward ancient glaciers and the wind swept alpine circa of Logan Pass at 6,647 feet. Mountain goats, bighorn sheep and even grizzly bears are common sights.

Snowplow crews take around 10 weeks to clear the upper road of 80 feet or more of snow allowing motorists access. The road typically opens in early June and stays open through mid-October. The visitors center at Logan Pass is also a very popular stop offering amazing day hikes and ranger led activities as well as education about the local animals and geographic features.

Beartooth Highway

Designated an “All-American” road in 2002, this amazing 68-mile route reaches heights of nearly 11,000-feet and features breathtaking views of snowcapped peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes and plateaus. Running between Red Lodge and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Beartooth Highway features numerous scenic lookouts allowing an in-depth appreciation of the views.

The highway famously follows the 1872 footsteps of General Philip Sheridan over Beartooth Mountain returning from inspecting the newly formed Yellowstone National Park. Understandably so, snow storms can happen year around at the upper altitudes, so checking the local road conditions is always a good idea before heading out. Normally the road is open from May until October before turning into a popular snowmobile route in the winter months. This drive was famously described as “the most beautiful drive in America,” by late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt.

Paradise Valley

This 62-mile paved loop south of Livingston meanders along the Yellowstone River in one of Montana’s most scenic valleys. Flanked on the east by the looming Absaroka Range and on the west by the Gallatin Range a few miles off is a wonderful contrast to the open fields and grasslands of the valley, making it one of the most scenic drives in Montana. The picturesque Mallard’s Rest Fishing Access Site is a very popular spot to take a break and try your luck with the fish just picnic down by the river.

Off a gravel road about a block near milepost 42, you’ll find the Yellowstone River in a lazy horseshoe around the campground with the Absaroka mountains as the backdrop. If you’re headed to Yellowstone on Highway 89 then this side trip through the valley offers a respite from the heavy traffic and some of the prettiest views in the area.

Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway

Connecting Libby and Eureka, this 67-mile route follows the Kootenai River and Lake Koocanusa. Formed in 1974 by the Libby Dam, the narrow gorge of the lake extends all the way north into British Columbia. The name sounds like it has Indian origins but actually a local woman from Eureka combined the first three letters from the river and Canada then adding U.S.A. to win a naming contest hosted by the Corp of Engineers.

Wedged between the Purcell Mountains and the Salish Mountains the steep and rocky canyon walls are perfect habitat for bighorn sheep which are frequently seen in the area. Set aside some extra time If you are a fisherman as Lake Koocanusa is famed as one of the best landlocked salmon fishing spots in the northwest and the Kootenai River is considered a blue-ribbon trout stream with trophy-size rainbow trout. Other popular attractions include sightseeing in local ghost towns and Libby Dam, rock climbing, boating and numerous campground and picnic spots including one on an island.

Kings Hill Scenic Byway

Starting just southeast of Great Falls and heading 71-miles down to White Sulphur Springs, this popular byway passes through the Lewis and Clark National Forest and Little Belt Mountains. Pristine mountain lakes, wild streams and deep forests offer a wide variety of terrain and wildlife habitat encompassing this byway. For adventurous drivers the gravel roads seen crisscrossing the main road leads to over 450 miles of rugged mountain scenery, high lakes, trailheads, campgrounds and many old historic mines.

Much of the wildlife present when Lewis and Clark made their passage still live in the area including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, cougars, lynxes, wolverines and black bears to mention a few. The Showdown Ski Area sits just south of Kings Hill Pass as well some interesting historical museums littering the small towns makes this byway one with something for everyone.

The Montana Advocates

Car accidents can be traumatic for anyone involved. Worrying about insurance claims, lost wages and the headache of an ongoing legal case is a lot for anyone to have to deal with, let alone a family with a member recovering from a serious medical condition because of their accident. The best personal injury attorney who specializes in car accidents is a life saver in overwhelming situations like that.

Here at the Advocates, our car accident lawyers believe everyone deserves a dedicated and diligent professional to help guide you through the difficult process of obtaining just compensation after a car accident. From handling insurance adjusters and compiling medical records to assist in renting a car, our Montana personal injury lawyers will be there to assist every step of the way. Call the Advocates today 24/7 at 406-272-6986 or use our live online chat right away on our homepage. You deserve an Advocate!

Without a doubt, Montana has some of the most scenic countryside you’ll find in the continental United States. From the towering mountains of the Rockies in the west to the expansive skies found above the eastern prairies, Montana is the perfect place to take a tour on your next holiday. Just remember to be safe and avoid being injured in a motorcycle accident. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best motorcycle rides you can take in the Big Sky Country of Montana.

#5. US Highway 12 – Onward From Missoula to Lewiston

Coming in at number 5 is the curvy highway of US 12 running through the Lolo and Nez Perce-Clearwater National forests. What makes this motorcycle route so scenic is that it closely follows the winding bends of both the Lochsa and Clearwater rivers. On this ride you’ll take in rolling hills, rocky mountain cliffs, and the dense and lush pine forests of Orofino. There are plenty of camping spots and opportunities to see all of the wildlife Montana has to offer from deer to elk, bears, moose, to eagles and hawks, and maybe even a gray wolf if you are lucky. US Highway 12 from Missoula to Idaho is a true sight to see from the seat of a motorcycle.

#4. The Secret Backroads of 141

This especially scenic motorcycle ride begins in the town of Avon, just west of Helena, and ends 32 miles north at Highway 200. On this route you’ll come across the true heartland of the great state of Montana. Along Route 141 you’ll come across lush farmland with roaming cattle, the beautiful Garnet Mountains, rolling hillsides, and enough picaresque landscape views that you’ll be surprised how often you pull over to take a photo of the skyline. Route 141 is one of Montana’s best kept secrets.

#3. The (Pre)Historic Highway 89

Mile for mile, you won’t find a more spectacular route to take than Highway 89 from Yellowstone National Park to the northern Glacier National Park. The motorcycle ride is certainly a long one, taking 6 to 7 hours to travel the route’s 350 miles, but it’s more than worth it. Not only will you get a chance to behold Montana’s current natural wonders—green pastures, mountain backdrops, and crystal lakes—you can experience wonders of the past as well. Stop in the town of Choteau to take in marvels of the prehistoric age where you can see the very first dinosaur egg ever discovered. This motorcycle ride is the perfect way to spend time at two of the world’s most beautiful and renowned national parks. Be sure not to miss out.

#2. Beartooth Pass

Beartooth Pass is easily the most dangerous of the motorcycle rides to be featured on this list. With its extreme ups and downs (nearly 12,000 feet in some stretches of road), US Highway 212 will surely leave your knuckles white with nervousness. Don’t expect many guardrails to keep you from careening off the side of the road, so take it slow and steady when you can. On your way up the 50 or so miles from Red Lodge to Silver Gate, you’ll see all Montana has to offer. From frigid tundra to secluded forests, snaking rivers, and absolutely stunning mountaintop views. Find out why many riders consider Beartooth Pass to be the quintessential motorcycle ride in all of Montana.

#1. The Glacier National Park Loop

Whether you start in the town of West Glacier or further east in Saint Mary, riding the looping circle through the Glacier National Park will be one of the best motorcycle experiences of your life. Stretching close to 150 miles along Highway 2 and Highway 89 and then back along the Going-To-The-Sun Road you’ll see the Glacier National Park as few people get to see it. Just riding upon the Going-to-the-Sun Road alone is worth the price of admission for motorcycle riders up to the challenge. With a small window during the summer to traverse this road, you won’t want to miss the Mount Everest of motorcycle rides. Just be sure to plan carefully and be ready for steep and dangerous ascents through the Rocky Mountains. Happy trails!

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While Montana is certainly known for its wild animals—bears, wolves, and even the occasional angry moose—common dog attacks remain a problem in the Big Sky Country. Indeed, the state of Montana sees hundreds of dog bites each and every year. Many people may find it hard to believe but dogs remain a greater threat in Montana than any other type of animal. With so many dogs running about, dog bites are a continued health risk for all Montanans. Here are the top 5 dog attacks in Montana history:

#5. Livingston Dog Bite, Montana, 2013

One restaurant employee got a nasty surprise when he decided to return to work late one night. After grabbing a drink at a bar after a long shift, a local Livingston man returned to the restaurant he worked at to grab his laptop before returning home. After preparing a late-night salad, the man came face to muzzle with a trained police dog. The man attempted to assuage the dog by greeting it with, “Hey, puppy.” But the K-9 unit attacked anyway, biting down on the man’s thigh. When he tried to pull the dog off of him, the dog bit down on his wrists. After the dog’s partner determined the man wasn’t a dangerous burglar attempting to thieve away croutons in the middle of the night, the man was rushed to the hospital. Remarkably, the police department refused to apologize for the excessive use of force. It’s no wonder that the man soon filed a lawsuit against the police department after being discharged from the hospital.

#4. Missoula Dog Attack, Montana, 2017

Every once in a while, police officers are the ones who suffer a dog bite while on the job. Late one night in 2017, two Missoula police officers noticed a man stumbling drunkenly toward his car. When the inebriated man got behind the wheel of his car and fired up the engine, the officers had no choice but to act. After requesting that the man get out of the vehicle, the man instead stomped on the gas, colliding with the car parked in front of him. When one of the officers attempted to physically remove the man, he was attacked by the man’s dog. The officer involved in the dog attack was bitten twice by the dog and treated at a local hospital. The drunken man fared far worse as he was charged with a felony and several misdemeanors.

#3. Dog Bite in Kalispell, Montana, 2016

A 9-year old girl was bitten by a mix-breed Labrador after mistakenly throwing a ball into a neighbor’s yard. The girl hopped the fence to recover the ball from the dog’s maw, politely asking the animal to drop it. The dog proceeded to drop the ball, but only so it could bite the young girl’s face. The girl was rushed to a local hospital where she was given over 40 stitches to repair her face. Remarkably, the city of Kalispell did not require the dog’s owner to put the animal to sleep, despite the animal leaving the girl with permanent disabilities.

#2. Dog Attack in Bozeman, Montana, 2017

Two pit bull dogs attacked an elderly Bozeman woman in 2017 in an attack that left her brain dead before ultimately taking her life. The victim was one Melissa Barnes, 65, who was bitten by dogs belonging to her neighbor and tenant. Police investigators believe the dogs were likely playing with Barnes when she fell over. The dogs were then triggered and began to attack the woman. Barnes spent several days in a coma before eventually succumbing to her injuries. The dogs in question were euthanized shortly after the attack and the owner was cited for violating the county’s dog control regulations. The story made headlines due to the rarity of dog attack deaths.

#1. Ulm Dog Attack, Montana, 2006

By far the most tragic dog attack in the history of Montana happened in the tiny town of Ulm. A 4-year old toddler named Dominic alone in his relative’s back yard when one of his uncle’s Rottweilers attacked the boy. The boy’s mother checked on him after a few minutes and found one of the Rottweilers standing over his mauled body. The boy was rushed to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, but it was too little, too late. The boy soon passed away. The dog was euthanized after the attack at the request of the family.

2020 Montana Car Accident Facts

Unfortunately, car accidents are all too common in Montana. From drunk driving to distracted drivers, a car crash can occur when you least expect it. Indeed, each year in the United States there are upwards of 6 million car crashes. While Montana sees but a fraction of these crashes, suffering an injury due to a car accident remains a very real threat for motorists in the Big Sky state. The Advocates have compiled the above statistics to help inform Montana drivers and passengers of the risk they face on the state’s roads and highways. The best practices a motorist can implement whenever they get behind the wheel is to drive defensively, never drink and drive, and to always buckle your seatbelt. Stay safe, Montana.

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If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you may be at risk of developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Research shows that nearly 10% of accident victims experience symptoms of PTSD at some point in their lives.

PTSD is a mental health condition that drastically alters your perception of a traumatic situation and can increase your fear of specific activities, such as driving. Take a few minutes to understand the risks of developing PTSD, the most common symptoms of PTSD, and how you can effectively receive treatment or compensation for your pain and suffering after your collision.

Causes of PTSD After a Collision

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological and emotional disorder that develops when a person experiences or witnesses a frightening, or sometimes prolonged, traumatic event. In short, PTSD is the triggered response to a situation or memory that remind trauma victims of the tragic event.

When people experience a tragedy, such as being in a violent collision, those vivid details from the incident are automatically stored in the brain. Unfortunately, the brain can allow these memories to surface at any time, especially when a situation or person reminds them of the event. Accident victims with PTSD might often recall the feeling of being in a crash just by hearing the sound of a horn or a loud car door slam.

Risks of PTSD From a Car Crash – Jackson

Auto accidents can be traumatizing experiences. Almost 3 million people are injured in auto accidents each year in the United States. And while serious collisions are one of the top causes of PTSD in trauma victims, it’s important to note that not everyone will develop PTSD from their crash. In recent years, a team of medical experts have concluded that the following risk factors can heavily influence the likelihood of developing PTSD:

-Experienced a traumatic event in the past

-Lost a loved one in the accident

-History of mental illness in the family

-Amount of support received after the accident

-Suppression of any thoughts related to the collision

-Was the car accident life-threatening or not

If you are an accident victim, other determining factors you should consider are dissociation (which is the total lack of awareness) you experienced during your car accident, feelings of worthlessness or shame due to the crash, or excessively high levels of anxiety while riding in an auto vehicle. These factors have been increasingly known to be a strong indicator of PTSD in car accident victims.

Common Symptoms of PTSD After a Collision

If you have fallen victim to a serious car accident, you may be wondering if you have PTSD. It’s very common for accident victims who have developed PTSD to experience any number of the following symptoms:

-Nervousness while driving or being overwhelmed inside the vehicle; some accident victims who develop PTSD experience tightness in the chest, heavy breathing, or racing thoughts while being in the car

-Having frequent anxiety or paranoid thoughts while being in a car (“What if I get in an accident on my way to work?”)

-Increased awareness of other drivers on the road, such as excessively braking when other drivers are close or driving far below the required speed limit

-Avoiding driving in general; some accident victims with PTSD experience, such as anxiety, avoid the complications of driving altogether

Oftentimes, trauma victims see memories from their accident in the form of nightmares, flashbacks or panic attacks. The best way to recover or work through these anxieties from your crash is to speak with a mental health expert. If you need help finding a counselor, call an Advocate today and we can help you find the assistance you need.

When to Seek Treatment for Symptoms of PTSD

Because symptoms of PTSD can develop months to years after your accident, it’s important to at least speak with a therapist or counselor almost immediately after the crash. This way, if you do begin to develop symptoms of PTSD from the accident, a mental health professional will be able to guide you and help you conquer your anxieties.

Having PTSD from an accident can be debilitating and make it extremely difficult for you to process your fears and trauma on your own. There are numerous types of counseling options for accident victims to benefit from. The following types of therapy treatment have not only been proven successful but have also been known to work exceptionally well for car accident victims with PTSD:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychological treatment method designed to help trauma patients, such as car accident victims, reduce their symptoms of PTSD and change their negative thought patterns involving the situation or the traumatic event.
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy: prolonged exposure therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that allows trauma victims to gradually approach and address trauma-related memories, feelings or situations that remind the victim of the tragic event.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EDMR is a fairly new and non-traditional method of treatment that works well for auto accident victims. While the other methods of treatment rely on talk therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing focuses heavily on the individual’s rapid, rhythmic eye movements, whichphysically works victims through their trauma.

Therapy is one of the most common types of treatment methods for trauma victims. The goal for therapy is to help relieve trauma patients of their symptoms of PTSD with the intent to eliminate the disorder altogether.

Your doctor can help you determine what will likely work best for you in the long run.

How a Wyoming Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You

Psychological injuries are classified as injuries to a person’s psyche or mind. While you may not be able to see injuries to the mind, damage to the psyche can be just as exhausting and emotionally painful as physical injuries. By taking early steps, such as seeking out therapy or speaking to a personal injury attorney about your pain and suffering, you can overcome the effects of your automobile accident.

Here at The Wyoming Advocates, we will make your recovery process our top priority. If you need to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your pain and suffering, don’t wait. Call an Advocate today at (307) 466-0003 or speak with an injury lawyer on our Live Chat right now.

How Best to Stop the Coronavirus (Covid 19) From Spreading in Wyoming

As the novel coronavirus, known also as Covid-19, continues to spread across the United States, people in Wyoming are beginning to worry about how they can help stop an outbreak in their community. The best way to get ahead of the Coronavirus is to get ahead of it as much as possible. Thankfully, the Center for Disease Control (the CDC) has provided detailed instructions about how you and your family can help stop the spread of the highly contagious virus. Below are the top 10 most effective ways to prevent further spread of the coronavirus from The Advocates law firm:

#1. Wash Your Hands…and Wash Them Some More

Now is the best time to pick up the habit of frequently washing your hands. According to the CDC, you should “wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.” This includes whenever you visit a public place, after you sneeze or cough, or if you have physical contact with other people or with a potentially contaminated surface, such as a countertop or a table. A helpful rule of thumb to remember is to vigorously wash your hands for as long as it take to sing the song Happy Birthday, which is roughly 20-30 seconds. Reports indicate that coronavirus can live on a surface for up to a week or possibly longer so routinely washing your hands is the best way to prevent infection.

#2. Don’t Talk to (or Touch) Strangers

During the pandemic you should, obviously, avoid encountering anyone, friends or family members, who are sick or show symptoms of the virus. But you should also strongly consider avoiding strangers completely until the curve of outbreak has flattened. Granted, such advice may prove difficult for those living in Casper or if you work in an office around people. In all honesty, however, you do not know if the strangers around you are infected with the virus or not. So for the time being, practicing social distancing measures by maintaining 6 feet of space between yourself and others is a practical way to remain healthy until the virus is finally contained.

#3. Too Much of a Good Thing? Not When it Comes to Sanitizer

If you find yourself with a bar of soap nearby, hand sanitizer is the next best solution. When you choose a sanitizer, though, make sure you pick up a brand offering an absolute minimum of 60% alcohol. Completely cover your hands with the sanitizer, rubbing them together until they are dry again. You can also use the sanitizer on any surfaces you believe might be infected, so be sure to buy the biggest bottle possible.

#4. Touching Your Face is Bad

On average, a normal person touches their face up to 23 times every hour. Most people aren’t aware of this fact, but face touching is one of the most common practices people do automatically. Once you know you’re a face-toucher, breaking the habit is more than a little difficult. Even professional healthcare workers find it difficult to break the habit, so don’t feel bad if you struggle at first. Here are a few tricks you can use to keep your fingers away from your face:

• Keep your hands occupied with a stress ball or even a rubber band
• Wear a bracelet or a ring to help remind you not to touch your face
• Break other bad habits like fingernail biting or anything to do with your nose
• Deploy the buddy system by having someone point out each time you touch your face
  

#5. Scrub It Down! Scrub It All Down!

As of today, the CDC believes that the coronavirus can live on virtually any common surface for up to weeks at a time. This includes not only your own skin but also kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, blankets and bedding, and even in carpet fibers. While many people focus on cleansing their bodies, they neglect all the other surfaces the coronavirus can infect. You may not be able to clean everything in your home or office. But you can certainly focus on the more heavily-touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, desks, phones, toilets, sink faucets, and keyboards and mice. Most over-the-counter disinfectants work, but you can also dilute bleach in warm water if you prefer. A basic rule of thumb is 5 tablespoons of bleach per every gallon of water.

#6. Get Help If You Experience Covid Symptoms

Now is not the time to sleep on a trip to the doctor. If you feel ill at all, you should seek out medical assistance ASAP. According to the CDC, symptoms of a coronavirus infection begin to manifest after just 2 days following exposure. Below are the relevant symptoms you should be on the lookout for:

• A persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• A fever

If you experience the above symptoms, you should follow the advice of the CDC and “restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.” You should also restrict your contact with any pets as well. While human-to-animal transmission of the coronavirus hasn’t been discovered as of yet, contagion remains in the realm of possibility. Nobody wants to see their faithful companion fall ill with the coronavirus when they could have been quarantined.

#7. Contain Your Coughs and Sneezes, Too

Even if you do not believe you are sick with the coronavirus, you should cover your mouth and nose whenever you cough or sneeze. The coronavirus thrives in saliva and nasal projectiles. So even if you are merely suffering an allergy attack, pay the favor forward by covering your face before sneezing. Your efforts could help contain an outbreak.

#8. Face Masks Aren’t Just For Superheroes

Real talk: You probably don’t need to wear a face mask. While the news is full of stories about price gouging on Amazon and retailers like Wal-Mart running out of face masks, you really only need a face mask if you are already sick or plan to be in close proximity to a person who is sick with the coronavirus. If you simply follow the the above steps, your chances of avoiding contracting the virus are about the same as they are if you wore a mask 24/7. If you are healthy, push aside the urge to stock up on face masks which would be better used by a medical professional or someone who is infected and needs to keep their germs under lock and key.

#9. How to Self-Quarantine Like a Pro

If you feel ill and your job allows it, you should strongly consider self-quarantining in your home until you feel better. Coronavirus spreads most easily by direct human-to-human contact, so quarantining yourself until your immune system destroys the virus completely is the most effective way to halt the virus’ spread. If you do decide to self-quarantine, be sure to stock up on groceries, paperback novels, and toilet paper beforehand. You’re going to need it.

#10. Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3?

As of today, March of 2020, coronavirus testing kits are not readily available to the public for a variety of reasons. Hopefully, more tests will be available as the virus continues to spread across the country over the next few weeks. When they do become available, however, you should definitely get tested if you think you might have contracted the virus. Ignorance may be bliss, but not when it comes to your health and well-being. Stay safe out there, Wyoming.

Home to expansive prairie grasslands and the iconic Mount Rushmore, there are quite a few jaw-dropping scenes in South Dakota to explore. However, if you’re traveling through the Midwest for the first time, you should consider the most dangerous roads in South Dakota before venturing into the natural beauty of this state.

According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, traffic fatalities as a total have recently increased to 129 deaths in 2017, which is up 13 percent from the previous year. Even in sparsely populated regions such as this one, every state has its grim history with car accidents. See the following most dangerous roads in South Dakota provided by the car accident attorneys with The Advocates.

What are the 5 Most Dangerous Roads in South Dakota?

While South Dakota is a jewel for obscure rock formations and home to one of the nation’s oldest national parks, there are some routes that should only be traveled with the utmost caution. No matter the season, roads in this state can be tricky and difficult to navigate at times, especially the ones leading up to the national parks. Majority of them are not well-lit and have serpentine curves that will put you through a whirl.

Iron Mountain Road

A uniquely designed route that showcases the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore, Iron Mountain Road is a true white-knuckle drive. Hugging closely to the rocky edges of Custer State Park, this highway is on our list of most dangerous roads in South Dakota for its hairpin turns and snaking course through natural rock tunnels and pigtail bridges.

Risk Factors:

• 314 sharp curves throughout the entire drive
• Rapid-climbing lengths of roadway
• Limited access during winter months
• Minimal shoulder space to park and view scenery
• Watch out for speeding drivers trying to pass

With over 300 winding curves, 14 switchbacks and 3 tunnels, Iron Mountain Road is worth trekking as long as you take your time. Plus, it’s the only route that passes through Custer State Park and offers a view of Mount Rushmore without a fee station.

Needles Highway

Locally known as Needles Highway, Highway 87 is a 37-mile route through the southwestern portion of South Dakota that traverses through the Black Hills. Deemed impossible to build in the early 20^th century, the road came to fruition by 1922 after workers blasted through several solid granite “needles” on its course.

Risk Factors:

• Dangerously sharp turns
• Narrow tunnels through rock formations
• Unsafe travel during winter months
• Proceed with caution if roadway is wet

Considered one of the most epic routes in South Dakota for sightseers and nature-lovers, be prepared to experience the rugged hills and wicked turns of this roadway. Don’t turn a blind eye to the road, of course!

Catron Boulevard and Highway 16 Intersection

Nestled in the shadow of Black Elk Peak, Rapid City is a frequented western hub for vacation activities and summer travel. However, with several national parks right around the corner (Badlands, Devils Tower, Jewel Cave and Crazy Horse Mountain), it’s important to note which travel routes are the most dangerous.

One of the most common drives to the Black Hills National Forest from Rapid City is Highway 16. Unfortunately, the intersection where Catron Boulevard meets the freeway is considered the most dangerous in the state. With countless injuries and fatal crashes, only turn onto this highway with the most precaution.

Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway

A trip through pine-covered hills and rolling prairies doesn’t sound so bad, right? Well, the reason this scenic byway is on our list of most dangerous roads in South Dakota has little to do with the road itself. Instead of worrying about deer leaping across the highway, you must prepare for something much larger: bison.

The Wildlife Loop certainly lives up to its name, but drivers are cautioned to not only traverse the route at the appropriate speed limit (25 mph or slower), you should also stay in your car and avoid approaching the bison too closely. These animals can charge at any moment, with intentions to harm anything in their way. Be courteous and safe on this several hour loop and you’ll have a grand ole time.

Interstate 90

A transcontinental freeway stretching from Boston to Seattle, Interstate 90 is the deadliest stretch of highway in South Dakota. Known as the longest Interstate Highway in the U.S, I-90 has seen nearly 40 traffic fatalities between 2015 and 2017. Unlike the other dangerous roads on our list, this highway is a major travel route even during the winter months.

Risk Factors:

• Frequent speeding along this route
• Black ice, slush, mixed rain during winter
• Distracted driving plays a deadly factor
• Constant weather advisory warnings/closures

Driving on any major highway can be deadly. However, northern freeways such as I-90 require extra caution during the wintertime. This roadway can see up to 30 inches of snow in a year. Drive carefully and always be prepared for an emergency.

There are plenty of reasons to visit the Mount Rushmore State: uninterrupted sky views, colossal monuments and wildly unique rock formations. Knowing the most dangerous roads in South Dakota can help pave a safer pathway for your next trip through all its stunning vistas.

When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer – The Advocates

If you or a loved one were recently injured in an accident, we understand how difficult this time may be for you and your family. The car accident attorneys with The Advocates are here to guide you through the aftermath of a collision and help you get the compensation you are rightfully owed. Working with one of our personal injury lawyers can play a huge factor for you in your recovery process.

While you focus on healing, The Advocates will take care of the rest. Our goal is to help you retrieve lost wages, negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf and build you a winning legal claim. Your car accident lawyer will communicate with you each step of the way. Call The Advocates today at 307-466-0003 or click on our Live Chat to speak with an attorney right away. You deserve an Advocate!

Maine is the crown jewel of the northeast. Roughly the same size as the other 5 states in the region and is steeped in a rich history with breathtaking natural beauty. The rocky and mountainous shoreline is littered with open beaches, blowholes and caves to explore. Acadia National Park is the only national park in the northeast and lies offshore on Desert Island featuring Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the east coast.

From slick, foggy conditions on the coast to wandering moose on the rural stretches, Maine highways pose their own unique hazards. Winters this far north are especially brutal on the driving conditions as well as deluges of summer drivers on vacation. Here is The Advocates list of 5 of the most dangerous roads in Maine to help make your trip a safe one.

Here are the most dangerous roads in Maine: 

United States Route 1

Winding up the craggy Atlantic coastline before turning north along the St. Croix river separating Maine from Canada is U.S. Route 1. From the storied Maritime Museum in Bath to the Portland Head Lighthouse or Acadia National Park, there is no shortage of amazing things to see and do along this route. Maine boasts over 5,000 miles of shoreline and U.S. Route 1 is the main access for all of it.

Risk Factors

• Fog and slippery conditions are possible year around
• Infamous northeast winters bring hazardous road conditions
• Moose and other wild animals live near this route
• Summer traffic from the flood of beach goers pack this route

Maine does have the largest Moose population in the United States and with over 90% of the state blanketed in forests, they are not the only animals you have to watch out for. Stay alert during rural stretches and scan off to the sides of the road as well what is up ahead. Pulling over to enjoy sightseeing gives the driver a chance to take in the vistas while keeping everyone safe.

Interstate 95

Generally following a northeastern path through the state, I-95 is the main highway running from the southern tip across from Portsmouth, New Hampshire to the Canadian border at Houlton. As a busy highway connecting Portland to the largest non-coastal city of Bangor and beyond, I-95 sees heavy commercial traffic. Explore the lush forests to the west or check out the northern end of the famed Appalachian Trail at Baxter State Park.

Risk Factors

• Heavy commercial and commuter traffic causes congestion
• Moose and other wild animals are common in the rural stretches
• Road is rutted North of Argyle and in need of repair
• Intersections in Augusta and West Gardiner are the most dangerous in the state

Use caution where busy I-95 intersects with roads in the cities as these are well-known hot-spots for traffic accidents. Black ice is also a common hazard in winter and I-95 routinely racks up quite a few multi-car pileups every year. Busy traffic and hazardous intersections make this route one of the most dangerous roads in Maine.

Interstate 295

While only 53 miles long, this stretch of highway from Scarborough to West Gardiner is a very busy alternative to I-95. As a more direct and toll-free route from Portland to the capital of Augusta, I-295 is an important traffic thoroughfare for both commuters and commercial traffic.

Risk Factors

• Congestion commonly slows down traffic
• Short lanes for on and off ramps disrupt traffic flow
• Has reputation for drivers navigating at excessive speeds

The well-known deficiencies of the on and off ramps being too short for safe merging is a problem the state has acknowledged. The top speed of 70, heavy traffic and dangerously short merge lanes together make this one of the most dangerous stretches for traffic accidents in the state.

State Route 15

From the small fishing village of Stonington, SR 15 traverses northwest across the state to tiny Jackman near the border of Canada. From the bastions of stone and lobster deep into moose territory, this route is famous for its scenic beauty and access to the rugged wilderness of the Maine Highlands.

Risk Factors

• Northern section of road in disrepair with potholes, buckling and ruts being common
• The rural sections are dark, narrow and offer little in the way of guard rails
• Moose and other large animals are common especially near dawn or dusk

Conditions are so bad up north it recently won the dubious honor of being voted as having the worst road conditions in the entire state, hence being on our list of most dangerous roads in Maine. Don’t let the conditions keep you from enjoying the amazing sights along this road but consider leaving the town-car at home for this trip in favor of an SUV.

United States Route 201

Nicknamed “Moose Alley”, US 201 stretches north from Brunswick near the coast to the Canadian border. Following the Kennebec River that connects to Dead Rivers at the Forks, Maine’s best whitewater rafting is here. This interconnected river passage was famously used by Benedict Arnold to lay siege to Quebec during the Revolutionary War.

Risk Factors

• With a nickname like “Moose Alley”, stay alert for wild animals on or near the road
• Some stretches have fallen into disrepair so look out for potholes and ruts
• Elevation changes can make slick or wintry road conditions worse

Slide-offs are a major cause of serious accidents across Maine, more so in these routes cutting through the wilderness as they often offer little to no protection in the way of guard rails and dividers. Even with no traffic to slow you down, stay vigilant and use caution on these roads through the wilds as help could be slow in arriving.

When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer – The Advocates

Regardless of how careful a driver you are, car accidents unfortunately can strike anyone, anywhere. If you or a family member has been injured in a traffic accident through no fault of your own, hiring an experienced Wyoming car accident lawyer is an important first step in securing the compensation you deserve.

As a leading personal injury law firm in Wyoming, our professional staff here at The Advocates is ready to fight for your rights. We’ll stand up to the insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum settlement for your case. Let us deal with the claim’s adjusters, hospital bills and legal paperwork while you focus on recovery. Call The Advocates today at 307-466-0003 or discuss your case confidentially online here. You deserve an Advocate!

Not only is California the most populous state, with close to 40 million people as of today, but it also has the richest biodiversity in the entire United States. Indeed, the Golden State is so bio-diverse, due to its wild and varied landscape, that it even surpasses the diversity of entire countries.

With so many animals, birds, and insects living side by side with 40 million Californians, problematic encounters are bound to happen between humans and wildlife populations. The following is the definitive list of the 10 most dangerous animals in the great state of California:

#10: Sharks

Despite their vicious portrayal in Hollywood movies, shark attacks, particularly in California, are incredibly rare. In fact, the last reported shark attack in California was all the way back in 2012 when a surfer was bitten by a Great White. The victim, Francisco Solorio, died shortly after being bitten in his upper torso. Considering how sharks almost exclusively attack surfers and body boarders, mistaking them for seals, sharks are certainly frightening to behold. But, in reality, the actual threat of an attack remains little more than Hollywood fear mongering.

#9 Black Bears

While black bear attacks are even more rare than that of sharks, the furry mammals get the higher spot solely due to the better odds of encountering one in California. Thanks in part to California’s changing climate and endless seasons of forest fires, black bears are more frequently on the move in search of shelter and food. So, if you’re hiking out in one of California’s astounding national parks, be wary of bumping into any black bears. They may seem cute and cuddly from afar, but when you see one crashing through the tree line, claws thrashing and teeth bared, you better hope you know what to do to protect yourself.

#8 Mountain Lions

Whether you know them as mountain lions, pumas or cougars, these cats are ubiquitous throughout the western United States. Similar to shark attacks, mountain lion victims are usually mistaken for another type of prey: deer. Bicyclists, hikers, and even skiers are the most common victims of these elusive cats. In fact, the last known Californian to be killed by a mountain lion was attacked as he was repairing the chain on his bicycle in the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.

#7 Rattle Snakes

Anyone who has visited the renowned Joshua Tree National Park knows rattlesnakes are a danger for the sandal clad who make it a habit to not look down often. Named for its characteristic rattle, rattlesnakes are fairly common in California, with 6 species calling the Golden State home. On average, a total of 221 people are bitten by rattlesnakes each year in the Golden State. Considering how all 6 of these species are venomous, campers, hikers, and nature-enthusiasts should at least consider packing an anti-venom kit during their expeditions into what many Californian locals consider to be “rattlesnake country.”

#6 Black Widow and Recluse Spiders

While there are over 60 species of spider to be found in California, you should do all you can to avoid these two extremely venomous spiders. Black Widows and recluse spiders (Brown and Chilean) can be deadly to children, the elderly, and the sick if not treated both immediately and properly. Luckily, these spiders are rare in California, but you should be wary nonetheless, especially when it comes to black widows since they tend to live in closer proximity to humans.

#5 Hornets, Wasps, Bees

You may think these flying insects are more of a pest than a swooping aerial terror of doom and destruction. Unfortunately for too many people this assumption is wrong. Gram by gram, these winged insects are the deadliest creatures many Californians face each year. Whereas snake bites kill around 6-8 people annually, flying insects killed a total of 1,109 people between the years 2000 and 2017 for an average of 62 deaths each year. Granted, most of these deaths are due to allergies, but you shouldn’t let this diminish the risk. Many people don’t know they’re allergic until it’s too late. Also, being stung is rather painful, so it’s best just to avoid these winged scourges.

Below are a few of the symptoms to watch out for if you are suffering an allergic reaction:

• Discoloration of the skin, white or red
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Hives
• Vomiting or nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Sudden unconsciousness
• Shock

#4 Horses and Cows

For anyone who hasn’t worked on a farm or around cattle, this may seem a rather surprising entry. But, to those in the know, horses and cattle have a rather dangerous reputation. Despite appearing to be slow and docile, cows can be deadly once they begin to stampede and they will surely stampede if they are provoked. If you are a jogger or bicyclist who ventures out into the countryside, be sure to keep your distance from any cattle roaming in the road. And maybe leave your dog at home, too. Dogs tend to spook cattle since they often mistake them for their more predatory cousins, wolves.

As far as horses are concerned…well, the threat they pose is already well documented.

#3 Deer

Deer may be another surprising entry for a lot of readers, given their reputation for being gentle and peaceful. The truth is that they are one of the biggest threats to commuters who live in the countryside. Deer cause so many automobile crashes in California they cost the state upward of $300 million each year. Indeed, statistics show that you are far more likely to die at the hooves of a deer than from the bite of a shark. Some states have even adopted sterilization programs to reduce the number of deer out on the roads. If you still aren’t convinced of the threat posed by the Bambis of the world just pray you never encounter a full-sized buck in the rut. Also, don’t keep an eye out for the ever-present dangers of zombie deer.

#2 Dogs

Yes, yes, we know. Humanity’s best friend. Yada, yada, yada. But the simple fact is that your lovable, furry friend is extremely dangerous for a host of reasons. Data provided by the Center for Disease Control estimates that there are nearly 5 million dog bites every year in the United States. This statistic translates into 1 bite for every 70 Americans. What’s even more disturbing is that 20% of these bites are so severe that the victims require immediate medical attention. So, the next time you feel the need to pet a fluffy little critter on a leash remember that 1/3 of all dog bites become infected. It might be wiser to simply admire Fido from afar than to risk a virulent encounter with a Campylobacter infection.

#1 Humans

Was there ever any doubt that humans would top this list? Just look at the numbers below if you have a quibble about our #1 Dangerous Animal in California:

• 118,077 Assaults
• 188,304 Burglaries
• 54,789 Robberies
• 174,796 Violent Crimes
• 1,930 Homicides

What makes these numbers even more harrowing is that they all took place in the year 2016. These statistics not good enough for you? How about 1.25 million people dead from road crashes each year? Or even the 20-50 million people who are injured in car accidents? The plain fact is that, by an incredibly wide margin, you are most likely to be injured or even killed by anoth

er human being than any other animal on this list. Combined. And, honestly, it’s not even close. Not that this is any new revelation for those who has spent time in the company of humans.

Thank you for reading our list of the Top 10 Most Dangerous Animals in all of California. If you are ever in need a personal injury attorney, do not hesitate to call The Advocates for a free consultation. You deserve an Advocate!

Minnesota has some of the nicest people in all of the United States, so much so that the state’s reputation for courtesy even has its own reputation: Minnesota Nice. Driving around the North Star State though can, at times, be far from nice. Many of the roads and highways can be dangerous to travel upon due to reckless motorists, inclement weather, and blind intersections. Here are the top 5 most dangerous roads and highways in all of Minnesota:

Most Dangerous Minnesota Road #5: US Highway 10

US Highway 10 is a 275-mile stretch of road that runs east-west across Minnesota from North Dakota through Minneapolis onward to Wisconsin. While recent projects have gone a long way in improving the safety of US 10, the highway still sees multiple fatalities each year. In the last few years, alone, Minnesota police have seen upwards of 14 automobile-related deaths along the stretch of road. Like most roadways in Minnesota, ice and snow can cause hazardous conditions that can be dangerous for commuters. So, if you find yourself cruising along US 10 during a snowstorm, remember to slow down and keep your eyes on the road.

Most Dangerous Minnesota Road #4: Interstate 94

From October blizzards to sudden flooding to runaway turkeys, Interstate 94 has seen it all. I-94 stretches close to 260 miles directly across Minnesota and is routinely closed due to dangerous winter weather. During the colder months of the year, no one is safe on I-94. Over the years, the interstate has seen numerous fatal crashes involving semi-trucks, multi-car pileups, and even bears. Each year, Minnesota sees close to 400 traffic fatalities on its roads and highways and Interstate 94 is ground zero for many of these tragic deaths.

Most Dangerous Minnesota Road #3: US Highway 14

If one were to compile a list of hazards that make a road dangerous then US Highway 14 would check virtually every box. From sharp turns, non-existent shoulders, a total lack of lane dividers, and one blind intersection after another, US 14 is well-known as a deathtrap to Minnesotans. There are so many deaths on the southern highway that one person dies every couple of months traveling along its blacktop pavement. US Highway 14 commuters beware. Driving on the highway may seem like off-roading at times.

Most Dangerous Minnesota Road #2: US Highway 12

Many people consider US Highway 12, which stretches from Minneapolis to the South Dakota state line, the deadliest roadway in all of Minnesota. Indeed, during this decade alone the highway has seen nearly two dozen auto-related deaths. Despite being the shortest entry on this list, a mere 38 Minnesota miles, US 12 is certainly a killer. With its narrow, white-knuckle lanes, poorly lit expanses of road, and blink-and-you’ll-miss-them intersections, US 12 has caused hundreds of car accidents over the years. Just in the last five years, an astounding 820 crashes have been reported to Minnesota State Police. Experts believe the highway’s lack of renovation is to blame for the mayhem. “We have metro levels of traffic on a road,” says Police Chief Gary Kroells, “that’s been left — with a few minor exceptions — unimproved for 35 to 45 years, maybe as far back as the 1960s.” Until the state legislature opens up the purse strings for some much-needed roadway improvements, the chaos on US Highway 12 will continue unabated.

Most Dangerous Minnesota Road #1: US Highway 169

Without a doubt, the most dangerous road in all of Minnesota is the infamous US Highway 169. The highway is so perilous that an average of 6 people die in car accidents on this road each and every year. Running north out of Iowa, US 169 cuts Minnesota neatly in half for just under 200 miles, eventually terminating in the tiny town of Virginia, not far from Duluth. Over the years, US 169 has seen its fair share of road construction closures, blizzards, and even mudslides. US 169’s biggest problems are due to the endless congestion drivers face. As more and more people move into southern Minnesota, US 169 simply cannot bear the additional traffic. And where there’s traffic there’s bound to be accidents. Thankfully, the state government has taken the initiative and begun renovations on the troubled highway, expanding its lanes and addressing some of its more troublesome spots. Minnesota has also started cracking down on distracted drivers with a strict “No Texting” law that went into effect this year. Only time will tell if US Highway 169’s havoc is tempered in the years to come. But as of today, the highway is a risk best not taken if you can find an alternative route.

Most people associate Colorado with the high snow-capped mountains of the Rockies. However, it’s difficult to fathom just how densely populated the peaks of Colorado are. Over 75 percent of all land above 10,000 ft. in the entire United States is contained within the Centennial State, making some of the most dangerous roads in Colorado a hazardous nightmare.

Despite its extreme altitude, the state issued America’s very first license plate for a motor vehicle in 1908. And while it is home to widely diverse terrain, Colorado remains most renowned for its famous skiing and opulent alpine villages. Navigating the state’s trademark terrain via car, however, is no easy task and why you should consider avoiding the following most dangerous roads in Colorado.

Here are the most dangerous roads in Colorado:

1. Denver Beltway

Surprisingly, not all dangers on Colorado roads are up high in the mountains. The southwestern portion of the Denver Beltway circling the metro area is State Highway 470. Although a relatively brief ride of only 27 miles, it unfortunately is a magnet for car accidents.

Passing along the Front Range between Alameda and Jewell, SH 470 travels through some very steep terrain. Some say the lack of guardrails heavily contributes to the dangerous environment. In a 2-year period between 2009 and 2010, over 175 people were injured while driving on this road. Heavy traffic coupled with several perilous interchanges also plague this section of the beltway with frequent car accidents.

2. Southern Passage

Entering the state near the Four Corners Monument and skirting across southern Colorado to the Kansas state line is U.S. Highway 160. This east-west national highway passes over the Continental Divide at Wolf Creek Pass at an elevation of 10,857 ft. During the winter months any of the passes can present difficulties and Wolf Creek is no exception.

Although the drive is mostly arid terrain, this southern route poses other types of hazards. In a 6-year period, 80 fatal accidents were recorded. Ranking 32nd nationally for DUI fatalities and 28th for high emergency service times combine to give this road its unsavory reputation.

3. Front Range Corridor

Interstate 25 is a north-south highway bisecting the state. This busy thoroughfare starts north of Fort Collins before heading down to Denver and on through Santa Fe. The Front Range Corridor it passes through is home to over 80% of the state’s population. As the main traffic artery, congestion is always heavy regardless of the date or time of day.

Sadly, in just one 4-year period, almost 200 fatalities were recorded. Some maintain that the 75-mph speed limit is too high for the number of vehicles on the road, likening it to a Nascar race with amateur drivers. Colorado State Patrol blames congestion as well as excessive speed and driver behavior as factors leading to many of the car accidents that occur on this highway.

4. Resort Gateway

Connecting Grand Junction to Denver is Interstate 70 that passes over the continental divide via Loveland Pass at an altitude of 11,990 ft. This is the highest point anywhere in the U.S. interstate highway system. The route is known for stretches of steep grades, twisting turns and treacherous winter conditions. The specter of altitude sickness going over the numerous passes poses a hazard as well. Add in heavy traffic laden with out-of-state drivers all headed to the ski resorts and it’s easy to see why car accidents are common.

As the main access from Denver to the famed resorts like Vail and Aspen, this route is notorious for large-scale congestion during the ski season. A route that is 90 minutes in summer can turn into a frustrating 3-4 hours snarled in bumper to bumper traffic. In 2008 alone over 1,900 accidents were reported in the corridor. It has gotten so bad the locals have a saying, “Friends don’t let friends drive I-70.”

5. The Million Dollar Highway

Built in the late 1930s and stretching north to south across western Colorado is U.S. 550. Originally a toll road, the origins of its colorful nickname remain a bit of a mystery. Although often applied to the entire highway, the Million Dollar portion is specifically the 25-mile passage from Ouray to Silverton. This stretch climbs over three mountain passes all at elevations over 10,000 ft. Don’t be tempted by the astonishing views to take your eyes off the road. This treacherous passage is filled with hairpin corners, steep switchbacks and vertigo-inducing drop offs that can make driving through here a real white-knuckle-affair .

The perennial heavy snows that must be removed via snowplow prevent the use of guardrails, despite a narrow shoulder and dizzying cliff sides. Earlier this year the road was closed for 3 weeks after an avalanche buried it under 60 ft. of debris.  Factor in heavy RV and semi-truck traffic, and it’s easy to see why the speed limit often drops to 10 mph. In spite of the weather, of the 412 car accidents over a 15-year period, most were in dry conditions and involved only one car. Miraculously, there were only 8 fatalities over this span. However, regardless of road conditions, this is a challenging route and not to be taken lightly.

Wyoming Car Accident Lawyers – The Advocates Casper

If you’re planning a trip through Colorado, take extra precautions to be ready for the extreme terrain and changing road conditions. If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, it’s vital to have the right legal representation. An experienced personal injury attorney can fight on your behalf, ensuring you receive all the compensation you’re entitled to.

As a premier personal injury law firm in Wyoming, the Advocates will assist you through the entire process of filing your claim. Having an attorney who specializes in car accidents takes the worry out of dealing with insurance companies, claims adjusters and hospital bills so you can focus on getting back on your feet. Don’t wait, call us today at 307-240-5317 or feel free to chat today confidentially with an attorney on our home page. You deserve an Advocate!

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience for anyone. Because these incidents can happen in seconds without any warning, it’s perfectly normal for people to feel at a loss for what to do in the immediate aftermath of the crash.

However, these are some of the most crucial moments for you. The things you do or don’t do in this time period can affect your financial compensation options, how the car insurance will handle your case, and the way a car accident lawyer and the courts will examine your incident. Because of that, knowing the do’s and don’ts of an accident scene can make all the difference.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

After a crash has occurred, it’s important to act quickly but above all, keep a calm head. There are going to be many things happening at once. Not only will you have to deal with your own disorientation and the possibility of injury or pain, but other people may also be involved, whether they’re well-meaning bystanders or the occupants of the other vehicle.

There are some steps you can take directly after you regain your bearings. In order, after assessing your own personal injuries, you should do the following:

• Turn the hazard lights on and get out of the way of other vehicles if it’s possible to do so safely
• Contact the police
• Document the damages through notes and pictures
• Exchange information with the other driver in order to deal with insurance later

It can feel like a lot to keep track of in the moment, but these are all crucial steps for handling matters of compensation later on. This is especially true concerning the documentation of the accident. You will want to have as much evidence as possible in order to support your claims. In some cases, sources even suggest interviewing bystanders at the scene to collect statements and information. However, your top priority should be to keep yourself safe and prevent further damage from happening to your car or person.

You should try to maintain a calm and polite demeanor throughout the interaction. Both you and the other driver will likely be stressed, agitated, and upset. This can lead to arguments if the tension boils over, which will likely only aggravate the situation. Deal with the other driver calmly, and interact with any police officers who show up on the scene in a respectful way as well.

What Should You Avoid Doing After a Car Accident?

There are a number of things to avoid doing. In terms of behavior, this includes getting aggressive with the opposing driver or acting antagonistically toward law enforcement. You should also avoid inspecting your car in detail on the spot; leave that for a later time and place. You may want to contact your car accident lawyer or insurance company quickly, but you won’t want to have an in-depth conversation at the scene.

However, the biggest thing you should never do is leave the scene of the accident. Even if you feel like it’s taking a long time for the crash to be documented, you should always remain on-site. Leaving the scene of a crash can open you up for the possibility of being accused of a hit-and-run, even if you do not find yourself to be responsible.

It should be noted that you can be accused of a hit-and-run if you leave before the investigation is officially finished, even if you do remain at the crash for some time. It’s of key importance to ask police when you can leave and ensure that everything has been wrapped up before you do.

Finally, you can face additional penalties for leaving the scene even if you aren’t responsible for the accident. It could even jeopardize your chances of seeking compensation.

Hit-and-Run Penalties in Wyoming

Similarly, hit-and-run charges in Wyoming can be considered either a misdemeanor or a felony. The penalties can be severe depending on the specific charges that are brought up against you:

• Jail time: Wyoming can meter out a year in prison for hit-and-runs, depending on the level of injury sustained.
• Fines: Wyoming may fine you up to $5,000 if convicted
• License penalties: Your license can be either revoked or suspended. The period can range from six months upward, all the way to a lifetime revocation depending on the circumstances.
• Financial penalties: This comes in two different forms: civil consequences and having to deal with insurance. Insurance companies will often cancel the policies of anyone who is convicted of a hit-and-run. Civil consequences relate to any court expenses that will be accrued as a result, as it’s highly possible you may be sued for damages. Note that while a jury may award $10,000 in damages, it isn’t uncommon for judges to triple the amount due to the reckless nature of hit-and-run accidents.

Additionally, car insurance companies will not cover damages wrought by hit-and-run crashes if you are accused of being the cause. This means that all of the expenses will need to be covered out of pocket, which can be a hefty chunk of money.

Should You Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?

It’s never a bad idea to contact a car accident lawyer after getting into an accident regardless of the circumstances behind it. Attorneys can act as your allies when you’re facing your insurance companies or if you have to take the other party to court in order to get the compensation you deserve.

The immediate aftermath of an accident is hectic, but that chaos can last for a long time after the fact. You’ll likely be dealing with plenty of expenses, from car damages to hospital costs and perhaps even lost wages if you need to take time off work for recovery. Dealing with these legal issues on top of convalescence can be stressful and hectic for just about anyone, which is why having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can be of such crucial importance.

You can contact The Wyoming Advocates here or by phone at 307-466-0003 at any time to speak to an attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Your full recovery is the Wyoming Advocates first priority. You deserve an Advocate!

Sources:

https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/tips-for-what-to-do-after-a-car-accident

https://www.dmv.org/wy-wyoming/accident-guide/

https://codes.findlaw.com/wy/title-31-motor-vehicles/wy-st-sect-31-5-1101.html

With so many bicycles on Idaho’s roads today, it’s easy to forget just what the rules are when automobiles share lanes with bikes. Where a bicycle rides depends on how fast the bicyclist is traveling. If the bicyclist is moving at the same speed as traffic then they can ride anywhere they like inside of the lane. But if they’re traveling slower than surrounding traffic then, according to Idaho law, they should ride in the following areas:

• To the right of the road
• As close to the outer lane line as possible
• In a bike lane, if available

Most cities in Idaho do not allow bicyclists to ride on sidewalks, so you should check your city’s ordinances before attempting to do so. If a bicyclist does encounter a pedestrian on a sidewalk, they should yield and give an audible signal as they approach, and the same should be done in crosswalks, as well. When passing a bicyclist riding on the road,

motorists should use always use extreme caution. Remember that bicycles don’t offer the same crash protections, like seat belts and air bags, as automobiles do.

Idaho Helmet Laws

Similar to most other states, Idaho requires all bike riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while riding. If an underage bike rider is caught riding without a helmet the rider’s parent or guardian would be considered liable and could face stiff financial penalties or the bike could even be impounded.

Bicyclists should also ensure their bikes have proper headlamps and reflectors before hitting the road. Anyone who rides at night should use a white headlamp for the sake of safety. Brakes should also be in operating order, and the handlebars should be set lower than the bicyclist’s shoulders.

The ‘Idaho Stop’ and Other Unique Bike Laws

Bicyclists in Idaho are not required to come to a full stop at a stop sign if there is no other traffic in the vicinity. This is called an ‘Idaho Stop’ by locals and effectively reduces stop signs to little more than yield signs. Bicyclists, too, are not required to fully honor stop lights if there is no other traffic around. Once they see the road is clear, bicyclists can roll through a red light, treating it as if it were little more than a stop sign.

The following is a list of additional Idaho bicycle laws you should be aware of:

• Bicycles should be ridden with two hands at all times except when using hand signals
• You should never ride a bicycle after drinking alcohol or using drugs
• Hitching a ride on a car or truck is not only illegal, it is extremely dangerous
• You should avoid wearing headphones while riding a bike

Bicycle Signals in Idaho

While hand signal use is not required by law in Idaho, every bicyclist should know how to use them before riding. The three most important signals are left turn, right turn, and stopping/slowing down. With so many drivers distracted by their iPhones these days, it’s wise for bicyclists to get in the habit of using hand signals whenever they make turns or slow down.

Safety is the best policy when it comes to riding bikes in Idaho. Remember that bicycle laws are meant to protect you from injury or worse. For further information, visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Hi there! Welcome to our very first blog post. We are The Advocates, a national personal injury law firm serving clients throughout the U.S. I know what you’re thinking. What kind of information can I find on a personal injury blog?

Great question. I’m here to tell you this blog is about you and all the ways we can assist you in your recovery process. No one ever truly expects to be in an accident, right? But it’s never too late to prepare should one occur. Follow our blog to find out all the right steps you should take if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Our posts are here to provide valuable insight regarding the many layers of personal injury law. A few hot topics we’ll discuss are: the do’s and don’ts of building strong injury claims, the steps in getting the best settlement offers for our clients, the importance of chiropractic treatment, as well as national news about other personal injury cases.

My name is Ashley and I’m one of the writers here at The Advocates. I’ve been writing about the benefits of having an Advocate on your side for the last two years. In this time, I’ve encountered the real impact we have on people and their families. It’s truly amazing to see that our attorneys have helped retrieve over $100 million for thousands of injured victims.

And it all began with Matthew Driggs in 1993. Practicing law in Salt Lake City, Matt began his journey in changing people’s lives. Matt founded The Advocates law firm in the great state of Utah but didn’t stop there.

Between 1998 and 2000, Matt furthered his dream of helping those in need by partnering with Kenneth Bills and Steven Day. Eventually becoming Driggs, Bills & Day PC, by 2020 The Advocates expanded to 11 offices across five different states.

Matt is the perfect example of having a dream and making it a reality. In fact, one of his bucket list goals is to travel to Antarctica (yes, Antarctica) and in 2019, he made that happen.

The Advocates isn’t just the name of our law firm. Our teams are here to guide you through the aftermath of being injured by someone else. Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping you get the recovery you are rightfully owed by the law. We specialize in personal injury law and are fully prepared to serve as a voice for you and your family.

The Advocates have the expertise to ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries and losses. Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling insurance companies, claim adjusters and medical bills, so that you can focus on recovering.

We hope you enjoy our news blog, and if you have any questions about our content and the services we offer, please reach out. You can always contact our office at 888-565-5277 or use our Online Chat Here to speak with an attorney right away. For any content requests, please feel free to send us an email at [email protected].  We love suggestions!

Don’t forget. Your recovery is our top priority. You deserve an Advocate!

What are the Most Dangerous Animals in the US?

The United States is home to a panoply of animals and creatures from literally every walk of life. From a cutesy ring-tailed cat to a strange mole with a nose right out of a science fiction nightmare, North America has an extraordinary collection of life. While 99% of these animals pose no risk of harm to humans. A few species should be avoided at all costs. Below is the definitive list of the most dangerous animals in the United States:

 #10: Sharks

Despite being cast as the villain in far too many schlocky Hollywood movies, shark attacks are incredibly rare. On average, the United States experiences just 16 shark attacks each year, with only 1 death every 2 years. The most recent attack occurred near Santa Cruz, California when a surfer had a fatal encounter with a Great White. While 99% of beachgoers are considered to be safe as they swim and splash about in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, surfers and bodyboarders are at risk due to sharks mistaking them for fleeing seals. Sadly, tubular aerials can sometimes come at a steep price.

#9 Bears

The United States is home to three species of bear: Black, Grizzly, and Polar bears. Of these three, the Black bear is the least dangerous. Black bears aren’t aggressive if you keep your distance and stand your ground. If you happen upon one, the best strategy is to try to scare it off. Yelling aloud and waving your arms about can make the bear think you are bigger than you are and a real threat. If the bear does charge you, do not attempt to escape into a tree. Black bears are savvy climbers and have no problem knocking you to the ground.

Hikers and campers should be especially wary of the two most infamous and terrifying types of bears, the Grizzly and Polar. If you are ever unlucky enough to encounter one of these two fearsome beasts off the beaten path, you should probably consider praying to your preferred deity of choice. Whatever you do, running is the worst option. Both species will see you as prey if you try to hoof it to safety. When it comes to Grizzlies, you should first stand your ground and then slowly back away. If the Grizzly begins to charge, hit the dirt, curl into a ball, and play dead. Be sure to cover your head with your hands and arms for protection.

If you bump into a Polar bear, on the other hand, you are likely in for a fight. Playing dead does not work with these massive one-ton killers. Polar bears out and about are looking for food no matter its size, shape, or form, and a meandering human makes for a tasty snack. Again, do not run. If you have bear spray, get ready to use it, spraying the bear directly in the face. If the bear physically attacks you, fight back at all costs, particularly the eyes and nose. Playing dead simply helps them finish the job. If, by some miracle, you somehow manage to survive an encounter with a Polar bear, you should probably reconsider the life decisions you’ve made to put you in such a dangerous position.

#8 Mountain Lions, Cougars, and Pumas

Known as mountain lions, cougars, or even pumas, these giant cats once occupied all 50 states. Due to hunting and human expansion, they can only be found in 14 western states and in Florida. Thankfully, mountain lion attacks are just as rare as these cats. When attacks do occur, it’s almost always due to the cat mistaking a bicyclist, skier, or hiker for its prey of choice: deer. Just as you would with a bear, it’s best to fight back if a mountain lion attacks you. Go for the eyes and nose, since these are tender areas you can exploit. If you’re lucky, the animal will realize you aren’t its delicacy of choice and flee back to where it came.

#7 Venomous Snakes

To date, there are up to 20 species of venomous snakes in the United States, with 16 belonging solely to the rattlesnake family. The remaining 4 species are coral, cottonmouth, and copperhead. Unfortunately, snakebite victims often don’t know they’ve been bitten by a snake until it is too late. The best strategy is to not get bitten in the first place. Hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts should wear thick hiking boots and look down as they walk as often as possible. It’s also wise to have an anti-venom kit handy if the area you are visiting is known for poisonous snakes.

If you are bitten, you should get to an emergency room as soon as possible. Try not to move the bitten limb as this increases blood flow and spreads the venom faster throughout your body. Be sure to remove any jewelry or clothing around the bitten area in preparation for swelling,  and try to memorize the snake’s appearance if possible. This will help attending medical staff with treating your particular bite.

#6 Black Widow and Recluse Spiders

In the United States, alone, there are over 3,000 species of spiders. Out of this extraordinary amount of spiders, only 3 are known to be venomous. The Recluse spider, the Hobo Spider, and the infamous Black Widow. If not treated both promptly and properly, Black Widows and recluse spiders (Brown and Chilean) are especially dangerous and even deadly to children, the elderly, and the sick. Luckily, these spiders are mostly rare for humans to encounter. Nonetheless, you should remain vigilant, particularly when it comes to Black Widows. These dangerous creatures tend to live in closer proximity to humans and their bites are extremely painful and can have long-lasting consequences. Thankfully, their distinct red markings are easy to spot.

#5 Hornets, Bees, Wasp

Most people consider flying insects of this variety to be little more than a pest. Yet, for many people these insects are actually potential terrors of death and destruction. Gram by gram, hornets, wasps, and bees are easily the most deadly creature in the entire country. Without a doubt they kill far more Americans each year than any other animal. The CDC reports that flying insects caused the deaths of a total of 1,109 people between the years 2000 and 2017 for an average of 62 deaths each year. Understandably, most of these deaths were due to allergies, but this shouldn’t diminish the risk, as the majority of victims likely did not know they were allergic in the first place. Besides, being stung by a flying insect is rather painful, so you should just avoid these winged scourges at all costs.

Here are a few symptoms to look out for if you believe you are suffering an allergic reaction:

• Red or white discoloration of the skin
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Hives on the skin
• Vomiting and nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Loss of consciousness
• Shock

#4 Horses, Cows, and Other Farm Animals

Yes, you read that right. Farm livestock is one of the most dangerous class of animals in the entire US. To those in the know, though, cattle and horses certainly have a deadly reputation. Horses are known for being temperamental and will throw nasty kicks if they are unhappy. Goats, too, have no qualms with butting their heads along with their sharp horns into humans whom they disagree with.

The most surprising entry, however, is that of cows. Typically slow and docile, few people would ever consider cows to pose a threat. Yet, cows can be dangerous if they all begin to stampede at the same time, and they will certainly stampede if they feel threatened or if they are provoked. Joggers and bicyclists whom exercise in the countryside or near farmlands can attest to the danger of spooking herds of cattle. It’s best to keep your distance if you happen upon a group of cows roaming in the road. They are faster than you think and will fling their massive weight into your body if you don’t get out of the way. You should also leave Fido at home, as dogs can spook cows since they frequently mistake them for their far more predatory cousin, the wolf.

#3 Deer

Another surprising entry is that of deer. Yes, sweet, docile Bambi is actually one of the biggest killers in the United States. The threat deer pose to commuters in and out of rural areas is greater than most assume. Deer cause so many car accidents each and every year that the financial toll alone is astronomical. For example, take California. The Golden State pays upward of $300 million dollars in compensation for accidents caused by deer wandering in highways and country roads. Statistics show that you are far more likely to be killed by a collision with a deer than you are by the bite of a shark or the claws of an angry bear. Some states have even gone so far as to adopt sterilization programs in the hopes of reducing the number of deer within their borders. So, the next time you decide to take a drive out into the country, keep an eye out for Bambi bounding across the blacktop. It could be the last sight you see before disaster.

#2 Dogs

Everyone is familiar with humanity’s best friend. The simple fact is that your cute, furry companion is actually dangerous for a variety of reasons. Statistics compiled by the Center for Disease Control show that each year there are an estimated 5 million dog bites in the United States. Such a harrowing statistic translates to 1 bite for every 70 Americans, far higher than any other animal on this list.

An even more disturbing statistic is that 20% of these bites are so serious that victims often require immediate medical attention afterward. The next time you feel the need to pet a random dog on a leash, no matter how cute, remember that a full third of all dog bites potentially become infected. So, it might be smarter to simply admire that furry pooch from afar than to risk a deadly encounter with a Campylobacter infection.

#1 Humans

Of course humans top this list. One look at the statistics below should quell any doubts about who the most dangerous animal is in the United States. Below are crime statistics straight from the FBI:

• 810,825 Aggravated Assaults
• 1,401,840 Burglaries
• 319,356 Robberies
• 1,247,321 Violent Crimes
• 17,284 Murders

What makes these statistics even more disturbing is that each of these crimes took place solely in 2017. To make matters worse,

over 1.25 million people worldwide die each year from car accidents, in states like Nebraska, Wyoming, Arizona, and Montana. with another 20-50 million people being injured. The simple fact is that you are more likely be hurt or killed at the hands of your neighbor, by an incredibly wide margin, than you are by any other animal on this list. Combined. And, to be honest, it’s not even close. Not that this is news to anyone who has spent time in the company of humans.

Thanks for reading The Advocates list of Most Dangerous Animals in the United States. Be safe out there, America.

Coronavirus Speeding Across the United States

America continues to struggle with how to move forward while still locked in battle with an invisible enemy. Teams of scientists and health experts are working tirelessly in the hope of vanquishing our pernicious foe. Yet, while some of us are racing for a potential cure, others are just plain racing. With traffic levels still at historic lows, widespread reports of reckless driving and egregious speeding are popping up all across the United States.

In one wildly dangerous stunt, a renegade crew has recently taken advantage of the shutdown conditions to set the Cannonball Run record. It’s a real thing and not just an 80’s movie. For non-gear heads, the Cannonball Run was an unsanctioned cross-country race from Manhattan to Redondo Beach held in the early 70’s. The winning team of the first race consisted of an editor for Car & Driver magazine and a professional race car driver. They posted a time of just under 36 hours with an average speed of nearly 80 mph.

While the pandemic continues to surge across America, with lock-down orders in many states, a team of callused drivers decided it was a good time to go for the record. With a pair of marine gas tanks mounted in the trunk of an Audi 8 sedan they incredulously clocked the run in less than 27 hours. That’s averaging over 100 mph for the entire trip coast-to-coast!

Fortunately, there were no reports of injury. Would they have been proud if this juvenile stunt ended in a car accident and fiery death along the roadside? Or worse an innocent bystander? While this is an extreme example of contemptible and senselessly reckless driving, it is by no means an isolated one.

Street Racing During Covid Causes Police Angst in Oregon

Street racing: very fast, very dangerous and highly illegal. The fast & the furious wannabe crowd historically run their races in out-of-the-way locations deep into the night to avoid both traffic and law enforcement scrutiny. The pandemic, however, has emboldened them to crazy new heights.

In Portland, Oregon, street racers recently closed down traffic on the upper levels of the Fremont Bridge shortly before dusk.

Dozens of cars blocked southbound traffic on the thoroughfare that sits 380 feet above the Willamette River below. Reports came in of cars racing and others spinning wildly around in circles across the road. Shocking video surfaced online showing a car churning out a cloud of smoke while performing a doughnut on the bridge with a passenger hanging out of the window filming the incident.

By the time police officers arrived, the blockade was long gone and there were no arrests. Different law enforcement agencies in the area are currently teaming up in response to these brazen automobile antics. Police issued a statement reminding the public that those involved in street racing are subject to heavy fines and even possible jail time. It’s not just racers who are ramping up the speeds though, even everyday drivers can succumb to the lure of the open road.

Historic Traffic Lows in Los Angeles Due to the Coronavirus

Traffic levels in the Los Angeles area remain a shadow of what it once was pre-Covid. Even as things begin to open back up, reports indicate congestion in urban areas is still down as much as 60%. The overall number of car crashes in Los Angeles is down 38% over last year. However, fatalities from car accidents are up over 15% with pedestrian fatalities jumping a whopping 33%. Local authorities say high speeds and reckless driving are to blame.

LAPD spokesperson Officer Tony Im recently held a news conference near the site of a deadly roll-over accident on Compton Avenue. Several drivers were found ejected from their vehicles with three fatalities. “We want people to get the message that they need to slow down…they are seeing less traffic, and they are driving too fast,” Chow said. He went to remind drivers that each of them “has control of a 5,000-pound missile” and needs to watch out for pedestrian traffic.

The average time saved on a 5-mile trip driving 65 mph in a 45 mph zone is only about 1.9 minutes. Pretty paltry returns when you think about the risks. Do the right thing and drive responsibly.

Since 1992, The Advocates have been a top-notch personal injury firms, providing superior representation to injury victims throughout the western United States. If you or a loved one has been injured and is in need of an attorney to help recover losses from an accident, you will need an Advocate on your side. An Advocate attorney is standing by to discuss your case by either filling out the form below, calling 1-888-565-5277, or by chatting with a live attorney from our homepage. Find out what our law firm can do for your case. Why settle for second best when you can have an Advocate on your side? You deserve an Advocate!

Contact an Advocate Today!

Zantac Cancer Lawsuits: Most Frequently Asked Questions

With the current FDA recall of Zantac and its generic products, pharmaceuticals containing Ranitidine, thousands of people across the United States are wondering if they have been impacted by the popular heartburn drug. The aim of this guide is to answer any and all questions you may have about Zantac, the recall, and the current federal lawsuits being filed on behalf of victims.

What is Zantac and Ranitidine?

Zantac is a pharmaceutical designed to provide heartburn relief for consumers afflicted with the chronic condition. The drug was designed by GlaxoSmithKline in the 80’s and quickly became widespread across the globe. Zantac is now manufactured by a French pharmaceutical company called Sanofi and is offered in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. Until recently, there were dozens of generic ranitidine products on the market.

Why is Zantac being recalled?

An independent laboratory in 2019 found that Ranitidine, the active ingredient in Zantac, produces toxic levels of the chemical N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is carcinogenic to the human body. NDMA is classified as a chemical that causes cancer by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What kinds of cancers are caused by Zantac and Ranitidine?

Toxins produced by the NDMA chemical found in Zantac and Ranitidine have been associated with the following types of cancer:

• Liver cancer
• Kidney or renal cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Nasal cancer
• Colon cancer
• Cancer of the Bladder
• Cancer of the prostate
• Gastric cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Cancer of the esophagus
• Pancreatic cancer 
• Intestinal Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer

Why are the Zantac manufacturers and distributors responsible?

Due to a troubling trend toward deregulation in the United States, more and more pharmaceutical companies rush the research, development, and testing of their products. They do this to make their products available to the general public as quickly as possible to grab as much of the market as possible.

The attorneys with The Advocates believe the makers and suppliers of Zantac and Ranitidine failed to conduct proper research of their drug, possibly knew of the drug’s risks, and failed to recall the product upon discovery of the toxic chemical NDMA. Put simply, they put profits ahead of people.

How do I know if I qualify to file a Zantac lawsuit?

If you have been diagnosed with one of the above-listed cancers or another type of illness after prolonged use of Zantac or its generic products then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Zantac injury claims will likely be based upon proven medical conditions substantiated by a history of medical records.

How long will Zantac litigation take?

Unfortunately cases involving defective drugs can take several years to fully resolve since you will likely be joining thousands of other victims whom have filed injury claims. Large drug companies have vast resources and teams of cutthroat lawyers who will drag out the litigation process as long they are able.

Will I have to go to trial?

The chances you will have to go to trial is rather slim. Again, there will almost certainly be thousands of other cases similar to your own and 99% of these will settle out of court.

How much does it cost to hire an Advocate attorney to represent my Zantac lawsuit?

It costs absolutely nothing to hire an Advocate attorney for your Zantac lawsuit. Our attorneys work on what’s known as a contingency basis. This means we don’t get paid unless you do. Once your Zantac case settles, The Advocates will be paid a percentage of the settlement on the backend. In the unlikely scenario where your case does not successfully settle, you won’t owe The Advocates a dime in attorney fees. That’s our promise to you.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer after prolonged use of Zantac or one of its generic products containing Ranitidine, you should contact The Advocates today for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys are experts at recovering damages for defective pharmaceuticals such Zantac. The Advocates know best how to obtain maximum compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered.

With so much at stake with your Zantac lawsuit, an ordinary lawyer simply won’t do. You need an Advocate attorney to help you win just compensation for your Zantac injury claim. Don’t wait to call our office today at 1-888-565-5277, chat with a live attorney from the bottom of your page, or fill out the form below. You deserve an Advocate!

Speak With an Advocate Today About Your Zantac Lawsuit!

Semi-Truck Accident Explainer

Did you know that every 15 minutes a person is killed or seriously injured in a semi-truck accident? In fact, more than 300,000 truck accidents occur each year in the United States. Truck accidents are listed as one of the most dangerous types of traffic collisions in the country.

When a tractor trailer collides with a smaller vehicle, the results can be catastrophic, if not deadly. Semi-trucks without a trailer can weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 pounds, whereas trucks with a loaded trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In comparison, most passenger vehicles only weigh around 4,000 pounds.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a semi truck crash, the most important thing after taking care of your health is finding an effective semi-truck accident attorney to protect your legal rights. The following article is a step-by-step guide on how to build a strong truck accident claim with The Advocates.

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What are the Most Common Causes of a Truck Accident?

Commercial trucks like big rigs and delivery trucks present many dangers to smaller vehicles and their passengers. Seemingly minor driving errors can lead to devastating results when a truck collision occurs. Some of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents are:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Failure to secure load
• Improper cargo loading
• Poor employee training
• Failed truck inspection

If you were injured in a truck accident, you might not know where to turn. An accident lawyer with The Advocates can help you determine the cause of your crash and help you build a strong legal claim.

What Evidence Do I Need from My Truck Accident?

When a truck accident occurs, you should try to collect as much evidence from the scene of the crash as possible. Such evidence includes:

• Truck Driver’s Information
• Full name
• Contact information
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver’s license
• Truck driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Vehicle information
• Cargo being transported
• Witness Information
• Full name
• Contact information
• Leave witness statement for the police
• Photos/Videos
• Pictures of your vehicle and other vehicles involved
• Videos of damages
• Photos of the truck’s license plate
• Any injuries from the crash
• Additional evidence including traffic signals and road conditions

We understand that it may not be possible for everyone to collect evidence from the scene of a truck accident. If you are able to gather evidence, it’s important to note that these photos and statements will be crucial to have when you file a personal injury claim with insurance.

Who Will Be Held Liable for my Semi-Truck Accident?

A thorough investigation of your truck accident is necessary in order to determine who is responsible for the crash. It’s possible that one or more parties will be held liable for compensating you and other victims for your injuries and losses. These are the following parties that could be held accountable for the crash:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Owner of the rig
• Cargo shipper or loader
• Manufacturer of the truck or parts
• Party responsible for truck’s maintenance
• Government contractors
• Other vendors

As you can see, truck accidents are very complex and difficult to face without the help of a trusted injury attorney. In truck collisions, any third-party vendor can be held responsible if their negligence contributed to your accident. If the investigation shows that several parties are liable, you and your lawyer will be able to maximize the compensation you receive for your accident.

What if I was Partially At-Fault for the Accident?

Even if you were partially responsible for the truck accident, you may still be eligible for compensation for your injuries and losses. Luckily, most states use a comparative negligence rule which allows accident victims to receive a reduced amount of damages based on the degree to which the plaintiff’s negligence caused the crash.

What Are the Legal Steps After Being in a Truck Accident?

When you have been involved in a truck accident, the first thing you should do is call emergency services. Because of the sheer size of a truck, injuries and collision damage are usually much more severe and your health is a top priority.

Once you’ve taken care of your health, you should contact a semi-truck accident lawyer right away so that you can begin the process of filing and following a personal injury claim for your truck collision. Here are the most important steps to building a legal claim and winning your case: 

1. Sign a written agreement with your truck accident attorney.

You should make your professional relationship with your truck accident lawyer official by reviewing, discussing and signing a written agreement stating the terms for your legal representation. Make sure you ask questions and have a clear understanding of the basic points of agreement before signing anything.

Establishing this communication from the very beginning will allow you to trust your lawyer’s guidance in helping you retrieve maximum compensation for your accident.

2. Let your attorney communicate with insurance and claim adjusters.

Once you and your legal team begin building your injury claim, you should only discuss your case with your attorney unless advised otherwise. You will need to report your truck accident to your own insurance company and other parties, but you should not give any information to the trucking company’s claim adjuster as well as other insurance companies, even if they reach out to you.

Do not sign any documents or answer questions of any kind without first speaking with your lawyer. Sharing the details of your truck accident injuries outside the required agencies, such as your insurance, the police, the DMV and doctors, can jeopardize the success of your legal claim.

3. Investigate the evidence from your truck accident.

At this point, you’ve probably already had the opportunity to present basic evidence to your attorney. It’s pivotal that you share this information, including details about your medical visits and physical therapy, to help your legal team move forward in building you the strongest personal injury claim possible.

4. Send a demand letter to the insurance company responsible for your injuries.

Now that you and your attorney have collected and reviewed the evidence from your crash, the next step is for your lawyer to draft and send a personal injury demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. The letter will address how you, the injury claimant, have been affected physically, financially and emotionally from the crash.

Importantly, the letter will map out the “demand,” which is the specific payment amount that will be accepted in order to restore you justice.” This will be an agreed upon amount between you and your attorney.

5. Your attorney will negotiate the best settlement offer for you.

Once the trucking company receives the demand letter, the insurance company has two options. The trucking company can accept your demands and settle out of court or they can negotiate terms and present you with a counter-offer.

6. File a Lawsuit if Negotiations Fail

If you and the trucker’s insurance company cannot reach a deal on a fair settlement amount, then you have the option to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. Most cases are settled before this step. However, if your demands go unanswered or negotiation is out of the question, you’ll want the best truck accident lawyer to take the at-fault party’s insurance company to court.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Truck Accident?

If you are injured in any type of accident, such as a car collision, truck accident or motorcycle crash, you will need to file your injury claim as soon as possible. The reasons for this is because there are legal deadlines you will need to meet in order to recover any compensation for your injuries and losses. The longer you wait to file your legal claim, the more difficult it will be for you to prove negligence against the at-fault party and win your case.

It’s true that deadlines vary from state to state. For example, Florida has longer time limits on personal injury claims than most other states. Truck accident victims must file a claim within four years in the state of Florida from the date of the crash, whereas accident victims in California have only two years. Your attorney will be able to help you file a truck accident claim depending on the state you live in within the appropriate time frame.

You Need an Advocate After Your Semi Truck Accident

Truck accident cases are far more complicated than car accident collisions for a multitude of reasons. Truck collisions involve multiple parties and can be difficult to navigate alone. The semi-truck accident lawyers with The Advocates understand the ins and outs of commercial and public carriers, as well as determining liability for complex injury claims.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury from a truck accident, you will need an experienced truck accident attorney to help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses. For more information on how The Advocates can build you a strong legal claim, contact our lawyers today. Simply call us at 888-565-5277 or use our online chat to speak with a live attorney. Don’t wait. You deserve an Advocate.

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence and plan to file a personal injury claim, you should continue reading. The key to building a successful claim is having a clear understanding of the most important steps you should take during a personal injury case.

Our personal injury attorneys understand that the aftermath of an injury can be frustrating and difficult to deal with alone. Here at The Advocates, we will be there for you each step of the way to make sure you get the full recovery you deserve.

While filing a personal injury claim may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. In the following article, we will outline the simple steps you should take so that your claim has the best chance of success.

What Steps Can Strengthen a Personal Injury Claim?

One of the most important things to consider about filing a personal injury claim is that most cases are time sensitive. With that being said, you should consider taking the following steps sooner than later. These include:

1. Call an Experience Injury Attorney Right Away

If you were recently injured by another person’s negligence, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. You will want to have an attorney working on your case as soon as possible.

Not only will a lawyer take care of all your legal needs, but those who hire an attorney receive, on average, up to 3.5 times more in compensation than people without one, according to the Insurance Research Council.

2. Only Communicate with Your Attorney About the Case

This may be one of the most important steps you should take during your personal injury case. It’s very likely that an insurance adjuster will reach out to you with questions about your injuries, the accident and your case in general. Let your attorney do the communicating for you.

Your attorney is there to serve as your legal guide, so it’s imperative that you only speak with them. Any conversations you have otherwise can be misinterpreted or misconstrued, which can greatly impact the success of your case.

3. Do Not Post About Your Case on Social Media

While this may seem like an obvious thing to avoid, people continue to post on social media about their case. What you may not realize is that an insurance adjuster or a defense attorney might monitor your social media accounts from the beginning of your claim to the very end.

Insurance companies are trained to look at social media accounts and potentially find flaws in anything you say about your injuries online. Simply put, don’t post about your case on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

4. Keep Going to Your Doctor Appointments

Keeping up with your doctor appointments is one of the most important steps to take during your personal injury case. If you were injured by another person and want to be compensated for your medical bills and other damages, you will need to continue visiting your doctor.

Unfortunately, if you do not continue receiving treatment, the at-fault party can use this to diminish the seriousness of your injuries. This will eventually result in receiving a lower settlement amount than what you are actually owed.

5. Fight for Full Compensation for Your Injuries

Insurance companies are skilled at reviewing injury claims and making unfair settlement amounts at first. However, you have the right to fight for fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

With The Advocates on your side, our personal injury attorneys will do the negotiating for you. Don’t settle for less. Contact our office today for a free legal consultation. You can call us today at 1-888-565-5277 or use our online form fill here. You deserve an Advocate!

Once your personal injury case is settled, you may be wondering what the next steps of the settlement check process are. There is a standard time period before you can deposit your settlement check.

The average amount of time to receive a settlement check is typically between 30 days to six weeks from the end of negotiations, but there are any number of factors that can slow down or speed up this process. Be sure to speak with your personal injury attorney if there is a delay in receiving your settlement check.

If you or a loved one are waiting for your settlement check, it’s important to understand the settlement process and how to deposit your check. All personal injury cases are unique and The Advocates are here to answer any questions you may have.

What are the Steps in the Settlement Check Process?

While the time it takes to receive your check will vary, settlement checks undergo a specific process before your funds are ready to deposit. This process proceeds as follows”

1. Signing the Forms

Prior to the release of your settlement funds, the defense attorney of the at-fault party will draft a release form for you to sign. These signatures include:

• Order of Settlement. The Order of Settlement consists of paperwork that must be filled out by both parties. The most important of these documents is the Release.
• Release Form. The Release must be signed in order for you to receive your settlement check. This form acknowledges that you, the plaintiff, accept the settlement offer from the defendant and understand they are “releasing” are releasing any and all claims against the defendant.

2. Insurance Processes and Releases Check

Once the insurance company receives the signed release forms, they will process them and send your settlement check to your attorney. The check will read as the agreed upon amount, but there are several steps that need to happen before you can put your check in the bank. Checks are usually sent within 7-10 business days.

3. Your Attorney Deposits Check into Trust Account

After your attorney receives your check, he or she will deposit the settlement offer into a trust account until the bank clears the funds. This will ensure that the insurance company has the funds to pay the amount of your check. While this step can be frustrating, it’s required by law to make sure the money is there.

4. Paying Off Debts

If you have liens filed against you, you attorney first pay those liens before sending you the rest of your check. This includes:

• Unpaid medical bills
• Attorney’s fees from previous lawyers
• Reimbursements to your insurance company
• Child support payments

5. Payment of Legal Fees and Costs

Once your debts and liens have been paid off, your attorney will deduct the agreed-upon fees from your total settlement amount. Prior to hiring your personal injury lawyer, you should have signed a contingency fee arrangement that outlined the percentage your attorney will take out for legal fees.

6. Receiving Your Final Settlement Check

Your attorney will write you a check for the remaining funds after these fees are paid. You’ll likely receive this check within six weeks and can deposit the funds into your personal account.

How to Deposit Your Personal Injury Settlement Check

You can deposit your settlement check like any other check you receive. Most personal injury firms, including ours, still issue paper checks to clients. The bank teller may bring over a manager to authorize the transaction, but other than that you should be good to go.

Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney Near You!

If you or a loved one would like to know more about filing personal injury claims and recovering compensation for your injuries, you can contact The Advocates by phone at 1-888-565-5277 or use our online form fill here. Don’t wait. You deserve an Advocate.

Did you know System of a Down’s “Chop Suey” is one of the most dangerous songs to drive to? As soon as the words “Wake up!” rattle the stereo, it’s almost inevitable to start head banging. Don’t worry. We’ve all been there.

Listening to music in the car can make the drive all the more fun. However, as fun as it to make a performance out of your favorite tunes, even the best tracks can be dangerous to play while driving. A recent study shows that particular songs might actually increase the risk of a car accident.

English psychologist and professor Dr. Simon Moore conducted a study observing Spotify’s 40 most popular tracks of 2017 and how they impact driving skills. Him and other researchers at the London Metropolitan University used the enabled MotorMate app to monitor music’s effect on several participants.

Participants first drove 250 miles without music to establish baseline results and then played popular hits from a variety of music styles, such as jazz, heavy metal, hip-hop, and classical, for the next 250 miles.

Dr. Moore assessed the impact of each song measuring two key elements:

• Tempo: the speed at which music is played, often known as the beats per minute (BPM)
• Energy: how intense and loud a song is on a scale of 1 to 10

Dr. Moore found there were some tracks that could induce people to drive faster. In fact, research showed that both female and male participants drove more erratically when classical music was playing as opposed to no music at all.

“Fast beats can cause excitement and arousal that can lead people to concentrate more on the music than on the road,” said the professor. These songs include popular tunes such as The Black Eyed Peas’ “Hey Mama” and Fall Out Boy’s “Dead on Arrival.”

If we follow Dr. Moore’s findings, songs above 100 BPM might be too rowdy for the average drive, but regardless of the style of music, tracks between 60 and 100 BPM are considered the safest to listen to while driving.

We get it. The best songs on the radio are fun to listen to. Although, we can’t let them compromise our driving skills.

What Songs are Dangerous To Drive To?

Here are some of the most dangerous songs to listen to while driving, according to Dr. Moore.

10. “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin (113 BPM)

9. “Chop Suey” by System of a Down (127 BPM)

8. “Castle On The Hill” by Ed Sheeran (135 BPM)

7. “I can’t drive 55” by Sammy Hagar (135 BPM)

6. “Sandstorm” by Darude (136 BPM)

5. “Top Back” by T.I (160 BPM)

4. “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters (173 BPM)

3. “Notget” by Björk (179 BPM)

2. “The Rock Show” by Blink 182 (193 BPM)

1. “Prophets of Rage” by Prophets of Rage (200 BPM)

You’ll notice that most of these songs are upbeat and a lot of fun to dance and sing to. But maybe tone down the tempo the next time you’re behind the wheel.

Top 10 Facts to Know About Whiplash in the United States

Whiplash is the most common and well-known injury reported in car accidents across the United States, and yet it is still one of the least understood. The dizzying array of potential symptoms can make charting your path to recovery a serious challenge. Advances in the understanding of this complex disorder have upended traditional methods of treatment. If you have been injured in a car accident and suffer from whiplash, here are the top 10 things you should know:

#10 How Whiplash Really Happens

When the upper body, head, and neck are subjected to a violent back and forth motion muscles, ligaments, and even vertebrae can become injured. This type of injury can lead to wide-ranging symptoms from mild discomfort to chronic, potentially debilitating pain. The medical term for the collective symptoms stemming from an injury of this nature is whiplash-associative disorder.

To date, the most common way to get whiplash is from a car accident. The violent impact lurches the body suddenly and whips the head to-and-fro. However, car accidents are far from the only way to suffer a whiplash injury. You can also get it from taking a hard tumble while skiing, horseback riding, or even a particularly nasty slip-and-fall. Other common ways to get whiplash include contact sports, roller coasters, and, in extremely rare instances, even a particularly violent sneeze.

#9 Symptoms of Whiplash

One of the chief problems in diagnosing and treating whiplash is the unusually diverse list of potential symptoms. The accident can cause pain and soreness in the neck and shoulders that may slowly build in intensity over days or even weeks. Stiffness in the spine and a reduced range of movement is common. Whiplash can strain or even tear muscles and ligaments resulting in pain and weakness. Headaches, dizziness, and problems with balance can persist. Numbness, tingling, burning, and other uncomfortable sensations in the arms, hands, and shoulders are possible. A considerable number of whiplash victims report cognitive and psychological conditions resulting in memory loss, depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and difficulty focusing.

If this partial list of symptoms seems extensive to you, you’re not the only one. The medical community remains hard pressed to explain the direct connection between whiplash and some of these symptoms. This is a why negotiating a settlement for a whiplash injury can be more complex than other types of injuries. A car accident attorney who specializes in litigating whiplash claims will prove invaluable when it comes to collecting the best evidence to support your claim.

#8 More Than Just Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end car accidents typically feature a combination of factors which concoct a perfect storm for whiplash to occur. When someone is rear-ended, they often do not see the accident coming and so are unable to brace themselves in anticipation of the blow. The angle of impact from directly behind plays into the range of motion of the neck allowing the force to have the maximum whiplash effect to the head. However, whiplash is by no means exclusive to rear-end accidents alone.

Head-on collisions, for example, while usually seen in time for the driver to brace themselves, often give rise to whiplash as well. The angle of the force from the impact similarly lines up with the range of motion for the neck, resulting in a more dramatic whipping effect to the head. Facts are that almost any accident featuring a hard-enough jarring impact can result in a whiplash injury of varying degrees.

#7 Low Speed Car Accidents Can Still Cause Whiplash

A serious case of whiplash can occur at surprisingly low speeds. While the average speed of an accident that can cause whiplash is 12-mph, speeds as low 5-mph can also routinely result in a case of whiplash. The reasons why have to do with the physics of automobile crashes. When a vehicle traveling at 8-mph collides with a car that is not moving the force of the impact transfers to the body of the victim in a split second. The sudden jarring motion to the body leaves the head to snap back and forth with up to 5 G-force of acceleration. This violent force happens in the blink of an eye, causing damage before the victim can even react.

#6 Women and People Over 30 at Increased Risk

Due to less musculature support in the neck and shoulder region, women are at a significantly higher risk of suffering from whiplash than men. A recent report from Sweden concluded that contributing to this disparity is that women tend to own lighter, smaller cars and sit more upright and closer to the steering wheel.

After the age of thirty, changes begin to affect the flexibility in our joints, cartilage, and vertebrae. This loss of flexibility leaves us more prone to injury when something traumatic occurs. A whiplash injury is not only more likely after the age of thirty, when it does happen it is more severe in nature. These progressive changes only increase with each passing year.

#5 Neck Collars Can Actually Hurt Recovery

Until recently, the neck-collar was a mainstay of medical treatment for whiplash. Modern studies have cast doubt on the effectiveness of this practice though. Excessive use can even produce a negative effect on your recovery and increase your chances of developing chronic side-effects. At one time, a doctor may have recommended that you use the collar for weeks or more. Today that recommendation is down to just 2-3 days maximum, if at all.

The new medical motto regarding whiplash is ‘rest equals rust.’ Immobilizing the neck muscles decreases strength and interfere with your body’s natural recovery process. Physical therapy and chiropractic treatment can help restore range of movement, alleviate pain, and get you back on your feet faster.

#4 Whiplash Can Be Invisible to X-Rays and MRIs

X-rays can be quite revealing when it comes to dislocations, fractures or other injuries to the bone or spine structure. Soft tissue injuries are simply not as identifiable using this type of imaging, including most whiplash related injuries. That is not to say x-rays are useless. They can be a vital tool to both doctors and lawyers to help eliminate possible causes of specific symptoms.

MRI scans can detect a limited number of soft tissue injuries, primarily those involving the spinal cord, disks, or ligaments. A new advanced MRI technique developed in the last decade studies the fat to water ratio in the muscles in the neck area. Abnormal muscles changes especially an infiltration of fat is an indicator that they will be at elevated risk to develop chronic pain or partial disability.

#3 High Chance of Developing Chronic Symptoms

Regrettably, the risk of developing chronic symptoms with whiplash is high when compared to other injuries. In close to half of all whiplash cases the patient will still be experiencing chronic pain 20 years later. Difficulty in clearly identifying the relationship between the injury and some long-term symptoms can makes treatment a challenge. The hope is that if we can find those at high-risk for chronic symptoms earlier that research coupled with more aggressive treatment plans can help bring the number of chronic sufferers down. Although currently the treatment for those suffering chronic pain from whiplash have proved to have limited effectiveness.

#2 Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash in the United States

Chiropractic treatment is widely regarded as one of the most effective strategies for treatment of whiplash. Some chiropractors even specialize specifically in treating those suffering from whiplash. Through a personalized treatment plan your chiropractor will use a variety of techniques to help restore range of movement, reduce pain, and get you back on your feet again.

Targeted stretching of muscles and ligaments helps relieve tightness. Manipulation of the spine or joints with a chiropractic adjustment can help return range of movement. Finger pressure applied to trigger points reduces pain. McKenzie exercises are a regimen learned during office visits designed for use at home to help build strength and flexibility. Specialty isolation exercises correct faulty movement in daily routines developing healthier patterns. Chiropractors offer vital advice on ergonomic and lifestyle changes to aid in your continued recovery and health.

#1 U.S. Settlements for Whiplash Injuries

Negotiating a settlement for a whiplash injury can be a complex process. Insurance companies often undervalue pain and suffering or may write off whiplash as a minor inconvenience. Your settlement should include a combination of the following:

• All your current medical bills
• Any future medical expenses
• Lost wages from missed work and opportunities
• Pain and suffering
• Compensation for any chronic of permanent damages
• Loss of consortium

Marshallings the evidence to substantiate all aspects of damage caused by a whiplash injury is a vital step toward winning the settlement you deserve. Choosing an experienced car accident lawyer who specializes in representing whiplash victims is the only proven way to fully protect your interests.

The Advocates is one of the top personal injury firms in the entire United States. As a national law firm we have the resources and experience to stand up for your rights against any caliber of insurance company, whether they be large or small. The Advocates have successfully settled thousands cases for whiplash-related injuries and are dedicated not only to your recovery, but to securing every dollar you are owed for damages according to the law. Find out what The Advocates can do for your case. You can contact our office by calling (888) 565-5277, filling out the form below, or chatting with a live attorney from the bottom or your screen. Don’t wait. You deserve an Advocate!

Speak with an Advocate Today!

How to Know If You Have a Strong Personal Injury Case

One of the first questions injury victims ask after they’ve been hurt by the negligence of another person is whether they have legal standing to file a personal injury claim. There are a number of factors to consider before one can determine if their case has merit or not. The very best way to know if you have a viable case or not is to seek out the advice of a legal professional. Thankfully most every personal injury law firm, especially The Advocates, offer free legal consultations to injury victims with no strings attached.

Before you speak with an attorney, however, it is helpful to know just what is needed to build a strong injury claim. Most skilled attorneys evaluate potential injury claims on the below criteria. This guide will help you understand the extent of your own damages and what type of settlement you may be entitled to in the future.

Personal Injuries

It’s no surprise that the most important aspect of any personal injury claim is that of injuries. Put simply, without injuries it’s highly doubtful any personal injury attorney will take your case. The same can be said if you only suffered relatively minor injuries, such as a scratch or minor bruises. If your injuries do no require medical treatment, either at the scene of the accident or later on at a doctor’s office, your claim likely isn’t worth pursuing in the eyes of an attorney.

However, if the accident did, in fact, cause you to suffer an injury requiring medical care, you very well might have standing to hire an attorney and file an injury claim. Even if you did not require immediate medical assistance after the accident, more minor injuries, such as whiplash or a concussion, may manifest in the subsequent days. The best thing you can do if you experience pain or discomfort following an accident is to seek out a medical evaluation as soon as possible. The longer you put off medical treatment, the more damage you do to your potential injury claim.

The Cause of the Accident

The next important details an attorney will want to know about are the circumstances which led to the accident and potentially caused your injuries. For example, if you were injured in an automotive crash, your injury claim will depend upon proving the accident directly resulted in the injuries you suffered. Injury claims can become complicated if you had a pre-existing condition before the accident, like chronic back or neck problems. The at-fault party’s insurance will almost certainly use your previous medical records against you in an attempt to dismiss your injuries on the basis that they were not caused by the accident. All too often, previously viable injury claims are dismissed on just such a basis.

Examples such as the one above are the very best reason to hire a skilled attorney to represent your best interests. Even a minor accident can present a number of legal complications which may prove to be too difficult for the average person to navigate successfully to a fair settlement. Fender-benders frequently cause serious injuries, such as fractures to the back and neck which require surgery, and insurance companies, in turn, have denied liability due to how seemingly minor the crash was based on the police report and available evidence.

Determining Liability

Depending on the type of accident involved, liability can be tricky to nail down. If the accident is determined to be your fault then you are liable for the injuries and losses you have suffered. But if the other person or party is found to have been negligent, resulting in your injuries, then your personal injury claim has a much sturdier standing in the law’s eyes. Oftentimes, determining liability for an accident requires an in-depth investigation pertaining to the accident’s causes. A number of factors are typically considered in order to figure out exactly who, truly, is at fault.

Thankfully, when it comes to most automotive accidents, liability is determined by the police officer who arrives at the scene of the crash. Other types of personal injuries might not be as clear cut. For example, say a woman slips in a grocery store and hurts her back. In order to build the best injury claim possible, the woman must prove the grocery store violated their duty of care to keep her safe while she was visiting their store. In order to accomplish this, the woman must provide not only physical evidence supporting her liability claim, she must prove the financial cost she has suffered as a result of the grocery store’s negligence.

Physical and Financial Damages

In order to determine the damages caused by a personal injury, one must consider the types of damage recognized by the law. While some damages are easily defined, such as a wrecked vehicle, others are more difficult to quantify, like pain and suffering. Damages are typically categorized according to physical and financial damage caused to a victim.

Examples of physical damage are:

• Disability, both temporary and permanent
• Pain and suffering
• Facial or bodily scarring
• Loss of consortium (relationship loss caused by the personal injury)
• Psychological distress

Financial losses may include:

• Total medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Lost wages
• Potential loss of income
• Household assistance (shopping, janitorial, landscaping)

Of course, in order to be fully compensated for the above damages actual evidence must be provided to a court of law. Medical bills, employment records, and witness testimony can help prove the true extent of damages caused.

Insurance Policies

One of the most important aspects involved in most any personal injury case regards the insurance policies involved. Some injury cases may involve multiple insurance policies while others may have only one or even no insurance at all. Unfortunately, in the latter instance, if there are no insurance policies to help compensate the victims then there is little legal options available.

A commercial vehicle accident case, such as one caused by a semi-truck, is a good example of an injury claim which may involve multiple insurance policies: the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, the contract company’s policy, the leasing company’s policy, etc. With so many policies involved, a personal injury case of this caliber can quickly grow complicated and difficult to manage without practiced legal experience. Even trying to understand your own health insurance can be difficult due to how opaque policies are written.

You Deserve an Advocate Attorney

If you’ve suffered a personal injury and are in need of legal assistance, you need more than just an ordinary lawyer. You want an Advocate attorney on your side. The Advocates Injury Attorneys know best how to properly value your particular case, build an air-tight injury claim, and negotiate maximum compensation for the injuries and losses you’ve suffered. With so much on the line, you need the best legal experts available to help you make the best recovery possible. You deserve an Advocate!

Speak With an Advocate Today!

Whiplash is the single most common type of injury reported following a car accident. Indeed, a full two-thirds of all bodily injury legal claims from car accidents are whiplash related. Over three million new cases of whiplash occur each year in the United States. Chances are you already know someone who has chronic neck pain because of a whiplash injury, as 1% of all Nebraska drivers suffer from such a condition. Despite how common this specific class of injury is, people still struggle to fully grasp whiplash and often underestimate its recovery.

Here’s what you need to know if you have suffered a whiplash injury in Nebraska:

#10 Not Limited to Just Car Accidents

Car accidents are by far the leading cause of whiplash injuries. However, there are other ways whiplash can happen. Contact sports like football, soccer, or boxing have caused their fair share of whiplash cases. A similar risk exists in activities where hard falls occur like skiing, skateboarding, or gymnastics. A diagnosis of whiplash by doctors is common in instances of particularly nasty slip and falls. Any sudden violent movement to the upper body can potentially result in a whiplash injury.

#9 Even Accidents with Very Minor Car Damage Can Still Cause Whiplash

It would be easy to assume that car accidents with heavier damage are more likely to cause whiplash, however, experience tells a different story. The angle of the impact and other factors play a significant role in determining whether you will receive a whiplash injury. Car damage alone is an unreliable measure. The average speed of a vehicle involved in an accident that results in a whiplash injury is only 12-mph. Even speeds as low as 5-mph commonly result in a case of whiplash. A car moving 8-mph colliding with a stationary vehicle transfers upwards of 5 G-force of acceleration to the head of the other driver. The force of the impact transfers to the body of the victim in a split-second. The resulting violent motion to the head and upper body causes the injury long before the driver has a chance to react and brace for impact.

#8 Surprising Factors That Put You at Risk for Whiplash

Managing risk is something everyone does day in and day out, even if they don’t think about it. Buckle up, look both ways before crossing, or don’t run with scissors are good examples of everyday risk management. However, some factors are beyond your control or simply not on your radar. Women, some tall people, and those over the age of thirty are more likely be likely to suffer significant adverse symptoms after a whiplash event.

Women are three times more likely to suffer from whiplash as men. A recent Swedish study found three factors that help contribute to this sizable disparity. Physically, women tend to have a bit less mass to the muscles in their upper body and neck. Having less muscle mass in this key area makes them more susceptible to injury from whiplash. They also found that female drivers tend to own lighter, smaller vehicles, and sit more upright nearer to the steering wheel. Both factors can cause whiplash injuries to be more severe.

People who are both tall and thin lack muscle mass in the upper body making them susceptible to an injury from whiplash. As we age we begin to lose flexibility in our joints, cartilage, and vertebrae leaving us more prone for injury when something traumatic occurs.

One more key factor to be aware of is the proper use of the protective gear in a vehicle. The correct position of the head rest is within two inches of the back of your head. Additionally, check to make sure it is not sitting too low, as either of these positions can increase the severity of the damage from a whiplash injury. The single most vital piece of safety equipment in a car is still the seatbelt. Faithful use of the seatbelt and properly adjusted shoulder restraint help mitigate injuries from a car accident, this includes whiplash.

#7 Whiplash-Associative Disorder is the Clinical Term

People commonly uses the term ‘whiplash’ indiscriminately for both the medical condition and the violent action giving rise to the injury. Technically, whiplash describes the violent incident that causes an injury. The medical term for the collective of symptoms from the injury is known as whiplash-associative disorder.

There is a little bit of a medical mystery as to exactly how some of the symptoms in whiplash-associative disorder are related to the injury. Muscle pain from receiving a strain in the area is easy enough to draw a direct correlation to the whiplash incident. However, a wide variety of common symptoms defy easy explanation as to exactly how and why they are related to the injury.

#6 Neck-Collar Use Limited

The classic neck-collar at one time was the preferred method of treating whiplash. Improvements in science have fundamentally altered the understanding of whiplash-associative disorder. This new knowledge has changed the way medical professionals treat whiplash, specifically in regards to the use of the neck-collar.

Modern treatment of whiplash victims limit the use of the neck-collar to only a few days for most cases. Longer use is known to increase the risk of long term or chronic symptoms. A better plan than immobilizing the neck is to seek out a chiropractor and start physical therapy right away. A chiropractor who specializes in treating whiplash can help alleviate pain, restore range of movement, and get you back on your feet again.

#5 Developing Chronic Symptoms is a Serious Risk

Many injuries come with the possibility of developing chronic symptoms. Most whiplash victims show improvement in just a few weeks. However, over half of all whiplash patients develop symptoms that end up being long-term or chronic. Early identification of which cases are likely to develop chronic or prolonged symptoms is problematic. Neither the seriousness of the car accident, nor the severity of the injury is a good indicator of which cases will develop chronic symptoms.

Even whiplash victims who fully recover will suffer with a significantly increased chance of developing periodic bouts of neck and shoulder pain for the rest of their life. Reports hold that around 45% of all chronic neck pain is a direct result of a whiplash related injury.

#4 Missed Work Due to Whiplash

The amount of time you miss from work to recover from whiplash is dependent on several factors. How serious your individual injury is and how fast you can recover is obviously a major factor. The nature of

your work and how strenuous it is can have an impact as well. Nebraska drivers who receive a diagnosis of whiplash-associative disorder after a car accident on average miss around 8 weeks of work. One in fourteen people with whiplash do not end up returning to the same job as they had pre-accident. Collaborating with your doctor or chiropractor is the most reliable manner of figuring out what timeframe for returning to work is best for your individual case. Your employer’s willingness to accommodate temporary or permanent changes to your ability certainly plays a factor as to when you can comfortably return to work.

#3 Too Much Rest Can Be Harmful

The age-old adage of get lots of rest and take it easy following an injury runs contrary to modern treatment for whiplash victims. Excessive rest for a whiplash injury quickly becomes too much of a good thing. Doctors have a catchy slogan for the effect: rest equals rust. More than a few days of rest dramatically increases your chances of having symptoms persist or become chronic. Chiropractic treatment at an early stage has proven beneficial in getting patients back on their feet. A medical study in Canada from 1988 of over 10,000 whiplash cases concluded that chiropractic adjustment is one of the only proven treatments. The study found that conventional treatments like immobilization, muscle relaxers, and patient rest were not especially effective.

#2 Nebraska Chiropractic Treatment of Whiplash

Professional chiropractors are helpful in devising a personalized treatment plan of physical therapy to focus on your specific injuries. Modern chiropractors have a variety of techniques to aid you in restoring range of movement, reducing pain, and helping you get back on your feet.

Gentle targeted stretching of the tight areas helps relax the muscles and ligaments. Manipulation of the spine or affected joints by a combination of short thrusts or slow mobilizing movements are helpful in improving range of movement. Finger pressure applied to trigger points help to relieve pain. Muscle stimulation via Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a modern tool commonly used to help the muscles heal. Robin McKenzie, a New Zealand physical therapist, developed a series of exercises specifically for the patient to use at home. This well-known regimen bearing his name is an effective and popular choice with chiropractors to help patients build strength and flexibility outside of office visits. Stabilization and sensorimotor exercises help correct faulty movement patterns in daily routines and develop healthier coordinated movement patterns. Chiropractors offer expert advice on ergonomic and lifestyle changes to support your full recovery.

#1 Possible Side-Effects and Symptoms of Whiplash

Pain in the neck and shoulders is of course quite common for whiplash victims, but a lengthy list of other symptoms can also be related. Compounding matters is the fact that the full range of symptoms can take days, weeks, or even months to fully manifest. Prompt medical attention after the accident is vital to help minimize chances of developing more serious symptoms. Headaches, dizziness, and balance problems can develop. Stiffness in the neck, back, and shoulder is quite common. Muscle or ligament damage from sprains or tears can occur. Burning, numbness, tingling or other abnormal sensations in the arms, hands, and shoulders occur regularly. Cognitive or psychological conditions bring memory loss, difficulty concentrating, depression, sleep disturbance, fatigue, nervousness, or irritability. This dizzying array of potential symptoms is part of what makes litigating and negotiating a settlement for a whiplash injury more complex than other types of injury. Retaining a personal injury attorney who specializes in whiplash cases is the only surefire way to get every penny you are owed.

The Advocates are a top personal injury law firm and have served accident victims throughout the western United States for over 30 years. Our professionalism and dedication to our clients is unparalleled. The Advocates have recovered over $300 million on behalf of our clients, so don’t wait to find out what we can do for you.

An attorney from The Advocates is standing by to discuss your case today. You can either contact our office by calling (402) 275-6980, filling out the form below, or chatting with us on our homepage. Your case deserves an Advocate!

Speak with an Advocate Today!

If you’ve been injured in an accident that was likely someone else’s fault, you’re probably wondering what you should do next.

When involved in any kind of collision caused by someone else, it’s always important to remember that you have the right to speak with a personal injury attorney before making any decisions.

The key to recovering full compensation for your injuries and losses is understanding the timeline of a typical personal injury case, which our attorneys will walk you through.

In the following article, we will outline the most important steps in the personal injury claims process, how long this takes and what our accident attorneys can do to help your case.

Here is the personal injury case timeline:

Seek Medical Treatment

The first thing you should do immediately following an accident is seek medical treatment. Even if you’re only experiencing minor injuries, you should always go to a medical provider or the emergency room after a collision. This not only important for your safety and well-being but if you don’t get medical treatment, the insurance adjuster and the jury may undermine the severity of your injuries.

Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney

When speaking with a personal injury attorney, remember that your initial consultation is free of charge. This is your opportunity to explain your situation to get a better understanding as to whether or not you will need an accident attorney to file your injury claim for you. Anytime that you suffer a serious injury, you will absolutely need a personal injury lawyer to represent your case.

Lawyer Begins Thorough Investigation Process

The investigation process is just an initial interview by your attorney to gather as much information about your collision as possible before moving forward. Be sure to answer all of their questions as honestly and completely as you can. From there, your lawyer will help collect your medical bills and any other medical records relating to the accident.

Lawyer Prepares Demand Letter

The vast majority of smaller personal injury claims usually settle before a lawsuit is ever filed. If your lawyer thinks the case can be settled out of court, then they will prepare a demand letter to send to the at fault party’s attorney or insurance company. However, if neither party can come to a fair settlement agreement, the case will move into the “litigation” phase.

Personal Injury Lawsuit is Filed

A personal injury lawsuit is only filed in court when an agreement between both parties can’t be made. This step in the personal injury claims process needs to be completed within strict time limits that each state has in place called a statue of limitations. Under filing a lawsuit in court, each party will investigate the other side’s legal claims, mediate and negotiate and eventually go to trial if neither resolutions works.

Trial (If Necessary)

Mediation is the process in which both clients receive assistance from a neutral third party to help resolve the case. This often works, but if it doesn’t then the case will be scheduled for trial.

Contact a Nebraska Personal Injury Attorney Today!

If you or a loved one were injured by another driver, you should contact a personal injury attorney right away.

You can call our office at 402-275-6980 or use our Live Chat Feature here on our homepage. Don’t wait. You deserve an Advocate.

Attorney Mandy Gruhlkey Joins The Advocates

The Advocates are excited to announce that attorney Mandy Gruhlkey has joined The Advocates personal injury law firm in our office in Omaha, Nebraska. A transplant from Texas, Mandy is proud to have called Omaha her home since her early 20s. She couldn’t think of a better place to use her legal skills and knowledge than for the people of Nebraska.

Mandy was recently featured in a news article for the Omaha Daily Record written by reporter Molly Ashford which can be found here. If you are in need of legal assistance or simply need answers to your questions, please reach out to Mandy and The Advocates by calling our Omaha office at 402-275-6980, filling out the form below, or chatting with Mandy in person from the bottom of your screen. You deserve an Advocate!

Speak with an Advocate Today!

The scene of a car accident can be a very hectic place. Nerves are usually jangled, emotions are running high and trying to remember all the right things to say isn’t exactly first on the agenda when dealing with a collision.

Sometimes you can do everything right behind the wheel only to end up having another car crash into yours, causing significant damage and stress. It’s important to understand, however, that there are some statements you should mindful of in the aftermath of a crash. What you say can potentially come back to haunt you if you decide to seek compensation for your injuries and losses later down the road.

In the following article, we will explain what words may hurt your legal case, how your statements can be misconstrued or misunderstood and when you should call a car accident lawyer with The Advocates.

What Shouldn’t I Say at the Scene of a Crash?

One of the most common mistakes car accident victims make at the scene of a crash is giving an admission of fault. Even if you don’t directly admit you were at-fault, there are certain statements that can allude to an admission of fault. Here are a few words you should avoid:

• Do Not Apologize After the Accident by Saying “I’m sorry”– While apologizing after a collision occurs, whether it was your fault or not, may come as instinctual for most people, it can be considered an admission of fault. If the other driver is responsible for the accident, then you have nothing to be sorry for and you should let your car accident attorney determine liability with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
• Do Not Say the Accident Was Your Fault– This may seem like an obvious statement to avoid, but it can be easy to accidentally admit fault in the heat of the moment. In fact, many drivers unintentionally blurt out to the other driver that the collision was their fault. Sometimes we do this out of anxiety or mid-panic, but easing tension with an admission of guilt can impact how you are compensated later on.
• Do Not Say “I am okay” or “I am fine” After the Accident– Another simple mistake accident victims often make is saying that you are okay or giving any statement along those lines. If you plan to file a personal injury claim, this phrase can be used against you and the validity of your injuries from the accident. It’s true that some accident injuries take days or even weeks to notice. You may not have symptoms at first but this does not mean they aren’t there.
• Do Not Speculate or Give Inaccurate Information– Accidents occur for many reasons, the most common being a driver’s negligence. However, you should never speculate about the exact cause of the crash without concrete evidence. Your statements can be misconstrued and turned into a different narrative portraying you as the at-fault driver. Leave the speculation up to the insurance adjusters and the accident investigators.

In addition to statements you should avoid saying at the scene of an accident, it’s possible that even correct statements can be misinterpreted. Car accident witnesses might mistake a statement such as “I was paying attention” for “I was not paying attention.” It’s important to only speak about what is absolutely necessary, such as insurance and contact information.

When to Contact a Wyoming Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one were recently injured in a car accident, you should contact The Advocates right away. Determining liability is the most important step in building a successful personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Here at The Advocates, our car accident lawyers are dedicated to you and getting the recovery you deserve. Don’t wait. Contact us today at 307-271-8467 or use our Live Chat feature on our homepage. You deserve an Advocate.

If you were injured and plan to file a personal injury claim, you should continue reading. The key to building a successful personal injury case is being fully prepared for any possible outcome along the way.

Here at The Advocates, our personal injury attorneys will guide you through the aftermath of an being injured due to someone else’s negligence. Even though the legal claims process can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Our attorneys know the ins and outs of personal injury law and have the experience you will need to build a strong legal case.

While no two personal injury cases are exactly the same, the following article outlines 5 steps every injury victim should take so that your injury claim has the best chance of success.

What Steps Can Help Strengthen Your Legal Claim?

Much of the personal injury claims process is time sensitive, so it’s important that you start taking the steps necessary as soon as possible. These steps include:

1. Speak With an Experienced Attorney Right Away

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you will need to contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. Once you contact The Advocates, we will work diligently to make sure you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses in a timely manner.

Being injured by another person can cause a range of issues for everyone involved, including you and your family. While you focus on recovering, our attorneys will fight for fair settlement to help cover your medical bills, lost wages and any other damages from your accident.

2. Only Speak to Your Attorney About Your Case

This is one of the most important steps you can take to help strengthen your legal claim. Whether you’ve been contacted by an insurance adjuster or simply have questions about your case, you should keep all communication about your personal injury case between you and your attorney.

Oftentimes, insurance companies will contact you about information regarding your accident. Speaking to insurance without your attorney present, if at all, can seriously impact the outcome of your case.

3. Don’t Post About Your Claim on Social Media

We can’t stress this one enough. Defense attorneys and insurance companies are trained to look at your social media accounts and potentially misinterpret anything you say about your injuries online.

The at-fault party’s legal team will look for any reason to diminish the seriousness of your case. Put simply, don’t post on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

4. Continue Visiting Your Doctor

If you were injured by another person, you should continue going to your medical appointments. Going to these visits will help strengthen your legal claim and prove that your injuries are serious. However, if you stop going to your appointments, the party responsible for your injuries will hold this against you and insurance will likely offer the lowest compensation amount, knowing that you haven’t been receiving treatment.

5. Fight for Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries

It’s a very common tactic for insurance companies to offer the lowest settlement amount for an accident victim’s injuries. Our attorneys won’t settle for less and neither should you. We encourage you to fight for full compensation for your injuries and losses.

When working with The Advocates, you can receive up to 3x more in compensation than without the legal experience of our law firm. Get your free consultation today and we’ll help you retrieve the recovery you are owed. Don’t wait. Contact our attorneys at 307-271-8467 or use the chat form fill on our homepage.