Get Ready for Warm Weather With These Top 5 Summer Safety Tips

The days are getting longer and hotter as summer quickly approaches. If you're like millions of Americans, chances are you've already begun making warm weather plans for road trips, barbecues, swimming, boating and plenty of other outdoor activities.

Even though summer is a great time to enjoy fun in the sun, this is also the time of year when BISNAR | CHASE sees an increase in the number of personal injury claims it handles due to a variety of accidents. Although there's no way of knowing when an injury is going to occur from a defective product or accident, there are a lot of things people can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during the summer months.

Following is a list of Top 5 Summer Safety Tips, to keep you and those you love safe and sound in the sun.

1. Car maintenance is key.

Before you hit the open road, be sure your car is safe. Have a certified mechanic check the safety and functionality of components such as headlights, turn signals, tires, oil and other fluids before traveling and be sure to replace worn parts such as windshield wiper blades so you can see properly in the rain. If you're towing or hauling, don't overload your vehicle or your trailer. What's more, keep in mind it's dangerous -- and illegal -- to haul more passengers than the number of seatbelts in your car. It's equally dangerous to be distracted by eating, talking on the phone or dealing with children while driving. As an added safety measure, bring along books, music and games for the kids to help avoid distractions. Finally, be sure to keep a safe distance between you and other drivers on the road, especially when hauling a trailer or on wet roadways, and don't forget to take along a first aid kit and an emergency kit that includes flares, jumper cables and a flashlight.

2. Know the ropes of boating.

Every summer, millions of people hit the water to enjoy activities such as boating, jet skiing and canoeing. Even though water sports are fun, they can also be very dangerous. Since virtually anyone can operate a boat in many states, it's crucial to take a boating safety course before hitting the water, especially if you're an inexperienced boater. What's more, the number one cause of death while boating is drowning, so be sure you and your passengers wear a life jacket at all times. We have seen freak boating accidents at our firm, with occupants sustaining various injuries due to incidents in which life jackets were crucial to their survival. At the very least, make sure your boat is equipped with enough personal flotation devices for each passenger. Finally, not only is it important to carry a fire extinguisher on board, be sure you know where it's located and how to operate it properly.

3. Get smart about grills.

There's nothing like the taste of a grilled hamburger on a hot summer day, but if you're not careful, grills can present a variety of hazards. For starters, check your gas grill hoses for cracks, holes, leaks and kinks and be sure to keep hoses away from hot surfaces and objects. Keep your propane tank in an upright position at all times and never store spare tanks or flammable liquids, such as lighter fluid, under the grill, close to the grill or indoors. Additionally, avoid keeping a propane tank in a hot car or trunk, since heat will cause gas pressure buildup, resulting in the escape of dangerous fumes or worse yet, an explosion. When it comes to charcoal grills, avoid the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide gases by cooking outdoors at all times. Even with ventilation, never burn charcoal inside your home, a vehicle, a tent or a camping trailer and never store recently burned charcoal inside.

4. Bikers beware of summer hazards.

As the temperature rises, so does the number of bikers on America's roadways. Before you take to two wheels, however, be sure you follow important bike safety tips to avoid injuries. To begin, always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet -- one that affixes snuggly, one that is adequately and levelly adjusted to your head, and one that doesn't slip around in all directions -- each and every time you ride. What's more, be sure to ride on the right hand side of the road with the same flow of traffic as motorized vehicles, and remember -- a bicycle is a vehicle bound by the same rules of the road as cars, so be sure to obey all traffic laws, signs and signals. Make sure your bike is in good working order, with properly inflated tires, an adequately lubricated chain and securely fitted handlebars and seat. Wear the appropriate bike attire, including gloves to protect your hands and bright colored clothing and reflective materials. If you ride at night, you must have a headlight in the front and reflectors or lights on the back. Always pay attention to traffic and avoid distractions such as wearing headphones or talking on cell phones while riding.

5. Drink responsibly.

Consider these statistics:

• Get Ready for Warm Weather With These Top 5 Summer Safety Tips
• The Ins and Outs of Product Recalls
• Be on the Hit-and-Run Lookout
• Walk Like MADD!
• Lawyer Joke -- Out to Lunch
• In the Product Defect Liability Lawyer Blog

The statistics above make it abundantly clear that alcohol and vehicles don't mix. That's why it's critically important to drink responsibly. Sure, summer is the time for parties, barbecues, travel and activities, but if you're driving, abstain from drinking alcohol. If you choose to drink in situations when you're not driving, do it in moderation. Among other things, alcohol impairs your judgment and your coordination, making a variety of summer activities dangerous. Bottom line -- when it comes to alcohol, stay safe by drinking responsibly -- not only in the summer but all year long.

Cases in the Queue

In last month's newsletter article entitled "Product Liability Litigation and its Impact on Car Safety," we discussed how product liability lawsuits have been the primary catalyst for prompting changes in automobile design and manufacturing, improving the safety of vehicles for the motoring public through the years -- far beyond anything federal regulators or lawmakers have been able to accomplish.

In recent months, our firm has taken on a number of important auto products liability cases involving a variety of vehicle defects, from SUVs with insufficient roof strength and roll stability, to cars equipped with defective restraint systems, window systems and tires. Since the beginning of the year, we've announced 10 pending auto products liability cases, with seven of those cases announced in the month of March alone.

We realize that now, more than ever before, the need for automotive design and manufacturing change is so critically important, especially in light of the recent influx of vehicle recalls (i.e. Toyota) and the ever-increasing number of auto products liability cases we handle. Of course, our primary responsibility is to act as advocates on behalf of our clients. Through this advocacy and beyond, our ultimate hope is that automakers will put human safety above economic gain, to protect the lives of innocent motorists.

In this section, we've highlighted just some of the auto products liability cases in our queue, as a way of reinforcing the tragedies caused by vehicle defects and the importance of litigation -- not only as retribution for victims and their families -- but also as a catalyst for vehicle design and manufacturing modifications. To read more about each of the cases listed below, click on the accompanying link.

Weaver vs. Ford

During a September 2008 rollover crash, the passenger of a 1998 Ford Ranger pick-up truck sustained traumatic brain injuries that led to his death after he was ejected from the vehicle. The suit alleges that the truck was equipped with defective tires which were prone to blowouts, ultimately causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lose control and flip over. The suit further alleges the Ford Ranger lacked sufficient lateral and roll stability due to its high center of gravity.

Campbell vs. General Motors

In July 2007, the driver of a 2002 GMC Envoy sustained fatal injuries after her vehicle unexpectedly veered across a roadway, tumbled across a creek and flipped end-over-end until it came to rest on its roof. It's alleged the Envoy she was driving was wrought with a variety of defects, including an ineffective restraint system, weak roof design, defective window system and insufficient directional, lateral and roll stability.

Blair vs. Chrysler

The driver of a 2005 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 4x4 SLT pickup truck sustained massive head trauma and died when her vehicle rolled over at highway speeds, causing the roof to crush inward and allowing her body to be partially ejected from the vehicle, resulting in her fatal injuries. The lawsuit alleges that her death in August 2007 was due to the Dodge Ram's manufacturing defects, including insufficient roof strength, an unsafe restraint system, the lack of available side curtain airbags, and window system design failures.

Bachman vs. Toyota

A man was driving a 1998 Toyota 4Runner SUV on April 13, 2008, when the vehicle began swerving and rolling after a routine lane change at highway speeds. As the 4Runner flipped over, its roof crushed inward, partially ejecting the driver from the vehicle and causing him to sustain massive head injuries, including skull fractures and fractured vertebrae. He died in the crash, leaving behind his wife and six children. It's alleged that not only did the 4Runner have a high center of gravity and an unacceptably narrow track width, its roof lacked sufficient strength to protect against occupant injury during a rollover. What's more, the SUV's alleged defective window system design and lack of side curtain airbags failed to protect him from being ejected.

To learn about more auto defects liability lawsuits in our queue, visit the BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Attorneys Press Center.

Hit-and-Run Reward Program Officially Launches

As promised in last month's newsletter, we're pleased to announce the official launch of the Hit-and-Run Reward™ Program. The program, which was officially unveiled on March 30, 2010, is sponsored by BISNAR | CHASE, in conjunction with WeTip, a leading anonymous crime reporting service and law enforcement advocacy non-profit organization. The program's goal is to wipe out California hit-and-run offenses by offering an anonymous reporting system and cash rewards to witnesses who care enough to report these crimes.

With this new program, BISNAR | CHASE will fund hit-and-run rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and felony conviction of hit-and-run drivers who have caused serious personal injury by way of anonymous tips provided through the Hit-and-Run Reward website, HitandRunReward.com, or through the Hit-and-Run Reward hotline at 800-6-Hit-N-Run (800-644-8678).

Mission Viejo Mom Gears up for 545-Mile AIDS Bicycle Adventure

Loree Glenn, a Mission Viejo, California mother of two, is gearing up for this year's AIDS/Lifecycle event, a grueling seven-day, 545-mile bike trek from San Francisco to Los Angeles designed to end the pandemic and human suffering caused by AIDS. This marks the third year of Loree's ride and the third year BISNAR | CHASE has sponsored her efforts.

The trek raises funds to support the HIV/AIDS services of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, as well as to increase awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among the ride's participants, donors and the general public. The ride takes place June 6 -12, 2010.

With the support of her husband, Kevin, and two teenage sons, Loree will make this trek for the third time, an experience she views as an extremely personal, mental and physical challenge to raise money for a great cause.

Not only are we in awe of Loree's dedication to this cause, we're extremely proud to be her corporate sponsor. We're confident she's going to do a great job at this year's event and at future ALC rides, and we wish her all the best. For more information about Loree's adventure, or to offer support, visit her personal ALC webpage.

Lawyer Joke

You know you need a new attorney when:

10. He picks the jury by playing "duck-duck-goose."

9. During the trial, you catch him playing his Gameboy.

8. He places a large "No Refunds" sign on the defense table.

7. He giggles every time he hears the word "briefs."

6. Whenever his objection is overruled, he says "whatever."

5. He tells you his last good case was a Budweiser.

4. He yells "I call Jack Daniels to the stand" and proceeds to take a shot.

3. He begins closing arguments with "As Ally McBeal once said..."

2. The sign in front of his law office says "Practicing law since 2:25 PM."

And the number one reason you know you need a new attorney?

1. Just before trial, he whispers "The judge is the one with the little hammer, right?"

In the California Injury Blog

Here are a few recent car accident stories that have been in the news, as covered on the www.CaliforniaInjuryBlog.com ...

• April 6 - Los Angeles Car Accident Claims Teen's Life
• April 23 - San Francisco Lawyer Fatally Injured in Muni Bus Collision
• April 25- Pit Bulls Attack and Disfigure Unattended Infant

Don't miss out! Get a copy of John Bisnar's book The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your California Personal Injury Claim while it's still available at no cost.