Law Office of Shelly Kay Flot, PCFindLaw IM Template2024-02-07T06:07:39Zhttps://www.cheyennelawoffice.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Law Office of Shelly Kay Flot, PChttps://www.cheyennelawoffice.com/?p=493702024-02-02T06:08:13Z2024-02-07T06:07:39ZTexting while driving
The number one cause of distracted driving is texting while behind the wheel. Reading or sending text messages takes your eyes completely off the road for several seconds at a time. This reduces your reaction time and ability to safely operate your vehicle. According to the NHTSA, 5 seconds of distraction at 55 miles per hour is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Eating and drinking
Another top distraction is eating or drinking while driving. Unwrapping food packaging, taking bites or handling drinks can dangerously divert your attention. Hot coffee or other spilled drinks can also burn your skin, causing you to panic and lose control of the vehicle. For your own safety and others on the road, save snacks and drinks for non-driving breaks.
Loud music or passengers
Having the music turned up loud in your vehicle or chatter from passengers can also shift focus away from driving. Loud music can prevent you from hearing sirens or other important warning sounds that indicate hazards ahead. Rowdy passengers can also encourage you to look away from the road at what is happening inside the car. Keep music at a reasonable level and ask passengers to avoid distracting behavior while in transit.
Avoiding distractions such as texting, eating and disruptive passengers will go a long way towards preventing accidents and injuries. Stay focused on driving to keep yourself and everyone on the road safer.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Shelly Kay Flot, PChttps://www.cheyennelawoffice.com/?p=493682023-11-09T09:12:49Z2023-11-14T09:12:20ZLead by example
In 2020, 2,800 teens died and 227,000 received injuries in car accidents, and teens experience three times the crash rate as those 20 or older, according to the CDC. One of the best ways to prevent teen accidents is to set a positive example. Therefore, obey traffic laws, wear seatbelts and practice safe driving habits.
Effective communication
Discuss the importance of safety, following rules and respecting other drivers. Encourage your teens to discuss their questions and concerns about driving. Provide patient guidance and reassurance, and share your expectations for your teens’ driving behaviors, including curfews, passenger restrictions and cell phone usage.
Enroll in a driver's education program
Formal driver's education programs offer comprehensive classroom instruction and hands-on experience. They cover traffic laws, defensive driving techniques and the consequences of risky behaviors. Also, teach your teens about your state's graduated driver licensing program.
Practice, practice, practice
Start your teens’ supervised practice in a safe, quiet area, and gradually progress to more challenging driving situations, such as highways and heavy traffic areas. Give your teens experience in various weather conditions and at different times of the day and night. Also, teach defensive driving techniques, including anticipating the actions of other drivers, maintaining a safe following distance and staying alert at all times.
Emphasize the dangers of impaired and distracted driving
Teach your teens the consequences of impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs or distractions like texting. Encourage them to always stay focused on the road and never drive under the influence.
Stay involved in your teens’ driving journeys even after they obtain their licenses. This privilege comes with great responsibility.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Shelly Kay Flot, PChttps://www.cheyennelawoffice.com/?p=493672023-08-07T07:23:41Z2023-08-10T07:23:15ZWho can file
In Wyoming, only specific individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death suit. This generally includes the deceased person's surviving spouse, children, parents or other legal representatives. If you fall into one of these categories, you may proceed with filing the claim.
Statute of limitations
Timing is important in filing a wrongful death suit. In Wyoming, you must file the claim within two years of the death. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing the case, so it is vital to act promptly.
Gather evidence
Collecting strong evidence is a critical part of building a case. You must prove that negligence, recklessness or deliberate wrongdoing caused the death. This may include gathering medical records, accident reports, witness statements and other documents that demonstrate how the responsible party's actions led to the death.
Calculate damages
Damages in a wrongful death suit can include funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of income and even emotional suffering. It is essential to calculate these damages accurately, as they will be a significant factor in the claim.
File the suit
Filing the suit involves preparing a legal document called a complaint. This document outlines the case details, including the facts, the legal basis for the claim and the damages sought. Once prepared, you must file the complaint with the appropriate Wyoming court.
Serve the defendant
After filing the complaint, you must serve the defendant with a copy of the suit. This ensures that they are aware of the legal action and have an opportunity to respond.
Prepare for legal proceedings
Filing a wrongful death suit is just the beginning of a legal process that can include negotiations, hearings and possibly a trial. Staying informed and following proper procedures will be important throughout these stages.
Filing a wrongful death suit is a complex and emotional process. By understanding the process, you can pursue accountability and compensation for the untimely loss of your loved one.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Shelly Kay Flot, PChttps://www.cheyennelawoffice.com/?p=493452023-05-16T06:58:11Z2023-05-19T06:57:36ZEmergency care
In severe cases of TBI, emergency care is a must. Doctors should monitor how much oxygen and blood is going to the brain. Also, surgery may be necessary if the injury has caused a lot of secondary damage. Surgeons can work to repair fractures, remove dead brain tissue, clear hematomas and relieve pressure in the skull.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is an essential component of TBI recovery. It can help individuals regain strength, flexibility, and mobility, as well as reduce pain and improve overall physical function. Physical therapy may include exercises to improve balance and coordination, strength training, stretching and gait training.
Lifestyle changes
Another important aspect of rehabilitation for TBI patients is making lifestyle changes. This may include adopting a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption. These changes can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of further injury.
It is important for individuals with TBI to stay positive and focus on the progress they have made, rather than becoming discouraged by the challenges they face. With time, patience and dedication, it is possible to successfully navigate the road to recovery.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Shelly Kay Flot, PChttps://www.cheyennelawoffice.com/?p=493442023-01-30T07:07:23Z2023-02-02T07:03:06Zdistracted driving and the potential for a serious accident.
There are a few things you should know about safe travels with a dog in the car.
What safety hazards can your dog pose?
In order to handle car rides with your pet safely, you need to recognize the risks first. An unrestrained dog in your car could jump into the front seat, the dog could bark and distract you, or you might struggle with the dog under your feet or in your lap. All of these things can be distracting when you are driving.
How can you stay safe with your dog in the car?
The best thing to do when you have your dog in the car with you is to secure them with a seatbelt made for pets. These restraints secure to the car’s seatbelt in most cases, though some can secure to the LATCH system if your car has one. The pet seatbelt is an ideal restraint that keeps your dog in place in the seat to reduce distractions.
Buckling up for safety applies to all passengers in a vehicle, including your dog. You should also refrain from opening the window too far. Dogs can get injured by debris or suffer damage to their delicate ears from the wind.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Shelly Kay Flot, PChttps://www.cheyennelawoffice.com/?p=493332022-11-03T05:42:37Z2022-11-08T06:35:32ZOversized equipment collisions
The state of Wyoming has limitations in place for certain types of equipment and travel permissions on certain roadways. With regard to oversized vehicles, movements must take place during daylight hours (a maximum of half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset). Certain loads may also require an oversize permit. An increased risk in the following types of accidents is present with oversized equipment or loads:
Rear-end collisions from extended stopping distances
Fatal accidents from the weight of the truck
Tire blowouts that lead to out-of-control vehicles
Rollovers
Colliding with one of these vehicles or pieces of equipment can cause damage similar to that of colliding with a truck, given the size and weight of the vehicle or load.
Injuries with oversized vehicle collisions
Accidents involving large vehicles like trucks, tractors or oversized farm machinery can create serious property damage and bodily injury. Some of the more common injuries are back and neck injuries, broken bones, head or brain trauma, bruising, lacerations and whiplash.
Car accidents are no small matter, especially when they involved oversized equipment or farm loads. Understand the need to share the road with these vehicles, but also understand your increased risk of danger.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Shelly Kay Flot, PChttps://www.cheyennelawoffice.com/?p=493312022-08-23T08:24:21Z2022-08-26T08:24:07Zdrowsy driving was the cause of approximately 91,000 car accidents. However, this may be an underestimated figure and many more car crashes may occur due to drowsy driving every year.
The effects of drowsiness on your ability to drive
When you try and drive after not getting enough sleep, you will have slower reaction times to emergency situations that require you to steer or brake suddenly. Drowsy driving can also make it harder to make sound decisions behind the wheel and pay proper attention to the road in front of you.
The signs of drowsiness
When you drive, there are certain signs you should watch for to determine if you are driving drowsy. For instance, if you blink or yawn frequently, have a hard time remembering the past few miles you drove, drift in and out of your lane or miss the exit you need to take, you could be drowsy driving and more likely to get into a car accident.
Although you may take steps to prevent drowsy driving and stay safe when you drive, you cannot control the choices other drivers make. If you sustained injuries in an accident caused by a negligent driver, take steps to protect your right to fair and proper compensation.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Shelly Kay Flot, PChttps://www.cheyennelawoffice.com/?p=493202022-05-17T16:48:07Z2022-05-20T16:47:15Zfast but purposefully low settlement amount.
A fast settlement may mean your case is worth more
Insurance companies often try to protect their bottom line by minimizing the amount they pay out on claims. An agent may offer a fast settlement if he or she knows that the law may entitle you to significantly more.
You may not know the full extent of your injuries until later
Whether you have suffered broken bones, spinal damage, burns or head trauma, you may not know just how severe and long-lasting your injuries will be until long after the accident occurred. It may take time for your doctor to assess the full extent of the damage and determine how it will impact your ability to return to the life you had before the crash.
If your injuries were serious, you may end up with a permanent disability or have to live with chronic pain that prevents you from working at all. Unfortunately, if you accept a quick settlement now, you may not receive the full amount you need to keep yourself and your family financially secure into the future.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Shelly Kay Flot, PChttps://www.cheyennelawoffice.com/?p=493072022-02-16T15:35:32Z2022-02-16T15:35:32Zavoid injury for yourself and others.
According to NHTSA, driving while distracted endangers thousands of people in the country annually, claiming the lives of over 3,000 people every year. Understand the basics about distracted driving in order to make the roads a safer place to be–and save valuable lives.
What constitutes distracted driving?
Distracted driving is simply anything that takes your full attention away from driving responsibilities. Common self-imposed distractions include:
Talking on the phone
Reading, writing or sending a text message
Eating and drinking
Checking or fixing your appearance in the mirror
Making various adjustments to the temperature, music or other car settings
Using a GPS or navigation system
Zoning out or daydreaming
In addition to these distractions, a number of additional factors can interfere with your ability to drive safely, such as disruptive or demanding passenger behavior and drowsiness or fatigue.
How can you eliminate distractions?
Before you put your vehicle into drive, be sure that you have everything you need to operate it safely and comfortably. If you feel drowsy or need to eat, send a text message, reach something off the floor or otherwise pay attention to anything other than the road, pull your vehicle into a safe location to take care of other matters.
While driving, keep your eyes and ears on the task at hand. The fewer distractions you have to compete with, the safer you, and everyone else on the road, will be.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Shelly Kay Flot, PChttps://www.cheyennelawoffice.com/?p=493092022-02-22T16:46:17Z2022-02-15T20:19:47Zstate lemon laws.
Take these steps if you think you may have purchased a used lemon in Wyoming.
Gather documentation
As soon as the first problem arises with your used truck, document the issue in writing either in a notebook or computer file. Include receipts for services you received, reports from mechanics, correspondence with the dealership, and other evidence that illustrates your concerns about the vehicle. Report the problems with the truck to the dealer and manufacturer right away so you have a record of these concerns.
Review your contract
Most used car dealers have an arbitration clause in the purchase contract. It outlines the steps you must follow in the event of a dispute, such as repeated problems with a used vehicle you bought. After signing the contract, you must follow the outlined arbitration procedure before you can sue the dealership in court. You have the right to seek attorney representation during arbitration just as you would for litigation.
Seek evidence of potential fraud
Used-car dealers must abide by certain requirements. You may have a fraud case against the dealer where you purchased a preowned lemon if:
The dealer did not disclose a past accident with the truck or other pertinent history
The dealer misrepresented the title status of the vehicle
Evidence exists that the dealer tampered with the truck's odometer
Even without the lemon law, you may have legal recourse if you buy a used car that does not perform as expected. You may also be eligible for damages after a serious auto accident injury resulting from a faulty vehicle.]]>