SILVER BULLETIN

ISSUE FIVE

From the desk of Barry Stewart Silver, Attorney at Law

Dear Client, and Friends,

Saludos! My wife and I have just returned from a trip to Spain, where our daughter is studying abroad in historic Seville. Muy bien!

The country is beautiful and the trip was a joy. However, the flamboyant driving-style (which gives new meaning to the word "freeway") was enough to curl the toes of this safety-conscious PI attorney. It got me thinking about one of my favorite subjects - auto safety, which in turn became the theme of this newsletter.

This time of year, I'm not only on the road…I'm on the track and in the lap pool, too. Triathlon season approaches! I plan to participate in five events, including fund-raising for ALS through the Les Turner Amyotrophic Lateral Schlerosis Foundation.

Last year, I was overwhelmed by the support I received. If you are interested in making a donation this year, please call me (or write the foundation directly at 8142 N. Lawndale Ave., Skokie, Il, 60076).

All those who donate will have their name on the shirt I wear during the bike and run legs of the event.

Have a great safe spring and summer!

TEN WAYS TO AVOID AUTO ACCIDENTS

Unfortunately, car accidents have become a way of life in congested Chicagoland. As summer approaches - with its endless construction and heavier traffic - the risk increases along with soaring temperatures. That's why we're pleased to bring you these safe driving tips. After all, even good drivers can benefit from a friendly reminder!

Look before you leap! Evan after the light turns green, look both ways for oncoming vehicles. It's common practice for motorists to race through intersections to beat the changing light! You don't want to be in their path!
Check twice before turning at stop signs. For a split second, a car approaching from the right may be obscured behind your windshield pillar. Look again!
Be a head turner. When switching lanes, don't trust your rear-view mirror alone - a car could be lurking in your blind spot. Always turn your head to check for traffic.
Turning right? Don't just look left. Look in the direction you are about to turn, or you may find yourself on top of a car's bumper or pedestrian.
Give truckers a healthy respect. You may have the right of way, but the laws of physics are on their side. Remember, if you can't see the trucker in his mirror, he can't see you either.
Never, ever be tempted to beat out a train -enough said!
When backing out of a driveway or parking space, don't just look left and right - look straight behind you. There could be a pedestrian in your path, or another car backing out simultaneously.
Take special care in construction zones. Slow down, increase your following distance and use your turn signal when merging.
Avoid anything that distracts you from the road. This includes talking on cell phones, applying make up and foraging for that CD that fell under your seat.
Be a kinder, gentler driver. Don't tailgate or speed up to prevent a car from passing. Refrain from any hand signals other than a friendly wave. In these days of road rage, it doesn't pay to challenge aggressive motorists.

Remember, driving defensively is your best defense against accidents.

SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES… AND SO DO BOOSTER SEATS

Seat belts are proven lifesavers - for adults. But for kids between the ages of 4 - 8, the safest place to be is in a booster seat.

Adult-size belts aren't designed for kids, and can actually lead to increased risk of head and abdominal injuries, according to a recent study. Yet more than 80% of kids in this age group are improperly restrained with adult seat belts!

Do you have a child who is under 4'9" and weighs between 40-80 lbs? Give his or her safety a boost - get a booster seat!

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT

We've received numerous requests to reprint this tip card, which fist appeared in Our Spring, 1998 newsletter. Clip it out and give it to your favorite new driver!

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT

First…

Stop your car; shut off the engine.
Get medical help for anyone who is hurt. If necessary, call 911 or ask someone else to call.
Call the police. Tell them where you are.
If it is unsafe to remain in the car, get your passengers out of the car and away from traffic. But don't move anyone who is seriously injured unless they are in grave danger.
If your car is posing a traffic hazard, move it to the side of the road.
Get the name, address, phone number and license number of the other driver, as well as his/her insurance company and agent. Jot down the vehicle's make, model and any visible damages.
Get the name and phone number of any impartial witnesses.
If you have a camera, photograph the scene and vehicles. Or draw a diagram of the accident.
Complete necessary police reports.

First…

If necessary, call your towing service or body shop. Do not authorize immediate repairs.
Notify your insurance agent.
Call your attorney if you feel it may be warranted.

Don’t…

Accuse the other driver or be drawn into an argument.
Admit guilt or responsibility.
Sign anything. Read the police report thoroughly before signing it.

My specialty is personal injury and worker's compensation issues, and I've built my practice by looking after the best interests of my clients. If I can be of service to you or someone you know, please don't hesitate to contact me.

“Silver Bulletin” is a trademark of Barry S. Silver, PC, Attorney-at-Law