At Truitt Law Offices, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our clients. Your safety and welfare are important to us.
Through our Fort Wayne, IN personal injury attorney blog, we offer numerous tips and suggestions throughout the year on how to avoid accidents and what to do if one occurs.
While you never know when the unexpected could happen, taking steps now to protect yourself and plan for your future is a smart way to start your 2017.
The reality is that accidental injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States.
Car accidents are one of the most common threats. According to the most recently issued Indiana Traffic Safety Facts from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, more than 200,000 crashes occur in our state each year, including roughly 10,000 accidents, combined, in Fort Wayne and Huntington.
With the start of a new year, we present three important steps that you can take now to protect yourself and your loved ones:
1. Create a household budget.
Consumer.gov recommends making a household budget that includes line items for all of your monthly bills and expenses. It is also important to consider the costs you may face if you or a loved one is injured in a car crash or other type of accident.
You should set aside emergency funds that can help to cover your medical bills and other expenses and allow you to keep paying your bills if you are unable to work and earn income due to your injuries.
If an accident does occur, an experienced accident attorney can advise you on how to seek compensation. For instance, if a negligent driver caused your accident, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation for all of the physical, emotional and financial harm you have suffered.
2. Plan indoor activities.
Fort Wayne winters can be harsh. The roads are often snowy and icy. They can be highly dangerous. While you may be a safe driver, you cannot control (or predict) how other drivers will operate their cars in bad weather.
Your best bet to avoid an accident could be simply staying close to home and planning indoor activities. For instance, if you have children, you should consider the many fun and safe activities suggested by Parents.com.
When you do go out in your car, use caution. To protect yourself and your passengers, keep your car well-maintained, drive slowly in wintry weather, avoid distractions such as talking or texting on a phone and, above all, never drive after drinking.
3. Start a fitness routine.
Getting into shape is a common New Year’s resolution. However, be careful and refrain from overdoing it when you hit the gym.
Avoid straining underused muscles, and ask for guidance before you use exercise equipment such as treadmills and stair climbers.
To protect your rights, contact a lawyer if you suffer an injury due to dangerous conditions or as the result of a defective exercise machine.
Reach Out to Us for Help
If you are the victim of an accidental injury, contact the Truitt Law Offices right away. Our firm has been serving the Fort Wayne and Huntington areas in Northern Indiana for nearly four decades. We work hard to ensure our clients get the helpful, compassionate and caring client service they deserve.
We can answer your questions, address your concerns and be the strong legal advocates you need. Call or reach us online today to receive a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.