How To Safely Trick-Or-Treat This Halloween

Boo! As the spookiest time of the year approaches, you may be preparing to watch a few scary movies, carve an epic jack-o’-lantern, and hit up the neighborhood for a pillowcase full of sweet Halloween candy. While you don’t actually need to worry about razor blades, drugs, or poison in your sweets, there’s still plenty to watch out for as you and the kiddos set out trick-or-treating this October. Please read on for some devilishly simple Halloween safety tips from your neighbors at Stewart Law Offices.

Trick-Or-Treating Walking Safety

Make sure everyone in your family understands the following rules for walking safely while trick-or-treating this Halloween:

• Always cross the street at corners, using signals and crosswalks when possible
• Always look left, right, and then left again when you cross the street
• Put your phone and other electronic devices away and stay alert as you cross
• Make eye contact with drivers and other road users when you cross in front of them
• Walk on sidewalks where available
• Walk on the far left side of the road, facing traffic, if there is no sidewalk
• Keep an eye out for cars that are turning, backing up, or moving unpredictably
• Never dart out into the street or from in between parked cars
• For older kids, stick to familiar, well-lit areas when trick-or-treating solo

Halloween Costume Safety

Locating family members, friends, or familiar faces can be difficult in the sea of masks and costumes on Halloween night. Drivers may also have trouble navigating through large crowds of candy-seekers. You can make your trick-or-treating costumes easier to spot from a distance by:

• Decorating costumes and candy bags with reflective tape or stickers
• Choosing lighter-colored fabrics for costumes, masks, bags, and shoes
• Using face paint or makeup rather than covering faces up with masks
• Handing out glow sticks or flashlights to help kids see and stay visible
• Checking for fit ahead of time to avoid trips and falls over trailing hems

Driving Safety Tips for Halloween

If you plan on driving to a costume party or another spooky event this Halloween, you can keep yourself and others safe by:

• Never driving if you have been drinking or using drugs
• Putting away your phone and other distractions while behind the wheel
• Slowing down and staying extra cautious in residential areas
• Avoiding the roads during the prime trick-or-treating hours (5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
• Taking special care around intersections, medians, and curbs
• Entering and backing out of driveways and side streets carefully
• Turning headlights on earlier, ideally as soon as it is dusk outside

For All Personal Injury Cases, Call Stewart Law Offices Today

If you or someone close to you gets hurt in a car accident or another incident in Rock Hill this Halloween, reach out to Stewart Law Offices for help. We handle cases across South Carolina and portions of North Carolina, too. Contact our office today to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Rock Hill who can answer your questions and review your case during a free, confidential consultation.

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Safety Tips During Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are a serious concern if you live in the Carolinas. These destructive storms can wreak havoc across a wide area, destroying and endangering lives wherever they go. The team at Stewart Law Offices wants to make sure everyone in our communities adequately prepares for hurricane season.

When Is Hurricane Season in the Carolinas?

According to the North Carolina State University Climate Office, hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean runs from about June 1 to Nov. 30 every year, give or take a few weeks. The storm season tends to peak in early to mid-September, but a tropical storm or hurricane can happen anytime around that six-month window. For instance, Tropical Storm Andrea formed off the coast of North Carolina in May 2007, while Tropical Storm Zeta formed in late December of 2005 and lasted into 2006.

Hurricanes are incredibly dangerous, and it is important to take proper precautions as the season approaches. Each year the South Carolina Emergency Management Division puts out a hurricane guide. You can find the 2022 edition.

Tips for Staying Safe

Here are a few hurricane safety guidelines to keep in mind to keep yourself and your family safe through storm season in the Carolinas:

Before the Storm:

• Pay attention to local weather forecasts to know if a storm is headed your way.
• Know the difference between storm watches (which are issued 48 hours in advance of an anticipated storm’s landfall) and storm warnings (which are given 36 hours in advance of a storm’s predicted landfall).
• Make an evacuation plan with your family so everyone knows what to do and where to go if a storm hits.
• Clean up debris in your yard and bring in large outdoor furniture, which can be thrown by a hurricane’s winds.
• Know your evacuation zone and your evacuation route. If you live in South Carolina, you can find information on hurricane evacuation zones here and learn about hurricane evacuation routes here.
• Make a hurricane emergency kit that will last for several days. Some things to add to the kit include food, water, any medications you need, a flashlight with batteries, an emergency radio, basic first-aid materials, and some emergency cash.
• Charge your cell phone and other critical electronic devices. Keep a spare charger in your emergency kit.

During the Storm:

• Listen for storm updates and evacuation orders over the radio.
• Stay inside until the storm has fully passed.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• If your home is in danger of flooding, turn off your circuit breakers.
• If the power fails, turn off your major appliances to protect them from a sudden surge.
• If your home begins to flood, move to the highest floor in your home but do not enter your attic, as you may become trapped.
• If your home is damaged or you receive an evacuation order, proceed to a nearby shelter or other safe place.
• Do not try to swim or drive through floodwaters because you could drown or otherwise hurt yourself.

After the Storm:

• Listen for updates from local authorities, particularly for any food or water contamination notices.
• Do not make any phone calls unless absolutely necessary because the phone system will likely be jammed. Use text messages or social media to talk to friends and family members.
• Be careful when cleaning your home, especially with electrical hazards and floodwaters.
• Never use backup generators or grills inside.
• If your home has suffered water damage, start repairs right away to prevent mold from setting in.
• Take pictures of all the damage to your home before filing an insurance claim.

Stewart Law Offices Values Community Safety

The team at Stewart Law Offices wants to make sure everyone in our community is safe in the event of a hurricane. If you run into trouble with the insurance company after a storm, contact our office to find out how we may be able to help.

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Why Bicycle Helmets Are Important

Wearing a helmet while riding your bike is one of the best ways to protect yourself if you are involved in an accident. Here, the legal team at Stewart Law Offices explains why wearing a bike helmet is so important and provides some bicycle safety tips for cyclists in our community. Contact our office to speak to a bicycle accident lawyer in Rock Hill if someone else’s negligence injured you.

The Importance of Wearing a Helmet

The purpose of wearing a helmet while riding your bike is to protect your head from a severe or traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the event of a crash. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 800 people die in bicycle accidents in the United States annually, and another 500,000 people are treated in emergency departments for bike-accident injuries. Roughly two-thirds of all fatal bike accidents and one-third of bike accidents resulting in injury involve head and face injuries.

Because you are at risk of a TBI in the event of a bicycle accident, it is imperative to protect yourself by wearing a helmet. Research indicates that wearing a helmet while riding a bike can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent. Because injuries to the head can be serious and are often fatal, wearing a helmet could save your life.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

In addition to TBI and injuries to the face, other common injuries from bicycle accidents include:

• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Injuries to internal organs
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears
• Burns and road rash

Bicycle Safety Tips

Bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users because they have little to protect them in case of a crash. In addition to wearing a helmet, here are some bicycle safety tips you can follow to decrease your risk of being involved in a collision or facing serious injury:

• Wear bright, reflective clothing to make yourself more visible to motorists and other road users
• Keep your bike in good working order
• Equip your bike with front and rear reflectors
• Use designated bike lanes on the road when they are available
• Use proper hand signals to let others on the road know when you are turning or making another maneuver

For All Personal Injury Cases, Call the Stewart Law Offices Today

Were you hurt in an accident while riding your bike in Rock Hill? If so, an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Rock Hill could help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, repairs to your bike, and more. Contact Stewart Law Offices to learn more about your legal options during a free initial consultation.

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Back to School Safety Tips

Now that most families are back from summer vacation, many children have returned to school. This means more traffic on the road and an increased risk of accidents. Keeping kids safe as they travel to and from school is crucial whether they walk, take the bus, or get a ride home from their parents.
Below are some safety tips to ensure your children remain safe during the school year. And, if your child is hurt on their way to or from school, our personal injury attorneys in Rock Hill are here to help.

An Overview of School Safety Tips

Returning to school after a fun summer can be a difficult transition. Most children need time to adjust to a new routine. It is natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by the requirements of a new school year, but there are simple rules kids can follow to stay safe.

Make sure your children understand the importance of following these safety tips:

• Report suspicious activity to a teacher or administrator they trust.
• Never leave school grounds with an adult they don’t know.
• Follow all teachers’ rules in the classroom and on the playground.
• Listen to bus drivers, school crossing guards, and other adults in charge of their safety.

Safety Tips While Riding the Bus

Your child should stand at least six feet from the curb while waiting for the bus. This protects them from any vehicles passing the bus stop.

When boarding and getting off the bus, your child should walk far enough in front of the bus to stay within the driver’s field of vision, generally about 10 feet. If they walk too closely in front of the bus, the driver might not see them. Your child should be able to see the driver, too. Teach your child to make eye contact with the driver so they know the driver is aware of them.

Safety Tips for Walking Home from School

To walk home from school safely, your child should:

• Always use the sidewalk. If there isn’t a sidewalk, they should walk facing oncoming traffic and at a safe distance from the road so drivers can see them.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Avoid distractions, such as looking down at a cell phone.
• Be aware of traffic, other pedestrians, bicyclists, and other surroundings.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.

Driving to School Safety Tips

Sadly, our car accident lawyers in Rock Hill have seen firsthand how dangerous the combination of young children, distractions, and inexperienced drivers can be.

You may need to take extra precautions when driving your kids to and from school, especially in school zones and during rush-hour traffic.

Follow these tips when driving your children to school to stay safe:

• Be aware of school zones and adjust your speed accordingly.
• Watch for children walking to or from school and drive slowly to be able to stop for them at crosswalks and intersections.
• Make eye contact with children attempting to cross the street so they know they can proceed.
• Never pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights. Stop and wait for the lights to turn off before proceeding.
• Maintain a safe distance from school buses while driving behind them.

If you or your child was injured in a collision near school, contact a car accident attorney in Rock Hill for help.

Call Stewart Law Offices Today

At Stewart Law Offices, our personal injury lawyers in Rock Hill fight for the rights of those injured by negligence in Rock Hill. We have extensive experience helping adults and children recover fair compensation when someone else’s carelessness causes them harm. Let us fight for you. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.

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Join Us in Recognizing Child Passenger Safety Week September 18-24

The legal team at Stewart Law Offices invites you to join us as we recognize Child Passenger Safety Week from September 18-24, 2022. We are passionate about giving back to the communities we serve and advocating for children and families throughout South Carolina and North Carolina. Please read on to learn more about Child Passenger Safety Week and what you can do to protect infant and child passengers.

What Is Child Passenger Safety Week?

Child Passenger Safety Week is a national campaign that takes place every September. Organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the campaign highlights the importance of protecting our youngest and most vulnerable road users by ensuring that children are properly secured in car seats or seatbelts. The week features car seat safety tips and information for parents and other caregivers.

The week culminates with National Seat Check Saturday, where parents and caregivers can get advice from certified child passenger safety technicians on selecting the right car seat or booster seat for their children. National Seat Check Saturday is recognized in communities across the United States and includes free demonstrations of proper installation and use of car seats and booster seats.

Facts to Know about Child Passenger Safety

Unfortunately, car crashes are a leading cause of death for children in the U.S. According to the NHTSA, more than 600 child passengers died in traffic crashes in one recent year, nearly 40 percent of whom were unrestrained. That same year, approximately two children under 13 were killed and 374 were injured each day while riding in passenger vehicles. 

Here are some tips for keeping child passengers safe:

• Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat and use booster seats until they outgrow the maximum height and weight limits set by the manufacturer.
• Infants should always ride in rear-facing infant seats until they outgrow them, at which point they should sit in rear-facing car seats.
• A child should use a booster seat until they can sit with the vehicle’s seat belt lying across their lap and over their chest and shoulder (not around their neck).
• About half of all infant seats and booster seats are not correctly installed. Your local police or fire department, local non-profits, or local auto dealerships may have programs where safety technicians can teach you how to install and use an infant seat or booster seat properly.
• Infant and booster seats should always be replaced after a moderate or severe motor vehicle accident or when the seat has visible signs of damage.

If your child was injured in a car accident, the legal team at Stewart Law Offices can help you pursue compensation and accountability from the at-fault party. We are committed to providing compassionate, thoughtful legal representation to injury victims across South and North Carolina. Let us handle your case so you can focus on moving on with your life. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Carolina personal injury lawyer and find out what our firm can do for you. 

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Steps to Take After a Boating or Jet Ski Accident

Boating and jet skiing are popular recreational activities for many people in North and South Carolina. Unfortunately, they are also potentially dangerous. Dozens are killed and hundreds more are injured in boating accidents across both states every year, according to data collected by the U.S. Coast Guard. If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may feel shocked, overwhelmed, and uncertain about what to do next.

Here, Stewart Law Offices discusses the steps you can take after a boating accident to protect your rights and lay a solid foundation to pursue compensation for your injury.

Stop at the Scene and Offer Assistance

Your first priority after any accident, including a boating or jet ski accident, is to get yourself and others to safety. The aftermath of a boating accident can be dangerous due to the risk of drowning and the unpredictability of the water.

If you, any of your passengers, or any occupants of other affected vessels are severely wounded or in danger, do what you can to help them. Call emergency services for anyone in need if possible. You may be able to use the ship radio, your personal cellphone, or emergency flares. If the boat is leaking, try to reach the nearest safe location.

Gather as Much Evidence as Possible

Once you are certain that no one is in imminent danger, you should begin gathering evidence related to the accident, such as:

• The names and contact details of each boat operator and passenger involved in the boating accident
• The names and contact details of any witnesses who saw the accident occur
• The registration or identification number of other vessels involved in the wreck
• Photos or video footage of any physical damage caused by the accident
• Photos or video footage of the accident scene and relative positions of each of the vessels involved
• Insurance policy details from any operators or vessels involved in the crash
• Your own written recollection of how the boating accident occurred

Report the Accident to the Authorities

You are required to report boating accidents to the U.S. Coast Guard and your state’s Department of Fish & Wildlife or Natural Resources if the accident results in significant property damage, injury, disappearance, or death. Most authorities require most boating accidents to be reported within 10 days, but the deadline may be sooner if the accident results in injury, disappearance, or death.

Notify the Insurance Company

If you own or operate one of the vessels involved in the boating accident, you should also notify your boat insurance company about the accident. Even if you were not at fault for the accident, most insurance companies require you to report all accidents as part of the terms of your policy. If you fail to notify the insurance company, it could impact your ability to seek compensation down the line.

Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer

A knowledgeable boating accident lawyer will know the specific boating laws and regulations in your area. Depending on the circumstances, they can help you by seeking compensation through your own boat insurance policy, another party’s boating insurance policy, or a personal injury lawsuit.

How Stewart Law Offices Can Help

If you were injured in a boating or jet ski accident, the attorneys of Stewart Law Offices can conduct an independent investigation to identify liable parties and uncover valuable evidence. We are prepared to use our considerable resources and knowledge to try to fight for maximum compensation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help in a free initial consultation session.

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Top 6 Summertime Driving Hazards

Many South Carolinians look forward to summer as a time for fun, relaxation, and family. No one ever sets out on a summer vacation or road trip hoping to be injured. Unfortunately, there are many summertime driving hazards that can quickly turn an enjoyable excursion into a nightmare ordeal. The South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Stewart Law Offices want you to be aware of some of the driving hazards you may face this season.

More Bicyclists and Motorcyclists

Cyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts often take advantage of warm, sunny summer weather. But because these road users have such small profiles, they can be incredibly difficult for drivers to see in traffic. Motorists must take special precautions when driving near cyclists and motorcyclists who have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the road but are at heightened risk of injuries due to their lack of safety protections.

Increased Traffic Congestion

When school is out, many families go on summer vacations and road trips. This means more vehicles on the road, not to mention the presence of out-of-towners who are unfamiliar with local roads and traffic patterns. This consistent increase in traffic congestion in popular areas substantially increases the likelihood of collisions and the possibility of needing the help of an experienced auto accident attorney.

Greater Risk of Tire Blowouts

The summer heat can leave pavement scorching hot. And when car tires come in contact with searing road surfaces, the heat causes the compressed air in those tires to expand. Many tire blowouts occur in the summer months because motorists fail to keep their tires properly inflated and in good condition before traveling.

More Roadway Construction

Roads are damaged by hard winter weather and are then repaired during the summer. More road crews mean changes in traffic flow, lower speed limits, and slow equipment that can leave drivers frustrated or confused. Drivers who are careless or reckless when navigating around barriers, workers, or heavy machinery can cause devastating summertime construction zone accidents.

More Drunk Drivers

Unfortunately, people engage in dangerous behaviors like drunk driving all year round. But with holidays and big events like Independence Day, Labor Day, and school graduations, many people are more inclined to celebrate the summer with alcohol. When warm-weather revelers get behind the wheel after one too many drinks, innocent people are often the ones who pay the price.

More Teen Drivers

Another consequence of summer breaks for students is that teenagers have more time to spend on the road. Teens are also much more likely to commit dangerous driving errors than more mature motorists due to their relative lack of experience. Many teens are also emboldened by their newfound independence, which can lead to risky driving behaviors.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a summertime car accident, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer in South Carolina. The dedicated and compassionate team at Stewart Law Offices can answer your questions and review your case without cost or obligation.

More Motor Vehicle Collision FAQs

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