February 2013 - Powers Law Group

10 Tips for Driving in Really Wet Conditions in Macon GA

The current rainy weather in Macon, Georgia causes a lot of automobile accidents. In fact, 1.5 millions highway accidents in Georgia take place during this rainy weather every year. The rain causes the road to get wet, forming a layer of water and grease, which makes the tire lose traction, making the vehicle prone to roll of control. It is also difficult to drive in the rain as rain decreases visibility and efficacy of headlights as well as reflectors. For this reason, we need to be extra cautious when driving in rainy weather. Below are 10 tips for driving in rainy weather in Macon:

1. Slow down
It’s critical to reduce your speed when driving in the rainy weather. You need to be especially cautious when approaching puddles. You can lose control of your vehicle by hitting puddles when speeding. Driving at a low speed during rainy weather may help you avoid debris that may be carried by the rain to the roadway.

2. Keep a good distance between your own vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
The proper distance between your own automobile and the automobile ahead of you should be a three-second distance under normal conditions. However, during rainy weather this distance should be at least six seconds or more.

3. Do not over-use brakes.
If possible, lower your speed by lifting your foot off the gas pedal instead of using the brakes. When braking, aim to brake as soon as possible to warn drivers behind you that you are reducing your speed, and then slowly apply firm pressure.

4. Make use of the middle lanes
Rainwater is more prone to accumulate on the edges of the roads creating dangerous conditions. So try as much as possible to drive in the middle of the road. Avoid driving or straddling the yellow lines becoming a danger to automobiles around you.

5. Hit your brakes after crossing over a puddle
Using your brakes after crossing over a puddle will help get rid of some of the excess water on the rotors.

6. Be cautious of water gathered on the road
Don’t drive over moving water which you cannot make out the ground below as your vehicle can get swept off the road. Moreover, keep off big puddles in general since driving through deep water or submerging your automobile can lead to substantial damage to your vehicle.

7. Use your headlights every time it rains, but not your high beams
Make sure you turn on your headlights every time it rains as this will assist you to see other drivers and enhance your own visibility. However, never switch on your high beams as doing so can cause the light to spring back particles of water in the space, creating a blinding impact to other drivers.

8. Never engage cruise control
Hydroplaning at the same time as the cruise control is engaged can really make your car to speed up. This can be very dangerous.

9. Be conscious of hazardous driving conditions
Any rainstorm which follows a lengthy dry period leads to the roads being more dangerous. The residual grease and rubber-dust which has collected on the roads will combine with the water to create a very smooth, skid-fabricating mixture. This slick residue mostly forms in junctions as well as other places where automobiles have to rest for duration of time. For this reason, avoid driving at the onset of rainstorms which follow dry spells. However, if you have to drive you need to be extra cautious.

10. Regularly maintain your automobile
Be sure to replace old, weak windshield wipers, as they worsen the poor rainy weather visibility. Test out your brakes and make sure your tires are properly inflated on a regular basis. Keep a clean windshield and utilize the windshield defroster to keep your interior windows free from moisture.

Regardless of your driving skills, driving in wet conditions can be very challenging and dangerous. May these tips help you drive safely during the rainy season.

February 22, 2013/by Powers Law Group

Testimonial

Workers Compensation – Tim Miller

I had problems with the insurance co. approving treatment for my neck/back injuries until Jeff got involved. Jeff did exactly what he said he would do and then some.

February 20, 2013/by Powers Law Group

Testimonial

Work Injury – Chad B.

We highly recommend Jeff Powers to anyone in need of an attorney. He is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and truly concerned for your welfare. We were recommended to Jeff by the attorney handling my accident case. We never knew we would need a worker’s compensation attorney but Jeff was willing to be there if we did. It turned out we did need him.

February 11, 2013/by Powers Law Group

Testimonial

Work Injury – Rita B.

Adam and Jeff did a great job on my workers compensation case. When I first got hurt, the employer would not let me see a different doctor and kept discouraging me from filing a workers comp claim. I had never been injured at work.

February 7, 2013/by Powers Law Group

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What to Do After a Workplace Injury

Getting injured in the workplace is more of an issue than many people think. If you get injured at work, it can lead to embarrassment, difficulties with management, and a legal hassle with the workers compensation insurance company. Although you may think that you will never have to deal with a workplace injury, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 3.4 cases per 100 Georgia workers every year. Although the aftermath of a workplace injury can be troubling, there are solutions to your problems. If you have recently been injured at work, the most important tip is to remain calm and seek legal counsel.

Immediately after a workplace injury, seek the medical attention. Leave no stone unturned as this is your highest priority. If your injury is not an emergency, file a report with your employer first because your employer may have a preferred doctor that you should see. In Georgia, you must inform your employer within 30 days of the injury. Even if your injury happened at the end of a work shift, tell a supervisor where on your body you have pain. If your injury is an emergency, do not hesitate to call for an ambulance or to have a coworker do the same.If you see a doctor before reporting your injury, make sure to report your injury as soon as possible thereafter. Workers compensation insurance companies will give you more problems when handling your claim if you took too long to report your injury to your employer. Make this your second highest priority in the process of responding to any workplace injuries in Georgia. It is a good idea to give the Employer written notice of the injury and always keep a copy of anything you give to another person.After reporting your injury, you should talk to a lawyer who handles work accident cases. You may even choose to hire a lawyer before reporting your injury if you have reason to believe that you will need legal representation from the start. In most cases, however, you do not need legal help until you begin preparing for a claim. Remember that a claim is different than a report. You report your injury to your employer, but you file a claim with the workers compensation insurance company as soon as you need help paying your medical bills.

Workplace injuries in Georgia are difficult to navigate, but the good news is that your employer is required to have workers compensation insurance if they employ three (3) or more employees. Of course, you need a good workers compensation lawyer to help you exercise all of your rights. This area of law is complex, and so it is quite helpful to have someone on your side who can counsel you about your legal options and who can represent you when communicating with the insurance company.

The most important thing to remember about hiring a workers compensation lawyer is the principle of promptness. If you do not file your claim in a timely manner, any insurance company providing workers compensation in Georgia will question the relation between your injury and your visit to the doctor. They may accuse you of being hurt outside of work to pay for a non-work related medical bill. By hiring a lawyer as soon as possible, you can know that your claim will be handled in the ideal manner.

The legal matters associated with workers compensation in Georgia are complicated, but with the help of a lawyer, you can receive the benefits to which you are legally entitled. Our workers compensation lawyers deal with these issues every day and at Powers Law Group we are here to help you. There is no reason for you to go through a workplace injury alone.

February 4, 2013/by Powers Law Group