Steps to Prevent Bicycle Accidents this Spring

Whether for exercise, recreation, or traveling to work, there are numerous reasons why you might choose to ride a bicycle. Whatever the reason you decide to ride a bike, there are important precautions to take in order to help you avoid being hit by motor vehicles. While these types of accidents can give rise to personal injury claims, allowing you to potentially recover compensation for injuries you sustain, it is much less painful to avoid these accidents in the first place.

Riding in the Road

You are perfectly within your legal right to ride a bicycle in the road, and motorists must share the road with you. Indeed, in many places, you are not even allowed to ride your bicycle on the sidewalk, thus forcing you onto the road. However, when riding in the road, the same responsibilities placed on motorists are placed on bicyclists. Adhering to these responsibilities can decrease the chances that you will be hit by a vehicle.

When entering a road, you must yield to oncoming traffic. It is particularly dangerous when a bicyclist enters the road from a driveway, alley, or from between parked cars. A motorist will not be expecting that in any sort of traffic, including a bike, will be entering from the middle of the block. Before entering the road, be sure to stop and check both ways to ensure it is safe.

It is also safer, as well as required to ride with traffic. Drivers do not expect traffic to be coming from the wrong direction, so riding against traffic can be very dangerous. As a result of the unexpectedness of a bicyclist riding in the wrong direction, coupled with the smaller size of a bicycle, a motorist may not see you approaching.

Riding your bike in a uniform and predictable manner will also help to avoid accidents. This means you should ride in a straight line and avoid swerving. When you wish to change lanes or make a turn, you should use hand signals to alert motorists. It is also important to obey all traffic laws, signals, and signs. In other words, you should ride your bicycle in the same manner as you would drive a vehicle.

Riding at Night and After Drinking

If at all possible, you should avoid riding a bike at night, as motorists often have difficulty seeing bicyclists when it is dark. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 48% of bicyclist deaths occurred between 4 p.m. and midnight. However, if you cannot avoid riding a bike at night, you should wear bright clothing and some sort of reflective clothing. Further, your bike should be equipped with a headlight and a rear reflector.

It is also helpful to avoid drinking alcohol and riding a bike. Balance, coordination, focus, and reaction time are all affected when a cyclist is under the influence of alcohol. After consuming alcohol, the best choice is find another means of transportation.

If you have been injured as a result of a bicycle-related accident, contact an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney. The team at De Castroverde Law Group has the experience to help you with your case today.

What Does a Car Accident Attorney Do?

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is likely you are considering hiring an attorney to attempt to recover compensation for injuries you sustained or for damage to your vehicle. This is particularly true if the accident was serious. A car accident attorney can provide a number of benefits in assisting you after you are involved in an accident.

Legal Advocacy and Settlement

First, and foremost, an attorney will be an advocate for you throughout the entire period of representation. The attorney will actively support your case, whether during settlement negotiations or a civil trial. Further, the attorney will act in your best interests to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

An initial consideration is the statute of limitations, which is the time a plaintiff has to file a claim before the right to it is lost. Under Nevada law, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. As a result, it is critical that you speak with an attorney as quickly as possible after being involved in an accident.

For minor accidents that did not result in injury or significant damage to your vehicle, you can probably speak with the insurance company yourself. For more serious accidents, it is likely that the insurance company will attempt to come to a settlement agreement with you in order to avoid litigation. Further, the insurance company will probably not initially offer you a satisfactory settlement amount.

For you, this may be the first time you have been in an accident, especially one significant enough to require legal representation. It is important to note that it will not be the first time the insurance company has been involved in negotiations like this. This makes having an experienced car accident attorney critical to help you obtain a fair settlement. An attorney can help in estimating the value of your injuries and the cost to repair the damage to your vehicle. With this estimate, you can make a better decision as to whether the insurance company offer is satisfactory to you.

Filing a Lawsuit

If a settlement cannot be achieved, an attorney can handle the initiating of a lawsuit. The process of a lawsuit includes the filing of a complaint, filing motions for court action, completing discovery, and the trial itself. Discovery is a very important, and often the longest, part of the process. The discovery phase of a lawsuit involves the parties asking each other questions about the case. Information is gathered through the use of written questions (interrogatories) and the questioning of witnesses under oath (depositions).

As part of the litigation process, the attorney will gather, among other items, police reports, witness statements, medical records, and lost wage information. In addition, your attorney will be able to respond to any requests the defendant makes, while protecting your legal rights.

For more information about legal issues related to car accidents or to discuss the potential of a claim you believe you have, speak with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney. The legal team at De Castroverde Law Group can explain your legal options to you.

How to Find a Good Personal Injury Lawyer in Las Vegas

When you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence or deliberate actions of another, you are going to need legal help. You should contact a personal injury lawyer to help you obtain justice and the financial compensation that you deserve. However, how do you find a good personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas? Here are some tips:

Do Your Homework

• Ask Around for Referrals. Choosing a personal injury lawyer is a tough decision, and it never hurts to ask your friends, colleagues, and acquaintances for a recommendation. Chances are good that if your friend had a satisfactory experience with his or her personal injury lawyer, you can too. Also, if you know a lawyer, but the lawyer doesn’t practice personal injury law, there is a good chance that he or she knows a good personal injury lawyer and can give you a referral.  
• Do Some Online Research. Doing some online research about prospective personal injury lawyers could inform you about the lawyer’s reputation. Has the lawyer won awards? Does the lawyer have good or bad reviews? Does it seem like the lawyer is held in high esteem in the legal community? These are all good indicators of whether a personal injury lawyer is worth his or her salt.

What You Should Look For in A Good Personal Injury Lawyer

There are a number of qualities that define a good personal injury lawyer that you can easily learn about any prospective personal injury lawyers that you are considering hiring for your injury claim. Here are some good qualities to look for:

• Years Of Experience. When hiring a personal injury attorney, you want someone who has years of experience in handling personal injury claims for victims just like you. Someone who has years of experience will have a familiarity with the personal injury claim process, the court system, settlement negotiations. He or she will be able to identify potential pitfalls in your case and will be equipped to offer you thoughtful, relevant advice specific to your case.
• Area of Specialty. Its important to find a personal injury lawyer that actually dedicates a significant portion of his or her practice to personal injury law. Finding a personal injury lawyer that specializes in personal injury law is going to have the skills, knowledge, and expertise you need when fighting for your rights.
• Proven Track Record. A proven track record of success and satisfied clients is a good indication that the personal injury lawyer is competent, effective, and skilled.  
• Strong Support Structure. You want a personal injury lawyer that has a strong support team behind him or her. While you want one lawyer to primarily handle your case, a good personal injury lawyer often has good people helping them build your strongest possible case.  

When you have suffered a personal injury, you’ll need the peace of mind that comes with hiring a good personal injury attorney as you heal and recover. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers at De Castroverde Law Group knows what it takes to help you recover compensation for your injuries.

How to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles offer an affordable, fuel-efficient, and fun mode of transportation. However, motorcycles can be a more dangerous form of transportation than cars and other motor vehicles because there is little to protect a motorcyclist in the event of an accident. Motorcycles lack seatbelts and crumple zones, and are small in size, making the consequences of an accident often very severe. The best way to reduce risk to motorcycle riders is to practice safe motorcycle riding at all times.

The best way to avoid being involved in a motorcycle accident is to take precautionary measures and safety steps to prevent motorcycle accidents from happening in the first place. Below are some helpful tips for motorcyclists and other drivers for preventing motorcycle accidents.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

• Get Educated. Take a motorcycle safety course or a basic rider course if you are new to motorcycling.
• Use Safety Gear. Wear safety gear, clothing, and bright colors while riding, even if it isn’t required by law. All motorcycle riders in Nevada are required by law to wear helmets.
• Be Prepared. Always be prepared to take evasive action. One of the leading causes of injury to motorcyclists is other drivers on the road.
• Use Reasonable Speed. Always approach curves in the road and areas with poor visibility at a reasonable rate of speed. There could be loose gravel or other slick conditions on the roadway that could cause you to lose control of your bike. Once you know that conditions are safe, you can gain speed and enjoy your ride.
• Use Extreme Caution When New to Motorcycling. When you lack experience in riding, exercise extreme caution until you get a feel for what you are doing and what your bike can handle.
• Proper Maintenance. Conduct regular maintenance on your bike, or have it checked, to make sure it is in proper working condition, and no parts are at risk of failing.
• Don’t Drink Alcohol. Don’t drink and ride your motorcycle. Nearly half of all motorcycle accidents resulting in death involve alcohol. Motorcycles require a certain level of concentration and attentiveness to drive safely, and alcohol impairment can seriously endanger your life and the lives of others.

Safety Tips for Other Drivers

• Remain Attentive. Remain vigilant and attentive when driving, and specifically look for motorcyclists. Driving among other cars, trucks, and large motor vehicles has a tendency to desensitize drivers to the presence of motorcyclists.
• Check Your Blind Spots. Motorcycles are small compared to other motorized vehicles and they can easily disappear into blind spots. Use all of your mirrors to check for nearby motorcyclists, and even glance over your shoulder if necessary to check that the lane is clear of motorcyclists.
• Give Motorcyclists Space. Don’t ever tailgate motorcyclists. Instead, try to provide them with enough room on the roadway to safely ride.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recovery for your injuries. Our family-run Las Vegas law firm aggressively represents Nevada motorcycle accident victims, and we may be able to help you.

Smart Tips for Winter Driving

If you are planning to take a long distance trip this winter, it’s important that you properly prepare before leaving and make smart choices while on the road. Read our tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe while traveling during the winter season!

Preparing for Your Trip

• Perform routine maintenance on the car and get your tires checked
• Get your windshield washer fluid and antifreeze refilled before leaving
• Charge your cell phone battery and pack a charger that can be used in the car
• Put an emergency kit in the trunk that includes a flashlight and extra batteries
• Pack extra blankets, jackets, boots, and gloves
• Pack chains if there is a chance that snow could fall on your route
• Have a list of emergency numbers, including AAA
• Map out your route and plan for traffic and inclement weather
• Inform someone of your destination, planned route, and estimated arrival time
• Pack plenty of snacks and water bottles for you and your passengers
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before leaving
• Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination

Stay Safe While Driving in the Snow

• Check weather reports before leaving and delay your trip if especially bad weather is expected
• Try to have at least half a tank of gasoline at all times
• Before leaving, clear all snow and ice from the vehicle’s windows, mirrors, lights, hood, and roof
• Never text or use your phone while behind the wheel
• Reduce your speed any time you are driving in wintry conditions and take turns slowly
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly when driving in the snow
• Increase the distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you
• Be sure to turn on your headlights when necessary
• Stay extra alert to other vehicles hitting the brakes or changing lanes and give yourself plenty of space so that you have time to react
• Do not use cruise control when driving on icy or slippery roads
• Keep in mind that exit ramps may be slicker than the highways, and be cautious when exiting
• If your car stalls or you are snowbound, stay in your vehicle for shelter, turn on your hazard lights, and tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna
• Make sure your exhaust pipe is never blocked by snow, ice, or mud

Read our additional tips for staying safe while driving during the holidays!

If you are involved in a collision during your travels, turn on your hazard lights and try to move to the side of the road. Call 911 and if it is safe to do so, take pictures of the scene and get the other driver’s information. It is important to stay calm so that you can think clearly and make smart decisions.

De Castroverde Law Group is a family-run law firm in Las Vegas that provides outstanding representation to accident victims in Nevada. Contact our firm to learn about your legal options if you were hurt in a car accident. 

Keeping Teens Safe Behind the Wheel

The freedom that comes with getting a driver’s license is a dream come true for teenagers, but is often a nightmare for their parents. 

Despite frightening statistics that report that teens are four times more likely to be involved in car accidents than older drivers, there are different steps you can take to keep your child safe and help them prevent collisions on the road.

Consider whether your teen is truly ready to drive.

Having a driver’s license carries a great deal of responsibility, and at sixteen years old, some teenagers aren't ready to handle it. If you don’t think your child is ready, wait another year and then reevaluate things. Your teen may not like having to wait, but you will be doing what’s needed to keep them safe.

Make sure your teen gets lots of practice.

After your teen obtains their learner’s permit, it’s important that they get lots of practice time behind the wheel. When they are first learning, take them to an empty parking lot or quiet street so that they can get familiar with the basics of driving. Once they are more comfortable, consider letting your teen drive when you take them to and from school or when you have errands to run. Don’t let your teen take the driver’s license test until you are confident in their driving abilities. The more practice your child gets, the better they will be at making safe choices on the road.

Have your teen sign a driving contract.

It’s important for your teen to understand that driving is a privilege and that they must be responsible in order to keep this privilege. Create a contract that outlines what requirements your child must meet if they want to continue to drive on their own. Depending on your teen, requirements could include such things as maintaining a certain GPA, staying out of trouble at school, regularly completing household chores, and following family rules. Make sure they understand that if they don’t uphold their end of the contract, they will lose their driving privileges for a certain amount of time.

Remove all distractions.

Distracted driving is a factor in almost all accidents involving teenagers. Set ground rules for your child to help them avoid distractions behind the wheel. For their first six months to year of driving, consider restricting stereo use and only allowing your child to only take family members as passengers. And of course, your child should never use their cell phone while driving. Have them set the volume to silent and keep their phone in the glove box to reduce temptation. Get more info on www.distraction.gov.

Set a driving curfew.

Teens often have trouble focusing on driving at night when they are tired and the darkness makes it more difficult to see. An NHTSA study found that driving after 10 p.m. increased accident risk for teens, so set a curfew that your child must meet if they are driving at night.

Have your teen pay a portion or all of their insurance costs.

Any traffic infraction will dramatically increase a teen driver’s insurance rates. Having your child be responsible for part or all of their insurance costs could motivate them to drive safely and obey the speed limit. Conversely, many insurance companies give better rates to teens that maintain good grades in school, which could also motivate your teen to do better in class so that they won’t have to pay as much.

Be a good example.

Even if you haven’t always been a perfect driver in the past, make the choice now to set a good example for your child. Follow all traffic laws, always wear your seatbelt, don’t drive recklessly or aggressively, don’t use your phone, and never drink and drive.

De Castroverde Law Group is a family-run law firm in Las Vegas, NV. Visit www.DeCastroverde.com to learn about their outstanding legal services.

Thunderstorms & Lightning: What You Should Do

Tragedy occurred in Southern California last week when lightning struck at Venice Beach, killing a young man and injuring thirteen others. Although reports of people being struck by lightning may be rare, it’s important to understand the dangers of thunderstorms. 

Keep reading to learn how you can protect yourself from lightning!

Storm Safety Indoors

Despite the shelter provided by homes and other buildings, you could still be in danger during a thunderstorm. You can help keep your family safe by following these guidelines:

Avoid water.
Lightning can travel through the plumbing, so during a storm do not wash dishes or laundry, bathe, shower, or use any of your faucets.

Stay away from windows and doors.
Avoid going near any openings, as they provide less protection from lightning. Close all blinds, curtains, shutters, and shades.

Stay away from concrete.
Avoid concrete floors and do not lean on concrete walls during a thunderstorm, because lightning can pass through the metal bars and wires inside of the concrete.

Don’t use corded phones.
Because lightning can pass through an outlet and into a corded phone, you should only use a cellphone or cordless phone during a storm.

Avoid appliances and electronics.
Lightning can pass through anything that is connected to an electrical outlet, so stay away from computers, gaming systems, stoves, washers, dryers, and anything else that is plugged into the wall. You should also consider buying whole-house surge protectors to protect your electronics and appliances in the event of a power surge.

Storm Safety Outdoors

If you hear thunder while you are outdoors, immediately head for a safe and enclosed shelter, such as a home, office, shopping center, store, or hard-top vehicle. If you are unable to get inside, follow these steps to help avoid being struck by lightning:

Immediately get off any elevated area.
If you are on a hill, mountain ridge or peak, or in a tree, get to lower ground as soon as possible.

Get out of the water immediately.
Water is a strong conductor of electricity, so if you hear thunder while in an ocean, lake, pond, or pool, get on land as soon as possible.

Do not lie down on the ground.
A lightning strike causes currents to pass along the ground’s surface, and you could be seriously hurt if you are lying down. Instead, crouch down with your knees and feet together, tuck your head, and place your hands over your ears. This will make you the smallest possible target while also minimizing your contact with the ground.

Stay away from natural lightning rods.
Don’t seek shelter under isolated trees, sheds, or small structures in open areas. Instead, try to find lower ground, such as a valley or ravine.

Avoid proximity to others.
If you are in a group, everyone should separate and stay at least fifteen feet apart. This space will help reduce the number of injuries if lightning hits the ground.

Stay away from anything made of metal.
Metal is a powerful conductor of electricity, so stay far away from bikes, motorcycles, metal fences, golf clubs and carts, farm equipment, and construction equipment.

Storm Safety in Vehicles

A hard-top vehicle can help protect you during a thunderstorm. If you are driving, safely pull to the side of the road, shut off your engine, and turn on your hazard lights. Then do the following:

• Keep your windows rolled up
• Keep your hands folded in your lap
• Avoid touching anything metal in the vehicle
• Do not touch the steering wheel, pedals, or radio
• Do not talk on your cell phone, especially if it’s plugged in
• Stay on the side of the road with your car off until the storm passes

Although the tips above can help you avoid being struck by lightning, the best way to protect yourself is to pay attention to the weather forecast for your area and be prepared if a thunderstorm is coming your way. If a storm does pass through your area, continue to shelter for at least thirty minutes after the last sound of thunder.

De Castroverde Law Group is a family-run law firm that represents injury and accident victims in the Las Vegas area.

Prevent Dog Bites

Dogs earned their title of “Man’s Best Friend” because of their loyal and loving nature, but it’s important to remember that dogs are powerful animals that can cause serious injuries. The CDC reports that approximately 4.5 million Americans suffer dog bites each year, and nearly half of these victims are children.

There are few things kids love more than dogs, and because children are naturally curious and trusting, they often do not realize when dogs are showing signs of agitation or aggression.  Because of this, it is important to never leave your kids alone with a dog, even your own pet. There are also a number of safety tips you can teach your children to help avoid dog attacks.

Read our tips below to learn how to protect your children, what to do if you come across an aggressive dog, and how to prevent your dog from attacking others.

Dog Safety Tips to Teach Your Children

• Never approach dogs you do not know
• Never play with a dog unless you are with an adult
• Never scream or run away from a dog
• Avoid making direct eye contact with a dog
• Never approach a dog that is growling or seems scared
• Never pet a dog without first asking the owner for permission
• Do not pet a dog unless it has seen and sniffed you first
• Always be gentle when touching dogs
• Never tease dogs, instead treat them nicely
• If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, keep your arms at your sides and stay still
• If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball and stay still
• If you see a dog wandering around or acting strange, tell an adult
• Do not touch or bother a dog that is eating, sleeping, or taking care of puppies
• If a dog bites you, tell an adult right away

What to Do When You Think a Dog May Attack

• Stay quiet and stay where you are
• Put your hands at your side, avoid eye contact with the dog, and don’t move
• If the dog knocks you down or you fall, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and stay still
• If the dog attacks, try to put your purse, backpack, jacket, bike, or anything else you have between yourself and the dog
• When the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until the dog is out of sight.

Prevent Your Dog from Attacking

• Never leave your children alone with your dog. Kids don’t always understand that pulling a dog’s tail or ears, poking or climbing on a dog, or trying to take a dog’s food or toy can make it agitated and aggressive.
• Spay or neuter your dog. Getting your dog fixed can help reduce its natural aggression.
• Properly train your dog. No matter the breed or size of your dog, it is very important that it learns proper submissive behaviors and that any bad or aggressive behaviors are correctly addressed. If you are unable to train your dog yourself, hire a reputable trainer.
• Don’t play aggressive games. Playing tug-of-war or wrestling with your dog can inadvertently teach aggressive behaviors and make the dog more protective of its toys.
• Socialize your dog. It is important for dogs to spend time around other dogs and people from a young age so that they can get used to different situations. If the dog acts aggressively or exhibits bad behavior around other animals or people, correct the behavior right away.
• Keep your dog’s personality in mind. No one knows your dog better than you. If your dog gets anxious around children, don’t take it to parks, don’t walk past schools, and don’t leave it in the front yard where kids could stick their hands through the fence.  If your dog is aggressive toward other people or panics around new people, leave it at home when you go to crowded places.

De Castroverde Law Group is a Las Vegas-based law firm that helps accident victims seek justice and recover fair compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog, get in touch with our team to learn about your options. 

Booking a Hotel? Remember These Safety Tips!

When you go on vacation, you’re focused on relaxing, spending time with friends and family, and having fun. Most likely, the last thing on your mind is worrying about whether you will be safe at your hotel. It is important, however to take precaution to protect yourself and your family from harm.  

While enjoying your vacation, there are simple steps you can take to prevent accidents and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Read some of our helpful tips below!

Booking Your Hotel

• Make sure your hotel uses modern electronic door locks. These security systems make it more difficult for rooms to be broken into because the security code automatically changes for each new guest.
• Don’t book a room on the ground floor. Rooms on higher floors are less likely to be broken into from the outside.
• Choose a hotel that uses surveillance cameras in hallways and public areas and has security guards on the premises.
• Make sure your room has smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher.
• When you check in, ask for two hotel business cards. Keep one in the room by your phone and one on your person at all times. That way you will know the address and name of your location if you must call for help in an emergency.

Staying Safe in Your Room

• Take a few minutes to look over your hotel’s emergency evacuation routes as soon as you arrive.
• Whenever you are in the room, make sure that you use all the locks provided.
• Keep the door and any windows or sliding doors securely locked at night and when you leave.
• If you must leave your child alone in the room for any period of time or if your older children are staying in a room by themselves, instruct them to always keep the door locked and to only open it for you.
• If someone unexpectedly knocks on your door claiming to be a hotel employee or a repair man sent by the hotel, keep your door locked and call the front desk. The front desk can send a security guard up to check on you or verify that a repair man actually does need to access your room.

Other Precautions

• When leaving and entering the hotel after dark, be sure to use the main entrance.
• Avoid going to the parking lot or parking garage alone, especially at night.
• Women should avoid using the elevator alone, and should exit as soon as possible if another passenger seems suspicious or makes them feel uncomfortable.
• If the hotel has a pool, be careful when walking near entrances and exits used by swimmers. The staff should keep the floor dry at all times, but the ground may be slippery.
• Accompany your children to the pool and supervise them in the water, even if there is a hotel lifeguard. (Read our Swimming Safety Tips)
• Never tell strangers what floor you are staying on or your room number.

Although hotels have a duty to keep their patrons safe, sometimes the negligence of their staff or security guards can result in injury and harm to guests. If you were injured because of negligence at your hotel, talk to our attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group. Our Las Vegas law firm is dedicated to helping victims obtain the justice they deserve. Visit the personal injury section on our website for more information.

Stay Safe in the Water this Summer

When the temperatures soar, thousands of people head to pools, beaches, lakes, and rivers to cool off. While swimming is a fun activity and a great way to relax, it’s important to keep yourself and your loved ones stay safe in the water.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children and also affects adults, so make sure you know how to protect yourself and your family. Read our list of helpful tips to learn what you can do to stay safe while having fun in the water!

Learn to swim.

Be sure to enroll your children in swim lessons as soon as they are old enough. If you never learned to swim, it’s not too late – many pools offer classes for adults.

Learn CPR.

Knowing CPR could help save someone you love. Local recreation departments, fire stations, and hospitals often offer CPR training, so consider enrolling in a class this summer.

Never swim alone.

You could hit your head, get a serious cramp, or become ill at any time while in the water, so it’s important to make sure someone is with you.

Always supervise children in the water.

Regardless of where your children are swimming, you should constantly supervise them in the water. Don’t wear headphones so that you can hear your kids in the water, and don’t text, read, or talk with a friend for long periods of time. Check on your children constantly and don’t leave the area where they are swimming.

Teach kids to never swim without an adult.

Even if your child has completed swim lessons, it is important that they only swim with adult supervision to keep them safe in the event of an accident or emergency.

Don’t rely completely on the lifeguard.

While lifeguards are highly trained and good at their jobs, it can be difficult to keep an eye on every person in a crowded pool or beach. Make sure you check on your children frequently while they are in the water.

Listen to the lifeguard.

If the lifeguards tell you or your children to do something in the pool or at the beach, make sure you follow their instructions. Lifeguards are trained to keep people safe, so listen to them right away.

 Stay away from pool drains and filters.

Clothing and long hair can easily get tangled in drains and filters in pools and spas, so warn your children not to play near them.

Always wear life jackets.

When boating and using jet skis or sea-doos, it is imperative that children wear a properly-fitting life jacket at all times. Be a good example and protect yourself by wearing your own life jacket whenever you are on the water.

Don’t swim or boat while intoxicated.

If you have been drinking, it’s safest to stay away from the water. Intoxication may prevent you from reacting how you need to if there is an accident or emergency.

Know your limits.

If you or your child is not a strong swimmer, avoid the deep end of the pool and stay in shallower areas of the water. Be cautious in lakes, rivers, and the ocean, as currents make these waters more difficult to swim in. If you are tired or have been in the heat for a long time, get out of the water and rest and rehydrate for a little while.

De Castroverde Law Group is a family-run law firm in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit www.DeCastroverde.com for more information about our legal services.

Summer Road Trip Safety Tips

If you are planning to hit the road with your family or friends this summer, we have the information you need to stay safe and make your time behind the wheel as smooth as possible. Read our useful tips to help keep you and your loved safe on your summer road trip!

Before You Leave

• Make sure your vehicle is prepared – take your car to the shop to get your oil changed and have a professional check your tires and pressure, brakes, battery, fluid levels, and air conditioning system.
• Consider replacing your wiper blades, as these can be damaged by extreme summer heat.
• Put a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle that includes jumper cables, flashlight and batteries, bottled waters, energy bars, blankets, and a first aid kit.
• Keep the tools needed to change a flat tire in your vehicle.
• Map out your route ahead of time and check for road closures, construction, and detours.
• Make sure you share the route you plan to take and your expected departure and arrival times with someone before you leave.  
• Be sure to pack a cell phone charger that can be used in the car so that you always have enough battery.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks for you and your passengers; in the summer heat, it’s especially important to stay hydrated.
• If driving with children, pack books, toys, DVDs, video games, and music to keep them occupied so that you can concentrate on the road.

On The Road

• Always make sure that you and all passengers are wearing seat belts and that children are properly restrained at all times.
• Pay attention to traffic signs and speed limits, as these can change drastically from county to county and state to state.
• Avoid all types of distracted driving – don’t text, talk on the phone, or adjust the radio or GPS while driving. 
• Don’t drive aggressively – sitting in traffic or being behind the wheel for extended periods of time can get under anyone’s skin. If you find yourself getting frustrated and angry, pull off the road for a few minutes so that you can calm down and refocus.
• Stop regularly so that you and your passengers can stretch out and move around.
• If you are getting tired, trade driving responsibilities with a passenger, get a hotel room for the night, or pull off the road and park in a safe location to sleep for a few hours. Driving while fatigued severely impairs your ability to safely operate your vehicle.
• Never leave children or pets alone in the car – even if you are just running into the gas station for a minute. The high summer temperatures can cause a vehicle to heat up to dangerous temperatures within a matter of minutes, even if you leave the window cracked.

De Castroverde Law Group is an experienced personal injury firm in Las Vegas, NV. If you are involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced attorneys.

Ride Smart, Stay Safe – Tips for Cyclists

Bike-car accidents are all too common on the streets of Las Vegas and throughout the United States. Although cyclists cannot always predict what motorists may do behind the wheel, there are steps they can take to protect themselves while riding their bikes. Read on to find out how you can stay safe.

Top Causes of Bike-Car Crashes

If you want to keep yourself safe while riding your bike, it’s important to understand the situations in which bike-car accidents most commonly occur.

Left Turns
Nearly half of all bike-car collisions occur when drivers fail to see cyclists traveling straight and make left-hand turns into their paths.

Passing Cyclists
Because cyclists do not travel as fast as passenger vehicles, impatient drivers often speed up to pass the cyclists and then abruptly cut them off, causing a collision.

Right Turns
Similar to left-turn collisions, drivers commonly fail to see cyclists traveling next them, so when they make right turns they collide with the cyclists.

Overtaking Cyclists
When a driver cannot see or fails to notice a cyclist in the lane in front of them, they often hit the back of the bicycle, which can cause the cyclist to be thrown from their bike and severely injured.

Parking Lots and Driveways
When drivers enter and exit parking lots and driveways, they are usually focused on one thing: finding a spot to park. As such, many drivers don’t look carefully and quickly pull straight into the paths of passing cyclists.

Open Doors on Parked Cars
After parking their vehicles along the street, many motorists quickly glance in the side mirror to make sure a car isn’t passing and then throw open their doors and exit their vehicles. In most cases, a quick glance in the mirror isn’t enough to notice a cyclist coming up the street, and opening the door straight into their path could lead to serious injuries.

Safety Tips for Cyclists

• Always wear a helmet
• Wear bright and reflective clothing whenever you bike
• When biking at night, use lights and reflectors on the front and back of your bike
• Bells or other audible signals can make drivers aware of your presence
• Follow traffic laws to reduce the risk of a collision
• Bike defensively – always be aware of what’s happening around you
• Don’t use headphones or earbuds; make sure you can hear horns and cars coming near you
• If a driver makes a left turn into your path, turn with them to avoid a collision
• If possible, avoid biking on streets that have numerous parking lot and driveway exits
• When biking past parked cars, ride at least 3 feet away and be prepared for opening doors
• Always choose the safe route over the quick route

If you have been injured in a bicycle collision in the Las Vegas area, our dedicated accident attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group can help you seek justice and fair compensation from the driver. We encourage you to get in touch with our personal injury team to learn how we can help.

Protecting Pedestrians

With so many great restaurants, shops, casinos, hotels, and events located within walking distance, there are thousands of pedestrians on the streets of Las Vegas every day. Unfortunately, the more pedestrians there are, the higher the rate of pedestrian accidents. 

Whether you are a pedestrian or motorist, there are steps you can take to prevent these awful and all too frequent accidents.

Tips for Pedestrians

• Cross at the corners of streets and use the crosswalks and traffic signals when available; don’t jaywalk.
• Use sidewalks whenever possible.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing at stop signs or in front of cars waiting to turn.
• Before crossing, make sure you always look to your left, right, and then left again.
• While crossing the street, stay vigilant in case a motorist does not obey the traffic signal.
• Avoid distractions like texting or talking on the phone while you are walking.
• Don’t wear headphones while walking; loud music can prevent you from hearing a honking car.
• Look carefully before crossing parking lot entrances and driveways, as motorists may not see or expect you to be in their paths.
• If you are intoxicated, consider hiring a car to safely get you to your destination.

Tips for Drivers

• Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, even in places where they may be unexpected.
• Remember that pedestrians have the right of way; stop completely for them at intersections.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Don’t drive while distracted; keep your full attention on the road so that you can see any pedestrians that cross your path.
• When turning, check twice for pedestrians crossing the street.
• Look for pedestrians walking out from between parked cars and be prepared to stop.
• In bright weather, wear sunglasses to avoid glare so that you can see if anyone is in your path.
• At night and whenever visibility is low, reduce your speed so that you can stop quickly if needed.
• Slow down and be especially careful when driving through neighborhoods or near schools, bus stops, or parks. Children can be difficult to see and may run into the street without first checking for cars.

If you have been harmed in a pedestrian accident in the Las Vegas area, contact our injury team at De Castroverde Law Group to discuss your legal options.

Prevent Intersection Accidents

Countless intersection accidents occur in Nevada and across the country each day on busy streets and in quiet neighborhoods. Intersection accidents typically involve head-on or T-bone collisions, which often result in catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage.

Intersection accidents are largely preventable, and most are caused by drivers speeding, driving recklessly, driving while distracted, and driving under the influence. Although you cannot predict what other motorists will do, we have provided a number of safety tips that can help you protect yourself and avoid intersection accidents.

• Obey all traffic lights and traffic signs.
• Stop completely at all stop signs.
• Slow down when the light turns yellow; don’t try to beat the light.
• Don’t assume that other drivers will stop just because of a stop sign or traffic signal.
• Before passing through an intersection, carefully check both ways for drivers running the light or stop sign. Watch out for drivers speeding through the intersection, trying to beat the light.
• Don’t hit the gas as soon as the light turns green; make sure it is the light for your lane, so that you don’t accidentally go when the turn arrow changes to green.
• Don’t speed through intersections. Driving at the designated speed will better equip you to notice and react to unexpected situations, such as another vehicle crossing through your path, a pedestrian crossing the street, or an object in the road.
• In residential areas, always be on the lookout for children crossing the street.
• If you are making a left-hand turn, look carefully for vehicles, motorcycles, or bicyclists that are traveling straight down the lane.
• Always use your signal when turning, and pay attention to other vehicles’ signals.
• Make sure you use your headlights at dawn, dusk, and night so that you are visible to other drivers.

If you were involved in an intersection accident caused by another driver, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact our team at De Castroverde Law Group to learn how we can assist you with filing a car accident claim.