Kasieta Legal Group, LLC

Why summer is prime time for personal injuries

2024-05-05T17:59:14Z

The flow of spring into summer results in a seasonal uptick in many kinds of personal injury rates. There are many reasons why this is the case, ranging from increased outdoor activities to more construction and greater travel volumes. Understanding these realities can help individuals take preventive measures accordingly, and to better understand when they might have cause to take legal action if they are injured. It's important to keep in mind that not every summertime injury is legally actionable. However, if an injury is caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness or intentional choices, then the harm in question may give rise to grounds for a personal injury claim.

Injuries that happen on the road

Summer is the peak season for construction and road work due to favorable weather conditions. Increased construction sites around cities and on highways can lead to accidents involving construction workers and passersby. Poorly marked construction zones, unsecured site materials and negligent operation of construction equipment can cause injuries to both construction personnel and the general public. Summer months also result in a surge in road traffic as families embark on vacations and road trips. More vehicles on the road increase the likelihood of vehicular accidents. Additionally, summer festivals and events can lead to congested roads, where the chances of traffic collisions are higher. Motorcyclists and bicyclists are out in larger numbers, which, without proper safety measures, can lead to higher incidences of accidents involving these more vulnerable road users. Finally, many summer social gatherings often involve alcohol, and increased alcohol consumption can correlate with a rise in injuries. Alcohol impairs judgment and response times, leading to an increased risk of accidents, from DUI-related crashes to boating accidents and violent encounters.

Injuries that happen everywhere else

The warm weather and longer daylight hours encourage more people to engage in outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, boating and biking. While these activities are enjoyable, they also carry risks. Inexperienced individuals engaging in sports without proper training or equipment can lead to accidents. Swimming pools and water parks, though refreshing, are common sites for drowning or slip-and-fall injuries, especially when safety protocols are not rigorously followed. Even enjoying Fourth of July fireworks can result in harm if these explosives are not handled properly or are defective to begin with. At the end of the day, while summer can be a wonderful time of year, it can also be a uniquely hazardous one. Being aware of this reality – and taking precautions whenever appropriate – can help you to stay safer as the warmest months of the year approach.

How motorcyclists can safely prepare for the spring

2024-03-26T22:30:31Z

Spring beckons motorcyclists with its promise of warm sunshine, longer days and the exhilarating dom of cruising on two wheels. After a long winter of hibernation, though, both you and your motorcycle need some TLC to help ensure a safe and enjoyable riding season. This isn’t just about dusting off your helmet and throwing a leg over the saddle. It’s about a meticulous dance of inspection, maintenance and personal readiness to help ensure a smooth return to the world of two-wheeled dom.

Tire check

Your motorcycle’s only contact with the road is your tires, which are paramount for safety. Inspect them thoroughly for proper inflation, any embedded objects and signs of wear and tear. The tread depth should meet the manufacturer’s specifications, and there shouldn’t be any cracks or bulges on the sidewalls. Don’t forget to check the tire pressure regularly throughout the riding season – temperatures can fluctuate, affecting inflation levels.

Battery boost

Winter’s cold temperatures can zap your battery’s power. Therefore, before hiting the open road, have it tested and charged, or replaced if needed. A healthy battery is vital for starting your motorcycle and helping ensure all its electrical components function correctly.

Brake check

Your brakes are your lifeline – try to ensure they’re in top condition. Check the fluid levels and inspect the brake pads and discs for wear and tear. Don’t hesitate to consult a mechanic if you have any concerns about braking performance.

Lights check

You should also confirm that your headlight, taillight, turn signals and brake lights are all working flawlessly. Night riding or low-visibility conditions necessitate a properly functioning lighting system to help ensure other motorists see you. Inspect the wiring for any damage or corrosion that might hinder their operation.

Chain or belt care

For chain-driven motorcycles, proper lubrication is essential to minimize friction and wear. Lubricate your chain regularly as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Belt-driven motorcycles also require tension adjustments at specified intervals according to the owner’s manual. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable transition back to motorcycle riding this spring. Remember, a little preparation can help protect you and your motorcycle, allowing you to focus on the pure joy of cruising on two wheels. However, you can be hurt by another’s approach, even if you are safety-conscious. Should you get involved in an accident due to a driver’s negligence, consider seeking legal counsel to pursue compensation for your injuries.

3 common insurance mistakes people make after a car crash

2025-11-05T08:27:00Z

Insurance coverage is mandatory for motorists in nearly every state. The average person expects minimal challenges when pursuing an insurance claim after a car crash. However, many people make mistakes when trying to negotiate with insurance providers and might end up without the compensation they need after a lengthy negotiation process. There are certain mistakes that are more common than others, and those preparing to handle an insurance matter could protect themselves by learning from other people's errors. The following are some of the most common mistakes that people make when negotiating an insurance claim following a major car crash.

Apologizing to an insurance professional

What people do out of politeness sometimes puts them at a legal disadvantage when they need compensation. Specifically, the choice to apologize to an insurance professional might seem reasonable given the personal details someone has to share with that professional and the work they must do while handling the claim. Sadly, insurance companies can and do use apologies as a way to avoid responsibility. Professionals may try to claim that the apology was essentially an acknowledgment that someone knows they were at fault for the collision.

Providing a recorded statement

There are some scenarios in which a recorded statement is necessary. Insurance professionals also often try to trick those who don't technically need to give a recorded statement into doing so. They can then ask questions that implicate someone and make it seem as though they were at least partially to blame for the crash. Those who do have to provide recorded statements often benefit from having legal representation present with them during that conversation to ensure they don't end up tricked and manipulated by the insurance professional guiding the conversation.

Accepting an early settlement

Insurance companies offer settlements as a way to minimize their liability. Someone who has accepted a settlement cannot request additional compensation even if what they have so far received is well below the policy limits and they have additional expenses. Those involved in an insurance claim need to have a firm idea of what the incident could cost them and how much compensation they could receive based on the terms of the policy that applies. Ultimately, trying to handle insurance negotiations without legal support is a common mistake. It is often easier for people to obtain the maximum amount of compensation when they have someone who understands the law and policy jargon advocating for them. Ultimately, learning from the mistakes of others can help someone take much of the risk out of the insurance claims process.

What are the most dangerous highways in Wisconsin?

2024-02-13T20:38:24Z

Wisconsin has a lot of rural land, and the villages, towns and cities across the state largely connect through ways, highways and interstates. These specialized roads experience high volumes of both commercial and passenger vehicle traffic. They tend to have very high speed limits when compared with surface streets. They are also home to some of the most dramatic collisions that occur. If a semi-truck driver loses control on the way, for example, they could end up blocking every lane of traffic and forcing a detour that lasts for hours. During inclement weather that commonly occurs during the depths of the Wisconsin winter, blustery conditions might lead to multi-vehicle collisions.

Crash data reveals that risks are higher on certain routes

US-51 in Madison is one of the most dangerous highways in the state. The stretch between Anderson Road and SR-30 tends to see the most major collisions. US-51 took third place on a list based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash reports, with 17 deaths between 2000 and 2019. The fifth most dangerous highway is I-94 in Milwaukee, where 16 people died. I-90 in Janesville takes fourth place. Although 19 people have died on this section of highway, those deaths occurred in 16 crashes. The two highways more dangerous than US-51 are both in Milwaukee. SR-59 saw 18 deaths in 17 crashes, while SR-190 was home to 23 deaths in 19 separate crashes. Those traveling on US-51 or planning a trip to Milwaukee don't necessarily need to avoid the ways included on this list. However, they will likely want to be extra careful about following traffic laws and making safety their top priority on these relatively dangerous streets. People may have to take alternate routes during times of heavy traffic, like the afternoon rush hour or the late morning on major federal holidays, like Thanksgiving, when thousands drive to visit loved ones. People traveling on particularly dangerous roads need to watch their surroundings more carefully, decrease their travel speed and increase their following distance to maximize their safety. Learning more about specific risk factors, like the highways with the most collisions, can ultimately help people reduce their personal crash risk.

To Blog, or Not to Blog?

2023-11-19T03:37:01Z

When I became a lawyer forty years ago, there were no blogs. Now, everyone seems to blog (sometimes, even when they have little to say).

Welcome to the new Kasieta Legal Group, LLC, website. I’ll post blogs periodically, only if there is something worth sharing. The focus will be litigation-related issues. The target audience is other lawyers and potential clients. Hopefully, lawyers will find helpful pre-trial and trial pointers I’ve distilled from decades of practice and almost a quarter century teaching at Wisconsin Law School. Potential clients will find guidance on choosing a lawyer and what to do in certain situations.

These posts will always be concise. I’ll try not to waste your time. And they always come with an open invitation for you, gentle reader, to provide feedback. Thank you for reading. Please subscribe for future posts.

-Bob Kasieta

rjkasieta@kasieta.com