Kevin Patrick Law - October 2019

What to Do if You’re in an Uber or Lyft Accident The Risk of Rideshares

5 Tips for Longer-Lasting Jack-O’-Lanterns PUMPKIN SCREAMS

Every month, we have been handling more Uber and Lyft accident cases. People use

rideshares like Uber and Lyft every day in busy cities like Atlanta, and as a result, car accidents involving rideshares are more common now even compared to just a few years ago. According to the Chicago University Business School, “The arrival of ridesharing is associated with an increase of 2–3% in the number of motor vehicle fatalities and fatal accidents.”

Jack-o’-lanterns are an iconic part of the Halloween aesthetic, but they can quickly backfire. If you carve your pumpkins too early, you may end up with a moldy mess on Halloween. The first rule of jack-o’-lanterns is to wait as long as possible before you start carving. Here are some other tips to help you achieve the perfect jack-o’-lantern this year. FIND THE PERFECT PUMPKIN. A great jack-o’-lantern starts in the pumpkin patch — or in the grocery store if you’re short on time. Look for a fresh pumpkin with a sturdy, green stem, no bruises, and a flat bottom so it’s stable when you’re carving. Size and shape aren’t important, so long as the pumpkin sparks your creativity. Just make sure you don’t accidentally bring home a small sugar pie pumpkin, which will be harder to carve. WASH YOUR PUMPKIN. Before you start carving, mix 1 tsp of chlorine bleach with 4 liters of water and wash your pumpkin to help prevent mold. Be sure to wear gloves! CUT FROM THE BACK. Cutting the top of the pumpkin is traditional, but it removes the stem, which helps keep the pumpkin fresh. It also threatens the structural integrity of the pumpkin. Cutting from the bottom is not good, either, because all the liquid inside the pumpkin will ooze out. For the best results, carefully cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin. APPLY PETROLEUM JELLY. After you’ve scooped out all the “pumpkin guts” and carved your masterpiece, apply a little petroleum jelly to the cuts. This will help seal in moisture. The Farmers’ Almanac also recommends spraying your pumpkin with anti-humidity hairspray to lock in freshness. GO ELECTRIC. Using a real candle heats up the inside of the pumpkin, causing it to decompose faster. An LED tealight with a flickering effect will create that classic spooky jack-o’-lantern look and keep the pumpkin cool. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any trick-or-treaters getting burned if they accidentally trip over your pumpkin. These tips are to help your jack-o’-lantern last longer. When it comes to designs, feel free to let your imagination run wild! The best jack-o’-lantern is one you’re proud to show off on Halloween.

That percent may seem small at first glance, but it’s actually hefty considering the number of automobile accidents already happening in Georgia. While rideshare services provide plenty of benefits, there are several reasons why those drivers may be more likely to cause accidents. Uber and Lyft have put more drivers on the road, and they aren’t always familiar with the routes they’re asked to take. As a result, they often rely on mapping apps to get from point A to point B, a navigation method that can slow down reaction time, making accidents more likely. So, what should you do if you’re hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident? We advise getting familiar with the company’s insurance policy. Both Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in coverage after an accident resulting in personal injury, regardless of whether their driver or another on the road was at fault— an amount well above the minimum limit of $25,000 required by Georgia law. It can cover medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You can report a rideshare accident using either the company’s app or its website (Uber.com or Lyft.com). Accidents are easy to report in-app: Simply click the “Help” tab, and the option is right there. We also advise that you take a screenshot of the information you’re submitting — you never know if you’ll need it for your records down the road (bad pun intended). If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident and have more questions about the Georgia personal injury process, call us today at 404-566-5880.

You can always reach Kevin directly at 404-566-8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cell phone is 404-409-3160, too.)

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