Shannon Law Group October 2018

If you’ve ever had a friend or loved one suffer from a debilitating injury, you know how powerless you can feel at times. You want to help them in any way you can, but in the face of severe medical challenges, it can be difficult to know how to do so. It’s important to remember that while you may not be able to have a direct impact on your loved one’s physical recovery, there are concrete actions you can take to support them in ways their medical treaters cannot. SUPPORT THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE. Traumatic injuries can make many aspects of day-to-day life difficult or—in extreme cases—nearly impossible. Simply making dinner or taking their kids to school may now be arduous tasks for your loved one. Offering to be a volunteer driver or preparing a home-cooked meal can give that person a much-needed breather. Taking the time to help your friend or family member with everyday tasks is more than just a practical gesture — it lets them know they don’t have to bear the burden of their injury alone. SUPPORT THEIR EMOTIONAL RECOVERY. People faced with injuries, disabilities, and illnesses can feel emotionally isolated from their friends and loved ones. They may feel that others won’t understand their pain, or that they should put on a brave face and not complain. You cannot force your friend or relative to talk,

but simply being there to listen to what they are going through makes a world of difference. Having someone who is willing to listen without judgment can provide a salve for emotional hardship. SUPPORT THEIR RIGHTS. Sometimes, an injury can leave your loved one tangled up in disputes with opportunistic insurance companies or individuals whom they feel are responsible for their injuries. While you may not be able to represent your friend or relative’s legal interests in these situations, you can always introduce them to someone who can. We have written a book that can help individuals in this situation. We will send this book free of charge to those who request it. You can request your free copy of Transportation Law, Rights, and Injuries by sending an email to joseph@ shannonlawgroup.com.

SAFE DRIVING DURING HARVEST SEASON How to Share the Road with Farm Vehicles

Illinois is one of the top five states in the nation in terms of agricultural production, and many of our crops are harvested in the fall. Once October hits, sharing the road with farm equipment like combines and tractors becomes a common occurrence. Their

loads are large, bulky, and handle differently than normal trucking shipments. It’s crucial that drivers remain patient and vigilant when they are driving near these convoys. Slow-moving farm equipment should be properly marked with flashing lights and slow-moving vehicle (SMV) signs, but they can still sneak up on you in a hurry if you’re distracted while driving. The average agricultural vehicle has a top speed of around 25 mph. Because of the speed disparity between these vehicles and passenger cars, rear-end collisions are common during harvest season. Farm equipment is not designed to minimize the damage caused by such a collision, so the results of an accident can be serious or even fatal. Keep your eyes ahead of you on the highway, and slow down the moment you begin to approach farm vehicles. Farm trucks are often wider than a standard roadway lane, which means they take up a lot of space when they turn. This maneuver, known as a swing turn, can put drivers in a precarious position if they don’t give the equipment adequate space. Look out for turn signals and hand signals from drivers, and never pass during a turn. You should also be mindful of vehicles turning into the road from driveways. Patience, as always, is a virtue.

Caution, attention, and safety are qualities that you should always possess on the road, and that’s especially true during harvest season.

2 www.shannonlawgroup.com

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs