Lime & Bird Electric Scooters - Tips to Keep you Safe

When electric scooters were first made available for public use in cities, they were heralded as a green, fun, and efficient way to get around. Unfortunately, they’ve also been the cause of a number of injuries and even some deaths.

With summer here, electric scooter use will be more prevalent than in any other season. So here are five reasons why Lime and Bird electric scooters are dangerous and five tips to help you stay safe if you choose to ride one.

1. Design Defects

Lime and Bird electric scooters have been known to have a number of design defects that can make them dangerous. For example, the throttle can get stuck, the brakes can fail, and the steering can malfunction.

2. Top-Heavy

Because electric scooters are top-heavy, they’re more likely to tip over than a traditional bicycle. This is especially dangerous at high speeds when a rider could easily be thrown from the scooter.

3. Poor Instructions

When you rent a Lime or Bird scooter, you’re given very little instruction on how to use it. You’re essentially left to figure it out on your own. This can lead to riders not understanding how to properly use the scooter, which increases the likelihood of sustaining an injury.

4. They’re Not Well-Lit

Another safety issue with Lime and Bird scooters is that they’re not well-lit. This means that riders are less visible to drivers and more likely to be involved in an accident.

5. They’re Not Widely Regulated

Unlike traditional bicycles, there are few laws regulating the use of electric scooters. This means that nearly anyone can ride one, regardless of their age or experience level. And that can lead to accidents.

Fortunately, some states have taken action to regulate the use of electric scooters, restricting the age of riders to 16.

Tips to Stay Safe on Lime and Bird Electric Scooters

1. Wear a Helmet

As with bicycles, electric scooters leave the operator completely exposed. The most significant precaution you can take is to protect your head with a helmet.

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Because they’re so unpredictable, it’s important to be on the lookout for potholes, bumps, and other obstacles that could cause you to lose control.

3. Use the Scooter’s Lights

If you’re riding at night, be sure to use the scooter’s lights so that you’re visible to drivers.

4. Stay Off Busy Roads

Whenever possible, stick to side streets and paths where there’s less traffic.

5. Follow All Local Laws and Regulations

Even if you live in a state that doesn’t regulate electric scooter use, you should still follow the rules of the road and obey traffic laws.

Contact Queen Yasmine Injury Law

Finally, if you or a loved one were injured in a scooter accident, you should hire an experienced accident lawyer at Queen Yasmine Injury Law to help you understand your rights to compensation for your injuries.

At Queen Yasmine Injury Law, we fight aggressively and passionately to help ensure the best results for you and your family. Attorney Yasmine Djawadian has recovered over $45 million for injured clients and is available 24/7 to recover on your behalf, as well. You won’t face any legal fees unless you win your case, so go ahead and call our firm today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Summer Motorcycle Riding: What You Need to Know

If you're like most riders, you probably can't wait to get out on the open road and enjoy the freedom that comes with motorcycle riding. But before you hit the highway, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Did you know that 97% of motorcycle accidents occur when the weather is clear or only cloudy? What's more, 59% occur during daylight hours. So it's safe to conclude that the summer months provide peak conditions for motorcycle accidents.

Other Reasons Why Accidents Are More Prevalent during the Summer

The warmer weather also means that more people are out and about. This increased traffic can put a strain on even the most experienced riders.

Another hazard to be aware of is road construction. With the summer months comes an increase in road work. This can lead to uneven surfaces, debris, and other hazards that can cause an accident.

And let's not forget about the increased risk of drunk driving. With more outdoor events and parties taking place, there is a greater chance that you will encounter a drunk driver.

With so many potentialities that could lead to accidents, you might be afraid to take your motorcycle on the road. While it's understandable to take these issues seriously, you can still have fun this summer. But you need an action plan in place to help keep you safe.

Tips to Keep You Safe This Summer

While you can certainly add your own, the following tips should be included in every motorcyclist's action plan. They will improve your chances of having an enjoyable—and safe—time on the road.

• Plan your route in advance and avoid known construction areas.
• Be extra cautious at night and in bad weather.
• Wear the proper safety gear, including a DOT-approved helmet.
• Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Follow the posted speed limit and never ride recklessly.
• Ride defensively and always be aware of your surroundings.

What to Do if You Get into an Accident

Despite taking all the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. If you do find yourself in a collision, here are a few things you should do:

• Call the police and have them file a report.
• Get the contact information of any witnesses.
• Take pictures of the accident scene, if possible.
• See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don't think you're injured.
• Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that summer riding is safe and enjoyable for you and other drivers around you.

Contact Queen Yasmine Law

Finally, if you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, you should hire an experienced accident lawyer at Queen Yasmine Injury Law to help you understand your rights to compensation for your injuries.

At Queen Yasmine Injury Law, we fight aggressively and passionately to help ensure the best results for you and your family. Attorney Yasmine Djawadian has recovered over $45 million for injured clients and is available 24/7 to recover on your behalf, as well.  You won’t face any legal fees unless you win your case, so go ahead and call our firm today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month: Fact Sheet

Highway Facts

• An estimated 5,579 motorcyclists died in 2020, 11% higher than in 2019. About 82,500 were injured, 2% lower than in 2019.
• Motorcyclists over the age of 55 were 27% of 2020 crashes. From 2011 to 2020, this percentage shifted upwards by 37% from 1,087 to 1,486.
• The average age of motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents was 43 in 2020.
• In 2020, motorcyclists were 28 times more likely to die in a motor crash and four times more likely to be injured than passenger vehicle occupants.
• About half of motorcyclists that passed away on the road between 2011 and 2020 died on the weekend. Nonetheless, weekday fatalities have increased by 15% since 2020, from 2,402 to 2,765.

Motorist Safety Tips

• Be cautious: Steer clear of distractions like texting that place you and others at risk when interacting with motorcyclists.
• Yield: Watch and observe all traffic laws, including yielding to other motorcyclists at intersections and other locations on the road.
• Avoid impaired driving: Don’t drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
• Be defensive: Remember to drive defensively at all times.
• Watch distance: Note the small size of the motorcycles. It can be trickier to judge their distance, so take care when working your way around them.
• Provide room: Give more distance when behind someone on a motorcycle. They will have more time to stop or maneuver if something goes wrong.
• Give a full lane: Provide motorcyclists with full lane width. They need room to maneuver safely, no matter how much it looks like they have.
• Provide warning: Signal before changing lanes on the road. Motorcyclists can use this alert to get into a safer spot as they shift.
• Watch obstructions: Obstructions are common at intersections. If you’re turning and can’t see oncoming traffic, wait. Scan the road to ensure no motorcyclists or pedestrians are visible before proceeding with the turn. Take it slow.
• Look at blind spots: Check mirrors and blind spots before merging with traffic.
• Watch motorcycle signals: Note that some motorcycle signals might be a mistake. Still, move with caution until their signal turns off to keep them safe.
• Check all unseeable areas: Remember that it’s easy for a motorcycle to disappear in a blind spot. Look for motorcyclists in mirrors and blind spots before shifting to another lane for the safest navigation.

Motorcyclist Safety Tips

• Obey laws: Observe and obey all traffic laws.
• Avoid impaired driving: Do not ride while distracted or impaired. This action puts you and those around you at risk for injury and even death.
• Be educated: Complete rider education courses and get a current license for your motorcycle. About 36% of motorcyclists in 2020 did not have a valid license when they were in a fatal crash.
• Be defensive: Always use defensive driving techniques when riding or driving.
• Note the speed limit: Follow the speed limit.
• Don’t speed: In 2020, 34% of motorcyclists that passed in crashes were speeding. Those in the 25-29 age group category were the highest speeders in the group.
• Wear proper protective gear: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, a durable jacket and pants, durable gloves, and protective over-the-ankle footwear.

Contact Queen Yasmine

National Safe Boating Week

Boat Safety Tips

• Know the local boating laws: Anyone driving the boat must be familiar with the local boating laws and may require a license. A violation of these laws can result in fees, fines, and even imprisonment. Check the ABC’s of California boating here.
• Wear a life jacket: A life jacket is one of the most critical safety items on the boat. 86% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. Ensure you and everyone on board, especially children, have them on when riding the boat.
• Ensure the life jacket fits: A life jacket won’t do much good if it doesn’t form properly. One that is too big will make floating harder, and one that is too small could cause discomfort. Have everyone onboard try them on to find a life jacket that fits properly.
• Understand the boat’s capacity: Do not exceed the listed capacity for your boat. If you have too many people on it at once, you risk the boat capsizing or tipping over.
• Take a boating safety course: An education course in safety will provide valuable information you can take into any boating opportunity.
• Look at the weather: Before you head out on your big adventure, check the weather. It’s dangerous to set sail in poor conditions. If the weather looks questionable, reschedule for another day.
• File a float plan: A float plan should contain information about the boat, the trip, the people on board, communication equipment, towing items, and emergency contacts. Provide this information to someone you trust before you set sail.
• Wear the right clothes: Different weather calls for different clothing. If it’s going to be hot, you might be comfortable in a bathing suit and shirt. If it’s a chilly day, opt for clothes that will keep you comfortable as you sail. Protect yourself from the weather.
• Check your boat: Before you set sail, check the boat for any prior damage that may have occurred. You don’t want to take out a severely damaged boat.
• Don’t drink: Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in boating accidents. Never operate a boat if you are impaired. You are putting yourself, your passengers, and other boaters at risk.
• Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning: Gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide. Never block exhaust outlets or stand too close to the exhaust, as carbon monoxide poisoning can happen quickly and silently. While not always, it can be signified by a headache.
• Maintain communication: Always have a way to communicate with the mainland. Have at least two forms of communication, such as CB radio and cellular service, on your boat and ensure you know how to use them.

Contact Queen Yasmine

Exercise In Senior Living Facilities Improves Quality Of Life

As the baby boomer population increases, healthcare costs have also risen as many seniors have forgone exercise during their elderly years. Once used as a mode of transportation, walking began to change with the diminishment of walkable neighborhoods. The distance between the local store, church, park, or restaurant no longer provided connectivity that kept them walking. Along with urban growth and development, safety concerns have also increased. Then retirement has decreased the amount of activity levels for many seniors, especially those on a fixed income. Yet, others have given up on exercise due to injury, further declining their ability to move. The list of reasons is vast, yet it's important to know that it is never too late to get started with exercise for seniors.

However, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), armed with the knowledge that fitness is important for preventing health problems, continued independence, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, only 27% of the senior population meet the recommendations of moderate exercise and strength training.

Fortunately, to get seniors moving and reduce health care costs, health insurance companies are paying for senior fitness programs at health clubs across the country. If you are an AARP member, you have access to their free interactive online fitness classes and health and wellness workshops. With online access, you can also find fitness professionals offering free workouts via YouTube videos.

If you are currently living a sedentary lifestyle in a residential care facility, listed below are some guidelines to help you get started with exercise for seniors:

1. Aerobic Activity — For the senior who has been inactive, an aerobic exercise activity such as walking, water aerobics, stationary bike, or senior aerobics class 3-5 days a week at a light to moderate intensity for 20-30 minutes is recommended. As your fitness level increases, you'll want to add more time to the workouts.
2. Resistance Training — To stay strong, you'll want to develop muscle strength, increase the endurance of muscle activity, and increase muscle power to stop a fall or get up from a chair without aid. The recommendations for the senior just starting a resistance program are to keep the resistance low and focus on proper technique. This way, you'll reduce injury and allow the body to adapt to the new activity. A minimum of 2 days per week are the recommendations for resistance training.
3. Balance Training — With muscle decline, the likelihood of falling increases. Balance training can help. By adding balance training to your routine 2-3 days a week, you'll reduce the chance of falling and maintain mobility levels. Start by holding on to something sturdy while lifting one foot off the ground for a moment, then gradually reduce the support needed.
4. Flexibility — Sustained or static stretching is the recommended form of stretching for seniors. With an appropriate stretching program, you’ll gain and increase in flexibility and improve range of motion (ROM) in the joints. A good stretching regimen is consistent with the other forms of exercise at least 2-days per week. You’ll find increased benefit at 7-days per week. Repeating the stretch up to four times with a 15-60 second hold is recommended. A chair can be used to assist with stretching if your balance for standing is limited. If you think of stretching from the neck down, you’ll hit all the major muscle groups of the body. Think neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, pelvis, hips, and legs to start with. As your flexibility improves you can further your practice with more complex stretches.

You Have Options If A Senior Living Facility Fails

When you entrust your loved ones to the care of a nursing home or senior living facility because they need more care than you can provide for them, you expect that they will be kept safe and cared for properly. Queen Yasmine Personal Injury Law is committed to bring to justice those who abuse and neglect our elders and nursing home residents. You can trust our compassionate San Diego nursing home abuse lawyers to fight for the rights and the protection of your loved ones.

Our team will evaluate your nursing home neglect case for FREE. Call 858-304-2774 or submit details of your case in our form and we’ll contact you as soon as possible.