Dickerson Oxton - April 2022

Dickerson Oxton - April 2022

816-268-1960 | 913-428-8220 www.dickersonoxton.com

APR 2022

ANIMAL BITES

CAR ACCIDENTS

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

It Can Wait Paying attention is the most important thing you can do while driving. Unfortunately, too many of us are letting our minds wander, with our eyes specifically drifting to our cellphones. April has been designated Distracted Driving Awareness Month to bring attention to this growing problem. Missouri is one of the few U.S. states that does not completely ban texting while driving. Using one’s phone while driving is only illegal if you’re under 21 or operating a commercial vehicle. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be held liable for distracted driving in the event of an accident. And distracted driving doesn’t suddenly become less dangerous when it’s not against the law. In fact, according to a 2021 study by WhistleOut, Missouri is the ninth worst state in the country for distracted driving. An astonishing 21,058 accidents in Missouri were caused by distracted driving in 2017. In 2020, 82 people died in collisions caused by distracted driving — 59% of whom were not the distracted driver. I understand how difficult it is to put the phone away, because even as a personal injury attorney, I’ve struggled with the urge to check it myself. Like many people, I always feel the compulsion to be “busy,” and it’s hard to shake the feeling that I should be multitasking. Thanks to our phones, work is also with us wherever we go. When I get a notification, I immediately want to know if there’s a problem or find a way to cross a task off my day. I know some people who check their phones at red lights, but I think even that is dangerous. So, these days I keep my phone in my purse in the backseat of the car. The bag has a strong snap that’s hard to open one-handed, making it a lot harder to rummage through. And by placing it in the backseat, I can’t reach it even if I wanted to. That’s my No. 1 tip to avoid distracted driving — eliminate the risk by removing the temptation. Don’t Drive Distracted

BICYCLE/ MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURIES

But while almost 20% of distracted driving crashes in Missouri are caused by using a cellphone or other electronic device, they’re far from the biggest culprit. More than 67% of distracted driving collisions have a cause categorized as “other.” For the most part, the category refers to good old- fashioned daydreaming. When you travel the same routes every day (or drive for too long at once), it’s easy to zone out and start concentrating on other things. Maybe it’s your favorite song playing on the radio, a to-do list, stress about work, or a conversation replaying in your head. If it’s pulling your focus away from traffic conditions and controlling your vehicle, it’s dangerous. Whether it’s your phone or your child’s extracurricular schedule, the truth is that it can wait. Those are trivial compared to an accident. It’s not a lesson you want to learn the hard way. Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, and the courts are starting to recognize that. Many injured people have successfully won punitive damages from a driver using their cellphone during an accident. It highlights the gravity of the situation. Juries are willing to not only reimburse what victims lost but explicitly punish reckless drivers for their phone use. We could all stand to receive a reminder now and then: None of us is invincible, and it only takes a second for things to go catastrophically wrong. Reduce your chances of suffering a tragedy (or inflicting one on someone else) by putting the distractions away and keeping your eyes on the road. The consequences when you don’t are just too big.

BURN INJURIES

CONSTRUCTION INJURIES

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS

BOATING ACCIDENTS

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

–Chelsea Dickerson

PHARMACEUTICAL & DRUG INJURIES

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Though they’re by far the most common, not all accidents are caused by a driving error. Some collisions stem from roadway conditions, like snow, ice, or animals on the road. Other times, objects that have no place in traffic conditions wind up in the street. Road debris can pose all kinds of hazards. Whether it’s a lost car part, downed tree limb, litter, or an item that fell off the back of a truck, it can sometimes appear out of nowhere. Running over it often results in blowing out a tire, cracking a windshield, or striking another vehicle. Attempts to avoid large or hazardous debris can also be dangerous, causing drivers to unexpectedly slam on their brakes, swerve into another lane, or run off the side of the road. CAR ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY ROAD DEBRIS Who Is Responsible?

On Jan. 3, 2022, New Hampshire State Police responded to a call about a lone dog wandering around on the interstate near Veterans Memorial Bridge. When they got there, the pup — a Shiloh shepherd named Tinsley — led the officers on what seemed to be a wild goose chase. “When Trooper Sandberg and the Lebanon police officers attempted to get close to the canine, it continued to run northbound on Interstate 89, crossing into Vermont,” the police department wrote in a Facebook post. “A short time later, Trooper Sandberg and the Lebanon police officers located a damaged section of guardrail near the Interstate 91 and Interstate 89 junction.” Meet Tinsley, a Car Crash Survivor She Saved Her Human!

Unfortunately, proving fault in a road debris accident is often much harder than in a standard two-car collision. Many of these accidents

If your family celebrates Easter, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of ways to get out of the house and enjoy some festive fun this year. You have your pick of events to keep the kids occupied, and we’ve compiled some of the best options here. SPRING ROUND UP If you want to get in all your Easter fun at once, you can’t beat the Spring Round Up at Faulkner’s Ranch right here in Kansas City. Between April 15–16, kids will get the chance to participate in and watch all kinds of events — including wagon rides, duck races, a cow milking contest, giant sandbox, and pedal carts. Refreshments will also be available for purchase. Tickets are $12 each, and you can learn more at FaulknersRanch.ticketspice.com/ spring-round-up . EASTER EGG DIVE Here’s an Easter egg hunt with a twist. Everyone searches for eggs on land — so why not mix it up and have a water- based event instead? Taking place at the Grandview Community Center pool, each age group gets a chance to collect Easter eggs underwater. This free event takes place on April 2, so you can still squeeze in some other events over Easter weekend. Get the details and register in advance at KCparent.com/events/easter-egg-dive-0 . Hop on the Bandwagon

It turns out Tinsley had a destination in mind: an upside-down pickup truck that had crashed through that very guardrail.

The truck had rolled off the highway, and the people who were inside — including Tinsley’s owner, Cam Laundry — were on the ground, badly hurt and hypothermic! Thanks to Tinsley’s bravery, the cops called an ambulance that rushed them to the hospital. “This was almost like a real-life Lassie situation,” one lieutenant told CNN. “It’s really quite remarkable. This dog definitely saved their lives. I don’t think they would have survived the night given the temperatures.” Tinsley is a real hero on four legs, just like Lassie, a fictional pup who saved two little boys from dying of hypothermia in the snow. Fortunately, Tinsley’s grateful owner, Cam, made a full recovery. He also knows just how special his pup is. “She gets spoiled all the time,” he told the WPTZ news station. “She’ll get some venison, probably [a] burger tonight, and probably some back scratches with it.” Tinsley is not the only dog who has saved a human from the cold. In the winter of 2017, a rescue pooch named Peanut saved the life of a 3-year-old girl in Michigan who had wandered away from home, and a golden retriever named Kelsey saved her owner after he slipped in the snow and broke his neck. She kept him warm for 19 hours and barked until help came. To read the full story of Tinsley’s roadside rescue, visit CNN.com and search “real-life Lassie.”

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involve only one vehicle, and the cause of the debris is not always clear. An abandoned mattress in the middle of the road is a problem, but you’ll generally have no way of knowing who put it there.

So, who is held accountable for the accident? In many cases, you will not be able to prove that someone was negligent — or prove who was negligent. That means you’ll need to seek compensation for your injuries and property damage through your own automobile insurance policy.

There are, however, exceptions to the rule. While the government entity responsible for road management is not liable for every object that falls into the road, they must maintain safe driving conditions. If negligence of this duty was involved, a lawsuit might be successful. In cases where the source of debris is known, thanks to witnesses or security cameras, the negligent party can also be held liable for negligence. Sometimes, construction crews are also to blame when they leave behind unsecured equipment or waste. If you’ve experienced a collision involving road debris, consult a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney will help determine whether negligence was present and search for evidence of liability. Dickerson Oxton can also help you negotiate with your own insurance company for fair compensation. Give us a call today so we can evaluate your case.

TAKE A BREAK

One-Pan Chicken Tacos

CELEBRATE EASTER THE KCWAY!

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

RAYMORE EASTER FESTIVAL

If traditional Easter egg hunts are more your speed, head on down to Raymore for an event featuring 15,000 eggs to find! Kids in the fourth grade and younger are welcome, and there’s no fee for admission, but each participant needs to bring their own basket. The Easter Bunny will also be present for a photo opp. Find out more about the April 16 event at KCParent.com/events/ raymore-easter-festival-2022 . DOWNTOWN BUNNY HOP Are your kids a little more eccentric — and do they have energy to burn? If so, this unconventional parade may be a great fit for your family. Instead of marching, participants will hop like bunnies through downtown Lee’s Summit. Local businesses will be participating by handing out free candy, and yes, the Easter Bunny will be there. Get in on the action by visiting DowntownLS.org/event/ downtown-bunny-hop .

INGREDIENTS This recipe from TikTok user @violet.cooks almost broke the internet — and you’ll see why! The fried tortillas make it out-of-this-world delicious.

• 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch pieces • 2 tbsp garlic powder • 2 tbsp cumin • 2 tbsp chipotle powder

• Canola oil (for frying) • Corn tortillas • Grated cheddar cheese • Pico de gallo and guacamole salsa (to taste)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, garlic powder, cumin, and chipotle powder. Mix until the chicken is coated. 2. In a frying pan, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken mixture. Cook on medium heat for 5–8 minutes. 3. Remove the chicken from the pan, and add the corn tortillas (avoid overlapping) so they soak up the juices. Flip the tortillas and repeat. Then, add chicken and grated cheddar to each tortilla and fold it over the filling — in the pan. 4. Cook the tacos for 3 minutes per side until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. 5. Top with pico and guacamole salsa, and serve!

Whichever event you choose, your family is bound to have a hopping good time. Happy Easter!

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INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Distracted Driving Often Turns Deadly

PG1

A Heroic Dog Saves Her Owner

PG2

Can You Sue Over a Road Debris Accident?

PG2

Kid-Friendly Easter Events

PG3

One-Pan Chicken Tacos

PG3

Try Your Luck With This Eggtastic Game!

PG4

Egg-splore Different Ways to Celebrate Easter FUN HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES THE WHOLE FAMILYWILL ENJOY

Easter is approaching, and there are tons of activities you and your family can do to celebrate the holiday. These activities will let your children or grandchildren unlock their imaginations, all from the comfort of your own home. KIWICO EGGSPERIMENTS Cost: $26.95 | KiwiCo.com These experiments bundle creativity, science, and education in one fun, family-friendly package! Instead of having your kids decorate eggs with paint, you can use this kit to conduct scientific experiments. Your child will be able to color eggs and create crystalized shells by using chemistry, physics, and biology. EGGED ON Cost: $24.50 | Amazon.com

have you and your children laughing in no time. You first spin the wheel to see how many eggs you will crack over your head or someone else’s. Some of these eggs are filled with water, which are the eggs you don’t want. Try your luck with this fun-filled game. EASTER COOKIE KIT Cost: $29.99 | ThePopcornFactory.com Did somebody say cookies? Yes, we did! With this cookie kit, you and your kids will be creating edible bunnies, flowers, and eggs! The kit provides all the ingredients you need to bake delicious cookies, which is a perfect time to teach your child about the fundamentals of baking while having fun at the same time. This activity satisfies your creative needs and your cravings for a sweet treat. The traditional activities around Easter are fun, and now you have even more options to choose from — but these items will go fast so pick one up ASAP. These activities are enjoyable for the entire family, and you can create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Easter!

You’ve heard of casino roulette, but have you heard of egg roulette? Well, now you have with Egged On, a Hasbro board game that will

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