Losing a loved one is a devastating experience that can leave a profound impact on family members and friends. When the loss is due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, it becomes a wrongful death situation, and seeking justice becomes a priority. In Cape Coral, Florida, as in other jurisdictions, the legal process for wrongful death claims can be intricate and multifaceted. Expert witnesses play a critical role in these cases, helping to provide essential insights, opinions, and evidence to support the claims of the grieving parties. Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Cape Coral A wrongful death claim arises when the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party lead to the death of an individual. These claims are designed to provide compensation to the surviving family members or beneficiaries who have suffered emotionally, financially, and in other ways due to the loss. Wrongful death claims can result from a variety of circumstances, including: Car Accidents: Negligent driving, distracted driving, or drunk driving can lead to fatal accidents. Medical Malpractice: Negligence on the part of medical professionals can result in patient deaths. Workplace Accidents: Negligence in maintaining a safe work environment can lead to fatal accidents. Product Liability: Defective products can cause fatal injuries to consumers. Premises Liability: Negligent property maintenance leading to accidents can be the cause of wrongful deaths. The Importance of Expert Witnesses Expert witnesses are individuals with specialized knowledge, training, education, or experience in a particular field relevant to a case. In wrongful death claims, expert witnesses can provide critical insights and opinions to help establish liability, assess damages, and support the arguments presented by the plaintiffs. In Cape Coral, Florida, the testimony and evidence provided by expert witnesses can significantly impact the outcome of a wrongful death claim. Types of Expert Witnesses in Wrongful Death Claims Medical Experts: In cases involving medical malpractice or health-related deaths, medical experts can analyze medical records, procedures, and treatment plans to determine if negligence occurred. Accident Reconstructionists: For cases involving fatal accidents, accident reconstruction experts can recreate the events leading up to the incident to determine liability. Economists: Economists can assess the financial impact of the loss on the surviving family members, including lost income, potential future earnings, and other financial contributions. Psychologists/Psychiatrists: These experts can provide insights into the emotional and psychological impact of the loss on family members, helping to establish non-economic damages. Forensic Experts: In cases where criminal actions are involved, forensic experts can analyze evidence to provide insights into the cause of death and potential criminal activity. Requirements for Expert Witnesses In Cape Coral, Florida, as in other jurisdictions, there are specific requirements for expert witnesses to be considered credible and admissible in court. These requirements aim to ensure that the information provided is reliable and unbiased. Some of the general requirements for expert witnesses include: Qualifications: Expert witnesses must possess the appropriate qualifications and experience in their field. This could include academic credentials, professional licenses, and years of relevant experience. Relevance: The expert’s testimony and opinions must be relevant to the case at hand. Their expertise should directly address the issues and questions raised in the wrongful death claim. Reliability: The information and opinions presented by the expert must be based on reliable methods and principles within their field. Courts assess whether the expert’s methodology is scientifically valid. Unbiased Opinion: Expert witnesses are expected to provide unbiased and impartial opinions. They should not have a personal stake in the outcome of the case. Peer Acceptance: The expert’s methods and opinions should be widely accepted within their professional community. This helps establish the credibility of their testimony. The Collaborative Effort for a Successful Outcome In wrongful death claims, the collaborative effort between legal teams and expert witnesses is essential for building a compelling case. The process begins with thorough research and investigation to gather evidence that supports the claim. Once the evidence is collected, expert witnesses are brought in to analyze, interpret, and provide their professional opinions based on their specialized knowledge. This partnership between legal professionals and experts strengthens the case’s foundation and increases its chances of success. Expert Witnesses: Enhancing Case Strength Expert witnesses serve as pillars of credibility within the legal framework. Their testimonies can provide valuable insights that the court and jury may not have access to otherwise. For instance, in cases involving intricate medical procedures, an experienced medical expert can translate complex medical terminology into understandable language for the jury, helping them make informed decisions. Accident reconstruction specialists can recreate the scene of an accident, shedding light on the circumstances that led to the wrongful death. Expert witnesses bring objectivity and expertise to the courtroom, presenting facts that are backed by scientific principles and professional experience. Their contributions help bridge the gap between technical information and legal arguments, ensuring that the case is presented comprehensively and persuasively. The Impact on Damages and Accountability In wrongful death claims, determining the extent of damages and establishing accountability are critical components. Economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, are relatively straightforward to quantify. However, non-economic damages, which include pain, suffering, and loss of companionship, can be more challenging to assess. This is where expert witnesses play a pivotal role. Psychologists and psychiatrists can evaluate the emotional toll that the loss has taken on surviving family members. Through their expertise, they can articulate the psychological impact of the death, providing a basis for non-economic damage claims. Economists, on the other hand, can calculate the long-term financial implications of the loss, ensuring that the family receives appropriate compensation for both immediate and future financial losses. Additionally, expert witnesses can help establish accountability by providing unbiased analyses of the events leading to the wrongful death. Their evidence can reveal negligence, faulty practices, or improper procedures that may have contributed to the tragic outcome. This information not only strengthens the claimant’s case but also fosters accountability and encourages responsible behavior in the future. Wrongful death claims are emotionally charged and legally complex matters. Expert witnesses bring an objective and informed perspective to these cases, helping to clarify complex issues and presenting evidence that can significantly influence the outcome. In Cape Coral, Florida, the role of expert witnesses in wrongful death claims cannot be overstated. Their input can help grieving families achieve justice, accountability, and the financial compensation they deserve. If you’re dealing with a wrongful death claim in Cape Coral or the surrounding areas, the legal team at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A has the experience to guide you through the process. Our skilled attorneys understand the importance of expert witnesses in building a strong case and ensuring that justice is served. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you during this challenging time. If you need legal guidance for a wrongful death claim in Cape Coral, Florida, our experienced attorneys are here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for a consultation. Let us advocate for your rights and fight for the justice you and your family deserve.
Drowsy Driving Is Dangerous Driving
The National Sleep Foundation found about half of U.S. adult drivers admitted to drowsy driving when they were tired. Studies have proven that sleep deprivation can affect driving as much as (and sometimes more than) alcohol. Like driving drunk, driving tired can be deadly, but it is preventable. Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, Nov. 1-8, serves to remind drivers that drowsy driving is impaired driving. Driving with more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08%, the legal limit. Tired drivers can also fall into “micro sleeps,” or brief losses of consciousness that can last for four or five seconds. At 55 miles an hour, a car will travel more than 100 yards down the road during a micro-sleep. What makes driving while tired especially dangerous is that most people do not know the exact moment that sleep overcomes their body whether in bed, on a couch or at the wheel. Causes of Drowsy Driving The two main causes of drowsy driving are lack of quality/quantity of sleep, and driving at times you would normally be sleeping. Young drivers, shift workers, commercial drivers and people with untreated sleep disorders or with short-term or chronic sleep deprivation are at an higher risk. Still, only New Jersey and Arkansas have fatigued driving laws. The Arkansas sleepy driving law is almost never enforced. To convict someone, a death must occur with proof the driver had not slept for 24 hours before the accident. New Jersey’s tired driving law is called Maggie’s Law for Maggie McDonnell. McDonnell was killed when a driver — who admitted he had not slept for 30 hours and had been using drugs — crossed three lanes of traffic and struck her car head-on in 1997. Maggie’s Law defines fatigue as being without sleep for more than 24 consecutive hours. Still, the Centers for Disease Control notes that tired drivers do not need to be awake for so many hours to be impaired. Tired drivers have slow reaction times for braking or steering and inability to make good decisions. In the worst cases, tired drivers fall asleep behind the wheel. Signs of B eing T oo T ired to D rive Interestingly, it is not always driving at night, for long trips or old age that result in tired drivers. According to the sleepfoundation.org, more than one in four drivers who reported falling asleep said that it happened between noon and 5 p.m. More than half said they had been driving for less than an hour before falling asleep. Drivers under age 25 make up for half of the tired driving crashes. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and sleepfoundation.org note these signs that you may be too tired to drive: Frequent yawning or difficulty keeping your eyes open “Nodding off” or having trouble keeping your head up Inability to remember driving the last few miles Missing road signs or turns Struggling to keep your speed Trouble focusing, frequent blinking and/or heavy eyelids Having reveries or daydreams Drifting from your lane, swerving, tailgating and/or hitting rumble strips Feeling restless, irritable or aggressive Avoiding Drowsy Driving To avoid endangering others on the road, it is important to get a good night’s sleep. Seven to nine hours is recommended by sleep experts. It is also good practice to avoid driving when you would typically be asleep or driving alone for long distances. A companion who stays awake can take a turn driving as well as help see the warning signs of driver fatigue. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recommends these steps for avoiding sleepy driving: Read the warning label on your medications and do not drive after taking medications that cause drowsiness. On long trips, take a break every 100 miles or two hours. Drink caffeine to increase alertness. Keep in mind, turning up the radio, drinking coffee or rolling down the window may help you feel alert for a brief period, but are not effective ways to support alertness to drive safely overall. If you are having difficulty focusing, frequent blinking or heavy eyelids, pull over in a safe place to rest before continuing to drive. The Florida Department of Transportation maintains multiple rest areas, service plazas, truck comfort stations and welcome centers throughout Florida. There are great places to stop and take a break. For more information, visit fdot.gov/maintenance/ restareas. If you have been up for 20 hours or more, do not drive. It is not safe for you and all others on the road. Get adequate rest before you travel. Drowsy Driving Accidents Unfortunately, falling asleep at the wheel can be difficult to prove in an accident, particularly if the at-fault driver does not admit to lack of sleep. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to investigate and gather necessary evidence. As a driver, you have a responsibility to drive safely, obey the traffic laws, and respect the rights of other drivers, including getting enough sleep or not getting behind the wheel if you are too tired to drive. Got questions? Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have been helping clients for nearly 60 years with their estate planning needs.
Be Mindful of Semi-Truck Accidents with These Tips
Florida Semi-Truck Accidents Because of their enormous size and weight, semi-truck accidents can be damaging or deadly when they are involved in a collision. Currently there are over 15.5 million trucks in the United States. Thirteen percent of these are semis, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers. According to thetruckersreport.com, the legal weight for an 18 wheeler in the United States is 80,000 lbs. (40 tons). Compared with a car in the United States which has an average weight of 5,000 lbs. it is easy to see the dangers of car-truck collisions. Semi-Truck Accidents: The Sobering Statistics In 2015, 3,852 people died in large semi truck accidents Over 2/3 of the victims were occupants of cars or other smaller vehicles Annually, approximately 130,000 individuals are injured in truck accidents Roughly 98% of semi accidents result in one fatality Causes of Semi Truck Accidents According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Loss Data Institute (IIHSHLDI), two of the major causes of truck accidents are truck braking capability and truck driver fatigue. Loaded tractor trailers for example take 20-40 times longer to come to halt than a car. Less than ideal road conditions or poor break maintenance can make it even more difficult for a large truck to stop in time. Truck drivers are known to work long hours traveling great distances. Because of the amount of driving time truckers log, driver fatigue is a serious issue. Driver fatigue is responsible for approximately 30% of all commercial truck accidents. Federal hours-of-service regulations only allow truck drivers to drive 11 hours per stretch and 77 hours per 7 day week, however driver surveys show that often times these regulations go unfollowed. Who to Call If Involved in a Semi Truck Accident If you or a loved one have been involved in a semi-truck accident or lost a loved one due to a truck accident it is important to seek experienced legal representation. Truck accidents have many legal complexities and the right attorneys can help you navigate a truck accident claim. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 50 years in legal expertise. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.
Car Seat Safety for Child Passengers
Every 32 seconds, a child under the age of 13 was involved in a car crash in 2018. Many times, injuries and deaths can be prevented by proper car seat safety, boosters and seatbelts. Car accidents are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the United States, according to Safe Kids. Car Seat Safety Facts As a parent or caregiver, one of the most important jobs you have is to keep your child safe. Learning the proper use of safety seats and seatbelts can not only help prevent your child from getting injured in an accident; these safety measures could save your child’s life. According to Safe Kids, correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent, but more than half of car seats are not used or installed correctly. Selecting the Right Car Seat Safety Record With many types of safety seats available, choosing a car seat for your child can be overwhelming. There’s help! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a comprehensive guide in English and Spanish with information about finding the right car seat, installing it correctly and other tips. The guide includes a searchable list by area of places offering car seat installation inspections, as well as recommendations for the correct seat for your child’s age and size, as well as for your vehicle. It also allows adults to register car and booster seats to receive up-to-date information about any recalls and defective parts. Tips on Child Passengers’ Car Seat Safety The National Safety Council offers these basic tips for keeping children safe. If you are pregnant, schedule a car seat installation with a certified child passenger safety technician before the child is born. Children should ride in the back seat, at least through age 12. If your kids complain about wearing seatbelts, do not negotiate. Do not drive off until they buckle up. Always be consistent and wear your seatbelt; driver safety belt use strongly influences whether your child will buckle up. The life of a car seat ranges from six to 10 years. Be sure to find the expiration date set by the manufacturer. Airbags can save the lives of older children and adults, but they can be fatal for young children when not seated correctly, particularly in the front seat; never place a rear-facing car seat in a front seat near an airbag. Always read instructions provided by the vehicle and car seat manufacturers for properly securing children. Seatbelt Safe ty Seatbelts or safety belts are restraints that are meant to supply protection in case of a crash. By using them properly, crash deaths and injuries can be significantly reduced. Except for New Hampshire, all states and the District of Columbia require adult front-seat occupants to use seatbelts. Florida law requires the use of safety belts for all drivers and passengers in all motorized vehicles. Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia have primary enforcement. Primary enforcement laws allow a police officer to stop and cite a motorist solely for not using a seatbelt. In states with secondary enforcement, police can only enforce the law if the motorist has been pulled over for another violation first. Safety Belt Fit Test According to Safe Kids, children should stay in a booster seat until between the ages of 8 and 12, depending on the size of the child. Here is a recommended Safety Belt Fit Test (watch video) to determine if a child is ready for a safety belt without a booster seat: Check knees and feet. Your child’s knees should bend at the edge of the seat when their back and bottom are against the vehicle seat back. Feet should touch the floor for comfort and stability. Check the vehicle lap belt. It must fit snugly across the hips or upper thighs. Check the shoulder belt. The shoulder belt must fit across the shoulder and chest, not across the face or neck. Remember, just because the seatbelt fits your child in one car does not mean the seatbelt will fit in all cars. Do the Seatbelt Fit Test in every car before permanently moving from the booster seat to just a seatbelt. Car Seat Safety Attorneys As careful and as safe as you may be with your driving, and with the use of good car seat safety, auto accidents still happen. Other drivers speeding, running red lights, driving drunk and the driving the wrong way have caused tragic accidents that have altered the lives of many innocent families. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz have nearly 60 years of experience with personal injury cases. We have six offices in Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a free consultation.
Dangerous Boating Accidents? Lee and Collier Counties Make Top 10 List
Lee and Collier counties top the list as the most high-trafficked spots for dangerous boating accidents in Florida, according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Division. Dangerous Boating Accidents: Statistics A study of 2019 accidents by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Law Enforcement division of boating accident statistics showed that 61% of accidents happened in 10 Florida counties. Lee County ranked fourth and Collier County ranked ninth in that list. During 2019 in Florida, there were 29 fatal boating accidents, 191 accidents with injury and 223 accidents without injury. Of the 65 boating accidents reported in Lee County in 2019, most of them happened near the Punta Rassa boat ramp at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. In 2019, Lee County had nine fatal boating accidents, 20 accidents with injury and 18 accidents without injury. The two primary causes of dangerous boating accidents in Lee County in 2019 were distraction (11 accidents) and excessive speed (eight accidents). Operator inexperience and alcohol use resulted in six accidents each. Most of the accidents were collisions with other boats or a fixed object. Collier County had no fatal accidents, 10 accidents with injuries and 11 accidents without injuries in 2019. Lack of attention and operator inexperience were tied at five accidents each, also primarily collisions with another vessel or fixed object. No dangerous boating accidents in Collier County in 2019 were attributed to alcohol use. Why Dangerous Boating Accidents Matter Understanding when and how boating accidents happen is increasingly important for law enforcement for the coming year. Like other outdoor pursuits during the pandemic, boating has increased, with boat rentals on the rise. In a survey by the marine industry, 70% of boat dealers reported retail growth during May. Used boat sales are also up, with 74% of dealers reporting sales growth in May. Boat and yacht listing websites like Boat Trader, YachtWorld, and boats.com increased their web traffic and leads, with a 56% increase in traffic and a 177% increase in leads over last year. Boating accidents typically increase during the summer months, but experts expect accident numbers may be even higher with more boats on the water. In addition, alcohol sales have increased during the pandemic. According to boatingundertheinfluence.org, a person boating while drinking is 10 times more likely to die than a sober boat operator. Motion, vibration, noise, sun, wind and spray intensify alcohol’s affects. Thirty-four percent of fatal boat accidents are alcohol related. Safe Boating Tips from the National Safety Council – Wear life jackets. About three-quarters of boating deaths are due to drowning and more than 80% of victims are not wearing a life jacket. Even good swimmers need them. – Take a safe-boating course and be familiar with state boating laws. – Get a free vessel safety check available from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. – File a float plan, so someone will know where you are planning to go and when you are expected to return. You can get a template here: http://floatplancentral.cgaux.org/. – Wear sunscreen and eye protection. – Exercise good judgment. Do not drink, watch for weather changes and follow navigational rules. Next Steps After a Boating Accident? In case of a boating accident with injuries, Florida law requires boaters to file a report with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement or local police within 48 hours of the accident. Boating accidents have a different set of laws than accidents that take place on land, with different filing deadlines and pleading requirements. Another difference in how your claim will be treated is if you are a guest or employee on the boat. While not all cases are going to be the same, you may be entitled to payment of your medical bills, lost wages as well as pain and suffering damages. The road to recovery after a boating accident can be long and challenging. If you have been in a boating accident, it is important that the proper authorities are notified, and your medical needs are addressed. When you are involved in a boating accident, you should not talk about the accident with anybody other than your attorney. About the Author Christopher Smith is a managing partner at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. If you have been in a boating accident, it is important that you hire an experienced local law firm that understands boating accident cases and can maximize your recovery.
Personal Injuries on New Year’s Eve
Can’t wait to celebrate the end of 2020? Be careful! Unfortunately, personal injuries on New Year’s Eve and Day are not uncommon. Causes of personal injuries on New Year’s Eve can include: Car accidents Drunk driving Slip-and-fall accidents Premises liability accidents Fireworks accidents Pedestrian accidents Dog bite accidents While officials are not quite sure what to expect for New Year’s Eve 2020, they do know that alcohol consumption has increased by 14% over a year ago, including 17% for women, according to a report published in the JAMA Network Open. Also, alcohol sales at the beginning of the pandemic in March rose 54%, according to a Nielsen survey, with health experts explaining that people are turning to alcohol to cope with a life-altering global crisis. Personal Injuries on New Year’s Eve from Drunk Driving According to SafeAuto.com, compared to an average night on the weekend, there are 71% more crashes with drugs or alcohol as a contributing factor between Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. and Jan. 1 at 6 a.m. In just that 12-hour period, alcohol and drug related car crashes skyrocket. As a result, the National Safety Council estimates that 384 people may die on U.S. roads this New Year’s Day holiday from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 to midnight on Sunday, Jan. 3. In addition, nationwide, alcohol-impaired fatalities (involving blood-alcohol content of 0.08 g/dL or higher) in 2018 represented 29% of the total traffic fatalities. Also, curing the 2018 (latest available data) New Year’s Day holiday period, 39% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver. New Year’s Eve Safe Driving Tips Before heading out to New Year’s celebrations this year, drivingschool.net recommends the following tips: Designate a driver who will not drink on New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day. If drinking, spend the night with a friend or family member to avoid needing to drive home. Never allow someone who has been drinking to get in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. Take their keys. Don’t ride with someone else who has had even one or two drinks. It’s better to call a friend or family member for a ride, even if it’s embarrassing then to get behind the wheel and cause a serious accident. Call the police if they see an impaired driver out on the road. SoberRides.org provides a desktop and mobile site with options for how to get home safely. If you host a party, contact a local cab company to provide rides for your guests, or have a trusted designated driver ready to take guests home if necessary. According to MedicalDaily.com, hosts could be held responsible if someone leaves their home and kills or hurts someone in an alcohol-related collision. Other Personal Injuries on New Year’s Eve Drunk driving is not the only source of personal injuries on New Year’s Eve. Other injuries can include: Pedestrian accidents. New Year’s Day is one of the most hazardous day of the year for pedestrians. Be sure to stay on paths and watch traffic. Cross at crosswalks and frequent well-lit areas. Projectile Champagne corks. To avoid a forceful cork explosion, chill Champagne to at least 45 degrees and place a towel over the top of the bottle when opening, pointing away from yourself and others. Fireworks. Keep fireworks away from children and pets. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees! Keep a bucket of water handy, light fireworks one at a time and stay clear. Better yet, leave fireworks to the professionals. Anxious pets. Many pets have anxiety about fireworks and noise and can bite, run away, cause accidents or become lost. Keep them indoors and comfortable. Make sure fences and gates are secure, and that your pet has a current ID tag or microchip. Gunfire. Some cultures have a tradition of celebratory gunfire at midnight. It’s illegal, and falling bullets can be fatal. According to the American Safety Council, a young teen was killed in 1999 in Phoenix by a bullet that was fired into the air more than a mile away. Personal Injuries on New Year’s Eve May Happen! We all want to enjoy a safe and happy new year. We hope you don’t need to call us, but when accidents or injuries do occur, we offer free consultations and are here to help you understand your rights. From our family to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy and safe 2021. With nearly 60 years of experience in the community and five offices throughout Southwest Florida, we are your personal injury experts.
Observing Dry January Has Many Benefits
Dry January Observing Dry January by abstaining or reducing alcohol consumption is a growing trend, and this year, Dry January may be needed more than ever. According to Nielsen’s market data, total alcohol sales outside of bars and restaurants have surged roughly 24% during the pandemic. Spirits with higher alcohol content rose more than 27% over last year. These alcohol trends in the midst of the pandemic were despite evidence that alcohol has the ability to decrease immunity! In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon and breasts among women. Women are at greater risk for some of the negative effects of booze, including absorbing more alcohol than men and taking longer to break it down. Also, women are more vulnerable to brain and heart damage then men from alcohol. Limiting alcohol has been listed as one of four simple New Year’s resolutions that will reduce the risk of breast cancer. Dry January: Benefits Another New Year’s resolution that is gaining traction is Dry January. Social mentions of the practice of stopping or reducing drinking for the month of January increased 1,083% from 2015 to 2019. Dry January started in the United Kingdom by Alcohol Change in 2013 and has been growing worldwide ever since. It’s a New Year’s wellness trend that allows people to start the year clearer, more refreshed and safer. Alcohol Change estimates that four million people, or around 1 in 20 Britons, now participate each year. Benefits of Observing Dry January Abstaining from alcohol is not without benefits. Here are some of the bad effects of drinking alcohol: Masks underlying depression and anxiety, making symptoms worse Degrades sleep quality Dehydrates and can spike blood sugar Suppresses your body’s immune system Here’s another bonus of observing Dry January that often goes unmentioned. When you stop drinking, you will not risk drinking and driving. But you don’t have to give up tasty drinks altogether when observing Dry January. Town and Country magazine offers these recipes for delicious mocktails. We Stand Against Drunk Driving Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz is a community champion for putting an end to drunk driving. For three years, the firm has been a presenting sponsor for Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Walk Like MADD 5K walk and run, which raises money to ensure no one in our community suffers from the impacts of impaired drivers. Our staff and attorneys see the impact of drunk driving through the clients we represent, reinforcing our advocacy for MADD. Nationally on average, two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime. If you or anyone you love is suffering from injuries from a drunk driving accident, our attorneys can help.