// 05 06 \\ Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year Newsletter | Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC – Attorney Advertising

580 East Main Street, Suite 310, Norfolk, VA 23510

Issue 1.07Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year Newsletterwww.serpefirm.com

580 East Main Street, Suite 310, Norfolk, VA 23510info@serpefirm.com www.serpefirm.com

Phone 757.233.0009 Toll-Free 877.544.5323

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SETTLEMENTS & CASES OF INTEREST

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Currently accepting cases for those seriously or fatally

injured by the blood thinning drug Xarelto®.

Currently investigating Trinity ET-Plus guardrail

accidents that led to serious or fatal injuries.

For more information visit GuardrailInjuryLawyer.com

or call us at 877-544-5323.DISCLAIMER

All cases are different and the results of one case cannot be used as an indication of what our firm may obtain for a similar

case.

Issue 1.07 Official Magazine of Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC

serpefirm.com

Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year

Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

EVERY NEW YEAR WE ALL THINK OF THE THINGS WE CAN DO TO IMPROVE OUR LIVES. THE CROWD FAVORITES ARE; EATING BETTER AND WORKING OUT MORE. WHILE WE CAN ALL APPRECIATE A MONTH OF EFFORT TO EAT MORE KALE, THERE ARE NUMBER OF LEGAL ITEMS THAT WE DON’T WANT TO THINK ABOUT. THIS YEAR WE CHALLENGE YOU TO FACE THOSE RESOLUTIONS THAT MIGHT NOT BE THE FIRST DRAFT PICK. BELOW IS OUR LIST OF 5 IMPORTANT BUT OFTEN IGNORED RESOLUTIONS.

#1 Get a medical directive.Let’s face it, you are a grown up now. You have come so far. You have children or loved ones who would be lost without you. Don’t leave them to decide how to handle your medical care. Take the time to think about how you would want to be treated if tragedy strikes. Give your family the gift of peace.Because we believe that this is important, we are inviting our former and current clients to join our free advance medical directive program which includes a free keychain and key return service. Contact us at info@serpefirm.com for more infor-mation.

#2 Insurance coverage.We hear it every day. “I should have increased my limits”. It is a common misconception that increas-ing your limits is for other drivers on the road. Increasing your limits ensures that you and your family have adequate protection in the case of a severe and catastrophic accident. Don’t be blind-sided. Call your insurance professional today. You might be surprised at how little it costs to increase your coverage.

#3 Check out the recalls on your vehicle.If you are going on a long road trip, check out the recalls on your vehicle before you embark. The U.S. Department of Transportation has a very user friendly website for your use in checking for recalls on your vehicle. It only takes a minute.www.recalls.gov

#4 Implement a Zero Tolerance policy for texting and driving.You and your family members can sign a family contract to never text and drive. Impose severe sanctions for violations of the family contract. No message is worth the risk.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

FROM YOUR LAWYER!

St. Mary’s HOME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN

TIS THE SEASON MINIMIZE YOUR

TIME ON THE ROAD AND IF NECESSARY, TAKE A CAB!

5 TIPS FOR WINTER

ROAD SAFETY5 MOST

DANGEROUS TOYS

// 04 // 0302 \\ Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year Newsletter | Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC – Attorney Advertising

Drunk driving is truly an Ameri-can epidemic. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Ad-ministration found that of the 33,561 accident related deaths in 2012, as many as 10,322 of those involved a drunk driver. Sadly, teens are the most likely to drive under the influence, even though they’re legally too young to drink. They account-ed for the largest percentage - 28% - of drivers killed in drunk driving accidents in 2012.Knowing these peak times for DUI’s and accidents should suggest to you those time peri-ods when it would be prudent to stay off the road to avoid other people who are driving under the influence. Many of our clients have been the vic-tims of drunk drivers, and the injuries and suffering caused by these wrecks is almost al-ways catastrophic.You should also know your lim-its and be prudent when you consider whether to drive after drinking. Besides potentially endangering your life and the lives of others, DUIs are expen-sive and time consuming. The average DUI charge costs the driver around $10,000. This is in addition to potentially facing jail time, losing your li-cense, higher insurance rates, attorney fees and lost wages from time off for court appear-ances. Court costs and car re-pairs, too, can drain your wal-let. Even the most expensive cab ride home can’t compare to the long term costs of a DUI.

PREPARATION IS KEY. Much of what you can do to keep safe on the road this winter is done before you even turn your key to start your engine. Of course you keep your vehicle in great condition year round, but it’s especially important to do proper safety checks once the colder months hit. Check out your battery, make sure your lights are working, and consider the tread and pressure of your tires. It’s also a good idea to make sure your defroster is working well and that you’ve got plenty of antifreeze ready to go. Planning ahead will save you tons of time and money later.If you’re hitting the road on a particularly snowy or icy

St. Mary’s Home in Norfolk provides medical, therapeutic, educational and recreational services for children and young adults from across Virginia who have severe disabilities. This level of complex, around-the-clock care can be difficult for families to provide at home. Most of the young people who live at St. Mary’s, and at The Albero House, which opened on St. Mary’s campus a year ago to care for

night, make sure you’ve got a fully charged cell phone ready for emergencies. Have some supplies like blankets, snow scrapers, and road flares stored under a seat or in the trunk. It’s also a good idea to have bottled water, granola bars and other snacks ready should you be stranded.

ADJUST YOUR SPEED. Speed is one of the most common factors in winter car accidents. Use your brakes correctly - if you’ve got an anti-lock braking system on your car, there’s no need to pump your brakes. Remember that on icy streets, you’ll need a longer distance to stop completely. Avoid using cruise control, as sudden slippery spots can turn dangerous when you hit the brakes. You could lose control of your vehicle.

DON’T TAILGATE. Drivers tend to slowdown during winter storms, which can drive impatient people to ride their bumpers. There’s no quicker way to land yourself in a fender bender than to tailgate on icy or snowy roads. Even if you’re in a rush, arriving to your

destination a few minutes late is better than being stuck on the side of the road dealing with an accident.

IF YOU’RE STRANDED, STAY IN YOUR CAR. Many people make the mistake of abandoning their car in favor of walking or hitchhiking to find help. The reality is that walking in a storm can be very disorienting and it’s easy to get lost. Instead, find a piece of brightly colored clothing to tie to a door handle or antennae to act as a flag. If you’re stuck overnight, be sure to crack your window for a bit of fresh air. You might get chilly, but it’s worth it to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning – snow can often plug your exhaust.

KNOW WHEN TO CALL IT QUITS – OR TO STAY HOME. If the weather is really bad, sometimes it’s best to just stay home. Even the most confident of drivers can become quickly overwhelmed or stranded in strong storms.Our firm always stays busy in the Holiday season helping clients who were struck by other travelers who were not taking these important steps to protect themselves and other motorists. Please let us know if you have been injured by a driver who ignored the dangers presented by wintery conditions.

EACH YEAR, UNPREPARED AND OVERCONFIDENT DRIVERS FIND THEM-SELVES IN ACCIDENTS DUE TO SNOWY OR ICY ROADS. KEEP THESE FIVE TIPS IN MIND BEFORE GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL THIS WINTER.

Trampolines.These bouncy energy burners are responsible for an estimated 100,000 injuries per year. They also can increase your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Easy Bake Ovens.This one seems pretty obvious. The oven is a child size rendition of the real thing. Just like the real thing, it gets really hot so that it can bake food, namely cakes and other sweet treats. If you want to teach your little one how to bake, do it with them. There is no need for a smaller size oven when it burns just the same.

Flutterfly toys.These toys, usually a fairy or similar figurine are pro-pelled off of their base by the pull of a string. The danger is in where the fairy lands. Furthermore, what does a child gain from this toy? If you want to teach your kids about propulsion, wait until they are old enough to un-derstand that when something is propelled, you might not be able to control where it lands.

Dress up Wings.This one is on my personal list. As a mother of little girls, we have lots of dress ups in our house. Many of those outfits included wings. I am surprised at how quickly the wings deteriorate revealing wire, similar to that in a hanger. This wire becomes incredibly dangerous to little ones who are wearing or grabbing the wings. Make sure to keep a close watch on the condition of your little one’s wings.

Lead Hazards.The 2013 Trouble in Toyland report from the PIRG indicates that lead continues to be a hazard in toys. A Captain American Soft Shield for ages two and up was found to contain 29 times the standard for lead.

If your child has been injured by a defective toy, the prod-

uct liability lawyers in our firm are ready to investigate

your case immediately.

We at the Serpe Firm are hoping that you will include St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children in your holiday and year end giving. We are giving back this holiday season, and making

a $1000 donation to support their incredible work.

Learn more about St. Mary’s

saintmaryshome.org facebook.com/StMarysHome

EACH WINTER, DRUNK DRIVING TRAGEDIES INTERRUPT WHAT’S USUALLY THE MOST

WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR. IN DECEMBER 2012,

NEARLY 900 AMERICANS LOST THEIR LIVES IN

ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY DRUNK DRIVERS. BETWEEN

OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTIES, FAMILY CELEBRATIONS,

AND THE BIG NEW YEARS EVE FESTIVITIES, THERE’S

SOMETHING FUN AND EXCITING GOING ON

PRACTICALLY EVERY NIGHT OF DECEMBER.

UNFORTUNATELY, THIS TYPICALLY MEANS MORE

DRUNK OR BUZZED DRIVERS TAKING RISKS ON

THE ROAD.

St. Mary’s HomeF O R D I S A B L E D C H I L D R E N

One popular misconception among drivers is that it’s okay to drive buzzed, or after just one drink. While you might feel that you know your own lim-its, the reality is that the legal limit is lower than you might think. It is illegal nationwide to drive with more than .08 blood alcohol concentration. Many people believe slowing your drinking or just having one or two servings will be enough to stay under that limit, but that is not always the case. Factors varying widely from person to person, including body weight, amount of food in your stom-ach, and alcohol content con-sumed. If you’ve been drinking at all, it’s best to simply not drive.Of course, the winter holidays are a great excuse to eat, drink and be merry. If you’ve got plans to drink at holiday par-ties or other special events, consider taking a taxi home. Uber, Lyft and other car servic-es are also great on-demand options. Of course, arranging for a designated driver can be the best option saving you time and money while making sure you arrive home safely.This Holiday season, be pru-dent and protect yourself and others from the risks of being on the road with impaired driv-ers. If you have been injured by drunk driver, we are ready to help you recover.

BAH HUMBUG! TIS THE SEASON TO SPOIL OUR

LITTLE ONES WITH GIFTS GALORE. FOR THOSE OF US

WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, WE KNOW THAT TOYS WILL TOP

THE LISTS OF TODDLERS AND PRE-TEENS. TO KEEP YOUR HOLIDAYS FULL OF

JOY AND FREE OF DANGER, CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF

THE 5 MOST DANGEROUS TOYS TO AVOID THIS

CHRISTMAS.

IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT GETTING A NEW FAMILY PUPPY FOR CHRISTMAS, MAKE SURE TO AVOID BREEDS WITH VIOLENT PROPENSITIES. DANGEROUS DOGS FRE-QUENTLY ATTACK SMALL ANIMALS AND CHILDREN.

EMILY BRANNON

According to DOGSBITE.ORG the two most dangerous breeds in America are pit bull terriers and rottweilers.

adults, use wheelchairs. They may rely on methods other than speech to communicate their wants and needs. Many use feeding tubes, and almost all need regularly administered medications. Daily care is delivered by nurses, therapists and direct support professionals who are experts at recognizing abilities and rais-ing expectations. Staff members focus on helping each child and young adult reach his or her full potential and on providing pro-grams and experiences, like field trips to the beach, the mall, ball-games and more, to enhance their lives.

// 04 // 0302 \\ Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year Newsletter | Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC – Attorney Advertising

Drunk driving is truly an Ameri-can epidemic. The NationalHighway Traffic and Safety Ad-ministration found that of the33,561 accident related deathsin 2012, as many as 10,322 ofthose involved a drunk driver.Sadly, teens are the most likelyto drive under the influence,even though they’re legally tooyoung to drink. They account-ed for the largest percentage -28% - of drivers killed in drunkdriving accidents in 2012.Knowing these peak times forDUI’s and accidents shouldsuggest to you those time peri-ods when it would be prudentto stay off the road to avoidother people who are drivingunder the influence. Many ofour clients have been the vic-tims of drunk drivers, and theinjuries and suffering causedby these wrecks is almost al-ways catastrophic.You should also know your lim-its and be prudent when youconsider whether to drive afterdrinking. Besides potentiallyendangering your life and thelives of others, DUIs are expen-sive and time consuming. Theaverage DUI charge costs thedriver around $10,000. Thisis in addition to potentiallyfacing jail time, losing your li-cense, higher insurance rates,attorney fees and lost wagesfrom time off for court appear-ances. Court costs and car re-pairs, too, can drain your wal-let. Even the most expensivecab ride home can’t compareto the long term costs of a DUI.

PREPARATION IS KEY. Much of what you can do to keep safe on the road this winter is done before you even turn your key to start your engine. Of course you keep your vehicle in great condition year round, but it’s especially important to do proper safety checks once the colder months hit. Check out your battery, make sure your lights are working, and consider the tread and pressure of your tires. It’s also a good idea to make sure your defroster is working well and that you’ve got plenty of antifreeze ready to go. Planning ahead will save you tons of time and money later.If you’re hitting the road on a particularly snowy or icy

St. Mary’s Home in Norfolk provides medical, therapeutic, educational and recreational services for children and young adults from across Virginia who have severe disabilities. This level of complex, around-the-clock care can be difficult for families to provide at home. Most of the young people who live at St. Mary’s, and at The Albero House, which opened on St. Mary’s campus a year ago to care for

night, make sure you’ve got a fully charged cell phone ready for emergencies. Have some supplies like blankets, snow scrapers, and road flares stored under a seat or in the trunk. It’s also a good idea to have bottled water, granola bars and other snacks ready should you be stranded.

ADJUST YOUR SPEED. Speed is one of the most common factors in winter car accidents. Use your brakes correctly - if you’ve got an anti-lock braking system on your car, there’s no need to pump your brakes. Remember that on icy streets, you’ll need a longer distance to stop completely. Avoid using cruise control, as sudden slippery spots can turn dangerous when you hit the brakes. You could lose control of your vehicle.

DON’T TAILGATE. Drivers tend to slowdown during winter storms, which can drive impatient people to ride their bumpers. There’s no quicker way to land yourself in a fender bender than to tailgate on icy or snowy roads. Even if you’re in a rush, arriving to your

destination a few minutes late is better than being stuck on the side of the road dealing with an accident.

IF YOU’RE STRANDED, STAY IN YOUR CAR. Many people make the mistake of abandoning their car in favor of walking or hitchhiking to find help. The reality is that walking in a storm can be very disorienting and it’s easy to get lost. Instead, find a piece of brightly colored clothing to tie to a door handle or antennae to act as a flag. If you’re stuck overnight, be sure to crack your window for a bit of fresh air. You might get chilly, but it’s worth it to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning – snow can often plug your exhaust.

KNOW WHEN TO CALL IT QUITS – OR TO STAY HOME. If the weather is really bad, sometimes it’s best to just stay home. Even the most confident of drivers can become quickly overwhelmed or stranded in strong storms.Our firm always stays busy in the Holiday season helping clients who were struck by other travelers who were not taking these important steps to protect themselves and other motorists. Please let us know if you have been injured by a driver who ignored the dangers presented by wintery conditions.

EACH YEAR, UNPREPARED AND OVERCONFIDENT DRIVERS FIND THEM-SELVES IN ACCIDENTS DUE TO SNOWY OR ICY ROADS. KEEP THESE FIVE TIPS IN MIND BEFORE GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL THIS WINTER.

Trampolines.These bouncy energy burners are responsible for an estimated 100,000 injuries per year. They also can increase your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Easy Bake Ovens.This one seems pretty obvious. The oven is a child size rendition of the real thing. Just like the real thing, it gets really hot so that it can bake food, namely cakes and other sweet treats. If you want to teach your little one how to bake, do it with them. There is no need for a smaller size oven when it burns just the same.

Flutterfly toys.These toys, usually a fairy or similar figurine are pro-pelled off of their base by the pull of a string. The danger is in where the fairy lands. Furthermore, what does a child gain from this toy? If you want to teach your kids about propulsion, wait until they are old enough to un-derstand that when something is propelled, you might not be able to control where it lands.

Dress up Wings.This one is on my personal list. As a mother of little girls, we have lots of dress ups in our house. Many of those outfits included wings. I am surprised at how quickly the wings deteriorate revealing wire, similar to that in a hanger. This wire becomes incredibly dangerous to little ones who are wearing or grabbing the wings. Make sure to keep a close watch on the condition of your little one’s wings.

Lead Hazards.The 2013 Trouble in Toyland report from the PIRG indicates that lead continues to be a hazard in toys. A Captain American Soft Shield for ages two and up was found to contain 29 times the standard for lead.

If your child has been injured by a defective toy, the prod-

uct liability lawyers in our firm are ready to investigate

your case immediately.

We at the Serpe Firm are hoping that you will includeSt. Mary’s Homefor Disabled Childrenin your holiday and year end giving. We aregiving back this holiday season, and making

a $1000 donationto support their incredible work.

Learn more about St. Mary’s

saintmaryshome.orgfacebook.com/StMarysHome

EACH WINTER, DRUNKDRIVING TRAGEDIESINTERRUPT WHAT’SUSUALLY THE MOST

WONDERFUL TIME OF THEYEAR. IN DECEMBER 2012,

NEARLY 900 AMERICANSLOST THEIR LIVES IN

ACCIDENTS CAUSED BYDRUNK DRIVERS. BETWEEN

OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTIES,FAMILY CELEBRATIONS,

AND THE BIG NEW YEARSEVE FESTIVITIES, THERE’S

SOMETHING FUN ANDEXCITING GOING ON

PRACTICALLY EVERYNIGHT OF DECEMBER.

UNFORTUNATELY, THISTYPICALLY MEANS MORE

DRUNK OR BUZZEDDRIVERS TAKING RISKS ON

THE ROAD.

St. Mary’sHomeF O R D I S A B L E D C H I L D R E N

One popular misconception among drivers is that it’s okay to drive buzzed, or after just one drink. While you might feel that you know your own lim-its, the reality is that the legal limit is lower than you might think. It is illegal nationwide to drive with more than .08 blood alcohol concentration. Many people believe slowing your drinking or just having one or two servings will be enough to stay under that limit, but that is not always the case. Factors varying widely from person to person, including body weight, amount of food in your stom-ach, and alcohol content con-sumed. If you’ve been drinking at all, it’s best to simply not drive.Of course, the winter holidays are a great excuse to eat, drink and be merry. If you’ve got plans to drink at holiday par-ties or other special events, consider taking a taxi home. Uber, Lyft and other car servic-es are also great on-demand options. Of course, arranging for a designated driver can be the best option saving you time and money while making sure you arrive home safely.This Holiday season, be pru-dent and protect yourself and others from the risks of being on the road with impaired driv-ers. If you have been injured by drunk driver, we are ready to help you recover.

BAH HUMBUG! TIS THESEASON TO SPOIL OUR

LITTLE ONES WITH GIFTSGALORE. FOR THOSE OF US

WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, WEKNOW THAT TOYS WILL TOP

THE LISTS OF TODDLERSAND PRE-TEENS. TO KEEPYOUR HOLIDAYS FULL OF

JOY AND FREE OF DANGER,CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF

THE 5 MOST DANGEROUSTOYS TO AVOID THIS

CHRISTMAS.

IF YOU ARE THINKINGABOUT GETTING A NEWFAMILY PUPPY FORCHRISTMAS, MAKE SURETO AVOID BREEDS WITHVIOLENT PROPENSITIES.DANGEROUS DOGS FRE-QUENTLY ATTACK SMALLANIMALS AND CHILDREN.

EMILY BRANNON

According to DOGSBITE.ORG the two most dangerous breeds in America are pit bull terriers and rottweilers.

adults, use wheelchairs. They may rely on methods other than speech to communicate their wants and needs. Many use feeding tubes, and almost all need regularly administered medications. Daily care is delivered by nurses, therapists and direct support professionals who are experts at recognizing abilities and rais-ing expectations. Staff members focus on helping each child and young adult reach his or her full potential and on providing pro-grams and experiences, like field trips to the beach, the mall, ball-games and more, to enhance their lives.

// 04// 0302 \\ Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year Newsletter | Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC – Attorney Advertising

Drunk driving is truly an Ameri-can epidemic. The NationalHighway Traffic and Safety Ad-ministration found that of the33,561 accident related deathsin 2012, as many as 10,322 ofthose involved a drunk driver.Sadly, teens are the most likelyto drive under the influence,even though they’re legally tooyoung to drink. They account-ed for the largest percentage -28% - of drivers killed in drunkdriving accidents in 2012.Knowing these peak times forDUI’s and accidents shouldsuggest to you those time peri-ods when it would be prudentto stay off the road to avoidother people who are drivingunder the influence. Many ofour clients have been the vic-tims of drunk drivers, and theinjuries and suffering causedby these wrecks is almost al-ways catastrophic.You should also know your lim-its and be prudent when youconsider whether to drive afterdrinking. Besides potentiallyendangering your life and thelives of others, DUIs are expen-sive and time consuming. Theaverage DUI charge costs thedriver around $10,000. Thisis in addition to potentiallyfacing jail time, losing your li-cense, higher insurance rates,attorney fees and lost wagesfrom time off for court appear-ances. Court costs and car re-pairs, too, can drain your wal-let. Even the most expensivecab ride home can’t compareto the long term costs of a DUI.

PREPARATION IS KEY. Much of what you can do to keep safe on the road this winter is done before you even turn your key to start your engine. Of course you keep your vehicle in great condition year round, but it’s especially important to do proper safety checks once the colder months hit. Check out your battery, make sure your lights are working, and consider the tread and pressure of your tires. It’s also a good idea to make sure your defroster is working well and that you’ve got plenty of antifreeze ready to go. Planning ahead will save you tons of time and money later.If you’re hitting the road on a particularly snowy or icy

St. Mary’s Home in Norfolk provides medical, therapeutic, educational and recreational services for children and young adults from across Virginia who have severe disabilities. This level of complex, around-the-clock care can be difficult for families to provide at home. Most of the young people who live at St. Mary’s, and at The Albero House, which opened on St. Mary’s campus a year ago to care for

night, make sure you’ve got a fully charged cell phone ready for emergencies. Have some supplies like blankets, snow scrapers, and road flares stored under a seat or in the trunk. It’s also a good idea to have bottled water, granola bars and other snacks ready should you be stranded.

ADJUST YOUR SPEED.Speed is one of the most common factors in winter car accidents. Use your brakes correctly - if you’ve got an anti-lock braking system on your car, there’s no need to pump your brakes. Remember that on icy streets, you’ll need a longer distance to stop completely. Avoid using cruise control, as sudden slippery spots can turn dangerous when you hit the brakes. You could lose control of your vehicle.

DON’T TAILGATE. Drivers tend to slowdown during winter storms, which can drive impatient people to ride their bumpers. There’s no quicker way to land yourself in a fender bender than to tailgate on icy or snowy roads. Even if you’re in a rush, arriving to your

destination a few minutes late is better than being stuck on the side of the road dealing with an accident.

IF YOU’RE STRANDED,STAY IN YOUR CAR. Many people make the mistake of abandoning their car in favor of walking or hitchhiking to find help. The reality is that walking in a storm can be very disorienting and it’s easy to get lost. Instead, find a piece of brightly colored clothing to tie to a door handle or antennae to act as a flag. If you’re stuck overnight, be sure to crack your window for a bit of fresh air. You might get chilly, but it’s worth it to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning – snow can often plug your exhaust.

KNOW WHEN TO CALLIT QUITS – OR TO STAYHOME. If the weather is really bad, sometimes it’s best to just stay home. Even the most confident of drivers can become quickly overwhelmed or stranded in strong storms.Our firm always stays busy in the Holiday season helping clients who were struck by other travelers who were not taking these important steps to protect themselves and other motorists. Please let us know if you have been injured by a driver who ignored the dangers presented by wintery conditions.

EACH YEAR, UNPREPAREDAND OVERCONFIDENTDRIVERS FIND THEM-SELVES IN ACCIDENTS DUETO SNOWY OR ICY ROADS.KEEP THESE FIVE TIPS INMIND BEFORE GETTINGBEHIND THE WHEEL THISWINTER.

Trampolines.These bouncy energy burners are responsible for an estimated 100,000 injuries per year. They also can increase your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Easy Bake Ovens.This one seems pretty obvious. The oven is a child size rendition of the real thing. Just like the real thing, it gets really hot so that it can bake food, namely cakes and other sweet treats. If you want to teach your little one how to bake, do it with them. There is no need for a smaller size oven when it burns just the same.

Flutterfly toys.These toys, usually a fairy or similar figurine are pro-pelled off of their base by the pull of a string. The danger is in where the fairy lands. Furthermore, what does a child gain from this toy? If you want to teach your kids about propulsion, wait until they are old enough to un-derstand that when something is propelled, you might not be able to control where it lands.

Dress up Wings.This one is on my personal list. As a mother of little girls, we have lots of dress ups in our house. Many of those outfits included wings. I am surprised at how quickly the wings deteriorate revealing wire, similar to that in a hanger. This wire becomes incredibly dangerous to little ones who are wearing or grabbing the wings. Make sure to keep a close watch on the condition of your little one’s wings.

Lead Hazards.The 2013 Trouble in Toyland report from the PIRG indicates that lead continues to be a hazard in toys. A Captain American Soft Shield for ages two and up was found to contain 29 times the standard for lead.

If your child has been injured by a defective toy, the prod-

uct liability lawyers in our firm are ready to investigate

your case immediately.

We at the Serpe Firm are hoping that you will includeSt. Mary’s Homefor Disabled Childrenin your holiday and year end giving. We aregiving back this holiday season, and making

a $1000 donationto support their incredible work.

Learn more about St. Mary’s

saintmaryshome.orgfacebook.com/StMarysHome

EACH WINTER, DRUNKDRIVING TRAGEDIESINTERRUPT WHAT’SUSUALLY THE MOST

WONDERFUL TIME OF THEYEAR. IN DECEMBER 2012,

NEARLY 900 AMERICANSLOST THEIR LIVES IN

ACCIDENTS CAUSED BYDRUNK DRIVERS. BETWEEN

OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTIES,FAMILY CELEBRATIONS,

AND THE BIG NEW YEARSEVE FESTIVITIES, THERE’S

SOMETHING FUN ANDEXCITING GOING ON

PRACTICALLY EVERYNIGHT OF DECEMBER.

UNFORTUNATELY, THISTYPICALLY MEANS MORE

DRUNK OR BUZZEDDRIVERS TAKING RISKS ON

THE ROAD.

St. Mary’sHomeF O R D I S A B L E D C H I L D R E N

One popular misconceptionamong drivers is that it’s okayto drive buzzed, or after justone drink. While you might feelthat you know your own lim-its, the reality is that the legallimit is lower than you mightthink. It is illegal nationwide todrive with more than .08 bloodalcohol concentration. Manypeople believe slowing yourdrinking or just having one ortwo servings will be enough tostay under that limit, but thatis not always the case. Factorsvarying widely from person toperson, including body weight,amount of food in your stom-ach, and alcohol content con-sumed. If you’ve been drinkingat all, it’s best to simply notdrive.Of course, the winter holidaysare a great excuse to eat, drinkand be merry. If you’ve gotplans to drink at holiday par-ties or other special events,consider taking a taxi home.Uber, Lyft and other car servic-es are also great on-demandoptions. Of course, arrangingfor a designated driver canbe the best option saving youtime and money while makingsure you arrive home safely.This Holiday season, be pru-dent and protect yourself andothers from the risks of beingon the road with impaired driv-ers. If you have been injured bydrunk driver, we are ready tohelp you recover.

BAH HUMBUG! TIS THE SEASON TO SPOIL OUR

LITTLE ONES WITH GIFTS GALORE. FOR THOSE OF US

WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, WE KNOW THAT TOYS WILL TOP

THE LISTS OF TODDLERS AND PRE-TEENS. TO KEEP YOUR HOLIDAYS FULL OF

JOY AND FREE OF DANGER, CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF

THE 5 MOST DANGEROUS TOYS TO AVOID THIS

CHRISTMAS.

IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT GETTING A NEW FAMILY PUPPY FOR CHRISTMAS, MAKE SURE TO AVOID BREEDS WITH VIOLENT PROPENSITIES. DANGEROUS DOGS FRE-QUENTLY ATTACK SMALL ANIMALS AND CHILDREN.

EMILY BRANNON

According to DOGSBITE.ORG the two most dangerous breeds in America are pit bull terriers and rottweilers.

adults, use wheelchairs. They may rely on methods other than speech to communicate their wants and needs. Many use feeding tubes, and almost all need regularly administered medications. Daily care is delivered by nurses, therapists and direct support professionals who are experts at recognizing abilities and rais-ing expectations. Staff members focus on helping each child and young adult reach his or her full potential and on providing pro-grams and experiences, like field trips to the beach, the mall, ball-games and more, to enhance their lives.

// 05 06 \\ Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year Newsletter | Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC – Attorney Advertising

580 East Main Street, Suite 310, Norfolk, VA 23510

Issue 1.07Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year Newsletterwww.serpefirm.com

580 East Main Street, Suite 310, Norfolk, VA 23510info@serpefirm.com www.serpefirm.com

Phone 757.233.0009 Toll-Free 877.544.5323

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID MAIL WORKS II

SETTLEMENTS & CASES OF INTEREST

$17.4 MillionClass Action Defective

Products Settlement

Currently accepting cases for those seriously or fatally

injured by the blood thinning drug Xarelto®.

Currently investigating Trinity ET-Plus guardrail

accidents that led to serious or fatal injuries.

For more information visit GuardrailInjuryLawyer.com

or call us at 877-544-5323.DISCLAIMER

All cases are different and the results of one case cannot be used as an indication of what our firm may obtain for a similar

case.

Issue 1.07 Official Magazine of Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC

serpefirm.com

Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year

Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

EVERY NEW YEAR WE ALL THINK OF THE THINGS WE CAN DO TO IMPROVE OUR LIVES. THE CROWD FAVORITES ARE; EATING BETTER AND WORKING OUT MORE. WHILE WE CAN ALL APPRECIATE A MONTH OF EFFORT TO EAT MORE KALE, THERE ARE NUMBER OF LEGAL ITEMS THAT WE DON’T WANT TO THINK ABOUT. THIS YEAR WE CHALLENGE YOU TO FACE THOSE RESOLUTIONS THAT MIGHT NOT BE THE FIRST DRAFT PICK. BELOW IS OUR LIST OF 5 IMPORTANT BUT OFTEN IGNORED RESOLUTIONS.

#1 Get a medical directive.Let’s face it, you are a grown up now. You have come so far. You have children or loved ones who would be lost without you. Don’t leave them to decide how to handle your medical care. Take the time to think about how you would want to be treated if tragedy strikes. Give your family the gift of peace.Because we believe that this is important, we are inviting our former and current clients to join our free advance medical directive program which includes a free keychain and key return service. Contact us at info@serpefirm.com for more infor-mation.

#2 Insurance coverage.We hear it every day. “I should have increased my limits”. It is a common misconception that increas-ing your limits is for other drivers on the road. Increasing your limits ensures that you and your family have adequate protection in the case of a severe and catastrophic accident. Don’t be blind-sided. Call your insurance professional today. You might be surprised at how little it costs to increase your coverage.

#3 Check out the recalls on your vehicle.If you are going on a long road trip, check out the recalls on your vehicle before you embark. The U.S. Department of Transportation has a very user friendly website for your use in checking for recalls on your vehicle. It only takes a minute.www.recalls.gov

#4 Implement a Zero Tolerance policy for texting and driving.You and your family members can sign a family contract to never text and drive. Impose severe sanctions for violations of the family contract. No message is worth the risk.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

FROM YOUR LAWYER!

St. Mary’s HOME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN

TIS THE SEASON MINIMIZE YOUR

TIME ON THE ROAD AND IF NECESSARY, TAKE A CAB!

5 TIPS FOR WINTER

ROAD SAFETY5 MOST

DANGEROUS TOYS

// 05 06 \\ Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year Newsletter | Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC – Attorney Advertising

580 East Main Street, Suite 310, Norfolk, VA 23510

Issue 1.07Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year Newsletterwww.serpefirm.com

580 East Main Street, Suite 310, Norfolk, VA 23510info@serpefirm.com www.serpefirm.com

Phone 757.233.0009 Toll-Free 877.544.5323

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID MAIL WORKS II

SETTLEMENTS & CASES OF INTEREST

$17.4 MillionClass Action Defective

Products Settlement

Currently accepting cases for those seriously or fatally

injured by the blood thinning drug Xarelto®.

Currently investigating Trinity ET-Plus guardrail

accidents that led to serious or fatal injuries.

For more information visit GuardrailInjuryLawyer.com

or call us at 877-544-5323.DISCLAIMER

All cases are different and the results of one case cannot be used as an indication of what our firm may obtain for a similar

case.

Issue 1.07 Official Magazine of Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC

serpefirm.com

Having A Happy Holiday & Safe New Year

Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

EVERY NEW YEAR WE ALL THINK OF THE THINGS WE CAN DO TO IMPROVE OUR LIVES. THE CROWD FAVORITES ARE; EATING BETTER AND WORKING OUT MORE. WHILE WE CAN ALL APPRECIATE A MONTH OF EFFORT TO EAT MORE KALE, THERE ARE NUMBER OF LEGAL ITEMS THAT WE DON’T WANT TO THINK ABOUT. THIS YEAR WE CHALLENGE YOU TO FACE THOSE RESOLUTIONS THAT MIGHT NOT BE THE FIRST DRAFT PICK. BELOW IS OUR LIST OF 5 IMPORTANT BUT OFTEN IGNORED RESOLUTIONS.

#1 Get a medical directive.Let’s face it, you are a grown up now. You have come so far. You have children or loved ones who would be lost without you. Don’t leave them to decide how to handle your medical care. Take the time to think about how you would want to be treated if tragedy strikes. Give your family the gift of peace.Because we believe that this is important, we are inviting our former and current clients to join our free advance medical directive program which includes a free keychain and key return service. Contact us at info@serpefirm.com for more infor-mation.

#2 Insurance coverage.We hear it every day. “I should have increased my limits”. It is a common misconception that increas-ing your limits is for other drivers on the road. Increasing your limits ensures that you and your family have adequate protection in the case of a severe and catastrophic accident. Don’t be blind-sided. Call your insurance professional today. You might be surprised at how little it costs to increase your coverage.

#3 Check out the recalls on your vehicle.If you are going on a long road trip, check out the recalls on your vehicle before you embark. The U.S. Department of Transportation has a very user friendly website for your use in checking for recalls on your vehicle. It only takes a minute.www.recalls.gov

#4 Implement a Zero Tolerance policy for texting and driving.You and your family members can sign a family contract to never text and drive. Impose severe sanctions for violations of the family contract. No message is worth the risk.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

FROM YOUR LAWYER!

St. Mary’s HOME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN

TIS THE SEASON MINIMIZE YOUR

TIME ON THE ROAD AND IF NECESSARY, TAKE A CAB!

5 TIPS FOR WINTER

ROAD SAFETY5 MOST

DANGEROUS TOYS