Cold Today, Hot Tomorrow. Welcome to the ’Sip. Drive Safe Anyway.

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We’ve all seen it — a driver riding just a few feet off someone’s bumper, anxious to get around slower traffic. It’s easy to forget how dangerous that is until it’s too late. Tailgating doesn’t save time. It causes wrecks. Tailgating Is One of the Most Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions Rear-end crashes make up a large portion of all traffic accidents in Mississippi. They often happen because a driver simply doesn’t have enough time to react. Whether the car in front slows down suddenly or traffic backs up unexpectedly, that split-second delay can make the difference between a close call and a collision. At highway speeds, even one second of following distance isn’t enough. The general safety rule is to keep at least three seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. Double that in bad weather or low visibility. Why “Minor” Rear-End Collisions Aren’t Always Minor Many people assume a rear-end crash is just a “fender-bender.” But even low-speed impacts can cause serious injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue damage. These injuries often don’t appear right away — pain may set in hours or even days later. Beyond the physical injuries, victims may face car repairs, time off work, and fights with insurance companies that downplay the severity of their claims. Protect Yourself on the Road Keeping a safe following distance is one of the easiest ways to prevent a crash. The next time you find yourself creeping too close to the car in front of you, count: “One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi.” If you pass the same landmark before you finish counting, you’re following too closely. That small habit can protect you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. Injured in a Rear-End Collision? Know Your Rights. If you’ve been hurt in a rear-end crash, don’t let an insurance adjuster minimize your injuries or rush you into a quick settlement. You have the right to full and fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At The Stutzman Law Firm, we help Mississippi drivers hold negligent drivers and their insurers accountable. We understand the tactics adjusters use — and we know how to fight back. Call us today at (769) 208-5683 for a free consultation.

Fall is here, and for many families that means afternoons at the ball field, evenings under the Friday night lights, and weekends packed with tournaments. Football, soccer, cheerleading, and other youth sports bring kids together, build confidence, and teach teamwork. But with the excitement of competition also comes the risk of injury — especially concussions and other head trauma. Why Concussion Awareness Matters Concussions aren’t always obvious. A child may walk off the field looking fine but develop symptoms later. Warning signs can include: Headaches or dizziness Blurred vision or sensitivity to light Confusion or difficulty concentrating Nausea or vomiting Unusual mood changes If your child shows any of these symptoms after a hit, they should be evaluated by a medical professional before returning to play. The Role of Coaches and Schools Coaches and schools have a responsibility to prioritize safety. This includes providing the right equipment, enforcing safety rules, and making sure injured players sit out until cleared by a doctor. “Playing through the pain” may sound tough, but in reality, it can make the injury much worse. What Parents Can Do Parents can help by staying alert, asking questions, and encouraging kids to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. No game or practice is worth risking a child’s long-term health. When Negligence Is a Factor Most youth sports injuries are just part of the game. But when a child is hurt because of unsafe conditions, poor supervision, or negligence, parents deserve answers. Legal action may be necessary to hold organizations accountable and to ensure the injured child receives proper care and support. At Stutzman Law Firm , we know how important your child’s safety is — both on and off the field. If your child has been injured due to unsafe conditions or negligence, our team is here to help guide you through your options.  Call us today at (769) 208-5683 for a free consultation.

September 20th is National Care for Kids Day , a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting children’s health and safety. At The Stutzman Law Firm, we see firsthand how preventable accidents can change a family’s life. That’s why we want to use today as a reminder of some simple, practical steps you can take to help keep children safe at home, on the road, and in the community. Why Child Safety Matters Children are naturally curious and active, which makes them especially vulnerable to injuries. According to the CDC, unintentional injuries are one of the leading causes of death and disability among children in the United States. Many of these accidents can be prevented with a few extra precautions. Safety Tips Every Parent and Caregiver Should Know Car Safety Car crashes remain one of the leading causes of injury for children. Using the right car seat, booster seat, or seatbelt for your child’s age and size is critical. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, and check that the seat is tightly secured. Home Safety The home should be a safe space, but hidden hazards exist: Anchor heavy furniture and televisions to prevent tip-over accidents. Store cleaning supplies, medicines, and sharp objects out of reach. Install outlet covers and use safety gates when needed. Playground Safety Playgrounds are a great place for kids to run and explore, but they can also be risky. Inspect equipment before playtime, watch for broken or hot surfaces, and encourage children to use age-appropriate areas. Supervision makes all the difference. Street Safety As children grow, teaching them about pedestrian safety is essential. Remind them to use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, and never assume a driver sees them. Slowing down around schools and neighborhoods is just as important for drivers. When Accidents Happen Even when parents do everything right, sometimes accidents happen because of someone else’s negligence — whether that’s a careless driver, a property owner who failed to maintain safe conditions, or a defective product. When a child is hurt, families deserve answers and accountability. Our firm is committed to helping parents protect their children’s rights and ensuring they get the care and support they need. We’re Here for Mississippi Families On National Care for Kids Day , let’s all take a moment to recommit to keeping children safe. If your child has been injured because of negligence, The Stutzman Law Firm is here to help you explore your options. Call us today at (769) 208-5683 for a free consultation.

Fall in Mississippi doesn’t just bring cooler weather and football season—it also means an increase in deer-related car accidents. From late September through November, deer are more active, especially during dawn and dusk. If you’ve driven Mississippi highways long enough, you know how suddenly a deer can appear in your headlights. Why This Time of Year Is Risky Deer are more active in the fall because it’s their mating season. They move in groups, cross roadways more often, and are most active at night. Rural roads and wooded areas are especially dangerous, but collisions happen everywhere—including busy highways. How to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel While you can’t prevent deer from crossing, you can reduce your risk of a serious collision: Slow Down in Deer Zones: Many stretches of road have warning signs for a reason. Take them seriously. Stay Alert at Dawn and Dusk: These are the most active times for deer movement. Use High Beams When Possible: The reflection of a deer’s eyes can help you spot them early. Brake—Don’t Swerve: Swerving often leads to more dangerous crashes, especially into oncoming traffic. Always Buckle Up: Most serious injuries happen when drivers overcorrect or leave the roadway. What to Do If You Hit a Deer Check for Injuries: Make sure you and your passengers are safe first. Move Your Vehicle Safely: If possible, pull off the road to avoid another accident. Call Law Enforcement: A report may be needed for insurance claims. Document the Scene: Take photos of damage, surroundings, and the deer if it’s safe to do so. Notify Your Insurance Company: Coverage varies depending on your policy. We’re Here to Help Deer collisions can cause more than just property damage—they can lead to serious injuries and financial strain. If you or a loved one is injured in a deer-related accident, The Stutzman Law Firm is here to help you navigate your claim and protect your rights. Stay safe this fall, Mississippi. Remember: They’re here… and so are we when you need help. Call us today at (769) 208-5683 for a free consultation.

Fall is here in Mississippi, and with it comes unpredictable rain showers that can turn a normal drive into a dangerous one. Even a light drizzle can mix with oil and debris on the pavement, creating slick conditions that increase the risk of accidents. Knowing how to adjust your driving habits in wet weather can make all the difference. Why Rain Makes Roads Risky Rain reduces traction, increases stopping distances, and makes hydroplaning more likely. Visibility also drops, especially during heavy showers. These conditions combine to create more opportunities for wrecks if drivers don’t adjust their speed and spacing. Tips for Driving Safely in Wet Weather Here are a few simple precautions that help keep you, your family, and others on the road safe: Slow down. Reducing your speed gives your tires more grip on wet pavement and shortens the distance it takes to stop. Leave extra room. Increase the following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. That extra space gives you more time to react. Check your tires. Proper tread and inflation help prevent hydroplaning. Worn tires make wet-weather driving much more dangerous. Use your headlights. Even during the day, headlights help other drivers see you through rain and spray. Stay Safe, Mississippi Accidents are stressful, costly, and sometimes life-changing. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how we drive when the roads are wet. A little extra caution can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe this fall. At The Stutzman Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating accidents can be. Our mission is to help those injured in wrecks get the justice and support they deserve—but our hope is always that you and your family make it home safe. Stay safe, drive smart, and don’t let wet roads wreck your week. Call us today at (769) 208-5683 for a free consultation.

Labor Day weekend is a time to relax, celebrate, and enjoy time with family and friends. But it’s also one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With more drivers on the road, the risk of accidents rises sharply. At The Stutzman Law Firm, we want you and your loved ones to enjoy the holiday safely and avoid the dangers that too often come with it. Why Labor Day Weekend Is Risky for Drivers Increased traffic: Fans traveling to and from games often crowd highways and backroads, creating heavier traffic than usual. Alcohol use: Tailgating is part of the culture, but it often involves alcohol. Even one impaired driver can put countless others at risk. Distractions: Whether it’s a text about the score, posting a tailgate photo, or finding your way to the stadium, distractions behind the wheel can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. According to traffic safety reports, Labor Day weekend consistently ranks among the deadliest holiday travel periods in the United States. The main reasons are: Heavier traffic: More people are hitting the road for vacations, family visits, or a last summer getaway. Impaired driving: Alcohol and celebrations can, unfortunately, lead to poor decisions behind the wheel. Distracted driving: Phones, GPS, and crowded roadways create more opportunities for accidents. Driver fatigue: Long trips without enough rest can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. Tips for Safer Holiday Travel Plan ahead. Leave early to avoid feeling rushed and give yourself extra time for traffic delays. Buckle up. Seat belts save lives, whether you’re going across town or across the state. Stay sober. Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking, and don’t ride with anyone who has. Limit distractions. Put the phone down and keep your focus on the road. 5. Rest before driving. If you’re making a long trip, take breaks and switch drivers if possible. Know Your Rights if an Accident Happens Even when you take precautions, accidents can still occur. If you or someone you love is injured in a wreck this weekend, it’s important to understand your rights. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but you don’t have to face that fight alone. At The Stutzman Law Firm, we help accident victims in Mississippi get the compensation they need to recover. From medical bills to lost wages, we make sure your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves. Contact Us If you’re injured in a crash, don’t wait. Call The Stutzman Law Firm at (769) 208-5683 or visit www.stutzmanlawfirm.com to schedule a free consultation. This Labor Day, enjoy your weekend the way it was meant to be spent—relaxing, not recovering.

Football season in the South isn’t just a sport—it’s a tradition. From Friday night high school games under the lights, to Saturday tailgates in Starkville, Oxford or Hattiesburg, to Sunday NFL kickoffs, Mississippians know how to celebrate the season. But with all the excitement also comes an increase in traffic and, unfortunately, a higher risk of accidents. Why Football Season Brings More Risk on the Roads Increased traffic: Fans traveling to and from games often crowd highways and backroads, creating heavier traffic than usual. Alcohol use: Tailgating is part of the culture, but it often involves alcohol. Even one impaired driver can put countless others at risk. Distractions: Whether it’s a text about the score, posting a tailgate photo, or finding your way to the stadium, distractions behind the wheel can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. Simple Ways to Stay Safe Plan ahead. If alcohol is part of your game day, line up a designated driver or use a rideshare service. Put the phone away. No text, call, or post is worth risking your life or someone else’s. Drive defensively. Expect heavier traffic and give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. We’re Here if You Need Us At The Stutzman Law Firm, we know football season should be about rivalries and touchdowns—not accidents and injuries. If you or a loved one is hurt in an accident this season, we’re here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Play hard. Drive safe. We’ve got your back. Call us today at (769) 208-5683 for a free consultation. 

Too Hot to Handle: Heat Safety on the Road Summers in Mississippi are no joke. The extreme heat doesn’t just make it uncomfortable to step outside—it also creates serious risks on the road. Drivers often overlook how high temperatures can impact both their vehicles and their ability to stay safe behind the wheel. At The Stutzman Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how preventable accidents can happen when the heat isn’t taken seriously. Here are some key things to keep in mind as temperatures rise. The Hidden Dangers of Extreme Heat Tire Blowouts Hot pavement and low tire pressure are a dangerous mix. Underinflated tires can overheat quickly, leading to sudden blowouts that put everyone on the road at risk. Overheated Engines High temperatures push vehicles to their limits. Without enough coolant or regular maintenance, engines can overheat, leaving drivers stranded in unsafe conditions. Driver Fatigue & Dehydration Heat isn’t just tough on cars—it’s tough on people too. Dehydration and fatigue reduce focus and reaction times, increasing the chance of an accident. •Children and Pets in Cars Temperatures inside a parked car can rise dangerously fast, even with the windows cracked. A few minutes can be life-threatening. Simple Steps to Stay Safe Check tire pressure regularly and keep them at the recommended level. Keep coolant topped off and have your car serviced before long trips. Stay hydrated to avoid fatigue and keep a bottle of water in your vehicle. Never leave kids or pets in the car, even for a quick errand. Carry an emergency kit with water, coolant, and basic supplies. We’re Here if You Need Us Taking these precautions can go a long way in preventing heat-related accidents. But if you or someone you love has been injured due to another driver’s negligence or an avoidable vehicle failure, you don’t have to go through it alone. Call us today at (769) 208-5683 for a free consultation.