Youth Sports Safety: Protecting Young Athletes This Fall

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.

As kids across Mississippi return to school, now is the time to refocus on safe driving—especially near school zones, bus stops, and neighborhoods where children walk or ride bikes. At The Stutzman Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a moment of inattention can turn into a tragedy. A few extra seconds of caution can save a life. Key Tips for Back-to-School Driving Safety: 1. Slow Down in School Zones Speed limits around schools aren’t suggestions—they’re there to protect young children who may be harder to see and slower to react. Even going just 5 mph over the limit can drastically increase the risk of serious injury. 2. Watch for Crossing Guards and Children Kids don’t always look both ways. Always stop for crossing guards and be alert around crosswalks, sidewalks, and driveways. 3. Never Pass a Stopped School Bus If a school bus is stopped and its lights are flashing, it’s the law: stop your vehicle. Passing a stopped school bus is illegal in Mississippi and puts children in serious danger. 4. Put the Phone Away Distracted driving is one of the top causes of preventable accidents. Whatever is on your screen can wait. Driving through a school zone while texting or scrolling isn’t just risky—it’s reckless. 5. Be Cautious Around Neighborhoods and Bus Stops Children waiting for or getting off the bus can be unpredictable. Give them plenty of space and be patient during pickup and drop-off times. If the Worst Happens, We’re Here to Help No one plans for an accident, but if you or a loved one is injured in a school zone or in a crash involving a bus or pedestrian, The Stutzman Law Firm is here to help. We offer free consultations and fight to hold negligent drivers accountable. Let’s work together to keep Mississippi’s kids safe this school year. Call us today at (769) 208-5683 for a free consultation.

At The Stutzman Law Firm, one of the most common questions we get from clients is: " Does auto insurance follow the person or the vehicle ?" It’s a fair question — and one that often comes up after a crash involving borrowed cars, family vehicles, or shared driving arrangements. The answer in Mississippi might surprise you: auto insurance generally follows the car , not the driver. What Does That Actually Mean? If you loan your car to a friend or family member and they’re involved in an accident, your insurance is typically the primary coverage , not theirs. That’s because the coverage is tied to your vehicle, not just you. Let’s break it down with a few examples: You let a friend drive your car and they cause a wreck. In most cases, your insurance — not theirs — is what will be used to pay for damages or injuries. You borrow someone else’s car and get into an accident. That person’s auto policy is likely going to be responsible, not your personal policy (unless their coverage isn’t enough to cover the damage, in which case your policy might kick in as secondary). Are There Exceptions? Yes. Insurance law isn’t always cut and dry. Here are a few situations that can complicate things: The driver didn’t have permission to use the vehicle. The vehicle was used for business or commercial purposes. The policy has specific exclusions or restrictions. It’s also worth noting that uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can change how benefits are applied, and those coverages often follow the person , not the vehicle. That’s why it’s so important to know what kind of coverage you carry — and how it applies — before something happens. When to Call a Lawyer If you’ve been injured in a car accident and there’s confusion over whose insurance should apply, don’t guess — get advice. Sorting out insurance issues early can make a big difference in how your claim is handled and whether your medical bills and losses are properly covered. Call us today at (769) 208-5683 for a free consultation.

One of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident is convincing themselves they’re “fine” and putting off medical treatment. Even if you feel okay in the moment, it’s important to understand that some injuries aren’t immediately obvious. What seems minor today could become a serious issue tomorrow.  At The Stutzman Law Firm, we’ve seen time and again how delaying medical care can hurt both your health and your legal claim. Here’s why: 1. Your Health Comes First Not all injuries show up right away. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and even some internal injuries can take hours or days before symptoms appear. A doctor can help catch these problems early, which not only protects your health but gives you peace of mind. Getting checked out immediately creates a clear medical record linking your injuries to the accident. Without that documentation, it becomes harder to prove that the wreck caused your injuries later down the road. 2. Your Case Depends on Documentation Insurance companies look for any reason to minimize or deny your claim. If you delay treatment, they’ll argue that you weren’t really hurt or that something else caused your injuries after the fact. This can lead to reduced compensation or a denied claim altogether. The sooner you seek medical care, the stronger your case. Prompt treatment creates a paper trail that ties your injuries directly to the accident, leaving less room for the insurance company to dispute your claim. 3. What You Do After a Wreck Matters In the aftermath of a car accident, you’re dealing with a lot — the stress, the inconvenience, and sometimes the shock. But taking care of your health should be your top priority. The steps you take now will protect your well-being and your ability to recover what you’re owed. At The Stutzman Law Firm, we help people through this process every day. If you’ve been in a wreck, don’t wait. See a doctor, document everything, and call us. We’re here to protect your health, your rights, and your future. Call us today at (769) 208-5683 for a free consultation.