WTVM Legal Break – The 4th of July

Injury & Accident Attorney Serving Nearby Areas of Columbus & Fort Benning, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama

Gary Bruce discusses why the 4th of July has become one of the most dangerous holidays and what you can do to make sure you and your family have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July. As we know, Georgia laws have changed and fireworks can now be purchased in-state if you are 18 years or older. Normally fireworks can be used from 10AM until midnight, but the hours were extended to 2AM on the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve. Each state’s laws regarding fireworks differ, so make sure you know your state’s law. Gary stresses the importance of seeking medical treatment for fireworks related injuries and if you believe another person is responsible for your injury please contact our office for a free consultation to talk about your rights and options.

Transcript:

Maureen: Hello there, and welcome to Legal Break. I’m Maureen Akers and with me today, Gary Bruce, as always. Gary, thank you so much for joining us again.

Gary: Thank You Maureen, and good to be here again.

Maureen: Well, Fourth of July is right around the corner, a lot of folks are going to be celebrating either boating or using fireworks do you have any legal advice for those of us that might be doing either one or the other?

Gary: Well, I read that this is the most dangerous holiday, which really should come as no surprise to anyone. You know we’re dealing with outdoor activities. And the most dangerous things that happened frankly are car wrecks, drinking and driving issues, those kind of things are at a high level this week, this coming weekend, and into the week. There’s firework injuries those, we see primarily with the eyes, and hands, and fingers, to children a lot of times, which is kind of scary. And then there’s the swimming, and those kind of safety, boating safety- use the lifejacket. And then food poisoning is a big deal, so you have to be careful.

Maureen: Wow, yeah don’t let the mayo sit out too long.

Gary: Right, don’t undercook the meat. So, it’s just a time to be safe, and think about things, and don’t get careless.

Maureen: Well now, are there age requirements on for purchasing fireworks?

Gary: We talked about this at the beginning of the year. Georgia changed some of their laws, and there is a lot more exposure and availability of fireworks in Georgia now. But you have to be 18 to buy fireworks, and then you’re supposed to be 18 to set them off. Then surprisingly, I found this interesting, fireworks can be used from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight most days. But on the 4th of July and New Year’s if they extend it to 2 a.m. Which, I hope nobody near me is listening, I don’t want to hear you at 2 a.m. But in Alabama you can buy fireworks at 16, a little different, just an example of different states have different laws about these things. So, you know, those are the things you worry about: the fireworks, and the safety related to the fireworks, and keeping children away from them, and educated about the danger.

Maureen: So now, if you happen to be involved in an accident where fireworks or a boat are involved, what should you do to possibly collect any damages, or make sure you’re taken care of?

Gary: Like any case you know first get yourself treated, take care of yourself, take care of the medical situation. If somebody’s responsible, if somebody acted negligently, if somebody wasn’t taking care of things properly, then they may have exposure and you could talk to somebody- a lawyer, about what your rights are. But, let’s hope there’s not any of that. Lets all be careful, lets enjoy the 4th of July.

Maureen: Maybe this year will be the safest holiday, we want it to be that. So, thank you so very much for joining us today, Gary, on Legal Break and we look forward to seeing you on the very next one.