We’re excited that you’re here and thank you for taking the time to keep in touch with Siesky Law! We wanted to create a newsletter with the latest firm news and engaging articles, video and more on the latest law and community news. Please feel free to reach out to our firm with any questions or just to say hello, we’re always happy to hear from you.
The Global Leadership Summit (GLS)
Each year, Siesky Law Firm does a summer retreat and attends GLS which is put on by the Global Leadership Network. The Global Leadership Network is a nonprofit that is raising leaders around the world. The goal of the Summit is to inspire and equip leaders, so they can bring transformation in their communities and around the world.
At the Summit, dynamic speakers and key topics challenge attendees to grow and become catalysts for change. The GLS mission goes beyond events with resources available year-round and programs that inspire, equip, and connect pastors, church and business leaders, the next generation, the marginalized, and community leaders all over the world.
Since the first Summit in 1995, GLS has been translated into as many as 60+ languages, reaching over 120 countries and impacting more than one million people around the world, making it the longest-running, greatest-reaching leadership event of its kind!
Each year, our team looks forward to attending the two-day GLS. After the Summit, we discuss how to incorporate the lessons learned from GLS into Siesky Law Firm.
Harvest Season Driving Tips
During the harvest season, more slow-moving farm equipment is on Indiana’s roadways. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) encourages motorists to exercise caution and patience during September, October, and November. In anticipation of the upcoming harvest season, you should be aware of the laws that farm vehicles must follow and the potential risks they bring to the roadway.
Farm machinery operates at a drastically lower speed than normal traffic.
Especially when merging onto the roadway, farm machinery can suddenly change the speed of traffic on any given road. Though farm machinery traveling less than 25 miles per hour is required to have a slow-moving vehicle sign on the back of the equipment, this does not prevent a sudden change in traffic speeds if the machinery is several cars ahead of you.
Farm Machinery on the Road can be Deceiving
The relative size and shape of every piece of equipment can change the flow of traffic in various ways. For example, large trailers and tractors can easily occupy more than one lane at a time, causing both lanes of traffic to slow down below the speed limit. Additionally, farm equipment might need more room to make its turns. Taking these situations into consideration, it’s better to be safe than sorry when equipment is on the road.
At Siesky Law, we have handled several accidents (some deadly) that involve farm equipment on the roadway. Of particular danger is when the farm vehicles are driven at night and often do not have the necessary lights to warn drivers of the danger.
Accidents Occur Most Often on Rural Roads
According to the United States Department of Transportation, 60% of Indiana’s fatal crashes in 2022 occurred in rural areas. This was a 14% increase from 2021, showing that fatal crashes are on the rise in Indiana. So, be extra careful when driving on Indiana’s many rural roads.
New to Insurance? Here is what UM/UIM Means:
UM (Uninsured Motorist) and UIM (Underinsured Motorist) insurance coverages are designed to protect you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance (UM) or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages (UIM).
Here are some steps to determine your UM and UIM insurance coverage:
Review your current auto insurance policy: Your insurance policy should list the coverage amounts for UM and UIM. Check to see what the coverage limits are and what they include.
Consider your state’s minimum requirements: Each state has different minimum requirements for UM and UIM coverage. Check your state’s minimum requirements and make sure your policy meets or exceeds those requirements.
Evaluate your risk: Assess the likelihood of being in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. If you frequently drive in areas with high rates of uninsured drivers or have a higher risk of being in an accident, you may want to consider increasing your UM and UIM coverage.
Decide on your coverage limits: Based on your evaluation of your risk, decide on the coverage limits you need for UM and UIM. You can usually choose the coverage amounts for each type separately.
Consult with your insurance agent: If you’re unsure about what coverage limits to choose or have questions about UM and UIM coverage, speak with your insurance agent. They can help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision.
Remember, having adequate UM and UIM coverage can protect you financially in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, so it’s important to carefully consider your coverage options.
Siesky Law Firm is Simply the Best!
When you are in need of a lawyer it can be an intimating process but the staff at Siesky Law Firm makes their clients comfortable and they walk with you through the process. All questions I had were answered quickly and throughly. They truly care about their clients and it shows from beginning to end with the amount of work they put into each case. If I were to need services again I would only choose Siesky.
– Ashlee P.
Indiana Trivia Time!
As promised here are the answers from last months trivia fun!
1. True or False: In Indiana, it is illegal to pass a horse-drawn carriage on the highway during the nighttime without sounding your horn.
False. There are no laws requiring you to sound a horn at night when passing a horse-drawn carriage on the road.
2. What’s the maximum speed limit on rural interstate highways in Indiana?
a) 55 mph
b) 65 mph
c) 70 mph
d) 75 mph
C. The maximum speed limit for passenger vehicles on rural interstate highways in Indiana is 70 miles per hour (mph).
3. True or False: Starting July 1, 2024, 21+ Adults in Indiana can take alcoholic beverages to-go from bars and restaurants.
True. All alcohol-licensed restaurants and bars may now legally provide to-go alcoholic beverages to customers starting July 1, 2024
4. In Indiana, what’s the minimum distance you must maintain when passing a bicycle on the road?
a) 2 feet
b) 3 feet
c) 4 feet
d) 5 feet
B. In Indiana, drivers must maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance between their vehicle and a bicycle when passing. This distance includes all mirrors and other projections from the vehicle.
5. In Indiana, it’s illegal to pass a stopped school bus when its stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing. What’s the maximum number of days you could get your license suspended for breaking this law the first time?
a) 30 Days
b) 90 Days
c) 60 Days
d) 120 Days
B. According to Indiana Code 9-21-12-1, any court may suspend a person’s driving privileges for ninety days if they drive past a school bus with its stop arm still extended.