Community Involvement

Distracted driving is the leading cause of fatalities on our roads today. It accounts for 80% of crashes and 65% of near misses, far more than those caused by people under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In fact, a recent study by Carnegie Mellon University shows that talking on a cell phone while driving reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%.Utilizing various celebrities to help educate the public as to the dangers of distracted driving Stay Alive…Just Drive’s current message is delivered by Red Sox Pitcher John Smoltz. “We want to thank Czaia & Gallagher for their help with this project,” says Jay Anderson, Executive Director of Stay Alive….Just Drive. “Their support allowed us to really get our message out across the air.” “We were extremely pleased to be able to sponsor this very important project,” say both C.J. Czaia and Kevin Gallagher. “Because we deal with personal injury and accident cases, we continuously witness the tragic consequences that can ensue as a result of distracted driving.

Educating drivers to help curb this problem is all important and Stay Alive…Just Drive is an excellent program.” “Unfortunately the state of Florida is one of three states that doesn’t require liability or uninsured motorists insurance,” continues Czaia. “This means that many victims don’t even get compensation for medical, let alone anything else. Both Kevin and I are extremely involved in the community and in helping to educate people as to their rights. Driving is definitely a privilege and people need to learn to pay attention when behind the wheel.”

Headquartered in Bradenton, Fla., with offices in many Florida cities, Czaia & Gallagher P.A. is one of the larger personal injury and accident law firms in the state of Florida. Extremely involved in community activities, they are dedicated to supporting numerous causes including the March of Dimes Bikers for Babies, Family Health Centers, Herocare, Healthy Start, Stay Live…Just Drive, and AFCAAM to name just a few. In addition, they are strong supporters of Biker Nights held around the state.

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For Immediate release

CZAIA & GALLAGHER JOIN TO SUPPORT “RIDING WITH ANGELS”

Well-versed in the devastation and pain that comes with the loss of a child or a loved one in a motorcycle accident, renowned Florida personal injury and accident attorneys Czaia & Gallagher have added “Riding With Angels” to the list of charities they support.

Founded by Rosemary Smith in 2005 in memory of her son Nelson Sloan, who was killed in a motorcycle accident, “Riding With Angels” is dedicated to assisting families who lack the funds for funeral expenses.

“Losing your child or loved one is indescribable,” explains Smith. “Not being able to afford a funeral just worsens the horrific tragedy.”

“My brother had been killed in a car accident when I was younger,” explains Smith. “And, I watched my mother have a total breakdown. She blamed me and shut me out which made it very, very hard for me. When Nelson was taken from us, I was determined not to let that happen to me.”

Not having the funds to bury her son, Smith turned to God and began to pray fervently for a way to come up with the money that was needed to put Nelson to rest. God answered her prayers and through the generosity of others, He provided the money that was needed.

Extremely religious, Smith has always put her faith in God and He had always been there when she needed Him.

“Shortly after Nelson’s funeral, I began to realize that God had a long range plan for me,” explains Smith. “He had always been there holding my hand and then He gave me a vision. He blessed me with white feathers and when one fell into my lap, the idea of
Riding With Angels became clear. In fact, I was drawn to a Taco Bell one afternoon and a perfect stranger came up to me and told me that God definitely had a plan for me and she knew I had a straight line right to him.”

“We met Rosemary at an event,” says Kevin Gallagher. “She shared her ideas with us and we immediately knew that this was something we wanted to be part of. She has suffered a lot in her life and her determination to help others is in the face of tragedy is really inspiring.”

“I was very impressed with Kevin,” says Rosemary. “And we are so pleased that Czaia & Gallagher have joined with us to help us on our mission. The more people we have working with us, the more people we can help and that is our goal.”

Working to open chapters across the country, “Riding With Angels” already has branches in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, the Carolinas and Tennessee.

“Every day I talk to more and more people and get masses of emails from all over the country from people who want to get involved,” continues Smith. “Sharing my journey seems to provide help for a lot people who are suffering and gives them hope that they didn’t have before. It really isn’t me doing this, it is God, but now I see what He has given me, nothing could ever make me turn away. I have found my calling and am determined to do the very best to help those in need.