Bicyclist Injured by Hit-and-Run Motorist in San Marcos

A 47-year-old man was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident that occurred on January 20 around 12:28 a.m. in San Marcos. According to the San Marcos Sheriff's Station, the victim was riding a bicycle in the bike lane when he was struck by an unknown vehicle travelling westbound.

The motorist crossed into the bike lane and rear-ended the bicyclist on East Mission Road. The impact of the collision caused the bicyclist to tip over the handle bars and strike his face on the curb. The injured bicyclist sustained major facial injuries and was taken to Palomar Medical Center for medical treatment immediately. We all send our best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery for the injured bicyclist.

Deputies said that the motorist failed to stop at the accident site and fled westbound. According to California Law, it is illegal for any motorist to leave the scene of an accident that they were involved in without giving personal information or providing aid to an injured party. Leaving the accident site carries penalties that can vary from prison time to large fines. The motorist in this case will possibly be charge with the felony hit-and-run.

Hit-and-run accidents are a serious offense in the state of California and account for nearly 10% of fatalities.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), around 50,000 bicyclists suffered injuries and more than 600 died in bicycle accident crashes in the year 2009.

Bicyclists should have the assurance of riding safely on roads, especially in designated bike lanes. Unfortunately, negligent motorists will put bicyclists and pedestrians lives as risk when they violate the rights of others on the road. Any type of the impact with a vehicle can have severe consequences to a bicyclist. High speed collisions often result in a compound fracture, spinal cord injury, brain injury, and even death.

The injured bicyclist should immediately seek advice from an experienced San Marcos bicycle accident attorney to secure his future medical needs and finances.

If you have any information related to this accident, please contact the San Marcos Traffic Unit at (760) 510-5200.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Motorist Fatally Struck by Suspected Drunken Driver in Lakeside

A 42-year-old motorist was struck and killed in a driving under the influence (DUI) crash that took place on January 20 around 4:10 a.m. in Lakeside. As stated by California Highway Patrol, the victim was hit by a 38-year-old driver. The deceased victim was driving his Chevy Astro minivan, towing his wife’s Toyota Tercel when one of the vehicles experienced a mechanical issue.

The deceased victim got out of his car and was walking back to his wife to talk to her through her the driver’s window when a vehicle drifted along the right shoulder of the road and fatally hit him. The victim died instantly. Our law office sends out our condolences to the deceased victim’s family and friends.

The victim’s wife and the alleged drunk driver escaped unhurt in this fatal DUI crash.

California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Pennings said that the man was booked into the San Diego Central Jail for felony vehicular manslaughter and drunken driving.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 12,900 people died in DUI crashes in the year 2007. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), 203,866 people were arrested in California for drunk driving in the year 2007.

Dealing with the repercussions of a DUI crash is hard, but one thing that makes things even worse is that the entire episode would have been prevented if a drunken driver had not gotten behind the wheel.

Drunk driving poses grim penalties, such as loss of driver’s license, insurance cancellation, huge fines, and even prison.

A wrongful death claim may be filed against the suspected drunken driver for his conduct, offering the deceased victim’s family an opportunity to seek justice and receive compensation.

To learn more about your rights to a legal action in the wake of a drunken driving accident, contact the DUI accident attorneys of the Jurewitz Law Group at (888) 233-5020.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Female Motorist Fatally Struck while Crossing a Street in Vista

Sixty-five-year-old Wanda Adamov was fatally struck while crossing a street in Vista on December 31 around 8 p.m. north of Ascot Drive. According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office, Adamov’s car broke down due to some mechanical issues in the 400 block of North Melrose Drive. The victim got out of the vehicle and was crossing the street when she was hit by a blue colored 2005 Nissan Xterra.

Adamov was immediately rushed to Palomar Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Our law office sends our sincere condolences to the victim’s family for such a tragic loss.

Deputy Michael Power said that the Nissan Xterra driver has not been cited yet, pending an official investigation.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 180,000 people have been killed in pedestrian accidents between 1975 and 2005. Negligence is one of the prominent factors that contribute to fatal pedestrian accidents each year; however, some other factors include failure to observe prescribed speed limits, failure to yield right of way to a pedestrian crossing a street, and driving under the influence.

Injuries suffered in a pedestrian accident can be drastically more severe than an accident within a vehicle. Auto vs. pedestrian accidents can lead to broken bones, brain injuries, abrasions, torn ligaments, and even death, as in this case.

Negligent motorists who could have prevented such fatal accidents from occurring need to be held accountable for their actions. If it is revealed in the investigation that the Nissan driver was at fault, then the deceased victim’s family should to file a wrongful death claim within two years of the accident to obtain compensatory damages.

Our Vista wrongful death accident lawyers have years of expertise and diligence to fight for your legal rights. Seek justice against negligent drivers by contacting us at (888) 233-5020 for a free case evaluation.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Motorist Killed After Vehicle Hits Fallbrook Building

A 60-year-old man was killed in a single vehicle wreck that occurred on January 3 around 6:14 p.m. near Alturas Road on West Fallbrook Street. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the vehicle ran into the wall of an apartment building.

KUSI-TV reported that motorist lost control of his Volvo station wagon after he hit a dip in the road. The motorist died at the accident scene. Our law office sends our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family members for such an upsetting loss.

There are several potential causes of car accidents in San Diego and a poorly maintained and unkempt road is one of them. If an accident is caused by an external factor such as poorly maintained roads, then parties responsible for the maintenance of these public roads can and should be held liable for the accident and damages done.

Poor road conditions exist due to several significant reasons, such as lack of maintenance, weather conditions, and normal wear and tear. Poorly built roads can lead to nighttime driving hazards, obscured views, and other hazards that contribute to fatal auto accidents. It becomes the responsibility of the road maintenance agencies to ensure that the roads are safe to commute and won’t overly disrupt the normal traffic flow in any way.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), there were more than 3,000 auto accidents in the year 2009.

It is important for the deceased victim’s family members to act quickly and seek counsel of an experienced car accident attorney who will fight on their behalf. Possible design defects or road defects (potholes, damaged road surfaces, etc.) may point blame to the road construction company, the municipal government, and/or other parties accountable.

If defective or dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident of your loved one, contact our Fallbrook fatal auto accident attorneys. Call us at (888) 233-5020 to learn more about your rights in a dangerous road accident case.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Police Searching for Hit-and-Run Motorist in El Cajon

A truck driver was injured in a two-vehicle crash that took place on January 9, around 3 a.m. in El Cajon. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, a white colored Honda Civic and a truck plowed into each other on an Interstate 8 onramp, east of Mollison Ave.

The crash impact caused the truck to roll over on its side. The roof of the Honda Civic was slashed open and the windshield was crushed. The Honda Civic driver fled from the rollover accident site after the crash.

Emergency crew responded to the crash and immediately took the truck driver to a local hospital for immediate medical attention.

A search was conducted by emergency crews both on foot and by air to locate the Honda Civic driver. We sincerely hope that the Honda motorist is apprehended as soon as possible and brought to justice.

There are several reasons why a driver might choose to flee the accident site, including having no or suspended driver’s license, no insurance, distracted driving, and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A complete investigation in this case is needed to determine the at-fault party.

It was revealed by national government statistics that more than 11% of car accidents are hit-and-run crashes. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), around 15,600 hit-and-run collisions were reported in the year 2009. In these, around 15,400 people were injured and more than 100 died.

When someone is hit and seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident, the end result of such a situation can be extremely hard for anyone to handle. Professional help from an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney can help the injured truck driver pursue legal action against the at-fault motorist and receive compensation for damages done.

Due to the nature of hit-and-run accidents, it may seem trickier to recover damages from insurance companies. The injured victims should seek counsel from an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney who is well equipped to deal with these complex situations. If you have any information that can help San Diego police find the Honda motorist, please contact a local police station.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Hit-and-Run Motorist Admits Killing Elderly Widow in National City

Eighty-one-year-old Elana Huerta was fatally struck by a motorist in National City near East 19th Street on January 5 around 6:30 p.m. According to Police Sgt. Alex Hernandez, Alejandro Lomas Hernandez, believed to be in his 40s, turned himself in at the National City police station and admitted that he struck the female pedestrian and fled from the accident site.

The injured pedestrian was immediately transported to the UCSD Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead. Our deepest condolences go the deceased victim’s family and friends.

Hernandez was arrested on the suspicion of felony hit-and-run driving.

When an auto accident occurs in San Diego, the persons involved in the fatal car crash are required to stay at the accident site to enable the law enforcement officers to carry out a thorough investigation. Unfortunately, not everyone abides by this law and some will flee from the site after getting involved in an accident.

Family members of the people killed in hit-and-run crashes often feel that they do not have any recourse to pursue compensation for the damages done. However, the deceased victim’s family needs to know that an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney can educate them about various potential avenues to obtain compensatory damages.

According to the National government statistics, around 11% of all car accidents fall in the category of hit-and-run crashes.

Many hit-and-run crashes remain unsolved as the police and investigating officers deem them unsolvable due to lack of evidence and/or eyewitnesses. Thankfully, there was an eyewitness in this case that described the suspect and the at-fault motorist came forward admitting to his crime.

It is a relief to know that at least one hit-and-run case will be solved soon and that more attention can be directed to solving other cases.

If someone you know has been harmed by a hit-and-run motorist, contact our experienced National City hit-and-run victim attorneys at (888) 233-5020.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Struck by Hit-and-Run Motorist near El Cajon

A pedestrian was struck by a truck that did not stop on December 5 around 5:30 p.m. at Sumner Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol, the pedestrian was hit by a vehicle described as a 1970’s or 1980’s Chevrolet truck in a gray or white color.

The injured pedestrian was immediately transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital for treatment. Our law office sends out our best wishes for a quick recovery for the injured victim.

Officers are still on the look-out for the motorist that fled from the accident scene. The last place the at-fault motorist was seen was going southbound on First Street going towards Broadway.

Hit-and-run accidents can lead to severe injuries and can have serious long-term health consequences. A great number of hit-and-run accident victims suffer from spinal cord injuries, brain damage, or have become paraplegic due to the impact of the crash.

Hit-and-run accidents are a serious crime in California, and account for almost 10% of fatalities. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 49,128 pedestrian fatalities occurred from 1997 to 2006 as a result of hit-and-run accidents.

Pedestrians who are injured as a result of negligent drivers have valid legal rights that deserve to be protected. Due to the nature of a hit-and-run incident, it can be difficult to recover from the at-fault motorist if he or she cannot be found. Fortunately, there are ways for the injured victim to seek compensation under his or her own insurance coverage.

If the at-fault motorist is found and detained, the injured victim should file a personal injury claim to get their deserved compensation.

Our El Cajon hit-and-run accident attorneys are equipped to start investigating your case right away to help you fight against the insurance companies. Call the Jurewitz Law Group at (888) 233-5020 to learn about your legal rights in a hit-and-run accident case.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Female Motorist Hurt in Rollover Accident in Clairemont

A female motorist suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle wreck that took place on January 15 around 3 p.m. in the 4400 block of Clairemont Drive.

The female motorist was driving south in her white-colored Toyota Matrix when a Dodge Charger entered into her lane and hit her. Due to the impact of the crash, the Matrix rolled over and landed in the middle of the street.

The female motorist sustained minor bruises and scratches and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. We all hope for a quick recovery of the injured motorist.

The driver of the other vehicle escaped unhurt in this car crash.

A rollover may occur after a side collision with another vehicle or any fixed object. Some other prominent reasons behind rollover auto accidents may also involve maneuvering over rough terrain, a quick turn, or a tire tread separation.

All auto accidents carry the danger of injuries; but, rollover accidents can often produce a more damaging effect for the vehicle and drivers involved.

According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSTA), more than 30,000 rollover accidents occur each year and from these accidents more than 10,000 lose their lives.

Due to the limited information on the circumstances leading up to the accident, we can speculate that speeding, distraction, or negligence of either motorist could have lead to this rollover accident.

As the investigation into this rollover accident continues, the injured victim should seek out her legal rights against the possible at-fault Dodge driver to obtain compensatory damages.

It is a relief that both parties walked away from this accident. It is greatly recommended to routinely check your tires, never carry too much stuff, and to watch your speed to avoid a rollover accident and to have a chance of walking away from one if it happens.

Did you walk away from a rollover accident? Tell us your story and what you think was the main factor that saved your life.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

Riverside County Head-On Car Wreck Kills Motorist

Posted On: August 30, 2011 by Ross Jurewitz

38-year-old Richard Sanchez was killed in a two-vehicle collision that occurred on August 26, 2011, around 2:30 p.m. on Gilman Springs Road east of Moreno Valley. According to Riverside County Coroner's Office, the vehicle that Sanchez was driving collided head-on with a pickup truck.

Sanchez suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the accident scene around 3:10 p.m. Based on the limited information provided in news accounts of this car accident, the cause is not clear.

Sanchez’ family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Riverside County car crash lawyer who would educate them about their legal rights and options. The deceased’s family members can file a wrongful death claim the at-fault party to obtain compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of anticipated income, loss of love care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

Our law office offers sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved Sanchez for such a heart rendering loss.

Ross Jurewitz represents people killed or injured in Riverside County head-on car collisions and is the managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California personal injury law firm dedicated to representing families of people injured or killed in auto accidents. If you or a loved one suffers from a serious car wreck injury, please contact our personal injury office at 888-233-5020.

San Diego Accident Lawyer

Moreno Valley Motorist Killed in Highway 60 Auto Accident

Posted On: August 23, 2011 by Ross Jurewitz

49-year-old Jose Guadalupe Torres died in a serious truck crash that occurred on August 21, 2011, around 12:46 a.m. on the eastbound 60 (US-60) just west of Day Street in Moreno Valley. According to Riverside County coroner, the motorist lost control of his pick up and veered off the road.

The man was immediately transported to Riverside Regional Medical Center for treatment, where he was later pronounced dead.

There are no details about the cause of the auto accident. If the loss of control was due to uneven road or a mechanical failure, Torres’s family may be entitled for compensation. These types of claims are factually specific and require an immediate and detailed investigation be performed by trained experts managed by a skilled personal injury lawyer. Any delay in the investigation may result in the loss of key pieces of evidence. However, regardless of whether the accident is the fault of anyone else, our prayers go out to his family for their loss.

Torres’s family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Riverside County truck accident lawyer who would educate them about their legal rights and help them obtain a fair and timely compensation.

Ross Jurewitz represents people injured in Riverside County car accidents and is the managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California personal injury law firm dedicated to representing families of people injured or killed in auto accidents. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in a truck wreck in Moreno Valley, please order your free copy of the California car accident book. It is full of helpful information that will help you protect your legal rights and it is free to all California residents.

San Diego Accident Lawyer

Beaumont Truck Collision with Semi Kills Elderly Motorist

Posted On: August 19, 2011 by Ross Jurewitz

65-year-old Edward Dodson III of Yucaipa died in a Beaumont traffic accident that occurred on August 16, 2011, around 9:30 p.m. along Interstate 10 (I-10) in Beaumont. According to the California Highway Patrol, Dodson slammed his pickup truck into the rear side of a big-rig trailer near roadwork along the eastbound lanes. The impact of the collision was so strong that the pickup went underneath the big-rig trailer. Dodson suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Officer Darren Meyer said that Caltrans contractors were doing road construction in the area where this accident occurred and traffic was slowing to a crawl.

From the available information, it is unclear what made Dodson rear-end the big-rig trailer. There is a possibility that the accident may have been the result of an uneven road surface or an improper road marking to show construction in progress. Regardless of the facts, the victims’ families should consult with a Riverside County personal injury attorney who can hire a trained private investigator to find out how the accident occurred and to determine if there are any facts which would suggest that the accident was the cause of someone else’s negligence.

The victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim to obtain compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

Our law office offers sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved Dodson for such a heart rendering loss.

Ross Jurewitz represents people killed or injured in Riverside County freeway crashes and is the managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California personal injury law firm dedicated to representing families of people injured or killed in auto accidents. If you or a loved one suffers from a serious car wreck injury, please contact our personal injury office at 888-233-5020.

San Diego Accident Lawyer

You need to buy uninsured motorist coverage - NOW

About 50 percent of Detroit drivers are driving without any auto insurance, according to the Detroit Legal News. And about 19 percent of all Michigan drivers have no auto insurance, according to a news release by the Insurance Research Council.

People think that because they have insurance on their car, they are protected.  But as a car accident lawyer, let me tell you, this could not be more wrong.

Your auto insurance often will only protect the person you injure if you cause a car accident.  But what happens if you are driving in Detroit, you’re hit by an uninsured driver and you do not have uninsured motorist coverage (UM)?  If you’re in a car accident with a driver who does not have auto insurance, you can lose everything, including any right to collect for your pain and suffering and injuries.

But with the right auto insurance, this does not have to happen.

Please read the information below about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Our car accident attorneys recommend that you purchase this valuable insurance.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provides a valuable source of legal recovery after a car accident, when someone is injured by another driver who is uninsured or does not have adequate insurance.

With UM coverage an injured person turns to his or her own auto insurance company to pay what would have been recovered from the at-fault driver, had that person been properly insured with an insurance policy limit to cover their injuries.

To be compensated under a UM policy, an injured driver must show that the other driver was uninsured and was legally at fault in causing the auto accident.

Uninsured motorist coverage is very inexpensive. As I always say, for the price of a movie and popcorn, you can make sure your family is protected. You can speak with your insurance agent for specific pricing.

Our accident attorneys recommend you buy $500,000 worth of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.  You will be shocked how inexpensive it is to protect you and your family with this much coverage.

Some auto insurance companies do not tell their policy holders about UM. You might have to personally ask for this important insurance coverage.

Be aware of the insurance policy’s notice requirements. Each auto insurance policy has time frames in which a car insurance company must be informed of an accident. For instance, some policies require that the insurance company must be informed of a car accident within 30 days of the date the car accident occurred with an uninsured driver. If notice is late, an auto insurance company can deny contractual benefits like UM/UIM. This actually happened to one of my clients, and she received nothing after she was seriously injured by an uninsured driver.  Because these are contractual additional coverages, the terms of the policy must be carefully followed. Talk to an experienced car accident lawyer if you have questions. Policies are difficult to read, but the terms must be complied with or you can lose the right to collect uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Avoid Progressive Insurance Company. Please avoid Progressive or any other auto insurance company that sells UM/UIM with insurance policies that allow them to “set-off” or deduct from a UM/UIM policy limit — that the auto insurance company is required to make by law for medical bills and wage loss. It’s also important to avoid insurance companies with policies that allow them to deduct other benefits from uninsured motorist coverage, such as workers compensation.  If you are injured in the course and scope of your employment, make sure your work compensation lawyer knows about your UM insurance.

The most important advice that any car accident attorney can give you is to read your insurance policy. You must ask your insurance agent, if, for example, family members who do not live with a vehicle’s owner will still be covered under a UM/UIM policy, even if they have been given permission to drive a car that’s covered by uninsured motorist coverage.

If you don’t understand the language in your insurance policy, you can always call an accident attorney. It’s better to make sure your questions are answered and that you fully understand your insurance rights.

Remember, you can visit Facebook.com/MichiganAutoLaw to enter to win a $1,032 check as part of our distracted driving and insurance awareness campaign. The prize money is enough to buy Michigan auto insurance including UM/UIM for an entire year.

- Steven Gursten is recognized as one of the nation’s top accident attorneys handling serious car accident cases and No-Fault insurance litigation. He writes about Michigan No-Fault law and insurance issues, and is available for comment.

- Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by TheBusyBrain

Related information to protect yourself:

Insurance coverage issues and Michigan car accidents

3 potential cases after an auto accident in Michigan

The insurance coverage that an insurance lawyer recommends

Michigan Auto Law is the largest law firm exclusively handling car accident, truck accident and motorcycle accident cases throughout the entire state. We have offices in Farmington Hills, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Sterling Heights to better serve you. Call (800) 777-0028 for a free consultation with one of our Michigan accident attorneys.

Michigan Auto Lawyers

Santa Barbara County Solo Car Wreck Kills Motorist

52-year-old Karl Mark Fields was killed in a serious solo vehicle wreck that occurred on August 21, 2011, around 11:30 p.m. on Highway 101 (US-101) south of Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria. According to California Highway Patrol Officers, Fields was driving north about half a mile south of Santa Claus Lane in the fast lane when he drifted off the road and into the dirt median.

Fields made an attempt to overcorrect, but lost control of the vehicle and hit several trees and fence along the left side of the road. The impact of the collision was so strong that the vehicle spun several times and finally rested on its roof.

Fields suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the accident scene. From the available information, it is not clear what made Fields drift off the road and hit trees and fence along the road. Now the investigating officers need to determine whether loss of control contributed to this crash or if Fields was driving negligently.

Regardless of what caused this fatal car wreck, Fields’ family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Santa Barbara County car accident lawyer who would educate them about their legal rights and options. The deceased’s family members can obtain compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of love, and other accident-related damages.

Our law office offers sincere condolences to all know who knew and loved Fields for such a heart-rendering loss.

Ross Jurewitz represents people injured in Santa Barbara County car accidents and is the managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California personal injury law firm dedicated to representing families of people injured or killed in solo auto accidents. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in a car crash on Carpinteria, please order your free copy of the California car accident book. It is full of helpful information that will help you protect your legal rights and it is free to all California residents.

San Diego Accident Lawyer

Motorist Cited for Texting and Driving after Rear-End Collision with Police Car in Kansas

In our experience as Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we know first hand that texting and driving is a growing concern for not only police trying to help cut down on injury accidents but for other motorists on the road as well who have to wonder if a texting driver is going to be a danger to them.  How many times have you tried to pass a motorist who was all over the road, weaving in and out of lanes, only to see they are face buried in their cell phone sending and reading text messages.  It can be scary knowing someone is being so cavalier about safety.

Texting and Driving has become one of the most dangerous factors facing Kansas and Missouri motorists.

Last week in Wichita, Kansas, a 47 year-old man in a sports utility vehicle rear-ended a police car that was pulled over, assisting another motorists with a flat tire.  The rear-end collision sent the police car nearly 100 feet down the road and according to eye witness reports happened because the SUV driver was texting and driving.  Thankfully no one was injured in the rear-end collision.

Our experienced Kansas City Auto Injury Attorneys are glad to hear no one was injured in this accident but we are definitely concerned about the issue of texting and driving.  We know everyone believes they are a great driver but don’t want to believe the myths of distracted driving are true.  Believe it– distracted driving is dangerous not only for the distracted driver him or herself– but to other motorists and pedestrians on the road as well.

Texting and Driving, while only one example of distracted driving– has become one of the biggest factors in distracting drivers across Kansas and Missouri.  With the increase of technology, people have become dependent on the constant interaction with their phones and even though Texting and Driving is now illegal in Kansas, these same motorists continue to test the odds and text away–  A lot of drivers are perfectly capable behind the wheel and think a few seconds off the road can’t hurt them.  Not true!  In fact, it only takes a split second for a car to pull out in front of you, or stop suddenly and that few seconds off the road could be the difference in being able to react to the situation and being involved in a serious injury accident that could claim your life.

We want to encourage all motorists to practice safe and attentive driving techniques, including avoiding any and all distractions.  Help keep the road safe for everyone.

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in an auto accident in Kansas or Missouri, call  experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers James Roswold and Heather Lottman.  With over 15 years of experience in Auto Injury Accidents, we might be able to help you through a stressful time.

Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to set up a free consultation to discuss your personal injury claim.  You can get started today by downloading our free book, “10 Essential Steps to Protecting Your Injury Claim“.  We want you to know your rights.

Posted by author on Monday, April 25, 2011 at 9:14 am 
Filed under Aggressive Driving Incidents, distracted driving, Emergency Vehicles, Texting and Driving · Tagged with auto injury accident, distracted driving, experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers, kansas city auto injury attorneys, officer assisting motorist, police car, rear end collision, serious injury, texting and driving, texting and driving ban in Kansas

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Michigan auto attorney warning: AAA uninsured motorist coverage arbitration

April 16th, 2011 Watch out, arbitration may mean trial for UM, even after the arb award!

AAA just added a nasty little addition to its policy regarding uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage (UM and UIM) and the right to arbitration. This change is going to surprise a lot of auto attorneys in Michigan next year (and probably cause a lot of very unhappy clients for lawyers unaware of this important policy change).

Here’s the change to AAA’s policy language:

For damages caused by an underinsured motor vehicle:

a. … the decision agreed to in writing by two of the arbitrators will be binding if the amount of damages determined by the arbitrators does not exceed $50,000 for bodily injury to any one person or $100,000 for bodily injury to two or more persons in any one motor vehicle accident. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Circuit Court in the county in which the arbitration was held.

b. if the amount exceeds $50,000 for bodily injury to any one person or $100,000 for bodily injury to two or more persons, the decision of the arbitrators will not be binding and either party may demand the right to a trial, unless the parties agree otherwise by prior written agreement. Trial shall be on all issues of the arbitrators’ decision. This demand must be made within 60 days of the arbitrators’ decision and suit filed in the court of proper jurisdiction within 120 days of the arbitrators’ decision. If this demand is not timely made or if suit is not timely filed, the decision of the arbitrators will be binding. Judgment upon any binding award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Circuit Court in the county in which the arbitration was held.

The take away for auto accident attorneys in Michigan, and perhaps other states if AAA has made this change nationwide, is to make sure you agree, in writing, before arbitration that the arbitration decision will be binding no matter what the arbitration award.  Make sure the AAA insurance defense lawyer has agreed to this, in writing, or any arbitration award will not be binding, and you just spent a whole day educating the defense attorney and the insurance company on the strengths of your case so they can better prepare for trial.

How arbitration works in Michigan auto accident cases

Not every auto accident case goes to trial (unlike in TV).  In fact, the vast majority settle.  However, to receive the best possible settlement for pain and suffering if you’ve been injured in an auto accident, I’ve  learned that there’s a strong correlation between the more your lawyer prepares for trial and the higher the likelihood that the case will settle, and settle at a higher amount.  In other words, having an attorney who is preparing for trial shows the auto insurance company that you’re prepared and serious, and increases the risk and exposure to the insurance company of a high jury verdict.

To avoid trial, many auto accident cases go into arbitration. The benefits of arbitration for auto accident victims are that the hearing is normally over in one day, whereas a full-blown trial can take several weeks.  Also, the costs are a fraction of what your attorney will need to spend to take the case to trial.  Finally, there is normally never an appeal

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What Caused the Single Vehicle Accident that Sent a Kansas City Motorist to the Hospital with Critical Injuries?

Kansas City Auto Accident Blog

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

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HomeAbout RLGOur WebsiteContact UsDisclaimerOur Practice Areas You are here: Home / Auto Accidents / What Caused the Single Vehicle Accident that Sent a Kansas City Motorist to the Hospital with Critical Injuries?What Caused the Single Vehicle Accident that Sent a Kansas City Motorist to the Hospital with Critical Injuries?

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At Roswold Law Group, we are already concerned about the alarming number of auto accidents this year.  We’ve seen enough car accidents to know that they usually end up with the same results: serious injury for sure, if not death.  The frustrating problem we have with these accidents is they can very easily be prevented just by simply giving the road your full and undivided attention.

A single vehicle auto accident on I-70 in Kansas City, Missouri is an example of how early morning driving can be dangerous if you’re not careful.  A driver suffered critical injuries in an auto injury accident near 27th street in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday.  Police say the driver drove off the road and crashed.  So far, there is no cause of accident, nor any indication if alcohol or drowsy driving was a factor in the Kansas City auto injury accident.

We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the victim in this tragic accident and hope they are able to recover from their injuries.  As experienced Kansas City Auto Injury Attorneys we would like to encourage all motorists to continue to practice safe and attentive driving techniques in order to prevent serious injury accidents in Kansas City.  If you were to ask any police officer they will tell you the same thing: Distracted driving is the number one cause of car crashes.

Distracted driving includes anything that takes your focus off the road.  It includes, but is not limited to cell phone usage, messing with your CD collection and even too much conversation with passengers.

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in an accident in Kansas or Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.  Call the experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers of Roswold Law Group.  With over 15 years of experience in Auto Injury Accidents, we may be able to help you and your family get through this difficult time.

Contact Roswold Law Group to set up a free consultation to discuss your personal injury claim.  You can get started today by downloading our free book, “10 Essential Steps to Protecting Your Injury Claim“.  We want you to know your rights.

Posted by author on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 1:05 pm 
Filed under Auto Accidents, distracted driving, Driving Dangers, Drowsy Driving, Seat Belts · Tagged with auto injury accident, critical injuries, distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, experienced kansas city auto injury attorneys, experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers, I-70 and 2th street, inattentive driving, kansas city car crash, rollover accident, serious injury, single vehicle accident

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20-Year-Old Motorist Accused of Causing Deadly North Carolina Wrong-Way Driving Accident is Charged with Underage Drinking While Driving

Home Posted On: March 31, 2011 by Michael A. DeMayo

Police have charged Ian Michael Smith in the North Carolina car accident that killed two people on Friday with Driving After Consuming Alcohol while under the age of 21and Driving While Impaired. Other criminal charges are likely. The names of the two people that died are Marcial Aragon Colmillo and Juan Carlos Cortes.

According to Greensboro Police, a little after 2am, a police officer saw a Mitsubishi Eclipse driving the wrong way up a road. The cop tried to stop the vehicle, which was driven by Smith, but it sped away. The police officer later spotted the car at a North Carolina traffic crash site where it had been involved in a collision with a 1995 Chevrolet truck that was carrying the two victims and another person.

Drunk Driving
Our Charlotte, North Carolina car crash lawyers work hard every year to not only represent the victims of drunk driving accidents with civil claims, but also, we do our best to educate young people about the dangers of driving drunk with our Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship Program. Each year, we award college scholarships to a group of high school seniors based on their grades, community and school involvement, SAT results, and original presentation geared towards encouraging other teens to not drive while under the influence.

That said, too much alcohol will impair any driver regardless of age, and this can lead to catastrophic consequences for those unfortunate enough to be on the road with at the same time. If you or someone you love was injured in a North Carolina car accident and you believe that person was drunk, you should start exploring your legal options with an experienced Monroe, North Carolina traffic crash law firm right away.

Update: Driver Charged In Wrong-Way Crash, Digtriad, March 25, 2011

20-year-old man faces driving while impaired charges in crash that left 2 dead in Greensboro, The Republic, March 27, 2011

Related Web Resources:
Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship Program

Alcohol and Driving, North Carolina Department of Transportation

More Blog Posts:
Fatal Catawba, North Carolina County Car Accident Caused by Allegedly Drunk Driver, North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Blog, February 9, 2011

Charlotte North Carolina Car Accident Law Firm Invites Local High School Students to Join the Fight Against Underage Drunk Driving and Possibly Win a College Scholarship, North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Blog, January 13, 2011

North Carolina Car Crash Involving Alleged Drunk Driver Kills 24-year-Old Chester Woman, North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Blog, December 28, 2010

Posted by Michael A. DeMayo

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San Diego Lawyers Help with Uninsured Motorist Claims

Next » Posted On: March 2, 2011 by Ross Jurewitz

In California, you must own car insurance in order to drive legally on our roads. However, drivers only have to carry the minimum car insurance coverage for California, which is $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident/$5,000 for property damage. This is hardly enough to pay for even a minor car accident!

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