How Kansas City Traffic Attorneys Can Help You
Oct 6, 2011 Auto & Car Crashes
If you’ve received a traffic ticket, it may seem like it’s simply easier to plead guilty, pay your fine, and accept the black mark on your driving record and a loss in points, if applicable. However, it’s almost always a better idea to hire a Kansas City traffic violation attorney to represent you in traffic court. Why?
How Kansas City traffic attorneys can help you
Kansas City traffic attorneys can help you navigate the legal proceedings necessary without making mistakes. If you’ve never been to traffic court before, it can be difficult to know what to do, such that you may unwittingly make mistakes that will make your situation even more difficult. Your attorney will help you meet any legal obligations correctly, so that you don’t find yourself in even more trouble because you don’t know how the process works.
In addition, Kansas City traffic attorneys will look at your case thoroughly and see what can be done to reduce the charges, and may even be able to have the charges dropped altogether. It won’t always be possible, but most skilled, experienced lawyers know the legal system so well, they’ll know what can be done to at least minimize the charges against you, if not get them completely dismissed. This will save you time and money, to be sure, but it may also save you jail time, fines, a black mark on your driving record, or even complete suspension of your license. You do of course have the option of representing yourself in court if you so choose, but be advised that you’ll be up against legal professionals who know the system much better than you do. It’s generally a much better idea to retain your own counsel for traffic court.
Prevent loss of license, or even freedom
Depending on the offense in question, you may be facing the loss of your license or even be facing jail time. Kansas City traffic attorneys can help prevent the loss of your license in some cases, and may even help you avoid going to jail.
Avoid those black marks on your driving record, too
It’s easy to say that a few black marks on your driving record and the loss of points that result from conviction with a traffic offense are no big deal, but think again. These convictions can have you paying higher insurance rates and may even affect your employment. If you lose your license, you may have difficulty getting to work and risk losing your job; in this tough economy, job loss is nothing to sneeze at. Retain the services of an experienced Kansas City traffic attorney, so that you are sure to have the best outcome possible for your situation.
Pennsylvania Tractor-Trailer Crash Leaves Two Dead
Aug 8, 2011 Auto & Car Crashes
Two people lost their lives on Thursday, May 26th, in a crash on Interstate 70 near Claysville, PA that involved two tractor-trailer rigs. Two Rome, Georgia residents lost their lives in the crash, 58-year-old Frank Shepherd and 48-year-old Pamela Shepherd. The tractor trailer the two were driving was headed eastbound on I-70 when they struck another tractor-trailer rig traveling in the same direction according to Tim Warco, Washington County Coroner.
The fiery crash took place near the entrance ramp at the Welcome Center around 11:20 p.m. on Thursday evening. According to state police Trooper Joseph Christy, the Shepherd’s tractor trailer went out of control after striking the first rig, then struck two other tractor trailers that were parked at the Welcome Center.
One of the big rig drivers told reporters that he and several others ran to the cab of the Shepherd’s tractor trailer rig which was engulfed in flames. The driver said the scene was horrific as those who tried to help could hear cries inside but could do nothing to help.
Trooper Christy said that the way the crash unfolded, it happened so quickly that even the vehicles that were struck had drivers exit in an attempt to help, but there simply was no opportunity.
The Shepherd’s truck was carrying frozen chicken; according to firefighters, one of the trucks involved in the accident spilled diesel fuel, which caught fire and spread to the cab and trailer of the burned truck. Hazardous materials crews were called to the scene of the accident. Officials continue to investigate the crash; the Welcome Center is closed for the time being.
Ironically, the Welcome Center is the location where transportation and law enforcement officials were planning to hold a campaign meant to reduce the number of accidents in western Pennsylvania. Combined Accident Reduction Effort (CARE) is a program that was scheduled to kickoff safe driving over the Memorial Day weekend, but was cancelled due to the tragic accident.
While this fatal accident involved four tractor trailer rigs, all too often small cars are the opposition against a large truck when an accident occurs.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer, contact the Buffalo truck accident attorneys at Brown Chiari. We work to aggressively represent the rights of our Buffalo personal injury clients. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.
San Diego Drunk Driving Crash Claims Life of Pregnant Woman
Jan 19, 2010 Auto & Car Crashes, Wrongful Death - Murder
A tragic accident took place in San Diego during the wee morning hours on New Years day, claiming the life of 21 year old Elaina Luquis-Ortiz. According to Sign on San Diego, the accident was caused by a suspected drunk driver who struck Ortiz’ Mazda Sedan, which was parked on the shoulder of I-805 as she and some friends were attempting to help a motorist in distress.
Luquis-Ortiz was six months pregnant with a baby boy, who also died in the crash. Luquis-Ortiz had gotten a call from a friend around 1:30 in the morning, who wanted her to come help a distressed motorist who had a flat tire. As the three sat in Luquis-Ortiz’ car behind the disabled vehicle, they were struck by a Chevrolet Tahoe. Luquis-Ortiz was killed instantly, and the other two had to be hospitalized because of severe injuries.
While the incidence of drunk driving crashed may be decreasing, they still cause some of the most devastating accidents in California and around the nation. The results are often fatal; those under the influence are more likely to speed and drive recklessly, meaning high impact crashes.
In many instances, survivors of the victims are often eligible for compensation for funeral and burial expenses, along with medical expenses they may have incurred before death. Additional compensation may be awarded for pain and suffering, and loss of consortium and companionship if the victim was a spouse.
Damages for loss of consortium are offered in only a few states, which includes California. These California wrongful death actions are often trickier than determining compensation in personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims usually involve intangible benefits such as anguish, loss of consortium and other things that are difficult if not impossible to place a value on. After all, how can you place a monetary value on the life of someone you love, and all of the loss you suffer such as help with the children, repairs around the home, etc?
In the courtroom, things can get ugly which may only make things more painful for a surviving spouse. Defense attorneys may argue what is fair compensation for loss of consortium, and try to lower damages; these situations can become ugly and require the assistance of a talented San Diego accident attorney. Wrongful death lawsuits may also include punitive damages, which are not meant to compensate survivors but as punishment designed to make an example out of the one responsible for the death.
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of drunk driving accidents. Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.
Senior Citizens Reason for Design of Safer Cars by Automakers
Dec 14, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes
Drivers over the age of 65 will account for over 20% of all drivers in this country by the year 2030. This means that a growing number of motorists will be on the road who often have mental or physical limitations that could affect their ability to drive in a safe manner. Although the reasons are completely different, the elderly have an accident rate that is equal to that of teenage drivers. Automobile manufacturers are starting to consider the limitations of senior drivers as they design automobiles, according to a report by the NPR.
The concept of designing vehicles for the safety of seniors is not a new one, but it was difficult for auto designers and engineers who are younger to understand exactly what types of limitations the elderly face when driving. Ford approached this dilemma by developing an “aging suit,” which was made with heavy padding that instantly adds 30 years to the person who is wearing its life. In its Virtual Environment Lab, Ford simulated driving conditions that the elderly often face. Test drivers in this lab wore the aging suit, along with gloves and goggles. Those who observed from the outside could see precisely what problems were encountered by the driver, and fix the issue.
More automakers are following suit, and General Motors has a division that is in the process of making a special windshield to help the elderly compensate for difficulties in vision. While this is still in the developmental stages and will not be available for at least six years, Los Angeles auto accident lawyers are happy to see that measures are being taken that allow the elderly to drive safer.
Whether the elderly should be allowed to drive has been the subject of debate. In 2006, an 86 year old man crashed into an open air market in Santa Monica after losing control of his car, resulting in 10 fatalities. George Russell was extremely frail and ill, and although convicted on 10 felony counts, he was let off on probation.
This catastrophe led to a national debate about elderly motorists and whether they should be required to take road tests when it is time to renew their license. The thought of discrimination based on their age outrages senior citizens, who claim that their are fewer accidents involving people in their age group. California’s streets are extremely congested, and elderly drivers face numerous problems such as poor vision and hearing, along with slower reflexes. Additionally, senior citizens have more medical conditions that could trigger an attack while they are at the wheel.
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California, and is dedicated to serving as Los Angeles accident attorney‘s in representing personal injury victims, including victims of auto accidents. Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.
Faulty Accelerator Pedals May Result in Toyota Spending $5 Billion
Dec 7, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes
Automakers often deny that defects exist in their vehicles, or won’t admit that defects could put motorists at risk of accidents, and Los Angeles California car accident lawyers are clearly aware of this. Therefore, when Toyota Motor Corporation delayed announcing that it would recall about 3.5 million vehicles due to faulty floor matt issues, it was really no great surprise.
The NHTSA and consumers are pressuring Toyota to look further than the floor mats to determine what the real problem is. According to reports in the media, the auto company may consider a $5 billion program to replace the accelerator pedals on the Camry, Prius, certain Lexus models and others. Toyota has apparently come to an agreement with the NHTSA to repair the accelerator pedals in these vehicles, according to Reuters, who quotes Kyodo news from Tokyo.
Even through all of this, representatives of Toyota deny that any agreement such as this has been reached with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, it is confirmed that Toyota is continuing talks with the NHTSA. These talks are concerning what can be done to prevent the unintended acceleration incidents from taking place, and many are familiar with some of the incidents that have taken place over the past few months. Some Toyota customers have blamed the accelerator for the unintentional acceleration that has occurred, and this is one topic being discussed between Toyota and the agency. Toyota is staunch, and still insists that the accelerators have gotten stuck because of loose floor mats that may slide over the gas pedal causing acceleration.
Numerous Toyota customers have experienced the acceleration first-hand, and are relieved that Toyota may be taking steps to determine the real problem and why unintended acceleration takes place. Toyota is adamant about the fact that replacing these models floor mats with the correct floor mats will remedy the accelerations problem; however, that fails to answer the question of how the same dangerous incidents have occurred in models with the correct floor mats. Investigators are looking closely at the floor mats, to determine if they are likely to slide forward against the accelerator pedal. If you have been injured from this defective product, immediately contact a California car accident attorney to review your case.
To add insult to injury, customers who drive certain Toyota models may not only be subject to the unintended acceleration problem, but also an issue in which some owners are not aware that an electronic push button ignition must be pressed for three consecutive seconds before the car will stop in an emergency. Some are not aware that this switch must be held continuously, and will not stop unless it is held for the full 3 seconds.
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California, and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of motor vehicle defects. Please call us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.
School Bus Accident Involving DUI Gets Ojai Bus Driver Taken Off Route
Oct 19, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes, Drunk Driving
Recently, an Ojai school bus transporting 21 students to Nordhoff High, Meiners Oaks and Matilija Junior High Schools crashed with a pickup truck when the driver of the bus made a U-turn in front of the truck. Fortunately, no students were injured in the accident, but it did result in Kim Fullenwider being booked and placed in jail on suspicion of misdemeanor drunk driving. This led to Fullenwider being taken off of the route by the Ojai School District, where she previously had a good driving record.
The accident occurred in Live Oak Acres, and investigations found that the bus driver had been drinking the night before the accident happened, but still had alcohol in her bloodstream. Charges also included child endangerment and driving with a blood alcohol content above the legal limit. Since that time, Fullenwider has gotten out of jail and trustees will make a decision about whether to suspend or fire her. This was the first accident since she started driving with the Ojai Unified School District 16 years ago. Representatives of the school district state that they have received numerous calls on Fullenwider’s behalf, stating that she is a good person.
Los Angeles bus accident lawyers know that driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous driving practices you can engage in, particularly when it involves driving a commercial vehicle. Whether Fullenwider is a good person or not has very little bearing on the fact that childrens lives were in danger, and that they could have sustained serious injuries or even death due to her negligent behavior. Unfortunately, the action she took may have destroyed her spotless reputation and driving record, but driving under the influence while transporting children must not be tolerated.
Random drug tests are conducted at the Ojai Unified School District, and no drivers have tested positive up to this point over the last ten years. Those who drive commercial vehicles must adhere to strict standards when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Drivers of commercial vehicles also have a lower threshold for blood alcohol content than the general public, at .04 percent. These safeguards are essential, because drivers are often in control of massive vehicles that carry large loads or numerous passengers, and accidents can have very serious consequences.
Driving under the influence is simply not an acceptable practice at any time, especially when it involves the lives of others. The Reeves Law Group has offices across California are lawyers dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of bus accidents. For a free consultation, please call us at (800) 644-8000.
San Bernardino Accident Takes Life of Well-Known Fashion Photographer
Oct 8, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death - Murder
Alberto Jose Serejo, a well-known Brazilian fashion photographer, was killed in San Bernardino County in an accident involving an impaired driver, who according to the California Highway Patrol was under the influence of prescription medication and inhalants. The photographer was involved in a photo shoot in front of the Joshua Tree Inn when the accident occurred.
Joshua Tree resident Daniel Howell was driving a Mazda pickup truck in the area when he veered off the eastbound lanes of highway 62 and ran over the curb, hitting Serejo who died from the injuries he suffered at an area hospital. Howell did not stop when the accident occurred, and continued to drive on until he crashed the Mazda again about an hour later. After the second accident, he was arrested and officers were able to determine that he was involved in the accident the took the life of Serejo as well. Howell has been booked on investigation of DUI, hit and run driving and vehicular manslaughter.
Family members who are survivors of victims in tragic accidents like this one may be eligible to receive wrongful death damages from the party who was negligent, and caused the accident. Wrongful death simply means that the victim was killed due to the carelessness or negligence of another party. Survivors may be eligible for compensation for funeral and burial expenses, as well as other losses caused by the death of a loved one, including economic and non-economic losses.
The time period following a death can be devastating and confusing for survivors. Financial worries compound the devastation, especially if the victim was the sole income provider for the family. Immediate expenses are a major concern, including monthly household bills, groceries and education expenses. Survivors may be compensated for the loss of income caused by the death of their loved one. Compensation for loss of care, affection and companionship may also be awarded to the survivors, and the spouse may be eligible to file a claim against the responsible party for loss of consortium.
While it is certainly clear that no amount of money can replace a loved one, it is important to your livelihood to know that survivors have the right to hold the negligent party responsible and accountable for his negligent actions. A San Bernadino auto accident attorney can help survivors file a claim that includes all of the compensation that the family of the deceased is eligible for.
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of wrongful death. Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.
Newport Beach Drunk Driver to Stand Trial for Death of Huntington Beach Entrepreneur
Sep 21, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes, Drunk Driving, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death - Murder
Charles Lewis Jr., co-founder of a martial arts clothing company in Huntington Beach, was killed in a fatal accident that was allegedly caused by Jeffrey Kirby, a Costa Mesa resident, who was driving while intoxicated. Kirby will stand trial in the death, charged with gross vehicular manslaughter.
According to prosecutors in the case, Lewis was driving on Jamboree Road in his Ferrari, when he was struck by Kirby’s Porsche which caused the Ferrari to crash into a light pole and break in to two pieces. Mr. Lewis died at the scene, and the passenger who was riding in his car was ejected, suffering injuries. Kirby fled the scene of the crime, but has since admitted to police that he was speeding in an attempt to catch up with Lewis’ Ferrari, which he wanted the passengers riding with him to have a look at.
Kirby had two previous convictions for driving while drunk, and blood alcohol tests that were conducted a couple of hours after this crash indicated his BAC level to be .13. Kirby had been drinking prior to the crash at bars in Sang Juan Capistrano and Irvine according to evidence investigators collected from his wallet. Kirby has been denied the chance to plead guilty to vehicular manslaughter, and attorneys for him put blame for the accident on Lewis.
Over the last few years, California has been successful in decreasing the rate of drunk driving accident fatalities, but would still like to take further measures to see those rates drop further. The recent Labor Day holiday weekend brought out law enforcement in droves, in an effort to crackdown on drunk driving offenders. Still, in Orange County alone, 73 drunk drivers were arrested by the California Highway Patrol, which is a slight increase over last years number of 67. The bright news in the midst of all of the bad is that no fatal traffic accidents occurred in Orange County over the holiday weekend.
Ten people were killed over the holiday weekend in California, although it is not known if, or how many of these, involved drunk driving accidents. If you are ever in a similar situation in California, consider contacting a Huntington Beach drunk driving accident lawyer. The California Highway Patrol has confirmed that about half of the fatalities that did occur were in those who were not wearing seat belts.
The Reeves Law Group has numerous locations across California and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims and victims of drunk driving accidents. Contact us for a free consultation at (800)644-8000.
Choosing An Attorney Isn’t An Easy Choice – Make the Right Move!
Sep 18, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury, Product Liability
Often, when you or a loved one gets injured, you call a lawyer right away. When choosing a personal injury attorney in Kansas City, contacting a reputable lawyer immediately IS the right move, but be certain that you choose the right one. Is there a difference? There certainly is. When you want maximum compensation and results, you want someone who has vast experience with cases similar to yours.
Any time you file a lawsuit, you run the risk of losing even if you have a very strong case. This is particularly true when you choose to represent yourself, or obtain the services of a lawyer who is not experienced, or has spent no real time inside a court room. Knowledge and expertise make a world of difference when it comes to results you can depend on the be what you desire. Jumping in and calling the first lawyer you come to in the phone book or on the web simply is not beneficial to your case.
A Kansas City personal injury attorney who is well seasoned and has represented hundreds of lawsuits like yours is much more likely to obtain substantial rewards for you. They know every intricate detail of the law, and work aggressively to insure that you win. Every detail of the case, from evidence and witnesses to law enforcement documentation will be scoured with a magnifying glass to insure that no detail goes undetected. Sometimes, it is a minute detail that makes all of the difference in the outcome.
You may have been injured in an auto accident, or perhaps due to a faulty product. Motorcycle wrecks, a slip and fall accident in a slippery area with no warning signs, dog bites, construction site accidents – no matter how you were hurt, if it was the fault of another company or person you deserve compensation not only for your injuries, but for medical bills and often pain and suffering. When you are hurt so severely that you are unable to work, receiving monetary relief is even more crucial.
Whatever your circumstances, do not leave your future hanging in the balance. Serious accidents can cause people to become disable for life, and certainly affects their financial situation. Contact a highly qualified Kansas City personal injury attorney at once, and feel secure that you will be rewarded substantially for all that you have been through.
Tags: choosing an attorney
Woman Sentenced 25 Years to Life in Prison for Role in Bike Accident
Sep 14, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes, Drunk Driving, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death - Murder
It was last June that a woman from Buena Park was charged and found guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter for hitting and killing a lone bicyclist. The woman has recently been sentenced to serve 25 years to life in prison for her role in the incident. The accident itself occurred in January of 2007 when the woman, who had been drinking, struck a bicyclist on the road. The bicyclist’s injuries were severe and resulted in her death shortly after the accident. Instead of phoning for help, the motorist broke the law and fled the scene of the crime, leaving the bicyclist seriously injured on the roadside. Police were able to quickly apprehend the motorist and immediately conducted toxicology tests. It turns out that at the time of the accident, she had a blood alcohol level of .18. The legal limit for driving is .08. This means that her blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was over twice the legal limit. This is a terrible accident and hopefully she had a quality dui defense attorney to help her out.
In addition to being drunk on the evening of the accident and then fleeing the scene of the crime, the female motorist had already been involved in two previous accidents in which she had been driving under the influence of alcohol. Both accidents had occurred within the prior five years before the fatal crash. It is likely that the woman had previous received sufficient warning about the dangers of drinking and driving well before she struck and killed the 41-year old bicyclist.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is not the only way a motorist can risk the life of a bicyclist. Driving while distracted by things on and off the road can also lead to hazardous accidents. As cell phone usage continues to increase across the country, so does the number of accidents that occur involving the injury and even death of bicyclists. Although many drivers are taking precautions by using hands-free Bluetooth devices on the phone, it is still easy for them to become distracted from the road by the conversations in which they are engaging.
Speeding is another common reason behind all types of accidents, especially accidents involving bicycles. It is far too easy for motorists to lose control of their vehicles when speeding, especially if weather conditions are not ideal. The loss of control can lead to major damage and injuries, especially if there is an unsuspecting, unprotected bicyclist involved. There are many people who have been injured in bicycle accidents that have turned to fullerton bicycle accident injury attorneys for help in getting damages and compensation for their injuries. These types of accidents can result in major, long-term medical bills that could potentially bankrupt an individual or family. With the help of bicycle accident attorneys, however, victims are often able to be compensated with damages by those who were directly responsible for the accident. These damages can help cover medical costs in both the present and the future in the instance that injuries are severe and long-lasting.
