Bridge Safety Issues a Concern After Bay Bridge Debris Collapse
Nov 16, 2009 Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury, Product Liability
In October, repair work was done on the San Francisco Bay Bridge which resulted in steel from that work breaking off and crashing into an upper deck. The bridge was closed off until further notice, but thankfully there were no injuries caused by the accident. Many motorists who were lodged in rush hour traffic no doubt did get the scare of their lives as they witnessed cable and large blocks of steel flying everywhere.
The added burden of having to accommodate motorists who did use the bridge is being felt by the transit systems, but the inconvenience caused by this closing is the least of concerns. The incident with the Bay Bridge is just a small sampling of the problems with the county’s bridges, according to bridge safety experts. It is believed that strong winds caused the steel beams and metal rods to snap off and crash onto the deck, and investigators claim that the metal that went flying about was from the repair job that was done during the Labor Day holiday this past September.
The Bay Bridge incident really concerned San Francisco personal injury attorneys who blogged about the 2007 Minnesota bridge collapse that resulted in the deaths of 13 people. According to safety experts, the Bay Bridge incident is a symptom of what is believed to be happening with thousands of bridges across the country. In fact, the American Society of Civil Engineers claim that America’s bridges are in serious condition. The Minnesota bridge collapse two years ago was labeled as “structurally deficient” by the federal government. While these words seem to be a strong warning, according to ABC news one out of every four of our 80,000 bridges is structurally deficient.
It seems that the major cause of these problems is the age of our bridges. Most American bridges are designed to service motorists for 50 years, and the average age of bridges in our country is 43 years. Performing proper maintenance and repairs on these bridges is crucial, but apparently not all of this important work is being done. The cost of doing this maintenance is estimated at $17 billion per year to tax payers, and currently only $10 billion is being spent, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.
A bill has been introduced that would provide more money over the next 6 years to be spent on infrastructure by James Oberstar, a representative from Minnesota, but thus far it hasn’t been high on anyone’s priority list. Several states have performed repairs on bridges using stimulus funds, but this doesn’t touch the massive repairs that are needed to avoid tragedies like the one that occurred in Minnesota.
Article provided by Dataflurry Law Firm Marketing representing personal injury attorneys in New York
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.
Two Years after Pedestrian Accident, Victim Remains in Coma
Aug 17, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death - Murder
Over two years ago a 55-year old man was struck on a street in Corona while he was walking in a crosswalk. The man, who was accustomed to walking everywhere he went, stopped at the crosswalk and waited for the vehicles going in both directions to stop and let him pass. Without warning, however, a vehicle darted out from behind all of the stopped cars, wishing to pass them and continue in his journey. In his hurry, the man behind the wheel struck the 55-year old man with such great impact that the victim went into a coma. Two years later, the man remains in a coma in a hospital in Corona.
The sister of the victim has taken up the cause for crosswalk safety campaigns. Devastated by the accident that has left her brother in a coma, the woman has worked with the Corona police department to conduct pedestrian and crosswalk safety education operations at least once a year. Thanks to her efforts, the Corona police department is actually conducting crosswalk safety education operations three or more times per year.
During these safety operations, undercover police officers patrol the city’s most bustling intersections in order to catch those drivers that do not recognize or blatantly ignore pedestrians and the safety measures necessary to avoid accidents and injury. On a single day this summer in which the safety operations were conducted, over 40 tickets were issued to drivers that proved to be unsafe in pedestrian and crosswalk zones. On another day last year when safety operations were conducted, over 50 tickets were issued. These operations each lasted approximately five hours a piece, making it apparent how many people really ignore pedestrian laws and other safety matters on the road.
It is alarmingly and surprisingly how many drivers in California and elsewhere ignore pedestrian rights when it comes to crosswalk safety. As police in Corona have continued to conduct crosswalk safety operations in the area, they have noted the large amount of vehicles that do not notice or, in some instances, completely ignore pedestrians at crosswalks, even after they’ve already begun to walk out into the street.
The sister of the man who was injured so severely two years ago that he still remains in a coma is on a personal mission to make people aware of crosswalk and pedestrian safety on all the roads in the United States. Although she no longer lives in the Corona area, she is pushing for extensive crosswalk safety education in her new home in Hawaii as well. There are many other families who, like this woman, have either lost a family member to a pedestrian accident or who have a family member that has been severely injured in a similar type of accident. If you’re one of these family members or a victim yourself, you should contact a Los Angeles personal injury attorney to help you protect your rights and financial safety. Personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles handle pedestrian accidents on a regular basis and have the ability to help you and your family receive compensation for your injuries.
Murder Charges May be Brought against Drunk Driver Accused of Killing Bicyclist
Jul 29, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury
Less than two weeks ago a cyclist was killed in Santa Clarita near Los Angeles when a drunk driver swerved from his lane of traffic into him and two other friends riding their bikes. The driver of the truck was 20 years old and drove away after hitting the 49-year old cyclist, leaving him for dead. The other two bicyclists were able to avoid being hit by the truck, but received serious injuries when they swerved into an embankment in order to avoid the truck. The third man was not so lucky. He was thrown from his bicycle and incurred such serious injuries that he was not even able to make it to the hospital for treatment. He was declared dead at the scene by police and medical staff.
The three bicyclists were members of the Santa Clarita Velo club. Club members frequently bike together, but are now concerned about how safe it really is to bike on roads in California. This is the third death of a member that the group has incurred due to bicycle accidents. All three bicycle accidents occurred when the cyclists were hit by oncoming cars, two of which were driven by drunk drivers. The group is conducting a serious reevaluation of its normal bicycle routes because of the reckless and negligent behavior of many drivers in the area and because of all three deaths, particularly the most recent.
Bicyclist accidents were becoming such a prevalent problem in Louisiana that the state recently passed a law requiring vehicles to remain at least three feet away from bike riders on the road at all times. So many cyclist accidents occur because drivers simple come to close to bicyclists. When driving so close to a bicyclist, any small amount of overcorrection or any type of distraction can potentially cause an accident in which a bicyclist will undoubtedly be injured and likely be killed. The law in Louisiana also fines those motorists that harass bicyclists on the road, especially if items are thrown at bicyclists that could cause an accident for them.
This law perhaps comes too late, and in the wrong state, for the most recent bicyclist that just died at the hands of this drunk driver. Had the drunk driver kept his distance from the cyclist and his friends, the man would have been able to continue to live a full life. If you have a loved one who has been killed in a bicycle accident such as this, you should seek the help of a Los Angeles auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Los Angeles Personal injury lawyers handle many bicycle accident cases annually, especially in states like Washington and California where bicycling is a popular pastime and an ideal and traffic-free way for one to get to work. Yet with so many bicyclists being injured and killed by motorists each year, it’s important for you to know where to turn for help in court in case tragedy strikes your family or friends.
Tags: los angeles auto accident attorney, los angeles personal injury lawyers
DF Legal News : Ventura Motor Vehicle Accident Case To Begin
Jul 15, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes, Drunk Driving, Pedestrian Accidents
If you’ve been injured in an accident that involved a drunk driver, don’t hesitate to contact a Los Angeles Motor Vehicle Accident attorney. Your Ventura auto accident lawyer will be able to determine who is to blame for the accident and to whom you can expect to receive financial compensation for the injuries you incurred in the accident.
A few years back, there was a terrible motor vehicle accident that took place in Ventura County outside of Los Angeles that ended in the death of one man and injury of another. In October 2006, there were 4 restaurant employees that choose to drink after the restaurant had been closed in the establishment after their shift was completed. After these drinks were being served, there was one man that was said to be very intoxicated and didn’t seem to have the coherency to drive his motor vehicle. Thankfully, one of his coworkers took the liberty of driving the man home in his vehicle, also driving the other two men as passengers.
The intent of this coworker was to drive everyone home safely and then return the vehicle to its owner the following morning. Unfortunately the vehicles owner wasn’t happy with their decision. The owner thought that his vehicle was being stolen so he rushed to his automobile as the other three men got back in it to leave. The vehicle owner began a fight with his coworker who was at the wheel. This coworker, with the help of the other two, was able to overcome the owner of the vehicle, leaving him at home with his car. Rather than risk more problems by taking the vehicle, the three decided instead to simply walk back to their respective homes.
The owner of the car had other plans, however. He jumped into his vehicle while still under the influence of alcohol and followed his coworkers down the street. Two of the three were unable to get away from the coming vehicle in time and were hit intentionally. Unfortunately one died almost instantly while the other sustained serious injuries. The vehicle’s owner that was angry did not sustain any injuries.
According to defense attorneys, the vevicle owner experienced a temporary blackout or loss of complete consciousness as a result of the fight he had with his coworker outside his home. The defendant’s lawyers claim that he continued in this unconscious, blackout phase as he climbed into his vehicle and ran down his coworkers. In contrast to this claim, the injured coworker and the coworker that was not hit by the vehicle claim that the driver appeared to be fully functional and aware of his doings. If the jury decides to side with the plaintiffs, the driver of the vehicle could face murder charges and spend years in prison.
Although it is still unclear just how aware the drunk driver was of his actions, it has been made perfectly clear again and again that drunk driving often leads to severe injuries and death. Alcohol and drugs have the ability to impair a person’s judgment, response time, and coordination, especially when that person is behind the wheel of a car. Although this drunk driver is currently facing criminal charges alone, it is not unlikely that he will soon be facing civil charges filed by a personal injury attorney as well.
Tags: Los Angeles motor vehicle accident attorney, ventura auto accident lawyer
Hit And Run Driver Is Sentenced To 15 Years Behind Bars
Jul 1, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes, Drunk Driving, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury
In February of this year, a tragic hit and run accident occurred in Cathedral City, California near Los Angeles. An 18-year old woman who was pregnant with her first child was viciously hit by a driver who, following the accident, fled from the scene of the crime. The woman who hit her has now been sentenced to spend the next 15 years in a state prison for gross vehicular manslaughter. In addition, the woman also plead guilty to driving her vehicle that day under the influence of both drugs and alcohol. She has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol previously, nearly thirteen years before she caused the death of this soon-to-be mother.
The family members of the victim are glad to see that justice is being served to a certain extent, but are still not satisfied with the result of the trial. They feel that the court took into account the death of the young woman, but not the death of her unborn child. Her baby, who was only a week away from being delivered into his mother’s arms, was never allowed a chance at life because of the negligence and reckless behavior of the motorist that killed this pregnant woman. In addition to taking the life of this young woman and snuffing out the potential life of her unborn child, the motorist fled from the scene of the crime with no apparent intention of confessing her part in the accident. As the details of the case unfold, it is clear to see why the victim’s family is not satisfied with a mere 15-year sentence in state prison.
Wrongful death claims are complex because of the many details typically involved in the fatal accident. In this case, for example, the motorist who killed the woman and her unborn child is the wife of someone who works in the office of the District Attorney. According to some speculation, the woman has received a break because of her husband’s powerful connections. This possibility is understandably unfair to the family members of the victim who have lost a daughter and a soon-to-be grandchild. They will never again enjoy the company and love of their child, nor the wonderful memories that could have been created over a lifetime with her baby.
If you have a family member who was a victim of wrongful death, don’t hesitate to contact a Los Angeles personal injury attorney. Because the court proceedings for wrongful death claims are often complex, you should seek the counsel of one of these lawyers in order to increase your chances for compensation. Although monetary compensation cannot bring a loved one back from the dead, it can help you and your family cover expensive medical costs that could have been incurred before their passing, as well as the expensive funeral costs that came without notice or warning. You don’t have to handle these expenses on your own, especially if the responsibility for the death of your loved one belongs to another party.
Tags: Auto Accidents, Car Accidents, Drunk Driving, Hit and Run Accident, Personal Injury
