If you’re driving by an 18-wheeler carrying a full load, you might be safer than if you’re passing a big rig with an empty trailer.
According to a recent study in Australia, researchers found that trucks with empty trailers pose a risk of a rollover crash due to handling problems related to “trailer sway.” Furthermore, truck drivers are relatively inexperienced in handling a big rig with an empty trailer, according to researchers.
Curtin-Monash Accident Research Centre in Western Australia released the findings, according to a report in Phys.org. While the research was conducted down under, our attorneys in Bucks County and Philadelphia hope trucking companies across the United States consider the findings and look for ways to avoid accidents involving tractor-trailers with empty loads.
It’s critical for truck drivers and their employers to put safety first – always. As experienced attorneys who have handled truck accidents, we know that collisions between small cars and heavy commercial vehicles are among the most serious road crashes. Occupants of the smaller cars often are seriously injured or die as a result of the impact. A fully loaded trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Big rigs, even when they’re unloaded, weigh on average about 30,000 pounds. Regardless of whether the truck is loaded or empty, the forces involved in a crash with a small, 4,000 pound vehicle are significant, and the smaller vehicle will bear the brunt of the damage.
Driving a truck in the winter can be a dangerous proposition. Truck drivers need to contend with winter storms that cause snow and ice to be on the roads. While slick roads are always a concern, snow and ice can cause other problems as well. One big issue is snow and ice can collect on top of trucks and can be difficult to remove. Once the snow and ice has collected on the top of the truck, it could fly off as a trucker is driving. It could strike other vehicles or people, impeding visibility and causing
Truck drivers need to be aware there are laws in some states requiring them to clear the snow and the ice from their vehicles. Even when no such laws are in effect, a trucker could be held accountable if ice comes off the top of his big rig and injures someone else.
Snow and Ice Removal To Prevent Truck Accidents
Penske cautions truckers to be aware they could encounter different rules for snow and ice removal as they cross state lines. In some states, laws are already on the books regarding a mandate to remove snow, while other states are passing such rules and regulations now. Truckers will be expected to comply with local state laws and best practices for safety.
For students at Columbia College, drinking is often a part of campus life. Unfortunately, this can result in accusations of drunk driving. People who are under the age of 21 and who drink while on campus could be caught up in zero tolerance laws. Even a single drink could result in a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) which is a violation of zero tolerance rules prohibiting all impaired driving in those who are underage. For older college students who have turned 21, it also does not take many drinks to get a BAC of .08 or higher and end up arrested.
When a college student is arrested, or any young person is charged with impaired driving, this criminal charge and a resulting conviction could have a profound impact on future opportunities. For young people who may wish to pursue further education and who are not yet established in their careers, a South Carolina DUI charge could be even more devastating than for older adults. Fighting against conviction and aiming to avoid a criminal record becomes even more essential for young motorists.
Young Adults Remain Demographic Group with High DUI Rate
Recently, NewsOK reported on the fact the rates of impaired driving are disproportionately higher for young adults as compared with other demographic groups. The age group of people most likely to be involved in n accident while impaired by alcohol was actually people aged 21 to 24. The demographic group with the next highest rates was 25 to 34 and then 35 to 44. People who turn 21 and are legally able to drink for the first time are often out on their own, still finishing up college and still with tremendous opportunity to consume too much alcohol as part of their normal social lives.
With major highways such as I-75, I-96 and I-94 running through the greater Detroit area, it’s not unusual for drivers to share the road with 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and other large commercial vehicles. Detroit truck accident lawyers at Fraser & Souweidane know that a collision with a semi-truck or 30-ton, 18-wheeled vehicle can be catastrophic and even fatal. Contact us today to discuss your legal options with an attorney serving Detroit, Mt. Clemens and the Tri-County area who can uncover the cause of your truck accident, investigate trucking companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
In 2012 alone, Michigan State Police reported over 9,700 crashes involving trucks, vans, and other vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds, with nearly two-thirds of all crashes involving passenger vehicles such as cars and SUVs. Of these crashes, 77 proved to be fatal and over 1,500 resulted in serious injuries. Truck accident injuries can include the following:
Our legal team has over 45 years of experience working tirelessly to protect the rights of personal injury and accident victims across Detroit and throughout all of Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties. We know how to collect the evidence that matters, interview the right witnesses, and examine critical medical and police records. We aren’t afraid to play “hardball” with their insurance companies, either, to obtain a favorable verdict or settlement on your behalf. Contact us today at (866) 465-9095 for a free case consultation and rest assured that you won’t owe us a dime until we win your case.
Mr. Souweidane has received the highest rating (AV rating) for his legal ability and integrity by Martindale-Hubbell, a company which rates the legal performance and ethics of attorneys. He has also earned an excellent rating by AVVO based upon his experience, industry recognition and professional conduct within the legal community.
Attorney Souweidane was named as a Top Lawyer in Metro Detroit in personal injury by DBusiness magazine in 2010. Mr. Souweidane also was named to the Michigan Super Lawyers list in 2013 and 2014. Only 5 percent of the attorneys in Michigan are selected to Super Lawyers.
Mr. Souweidane was named as a top lawyer in Detroit‘s Premier Business Journal, in Metro Detroit 2010. He is committed to the highest professional and ethical standards on behalf of his entire clientele.
When you contact Fraser & Souweidane, rest assured that your case is in the hands of an experienced legal team that was born, raised and educated in the greater Detroit area. Our AVVO-rated attorneys obtained their Juris Doctor degrees from prestigious Michigan law schools such as the University of Detroit, Michigan State University and Wayne State University and have worked tirelessly to protect the rights of accident victims in Detroit for a combined total of over 45 years. Case results matter at our firm. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we have received numerous accolades from our peers as well.
It can be hard knowing what to do after you’ve been injured in an accident. The process of recovering from an injury can be difficult, but getting justice shouldn’t have to be. That’s why we fight aggressively for clients injured in car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall accidents and more. We adeptly handle cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. We know that even seemingly minor accidents could leave you with long-term injuries, costly medical bills and lost wages from missing work. When your accident was caused by somebody else’s careless or negligent behavior, you should not have to pay. You could be entitled to compensation. Contact us at Fraser & Souweidane today to discuss your options with an experienced legal team that knows how to protect your rights. Call (866) 465-9095 for a free case consultation.
At Fraser & Souweidane we believe strongly in holding people accountable for their actions. The sudden and wrongful death of a loved one can be shocking, saddening, and nothing short of devastating. The flood of emotions can be overwhelming. Our wrongful death lawyers in Detroit know that no amount of compensation can bring back a loved one who died because of someone else’s careless or reckless actions. But you might face very real and deep losses, financially as well as emotionally.
We know that the decisions you make in the days, weeks and months following the loss of a loved one are crucial to the short- and long-term well-being of you and your surviving loved ones. That’s why it’s critical you contact a wrongful death attorney in Detroit who will look out for your family’s best interests. Contact a Michigan attorney at Fraser & Souweidane who knows how to handle such serious cases. Call (866) 465-9095.
Filing a claim on your own can be an exercise in frustration. You may be feeling pressure from insurance companies and other large corporations to accept a “low ball” settlement. For peace of mind, contact us immediately. Speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer who can help you find the compensation and closure you need. Contact us at Fraser & Souweidane today at (866) 465-9095. Our contingency fee lawyers require no payment unless you win your case.
The Manhattan, New York the Law Firm Of Jonathan C. Reiter has assembled a tough team of veteran lawyers and legal professionals. Individually, many of us forged remarkable careers within the legal profession. Together, we’ve got developed into one of the more experienced law firms in the Manhattan and New York City vicinity.
Medical negligence is seen as a professional expression used to describe whenever medical doctors, nursing staff, pharmacy technicians or other medical service providers make errors which result in a severe personal injury or death of any patient. The medical care professional has departed from the grade of of proper care they were suppose to carry out and may also end up being accountable for the injury that has took place. The health practitioner has got a responsibility to provide excellent care according to the accepted principles of the community and the recognized guidelines of a specific healthcare profession. Lawyer for Medical Malpractice in Lower Manhattan and New York City, NY
Medical malpractice is very hard to demonstrate. Typically, the health care provider who created the pain and suffering for you or possibly a loved one will causing the injury. And in many cases should the health care provider or medical expert confesses making a blunder, insurance firms often try everything they can to prevent paying out injured people. The medical facilities along with insurance companies possess aggressive law firms trying to guard their welfare.
Once you have a good Manhattan accident lawyer working with you, you are able to take an tough approach with your lawsuit. We know the best way to negotiate with insurance agencies and keep businesses answerable for their behaviors.Discover what Manhattan, NY personal injury attorney Jonathan C. Reiter and his team of skilled lawyers are able to do for you. Contact us. Call (866) 324-9211 and plan a totally free consultation at our office conveniently based New York City. Medical Malpractice Lawyer Lower Manhattan and New York City, NY
Do I Need a Lawyer – Three Things You Have to Prove in a Personal Injury Case in Georgia
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The call is completely confidential, there is no obligation, and the consultation is free.
Or you can email me your question.
Now let’s go to the next question from one of our viewers. About
Our staff of legal professionals are standing by right now to take your information.
The call is completely confidential, there is no obligation, and the consultation is free.
Or you can email me your question.
Jeff in Decatur
Gary: My wife and I were hurt in a car accident about a month ago. I am ok but my wife is not. The other driver slammed into the passenger side door where she was riding. She is still treating with the doctor.
Jeff – thanks for the question though I’m sorry to hear about your wife’s injuries and the wreck.
* Someone was negligent in causing the wreck (besides our client);
This may sound somewhat complicated so let me break down each of these 3 elements for you:
When the defendant rear-ends your car because he did not get his brakes repaired, even though he knew they were not working properly, he is negligent. Other examples include:
Following too closely
Driver distractions due to using a cell phone or adjusting the radio
Speeding or traveling too fast for conditions
Failure to yield while turning left
Proximate Cause:
Once we prove the other driver was negligent, then we must show that this negligence was the proximate cause of your injuries. Here is an example:
You are at a complete stop at a red light.
The Defendant is not paying attention to the road ahead and crashes into the rear of your car. Your head hits the steering wheel causing a huge cut on your chin and you chip a couple of your teeth.
Here is another example:
You have a green light allowing you to proceed straight through the intersection.
The Defendant is traveling in the opposite direction.
He does not see you and he attempts to turn left in front of your car and crashes into your vehicle. You sustain a broken arm and leg in the crash.
His failure to yield while turning left is the proximate cause of the collision and your injuries. (3) Damages:
When we prove that the Defendant was negligent and his negligence was the proximate cause of the wreck, we must now prove what damages were inflicted upon you. Damages could include compensation for:
-ambulance
-radiology
-medical doctors and specialists
-physical therapy
-prescriptions
Lost wages:
It can be very problematic, however, if someone misses time from work but is paid “under the table” and there is no record on the books. It gets even messier when there is no mention of this work on the tax returns. Transportation costs
This is clearly money that is coming out of your pocket that you would not have lost if the car wreck never happened.
Gas is expensive.
FUTURE medical expenses
The key component to making a claim for these future medical expenses is to get a doctor’s narrative addressing the medical needs, why they are necessary, how they were caused by the wreck, and the costs of the procedure(s).
The standard for proving future lost wages is simple, yet can sometimes be a difficult hurdle to overcome.
The way a jury measures future lost income is for them to determine what the plaintiff would otherwise have earned in his job or profession but for the injury.
The future lost earnings cannot be speculative and you must have documentation to substantiate your claims. Punitive damages:
Sometimes the defendant’s conduct in causing the wreck or his actions immediately after the wreck are so egregious that the law allows us to seek additional damages known as punitive damages.
The purpose of punitive damages is to punish, penalize, or deter the Defendant from repeating the conduct.
For example, punitive damages can be sought in wrecks where:
– The Defendant causes a wreck and attempts to flee or does flee the scene of the collision.
– The Defendant was driving their vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
There is a legal presumption under Georgia law that a person is driving under the influence if their blood alcohol level is above .08.
There is an old saying that “[T]he easiest pain to bear is someone else’s.”
There is a lot of truth to that statement.
It is a challenge to get a jury to understand the degree of pain and suffering someone experiences because of a wreck – especially when the injuries are not visible.
This is clearly one of those areas where an experienced personal injury attorney can help argue the specifics of your case to the insurance adjuster.
You have absolutely nothing to lose by calling a lawyer, but think of all you can lose if you don’t!
The consultation is FREE and completely confidential.
You can also visit our website – www.GaryMartinHays.com.
And I encourage you – if you don’t call us, please call someone to help you with your claim.
You owe it to yourself – to your family – to get the help you need.
So give us a call right now. (770) 934-8000.
Hip Replacement Surgery?
Good morning!
Welcome to “Do I Need A Lawyer?”
If you have a question you would like for me to answer, or if you would like to speak with me regarding a potential claim, please pick up the phone and give us a call right now. (770) 934-8000.
Or you can email me your question. The address is Gary@garymartinhays.com.
Hi Gary. I had a replacement hip surgery about 3 years ago. Immediately after the surgery everything seemed to be ok so I thought the results were fine.
It is about your health – first and foremost. Get to a doctor so they can treat you and get better.
Now let’s address the potential legal issues here.
In the last few years, there have been hip implants recalled by various medical device companies.
The two biggest recalls garnering the most media attention were:
(1) DePuy Hip Recall. These hips were manufactured by the Johnson & Johnson Co.
The specific hips recalled were the DePuy ASR and some DePuy Pinnacle models.
On Nov. 19, 2013, Johnson & Johnson & its DePuy subsidiary announced that they will pay at least $2.5 Billion dollars to settle thousands of individual lawsuits.
The hips being recalled are the Stryker Rejuvenate Modular and the ABG II Modular Neck Hip Stems.
. Repeated dislocations
These implants may also cause a potentially very serious health condition called Metallosis.
. Cardiovascular problems
(1) The voluntary recall followed the discovery that the devices are prone to “fret and corrode”
(2) You may be entitled to compensation if you received one of these Stryker implants and you are experiencing pain, swelling and immobility
(3) You will need to know the name of the surgeon who performed your surgery
(4) You should also consult with your surgeon to find out if you need a revision surgery
(5) Joining a class action law suit against Stryker may not get you the full compensation you deserve.
Well how do you know if you have hip that has been recalled?
Hip Replacement Surgery – Georgia Attorneys
In the US, medical device companies don’t necessarily keep a record of all the people that have received their products. On the other hand, many surgeons, who do keep records, should contact their patients that they know received a Stryker hip implant. Even if you did not receive a notification, you may still have one of the recalled hip implants. If you are unsure of the type of hip prosthesis, please contact my staff so we can determine if you are involved with this particular recall. If you believe you have a hip implant that has been recalled, what should you do next? About
Keep a record of your treatment and all of the problems you have experienced from the hip implant.
(2) Second opinion.
(3) Gather your records and keep track of all of your expenses.
(4) Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
There is not an unlimited amount of time to present your claim. If you don’t act quickly, it could be barred by law.
Now – if you have questions about a potential claim, please give us a call.
If not us, please call someone – but call an attorney that specializes in personal injury law.
If you would like to speak with my law firm about your claim, we make it easy for you.
The consultation is FREE and completely confidential.
You can also visit our website – www.GaryMartinHays.com.
It is loaded with information about personal injury claims and you can learn a lot more about me and my law firm.
And I encourage you – if you don’t call us, please call someone to help you with your claim.
You owe it to yourself – to your family – to get the help you need.
And stay tuned for more of “Do I Need A Lawyer”
We’ll be right back.
SEGMENT: Tractor Trailer Wrecks
You are watching “Do I Need A Lawyer?” and I thank you for joining us.
Workers’ Compensation – Employee V. Independent Contractor – Atlanta Georgia Attorneys
“Hi Gary. Love your show and thanks for taking my question. My dad was driving on the interstate and a guy driving a tractor trailer hit the rear of my dad’s car. It spun his car around and he crashed into the median. On the web
And I’ll talk about car wrecks involving tractor trailers in just a moment.
But let me start off by saying the men and women that are out there driving tractor trailers are extremely important to our economy.
Most are very conscientious professionals.
They are careful about how they drive their rigs.
And they make sure that the tractors they are operating and the trailers they are pulling are in the safest condition.
Some people refer to Tractor Trailers as “40 Tons of Death on Wheels.” And for good reason . . .
As large as these trucks are, even a relatively low impact collision can often lead to serious injuries or even death.
A typical, fully loaded large commercial truck can weigh over 80,000 pounds while an average passenger automobile weighs approximately 3,000 pounds.
So getting back to your question:
Will you dad be able to take on the tractor trailer company, the insurance company, and their lawyers by himself – especially when he is trying to recuperate from his injuries?
If you don’t act quickly, the evidence against the truck driver or the trucking company could be lost.
This log reflects when they start their day, all stops along the way, and certifies that they have inspected their vehicles.
These logs can also be used as evidence that the driver was speeding between his last stop and where the wreck occurred, or that he suffered from driver fatigue because of the number of hours he spent on the road.
And how long are truck driver’s required to keep their driver’s logs?
Keep in mind: in order to drive these big trucks, the drivers must have a commercial driver’s license.
They must continue to supervise the drivers too to make sure they are not operating their rigs in an unsafe manner.
Now I am a big advocate of defensive driving, so let me give you some tips to try and prevent injuries on the highway and avoid these accidents altogether.
(1) Drive with caution around trucks on the road.
If you or a family member is involved in a tractor trailer wreck, the single most important piece of advice I can give you is this:
Call a lawyer. If not us, please call a lawyer that has experience handling tractor trailer claims. It is a BAD idea to try and take on the trucking company, their insurance company, and their lawyers by yourself.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of a distracted driver, Just pick up the phone right now and give us a call at (770) 934-8000.
You owe it to yourself – to your family – to get the help you need.
