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Car Wrecks, Car Wrecks, and More Car Wrecks

Sach Oliver — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:55:51 GMT

Car Wrecks, Car Wrecks, and More Car Wrecks

Every day we read the paper and everyday it seems there are more and more car wrecks. In our fast pace society people are driving faster and faster. In our technologically advancing world, more and more people are texting and talking on their cell phones while driving. In this economy, more and more people are probably worried about money and bills more about driving. Who knows what is on the minds of drivers! What is clear, negligent and reckless driving severely injures and kills folks on our highways every day.

When you read the paper and see these wrecks, the first thought that should run through you mind is not who will be lawyer if I get hit. The first thought should be: Do I have enough auto insurance and do I have the right types of coverage? Auto insurance is essential for the victim and the wrongdoer. Let me repeat that: auto insurance is essential for the victim and the wrongdoer in an auto accident. People’s first thought is the wrongdoer should have insurance. Yes, they should. But the victim also needs insurance.

The victim should have what is called “PIP” coverage or also known as medical payment coverage plan. This type of coverage pays your medical bills in a wreck at a minimum of $5,000 and you can buy up to $100,000 in coverage. PIP is automatic payment. You don’t have to win your lawsuit or settlement for it to kick in a pay. Ask your insurance agent about PIP today and raise your coverage.

The victim should have uninsured and underinsured coverage. Uninsured coverage applies when the person who hit you does not have insurance at all. You will need this uninsured coverage to pay for all of your harms and losses. Underinsured coverage applies when the person who hit does not have enough insurance to cover all of your harms and losses. Ask your insurance agent about under and uninsured coverage and raise your coverage.

The wrongdoer should enough insurance to cover the harm they can cause to some else. For example, the bigger the vehicle the more coverage you should have…or the more you drive, the more likely it is for you cause a wreck…or do you drive at night a bunch. The list goes on and on. Another way to judge how much insurance you should have is by your assets. The more assets you have the more insurance you need to protect your assets.

Hopefully, none of this applies to you because you do not ever get into wrecks. But if you are unfortunate and become involved in a wreck, please feel free to contact us with questions.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sach Oliver

Tornado Bus Accident is Truly a Bad Storm for Victims

Sach Oliver — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:53:54 GMT

The U.S. Department of Transportation found that the Tornado Bus Driver driving in the November 25th accident on I-40 near Forest City had been driving too many hours. Too many hours means the Tornado Bus Company disregarded the passengers' safety. Too many hours means Tornado Bus Company is responsible for four deaths from the accident.

Companies like the Tornado Bus Company should be held accountable. As far as I am concerned they should never be able to operate again. Basically when a company violates a rule and kills someone that is murder. What happens in this country when someone commits murder? They go to prison for life or receive the death sentence. The Tornado Bus Company should receive the death sentence.

The Department of Transportation ordered Tornado of Dallas to cease all commercial transportation operations immediately. Let's hope this is permanent. The department found Tornado poses imminent hazard to its passengers for letting (encouraging) its drivers to operate buses more than the maximum time allowed. Tornado was also falsifying records. I wish we could punish the management and leadership of Tornado who obviously allowed this felonious behavior.

Melissa DeLaney, a U.S. dept of transportation spokesperson said, "This is a flagrant disregard for our federal laws." Mrs. DeLaney is right. Tornado did not care about following our laws. Tornado only cared about one thing...MONEY! Well, how do you put a price on the lives they took and seriously injured?
Felix Badillo Tapia from Texas had been driving the Tornado bus for more than 10 hours continuously on November 25th when he fell asleep and drove across the median. The Tornado bus hit a truck and a tractor-trailer. Three people on the bus was killed and one of the other drivers.

Forty-six passengers were heading from Milwaukee to Dallas. Let's say a prayer for this folks who have lost loved ones or have experiences injuries at the hands of the Tornado bus company.
Tornado Bus Company was falsifying records when it listed a co-driver for Tapia. Payroll records from Tornado indicated the named (alleged) co-driver was actually off duty in El Paso at the time of the accident.
Tornado has been fined $57,680 since 2001 for violating hours of service requirements and falsifying records. This means that Tornado would rather pay these small fines that follow the rules. It is time to hold these wrongdoers accountable for their actions.

Tornado Bus Company is dirty and they are rule breakers. They have a history of non-compliance and violations. Tornado has illegally dispatched drivers alone on routes lasting as long as 17 hours without back-up drivers. Tornado doesn't care to break the law. Imagine what laws they have broken and rules they have violated that we do not even know about yet.

The families of these how lost loved ones and the folks who were injured in the wreck have the ability to hold this bad company accountable for their actions. Let's not let companies like Tornado get away with this and just pay some small fine to start breaking the rules on the road again.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sach Oliver

Driving in Fog is Dangerous: Steps to Drive Safer

Sach Oliver — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:20:02 GMT

Driving in Fog is much more dangerous than we sometimes realize. In Arkansas and Missouri, we are so used to driving in fog that we take it for granted or become too comfortable with this potentially hazardous driving condition. The reason I was compelled to find these safe steps to follow while driving in fog is because there was a 16 vehicle wreck this past Wednesday around 7:00am on eastbound I-44 near Joplin. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol three accidents occurreed within minutes of each other. The Police said heavy fog appeared to contribute to the crashes. Sergeant Mike Watson said 9 tractor-trailors, a large mobile crane, four passenger cars, and two pick-up trucks were involved. Sadly, one truck driver and a driver of car passed away on the scene and 7 others were seriously injured. So, in the interest in safety here are some simple steps to follow when driving in fog: Step 1: Slow down. Most fog-related traffic fatalities occur because someone was driving too fast and couldn't stop in time to avoid a collision. Step 2: Turn your lights on so others can see you. Don't turn on your high beams, which are directed higher and will just reflect light back at you. Step 3: If you leave the road, be sure to pull off completely. Turn off your driving lights and turn on your flashers so others know you're there but won't think you are driving on the road. Step 4: Think about what other drivers see when they're behind you. If you are constantly tapping your brakes, you'll likely make them nervous - and they'll be more likely to pass you. Step 5: Use your wipers and defroster to keep the windows clear. Step 6: Watch your speedometer. Fog scatters light and reduces the contrast between objects. Studies have found that the longer a driver is in fog, the faster he or she drives. Avoid falling into this dangerous trap. Step 7: Turn off the radio and turn down the heater. Listen for other cars approaching before making a turn. Step 8: Remember that other drivers have a limited sight distance and that fog makes the roads wet. Signal early, and when you use your brakes, don't stomp on them.

If you have other advice on how to best drive in the fog, please post a comment to our blog. Also, if you have information regarding this wreck, please feel free to contact our firm and we will put you in touch with proper authorities.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sach Oliver

Tornado Bus Company y tres muertes - accidente

Sach Oliver — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:33:47 GMT

Jennifer Rodrigues, portavoz para Tornado Bus Company, en el Web site de la compaÃ±Ãa de autobÃºs dicho, "el 25 de noviembre, una unidad de Tornado Bus Company estuvo implicada en un accidente del vehÃculo de motor. El autobÃºs nÃºmero 5849 viajaba de Chicago a Dallas. Hay 2 fatalidades confirmadas en nuestro autobÃºs, 1 fatalidad a partir del uno de los otros vehÃculos. Los otros pasajeros que requirieron ayuda tienen ser tratado, algo permanecen hospitalizan mientras que han lanzado otros . "

Este accidente ocurriÃ³ en I-40 cerca de la ciudad de Forrest, AR la noche pasada de sÃ¡bado. De los informes sobre las noticias y el Internet aparece que el Tornado Bus Company puede ser responsable del accidente.

SegÃºn la secretaria de Tejas del Web site del estado, Tornado Bus Company es un domÃ©stico para-beneficia la corporaciÃ³n que archivÃ³ originalmente con Tejas de septiembre el 9 de 1993. El nombre y la direcciÃ³n oficiales de la compaÃ±Ãa es Tornado Bus Company, 535 E. Jefferson Blvd, Dallas, Tejas los 75203-2791 E.E.U.U. El agente registrado para la compaÃ±Ãa es Juan Vazquez en la misma direcciÃ³n. Sr. Vazquez es el director y el vice presidente de la compaÃ±Ãa.

Esta ruina tomÃ³ tres vidas incluyendo Raul Lopez, Danny Okurily, y otra vÃctima. Si alguien tiene otras preguntas sobre este accidente o las derechas de las familias, no vacile por favor entrar en contacto con nuestra firma.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sach Oliver

Burgers as Bad as Cell Phones When Driving

Ryan Scott — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:54:37 GMT

These days, talking on a cell phone and driving gets all the attention in the news. We all hear the reports and the statistics that using a cell phone while driving (especially without a hands-free device) is endangering ourselves and everyone else on the road. State legislatures across our nation are kicking into gear and banning the use of cell phones while driving. However, studies show that eating, not talking, is the most common no-no of the road and that enjoying your lunch while driving may be just as dangerous and talking on your phone.

At least one study indicates that 65 percent of drivers admit to eating while driving, compared to 58 percent that admit to talking on a cell phone. Drivers also thought that eating and talking were both unsafe but, admittedly, that didn’t stop many of them from filling up their personal gas tanks while they headed down the road. Drivers were asked to rate the dangerousness of several common distractions, including texting, applying make-up or shaving, and steering with the knees. Each of these distractions was rated more dangerous by the polltakers than talking on a cell phone or eating. However, the statistics show that the prevalence of eating makes it just as likely to be a causing factor in a wreck.

So, save the burger until the car is stopped. And, if you need one more reason… think of all the crumbs and sticky steering wheels you will avoid!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Ryan Scott

Woman Jailed for Texting and Driving

Ryan Scott — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:01:35 GMT

For those of you who wondering how serious legislatures and courts are taking the newest trend of texting and driving... wonder no more. A Judge in Redding, California has sentenced a 49-year-old woman to 6 years in jail after the woman crashed into a line of cars while text messaging on her cell phone, killing one of the other drivers.

According to the court records, investigators said that the woman was speeding and text messaging when she slammed into the rear of a line of cars stopped for construction. One of the vehicles she struck, carrying a 46-year-old woman, burst into flames, killing the woman.

The prosecutor in the case said that the driver had paid several bills by cell phone moments before the wreck, and was in the middle of another transaction when she struck the line of vehicles.

Those who know me would tell you that I am as big a fan of text messaging as there is. However, texting while driving is so irresponsible and inconsiderate that is rises to the level of criminal. Unfortunately, this grossly negligent trend is most prevalent in our least experienced drivers. According to SADD (students against destructive decisions) 37 percent of teens polled rated texting while driving "extremely" or "very" distracting. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 80% of crashes, and 65% of near-crashes, occur because of distracted drivers.

Despite this knowledge, and alarming number of teens admit to texting while driving. According to a AAA study, conducted in 2007, 46% of teenage drivers admitted to texting while the drive. Some experts contend that texting while driving should be considered right next to drinking and driving as a danger on our nation's roads.

Most states have adopted legislation to crack down on texting while driving. But the laws (and penalties) differ widely. Find out about your state's laws, or lack thereof. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Ryan Scott

Tornado Bus Company and Three Deaths - Accident

Sach Oliver — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:06:44 GMT

Jennifer Rodrigues, a spokesperson for Tornado Bus Company, on the bus company's website said, " On November 25, one unit from Tornado Bus Company was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Bus Number 5849 was traveling from Chicago to Dallas. There are 2 confirmed fatalities on our bus, 1 fatality from one of the other vehicles. The other passengers that required assistance have being treated, some remain hospitalize while others have been released."

This accident occurred on I-40 near Forrest City, AR last Saturday night. From the reports on the news and the internet it appears the Tornado Bus Company may be responsible for the accident.

According to the Texas Secretary of State website, Tornado Bus Company is a domestic for-profit corporation that originally filed with Texas on September 9, 1993. The official name and address of the company is Tornado Bus Company, 535 E. Jefferson Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75203-2791 USA. The registered agent for the company is Juan Vazquez at the same address. Mr. Vazquez is the Director and Vice-President of the company.

This wreck took three lives including Raul Lopez, Danny Okurily, and another victim. If someone has other questions about this accident or the rights of the families, please do not hesitate to contact our firm.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Mass Transit Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sach Oliver

A Sad Day for Anderson, Missouri

Drew Dixon — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:54:42 GMT

Each day we are reminded of how precious life truly is. Last week Allison Paige Davis, 9, of Anderson, Missouri, died from injuries sustained after being struck by a motor vehicle. The vehicle being driven by Lonnie B. Brown collided with Allison as she crossed New Bethel Road.

At the scene, Trooper Grant Hendrix of the Missouri Highway Patrol detected an odor of intoxicants on Mr. Brown’s breath. During a preliminary investigation Brown admitted to having consumed two beers with dinner, at which time Trooper Hendrix administered a field sobriety test. During the field sobriety test Brown performed poorly and was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated and transported to the McDonald County Jail.

A breath test showed alcohol present and a blood test taken at the jail revealed Brown’s blood alcohol level to be 0.075, just under the 0.08 level considered intoxicated in Missouri. However, the blood alcohol test was conducted more than an hour after the accident was reported, possibly having a bearing on the results. Brown has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, a class C felony. A report of his prior driving history revealed two prior convictions for driving while intoxicated.

According to her obituary, Allison was born Nov. 17, 1998, at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. She recently completed the third grade at Anderson Elementary School where she enjoyed dancing, fixing her hair, reading, and drawing pictures.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Allison. For help with the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child, checkout http://www.geocities.com/tcf4states/.

Source: Ozark Funeral Homes

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Drew Dixon

Fatal Two-Vehicle Accident on Highway 12 and Regional Boulevard

Sach Oliver — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:19:57 GMT

Fatal Two-Vehicle Accident on Highway 12 and Regional Boulevard

I have been meaning to blog about this location for several weeks now. My wife and I live in Cave Springs and we travel highway 12 often. Every time we round the curve right before the turnoff to the airport I always think this is a little bit dangerous. Also, when you’re coming north from the airport, every time I turn onto 12 from Regional Boulevard, I think I hope no one pops around that curve going very fast. It is a tough area for driving. As our area grows, more and more people will be going to the airport and leaving the airport. We should all slow down a little in that area so another wreck doesn’t happen.

The details of this wreck are truly sad. According to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Steven M. Homewood, age 52 , of Huboldt, Kansas was killed after his northbound truck ran a stop sign at Arkansas 12 and Regional Blvd. and struck the passenger side of a car driven by George K. Black of Westville, Oklahoma. The vehicles both overturned. Mr. Black and his passenger Karen J. Heath were taken to Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville. Apparently, Ms. Heath was in critical condition.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sach Oliver

Ann Loomis is killed by Chevrolet Blazer - Lawyer

Sach Oliver — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:30:53 GMT

Ann Loomis opened Little Rock's first store devoted to tennis. Ann died last Tuesday of a head injury she suffered when a Chevrolet Blazer struck her shopping cart in a Kroger parking lot. The accident happened at 10:00 in the morning.

The Blazer had been heading south through the parking lot and had just turned east near the store entrance when it struck Ann Loomis. Ann was 75 years old. The fall caused Ann to hit her head and crack her skull. Then her brain swelled causing the brain injury and death.

The driver of the Blazer was Louvenia Lewis and she was cited for careless and prohibitive driver.

Ann Loomis was a tennis enthusiast who active in Arkansas tennis since the late 1960s. It is a crying shame people drive too fast on our highways. It is grossly negligent to drive too fast and recklessly in parking lots where drivers know elderly folks and toddlers will be walking.

Let's all reflect on what happened to Mrs. Loomis and slow down and pay attention when driving in parking lots and on the highways

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Wrongful Death.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sach Oliver