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Wearing a Bicycle Helmet May Save Your Life if You are in a Bicycle Accident

Paul Ford — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:06:19 GMT

I have been an avid cyclist for years and look forward to Daylight Savings time so that the days are longer and I can get in a bike ride after work. Already this year I have seen many others heading out for a ride in the afternoon now that we have had a few warm days as well. Yet sadly, I notice many are not wearing a helmet.

Having had numerous crashes, I know well how important it is to wear a helmet. Over 10 years ago I had a bad wreck that broke my collarbone and wrist. And that was after I broke my fall with my head. But for my helmet, I have no doubt that I would have been killed.

"It is so important that everyone who rides a bicycle wears a helmet," said Sara Snelling, a physical therapist at HealthSouth Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital. "The risk of brain injury from a bicycle accident could be reduced by almost 90 percent if a helmet is worn."

The next great mistake that is made is by cyclist who think they are too experienced to wear a helmet. I myself made that mistake one day. I missed being hit by a car at highway speeds by less than 100 feet. I have worn one everytime since. And don't think it cannot happen to you. The infamous Lance Armstrong was recently involved in a wreck. No one cam claim more expereience than that!

Armstrong reportedly remains hospitalized in Spain following a crash this morning. The seven-time Tour de France champ was participating in his first professional race on European soil since winning his last yellow jersey when he got caught up in a massive pile-up involving dozens of other riders.

Reports say Armstrong went down about 12.5 miles from the finish line during the first stage of the 5-day race. Sources say the star athlete broke his collarbone. Some reports say the father of three young children (and one more on the way) appeared to be in considerable pain as he was rushed by ambulance to the Rio Carrion hospital in Palencia. Other reports say Armstrong has withdrawn from the race and will be flying back to the United States to seek advanced medical care

So when you head out on your bike for a little exercise, wear that helmet. It may just save your life. And after you follow safety tip #1, make sure you obey all safety and traffic laws.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Ford

A Car Wreck with an Uninsured Driver: What do I do?

Paul Ford — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:03:03 GMT

More and more drivers do not have insurance. The law refers to these people as uninsured motorists. And being in a car wreck with such a motorist can be extremely damaging to you, beyond the injuries you may have suffered. So, how can you protect yourself?

First, you should have full coverage. Both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Having minimum "liability only" coverage can cost you significantly. For example, you only have liability coverage and you are hit by a driver who ran a red light; then to make matters worse, this negligent driver does not have insurance. Because you had liability coverage only, there will be no insurance proceeds to repair your car, nor coverage for your injuries.

If you had uninsured motorist coverage, there would be coverage for both your car repair and any injuries you and/or your family may have suffered.

So, why have underinsured coverage? The State of Arkansas only requires a minimum of $25,000 in coverage per claim, $50,000 per occurrence. If that same driver that ran the red light only had the minimum coverage and you or a passenger were (unfortunatley) seriously injured, there may not be enough coverage to cover your medical bills, much less any lost wages or pain and suffering. By having underinsured coverage, you have provided extra coverage to protect you from these losses.

While it is my sincere hope that you are never involved in a car wreck, you may very well be in one some day...I sure have. And if that unfortunate event does in fact occur, not having sufficeint insurance coverage will only make it worse. So, protect yourself and your family and discuss these matters with your insurance agent. And I bet you will be surprised how little this very valuable and added coverage will cost.

Finally, when driving, be safe and buckle up!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Ford

Tornado Bus Company y tres muertes - accidente

Sach Oliver — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:36:25 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

Bicycle Safety Tips and Resources to Avoid Serious Injury

Margaret Embry — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:55:30 GMT

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),

In 2007, 698 pedalcyclists were killed and an additional 44,000 were injured in traffic crashes. Pedalcyclist deaths accounted for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities, and pedalcyclists made up 2 percent of all the people injured in traffic crashes during the year.

Pedalcyclist fatalities occurred more frequently in urban areas (72%), at non-intersection locations (64%), between the hours of 5 and 9 p.m. (26%), and during the months of June (11%) and September (11%).

In order to avoid serious injury or death while riding a bicycle, it is important to take a look at safety guidelines for cycling. The NHTSA provides educational information on how to bike safely, called the 10 Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC), a national clearinghouse for information about health and safety, engineering, advocacy, education, enforcement, access, and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists, is also a great resource for learning more about bicycle safety.

The PBIC also has a Bikeability Checklist on their website which allows a biker to evaluate their neighborhood's bikeability. In addition to the questions, the Checklist provides both immediate answers and long-term solutions to a neighborhood's potential problems.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Margaret Embry

What do I do After I Have been Involved in a Car Accident?

Paul Ford — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:16:43 GMT

In 2006, government statistics revealed that an automobile accident occurs every 11 minutes. That is a stagering statistic. Because they happen so often, it only makes sense to know what to do if and when you are involved in one. This is particularly true in today's legal environment of advertising, direct mail solicitation, aggressive and hostile insurance tactics, or even worse, runners.

What is a runner? A runner is an individual working with an attorney and/or a doctor (this includes chiropractors) to run down new clients using unethical and, many times, illegal methods. In the information age in which we live, these folks obtain your information from the Accident Report that is prepared by the police agency responding to the accident. They then contact you in a "race" to get the new client.

But not only are certain lawyers and doctors racing to the new "client/patient" for their own financial gain, insurance companies are, likewise, "racing" to the scene in an effort to "assist" you. Do not be fooled. These insurance adjusters are looking out for the best interests of the insurance company, not yours.

So, what should I do? First and foremost, seek medical attention from a trusted source. Your local hospital or a doctor (including chiropractors) you already have a patient/doctor relationship with. The recent death of actress Natasha Richardson is a clear reminder that some injuries are much greater than they may seem at first.

Secondly, JUST SAY NO!! Say "NO" to recorded statements. DO NOT let anyone record your version of the facts before you have spoken to an attorney. And when choosing an attorney, I suggest you choose one based upon a referral or reputation....not advertising or solicitation letters.

And finally, check out this link on the InjuryBoard.com website on what to do after a car accident. You will find some very helpful information in this article.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Ford

Justice for Tornado Bus Line Accident Victims?

Sach Oliver — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:51:15 GMT

Why have there been no updates on this tragedy or news stories about the victims. One reason is because the bus accident is not being reviewed by the National Transportation Safety Board. This fact means that this tragedy has then become unnewsworthy. Another fact could be that because the vast majority of victims did not speak English means they are less likely to seek justice for their harms.

In the past few days, it has been published that the driver of the Tornado commercial bus, Felix Tapia, has been ticketed 4 times since 2001 for speeding according to records for the Texas Department of Safety. When the spokesperson for the bus line, Jennifer Rodriquez, was questioned, she refused to answer most questions pertaining to bus or driver safety issues. She also refused to answer questions about the company's past safety violations or testing of its drivers for drugs or alcohol. It is feared that many of the victims will not receive just compensation for their anguish or pain. One way that people can receive justice in these horrible situations is for information about the situation to be brought to light through media attention. We as Arkansans should not just let this go away. All people on our roadways deserve proper protection and should be assured of safe passage when they step on a Tornado commercial bus that will be traveling our roadways. We at Bailey and Oliver Law Firm care about situations like this when the average, ordinary people are overlooked. Call us today for justice and compassion.

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

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sach Oliver

Tornado Bus Company - Accident - Deaths - Lawyer

Sach Oliver — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:08:26 GMT

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

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."

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 Car and Motorcycle Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sach Oliver

Bus Accident Kills Three People - Lawyer

Sach Oliver — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:25:53 GMT

A terrible accident on I-40 near Forrest City took three lives this last Saturday night. The accident involved a bus, a tractor trailer, and a car. Dozens of people were injured in the accident. The bus that caused the accident belonged to Tornado Bus Lines of Dallas, Texas.

According to the Arkansas State Police, the bus crossed the median and collided with and eastbound truck. Then another eastbound tractor trailer collided with the bus.

Sadly, Danny Okurily, 30 years old, was the driver of the truck and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Danny was from Hot Springs, AR. It is so tragic when we have a loved one taken from us as a result of the negligence of someone else. We should all keep his families in our thoughts and prayers.

Raul Lopez and another victim were also found lifeless on the bus. Raul was 58 years old. He was from West Chicago, Illinois. So many people were traveling over the holiday weekend and drivers have a greater duty to drive safer in high traffic conditions.

If the family members of Mr. Lopez or Mr. Okurily have questions about this accident or about their rights, please do not hesitate to email us or contact us for more information.

Fortunately, David Rice, the driver of the tractor-trailer, lived and only had minor injuries. However, he should still seek proper medical treatment and ask about his rights. Mr. Rice is from Mars Hill, North Carolina.

The scariest part of this tragic event is that 47 people were on this Tornado Bus Line bus. The driver, Felix Tapia, had the lives of so many in his hands including children. The Tornado Bus Line Manifest list only 44 passengers and a driver onboard the bus which was en route from Chicago to Dallas. The bus driver is only 28 years old and is from Brownsville, Texas.

Numerous people were injured in the accident and hauled to the hospital in Forest City, West Memphis and Memphis.

If someone has questions about their legal rights as a result of this accident, please do not hesitate to ask our firm.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sach Oliver

How to Exercise Safely and Avoid Bicycle Accidents

Paul Ford — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:13:13 GMT

This past summer saw two tragic incidents invloving pedestrians/cyclists and automobiles. To make matters worse, both tragedies could have been avoided by the pedestrian/cyclist taking appropriate measures for their own safety. Having been an avid cyclist for nearly 20 years, as well as completing two Ironman competitions, I understand the safety issues involved and hope to share some insight to avoid yet another tragedy.

Always obey the traffic laws when riding your bike. The law in Arkansas treats cyclists and motorists the same. Cyclist must obey all traffic signals/signs and yeild the right of way just as if they were driving their car. If riding before or near sunrise/sunset, you should always have a flashing red light. You can get one at any bike shop and they are inexpensive. One of the tragedies I spoke of involved a cyclist riding on a busy highway near major factories right before sunrise. He was not using a light of any kind and was hit by a truck. It nearly cost him his life. A simple plan could have prevented this.

1. Get a headlight. If you're riding at night, you should absolutely use a front headlight. It's required by law, anyway. Even for daytime riding, a bright white light that has a flashing mode can make you more visible to motorists who might otherwise Right Cross you. Look for the new LED headlights which last ten times as long on a set of batteries as old-style lights. And helmet- or head-mounted lights are the best, because then you can look directly at the driver to make sure they see your light.

A second recommendation is to avoid major highways, particularly during heavy traffic times. If you must use a major highway, use the shoulder of the road. If there is not a shoulder, simply avoid the highway....period. And above all, use a flashing red light.

The second tragedy did result in the death of an experienced runner who was struck by a car. Sad to say, but this could have been avoided by simply following a couple of simple rules. When running, and/or walking, the runner should go against traffic....or in other words, in the opposite direction. This allows you to see oncoming traffic. And if it appears that they don't see you, be prepared to simply take a step or two to the left to get out of the way. And this method is only necessary if there is no sidewalk available. By all means, if a sidewalk is available, use it!

To conclude, use common sense safety. Use a light. Use the sidewalk. Choose the route and time of day you excercise taking into consideration the amount of traffic and available lighting, whether by sunlight or artificial light. In the early morning or in the evening, consider the impact of the rising or setting sun on the driver's ability to see. For example, don't ride directly into the rising sun as a driver may be blinded by the sun and not see you on the road. And last but not least, when on your bike, wear a helmet.....More on that subject to come!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Ford

State Senator Urging Extension for Rule on Roof-Crush

Drew Dixon — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:10:21 GMT

Each year more than 10,000 people are killed in rollover crashes making roof safety standards important. However, roof safety standards have not be revised in more than three decades. In a recent press release, Mark Pryor, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Automobile Safety, Consumer Affairs and Insurance, stated that he would like to see a smart standard for all vehicles.

Senator Pryor held an oversight hearing earlier this month, in which the committee reviewed the traffic safety administration's progress on the rule making and public hearing process. Following the meeting Senator Pryor sent a letter encouraging U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, to extend the current deadline for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's proposed rule on vehicle roof strength.

In his letter Senator Pryor stated, "NHTSA should take all needed time to get this rule making right. Most importantly, the NHTSA should remove preemption provisions to ensure that vehicle manufacturers do not receive total immunity from claims brought by vehicle purchasers and users."

I praise Senator Pryor on his decision to give the NHTSA more time because making sure the rule is right the first time will ultimately save more lives.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Drew Dixon