TBI: Traumatic Brain Injuries

Happy November from your friends at the GoLaw Legal Network.  We are Thankful for our Health & Safety, and for the chance to have you as a “digital friend” on our social networks.  Thanks to GoPersonalInjury.com for sending us this month’s Safety Blog on TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury. 

TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury

Many people are not aware that a motor vehicle collision can be a violent injury causing event, inflicting intense “G Forces” on the bodies of the occupants. These G-Forces, an effect of the acceleration of gravity at the earth’s surface, can in some cases cause TBI: traumatic brain injury. 

WHAT IS A TBI?

According to BrainLine.org and BrainInjury101.org, A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be defined as a blow or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury, that disrupts the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI, and the severity of such an injury may range from ‘mild’ (a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to ‘severe’ (an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia) after the injury. A TBI can result in short or long-term problems with independent function.

TBI FACTS:

• A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs approximately every 15 seconds. 
• Nearly five million Americans currently suffer some form of TBI disability.
• Of the 1.7 million who sustain a TBI in the U.S. each year: 

• 52,000 die
• 275,000 are hospitalized
• 1.365 million are treated and released from an emergency department
• In the United States, TBI is a leading cause of death for people under the age of 45. 
• The Human Brain is perhaps the most complex object on earth, yet is soft and vulnerable with the consistency of a firm pudding. 
• The leading causes of TBI are Motor Vehicle Accidents, Falls, and Sports Injuries. 

TBI EFFECTS:

Physical symptoms of brain injury include:

• headaches
• difficulty coordinating balance
• blurred vision in one or both eyes
• milder vision problems
• seizures
• changes in sensory perception
• trouble speaking and swallowing
• changes in sleep patterns
• lack of bowel and bladder control
• changes in sexual function
• motor impairment (trouble moving body normally)

Functional/Emotional Changes:

• personality changes
• difficulty forming sentences or choosing vocabulary
• confusion
• trouble communicating
• difficulty with reason, focus and logic
• memory impairments
• depression
• poor concentration
• mood swings
• limited attention span
• disorientation
• difficulty remembering conversations/forgetfulness
• acting inappropriately

To adapt to these changes, it will help you and your loved one if you develop coping skills and find and use supportive resources.

GoLaw.com associated attorneys have many years experience in getting valuable settlements and awards for persons injured in many different types of injury causing events and accidents including bike accidents, car collisions, motorcycle wrecks, big rig truck crashes, and train collisions. 

The Law offices of Mark A Doughty can be reached by calling 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com.

NY Artist Attacked By Dogs

Dog and Animal Attacks have the ability to cause serious life threatening injuries. At GoLaw.com we have been helping people like you recover for medical bills, wage loss, plastic surgery and pain & suffering in Northern California since 1980. Thanks to GoPersonalInjury.com for finding this weekend’s safety article by CNN and the NY Daily News who reported the story of a New York Man Attacked by Dogs.

New York woman arrested after pit bulls maul man

New York (CNN) 

A pair of pit bulls left Francesco Bove so badly mutilated that a priest read him his last rites outside a New York church. "I think I'm going to die," the bloodied 62-year-old artist told the priest, Bove's son recalled Saturday. "But the priest made him promise that he will fight until the end."

The gruesome attack Friday was captured on video from the window of a tenement in the Bronx. The pit bulls are seen clamping onto Bove's arms with their jaws, shaking their heads violently, dragging him several feet toward the curb.

Good Samaritans try to stop the assault -- swinging a chain at the animals, spraying them with water. They attempt to encircle Bove, but the dogs swerve around to continue the attack. Still, the people probably helped save Bove's life.

"I got to the hospital and he was in pieces," Bove's son, Anthony Bove, said, describing gaping holes in his arms, a severed ear and the other split in half, and lacerations all over his body.

The horror began when the dogs' owner, Cynthia Oliver, 55, exchanged words with the victim, said NYPD spokeswoman Detective Annette Markowski. Oliver was holding the pit bulls and dropped the leash, she said. The dogs attacked.

But Anthony Bove said his father told him there was no altercation, no words exchanged.

Francesco Bove was walking to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church when one of the dogs pounced, followed by the other, according to the son.

"The dogs started biting," Anthony Bove said. "He's trying to push them away. They overpower him."

Oliver was taken to a hospital for a psychological evaluation before she was arrested on eight counts of assault and two counts of reckless endangerment, Markowski said. It's unclear whether she has an attorney.

In the video, another man steps in to help after Bove is knocked to the ground. The man uses his hands and legs, trying to keep the dogs at bay, but the animals find their way back to Bove.

The good Samaritan is knocked down. Screams are heard. "Let him go!" someone yells.

At least eight people on the street try to help as the pit pulls drag Bove away from the small crowd.

A woman can be heard off camera. It seems she is frantically calling 911. "These two dogs are outside attacking this man!"

One man is seen firing a stream of water at the dogs with a hose. Bove lies in a pool of blood.

"Hurry up, these dogs are attacking a man!" the woman yells off camera. "He's in the street bleeding!"

Man viciously attacked by pit bulls in Bronx; owner arrested (graphic images)

NY Daily News

KENNETH WILLIAMS/VIRALHOG | NY Daily News

Two pitbulls attack a man in the Bronx as a bystander tries to pull them off using their leashes.

Graphic cellphone video shows the dogs relentlessly lunging at Bove as he writhed on the ground in the middle of the street. Good Samaritan Emilio Ortiz, 46, tried to help, but the dogs kept at it and dragged Bove to the curb, their teeth clamped on his arms.

Police said Bove and the first man who jumped in to help -- an unidentified 46-year-old male -- were taken to St. Barnabas Hospital. The younger man, who suffered lacerations on his arms, was later released, according to Anthony Bove. Francesco Bove, an artist and restoration expert from Brooklyn, is in stable condition after undergoing surgery, according to his son. His severed ear was reconstructed. He will have another operation on Monday.

MICHAEL SCHWARTZ FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Bove has stayed positive and joked to his son that at least he hadn’t been attacked by a lion.

"My father joked, 'If those were two lions, I wouldn't have made it,'" Anthony Bove said. "He's a really tough guy."

The elder Bove suffered nerve damage in his hands and hasn't been able to move his fingers, according to the son.

"He's an artist and does high-end restoration," Anthony Bove said. "He's very passionate about his art. If he couldn't move his hands I don't know how he would take that psychologically."

The pit bulls are now in custody of animal control authorities, Markowski said.

That worries the Boves, who own a pit bull named Gina as well as five cats.

"My father feels terrible that the dogs are probably going to be put to sleep," Anthony Bove said.

"The pit bull is not an inherently evil dog. But ... these pit bulls might have been trained as guard or attack dogs. He remembers the dogs licking his blood off the ground. They wanted to finish the job. That's very disturbing to him." CNN quoted.

The NY Daily News added: The attack was apparently not the first by the dogs. A neighbor, Marguerite Gauthier, 55, said one of the dogs bit her on the leg early last year, requiring her to get a tetanus shot. “The dogs are vicious,” she said, adding, “"When I go out, I always look to make sure they’re not around."

Meanwhile, Bove underwent five hours of surgery Friday night and is expected to stay in the hospital at least a week to undergo another surgery to move a nerve from his leg into his arm, his son said.

Bove… even showed some compassion for Oliver, who has been arrested 37 times since 1987, mostly on drug offenses. “She was a petite, weak lady. (The dogs) were dragging her wherever they go and she couldn’t hold onto (the leash),” he said. The two pit bulls were taken to a city Animal Care and Control facility, and may have to be euthanized, officials said. They may have treated him like a chew toy, but Bove is worried about the fate of his attackers. “I’m so sorry that they’re going to put them down,” Bove said.

* Caution: Images May Be Disturbing *

ON MOBILE? WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.

WATCH THE SECOND VIDEO HERE.

The Law offices of Mark A Doughty can be reached by calling 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com.

Motorcyclist Drug Under A Truck And Survives

Thanks to http://GoMotorcycleCrash.com for a dramatic and heroic True Story of a group of Good Samaritans who helped rescue a Southern California Motorcyclist that was trapped under a moving Truck on the 1st day of this Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.  As reported by #ABC7Eyewitness and CBS Los Angeles: a Motorcyclist was hit by a car while changing lanes on the eastbound 91 freeway, just west of the 71 in Corona, CA. Another driver, who thought he saw a bumper being drug beneath the vehicle, flagged down the truck driver so they could rescue the motorcyclist. Fortunately, the driver of the motorcycle received only minor injuries because he was wearing protective clothing and a quality helmet. 

A motorcyclist was rescued after being trapped under a pickup truck in Corona, CA, May 1, 2015. 

BYRON HOLEMAN/CBS LOS ANGELES

VIDEO: #DrugUnderATruck 

CBS Los Angeles tracked down the man who shot the video.

"I walk up to the guy, I put one knee down, I can see he's kind of groggy, everybody gets out, we're trying to figure out how to help him out, do we lift the car up, do we get jacks?" said Byron Holeman, one of many who came to aid the cyclist.

CBS VIDEO EMBED

According to witnesses and Corona Fire Department Spokesman John DeYoe, the motorcyclist was trapped and drug under the red Ford F-150 truck at freeway speeds. Another witness and rescuer included a local firefighter, Andrew Hubbard, who got a jack and was able to help lift the truck off him with the help of some Good Samaritans. Incredibly, the man was pulled free and hospitalized with only minor abrasions, DeYoe said.

Holeman said once paramedics were called, he started recording the rescue scene, which he then posted to Facebook. As of Memorial Day May 25th, the viral Facebook video had been viewed more than 7,226,000 times.

**Warning, the following video may be disturbing for some to watch.**

FACEBOOK VIDEO EMBED

So I'm commuting home today in the famous 91 freeway traffic. I see a pick up truck east bound just past Green River dragging what I thought might be a bumper. I take a closer look and realize it is a human body underneath the truck.  #Abc7eyewitness
Posted by Byron Holeman on Friday, May 1, 2015

Amazingly, the man escaped the ordeal in Riverside County with only minor injuries, largely thanks to his protective gear.

Screenshots from a video showing the rescue of a motorcyclist by a group of concerned citizens. Credit: Byron Holeman.

An ambulance arrived on the scene a short time later. The man, who was in full protective gear, suffered only minor injuries, but was taken to a local trauma center as a precaution. This story underscores the importance of staying alert while driving, and being extra careful to watch out for Motorcyclists. Thanks to the Good Samaritans and the Motorcyclist’s protective equipment for the positive conclusion to this serious event.

The Law offices of Mark A Doughty can be reached by calling 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com.

Sources: abc7, cbs los angeles, localnews7, facebook, patch, youtube

Related Tags: 91 Freway, Byron Holeman, Corona, Good Samaritans, Motorcycle, Rescue

How Hitches Affect Rear End Collisions

It’s time for another one of our Driving Safety Tips from your friends at GoLaw.com

Did you know that your vehicle’s Trailer Hitch has the ability to Increase the Risks of Injury to you and your occupants? The impact of a Rear End Vehicle Collision can cause painful injuries including soft tissue damage, and can be much worse on occupants if a trailer hitch is installed since it is attached directly to the frame.  Most modern vehicles are designed to protect their passengers from the impact energy of a Car Crash with "crumple zone” safety features.  However, when the hitch is inserted into the receiver so the "g forces” (Forces of Gravity increase the injuries) are transferred directly to the frame of the vehicle and the occupants bodies, there is the possibility for greater trauma since the impact could not be absorbed in the crush zones. For this same reason, it is typical to see the Property Damage be less severe with a lower cost to repair than it would have been had no hitch and ball been installed in the receiver.

As reported in the National Safety Commission Alert: “the most frequent vehicle accident (in the United States) is the rear end collision” and “a vehicle equipped with a receiver hitch (tow bar) increases the risk of whiplash by 22% if it is hit in the rear”.  According to the article: “A receiver hitch completely changes the crash dynamics.”

Continuing: “It has been shown that the occupants of the "target" vehicle will move forward at 2.5 times (or more) then that of the "bullet" vehicle. So a small 5 mph impact will send the occupants of the target vehicle flying forward at 12 – 13 mph – certainly enough force to hurt people. This change in acceleration or "Delta V" is what influences Whiplash.”

Interesting Rear End Vehicle Collision facts:

• Approximately 75% of all rear end collisions are less than 10 mph, and Low speed Rear End Collisions (less than 10 mph) accentuate the Whiplash more than High speed ones.
• 94% of all rear end collisions occur on straight roads while 56% of all rear end crashes are straight on.
• Only 14.2% of the people that hit you in the rear will miss your receiver hitch entirely.
• 48% of the people that hit you in the rear – are not slowing down.
• 80% of all rear end collisions are caused by driver inattention.
• Women are twice as likely to end up with a whiplash injury as Men.

The Law offices of Mark A Doughty can be reached by calling 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com.

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If you or one of your family or friends are involved in a car accident, motorcycle wreck, slip and fall, or other injury producing event caused by the negligence of others, call the Law offices of Mark A Doughty at 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween 2014

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween 2014!  Thank you to PedBikeInfo.org and About.com/Health for these Safety Tips for Pedestrians.  

PedBikeInfo.org posted an excellent article on Pedestrian Safety:

Be Safe and Be Seen: Make yourself visible to drivers

• Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.
• Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
• Cross the street in a well-lit area at night.
• Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars, or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.

Be Smart and Alert: Avoid dangerous behaviors

• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
• Don't assume vehicles will stop. Make eye contact with drivers, don't just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, he or she may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.
• Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals. Look before you cross the road.
• Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

Be Careful at Crossings: Look before you step

• Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, if possible.
• Obey traffic signals such as WALK/DON'T WALK signs.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
• Watch for turning vehicles. Make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.
• Look across ALL lanes you must cross and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Even if one motorist stops, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop for you.
• Don't wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing.

A Health / Walking article on About.com adds:

- Don't get tripped: Tripping hazards are worse after dark. Uneven sidewalks, roots and rocks on trails, potholes and trash on the side of streets and roads - all can lead to a slip or fall. Walk with your eyes noting the ground 15 feet ahead to see upcoming hazards.

- Blinded by the light: As we age we lose our ability to see well in the dark and recovering after having headlights shine in your eyes. Choose a path where you won't have frequent changes in the lighting level. Do not look straight into oncoming headlights.

If you or a member of your family or friends are involved in a pedestrian or bicycle vs. vehicle accident–collision, or other injury producing event caused by the negligence of others, call the Law offices of Mark A Doughty at 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com.

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If you or a member of your family or friends are involved in a motor vehicle accident–collision, or other injury producing event caused by the negligence of others, call the Law offices of Mark A Doughty at 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com.

Motorcycle Crash Compilation Video

Use extra caution when driving a Motorcycle.  Whether riding a street bike, road bike, or dirt bike, make sure to keep distance between you and other vehicles and always drive defensively!  Take a look at these Motorcycle Collision Videos on Social Media.

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If you or a member of your family or friends are involved in a motor vehicle accident–collision, or other injury producing event caused by the negligence of others, call the Law offices of Mark A Doughty at 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com.

#Video: The Importance of Boating Safety

The Importance of "Boating Safety"

This is an excellent Video to show Whiplash Injuries and the importance of Boating Safety... We can help you with Boating Accidents and Injuries at http://GoLaw.com

Post by GoLaw.com - Mark A Doughty, Accident Lawyer.

This is a great #video to show #Whiplash #Injuries and the importance of Boating Safety... We can help you with... http://t.co/ibcBlkyF9q
— Mark A Doughty Law (@DoughtyLaw) July 29, 2014

If you or a member of your family or friends are involved in a motor vehicle accident–collision, or other injury producing event caused by the negligence of others, call the Law offices of Mark A Doughty at 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com

Products Liability Articles by GoLaw.com

Have you been injured by a defective product? GoLaw.com is here to hep you find an Accident Injury Attorney near you. Read our Products Liability Articles to get more information. If you have any questions, call 530-674-1440 to get a Free Legal Consultation.

The following BLOGs may be helpful to you in researching your Product Liability case:

Products Liability Articles

Breach of Warranty

Products liability law covers personal injury and property damage that occurs when a defective product is used. A product is defective if its design makes it dangerous, if it was improperly manufactured or if the manufacturer failed to warn of the product's dangers. You may be able to recover damages if you are injured while using a defective product. There are three theories of products liability: strict liability, negligence, and breach of warranty. This article covers a manufacturer's liability for breach of warranty.

Damages Awarded in Products Liability Lawsuits

Courts award damages to pay back a person for loss or harm resulting from injuries caused by a defective product. The trier of fact (the jury in a jury trial or the judge in a bench trial) decides the amount of damages. The trier of fact has broad discretion in setting the amount of damages. The following are some of the factors considered in making an award: the injury, the need for future treatment, any disability, pain and suffering, age, occupation, and pre-injury health. A person's life expectancy is also considered if the injury is permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) About Products Liability Claims

A defective product is a product that has a design defect or a manufacturing defect. If a product lacks an adequate warning of any known dangers associated with its use, the product is also considered to be defective.

Recovery in Strict Products Liability for Product Damage Alone

Products liability is the area of the law that deals with injuries and property damage caused by defective products. A product is considered defective if it has a design or manufacturing flaw. If the product lacks proper instructions or lacks sufficient warnings about any dangers associated with its use, a product can also be considered defective. This article discusses recovery for defective products when the only damage was to the product itself. There were no personal injuries or damages to other property.

Medical Causation in Drug Products Liability Cases

What is a drug products liability case?

Read All GoLaw.com legal research Newsletters...

If you or a member of your family or friends are involved in an accident, crash, or other injury producing event caused by the negligence of others, call the Law Offices of Mark A Doughty at 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of Northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, click http://GoLaw.com

GoLaw.com Personal Injury Articles

Are you researching a legal matter?  Have you been injured in an accident?  GoLaw.com is here to hep you find an Accident Injury Attorney near you.  Read our Personal Injury Articles to get more information.  If you have any questions, call 530-674-1440 to get a Free Legal Consultation.

The following BLOGs may be helpful to you in researching your Accident-Injury case:

The Jones Act -- Unearned Wages

Under the Jones Act and general maritime law, a seaman who is injured in the course and scope of his employment may recover "unearned wages," i.e., the wages he would have earned if he were able to continue working until the end of the voyage. Unearned wages may include overtime, bonuses, and other employment benefits.

Nominal Damages

If an injured party is harmed or has property that is damaged by the intentional or negligent conduct of a defendant, he may bring an action to recover damages. Sometimes, the injured party recovers a verdict but only nominal, or minimal, damages.

The Collateral Source Rule

The "collateral source rule" is a legal rule that prevents a defendant from introducing evidence that a plaintiff has received payment from a third party. For example, a plaintiff is injured in an automobile accident with a defendant.

Dram Shop Laws

Under a "dram shop law," a business that sells alcohol to an intoxicated customer may be liable when the customer injures a third party. Most dram shop cases involve drunk driving.

Invasion of Privacy--Disclosure

The law provides everyone with some basic rights to privacy. Privacy is the general right to be left alone and free from unwanted publicity. Unreasonable invasion of one's privacy causes harm.

If you or a member of your family or friends are involved in a motorcycle accident–crash, or other injury producing event caused by the negligence of others, call the Law Offices of Mark A Doughty at 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of Northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, click http://GoLaw.com

10 TIPS FOR DRIVING SAFETY IN THE NEW YEAR

Planning on driving up to the Snow during the Winter Months? Stay safe while traveling in cold, wet, and possibly icy conditions: it’s important to plan ahead and leave distance around your vehicle for a Safe and Happy New Year! Keep reading our GoLaw.com BLOGS to get more Travel Safety Tips for your travels during this holiday season.

Read original article on Yahoo.com
Ten Safety Tips for Winter Road Trips
Charlotte Walters, Yahoo Contributor Network
• Driving on Ice
• Winter Safety
• Car Kit

10 Tips for Safe Winter Travel on U.S. Roads

1.) Have Good Maps
Before taking a road trip in the winter, always map out your routes ahead of time. Do not assume that your GPS devices will always work during the trip. Have paper maps with marked routes that at least one of you understands. In winter weather, staying on the interstates instead of detouring around large cities is usually a good idea. It is better to be stuck in traffic and be near emergency services than to be stranded on a lonely or dangerous side road. Bring along printouts with information about possible stopping points along the way. Call ahead to hotels and get information or make reservations. Have some alternative options.

2.) Share Contact Information
Give a copy of your plan to a reliable friend or relative. The information should include an estimated arrival time at various major points along the way, and contact information such as cell phone numbers or the phone numbers of places where you plan to stay overnight. You should plan to contact the friend/relative from time to time with a progress report, or if you are significantly delayed. If there are people waiting for you at the final destination, they should receive copies of the travel plan and contact information as well.

3.) Prepare the Vehicle
Take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a tune-up. Check belts and replace if worn. Carry extra belts if possible. Clean the battery terminals using a baking soda mixture and a small brush. During the trip, check all fluids regularly, including the windshield washer fluid. Carry extra oil. Always keep the gas tank at least half full. This helps to keep water vapor out of the gas line, and if you were stopped in your vehicle for a long time, this would allow you to run the heater at intervals.

4.) Winter Emergency Car Kit
As every winter approaches, any vehicle that will be traveling in winter weather should have an emergency kit, which includes road flares or reflective triangles, jumper cables, spare tire with correct pressure, can of tire inflate/sealant, folding shovel, chains, traction mats (or kitty litter), ice scraper, extra wiper blades, can of de-icer or WD-40, insulated pliers, screwdrivers, socket wrench, roll of wire, bungee cords, duct tape, 50ft cord (used as a homing line in blizzard), and an empty container to carry gas or water. Remember never to carry extra gasoline inside a vehicle! This list may seem large, but it is incomplete. These are just the basics. If your vehicle is stopped in an ice storm or blizzard, move some of these items inside the car; your trunk may freeze shut.

5.) Pack for Winter Safety
These "people items" could be included in the emergency car kit above. Carry an orange reflective emergency vest, "Help Needed" windshield shade sign, first aid kit and manual, flashlight with fresh batteries, instant chemical hot packs and body warmers like mylar space blankets, plastic bags to wear between layers of clothing to repel moisture and retain body heat, emergency drinking water, and non perishable, high calorie foods.

6.) Internet and Radio Communications
Always be sure to check the Travel Alerts on the Internet if you have the capability, or keep the car radio tuned to the designated AM channels specifically for road travelers. Every U.S. State has their own Department of Transportation (DOT) website; look for a button or link titled Travel Alerts. This will provide information on specific parts of certain state and interstate roads most likely to be affected by weather, construction, and road closures.

Because cell phones have limited battery life, it is wise to have a backup means of communication. The inexpensive choice is FRS radio; you can find these at the local Radio Shack or Wal-Mart. They run on ordinary batteries. FRS Channel 1 is the nationwide emergency channel. The range is limited, and works best using line-of-sight, so climbing to a high spot will help the signal reach farther. CB radio is a bit more expensive, and some units are battery-powered. Channel 9 is the nationwide emergency channel, however Channel 19 is the most commonly monitored channel (language can be foul) and is used by most long-haul truckers. Generally, truckers are friendly, helpful, skilled people to have around during a vehicle emergency.

7.) Heavy Snow or Blizzard
Despite the best-laid plans, you may drive into dangerous snowy conditions. If you can see the vehicle in front of you, keep going forward, because if you stop on the road you could be struck from behind. If the snow is totally blinding, try to pull over just enough to get out of the path of other vehicles and wait out the storm. Pulling too far off the road might cause you to go down an embankment. If your vehicle becomes stranded in deep snow, stay with your car. Attach a bright marker of some kind. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow before starting the engine to run your heater. A plugged exhaust causes carbon monoxide gas to build up inside the car, quickly killing those inside!

8.) Icy Driving Conditions
Before you leave on a road trip, review with all the drivers of the vehicle how to correctly brake and steer in slippery conditions. Depending on whether it has anti-lock brakes and front or rear wheel drive, methods will vary. Cars are heavy objects. They have a lot of inertia. On ice, when something heavy is moving without any friction to slow it down, it just keeps on going! The heavier the vehicle, the more inertia it has. When driving on ice, slow the speed gradually to a crawl. Go twice as slow as you think you need to. Approach a stop or a turn by starting to slow down at least a half block early. Avoid hills whenever possible. If the car gets stuck, use a mat or sprinkle cat litter under the drive wheels for traction.

9.) Driving Near Trucks and Snow Plows
Remember that big trucks take longer to stop, and they are top heavy so that having to swerve out of the way could cause them to tip over. Do not cut in front of them! If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it or use caution when passing. The road behind a snowplow will be safer to drive on. Don't tailgate the plow; stay about 15 car lengths behind it. The plow operator's field of vision is limited, so don't assume that they can see you.

10.) Suggested Cross Country Routes
Traveling from San Francisco on the west coast to Boston on the east coast, the best winter routes would include the following: Interstate Route 40 avoids the majority of mountains and keeps the elevations generally lower, making it the best interstate choice in the wintertime. The highest elevation would be just over 7000 ft, at the western edge of the Great Plains leaving New Mexico. I-40 merges with I-75 in Tennessee. At Knoxville, stay on I-75 until it approaches Toledo, Ohio. Take I-80 going east toward Cleveland. This route generally stays open in winter although it is a northerly route, but the advance warning system for severe winter weather travel is a good one.

From Cleveland to Boston, continue east on I-80 all the way into New Jersey, avoiding some of the more troublesome northern routes. At this point you can turn onto I-95 and go right up the coast to Boston. While I-95 is heavily traveled and can have stoppages, you will never be far from emergency services and towns with nice accommodations if the weather turns nasty.

Even if a more southerly route is chosen in the wintertime, an Arctic Low could dip down and bring an ice storm to areas that would normally be temperate. No matter how safe you think a winter route might be, always check the weather forecasts and follow the ten travel tips above to keep you and your passengers safe.

If you or a member of your family or friends are involved in a motor vehicle accident–collision, or other injury producing event caused by the negligence of others, call the Law offices of Mark A Doughty at 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com 

 

CAOC Attorneys File Lawsuit on LAPD Cold Case

As reported in the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) eClips on 10/29/13 and in the LA Times: 
An LAPD analyst filed suit about the disregarding of DNA evidence, implicating a detective in a 1986 MURDER.

LAPD Cold Case Evidence Ignored, Analyst Files Suit

An analyst in the Los Angeles Police Department has filed a lawsuit alleging that an LAPD detective ignored evidence that proved a police officer murdered her boyfriend's wife in 1986. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff conducted a DNA test of saliva from a bite mark on the victim and the lead detective disregarded the results, saying the police officer "was not part of this." The lawsuit names the LAPD as defendant and alleges that the plaintiff was subjected to retaliation and harassment after bringing attention to the DNA tests. CAOC members John Taylor and Matthew McNicholas represent the plaintiff.
Joel Rubin and Richard Winton, LA Times  10/30/2013
Source: LA Times

If you or a member of your family or friends are involved in a motor vehicle accident–collision, or other injury producing the event caused by the WRONGFUL CONDUCT of others, call the Law offices of Mark A Doughty at 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of Northern California and represented them without a fee unless he recovers for them (in accident cases). For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com.

 

Have a Safe and Happy Holidays from GoLaw.com

The Fall and Winter Months are a popular time of year for vacations and road travel. With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years all bringing cold, wet, and possibly icy conditions, it’s important to plan ahead for a Safe and Happy Holidays!  Keep reading our GoLaw.com BLOGS to get more Travel Safety Tips for your travels during this holiday season.

Read original article on AAA.com

WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA reminds motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather. For more information on winter driving, the association offers the How to Go on Ice and Snow brochure, available through most AAA offices. Contact your local AAA club for more information.

AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:

    •    Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
    •    Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
    •    Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
    •    Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
    •    Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
    •    If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
    •    Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
    •    Always look and steer where you want to go.
    •    Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

Tips for long-distance winter trips:

    •    Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
    •    Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
    •    Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
    •    Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA’s telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
    •    If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
    •    Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
    •    Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
    •    Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
    •    Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
    •    If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.

Tips for driving in the snow:

    •    Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
    •    Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
    •    The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
    •    Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
    •    Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
    •    Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
    •    Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
    •    Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.
SOURCE: AAA.com

If you or a member of your family or friends are involved in a motor vehicle accident–collision, or other injury producing the event caused by the WRONGFUL CONDUCT of others, call the Law offices of Mark A Doughty at 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of Northern California and represented them without a fee unless he recovers for them (in accident cases). For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com.

FAMILY OF CRASH VICTIM FILES LAWSUIT

As reported in the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) eClips on 10/29/13 and in the Chicago Tribune:
3 innocent victims died as a result of a motor vehicle collision with a garbage truck in Skokie Illinois. The lawsuit alleges that the driver was speeding through a school zone and failed the honk his horn before the crash. The truck driver survived the wreck, unlike the occupants of the innocent victims’ car.

Read the original article here:

Crash Victim's Family Files Lawsuit

The family of a woman who died when her car was hit by a garbage truck has filed a lawsuit against the village of Skokie, Illinois. There were two other passengers in the vehicle who also died when it was hit by the garbage truck at an intersection. The lawsuit alleges negligence on behalf of the truck driver claiming he was driving "without keeping a proper and sufficient lookout." The lawsuit also notes that the driver was speeding through a school zone and failed to honk his horn before the crash. The truck driver was the only survivor of the collision.
Alexandra Chachkevitch, Chicago Tribune 10/29/2013
Source: Chicago Tribune 

If you or a member of your family or friends are involved in a motor vehicle accident–collision, or other injury producing the event caused by the negligence of others, call the Law offices of Mark A Doughty at 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, click http://GoLaw.com.

 

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