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.

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.

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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ACCIDENTS?
Car Accident? Motorcycle Crash? Slip & Fall? Hit & Run?

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LAW OFFICES of Mark A. Doughty:
SACRAMENTO, CA - LINCOLN, CA - YUBA CITY, CA


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Connect with Accident Injury Attorney Mark A Doughty ONLINE!

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Have you or someone you know been injured in an car wreck, truck crash, or some other type of accident?  Do you need legal information to help you make an informed decision on how to handle your personal injury case? 

Connect with Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A Doughty online via his website, blogs, and social networks!

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Injury Attorney | Mark A. Doughty Law Blog | Legal Resource Articles
Why Do I Need an Accident Lawyer in the Sacramento Area?

While it is possible to represent yourself in Sacramento accident litigation, the Law Offices of Mark A Doughty is here to help you!
Catastrophic Personal Injury in Sacramento, CA

Anyone who suffers a catastrophic Sacramento personal injury knows firsthand the pain, fear, and immediate need for help!
Causes of Automobile Accidents in Sacramento

The causes of an automobile accident in Sacramento are numerous and varied.

Accident Attorney | Mark A. Doughty | GoLaw.com
Caring, Tough & Effective Representation:
Based in Yuba City, the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty helps accident victims in Sacramento, Lincoln, Marysville, Roseville, Rocklin, and throughout California obtain the recovery they deserve from the parties responsible for the injuries they have suffered.

SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES - Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Trucking Accidents, Pedestrian / Bicycle Accidents, Public Transportation Accidents, Wrongful Death, Slip & Fall / Premises Liability, Animal Attacks, Products Liability, Defective Drugs/Drug Interactions, Unsafe Public/Private Property, Construction Site Accidents, Third Party Liability, Aircraft Accidents and Water-Related Injuries.


Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today
At the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty, you can contact us twenty-four hours a day, and we are available for evening or weekend appointments. If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available.

If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty for an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.
For Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440
For Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917
For Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917

Go to our website: GoLaw.com
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Topic: California Accident Injury Attorney

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Litigating Claims for Sacramento Car Accidents

The following is excerpted from our SQUIDOO BLOG

Litigating Claims for Sacramento Car Accidents

Mark A Doughty: Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento explains what is involved.

When you retain the services of a Sacramento car accident lawyer, you need one who is not only well-versed in the law, but who knows how to apply it to your particular case. No two claims in this area of practice are exactly alike, and you need an approach that is tailor-made to your situation.
How Sacramento auto accidents are litigated

The following are descriptions of litigation procedures for different types of accident cases:

    •    Defendant has No-insurance in the accidents: If the driver who hit you does not have any insurance, he or she is still liable for the damage done to your car, property, or person, and your Sacramento car accident lawyer can litigate accordingly. Also, we can proceed and recover against your uninsured motorist carrier.
    •    Hit-and-run accidents: If the perpetrator of the hit-and-run is caught, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento can request an award of punitive damages, in addition to other forms of compensation. If the driver who caused the collision is not caught, we can proceed and recover against your Uninsured Motorist Carrier.
    •    Truck Accidents and Vehicle Collisions: Additional parties who can be held responsible for the accident / collision (besides the driver) include the employer of the driver, the truck / vehicle manufacturer, the loaders, and the auto mechanics who worked on the truck or vehicle.
    •    Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer severe injuries than motor vehicle drivers in Sacramento auto accidents. This is because they are not enclosed in a vehicle like the driver of a car, so there are fewer barriers between the driver and the objects involved in a crash. Attorneys for motorcyclists usually seek and recover higher awards during litigation that will compensate for any injuries received.
    •    Bus accidents: Governmental Claims are often filed in these cases, in accordance with the large number of passengers who sustain injuries.
    •    Road construction-related accidents: Road maintenance crews, supervisors, and even county and other Governmental Agencies may all be held accountable for poorly constructed, maintained, repaired road surfaces or dangerous condition of public property that have led to devastating injuries.
    •    Inclement weather-related accidents: Rough weather does not preclude a driver from being especially careful on the road. Therefore, your attorney will insist that a driver who blames weather conditions for the accident is still responsible for failing to take necessary precautions.
    •    If you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insurance on your vehicle, your insurance company must pay for the damage to the vehicle, even though the negligent, at fault, driver has no insurance.

Injury Attorney | Mark A. Doughty Law Blog | Legal Resource Articles

Why Do I Need an Accident Lawyer in the Sacramento Area?

While it is possible to represent yourself in Sacramento accident litigation, the Law Offices of Mark A Doughty are here to support you in your Catastrophic Personal Injury in Sacramento, CA

Anyone who suffers a catastrophic Sacramento personal injury knows firsthand the pain, fear, and immediate Causes of Automobile Accidents in Sacramento

The causes of an automobile accident in Sacramento are numerous and varied. 

In the thirty-year practice... Accident Attorney | Mark A. Doughty | GoLaw.com

• Caring, Tough & Effective Representation:

Based in Yuba City, the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty helps accident victims in Sacramento, Lincoln, Marysville, Roseville, Rocklin, and throughout California obtain the recovery they deserve from the parties responsible for the injuries they have suffered.

SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES 

Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Trucking Accidents, Pedestrian / Bicycle Accidents, Public Transportation Accidents, Wrongful Death, Slip & Fall / Premises Liability, Animal Attacks, Products Liability, Defective Drugs/Drug Interactions, Unsafe Public/Private Property, Construction Site Accidents, Third Party Liability, Aircraft Accidents and Water-Related Injuries.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today

At the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty, you can contact us twenty-four hours a day, and we are available for evening or weekend appointments. If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available.  If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty for an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.

For Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440
For Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917
For Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917

Go to our website: GoLaw.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/DoughtyLaw
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DoughtyLaw
Read full article at: Our SQUIDOO BLOG
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements
Topic: Automobile Accidents

10 Things to Do in Case of an Auto Accident

Author: Mark A. Doughty
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File under: Personal Injury Law, Auto Accidents, Car Crash, What to do

March 1, 2012

The following information was written by Northern California Accident - Injury Lawyer, Mark A. Doughty to help you have general information. It is intended to inform the public and not serve as legal advice.


10 Things to Do in Case of an Auto Accident

1.) Stop
No matter how minor an accident may be, the failure to stop can result in serious criminal consequences. If possible, stop your vehicle at the point nearest the accident scene without obstructing traffic more than necessary.

2.) Render Aid
If anyone is injured:
    - Render first aid to the extent you are qualified
    - Stop bleeding
    - Call a doctor or an ambulance or both
    - Do not move an injured person in any way that could possibly add to his or her injury.

3.) Protect the Scene and those Involved from Further Damage or Injury
If the accident has obstructed the roadway, take measures to adequately warn approaching drivers. If the highway is obstructed at night, illuminate the accident scene if possible. Use the warning flashers that are standard equipment on most vehicles. If you can do so safely, take photos of the scene and the vehicles at rest before they are moved.

4.) Dial 911 to call a Police Officer
State and local police officers are trained accident investigators. Their expertise may be invaluable in establishing the reason the accident occurred.

5.) Gather Information and Write It Down
Don’t trust your memory. Write down the facts, including the names and addresses of witnesses; skid marks and distance measurements; and the names, addresses and license plate numbers of the drivers involved.

Participants in automobile accidents are required by law to exhibit their driver’s licenses and provide their vehicle registration numbers, insurance carriers, insurance policy numbers, and names and addresses of their local insurance agents to each driver involved in the accident.

Below is a handy form to help you collect the appropriate information:
Name(s) Address(es) of Driver(s)____________________________________________________
License Plate Number(s)__________________________________________________________
Insurance Carrier(s)______________________________________________________________
Name(s) and Address(es) of Agent(s)_____________________________________________
Name(s) and Address(es) of Witness(es)_______________________________________________
Skid Mark Measurements__________________________________________________________
Distance Measurements__________________________________________

6.) Be Careful What You Say
Do not admit fault even if you think the accident was your fault. You may discover later that the other driver was equally or more at fault. Statements made during the excitement of an accident may be misconstrued or later misquoted by others. Discuss the accident with the investigating officer, your attorney and your insurance company.

7.) See Your Doctor
Serious injuries do not always result in immediate pain or bloodshed. It may be hours or even several days before you feel the effects of the injuries received. Consult a doctor or hospital if there is the slightest chance you may be injured.

8.) Inform Your Insurance Company Immediately
Your insurance company employs trained investigators who will attempt to develop all evidence for your defense. Failure to promptly notify your insurer may void your policy and leave you without insurance coverage for damage resulting from the accident.

9.) File an Accident Report with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Regardless of fault, the operator of every motor vehicle involved in an accident resulting in death or personal injury or property damage of $750 or more within the State of California must report the accident to the DMV within 10 days using a SR-1 form or you may lose your license.

10.) Consult Your Lawyer Promptly
If you anticipate filing a civil claim for damage or facing a trial on a traffic violation charge, the sooner your lawyer is brought into the matter the better he or she can advise you and protect your rights. Your personal injury lawyer can obtain statements from the witnesses while their memories are fresh and assure that the true facts are preserved.

Get your lawyer’s advice before giving any interviews or statements, except to representatives of your insurance carrier.

If you or a loved one is involved in a serious injury accident you should contact the Law Offices of Mark A Doughty, Accident - Injury Attorney at once.

For Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440
For Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917
For Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917

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How do I get the money to hire an Accident Attorney - Injury Lawyer?

The following is excerpted from our BLOG on SettlementBoard.com > Law Blog

How is Personal Injury Litigation in Sacramento Financed?

At the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty we do not collect fees on injury cases unless we collect money for you. We charge no money down and no money per month on PI cases.

You made the difficult but necessary decision to engage in personal injury litigation. But how are you going to pay for it? Fortunately, many Sacramento personal injury attorneys work on what is known as a contingency basis. This means that they do not collect a fee unless they obtain a recovery for you. While this is often a benefit enjoyed by clients of the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty, we recognize that it is not applicable to every case. Therefore, several options for financing your personal injury attorneys in the Sacramento Area are listed below at other attorney's offices:

• Discuss a payment plan with your injury attorney in the Sacramento Valley. It is not uncommon for clients to tell their counsel that a substantial payment or immediate retainer is not feasible for them. Your personal injury attorneys in Sacramento may provide payment plans for individuals such as yourself.
• Talk to a loan company that finances California injury attorneys. Some of these organizations may offer a contingency-basis loan, even if your injury attorney in Sacramento does not. This means that you only need to repay the money you borrowed if your case is won or settled.
• Research low or no-cost legal aid options. You may be able to secure a personal injury attorney in Sacramento through your local legal aid society. Look for community organizations that offer reduced fees for legal services. The Sacramento injury attorney who is retained may be a highly competent professional who volunteers his or her services. In addition, if you belong to a professional organization, such as a union for police officers, firefighters, or veterans, low or no-cost Sacramento personal injury litigation may be within your reach. Discuss your case with a leader or representative from your organization.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today

At the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty, you can contact us twenty-four hours a day, and we are available for evening or weekend appointments. If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available. If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty for an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917

Go to our website: GoLaw.com
Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements
Topic: Automobile Accidents

What Should You Do If Someone You Know Is Seriously Injured?

The following is excerpted from our BLOG on Lawyers.com > Law Blog

Catastrophic Personal Injury in Sacramento

Friday, January 20, 2012 by Mark A. Doughty

Anyone who suffers a catastrophic personal injury knows firsthand the pain, fear, and immediate physical trauma that such an experience can cause. Unfortunately, the long-term effects associated with these traumatic events cannot be overlooked. They can alter the life of the victim for years to come—and possibly on a permanent basis.

Here, the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty illustrates just a few of the lasting problems that catastrophic Sacramento personal injuries can cause:
• Loss of a bodily system or function. Victims of catastrophic Sacramento injuries such as paraplegia or quadriplegia lose the ability to perform many of their former daily tasks. Depending on the nature and extent of the damage to their spinal cords, they may lose reproductive, digestive, or even respiratory function. Such physical dependence often leads to the need for full time assistive care, either by a nurse or other medical professional, such as a certified home attendant.
• Multiple surgeries. It is not uncommon for a Sacramento personal injury lawyer from our firm to obtain compensation for victims in need of multiple surgeries. Often the physical damage from catastrophic injuries is so great that it cannot be remedied with just one, or even two, surgeries. It is possible that a victim will need to visit the operating room dozens of times in order to have his or her medical issues fully addressed.
• Rehabilitation. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are just a few of the treatments for which a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento may seek benefits on your behalf. These therapies can continue for months, or even years, depending upon the extent of your injuries.
• Lengthy hospital stays. Weeks, and sometimes months, of intensive care can add to the financial burden borne by victims of catastrophic injuries. Retaining the services of an injury lawyer in Sacramento may be crucial to obtaining a settlement that covers the expenses incurred by these stays.

You found the right Sacramento personal injury lawyer

The Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty can provide an accident lawyer in Sacramento who will answer all of these questions and more. With over thirty years of experience, we regularly achieve outstanding results for our clients, and have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for them. We are available to discuss your case twenty-four hours a day, and will gladly schedule evening and weekend appointments.

If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available. With unparalleled qualifications such as these, we feel confident that when you retain the services of our firm, you will be sure it is the right one for you.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today

If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty for an accident lawyer in Sacramento.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917.

Go to our website: GoLaw.com
Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements

How Does A Car Accident Occur?

How Does A Car Accident Occur?

The following is excerpted from our BLOG on Lawyers.com > Law Blog

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents in Sacramento

Thursday, Dec 15, 2011 by Mark A. Doughty

The causes of an automobile accident in Sacramento, Northern California, or anywhere for that matter, are numerous and varied. In the thirty-year practice of our firm, the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty has represented cases of this nature that stemmed from the following:
• Negligent or reckless driving
• Intentionally malicious driving
• Driver fatigue
• Alcohol or drug consumption
• Inappropriate use of prescription medication
• Speeding
• Turning improperly or illegally
• Disregard of traffic signs, signals, or road personnel
• Driver distraction
• Passenger behavior
• Mechanical failure or defective vehicle equipment
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Poorly maintained vehicle
• Road or weather conditions

You need a skilled Sacramento automobile accident lawyer

No matter what the cause of your Sacramento automobile accident might be, it is crucial to discuss every aspect of what happened with your attorney. The first reason for this approach is that more parties than you realize may be at fault for what happened. Your automobile accident lawyer can help determine if the incident occurred due to the negligence of a driver, a manufacturer, a mechanic, or even a road maintenance crew. The second reason to give full details to your legal counsel is because this will help him or her establish grounds for fault. In order to so, it must be shown that the defendants:
• Knew that he or she had a responsibility to keep you safe
• Failed to take actions honoring that responsibility
• Caused your injuries by his or her actions, or lack thereof

No matter the reason for your California automobile accident, you should discuss your case with the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty. We determine exactly what occurred during the incident that caused your injury or injuries. An automobile accident lawyer at our firm in Sacramento, Lincoln, or Yuba City can help you seek redress for your suffering, and obtain the compensation and justice that you deserve.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today.

At the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty, you can contact us twenty-four hours a day, and we are available for evening or weekend appointments. If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available. If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty for an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917

Go to our website: GoLaw.com
Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements
Topic: Automobile Accidents

Should You Represent Yourself If You Are In An Accident?

The following is excerpted from our BLOG on Lawyers.com > Law Blog
"Why Do I Need an Accident Lawyer in Sacramento?"
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by Mark A. Doughty

Should You Represent Yourself If You Are In An Accident?

While it is possible to represent yourself in Sacramento accident litigation, the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty does not recommend this approach. The following are several reasons to seek an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area:

• A lawyer helps determine what caused your Sacramento accident injuries. It is not always obvious to the victim, or to an ordinary observer, exactly what caused a Sacramento accident. However, an experienced attorney typically has a good idea of which parties may be held responsible for the injuries suffered. Indeed, in an automobile accident, it is not only another driver that can be held accountable for the crash. Motor vehicle manufacturers, automobile mechanics, and even road maintenance crews may all play a part in causing an accident. It requires a lawyer with extensive experience in the laws surrounding accident injuries in Sacramento to determine whether you need to pursue action against more than one person or organization.

• A lawyer knows how to hold responsible parties accountable for Sacramento accidents. Unfortunately, it is not enough to simply know that your Sacramento accident injury was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another. You must be able to prove it. A knowledgeable attorney knows how to determine liability for your accident, showing that those who caused it had a responsibility to keep you safe, and that their failure or denial of that responsibility led to your injury.

• A lawyer knows policies and procedures for accident litigation in Sacramento. For over thirty years, the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty has represented victims in Sacramento accident litigation. The average accident victim is not likely to know the courtroom rules and regulations that are required in order to secure a favorable verdict, and therefore needs an attorney with a high level of experience. From important paperwork that needs to be filed, to objections that should be made, it is important to entrust your accident litigation in Sacramento to a skilled attorney.

You found the right Sacramento personal injury lawyer

The Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty can provide an accident lawyer in Sacramento who will answer all of these questions and more. With over thirty years of experience, we regularly achieve outstanding results for our clients, and have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for them. We are available to discuss your case twenty-four hours a day, and will gladly schedule evening and weekend appointments.

If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available. With unparalleled qualifications such as these, we feel confident that when you retain the services of our firm, you will be sure it is the right one for you.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today

If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty to speak with an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440.
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917.
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917.

Go to our website: GoLaw.com

Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements

Topic: Automobile Accidents

Where Can I Find a Personal Injury Attorney in Sacramento, California?

So many times, it's important to know where to turn when you need help. If you suffer an injury caused by another person, car, truck, or company and realize that you need a Sacramento personal injury attorney like Mark A Doughty. But where do you begin to look? While you might want to search in a phone book or online, doing so can be impersonal.

A better way to look for an injury attorney in Sacramento is by seeking out personal references. Ask your friends, relatives, or community organization members if they were ever in need of a Sacramento injury attorney, and if so, which firm they chose. Ask what results were obtained for them by the firm, and whether they were satisfied with those results.

Other questions you might want to consider asking are:

• What was the working style of your personal injury lawyer in Sacramento? Was he or she available when you needed to discuss your case?
• What was the fee structure used by your Sacramento personal injury lawyer? What if you could not afford to pay a large amount of money up front?
• How much experience did your accident lawyer in Sacramento have?
• What if English is not your native language? Can your Sacramento accident lawyer still assist you?

You found the right Sacramento personal injury lawyer

The Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty can provide an accident lawyer in Sacramento who will answer all of these questions and more. With over thirty years of experience, we regularly achieve outstanding results for our clients, and have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for them. We are available to discuss your case twenty-four hours a day, and will gladly schedule evening and weekend appointments.

If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available. With unparalleled qualifications such as these, we feel confident that when you retain the services of our firm, you will be sure it is the right one for you.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today

If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty to speak with an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440.
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917.
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917.

Go to our website: GoLaw.com

Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG 
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements