Posts

Dump-Truck Accident in Dallas, Texas, Highlights Dangers of Heavy Truck Versus Car Accidents

A recent accident on the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway in Dallas, Texas, highlights the dangers when a heavy truck is involved in an accident with cars.  On September 10, 2013, a dump truck was travelling east down one side of the divided road when, according to eye-witnesses, a plume of smoke erupted and the truck slid over one car and pinned it underneath the truck.  The dump truck then jumped across the concrete median barrier into the westbound lanes of traffic and came to rest on a Lexus sedan travelling in one of the westbound lanes. The two individuals in the Lexus—Tarleton and Benna Mullikin—were killed.  Daniel Cerean, the driver of the other car that was pinned underneath the back of the dump truck, sustained injuries but is recovering.  The freeway was closed for five hours in both directions while local authorities attended to the scene.  Authorities have not yet issued details about the cause of the crash.  The dump truck belonged to a company that is a subcontractor working on the roadway construction on the freeway.

Accidents involving large, commercial vehicles and smaller, consumer vehicles often end with disastrous consequences due to the disparity in size between the vehicles.  When accidents like this occur, it is important to ensure that an accident reconstruction expert is retained to thoroughly examine the potential causes of the accident.  Commercial trucks, including semi-trailers, construction trucks, dump trucks, and similar large commercial trucks, are more complicated that vehicles designed for consumer use.  They also experience much more extreme wear, use, and strain simply because of the purposes for which they are designed.  Because of this, proper maintenance of commercial trucks is vital. Unfortunately, the owners of these trucks sometimes do not properly maintain them.  This inadequate maintenance can lead to accidents. Inadequate maintenance can cause issues in braking systems, tires, and load distribution capabilities.

Frighteningly, braking systems are a common area of insufficient maintenance.  The weight of commercial trucks and the force needed to stop them can lead to tragedy when brakes have not been properly inspected, serviced, or replaced.  Simply put, inadequately maintained braking systems prevent trucks from stopping when they should or, even worse, from stopping at all.

Inadequately maintained tires is a second major cause of trucking accidents.  Tires are vital to the safe operation of all commercial trucks.  When tires are not replaced at the end of their useful like, the risk of a tire blowout increases dramatically. Tire blowouts can cause drivers to lose control or be unable to maneuver the truck or to be unable to slow or stop the truck.

Trucks haul things; that is what they are specifically intended to do.  This function is made possible by a multitude of coupling devices, bolts, and locking mechanisms, just to name a few. If these parts are insufficiently maintained, eventually they can fail.  When such a failure occurs, the load a truck is transporting can shift or completely fall loose from the truck.  Obviously, loads falling completely loose represent a hazard to all oncoming traffic.  Shifting loads can also cause the truck to lose control.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a commercial truck, it is important to retain an attorney experienced in this type of personal injury lawsuit.  You need an attorney who understands when an expert is necessary, and knows which experts on which to rely.  You also need an attorney who understands how to fight insurance companies—sometimes, many of them at the same time.  Barrett Law, PLLC has been fighting for the rights of individuals injured as a result of trucking accidents for decades.  We are here to fight for you.  Please contact us today at (800) 707-9577 to learn more about how we can help you.

/by

Dorel Juvenile USA Recalls Over 89,000 Car Seats

On September 12, 2013, Dorel Juvenile USA announced a recall of more than 89,000 child safety restraint systems.  According to the recall information on Dorel Juvenile USA’s website, the recall stems from incorrect installation instructions depicted on various product labels.  The recall extends to various models of Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite, Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1, Safety First Complete Air LX, and Safety 1st Complete Air SE.  The production dates for the affected systems include July 20, 2010, through May 18, 2011.  Additional information can be found at http://www.djgusa.com/usa/eng/Safety-Notices/Detail/556-Dorel-Juvenile-Announces-a-Safety-Recall-of-Certain-Safety-1st-and-Eddie-Bauer-Child-Restraint-Systems.

If you have an infant or young child, it is vital to ensure that you have a properly-installed and fastened child safety restraint system in your vehicle.  Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death of children under sixteen years of age in the United States.  However, even if you do have a properly installed and fastened child safety restraint system, unfortunately this does not guarantee your child will be safe in the event of a motor vehicle accident.  In fact, over the past ten years or so, over 15 million child safety restraint systems have been recalled due to various safety issues.  Every year, hundreds of children die due to defective child safety restraint systems.

Several types of defects can exist.  These include: the use of flammable materials, which can easily catch fire during an accident; inadequate strength of frames, leading to collapse; latches that improperly release, resulting in children being thrown from the seat upon impact; straps that rip, tear, or become dislodged, again resulting in children being thrown or partially thrown from the seat upon impact; and latches that will not properly release, resulting in children being trapped in the seat or the car after an accident.  Clearly, any of these malfunctions and resulting effects can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.

Nothing can compare to the loss of a child.  If you have been involved in an accident in which your child was in a child safety restraint system but was nevertheless injured in the recent days, weeks, or months, you have likely been focusing solely on your child’s return to health.  However, during this difficult time, it is important to begin thinking about retaining an attorney to ensure that your rights and your child’s rights are fully protected.  While it is not something you want to be concerned with, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more difficult it may be for you to ultimate recover the damages to which you or your child is entitled.  Barrett Law PLLC is here to help you understand your legal rights during this crisis in your life.

If you and your child have been involved in such an accident but have not yet retained an attorney, there are a few things to keep in mind.  First and foremost, do not dispose of the child safety restrain system.  This will be the key piece of evidence in proving that your child’s injuries were the result of a defective child safety restrain system.  It is extraordinarily difficult to prove that a product is defective if that product has been disposed of.  While identical makes and models can be analyzed and tested, it will be virtually impossible to determine exactly how your child’s safety restrain system was defective if it cannot be examined.  It is also important to keep copies of all medical records, bills, and the like, related to your child’s injuries and treatment.  While these documents can always be subpoenaed during the course of a lawsuit, it is helpful to have them in advance.  Your lawyer will be better able to analyze your rights and advise you as to the best course of action if he or she has access to this information initially.

If your child has been injured in a motor vehicle accident and you have concerns that the child safety restrain system was defective, please contact the highly skilled personal injury attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC today at (800) 707-9577 to discuss your case.

/by

An Overview of Whiplash Injuries in Mississippi Auto Accident Cases

Nearly every day, we hear stories about people who sustain serious injuries in auto accidents across the U.S.  The most common forms of injuries that accident victims sustain are fractures, lacerations, concussions, head and neck trauma, and a variety of soft tissue related injuries.  In general, many individuals fail to appreciate the severity of soft tissue damages – including whiplash – which can be serious and life threatening if not immediately treated.  Unfortunately, whiplash occurs for a variety of reasons during a car accident, even when someone is wearing his or her seatbelt.  However, the severity of the whiplash depends upon the type of crash and the amount of force generated as a result.  For instance, a rear end collision involving high speeds typically result in cases of whiplash that are severe enough to disable a person for weeks.  Conversely, a side swipe accident involving lower speeds may leave a person with a stiff neck however, they are able usually to recover within a short period of time.

            In general, whiplash is a form of soft tissue damage that occurs when a vehicle is struck during an accident, causing a person’s head to rapidly move back and forth, much like the snap of a whip.  Oftentimes, people are unaware that they sustained a whiplash-related injury since it takes time for the initial trauma and shock of an accident to subside.   Otherwise stated, it is not uncommon for people to start feeling the effects of their accident within hours if not days following an accident.  As a seasoned Mississippi auto accident lawyer that has represented numerous whiplash victims, they often tell me that they did not realize just how badly their neck was injured until they woke up the next day.

As noted above, whiplash can be a serious injury and often manifests itself in a variety of different ways.  For instance, there are many symptoms which indicate that a person is suffering from whiplash.  Being aware of these symptoms may help mitigate the risks should you sustain a whiplash injury.   The most common symptoms of whiplash are:

  1. Mild to moderate head and neck pain
  2. Difficulty remembering
  3. Episodes of vertigo
  4. Fainting spells
  5. Feeling dizzy
  6. Feeling fatigued
  7. Difficulty focusing or concentrating
  8. Mild to severe back pain
  9. Anxiety
  10. Depression
  11. Radiating pains that stem from the neck and affect numerous parts of the body
  12. Neck stiffness
  13. Numbness and tingling in various parts of the body
  14. Muscle cramps

For more information, contact our seasoned Mississippi car accident attorneys now learn more about your legal options.  We will take the time to examine the facts of your case and advise you of all of your rights and responsibilities.  We look forward to providing you with superior legal representation.

/by
,

Expectations With That of Trucking Accidents In Mississippi

In our lives we are responsible not only for getting tasks and responsibilities accomplished, and done so in a timely manner, but also that of getting from place-to-place in order to get them done. In order to do so we not only rely the majority of the time on our vehicles, but also that of the road itself. However, are you actually safe on the road in this day and age? When we think of the majority of auto accidents that occur on the road today we typically assume they occur at the hands of the individual driving the vehicle. However, that is not always the case, especially when large trucks are around.

What Purpose Do Trucks Really Serve?

Trucks are one portion of our world today that help not only transport necessary materials from one area to the next, but also transport that of the goods, and products that can be seen all throughout our homes, which are purchased from supermarkets, and other stores. While we rely on these vehicles to not only help transport supplies we depend on so much we also rely on them to do so while operating their vehicle properly, and safely. Unfortunately, this is not the case today in many instances.

The Facts of The Matter

Today, trucking accidents have not only significantly risen, not only within Mississippi, but all throughout the country as well. Why? From reasons ranging between fatigue to inexperience, or just negligence these accidents not only are continuing to occur, but also causing a large amount of damage to whatever comes within their path. In many cases, automobiles such as sedans, and SUVs can not only be destroyed to what looks like a crushed soda can, but the passengers inside not simply injured, but killed with one swift hit. Yet, those motor vehicle operators that do manage to survive do so with serious, and debilitating injuries that impact their quality of life and welfare presently, and for years to come.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident and has been injured or killed you may be entitled to damages for your pain, suffering, and property damage. Make sure that you contact an experienced, and ultimately dedicated attorney immediately in order to fight for what we all truly want at the end of the day, which is that of peace of mind.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, make an appointment with one of our Mississippi attorneys by calling (800) 707-9577.

 

/by
,

Thanksgiving On The Road

Driving is one aspect of our lives that we rely on everyday whether it is that of commuting from our home to the office, running some of our many daily errands, or picking up and dropping off our loved ones. Ultimately, it can certainly be said, and seen that the majority of our day, and our lives are spent behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and on the road. One particular time of the year that many drivers can be seen on the road whether they usually rely on that of a motor vehicle, or not, is that of holidays.

On The Road Again

Throughout our year we have many holidays that are signify different meanings to us either religiously, nationally, or sentimentally. Soon to come this month is that of Thanksgiving, which is a holiday near and dear to the hearts of many Americans. During the Thanksgiving holiday there always seems to be a record number of drivers on the road traveling from their home to a family member’s, and then eventually back. However, with so many individuals on the road all focused on the destination versus that of the journey many dangers, and factors come to the road that could easily result in your involvement in an auto accident.

Taking Your Thanks and Applying It To The Road

During holiday seasons, especially Thanksgiving, traffic numbers increase greatly nation wide. Many people travel with their families, which means a great number of occupants in a vehicle than usual, and ultimately more distractions. In many cases, it has and will forever be seen that traffic patterns seem to vary in particular areas, which means you can sometimes expect to stop, go, stop, go, and eventually maybe sit in a particular spot on the highway for a number of minutes. The fact of the matter is that individuals are trying to get to their destination, and the majority of the time, in a hurried fashion and not considering their safety, and the safety of others.

Make sure this Thanksgiving holiday that you take your safety and the safety of others on the road seriously regardless of what condition you may be traveling in.

At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (800-707-9577) to see how we can help.

 

/by
, ,

What To Do When Involved In An Automobile Accident

In our lives there are many things that we simply do not have control over no matter how hard we try. One of these things is that of mistakes, which occur every single day by our hand in one mannerism or another. However, the thing about mistakes is that they vary significantly not only on the premise of what happens, but also the consequences that result from it based on its severity. While mistakes and accidents alike can be seen in many various portions of our lives they certainly can hold different consequences when they occur on the road.

The Fact of The Matter Pertaining To Auto Accidents

Today, the road is something that is not only driver by many Americans, but also a necessity that we use for many different reasons that ultimately make sure our lives, and duties are running as smoothly as possible. While we can in fact predict some aspects of the road, such as whether or not an area will have a great deal of traffic, what some traffic signs and speed limits are in an area, as well as possible environmental factors that affect the road in a particular area. Unfortunately, one aspect of the road that is difficult for anyone to predict is that of an accident occurring.

Evaluating The Situation Properly

So, what should you actually do when involved in an accident on the road? The first thing anyone should do is call a law enforcement entity to the scene in order to have an acquire documentation of who’s at fault, how the accident took place, and noticeable damages at the time. Next, make sure to contact an auto accident attorney that is dedicated, and well versed in many different areas of automobile accidents, whether the accident itself was your fault or not. In many cases, individuals do not seek out an attorney and ultimately either settle for something entirely less than they are owed, or end up paying large, and ridiculous fees associated with the accident.

Ultimately, with an experienced auto accident attorney at your side you can rest assure that your case will be looked at thoroughly with your best interest in mind.

At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (800-707-9577) to see how we can help.

 

/by
,

What You Can Expect From Wrong-Way Crashes

Driving and the road are two key parts of our lives that we rely, and depend on daily in order to get all of our many responsibilities, and duties completed whether they are personal, professional, or recreational. Either way, both aspects are necessary commodities to many Americans each day of the week. However, as we have all come to terms with in one form, or fashion accidents are also a common part of our lives whether they result from a mistake made on our part, or another individual. Usually, the consequences of mistakes heavily depend on the severity of the mistake itself, which can range from minor to major.

What Are Wrong-Way Crashes?

So, when on the road, what can you expect from mistakes that lead to wrong-way crashes? Wrong-way crashes usually occur in more urban areas that of suburban and rural, although not completely unheard of. How a wrong-way accident usually occurs is that a driver is either unfamiliar with the area that they are in and turn on a road that traffic is flowing in the opposing direction, or the driver is simply negligent when it comes down to following and abiding by traffic signs and signals.

What You Can Expect

However, what consequences can be seen associated with that of wrong-way crashes? Recently, a wrong-way accident crash took place that highlights exactly what you can easily encounter when dealing with this issue on the road. According to police reports, a vehicle with two passengers was headed down a Mississippi highway, like many Mississippi drivers can be seen doing each day. However, the vehicle came into contact with a vehicle that was driving towards them versus on the other side of the road and hit the vehicle head on. The passengers were rushed to the hospital, and suffered from injuries that were deemed “life-threatening”. Today, the cause of the vehicle driving in the wrong lane is still unknown, but law enforcement entities are insinuating it could be that of texting and driving.

Make sure that when you are on the road that you carefully pay attention and follow the signs, and signals that can be seen all throughout the road regardless of whether or not it is a residential, highway, or interstate road.

At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (800-707-9577) to see how we can help.

/by
, ,

The Issue of Texting While Driving

Technology today is one aspect of our lives that our parents, and grandparents could have never imagined when they were children. Today, technology has ultimately not only helped us complete tasks that were once very difficult, but also in an easier, and more efficient fashion. One particular area of technology that certainly displays this is that of the cellphone. The cellphone has evolved greatly within the past few decades, which was once a large bulky item is now virtually the size of a credit card. Aside from its size, cellphones now serve more than one function of simply talking to another individual verbally, and now can virtually do anything a computer can.

The Power of Cellphones

However, although cellphones such a positive, and useful purpose in our world today what are the negative aspects of such a great device? The fact is that the majority of our lives are spent behind the wheel of an automobile commuting, running errands, dropping off our loved ones and picking them up, and traveling. In order to accomplish all of these many, and demand aspects of our lives we rely on our vehicles, which in turn, requires that of our focus, and attention.

Cause and Effect

Unfortunately, cellphones detract the attention of an individual greatly, and are the leading cause of automobile accidents today. Although it is in fact illegal to use your cellphone behind the wheel texting or talking, unless with a wireless headset, individuals ignore the laws associated with this and continue to put not only their safety at risk, but also that of all other motorists and pedestrians out there. Yet, how does this actually occur? Situationally, drivers usually get behind the wheel and are either texting a friend, checking one of their many social media outlets, or simply responding to a few emails. In order to do this it requires that they read a prior message that was sent to them, but also type as well as read what they are sending back, which ultimately means they will look at their device and away from the road.

By doing this drivers avert their attention and leave the possibility of an accident highly likely. Make sure when you are on the road that you realize what you number one, ultimate duty is as a driver, which is that of getting from one point to the next safely, with your well-being and others in mind.

At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (800-707-9577) to see how we can help.

/by
, ,

How Well Do Teenagers and Alcohol Actually Mix?

Every day the moment we wake up we never can truly expect, and predict what our day will have and hold for us. While we can predict some aspects such as going to work, school, or some of routine tasks and responsibilities we never are guaranteed that this particular time will be just like the last one. Unfortunately, by today’s standards, one group within our culture does not seem to grasp this concept, and ultimately are continuing to put not only themselves in danger, but also all others that cross their paths while on the road.

Meeting Puberty With Problems Within A Bottle

Yet, what travesty could teenagers, who in many cases are those still considered children, actually be related with on a regular basis? Alcohol is one aspect in our society that is not only very prevalent, but is also abused regularly as well. Many teenagers today participate in consuming alcohol illegally, which contributes to many poor decisions that they make whether they be socially, or with their safety. Unfortunately, many cases can be seen that teenagers take their poor decision making to the streets, and proceed to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

The Results Can Be Simply Seen

Today, many teenagers already have a hard enough time driving due to their lack of focus on the road, but when mixed with alcohol as well the results can be catastrophic. In many cases we see that when teenagers who are under the influence get behind the wheel of a vehicle they usually are involved in an accident that produces expensive property damage, injuries that can range from a scratch to that of paralysis, and even that of death. Teenagers are at that age in life that they feel that they are invincible, and cannot be toppled off their platform. Unfortunately, we can see in many past cases these teenagers have not only run into problems pertaining to the legal aspects of a DUI, but also life altering health factors as well.

Make sure to talk to your children, and especially teenagers about alcohol. Explain to them what the substance actually is, and how it should be used properly after they have reached the legal age of consumption.

At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.

 

/by

Why You Should Wear Your Seatbelt

Driving is one activity within our day that we are constantly participating in doing whether we are dropping the kids off at school, running into the office for a meeting, or attempting to accomplish one of our many errands. It can certainly be said that we rely on our vehicles greatly in this day and age when it comes down to our daily needs, and routines. However, with so many things that have to be done and on our mind we tend to lose track of things that are going on around us, especially while on the road.

When individuals get behind the wheel with so many things going on within their lives, and the though of having to deal with them and get them done it certainly detracts away from their ability to properly focus, and operate their vehicle. Ultimately these distractions and more eventually end with an individual being involved in a motor vehicle accident. However, aside from actually focusing on the road while on it, is there anything you can do to protect yourself physically when involved in an accident?

“Click It or Ticket”, but Really

The answer is 100% absolutely without a doubt yes, but what? Seatbelts are equipped with almost every automobile today, besides on motorcycles, and in some buses. By wearing your seatbelt you can greatly help contribute to your safety, and lessen the likelihood, that if involved in an automobile accident, of receiving any severe, or debilitating injuries. In many cases we see individuals who either have sustained injuries, or have died in car accidents that probably could have completely been avoided if they only had worn their seatbelt. Wearing your seatbelt is also a law within the United States, which if not worn you can receive a ticket for.

Whether the law required it or not, you should want to make sure you have a seatbelt in your vehicle, and have it on every time you are in your vehicle before it is even set into motion. By doing so you not only greatly protect yourself if involved in an accident, but also set an example of proper safety to others whether they are in your vehicle, or fellow vehicle operators.

At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (800-707-9577) to see how we can help.

/by