Holiday Parties Shouldn’t Turn into Funerals

Holiday Parties Shouldn’t Turn into Funerals – Statistics That Could Make You Put That Drink Down

The wee hours after New Year’s Eve sees the highest number of motor vehicle crashes out of all holidays in Pennsylvania, according to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Ten percent of all PA holiday crashes in 2011 happened on “Post New Year’s,” the time of night when most revelers are attempting to make their way back home after counting down to the annual calendar flip. The problem is that some drivers choose to get behind the wheel when they’re intoxicated. AAA remarked recently that hours after New Year’s Eve consistently ranks as the deadliest for alcohol-related fatalities around the country. For injury lawyers in Philadelphia, stressing the need for responsible alcohol consumption around the holidays could be seen as a full-time job. The accident statistics alone should be sobering for even the most ardent holiday imbiber. 

Understanding Injuries Caused by Head-On Collisions

Some of the most devastating New York traffic accidents involve head-on collisions. The overall force of the collision is intensified by the speed of the two vehicles, resulting in an impact that can do considerable damage. Even at relatively low speeds, a head-on collision can result in serious or even fatal injuries.

Washington Road Safety: How Does 2012 Stack Up?

As the year 2012 draws to a close, motor vehicle agencies throughout Washington are gathering accident statistics and comparing them to previous years. Although most numbers are still preliminary, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) reports that 2012 saw a reduced number of many types of accidents involving motor vehicles – but an increased rate of motorcycle crashes.

How to Help Older Family Members Prevent Falls

Older Americans are at a greater risk of fall injuries than younger people. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 33 percent of Americans age 65 or older suffer falls every year, and 2 million of those who fall need emergency care.

Maryland Moves Up the Ranks in National Health Study

The Maryland personal injury lawyers at Alpert Schreyer were pleased to see that an annual study conducted by the United Health Foundation has seen Maryland improve overall as a state in its health. The study, America’s Health Rankings, rated Maryland as the 19th healthiest state in the United States, a major jump from its position as 24th in the year 2011.

FMCSA Proposes Regulations to Crack Down on Repeat Safety Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently announced a set of proposed new rules that would give the agency more authority to penalize commercial truck and bus companies that showed a pattern of safety violations.

Consequences of a Washington Pedestrian Accident

Walking is fun for many people, provides an environmentally-friendly way to get around, and offers good exercise. Seattle and other Washington cities often have resources for pedestrians, like sidewalks, crosswalks, and crossing signals. Pedestrians may also walk on the shoulder of roads without sidewalks.

Tips to Stay Safe on New York Roads this Thanksgiving

Every year at Thanksgiving, Americans take to the roadway to celebrate with friends and family. According to the annual Thanksgiving travel forecast released by AAA, 43.6 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles over the holiday. This is a slight increase from the number of Thanksgiving travelers in 2011.

Air Bag Safety Helps Protect Washington Motor Vehicle Operators

Most new vehicles and many used vehicles are equipped with one or more air bags. Air bags are designed to inflate rapidly in certain types of accidents, providing a safety cushion for those inside the vehicle to protect them from harm.

Tucson Construction Noise Injuries in the Community

Tucson construction noise injuries are not only reserved for those people working on the construction site, but apparently residents in the surrounding neighborhoods are complaining as well and the problem may be larger than expected.

Keep Teens Safe Around Trucks: Share These Big Rig Accident Prevention Tips

Large trucks don’t make up a large percentage of traffic on Missouri roads, but they do account for a large percentage of deaths and serious injuries in multi-vehicle accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), nearly 25 percent of all car accident deaths occur in accidents between a passenger car and a motor vehicle. Across all truck accidents, 70 percent of deaths occurred when a large truck collided with a smaller car.

Sharp Increase in U.S. Traffic Deaths Leaves Analysts Confused

Newly-released information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has shown that the first half of 2012 saw the total amount of traffic accident-related deaths rise nine percent from 2011. In total, 16,290 people were killed in car accidents from January through June 2012, baffling analysts as to why fatalities increased so much, according to a Reuters report.

Suspect Elder Abuse in Missouri? You Have the Right to Report It

Even one instance of abuse or neglect of an elderly nursing home patient is too many, especially when it’s someone you love. To help families investigate conditions that may signal abuse or elder neglect, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services offers access to the state’s Elder Abuse and Neglect Hotline.

When Choosing a Child Safety Seat, Consider Side-Impact Crash Risks

Child safety seats are key to protecting the health and safety of children when a car accident occurs. When you’re choosing a child safety seat for a child in your care, it’s important to consider the various types of accidents that may occur – not only front-end crashes, but side-impact and rollover accidents at well.

What Factors Put You at Risk for a Rollover Crash?

Of all the types of auto accidents that a driver can experience, a rollover is perhaps the worst possibility. During a rollover crash, occupants are thrashed around inside the vehicle unlike any other form of accident, slamming into everything they can touch while being pelted with flying debris. Should an occupant not be wearing a seatbelt, he or she can easily be ejected from the vehicle, slamming into whatever may be nearby or possibly being run over by their own vehicle.

Study: Relying on Technology to Detect Kids in Hot Cars Isn’t Enough

When an infant or child is left in a closed car in summer, rising temperatures can easily cause heatstroke and even death, especially when temperatures hit record highs as they have done this summer. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), gadgets intended to alert caregivers that a child has been left in the car aren’t enough to protect children and prevent child injuries.

Fall and Choking Hazards Prompt Kolcraft Stroller Recall

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced the recall of approximately 5,600 Kolcraft Contours Options LT tandem strollers due to fall and choking hazards presented by defective front wheels and the nuts which hold the stroller basket support screws in place.

NJ Supreme Court Rules on Workers’ Compensation Claims

The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled on the 2009 Workers’ Compensation law that allowed workers to sue insurance companies that delayed payments or denied treatments. Under the law, injured workers were able to hold carriers in contempt, to levy $5,000 fines, and to have their case handled in Superior Court. The Supreme Court has removed the draft legislation that allowed suits against insurance providers in Superior Court.

Maryland Summer Safety: Unintentional Drowning Risk Increases in Summer

With summer in full swing, Maryland residents of all ages are heading to the pool, the ocean, or to inland lakes and rivers to enjoy the water. Boating and swimming are especially popular summer activities. However, whenever you’re on the water, there’s always a risk of an accidental drowning in Maryland.

About 3,500 people die from accidental drowning in the U.S. each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unintentional drownings may happen year-round, but are more likely to occur in the summer when people gather at lakes, rivers, pools, water parks, and the ocean.

Understanding Your Car’s Antilock Braking System May Save Your Life

Antilock braking systems (ABS) have been around for many years, and most newer vehicles have them on at least two tires. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s important to understand whether or not your car has ABS and how to use the system if it does. Knowing how to operate your antilock brakes properly can help you stop the car safely in emergency conditions and prevent an accident.

Make Sure to “Pool Safely” for 4th of July

The 4^th of July is a fun summer holiday, but, as experienced personal injury attorneys, we know that it can also be very dangerous. It is not only important to practice proper fireworks safety, but pool safety is also of the utmost importance.

Legislation Signed Preventing Accident Fraud in Florida

 Legislation was Signed Preventing Accident Fraud in Florida.

"On May 04, 2012, Governor Rick Scott signed legislation that purportedly aims to reduce auto accident fraud, lower the cost of auto insurance premiums, and reduce the litigation costs associated with the current Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) insurance statute. A portion of the revised statute goes into effect on July 01, 2012, with the remainder going into effect on January 01, 2013.

Despite the major impact that this revised statute can potentially have on an insured’s or medical provider’s ability to recover benefits under the PIP statute, in most cases an insurance company is NOT required to amend its policy or notify its insured before this new law applies (i.e., it will automatically apply). For this reason, we felt that it was imperative to, at a minimum, set forth the most significant changes that may impact insureds’ and/or medical providers’ rights when involved in an auto accident or when treating an auto accident victim. Below are some answers to FAQs that will help you understand the changes of the revised law and how it might impact your case. If your question is not answered below or you would like more information about your specific situation, please call the Weinstein Law Firm at (954) 757-7500."

 http://www.jdsupra.com/post/documentViewer.aspx?fid=a89ab22f-34f8-4e6d-8378-3807ff834132


 

Pfizer & BYU settle Celebrex Lawsuit

Pfizer and BYU have settled their Celebrex lawsuit for $450 million dollars.

Pfizer issued this statement on their website:

"The parties to Brigham Young University and Dr. Daniel Simmons v. Pfizer Inc. et al., a matter in the United States Court for the District of Utah, Central Division, announce that they have reached an amicable settlement on confidential terms. As part of the resolution, BYU will establish the Dan Simmons Chair in recognition of Dr. Simmons' lifelong work and contributions towards advancing human health in a number of important areas including oncology, pain and Alzheimer's.

“We are pleased to resolve this matter and the uncertainty of litigation and to be in a position to support Dr. Simmons' research efforts at BYU."