Limousine Fire Claims the Lives of Five Women

On May 4, 2013, a limousine crossing the San Mateo- Hayward Bridge caught on fire killing five of its passengers. The Limousine was carrying a celebratory bachelorette party comprising of nine women. Of the dead was the 31 year-old bride-to-be.

The accident occurred Saturday night. The cause of the fire is unknown and still being investigated by officials. The Lincoln limousine is listed with California’s Public Utility Commission as legally able to carry eight passengers or less. However, the limousine was illegally carrying nine passengers.

Only four passengers were able to get out and suffered smoke inhalation and burn injuries. The only person to escape unhurt was the driver. At the first sign of danger, the women alerted the driver to pull over. The driver was first confused and thought they meant they would like to smoke. Once the driver realized there was trouble, he pulled over on the bridge.

Few of the women were able to climb through the partition to safety. It is believed that the other women may have been overcome by the smoke. By the time the firefighters arrived and doused the vehicle, the five women were dead. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but it is believed that the fire began in the trunk.

Tips for Limousine Safety

After the fatal limousine fire that took the lives of 5 passengers, it is absolutely vital to remember the importance of limousine safety. With upcoming proms and weddings, it is imperative to research the limousine before renting. While most customers are just searching for extravagance and luxury, customers must also be mindful of safety and security. Several tips to follow before renting a limousine include:

•          Research the company
•          Check the permit number to ensure that the limousine driver is genuine
•          Ask for a tour inside the limousine before choosing

Personal Injury Claim

If you or someone you know was recently injured while riding a limousine or bus, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately. An experienced personal injury attorney will work to earn you monetary compensation for your pain and suffering. Consider filing a personal injury claim if your injuries required medical care. Contact us today. 

Four Die in Head-On Collision in Northern Texas

In Morgan Hill, Texas a head-on collision killing four people took place on April 29, 2013. The accident occurred when one of the vehicles crossed the center line and headed into oncoming traffic. The vehicle that crossed over was a Volkswagen Beetle driven by an 18 year-old female. Sitting passenger seat with her was a 19 year-old female.

The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that the Beetle was heading southbound on Highway 281 when it crossed the median and struck a Mercedez Benz driven by a 29 year-old male. Alongside the 29 year-old male was his 26 year-old wife. Unfortunately, both drivers and passengers in the two vehicles died due to the head-on collision. Investigators are not immediately sure what caused the Beetle to cross into oncoming traffic.

The Severity of Head-On Collisions

Unfortunately, head-on collisions occur quite commonly and are one of the more severe types of traffic accidents today. A head-on collision is when both front ends of two vehicles smash into each other. While head-on collisions are not as common as rear-end accidents, when they occur they have the most devastating effects. Head-on collisions tend to be more fatal as the force of impact is much stronger. For example, if two opposite cars are traveling at a rate of 40 MPH, when they meet the impact will be at 80 MPH. Because the impact is twice the rate of speed, many victims do not survive the impact. 

Head-on collisions may take place for a number of reasons. Often times, a driver will become distracted and lose attention to the road. When this occurs, the vehicle may drift across the median line and into oncoming traffic. Other times, a drunk driver may enter the freeway using the exit ramp and head into oncoming traffic. Sadly, many innocent motorists have been killed due to wrong-way crashes caused by driving under the influence.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

Regardless of the cause, if you have been injured in a head-on collision, you should seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney immediately. With the assistance of a personal injury attorney, you may be able to earn monetary compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact the attorneys at Mullen and Mullen to file a personal injury claim today. 

11 Students Injured after Bus Accident

In Newton, Massachusetts, a bus accident took place injuring 34 middle school students and the driver. The accident occurred around 7:30 PM on April 30, 2013. Everyone injured was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

The accident happened when the bus crashed into another vehicle stopped at a traffic light. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a third car that was stopped. The bus was carrying students in the Metco program from Boston to Lexington. Several students reported suffering from neck or back pain. Other students were treated for:

• ·         Bumps
• ·         Abrasions
• ·         Bruises

Thankfully, none of the passengers or drivers suffered life-threatening injuries.

Prevalence of Bus Accidents

Even though bus companies take major precautions in preventing bus crashes, they still occur and often result in injuries and fatalities. Bus accidents take place almost every day injuring innocent passengers and nearby motorists. According to National bus crash statistics, almost 13,000 buses were involved in traffic accidents in 2013. The FARs reported that 226 people died from bus accidents around the nation in 2010. Common causes of bus crashes include:

• ·         Bus lanes being blocked by pedestrians
• ·         Bus drivers speeding in unsafe conditions due to bad weather
• ·         Sudden brake failure or other vehicle malfunctions of the bus
• ·         Drivers abruptly changing lanes without warning  and cutting off the bus
• ·         Blocked bus lanes due to other vehicles

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you or someone you know was recently injured in a bus accident, you should speak to a personal injury attorney. Legally, a bus driver or bus company can be held liable for injuries resulting from a bus accident. Do not fail to seek legal retribution for your injuries. Often times, victims of auto accidents are left to deal with the financial burden from the crash. Don’t let that happen to you.

 If your accident injuries resulted in medical expenses or lost wages from work you should file a personal injury claim immediately. With the legal assistance of a personal injury attorney you may be able to win a substantial settlement for your pain and suffering. Contact us today. 

Three Die in Fiery SUV Crash

On the afternoon of April 28, 2013, a car accident occurred between two vehicles killing three people. The accident occurred Sunday afternoon in Fort Worth Texas when a Honda Odyssey and Kia Soul collided into each other at an intersection. The traffic accident took place south of Eagle Mountain Lake on Highway 1999 around 2 PM.

Apparently, the Kia was traveling northbound on Jacksboro Highway when it collided with the Honda traveling westbound. Five people were seated in the Kia. Unfortunately, only two of them survived – the driver and front seat passenger. The three people located in the back were unable to get out. Those that perished in the fire were a 15 year-old boy, a woman in her 30’s, and an elderly man. Witnesses endeavored to get the three out, but were unable to save them.

The two people in the Honda were not seriously injured. Officials are unsure what the cause of the accident was, whether one of the vehicles ran a red light. Officials must also investigate further to determine what caused one of the vehicles to catch on fire. The family in the Kia was headed to church before the accident.

Determining Liability in a Car Accident

In certain instances, determining what caused an accident can be extremely difficult. In the story told above, it is unclear which vehicle ran the red light. There may not be enough witnesses to determine who is at fault, or witness accounts may tell different stories.

Unfortunately, determining liability can be challenging, but is extremely necessary in order to resolve and repair the situation. Those who are injured may require compensation for medical treatment, expenses, damages, and lost wages. The person at fault should be held liable for damages and compensate those involved.

Personal Injury Attorney

When car accidents are complicated, it is imperative to hire a personal injury attorney immediately. A personal injury attorney will work to determine and prove liability. Insurance companies may take advantage of you and blame the accident on you, holding you accountable for the costs and expenses. Do not allow this to happen. Contact a personal injury attorney today to help resolve the situation and earn you the compensation you deserve. 

Bus Collides with Train Injuring 10

On the morning of April 26, 2013, a freight train struck a transit bus injuring ten passengers and the driver. The bus was carrying senior citizens and people with developmental disabilities ranging in age from mid 20’s to 92. The accident occurred when the bus entered the crossing and stopped on the tracks. The engineer of the train rung his horn and tried to halt the train, but could not. The bus came to a halt about 20 feet after, but did not overturn.

The accident occurred a little after 8 AM in Evans City, Pittsburgh. Officers are still investigating whether the morning fog was a factor in the crash. The passengers on the bus were around 20 years of age to 92 years-old. Three men and one woman were taken to the hospital to be treated for their wounds.

According to a paramedic supervisor, one victim suffered a serious head injury. Before the crash occurred, the victims were being taken to a nonprofit program that encourages growth and independence for people with special needs.

Bus Accidents Caused by Human Error and Weather Conditions

As of recent times, bus accidents have been occurring quite commonly and leaving devastating effects. Recently, a Texas bus crash left many elderly people injured while a tour bus crash in Oregon took several lives. In many of these cases, weather conditions played a contributing factor.

However, even despite the weather, bus drivers are legally responsible to drive in a manner that is safe for current road conditions. Even if the bus driver is traveling at a speed lower than the legal limit, it may still be too fast for weather conditions. Driving on slick roads or through fog requires bus drivers to be extra cautious as to protect all passengers. If a bus driver fails to do so, the bus driver or bus company can be held liable for injuries suffered by passengers.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

Unfortunately, many victims who are injured in a bus accident must deal with medical treatment and expenses. In some instances, their injuries may even result in lost wages. If you were recently involved in a bus accident that caused significant injury, you should seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney.

The attorneys at Bond and Taylor will work to earn you monetary compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact us today in order to earn a substantial settlement for your injuries. 

Family Sues Toyota for Mother’s Death

A 59 year-old woman died while driving her Toyota Camry – one of the many vehicles were recalled for uncontrolled acceleration. Her family believes that the manufacturer is responsible for her death and is filing a lawsuit against the company.

Before the woman crashed her vehicle into the Sacramento River, she called her daughter and told her she could not stop the vehicle. The phone call took place shortly before the woman crashed and died. Unfortunately, by the time responders arrived at the scene the female was submerged under water in the back seat of her Camry.

According to the family’s attorney, their investigation illustrates that no brakes were applied at the time, which is consistent with brake failure.

Vehicle Recalls and Sustaining Injuries

While deaths caused by vehicle malfunctions may be rare, vehicle malfunctions do exist and may cause severe injury. While most vehicles are safe, manufacturers commonly make mistakes. Recently, several extremely popular vehicle manufacturers issued recalls due to defective airbags. Toyota has issued recalls previously because of their unintended acceleration and faulty power window switch which was seen as a fire hazard.

Unintended acceleration can cause severe danger. In one instance, a man was traveling at 80 MPH and could not stop his vehicle. He had to seek emergency help. Depending on the situation, the injuries can be serious – like in the event where the 59 year-old woman crashed into the river.

As a result, Toyota announced a $1.1 billion settlement to resolve lawsuits alleging the unintended acceleration.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

Manufacturers have a lawful duty and responsibility to provide products that are safe for public. Legally, all manufacturers can be held liable for products that should have been safe, but caused injury to consumers.

If you were recently injured in an accident caused by a vehicle malfunction, you should speak to a defective product attorney immediately. A defective product attorney will work to earn you monetary compensation for your physical pain and financial injuries. Do not be taken advantage of by a large corporation. If you have been injured, take legalrecourse and contact us today. 

Kellogg Company Recalls Special K Red Berries Cereal

The cereal company Kellogg recently issued a recall for 36,000 packages of its Special K Red Berries cereal. The company voluntary issued the recall as the cereal could possess tiny shards of glass fragments. The recall is for cereals with “use by” dates between November 30, 2013 and December 2, 2013 and is towards three different sized packages of the red berries cereal.

So far, no injuries have been reported, but this isn’t the first recall issued by the cereal company. In October 2012, the company recalled 2.8 million boxes of mini-wheats due to possible contamination of flexible metal mesh fragments. In 2009, the company recalled some of its Keebler crackers and cookies because of possible contamination of salmonella.

Defectively Manufactured Products

Around the world, numerous companies have produced defective products due to manufacturing errors. When this occurs and consumers are injured due to the product, the manufacturer can be held liable for wounds resulting from use of the item. Other examples of a manufacturing defect in a product include:

•          A child’s crib where the wall falls off
•          A tainted batch medicine containing a harmful substances
•          A car with a defective gas pedal

In all of these examples, the product was manufactured poorly causing it to not work properly and potentially causing severe injury to the consumer. When injury occurs, the injured consumer can seek damages from the manufacturer. Often times, injuries can result in medical treatment and expenses or cause the injured to take time off from work to heal. When this happens, it is imperative to take legal action and seek compensation for losses suffered.

Bond and Taylor Law Offices

If you were recently injured by a defective product, you should speak to a dangerous products attorney immediately. At the Bond andTaylor Law offices, a dangerous products attorney will work to earn you monetary compensation for the injuries suffered after use of the product. Do not hesitate to take action for your injuries. A manufacturer has a legal responsibility to provide a product that is completely safe for consumers. Contact us today to discuss your best options and protect your legal rights. 

Infant Dies from Suspected Shaken Baby Syndrome

Police are investigating an unlicensed daycare center after a 7 month-old infant boy died from injuries resembling shaken baby syndrome. On March 21, 2013, the baby was taken to the hospital from the daycare center. Someone from the daycare called 911 reporting that the baby was having difficulty breathing.

Doctors said that the baby illustrated symptoms associated with shaken baby syndrome. The next day on March 22, 2013, the baby was pronounced brain dead. The family took the baby off of life support where he managed to live for three weeks until he was pronounced dead the morning of April 11, 2013. Police are launching an investigation of whether or not the daycare center is responsible for the baby’s injuries.

Daycare Deaths

The daycare and causes of the baby’s death are still being investigated. However, there have been a number of daycare deaths where daycares were operating illegally. In February of 2013, one daycare in Carmel harbored unsafe conditions. The caretakers were tested positive for marijuana the same day a 5 month-old baby died in their care. Daycare deaths occur commonly due to unlicensed or illegal daycares portraying a safe façade.

Wrongful Death Claim

Wrongful death cases are extremely devastating and upsetting for anyone involved. When an organization or person is responsible for a death, they should face legal consequences. Under these circumstances, a grieving parent can file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can seek damages against the person at fault for:

·         Medical expenses

·         Burial expenses

·         Funeral expenses

·         Lost source of income

·         Family expenses

·         Pain and suffering in certain cases

·         Other pecuniary damages

In certain jurisdictions, there is a time limit for filing a wrongful death claim. Therefore, it is imperative to speak to a wrongful death claim attorney immediately if you wish to seek legal action against a person responsible for a loved one’s death.

Wrongful Death Claim

Experiencing the death of a loved one is extremely tragic and devastating. It is even worse when the death is preventable and caused by the hands of another person or organization. If your family member died due to the negligence of another person, you should seek legal justice. Speak to a wrongful death attorney to discuss your situation and to answer any of your questions. A wrongful death attorney will work with you to help relieve your situation and earn you monetary retribution for your suffering. 

Protect Yourself from Work Injuries on Construction Sites

When it comes to obtaining a job, often construction sites offer diligent workers good pay for a hard day's work.  But these sites can be extremely hazardous.  The US Dept. of Labor estimates that on any given day, approximately 6.5 million people will go to work today on over 250,000 construction sites.  And according to accident statistics, many of these workers will suffer from a work injury.  In order to prevent those injuries from becoming fatal, the Labor Department suggests an active safety program.

Common Work Injuries on Construction Sites

Depending upon the construction site, conditions can vary from job to job.  But each and every construction site can be dangerous in multiple ways.  Many workers will experience a work injury from these common accidents, while others will experience work injuries from more exotic methods:

• falls from great heights
• slips and falls
• scaffolding accidents, collapses
• trench accidents, collapses
• electric shock
• falls down the stairs
• heart attacks, strokes due to overexertion
• crane accidents
• chemical burns
• forklift accidents
• blows to the head
• back and neck injuries

Serious and even fatal work injuries can result from any of these accidents. It is up to the employer to provide as safe a work environment as they possibly can and to provide safety training, material data sheets on hazardous materials, and to provide workers with adequate safety equipment.  Even when all of these requirements are met, often, workers are injured on the job because accidents happen.  And when you're working with heavy machinery, those accidents can be severe. 

Steps to Preventing Work Injuries on a Construction Site

Work injuries on construction sites are often preventable.  Often, these accidents are the result of either a lack of preparation, ignorance of safety procedures, or employees just not paying attention on the job.  To avoid these potentially serious work injuries, workers should take a moment to consider the following in order to protect themselves from injury:

• review safety programs prior to beginning at a job site
• inspect their safety equipment to ensure that it's adequate
• know where the material data sheets are kept
• pay close attention to what you're doing, don't allow yourself to become unnecessarily distracted
• take a moment to familiarize yourself with your surroundings
• obtain help if you can't see over a load you're carrying
• obtain help moving items 
• go slowly on heavy machinery
• don't overload machinery
• ground yourself prior to working with electricity

Safety is a huge concern on construction sites as they are often responsible for a variety of potentially severe and painful work injuries.  If you have been injured due to the negligence or carelessness of another, you could be entitled to compensation. You should seek immediate medical attention and contact a skilled work injury attorney to obtain the best possible results for you. 

Protect Yourself After A Car Accident

They say every 30 minutes, someone in America is getting into a car accident.  These accidents can be traumatic and can change a person's whole life in the course of minutes, if not seconds.  If you've been in a car accident, it can be difficult to know what to do.  If you've been in a car accident, the odds are pretty high that at the moment of impact, you may be disoriented and not thinking clearly.  Before you get in a fender bender, we've compiled a comprehensive list of things you should do to ensure your rights are protected. 

What To Do After A Car Accident

After a car accident, you've got moments to ensure that you protect yourself in a potential lawsuit.  If you are out cold, hopefully a witness has called 911 to obtain emergency help for you.  But if you are not disoriented, and have your wits about you, the decisions you make after an accident can be critical in establishing fault.  Memorize the following list so the next time you're in an accident, you'll know instinctively what to do.

• Call the police to obtain a record of the accident. 
• Trade insurance information with the other driver. Do not let them try to just bribe you with a check for a few hundred dollars. 
• Obtain witness information so your attorney can contact these witnesses later for a statement.
• Take out your smartphone and take pictures on the scene of the crash and the surrounding road conditions.  Make note of any physical obstacles or any points where your vision could be obstructed.
• Take pictures of any injuries you have so you have a visual record of the accident.
• Take pictures of the vehicle itself and the other person's vehicle so they can't later claim that you crashed into their side, causing it to dent, when you have a visual record that it was a minor fender bender. 
• Get checked out on scene by paramedics and make note of any pains, even if they are dull aches or pains.  Accept any additional care they recommend. 
• Collect the police officers' cards to obtain a police report from them later.
• Call a skilled personal injury attorney to protect your rights.

What you do in the moments after a car crash can sometimes make or break your case.  Don't laugh and joke with the other driver that you were drinking at a party previously, that you were speeding, or anything.  The other driver may try to use these statements against you in a lawsuit.  Instead, wait for the police to arrive and calmly explain your side of the story. 

Protect Yourself

Protect yourself and obtain the necessary information on scene. And then later, call a skilled personal injury attorney to obtain the help you need.  Your personal injury attorney will contact their best investigator to obtain the details and can use the information you've collected to strengthen your case.  Don't delay and suffer in pain; call a skilled personal injury attorney today.

Chief Medical Officer Warns Lack of Antibiotics Could Make Your Next Surgery Fatal

When you cut yourself deeply, it's common to receive antibiotics to prevent infection. But what if those antibiotics didn't work?  England's Chief Medical Officer, Prof Dame Sally Davies, is warning that bacteria are increasingly becoming resistant to our antibiotics. Unfortunately, there are no new antibiotics in the pipeline.  According to Davies, if you cut yourself or go into the hospital for routine surgery, you could run a very high risk of dying from infection. 

How Consumers May Be At Risk 

How could this be?  According to Davies, bacteria adapts and changes quickly in an effort to thrive.  She cited growing reports of antibiotic resistant E. coli, gonorrhea, and even tuberculosis.  These previously treatable bacteria infections could be deadly to our population.  Absent antibiotics to kill them, we could all be at risk for death. 

The World Health Organization warns that there are no new antibiotics and claims we are breeding resistant strains of bacteria into existence because of their drug resistance. The organization warns that "many common infections will no longer have a cure, and once again, kill unabated." 


To Prevent Infections

There is no foolproof way to prevent infection unless you're living in a sterile bubble.  Absent that bubble, the world is full of organisms that could infect you if you get a cut or have surgery. But with proper precautions, you can minimize your risk in the following ways:

• frequent hand washing
• proper nutrition
• exercise
• cooking foods well
• using condoms 
• not using illicit drugs
• do not take antibiotics for longer than prescribed

If you develop an infection, seek medical treatment to prevent further injury.  If your infection was the result of an accident due to someone else's negligence or carelessness, you may also want to contact an attorney.

Horse Back Riding Causes Thousands of Injuries Per Year

Every year, millions of Americans saddle up and ride a horse for amusement or sport.  However, each year, thousands of Americans are also injured horseback riding.  Over 75,000 people go to the emergency room every year for horseback riding injuries.  Ranging from minor injuries to fatal injuries, it's clear that horseback riding can present a risk of significant injury to people if you're not careful.

Am I at Risk for Injury Riding a Horse

Horses are large animals, generally weighing in at around 1,000 pounds as adults.  They are also temperamental animals.  As prey animals, horses are easily spooked by everything from wildlife scurrying in the brush to noises that inexperienced horseback riders make.

The majority of injuries that people experience happen on the ground before ever mounting a horse.  Often this comes in the form of biting behavior or kicking.  While on the horse, common injuries occur because horses spook, sometimes drag riders, and will attempt to buck riders off.  Inexperienced riders can find themselves at greater risk than experienced riders. The following injuries are possible as a result of riding a horse:

• fractures, sprains
• broken bones, dislocations
• bruises
• spine and back injuries
• concussions, head injuries
• soft tissue damage (skin, ligaments, tendons)
• death

While death is not common, it is generally the result of severe head trauma. Often, the trauma is severe, the result of instances such as being kicked by a horse, falling off of the horse, or being dragged through the terrain. 

How Can I Protect Myself from Horseback Riding Injuries

Given the potential for injury, horseback riders are encouraged to take precautions that will prevent injury.  This includes:

• wearing helmets
• wearing boots to protect your feet, legs
• properly matching the boot stirrup to the rider's height
• proper boot placement within the stirrup
• not riding excessively baggy clothing
• body protection gear to prevent fractures 
• accompaniment by more experienced riders

Despite these protections, accidents can happen at any time.  If you've been injured horseback riding, you should seek medical attention.  You may also want to contact a skilled personal injury attorney to determine whether or not you may be eligible for compensation.  It is possible that your accident was caused by the stable's negligence or carelessness.  You should call a skilled personal injury attorney to determine if you have a case today.

E Coli Poisoning Outbreak in North Carolina Leaves a Boy Dead

Could you be at risk for death the next time you attend the county fair? Unfortunately, days after one family attended the county fair in Cleveland, North Carolina, their son passed away from an E. Coli outbreak.

Officials at the Cleveland County Fair are reminding families to seek urgent care if they're experiencing diarrhea for longer than 3 days.  The recent E. Coli outbreak has so far claimed one child's life, another is suffering kidney failure, and 20 more have fallen ill.

E. Coli is a bacteria that is passed from infected animal waste to humans quite easily. While most strains are harmless, others can cause severe food poisoning.

Symptoms of E. Coli poisoning can include:

• severe stomach cramps and stomach tenderness
• diarrhea ranging from watery to bloody
• nausea and vomiting

If you have experienced these symptoms, you should seek medical help. And if you've lost someone as a result of E. Coli poisoning, you may want to explore your legal options.