As winter approaches, not only does the weather turn for the worse, it often seems as if motorist’s driving abilities turn for the worse. Unfortunately, the bad weather brings many car accidents with it. This article is to help motorists get through the winter safely and gives some pointers on what to do to protect their interests should a car accident occur.
How To Safely Drive And Survive This Winter
The first, and most important, thing to do is get your vehicle serviced and ready for the winter. This includes having your tires and brakes checked and replaced, if necessary. The change in temperature and notorious road conditions can wreak havoc on your tires. Also, make sure your windshield wiper blades are new and sufficient to stand up to the freezing rain, slush, ice, snow and copious amounts of salt-filled spray coming off of the roads. It is also advisable to have your battery checked, as a sudden drop in temperature will drain you battery of power and could leave you stranded. All of these things are very important, as poor visibility and mechanical failures are some of the leading causes of accidents during the Midwest’s harsh winter.
It is also important to be properly equipped to handle any situation. This includes making sure you have plenty of warm clothing and blankets in your vehicle, including hats and gloves. If you become stranded you may also find a flashlight necessary. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a sufficient spare tire, working jack and jumper cables. No one wants to change a spare tire without a coat or gloves in -10 degree weather.
What To Do If You Are In An Accident
Unfortunately, no matter how well you prepare, car accidents do happen. If you are involved in car accident, the first thing to do is call 911, regardless if you are injured or not. It is important that the police respond and make a report of the car accident. Also, get the information off of the other driver’s license and insurance card, as well as the names and phone numbers of any witnesses to the accident. Doing so will help preserve important information and provide evidence that the car accident happened, should you need to prove your claim at a later date.
It is also important that you seek immediate medical attention. Many times, people in car accidents do not even realize they are injured immediately after the accident, due to adrenaline and nerves. Leave your health and well-being to medical professionals. Even if you don’t find it necessary to go to an emergency room immediately, it is important that you follow up with your primary care physician or other medical professionals. Many times, symptoms may not arise for several days after a car accident. Also, follow your doctor’s orders and course of treatment. Not only is this important for your health, it is important to document your injuries and treatment, should you need to pursue a claim for your injuries.
Conclusion
We hope these few pointers will help you get through the upcoming winter. However, If you are one of the unfortunate few to be involved in a car accident this winter, the above-pointers should help. If you are injured in a car accident, the professionals at The Crim Law Firm, P.C. are here to assist you. Please call 713-807-7800. Or if in Dallas, Texas, call 214-748-7800 for a free consultation.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Injury Case Result
Mediated Settlement - $775,000
Case - M. Cristian Ionescu v. Arpin Van Lines, Inc.,
William Blansky, Lawrence Roberts, II and Ciolfi Van Services, Inc., No. 2008-49986
Court - Harris County District Court, 11th, TX
Judge - Mike Miller
Date - 6/15/2010
Plaintiff Attorney(s) - Dax F. Garza, The Crim Law Firm, Houston, TX
Defense Attorney(s) - Robin N. Blanchette, Hays, McConn, Rice & Pickering, Houston, TX (Ciolfi Van Services, Inc., William Blansky)
Evan N. Kramer, Law Offices of Evan Kramer, Houston, TX (Lawrence Roberts, II)
M. Dean Solomon, David Klosterboer & Associates, Houston, TX (Arpin Van Lines, Inc.)
Troy A. Williams, Hays, McConn, Rice & Pickering, Houston, TX (Ciolfi Van Services, Inc., William Blansky)
Facts & Allegations - On October 16, 2006, plaintiff M. Cristian Ionescu, 50, a marine surveyor, was traveling from Mississippi to Houston on Interstate 10. it was dark and raining in a construction zone outside of Orange when Lawrence Roberts II, who was driving ahead of Ionescu, hedroplaned and spun out on the highway. The car directly behind Roberts slowed down and didn't hit Roberts. Ionescu was the next vehicle, and then another vehicle. All managed to slow down or stop and not hit Roberts. However, William Blansky, in an Arpin Van Lines Truck, collided into the other four vehicles pushing them together. he claimed neck injuries.
Ionecu sued Arpin Van Lines; Inc., Blansky, roberts and Ciolfi Van Services Inc. (the Florida franchise corporation of Arpin Van lines).
Roberts contended that because of the rain and the heavy construction in the area, the accident was unavoidable and the result of a sudden emergency.
The other defendants maintained that the accident would not have happened had Roberts not lost control of his vehicle, ending up facing the wrong way in a blocked-off construction zone. Alternatively, the rain and construction in the area made the accident unavoidable, resulting in a sudden emergency.
Injuries / Damages discectomy; fusion, cervical
The plaintiff declined an ambulance and did not seek any medical care that night, but continued on to work. he saw a general practitioner within a week, then sporadic follow-up care with this chiropractor in Mississippi.
three years after the accident, the plaintiff underwent a discectomy and two-level anterior cervical fusion at C5-C6 and C6-C7. he claimed $126,000 in past medical expenses and $76,000 in past lost wages.
The defense argued that the plaintiff's injuries were preexisting, since he had been under the care of a chiropractor in Mississippi and was seen for neck complaints as recently as two weeks before the accident. The defense argued that Ionescu had a good surgical result, and it was undisputed that he returned to work making six-figure salary.
Result - The parties reached a settlement with the assistance of Nancy Huston. Roberts tendered his limits of $25,000 and Travelers Insurance paid $750,000.
Insurer(s) - Travelers Arpin Van Lines, Inc., Ciolfi Van Services, Inc., William Blansky
Nationwide Lawrence Roberts, II
Plaintiff Expert(s) - Roger C. Allen, trucking industry, Friendswood, TX (did not testify)
Stephen I. Esses, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Houston, TX (did not testify)
Ken McCoin, Ph.D., economics, Dallas, TX (did not testify)
Defense Expert(s) - James P. Mandel, Ph.D., economics, Bellaire, TX (did not testify)
Jose A. Spencer, M.D. radiology, Houston, TX (did not testify)
William Watters, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Houston, TX (did not testify)
This report is based on information that was provided by plantiff's counsel. Defense counsel did not respond to reporter's phone calls.
- James Withers, Verdict Resources.
Case - M. Cristian Ionescu v. Arpin Van Lines, Inc.,
William Blansky, Lawrence Roberts, II and Ciolfi Van Services, Inc., No. 2008-49986
Court - Harris County District Court, 11th, TX
Judge - Mike Miller
Date - 6/15/2010
Plaintiff Attorney(s) - Dax F. Garza, The Crim Law Firm, Houston, TX
Defense Attorney(s) - Robin N. Blanchette, Hays, McConn, Rice & Pickering, Houston, TX (Ciolfi Van Services, Inc., William Blansky)
Evan N. Kramer, Law Offices of Evan Kramer, Houston, TX (Lawrence Roberts, II)
M. Dean Solomon, David Klosterboer & Associates, Houston, TX (Arpin Van Lines, Inc.)
Troy A. Williams, Hays, McConn, Rice & Pickering, Houston, TX (Ciolfi Van Services, Inc., William Blansky)
Facts & Allegations - On October 16, 2006, plaintiff M. Cristian Ionescu, 50, a marine surveyor, was traveling from Mississippi to Houston on Interstate 10. it was dark and raining in a construction zone outside of Orange when Lawrence Roberts II, who was driving ahead of Ionescu, hedroplaned and spun out on the highway. The car directly behind Roberts slowed down and didn't hit Roberts. Ionescu was the next vehicle, and then another vehicle. All managed to slow down or stop and not hit Roberts. However, William Blansky, in an Arpin Van Lines Truck, collided into the other four vehicles pushing them together. he claimed neck injuries.
Ionecu sued Arpin Van Lines; Inc., Blansky, roberts and Ciolfi Van Services Inc. (the Florida franchise corporation of Arpin Van lines).
Roberts contended that because of the rain and the heavy construction in the area, the accident was unavoidable and the result of a sudden emergency.
The other defendants maintained that the accident would not have happened had Roberts not lost control of his vehicle, ending up facing the wrong way in a blocked-off construction zone. Alternatively, the rain and construction in the area made the accident unavoidable, resulting in a sudden emergency.
Injuries / Damages discectomy; fusion, cervical
The plaintiff declined an ambulance and did not seek any medical care that night, but continued on to work. he saw a general practitioner within a week, then sporadic follow-up care with this chiropractor in Mississippi.
three years after the accident, the plaintiff underwent a discectomy and two-level anterior cervical fusion at C5-C6 and C6-C7. he claimed $126,000 in past medical expenses and $76,000 in past lost wages.
The defense argued that the plaintiff's injuries were preexisting, since he had been under the care of a chiropractor in Mississippi and was seen for neck complaints as recently as two weeks before the accident. The defense argued that Ionescu had a good surgical result, and it was undisputed that he returned to work making six-figure salary.
Result - The parties reached a settlement with the assistance of Nancy Huston. Roberts tendered his limits of $25,000 and Travelers Insurance paid $750,000.
Insurer(s) - Travelers Arpin Van Lines, Inc., Ciolfi Van Services, Inc., William Blansky
Nationwide Lawrence Roberts, II
Plaintiff Expert(s) - Roger C. Allen, trucking industry, Friendswood, TX (did not testify)
Stephen I. Esses, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Houston, TX (did not testify)
Ken McCoin, Ph.D., economics, Dallas, TX (did not testify)
Defense Expert(s) - James P. Mandel, Ph.D., economics, Bellaire, TX (did not testify)
Jose A. Spencer, M.D. radiology, Houston, TX (did not testify)
William Watters, M.D., orthopedic surgery, Houston, TX (did not testify)
This report is based on information that was provided by plantiff's counsel. Defense counsel did not respond to reporter's phone calls.
- James Withers, Verdict Resources.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Texas Benzene Exposure and Your Rights
By now, we all know that BP's Texas City refinery blasted 538,000 pounds of dangerous chemicals into the air, including 17,000 pounds of the carcinogen benzene. A reported 40-day benzene leak has triggered a new lawsuit against BP, claiming $10 billion in damages.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality investigated the leak and called it an "excessive emissions event." The agency concluded it was probably caused by poor maintenance. The Texas Attorney General’s Office is considering possible fines against BP. However, BP does not believe there is any basis to pay claims in connection with this event. BP is not taking or paying such claims.
What is Benzene?
Benzene is a liquid chemical that is colorless or light yellow at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is flammable. Benzene evaporates very quickly when exposed to open air. If placed in water, Benzene will dissolve slightly and float.
What are the potential long term effects of Benzene exposure?
- Cancer (leukemia);
- Harmful impact on bone marrow, leading to anemia;
- Excessive bleeding and increased chance for infection;
- Birth defects
Limited Time to Get Tested
The Crim Law Firm, P.C. represents many individuals who were exposed to Benzene after the leak at BP's Texas City refinery. We are setting all of our clients up for testing with qualified doctors. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to Benzene, and if you wish to be tested by qualified doctors, for FREE, please contact us at 713-807-7800 or toll free at 800-807-9360.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality investigated the leak and called it an "excessive emissions event." The agency concluded it was probably caused by poor maintenance. The Texas Attorney General’s Office is considering possible fines against BP. However, BP does not believe there is any basis to pay claims in connection with this event. BP is not taking or paying such claims.
What is Benzene?
Benzene is a liquid chemical that is colorless or light yellow at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is flammable. Benzene evaporates very quickly when exposed to open air. If placed in water, Benzene will dissolve slightly and float.
What are the potential long term effects of Benzene exposure?
- Cancer (leukemia);
- Harmful impact on bone marrow, leading to anemia;
- Excessive bleeding and increased chance for infection;
- Birth defects
Limited Time to Get Tested
The Crim Law Firm, P.C. represents many individuals who were exposed to Benzene after the leak at BP's Texas City refinery. We are setting all of our clients up for testing with qualified doctors. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to Benzene, and if you wish to be tested by qualified doctors, for FREE, please contact us at 713-807-7800 or toll free at 800-807-9360.
Monday, May 10, 2010
We want to help in Louisiana
I know everyone has heard about the tragic oil spill off of the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. Obviously, the environmental fallout may be the worst that we have ever experienced. Unfortunately, the economic consequences to a multitude of businesses will be just as devastating. The fishing, oyster, and shrimping industries are going to be decimated by this preventable tragedy; businesses both large and small centered around tourism and catering to travel will also be destroyed by the spill. Specifically, some of the groups we have already been contacted by, or are likely to have significant claims include:
1. Fishermen, oyster harvesters, shrimpers and all businesses involved in the processing and packaging of the fishing industry;
2. Owners and crews/employees of charter and private boats, condos, restaurants, Marinas and docks;
3. Businesses catering to the Tourism industry and private property owners; and
4. Local City, County, Parrish, and State governments.
If you know of anyone that we may be able to help in Louisiana, Alabama, or Florida, please let us know. Likewise, while Texas has not yet been directly affected, consider the aforementioned list and let us know about your friends, acquaintances, or family in those businesses in Texas - - the scope of this spill may affect Texas as well.
Thank you for your support as we work to help victims of this tragedy.
More at www.thecrimlawfirm.com
1. Fishermen, oyster harvesters, shrimpers and all businesses involved in the processing and packaging of the fishing industry;
2. Owners and crews/employees of charter and private boats, condos, restaurants, Marinas and docks;
3. Businesses catering to the Tourism industry and private property owners; and
4. Local City, County, Parrish, and State governments.
If you know of anyone that we may be able to help in Louisiana, Alabama, or Florida, please let us know. Likewise, while Texas has not yet been directly affected, consider the aforementioned list and let us know about your friends, acquaintances, or family in those businesses in Texas - - the scope of this spill may affect Texas as well.
Thank you for your support as we work to help victims of this tragedy.
More at www.thecrimlawfirm.com
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Large Trucks Make for Dangerous Texas Roads
Texas is the nation’s current leader in the number of fatal crashes involving large trucks. After covering several vehicle accidents involving 18-wheelers, CBS 11 decided to conduct an investigation of the large truck accident reports of the past five years. By inputting the GPS coordinate information of the accidents into a mapping program they were able to identify the most dangerous sections of highway in the state. More than 100 fatal accidents were included in the study and the results found give a much clearer picture of the trouble spots of these dangerous Texas roads.
The study was able to locate several areas of concern. I-20 from Benbrook to Balch Springs has the notoriety of being the most dangerous stretch of highway, with 14 fatal accidents involving large trucks in the last five years. With four deaths, the highway intersection with the worst track record is I-35 and I-20. The area with the largest number of non-fatal large truck accidents is I-30 and Cockrell Hill, in Dallas County. Dallas County is also signalled out as having the highest overall number of fatalities at 75 in the five years studied. While this information could be very helpful in finding ways to improve accidents involving large trucks, there has been no mapping or similar analysis done by the Texas Department of Transportation, where CBS 11 obtained the statistics for their study. This is quite shocking, as a recent federal study showed that the decisions made by large truck drivers (tail-gating, excessive speed, etc.) account for 90 percent of crashes.
If you, or a loved one, have been the victim of a large truck accident you should speak with an experienced attorney. We specialize in large truck accident cases and can offer a free assessment of your case.
For more information please visit: www.thecrimlawfirm.com
The study was able to locate several areas of concern. I-20 from Benbrook to Balch Springs has the notoriety of being the most dangerous stretch of highway, with 14 fatal accidents involving large trucks in the last five years. With four deaths, the highway intersection with the worst track record is I-35 and I-20. The area with the largest number of non-fatal large truck accidents is I-30 and Cockrell Hill, in Dallas County. Dallas County is also signalled out as having the highest overall number of fatalities at 75 in the five years studied. While this information could be very helpful in finding ways to improve accidents involving large trucks, there has been no mapping or similar analysis done by the Texas Department of Transportation, where CBS 11 obtained the statistics for their study. This is quite shocking, as a recent federal study showed that the decisions made by large truck drivers (tail-gating, excessive speed, etc.) account for 90 percent of crashes.
If you, or a loved one, have been the victim of a large truck accident you should speak with an experienced attorney. We specialize in large truck accident cases and can offer a free assessment of your case.
For more information please visit: www.thecrimlawfirm.com
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Injured by an intoxicated driver?
The personal injury attorneys at The Crim Law Firm are passionate about pursuing justice on behalf of victims of DWI/DUI & drunk driving accidents in Texas. If you have been injured by a drunk driver and you are considering hiring a lawyer, you need to make sure that your rights are fully protected before you speak to the insurance companies. Along with their skills and effective staff, DWI accident & injury attorneys at The Crim Law Firm will teach you how to maximize the potential for your personal injury claim against a drunk driver and will show you what steps to take before talking with insurance adjusters. Obtaining this information from our firm is imperative to the success of your case and will directly affect the worth and validity of your DWI accident claim.
Have you or someone you love been involved in an auto accident that was caused by a drunk driver? Was the responsible driver a repeat DUI offender? If so, you need to seek help from our firm right away. We can help by offering a free evaluation of your personal injury claim.
For more information please visit www.thecrimlawfirm.com
Have you or someone you love been involved in an auto accident that was caused by a drunk driver? Was the responsible driver a repeat DUI offender? If so, you need to seek help from our firm right away. We can help by offering a free evaluation of your personal injury claim.
For more information please visit www.thecrimlawfirm.com
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Facts about 18 Wheeler Accidents
Over 500,000 trucking accidents occur every year in this country, and the injuries sustained by those lucky enough to survive are usually horrific. Of these, approximately 5,000 trucking accidents result in fatalities. In fact, 18-wheeler trucking accidents account for one of every eight traffic deaths.
Common Causes of 18-wheeler accidents:
-Failure to properly to accommodate blindspots
-Brake failure
-Debris or articles in the road
-Exhaustion or fatigue on the part of the driver
-Excessive speed and failure to follow rules of the road
-Tire failure or separation
-Driving under influence of drugs or alcohol
-Unsecured cargo or freight shifting in the payload section
-Unsafe driving practices
There are many reasons why 18-wheeler accidents are so catastrophic. The pressure for speed and efficiency by the trucking companies and the deregulation of the industry are both major factors - 18-wheeler drivers are typically required to work long hours with little or no sleep. Large trucks consistently break the speed limit in order to deliver goods quickly - adding fuel to an already dangerous fire. The sheer size of an 18-wheeler makes for a massive impact and hinders the ability of the truck to make sudden stops. The results are too often fatal.
If you have survived being hit or injured by an 18-wheeler accident only to be left with expensive and painful injuries, you deserve help. At The Crim Law Firm, an experienced accident attorney can help you maximize the reparations that you receive for your suffering.
For more information please visit www.thecrimlawfirm.com, www.personalinjurylawyerdallastx.com
Common Causes of 18-wheeler accidents:
-Failure to properly to accommodate blindspots
-Brake failure
-Debris or articles in the road
-Exhaustion or fatigue on the part of the driver
-Excessive speed and failure to follow rules of the road
-Tire failure or separation
-Driving under influence of drugs or alcohol
-Unsecured cargo or freight shifting in the payload section
-Unsafe driving practices
There are many reasons why 18-wheeler accidents are so catastrophic. The pressure for speed and efficiency by the trucking companies and the deregulation of the industry are both major factors - 18-wheeler drivers are typically required to work long hours with little or no sleep. Large trucks consistently break the speed limit in order to deliver goods quickly - adding fuel to an already dangerous fire. The sheer size of an 18-wheeler makes for a massive impact and hinders the ability of the truck to make sudden stops. The results are too often fatal.
If you have survived being hit or injured by an 18-wheeler accident only to be left with expensive and painful injuries, you deserve help. At The Crim Law Firm, an experienced accident attorney can help you maximize the reparations that you receive for your suffering.
For more information please visit www.thecrimlawfirm.com, www.personalinjurylawyerdallastx.com
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