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Truck Driver fatigue
March 04, 2010
Topic: Trucker Texting

While we are on the subjects of truck drivers, I'd like to touch on one of the hottest topics regarding trucking accidents right now: truck driver fatigue. Truckers are often pushed to drive beyond physical as well as legal limits. They are forced by employers or those who hired them to push forward instead of letting them stop for much needed rest. Big-rig or eighteen wheeler drivers, in order to get paid, will often ignore hours-in-service regulations. In doing so, they risk catastrophic injury to themselves and others on the roadway.

In an effort to combat dangerous sleep deprivation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strictly regulates the amount of time truck drivers spend their workday driving, or "on-duty." Drivers are limited to 60 hours of compensated work in a seven-day period, or 70 hours in an eight-day period.

Under the current rules, truck drivers can be driving on the road for 11 hours each shift, up to 70 hours per week. Even then, that's a lot of hours to be behind the wheel of a truck.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a truck driver for any reason at all, but especially if you think he was fatigued or impaired due to alcohol or drugs, please give us a call at 1-800-738-4046 and tell us about it. We'll be glad to set up a free initial consultation.

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Yamaha Rhino Rollover Lawsuits
February 16, 2010
Topic: Rollover Lawsuits

Hello, today I'd like to address a topic of growing concern, the flawed design and inherent danger of the Yamaha Rhino.

On March 31, 2009 Yamaha Motor Company agreed to suspend sales of its Rhino 450, 660 and 700 off-road recreational vehicles. These recreational vehicles are extremely susceptible to rollovers during normal driving. In fact, many serious accidents have happened at relatively low speeds and on a level terrain. Part of what makes the vehicle so susceptible to rollovers is its high center of gravity, small tires, extremely top heavy design and the fact that it has a very narrow wheel base.

Experts have questioned the safety of the Yamaha Rhino since its release. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has been investigating the Yamaha Rhino since November 4 of 2008 following reports of some 30 deaths involving the all-terrain vehicle.

Due to rollovers many drivers have sustained serious injuries including crushed or severed limbs, broken limbs and in some cases damage to internal organs.

Now if you or anyone you know has sustained such an injury give us a call at 1-800-738-4046 or fill out the contact sheet and we'll be glad to set up an initial consultation at absolutely no charge to you.

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Trucker texting
February 16, 2010
Topic: Trucker Texting

Trucker texting

Recently, the federal government formally banned truckers and bus drivers from sending text messages from behind the wheel. I'm sure everybody knows that texting and driving don't mix, but when you add a big rig or large bus into the combination, what was just a bad scenario becomes imminently more dangerous. According to US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, this is just one step the government is taking to eliminate the threat of distracted driving. These changes coincide with a new study, conducted by Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute, that found when truckers text they are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or a close call.

Now let's think about that for a minute: 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or a close call? If you spend any amount of time on the highway, I'm sure you've been in close proximity to an 18 wheeler. We need drivers paying close attention to their driving, not to their cell and smart phones.

While this ban is a step in the right direction, it can't go back in time and prevent accidents that have already been caused by trucker driver recklessness, which would include texting. If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of truck drivers, especially on the highways and roads in the Dallas and North Texas areas (I-30, I-20 and I-35), please give us a call at 1-800-738-4046. If we decide an initial consultation is necessary it will be totally free of charge and I, personally, will come to you to talk about your legal options.

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Reglan/Metoclopramide Lawsuits
February 16, 2010
Topic: Drug Recalls

Reglan/Metoclopramide Lawsuits -

Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by my blog. You may have been hearing a few things lately about a drug called Reglan, also known by its generic name of Metoclopramide. Reglan is a drug that increases muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract which has the effects of increasing the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines. It is used short-term to treat things like heartburn, women who are pregnant and experiencing morning sickness and diabetic grastroparesis among others.

In January 2009 the FDA issued a black box warning of the risk of tardive dyskinesia with the long-term use of Reglan or its generic counterpart Metoclopramide.

Tardive dyskinesia is a serious movement disorder characterized by rarely reversible symptoms including but not limited to:

• Movements of arms, legs, fingers and toes
• Swaying movements of the trunk or hip
• Tongue protrusion
• Facial grimacing

It is believed that the odds of developing tardive dyskinesia and the risks that it will become an irreversible condition are increased by usage lasting longer than three months. The longer the usage, the greater the risks.

If you or a loved one has or is taking Reglan, been diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia or have any of the above listed symptoms please give us a call at 1-800-738-4046 or fill out the contact us form on the front page. If we believe an initial consultation is in order I will personally come to you to hear more and see how I can help you.

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Deer Hunting Tree Stands
February 12, 2010
Topic: Deer Tree Hunting Stands

Here in Texas, as well as all over America, hunting is one of the popular recreational sports. People of all ages and backgrounds enter the woods every fall armed with rifles and bows in search of deer. Many hunters, especially those in the piney woods of East Texas, use tree stands.

Typically attached to trees exceeding 10 feet in height, these platforms allow a hunter optimal camouflage when hunting their game. While these stands can give a great advantage in hunting, they can, if defective, also put the hunter at great risk. Reports of deer stands detaching from trees are not uncommon. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 10% of all deer hunters using elevated devices will fall over the course of a 10 year period. If a hunter is not wearing a safety harness they will fall quite a way down to the ground.A fall like that can cause permanent paralysis and even fatal injuries. To make things worse, because people are known to hunt alone, hours can pass before an injured person is found.

In additional to injuries (which can be bad enough) a person can also be out the medical costs of a trip to the emergency room along with wages lost if a person is laid up for any amount of time. All of that could turn what should be a pleasurable hunting expedition into a truly miserable experience.

If you or a friend or loved one has been a victim of a tree stand accident, please give us a call at 1-800-738-4046 and tell us about it. If an initial consultation is needed it will be at no charge to you. I personally will come to talk to you about your options.

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Cooper Tire
October 22, 2009
Topic: Cooper Tire's Dangerous Design and Manufacturing Processes

Many single vehicle wrecks and rollover accidents occur each year due to tire tread separations, blowouts, tread loss, sidewall failures, detreading and other types of tire failures. Some Cooper tires fail due to poor design or manufacture and from common road hazards. Sadly, when a tire failure occurs at highways speeds, it can lead to a crash or roll over wreck with catastrophic results. If you believe your tire failure and wreck were due to a defective Cooper tire, then call our law firm and speak with a layer or attorney today. Our law firm offers a free case evaluation, contact us today.

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