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News from http://brownlawoffice.com/robotic-cars-squeezing-humans-out-of-the-future-of-highways/

Robotic Cars Squeezing Humans Out of the Future of Highways

For most of us, driving our cars down Main Street, the Pacific Coast Highway and the interconnected highways and freeways throughout our great country surely stands out as basic aspect of Americana. However, get ready because those glorious days of feeling empowered by driving yourself down the road may be coming to an end. It’s true, as new self-autonomous vehicle (SAV) policies coming from the U.S. Department of Transportation begin to frame rules, regulations and guidance for sharing the roads with robotic cars in the near future and for generations to come.

“Automated vehicles have the potential to save thousands of lives, driving the single biggest leap in road safety that our country has ever taken,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This policy is an unprecedented step by the federal government to harness the benefits of transformative technology by providing a framework for how to do it safely.”

Proposed Ban On Human Drivers

Robotic Cars Squeezing Humans Out of the Future of Highways

Recently, proponents of SAV technology proposed banning human drivers from driving a 150-mile stretch of Interstate 5 extending from Seattle to Vancouver. Some analysts believe in only five short years, human drivers will be banned from driving in major cities like New York, London and Rome; universities and college campuses; and at airports. The following are some of the technological steps we’ve taken to make robotic cars ease us out of our driving habitat:1

Many new model vehicles are already equipped with auto-breaking technology, and can steers the cars back into your lane.

Many car manufacturers already predict SAV-like “transport pods” will soon replace ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft.

Another prediction is that there will no longer be two cars in every garage.

Analysts predict that driverless SAVs will be the choice of transportation to prevent gridlock for workers bustling into cities.

Regulatory Path to Driverless Cars and Roadways

In January, the U.S. proposed a $4 billion budget for research and to study the infrastructure necessary to make driverless cars and thoroughfares happen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA) has also put a 50-year plan in place to help with policy, monitoring, guidance, and safety for this new innovative technology. The NHTSA sees the use of driverless vehicles and dedicated roadways and highways as a way to do the following:

Firstly, the NHTSA hopes to reduce the annual average of 30,000 deaths per year due to car accidents.

Assist those with disabilities, elderly populations that can no longer driver, and communities where vehicle ownership is too expensive.

Save energy, fossil fuels, and cut down on air pollution.

Contact a St Louis Car Accident Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

The future of SAVs is still incomplete and the technology being developed is still new, and there are still stories coming out about driverless vehicles crashing. If you are involved in a crash with an SAV and it wasn’t your fault, contact the St Louis Car Accident Lawyers at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law. We have a long-standing commitment to serving car accident victims, and we are experienced at aggressively defending our clients’ rights whether it’s in a court room or dealing with an insurance company. Our goal is to help our clients seek justice and get the compensation that may be owed to them for damages.

If you would like a free, no obligations initial consultation with a St Louis Car Accident Lawyer at Brown & Brown, call today at [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also reach us by emailing us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.

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1“Driverless Cars: Robots Are Taking the Wheel” published in Bloomberg News, September 2016.

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News from http://brownlawoffice.com/faqs-how-defective-products-can-be-deadly-and-dangerous/

FAQs: How Defective Products Can Be Deadly and Dangerous

Defective and dangerous products plague our society with not only injuries, but they level a heavy expense burden on us as well. Every year, consumer products that are either defective or dangerous result in everything from property damage, serious injuries, and in some cases even death. Bet, you didn’t know they end up costing our nation more than $1 trillion annually either. That little fact came from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

FAQ No. 1: How Do I Get Compensated If I am Injured by a Defective Product?

FAQs: How Defective Products Can Be Deadly and Dangerous

Answer: The laws as they are set up in every state allow those who are injured by a defective product to seek justice and damage recovery through what is known as product liability laws. You will want to find a knowledgeable and trustworthy St Louis personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, and to help you take down any legal argument the product manufacturer may have. A skilled personal injury lawyer will help you file a lawsuit against the product manufacturer. The Missouri statutes of limitations gives those who have been injured up to five years to file a civil lawsuit. The clock on this time period begins on the date you received your injury.

FAQ No 2: Is There More Than One Type of Defective Product Claim?

Answer: Yes! There are actually three types of defective product claims:

Manufacturer Defects – This occurs when a manufacturer builds a defect into one of its own products.

Design Defects – This occurs when a product is designed with a particular defect, and that defect manifests when the product is operated.

Warning or Instruction Defects – This occurs when a manufacturer makes warnings and/or instructions that appear on the product label and do not warn the consumer where the danger or hazard on the product may occur.

FAQ No. 3: Aren’t Consumers Protected by Laws Against Dangerous and Defect Products?

Answer: Yes! There are both federal and state statutes that handle consumer rights. They protect consumers against unfair and untruthful claims made about products. Something to keep in mind when purchasing a product that appears to be marketed in a way that sounds too good to be true – the product must work according to the prescribed intention it was designed to perform.

FAQ No. 4: What Sort of Justice Can I Pursue to Reclaim Damages for My Injuries?

Answer: If you have been injured by a defective or dangerous product that you bought, you can either file an individual claim or join a class action lawsuit. One bit of advice here – don’t file a claim unless the injury was serious and provable. Personal injury claims fall into two different types:

Negligence – If you can prove that the manufacturer was at fault for “breach of duty” in terms of the design and construction of the product, you can file a claim and seek damages.

Strict Liability – This occurs when a defect occurs during the construction or assembly of a product. The manufacturer then becomes strictly liable for the injuries and damages caused by the product. Plaintiffs nearly always win in these cases, because they don’t have to prove negligence.

Contact a St Louis Personal Injury Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

Have you or a loved one been injured due to a defective or dangerous product? If so, call a St Louis Personal Injury Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law. This legal team has a long-standing commitment to serving victims of defective and dangerous products, and is experienced at aggressively pursuing justice for clients in any legal setting.

If you would like to attend a free, no-cost initial consultation with a St Louis personal injury lawyer at Brown & Brown, call [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. Or, send us an email using the form at the right-hand side of the window.

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Do Rich Drivers with Previous DUIs Pay Less for Car Insurance?

Here’s some news that many might not believe and may even upset a few drivers. Earning more money could get you lower automobile insurance rates, as opposed to those who don’t make a lot of money, according to resent study conducted by consumer advocacy group Consumer Federation of America.

“We were looking at all the factors that tend to be affiliated with people making less money,” said Bob Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America.

Results of the Insurance Study Conducted by Consumer Federation of America

Do Rich Drivers with Previous DUIs Pay Less for Car Insurance?

The following insurance study results were collected from new reports:1

The study had two types of drivers ask for insurance coverage quotes from insurance companies.

The study covered ten major cities and two hypothetical drivers:

High Paid Driver – Has had a bad accident in their past or had a previous driving under the influence (DUI) on their record. This driver works as an executive at a bank and has a master’s degree. This driver is married and owns a house.

Moderately Paid Driver – Has had a clean driving record. This driver works as a bank teller. They have a high school degree, single and lives in a rented home.

20-out-of-38 cases showed the higher-paid driver with a troubled driving record got a cheaper quote than the driver who made less and had a better driving record.

All of the drivers had some similarities, such as they were all 30-year-old women living as the same address, where they’ve held a driver’s license for 14 years. They all also drive a 2006 Toyota Camry that they drive an estimated 10,000 miles every year.

Insurance rates were requested from Allstate, Farmers, Geico, Progressive and State Farm.

The study found that those ranking with “higher risk” characteristics got higher quotes.

They study’s researchers say risk factors taken into consideration by insurance companies included job status, age, education level, credit history, marital status and gender.

How to Make Insurance Rates More Equitable for Those Who Make Less Money

Since insurance companies use factors to determine insurance coverage rates, researchers say perhaps regulation could limit or introduce factors that could help lower insurance costs for those with financial struggles.

If insurers were required to weight driving records more heavily, then those with the cleaner records would get better rates.

It’s best consumers shop around for the best rates, so they can compare rates given from rival insurance that might save them money companies.

Consumers should shop around rates every couple of years, if they want to get the best rates.

By not shopping around for better rates, many consumers are said to be paying a penalty for loyalty.

Contact a St Louis DUI Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

Have you or a loved one been injured in an auto accident involving a drunk driver (DUI), if so contact the St Louis DUI Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law for exception legal representation in any legal setting. Our St. Louis DUI lawyer has a long-standing commitment to serving those who have suffered some injury as a result of careless, reckless and impaired drivers.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, attend a free, no-cost initial consult with our St Louis DUI lawyer at Brown & Brown. Schedule a meeting right away by calling [phone] for our Missouri office or [phone] for our Illinois office. To send us an email, use the form at the right-hand side of the screen.

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1“Why wealthy drivers with DUIs get to pay less for car insurance” published in The Washington Post, October 2016.

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Legals News from Brown Law Office

News from http://brownlawoffice.com/nfl-pros-retiring-brain-injuries/

Are Brain Injuries Triggering NFL Players to Retire Early?

Buffalo Bills Linebacker A.J. Tarpley recently announced his early retirement from the NFL after suffering his fourth concussion.  While this announcement may shock some, it seems to be part of a bigger pattern of early player retirements, which may be stemming from fears of developing serious brain injuries like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

As Tarpley explained to the press when announcing his retirement:

The only thing comforting about not knowing this play would be the last of my career, is knowing that I never took a second for granted… After months of introspection, I am retiring from football. I suffered the 3rd and 4th concussions of my career this past season, and I am walking away from the game I love to preserve my future health.

Are Brain Injuries Triggering NFL Players to Retire Early?

NFL Hesitant to Acknowledge Link Between Playing Football and Developing Serious Brain Injuries, CTE

The NFL may have accidentally tipped its hat on acknowledging the link between developing serious brain injuries like CTE and playing professional football.

In fact, during a House Energy and Commerce Committee roundtable meeting held this past March, Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill) reportedly asked NFL Senior Vice President for Health and Safety, Jeff Miller, if he knew of a link between playing in the pros and developing CTE. Miller replied, “certainly” recent research (out of Boston University) had established a link.

NFL coaches and general managers have been quick to dial Millers’ admission back. In fact, New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson recently commented (with regards to brain injuries and football):

I am not in a position [to opine on the link between CTE and football]… I am a layman. [Jeff Miller] is a layman as well.

Despite this backpedaling, however, other research and reports connecting pro football play to the development of CTE has been made public. In fact, the New York Times recently reported discovering that the NFL has allegedly downplayed the results of its own research studies in an effort to minimize the “link” between pro football and brain injuries.

List of Retiring NFL Players Grows

Tarpley is, of course, not the only NFLer to retire early due to health concerns (or other reasons). In fact, several other players (including but not limited to the following) have cited health concerns (including concerns regarding the development of serious brain injuries) as reasons for retiring early:

D’Brickashaw Ferguson, New York Jets’ Tackle

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions’ Wide Receiver

Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots’ Linebacker

Husain Abdullah, Kansas City Chiefs’ Free Safety

B.J. Raji, Green Bay Packers’ Nose Tackle

Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks’ Running Back

Tracy Scroggins, Detroit Lions’ Defensive End

Do you think the NFL is hiding information or downplaying the connection regarding playing pro football and developing serious brain injuries? Sound off on our Facebook & Google+ pages.

Contact a St Louis Personal Injury Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious brain injury – or any type of catastrophic injury – as a result of another’s negligent or careless actions, call an experienced St Louis personal injury lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law at [phone] (for our Missouri office) or at [phone] (for our Illinois office). You can also email us using the contact form on this page.

When you contact our firm, you can get clear answers about your rights and options for recovery. You can also secure exceptional legal representation at no upfront legal cost. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you, help you protect your rights, and help you succeed in your financial recovery.

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Legals News from Brown Law Office

News from http://brownlawoffice.com/testimony-barred-mirena-iud-mdl-trial/

Mass Tort News: Doctors' Testimonies Barred from Mirena IUD Trial

The mass torts filed against Bayer Healthcare for the alleged problems with the Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) seem to have hit another roadblock. That’s because, recently, U.S. District Court Judge Cathy Seibel of the Southern District of New York:

Barred four of the plaintiffs’ expert witnesses from testifying

Narrowed the scope of two other experts’ testimonies expected in two federal trials (that will soon get underway).

This ruling impacts the more than 1,200 cases pending in the Mirena IUD multidistrict litigation (MLD).*

Background on Mirena IUD Devices

Mirena is one of three IUDs currently available in the U.S. According to Bayer, the target patient for Mirena IUDs are women who have already given birth. The marketing for these devices claims that IUDs are a hassle-free form of birth control for the active mom.

In fact, according to Bayer, its Mirena IUDs are:

Convenient and can be implanted without surgery

More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy

Can be removed at any point after implantation

Treat heavy periods

Are effective for up to 5 years following implantation.

Mirena IUD Lawsuits: A Closer Look at the Allegations

Doctors’ Testimonies Barred from Mirena IUD Trial

Mirena’s IUD is a popular contraceptive device that has come under fire in recent years for allegedly causing women to sustain serious injuries.

In fact, in 2009, Bayer received a warning from the FDA stating that the company was exaggerating the effectiveness of the IUD and misleading consumers about its potential risks and dangers. To date, more than 45,000 adverse event reports related to the Mirena IUD have been filed by patients with the FDA.

In 2011, the first injury and liability claim related to the Mirena IUD was filed in civil court. This sparked a number of other personal injury claims against Bayer, ultimately triggering the courts to consolidate the cases into multidistrict litigation (in order to facilitate and standardize the pre-trial and discovery processes for these cases).

These MDL cases, as well as other individual cases filed against Bayer with regards to Mirena’s alleged problems, contend that the IUD devices caused a range of serious problems and injuries, including (but not necessarily limited to):

Uterine perforation

Severe inflammation

The device becoming embedded in uterus

Abscesses and organ damage

Vaginal hemorrhaging and ongoing bleeding

Intestinal perforations or obstruction

Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy occurring outside the uterus) when women became pregnant despite the use/presence of these devices

Infertility.

Among the specific allegations that have been hurled at Bayer with regards to its Mirena IUDs include that Bayer:

Misled consumers about the benefits, effectiveness and potential risks associated with its IUDs

Failed to adequately test the safety and possible dangers associated the IUD before bringing the product to market

Failed to warn the public of the known risks linked to Mirena IUDs.

As more news about the Mirena IUD MDL becomes available, we’ll report the latest updates to you here, in a future blog. Until then, tell us what you think about this case on Facebook & Google+.

Contact a St Louis Personal Injury Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you or someone you love has been harmed by any type of dangerous or potentially defective medical device, contact an experienced St Louis personal injury lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law by calling [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the contact form on this page.

When you contact our firm, you can get clear answers about your rights and options for recovery. You can also secure exceptional legal representation at no upfront legal cost. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you, help you protect your rights, and help you succeed in your financial recovery.

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  *Mirena IUD MDL is based in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, In re: Mirena IUD Products Liability Litigation, 13-MD-02434 (CS-LMS).

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Legals News from Brown Law Office

News from http://brownlawoffice.com/nursing-home-employee-indicted-identity-theft/

Nursing Home Employee Indicted for Stealing Residents' Identities

Nursing home abuse can come in various forms – ranging from physical assaults and violence to sexual abuse, emotional abuse and even financial abuse. Tragically, nursing home abuse can be as rampant as it is devastating, as federal data indicates that at least 1 in every 10 nursing home residents is subject to some type of nursing home abuse or neglect during their stay in these facilities.

A recent real-life case of financial nursing home abuse has reared its ugly head in Belleville after a receptionist at a nursing home was allegedly caught stealing residents’ identities and using them to make purchases.

  Nursing Home Abuse: The Allegations

Nursing Home Employee Indicted for Stealing Residents’ Identities

According to the indictment and police reports, the following are the facts and allegations associated with this nursing home abuse and fraud case:

The defendant reportedly rifled through residents’ mail to steal their personal information.

In one instance, the defendant allegedly used one patient’s Macy’s credit card to buy an item online (and had that item delivered to the nursing home).

The defendant also allegedly applied for a credit card in the patient’s name using a computer at the nursing home.

The defendant reportedly used the card to make multiple purchases, including paying her rent.

The accused now faces charges of aggravated identity theft, wire fraud and mail fraud. The nursing home, however, was not listed as a party to the criminal case.

Although it remains to be seen how the criminal case will be resolved, the victims in this case may be able to pursue civil action against the defendant. A civil nursing home abuse case may be the key to helping victims’ financially recover.

How Often Does Nursing Home Abuse Occur?

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse Administration on Aging, here are some of the latest findings about the prevalence of nursing home abuse in the U.S.:

About 7% of all reported nursing home abuse complaints foming from long-term care facilities were in reference to physical abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

In a survey of about 2,000 home nursing residents, nearly 45% reported that they believed they had abused, and about 95% said that they had suffered neglect or witnessed another patient being neglected  in a nursing home.

The vast majority of nursing home abuse and neglect incidents go unreported. This is primarily due to the facts that residents either:

Fear retaliation or don’t want to get the alleged abuser in trouble (which may be the case if the abuser is a relative)

Suffer from conditions (like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease) that prevent them from remembering or being able to communicate/explain/report the abuse they have suffered.

Contact a St Louis Personal Injury Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you or a loved one has been subjected to any form of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact a trusted St Louis personal injury lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law by calling [phone] or by emailing us using the form on this page. Our attorneys are ready to help you fight injustice, hold negligent parties accountable and financially recover so you can heal and move on with your life.

When you contact our firm, you can get clear answers about your rights and options for recovery. You can also secure exceptional legal representation at no upfront legal cost.

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Legals News from Brown Law Office

News from http://brownlawoffice.com/nfl-workers-comp-claims/

NFL Players Assocation Seeks to Keep Workers’ Compensation Claims in MO

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is allegedly pressuring contract agent players to reject the terms of new contracts being offered to them to play in California as “inappropriate.” This is because the Association appears to want to keep workers’ compensation claims in the state of Missouri instead of California.

According to a recent NBS report, here is the language being labeled as inappropriate by the NFLAP:1

The parties hereto acknowledge that this Player Contract has been negotiated and executed in Missouri; that should any dispute, claim or cause of action (collectively ‘dispute’) arise concerning rights or liabilities arising from the relationship between the Player and the Club, the parties hereto agree that the law governing such dispute shall be the law of the State of Missouri.  Furthermore, the exclusive jurisdiction for resolving Workers’ Compensation related claims shall be the Division of Workers’ Compensation of Missouri, and the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Act shall govern.

Union Argues Against State Control of Workers’ Compensation

NFL Players Assocation Seeks to Keep Workers’ Compensation Claims in MO

The NFLAP has issued a strong warning to players and any business entity against using this type of contractual language intended to keep workers’ compensation claims in the state of Missouri.

One team has even taken action to move to another state in order to subvert this clause and avoid having workers compensation claims exclusively based in Missouri. In fact:

The Rams have relocated to California as evidenced by the team’s website, which now lists the team as the Los Angeles Rams.

The Rams are planning to hold pre-season workouts and training camp in California.

The Rams plan to practice and play their 2016 season in California.

When Work Injuries Occur: How a Workers Compensation Attorney Can Help

Generally speaking, workers’ compensation lawyers can be essential to positioning these claims for approval helping injured workers’ protect their rights, and help them file appeals when valid claims are wrongly denied.

After any type of accident or incident at work harms you (or a loved one), here are some of the most important things to keep in mind as you move forward to file a workers’ compensation claim:

Employers tend to be very knowledgeable about law and how workers’ compensation claims work.

Employees tend to know relatively little about workers’ compensation laws and how to benefit from them, which is why it’s important to retain an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.

Insurance companies that process workers compensation claims tend to be looking out for their own profits (and the employers who are their clients), rather than injured workers. This effectively means that injured workers cannot count on insurers to look out for them, to explain their rights or to provide the benefit payouts that may be deserved.

Contact a St Louis Workers Compensation Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you or someone you love has been hurt in any type of work accident, it’s time to contact the St Louis workers compensation lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law. You can contact us by calling [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.

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News from http://brownlawoffice.com/opioid-epidemic/

Opioid Epidemic Reaches Boiling Point, Sparks Major Concern among FDA Officials

Prescription drugs can be incredibly helpful when it comes to treating serious health conditions and ailments. Just because a drug is available via prescription, however, does not necessarily mean that it is safe. And, perhaps, one of the most glaring examples of this comes in the form of addictive prescription painkillers, which may be creating bigger problems and health issues for people than the underlying conditions they are intended to treat.

In fact, growing concerns over the addiction problem caused by prescription painkillers has spurred the the FDA and pharmaceutical industry to pull back the reigns on legal opioids in a number of ways. Highlight this concern, a recent report published in the Economist explained that:

Overdoses from heroin, prescription drugs, and opioid painkillers have overtaken car accidents to become the leading cause of injury-related deaths in America.

A Look at How Dangerous Painkillers & Opioid Prescriptions Can Be

Opioid Epidemic Reaches Boiling Point

According to some of the latest data From the National Institute on Drug Abuse:

In 2014, overdoses from  heroin, prescription drugs, and opioid pain killers have been responsible for nearly 29,000 deaths.

From 2001 to 2014, heroin overdose deaths have increased six-fold.

Approximately 125 people die every day from drug overdoses; 78 of those deaths are from heroin alone.

These figures are so startling that they are being compared to the number of HIV deaths in the late 1980s and 1990s.

What to Do If You Believe You’ve Been Harmed by a Dangerous Drug

If you believe that you (or a loved one) have been developed health complications as a result of using a potentially dangerous drug (prescription or over-the-counter), here’s what will be important to do:

Seek immediate medical attention – Before you stop using the drug (or try to alter your dose), see a doctor ASAP to find out if the changes in your health may have been triggered by the drug in question.

Look into alternative drug options – Talk to your doctor about alternative medications that may be more suitable to you and your condition.

Report the adverse health effects to the FDA – If you were, in fact, harmed by a dangerous drug, making a report to the FDA’s Adverse Reporting System (FARS) can  be helpful to alerting authorities about the problems with a medication (and the more reports made to FARS, the more likely it is that the FDA will initiate its own investigation – and maybe even provide new  warnings about drug risks to prevent others from being harmed by the drug)

Contact an attorney ASAP – An attorney can review the details of your situation and inform you of your best options for financial recovery.

Contact a St Louis Personal Injury Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you or someone you love has been injured by a dangerous medication or medical device, call a St Louis personal injury lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law at [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.

When you contact our firm, you can get clear answers about your rights and options for recovery. You can also secure exceptional legal representation at no upfront legal cost. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you, help you protect your rights, and help you succeed in your financial recovery.

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Legals News from Brown Law Office

News from http://brownlawoffice.com/cop-drunk-crash/

Cop Suspected of Drunk Driving in Car Crash

An off-duty St Louis police officer was recently placed under arrest after reportedly crashing into a city-owned, Fire department SUV that had been parked outside of a fire department chief’s house. The officer, 37, was reportedly not injured in the auto wreck, and he is currently being investigated  for suspected drunk driving.

Investigation Details and Witness Accounts

Cop Suspected of Drunk Driving Crash

Although few details about this crash and the investigation have been released, here is what is know so far about  this wreck (based on the latest police reports and statements):

The off-duty officer came to a stop on the lawn of the deputy fire chief’s home.

The unmarked fire department SUV was parked in the driveway. The department has five such vehicles.

Internal affairs investigators are taking part in an ongoing investigation into the crash.

The off-duty officer was arrested and released, charges pending the outcome of the investigation.

The off-duty officer has worked for the police department for nearly 14 years

What Happens When a Police Officer Gets a DUI?

Police are not above the law, so when they get caught for a drunk driving crash they are usually subject to a higher outcry over shame than a regular citizen. If the follow occurs, then there are generally more consequences for the police officer involved in a suspected DUI car crash.

Were other cars or trucks impacted? Was there an accident with physical damage or human injury?

What is the officer’s driving record? If he’s had any other traffic infractions, his penalty will likely be more severe.

There is usually great pressure for the arrested officer to plead with his coworkers to “badge out” the arrest and let the driver go without arrest for DUI. If this is proved, it would also go against the officer and any conspirators.

If the officer is drunk, while on duty it always ends in the officer being fired from their job.

Some officers prefer to resign their post, instead of incurring additional disciplinary action.

Some other penalties include putting officers on indefinite leave, temporary suspension, and possibly sending them to rehab.

Seeking Compensation and Punitive Damages

If the officer had been drunk while on-duty at the time of the accident, a plaintiff could name the driver/officer and police department as defendants, since the incident could have occurred on the clock.

In this case, however, since the officer was off duty (and it’s not yet clear whether alcohol impairment was involved), it’s best to consult an attorney for more specific guidance about the available legal remedies – and the best options for recovery and justice.

Contact a St Louis Car Accident Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident – or any type of traffic wreck – that may have been caused by another motorist, contact the St Louis car accident lawyers at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law at [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.

When you contact us, you can rely on receiving clear, honest information about your rights and your best options for recovery.

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Legals News from Brown Law Office

News from http://brownlawoffice.com/driver-rescues-self-truck-crash/

Driver Rescues Self from Truck Accident that Left Truck Hanging Off Bridge

What could have turned out to be a particularly devastating and tragic truck accident ended up being a nonfatal crash recently after a truck overturned and was left dangling over the edge of the Discovery Bridge in St. Charles.

According to police reports, law enforcement had to close a section of Highway 370 eastbound near Highway 94 for approximately three hours to clear the wreckage.

The truck driver was reportedly able to get himself out of the truck, climb over the cab and make it to safety. Although the contents of the truck did not reportedly spill out onto the roadway, officers did report smelling diesel fuel after the wreck.

Facts of the Truck Accident 

Truck Hung off Bridge After Crash, Driver Rescues Self

Here are some additional details about this accident, according to the latest reports from police:

The collision occurred at about 12:30 p.m. and involved a truck and two other cars.

The two people in the other two vehicles allegedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The truck driver reportedly did not sustain any injuries.

The auto accident forced the closure of all eastbound traffic on Hwy 370 on the bridge.

Law enforcement said it would take hours to upright the tractor trailer and get the truck cab off the edge of the bridge.

Truck Accident Statistics

The following facts about truck-related accidents were provided by the Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA):

The number of trucking accidents has increased by more than 20% over the last two decades.

In 2002, nearly 5,000 individuals died and 130,000 people suffered injuries as a result of a large truck involved in a crash.

In 2013, approximately 4,186 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes, which is a 3% increase from the year before.

Possible Negligence and Liability

Officers and investigators are still working to uncover the precise causes of this crash. One thing to keep in mind about auto accidents involving truckers and trucking companies is that both, if responsible for the accident, can be named separately as defendants.

It may also take some investigative work to determine who is exactly at fault and whether or not you have a valid claim to make should you decide to bring legal action against a defendant. When it comes to seeking compensation for damages in a truck accident, the following is a list of possible players that may be held responsible for a victim’s personal injuries:

Truck driver

Truck owner or trailer owner

Person or company that leased the truck or trailer involved in the accident

Manufacturer of the truck or trailer, if the vehicle had a defect that contributed to the accident

Loader of shipper, who may have improperly loaded the truck

Other motorists involved in a wreck.

Contact a St Louis Auto Accident Attorney at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you or a family have been injured in an auto accident involving a truck, contact the St Louis auto accident Attorney at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law by calling us at [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.

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Car Accident in North St. Louis Injures 6

Four Children and two adults were taken to a local hospital after a two vehicles recently collided at the intersection of Minerva and Belt Avenues in North St. Louis. The car crash reportedly occurred when a motorist, who had been pulled over for a traffic stop, tried to speed away from the traffic officer and, when doing so, hit another vehicle and then a bicyclist.

While the investigation into this wreck is still ongoing, initial police reports indicate that the driver who attempted to speed away from the traffic stop has been taken into custody.

Majority of Car Accidents Caused by Driver Misbehaviors

Car Accident in North St. Louis Injures 6

Two-thirds of drivers are distracted in the seconds leading right up to a car accident, according to research done at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Smartphones or cell phones topped the list as the most common cause of car accidents. Here’s a listing of the most common forms of distracted driving:

Talking or texting on cell phone or smartphone

Reading or writing

Reaching for something in the vehicle

Using a GPS navigations system

Using other dashboard touchscreen controls

Officials have determined that distracted activities more than double the risk of a car accident.

“We tend to underestimate the hazards of driving because we do it so often and it’s a critical part of daily life, but we shouldn’t take our safety for granted,” said Dr. Sandhya Nagubadi, an internal medicine physician on staff at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, Ill.2

Distraction-Free Driving Requires Planning

The following is a list of some helpful suggestions on staying safe and preparing before you plan a car trip:

Get your route mapped out and onscreen before heading down the road.

Select your music playlist before leaving your parking spot.

Don’t primp or put on any makeup or personal items while you are driving.

Don’t eat food while driving.

Wake up earlier for appointments, so you are not rushed.

Don’t drive while you are tired, drowsy or after taking medicine that can negatively affected your alertness.

Offer friends and family a ride along, because National Safety Council research found that adult passengers could help by assisting in navigation.

Not only could distracted driving cause you to get a traffic ticket when you are discovered to be distracted while driving, but you could face a lawsuit for liability of negligent driving.

Contact a St Louis Car Accident Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash or any type of traffic collision, contact an experienced St Louis car accident lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law by calling [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.

When you contact us, you can get straightforward answers and advice regarding your rights and your best recovery options. If you choose to move forward with us, you will not have to pay any fees until or unless there is a recovery for your claim.

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Serious Dog Bites Happen More Often Than You May Realize [Infographic]

Every year in the U.S., at least 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, and more than 900,000 of them need emergency medical care.

To try to prevent dog attacks and keep people safe, advocates across the nation have dedicated the third week of May to commemorate National Dog Bite Prevention Week. In support of this effort, we at Brown & Brown are sharing the following infographic, which presents some of the latest findings about the prevalence of dog bite injuries in the U.S.

While we encourage you to share this Infographic on social media to help spread the word and support the effort, we also invite you to contact us and find about more about your options for recovery if you have been seriously hurt by a dog. Our lawyers are here for you, ready to help.

Serious Dog Bites Happen More Often Than You May Realize [Infographic]

Contact a St Louis Personal Injury Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog – or as a result of any accident that may have involved negligence, contact a St Louis personal injury lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law.

Our goal is to preserve and promote the rights and welfare of individuals and families who have suffered injuries and losses and/or who need help navigating the complexities of the legal system.

To learn more about how we can help you, attend a free, no obligations initial consult with a St Louis lawyer at Brown & Brown. You can schedule this meeting by calling us at [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.

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5 Essential Safety Tips for Motorcyclists: How to Minimize Your Crash Risk

Essential Safety Tips for Motorcyclists: How to Minimize Your Crash Risk

For National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we recently shared some of the latest findings about the prevalence and causes of motorcycle crashes in the U.S. Continuing to support this cause, we are now presenting some essential riding safety tips for motorcyclists. These tips can help dramatically reduce riders’ risk of being involved in motorcycle crash.

Always wear a DOT-approved safety helmet & other safety gear – A DOT-approved helmet can reduce riders’ risk of catastrophic, if not fatal, head injuries in the event of a crash by about 50 percent. In addition to wearing a helmet, other important safety gear riders should wear to enhance their protections while riding include (but may not be limited to):

Gloves

A thick jacket

Boots with nonskid soles

Gear with reflective lights or tape to enhance visibility (especially when riding in the evenings).

Check the weather before riding – And consider changing your plans if adverse weather conditions are expected during your riding time. Opting for alternative modes of transportation when rainy, stormy, snowy, etc. conditions are occurring can help riders avoid putting themselves in situations in which their crash risk would significantly increase.

Never speed – Speeding is factor in more than 1 in every 3 fatal motorcycle accidents in the U.S.1 One of the primary reasons that speeding is so often linked to deadly motorcycle crashes is that, when riders speed, they have far less time to take corrective action to avoid crash risks.

Never ride after drinking – About 40 percent of riders involved in fatal, single vehicle crashes were impaired by alcohol when the accident occurred.1 Trying to operate any motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, after drinking alcohol is always a mistake because drunk motorists are at least four times more likely to be involved in a crash than sober drivers.

Anticipate that other motorists won’t see or look out for you – In other words, ride defensively. Specifically, this can involve:

Waiting an extra few seconds at red lights and stop signs before proceeding

Trying to stay out of other motorists’ blind spots

Signaling well in advance of any intended  lane changes or turns

Generally expecting that other motorists will not yield to riders’ rights of way.

While the above riding safety tips can help motorcyclists limit their crash risks, when accidents do end up happening, one of the best things injured riders – or any crash victim – can do is to contact an experienced injury attorney at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law.

Contact a St Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle crash, contact the St Louis motorcycle accident lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law, who are experienced at aggressively defending injured people’s rights in any legal setting. Our goal is to preserve and promote the rights and welfare of individuals and families who have suffered injuries and losses and/or who need help navigating the complexities of the legal system.

To learn more about how we can help you, attend a free, no obligations initial consult with a St Louis lawyer at Brown & Brown. You can schedule this meeting by calling us at [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.

____________________________________________

1: According to the NHTSA

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Motorcycle Accidents in the U.S.: An Infographic for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

With spring upon, the weather warming and summer around the corner, more an d more motorcycle riders are hitting the roads. To help protect riders and prevent motorcycle crashes, federal transportation regulators and safety advocates have dedicated the month of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Elaborating on this, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has explained1 that:

Motorcyclists will be out in force as the weather gets warmer, which is why May is the perfect month for Motorcycle Safety Awareness…Fatal crashes with motorcycles are on the rise. We all need to be more aware of motorcyclists in order to save lives and make sure we all ‘Share the Road.’

Supporting this cause, we at Brown & Brown are presenting the following infographic, which features some of the latest findings about the rate and causes of motorcycle crashes in the U.S.

While we invite you to share this infographic with others on social media for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we also encourage you to contact us ASAP if you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident – or any type of traffic collision. Our lawyers can advise you of your recovery options and provide you with zealous legal advocacy moving forward.

Contact a St Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle crash, contact a St Louis motorcycle accident lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law. We have a long-standing commitment to serving our clients, and we are experienced at aggressively defending our clients’ rights in any legal setting.

To learn more about how we can help you, attend a free, no obligations initial consult with a St Louis lawyer at Brown & Brown. You can schedule this meeting by calling us at [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.

________________________________________________________

1: For the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May 2014

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Deadly Car Accidents Sharply Increase across the U.S., Data Reveals

Deadly Car Accidents Sharply Increase across the U.S., Data Reveals

Despite advancements in vehicle safety technology, the rate of fatal auto accidents in the U.S. has increased over the past year, according to federal data. In fact, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has revealed, data for the first nine months of 2015 indicate a nearly 10 percent increase in traffic-related fatalities in the U.S.

“For decades, U.S. DOT has been driving safety improvements on our roads, and those efforts have resulted in a steady decline in highway deaths. But the apparent increase [in highway deaths] in 2015 is a signal that we need to do more,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. 

And, tragically, this trend is not limited to the aggregate, national level – it is also reflected in various states, including in Missouri and Illinois, data reveals.

Current Fatality Data for Illinois and Missouri

Here are the most current fatality figures for 2016 for Missouri and Illinois, respectively:

State Roadway Fatalities Missouri State Highway Fatalities (2/4/2016)* 72 Illinois Roadway Fatalities (2/9/2016)* 87

*Fatalities figures taken from data published by the Missouri and Illinois Departments of Transportation

Rates of Fatal Car Accidents in Missouri and Illinois Over Recent Years

In 2014, Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a total of 766 fatal car crashes occurred, which was up slightly over 2013, when 757 traffic-related deaths reportedly occurred.

In Illinois, in 2015 according to the Department of Transportation, a total of 999 people were killed in traffic accidents (with the specific breakdown of the fatalities by party affected included 664 drivers, 172 passengers, 153 pedestrians, 27 pedalcyclists, and 3 others).

Factors Affecting Fatality Rates

Obviously, a state’s driving population is among the factors that impacts the number of motor vehicle deaths that occur each year in that state. Additional factors that affect traffic-related fatality rates include (but are by no means limited to):

Driver behaviors and sobriety

Vehicle condition

Weather conditions

Road conditions.

Preventing Fatal Car Accidents to Save Lives: NHTSA  Holds Safety Summits Nationwide

In an attempt to start preventing fatal car accidents and saving more lives, NHTSA officials are hosting a series of safety summits, the first of which will be in Sacramento. These summits will bring together civic groups, insurance companies, law enforcement officials and others to discuss possible ways to reduce traffic-related deaths.

NHTSA administrators say different approaches to human behaviors will help save lives. Some of the topics that the NHTSA plans to discuss and gather ideas on include impaired driving (drunk or drugged), aggressive driving/speeding, failure to use infant car seats and seat belts, and distracted driving (texting, inattentiveness, rubbernecking, etc.), just to name a few.

Contact a St Louis Car Accident Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you have been hurt in a car accident – or if you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, contact a St Louis car accident lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law for effective help pursuing recovery and justice.

At Brown & Brown, we know that no amount of money can make up for catastrophic injuries and losses, including the loss of a loved one. We also know that following through with an accident case can be pivotal to securing essential financial support to:

Cover outstanding medical bills

Pay for any future treatment needs, including therapy for profound losses

Put a loved one to rest

Properly deal with grief without also having to deal with extreme financial stress.

To learn more about how we can help you, attend a free, no obligations initial consult with a St Louis car accident lawyer at Brown & Brown. You can schedule this meeting by calling us at [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.

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Time Limits for Car Accident Claims in Missouri & Illinois

Time Limits for Car Accident Claims in Missouri & Illinois

After a car accident happens, crash victims only have a limited amount of time to pursue financial recovery via a car accident case. This time frame is known as the statute of limitations, and it differs from state to state.

Filing an auto accident claim within the statute of limitations is crucial to its success – and victims’ overall recoveries – as failing to meet this filing deadline can result in a claim dismissal.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Missouri

In Missouri, the statue of limitations for car accident cases is five (5) years.

In other words, the accident survivor (which could be an injured driver, passenger, bicyclist, pedestrian, motorcycle rider, etc. – or which could be a family who has lost a loved one to a deadly wreck) has five years from the date of their accident to file a civil lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Illinois

In Illinois, the statue of limitations for car accident cases is two (2) years. While this can seem like plenty of time to take action, the truth is that:

It can go by quickly, especially when injured people are focused on healing.

As time passes, it’s not uncommon for the strength of these cases to be diluted (as evidence can go missing, witnesses’ memories fade, bills get lost, etc.).

So, the real bottom line when it comes to case filing deadlines, is that it’s generally better to move forward sooner, rather than later, when accident victims are serious about their financial recoveries.

When the Statute of Limitations States

In general, the clock starts ticking on the statute of limitations for a car accident case on either:

The date on which the crash occurred

The date on which the victim became aware of his or her injuries.

Contact a St Louis Auto Accident Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law

If you have been hurt in an auto accident, don’t hesitate to contact a St Louis auto accident lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law. We have a long-standing commitment to serving our clients, and we are experienced at aggressively defending our clients’ rights in any legal setting.

To learn more about how we can help you, attend a free, no obligations initial consult with a St Louis auto accident lawyer at Brown & Brown. You can schedule this meeting by calling us at [phone] for our Missouri office or at [phone] for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.