8 year old on bicycle hit by pickup on Pine Center Drive

Northwest Harris County: an 8-year old girl enjoying her summer vacation was seriously injured Tuesday when she was knocked off her bicycle and run over by a pickup truck. The girl and a friend were riding on Pine Center Drive around 7:00 p.m. - one crossed over Royal Gardens Drive successfully, the other did not. The girl's bike was wedged under the truck after the accident. The girl was flown to Memorial Hermann in critical condition, the driver of the white GMC Sierra remained at the scene. Channel 2's article doesn't say if the girl was wearing a helmet.

The 8-year old girl on this bicycle was flown to Memorial Hermann

The girl and a friend had been riding on Pine Center Drive

The driver of the pickup remained at the accident scene

Bicycle accident attorney in Houston

Montrose pedestrians hit by alleged hit-and-run drunk driver in Fiat

Two pedestrians, a man and a woman, were transported to hospital Saturday night after they were struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in the Montrose area. The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Tuam Street and Helena Street. Witnesses say the driver of a silver Fiat car wasn't necessarily speeding but was driving faster than would be expected for the conditions, when he struck the couple then kept going around the corner, despite significant damage to his car. A witness followed the Fiat, and the Fiat returned to the scene of the accident where additional witnesses prevented the driver from leaving. Law enforcement believes the driver was intoxicated. Channel 2's report is here.

I was in trial last week in Harris County Civil District Court on a drunk driving hit-and-run accident. The jury awarded $20,000 in punitive damages against the drunk driver for gross negligence. Typically jurors have little patience for drunk drivers, particularly those who flee.

Damage to the silver Fiat that struck two Montrose pedestrians

An injured pedestrian laying in the roadway

The driver of the Fiat in police custody

Karambir Chahal victim of speeding street racers in Missouri City crash

Recently married and having just earned a promotion at work, Karambir Chahal was killed Thursday in a car accident that appears to be the result of street racing.  Moments before the head-on crash that claimed Mr. Chahal's life, the vehicle involved was seen traveling on Highway 90 at an estimated 100 miles-per-hour, weaving in and out of traffic along with another vehicle. Accident witness Leslie Fernandez told Channel 11 News the cars zoomed past her right before the wreck, scaring her and making her want to stay well out of their way. Investigators in Missouri City say the speeding driver was traveling westbound on Highway 90 before crossing into oncoming traffic and hitting two cars, including Karambir Chahal's vehicle.

Investigators believe the deadly crash was the result of street racing

Accident witness Leslie Fernandez speaks with Channel 11

Victim Karambir Chahal was recently married

The speeding vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting two cars

Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Albuquerque, NM

Mark Caruso among highest rated Albuquerque personal injury and wrongful death attorneys.

 

Independent ratings from the following organizations show why Mark Caruso is among the highest rated personal injury and wrongful death attorneys in New Mexico:

 

AVVO  Attorney Rating Service:  Mark Caruso has  been ranked by the prestigious attorney  rating ranking service as a "9.6 SUPERB" on AVVO Attorney Ratings. Mark Caruso ranks extremely high in the areas of Experience, Industry Recognition and Professional Conduct. This AVVO lawyer rating of "9.6 SUPERB" makes Mark Caruso and Caruso Law Offices one of the highest and best AVVO rated personal injury attorneys and law firms in New Mexico. A perfect score is a 10.

 

Martindale-Hubbell Client Ratings:  Mark Caruso has been awarded the prestigious 2012 and 2013 Client Distinction Awards from Martindale Hubbell, a non-biased and unpaid lawyer rating and referral service. Mark Caruso was recognized by Martindale-Hubbell as an excellent personal injury attorney for his Quality of Service, Overall Value, Responsiveness and Communication Ability. The award was a result of high client ratings and reporting to Martindale Hubbell and other forums.

 

Martindale-Hubbell Attorney Peer Review Ratings: Mark Caruso is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell as a result of the independent peer review evaluation process completed by other attorneys who are familiar with Mark Caruso.

 

Million Dollar Advocates Forum:  Mark Caruso was recently named a life member to the "Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The Top Trial Lawyers in America".  Established in 1993, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum is one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States.   Membership is limited to attorneys who have won several million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. There are only  4000  members throughout the country. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members.

 

Albuquerque Better Business Bureau (BBB):   Mark Caruso has been awarded an A+ rating by the Albuquerque Better Business Bureau.

 

Lead Counsel Rated in Personal Injury:   Mark Caruso has earned the Lead Counsel Rating in Plaintiff's Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Law.  The Lead Counsel Rating is awarded to peer-recommended attorneys who have demonstrated significant experience and maintain a clean disciplinary history with verified experience, peer recommendations and a spotless record. 

 

AVVO Clients' Choice Award in Personal Injury:  Mark Caruso was awarded the AVVO Clients' Choice Award for New Mexico for 2013.

 

AVVO Top Contributor Award in Personal Injury:   Mark Caruso was awarded th AVVO Top Contributor Award in Personal Injury for 2013.

 

Verified Top Merchant in Merchant Circle:

 

SuperPages SuperGuarantee Protected Law Firm:  Mark Caruso is backed by the SuperGuarantee program for personal injury and wrongful death law.

 

 

Mark Caruso maintains active memberships with the following organizations: 

Member, New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association

Member, American Association for Justice

 

Member, State Bar of New Mexico

 

Member, State Bar of California

 

 

See our many Client Testimonials  at  www.carusolaw.com

 

 

 

Please call Mark Caruso today at 505-883-5000 and find out more how we can help you with your personal injury or wrongful death claim.  We have two offices in Albuquerque to serve you--NorthEast Heights and West Side.  We represent clients statewide and in the pueblos and reservations of New Mexico. We offer free consultations and can meet you after hours or on Saturdays, at your home, hospital, place of employment.

 

 

 mjc427@gmail.com

How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Your Injuries From a Car Accident or Collision?

By Julie Bowen

If you have been injured in an Albuquerque car wreck or some other accident, you know that you need to seek immediate medical attention at the Emergency Room and follow-up care from your primary care doctor. Chiropractors have an important role to play as part of the health care team treating accident victims as well. They can help to evaluate the full extent of your injuries from the accident, and provide treatment to mitigate worsening of symptoms. 

Whiplash Injuries from Car Accidents

Chiropractors can treat injuries from car accidents, commonly known as whiplash, which is caused during a rear-impact collision. The impact from the collision can result in a number of health problems, including:

Loss of resiliency in the spine or limbs

herniated discs

difficulty with movement

chronic pain

difficulty concentrating

Chiropractic Consultation

During a consultation, the chiropractor will meet with you to discuss your injuries, get a description of your symptoms and take a case history. Be prepared to discuss any other treatments you have undergone with your family doctor and other specialists during this part of the visit. Don't hesitate to mention the emotional symptoms you are dealing with following the accident to the chiropractor, such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, and trouble sleeping. It's important to raise any existing conditions you may have, too, as these may affect your tratment.

According to the results of a new study, for example, there is a link between Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and chronic whiplash symptoms. Patients who are living with PTSD have higher levels of pain than whiplash patients who do not have this disorder. Learning how to deal with PTSD following a car accident will require seeking treatment from other professionals, and needs to be diagnosed appropriately so that you can get the right type of treatment, which may include medications, psychotherapy, or both.

Chiropractic Care for Soft Tissue Injuries

The type of soft-tissue injury which presents following a car accident may need more than just pain relievers and muscle relaxers to heal properly. These measure provide symptom relief but don't really do anything to get to the root of the problem.

The damage caused to soft tissues will not necessarily heal within four to eight weeks. It does not simply get better on its own with time and rest. This type of injury requires specific treatment if you are going to be restored to the state you were in before the accident.

Drug-free Treatment 

Chiropractors can offer a safe, drug-free treatment option to accident victims. Their approach is non-invasive. These trained professionals can focus on the following types of injuries:

• Back pain
• Headache
• Neck pain

Once the whiplash has been diagnosed, the chiropractor has a number of treatment options available to offer you. The first thing you may think of when considering visiting a chiropractor is manipulation, "cracking" the neck. This is not the only means of treatment available. The chiropractor can also offer muscle relaxation or stimulation therapy or suggest exercises which may help. He or she may also be able to suggest some ergonomic or lifestyle changes which can help to lessen the neck pain and promote healing. 

The first phase of the injury lasts for approximately 72 hours, during which time the damaged tissue bleeds continuously. During this phase, the injured body part should be treated with ice.

At the 72-96 hour mark, the damaged blood vessels repair themselves. This step marks the beginning of the regeneration phase of treatment, which lasts for between six and eight weeks. At the end of this stage, the gap between the torn tissues is bridged.

The third, or remodeling, phase is where the tissues become stronger and change to become more like the original, undamaged tissue. Proper treatment from a chiropractor can help to ensure that they heal properly to avoid developing into a chronic problem. Experts say that it takes about one year for damaged soft tissues to heal properly.

Compensation for New Mexico Accident Victims

If you have been injured in a New Mexico motor vehicle, truck, motorcycle, bus or pedestrian accident or collision and the other driver was at fault, you may be able to recover money for your injuries and your reasonable medical expenses resulting from the accident, including the cost of doctor's and chiropractor's bills. You can make a claim for pain and suffering.  You may also be able to make a claim for compensation for loss of income (past and future), which is why you and your legal team need to understand the full picture regarding your injuries and the impact they will have on your life. 

The Albuquerque law firm of Caruso Law Offices is well prepared to assist you with your claims against the insurance company.  Mark Caruso, the owner of Caruso Law Offices, is a former insurance company attorney, and he will explain your right to compensation and what you are entitled to be paid for from the insurance company. 

You can contact Mark Caruso directly at 505-883-5000 or their web site at www.carusolaw.com  They have some great YouTube videos describing your rights following a car accident at http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CfFrQ5rMb3eegwRl_S3aQ

 

 

2013 Poll: Worst Insurance Companies to Handle Your New Mexico Car or Truck Accident Claim

Fred Loya Insurance, Young America Insurance, Nevada General Insurance, Allstate Insurance and Geico Insurance are the 5 worst insurance companies for your car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian personal injury claim.

By:  Mark Caruso, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney (Albuquerque, NM)

 

 

If you have a New Mexico personal injury claim against Fred Loya Insurance, Young America, Nevada General Insurance, Allstate Insurance or Geico Insurance, you may have a tough time dealing with the claims adjuster according to a recent 2013 informal poll of New Mexico attorneys.

 

These insurance companies and their claims adjusters rank the highest among all insurance companies in New Mexico in complaints to attorneys about the handling of car accident claims involving property damage and personal injury.

According to Albuquerque personal injury attorney Mark Caruso the poor attitudes of insurance claims adjusters employed by these four companies cause clients to contact Caruso Law Offices and other New Mexico personal injury law firms for help.

Clients are frustrated when the claims adjuster won’t pay for all the repairs to their car or give them a rental car. What irritates clients the most is when a claims adjuster challenges the client’s complaint of pain or injury or tells the client to just take a Tylenol and get some rest.

One reason why these four insurance companies may be so difficult to deal with is because the personal injury claims adjusters for these four insurance companies are based outside of New Mexico.

 

Fred Loya, which according to Mark Caruso is the worst of the bunch, is based in Texas and only recently began selling automobile insurance in New Mexico.  Their claims adjusters are Texans, and they just don’t have enough years of experience evaluating the dollar value of cases in New Mexico. Most personal injury attorneys will agree that cases are evaluated differently in Texas than in New Mexico.

There have been many instances where Mark Caruso has had to “educate” these out of state claims adjusters about New Mexico law and the valuation of injuries in New Mexico.

As a former insurance company attorney, Caruso has insight as to how these adjusters should evaluate cases and the process that they use in reaching a settlement value.

Under our state’s law New Mexicans are entitled to have their vehicle repaired to pre-accident status or be paid the market value of the vehicle if it is totaled. They are entitled to payment for the loss of use of their vehicle during its unavailability. New Mexicans are also entitled to money from the insurance company for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings and permanent injuries resulting from the collision.

Caruso advises people with property damage and personal injury claims against Fred Loya Insurance, Nevada General Insurance, Young America, Allstate Insurance and Geico Insurance to immediately contact a personal injury attorney for a free consultation.

 

Claims adjusters have no special duty to you to point you in the right direction. Instead, their job is to settle claims as cheaply as possible so that they may be rewarded in bonuses and a pat on the back by their claims supervisor.

 

A personal injury attorney such as the Caruso Law Offices will point you in the right direction, even if all you do is have a free consultation. A personal injury attorney’s loyalty is to you–no one else. Mark Caruso will give you a free consultation to discuss your claims against these five insurance companies and other insurance companies that might be causing you problems. He will also give you some additional insight that can’t be published in this public blog.

 

 

Call Mark Caruso at (505) 883-5000 for a telephone or in office appointment. We have 2 offices in Albuquerque to serve you–the Northeast Heights (Montgomery and Carlisle) or the Westside (I-40 at Coors). We handle cases statewide and make home visits, hospital visits and after hours appointments. Also, visit our main web site at www.carusolaw.com



- See more at: http://carusolaw.com/2013-poll-worst-insurance-companies-to-handle-your-new-mexico-car-accident-claim/#sthash.ImOYJaBh.dpuf

 

 

Top 5 reasons why insurance companies do not want you to get a lawyer

No insurance company wants you to get a lawyer if you are involved into an accident. If you have ever watched Late Night TV, they have this in every episode. So, imagine that you are listening to the drum rolls and the fancy music, as you read this blog. LOL

Number Five: The rate of success for the injured victim is much higher. Because lawyers are trained in the art of Negligence, contrary to a lay person, the odds are in the lawyers favor to get better results.

Number Four: The insurance company has to deal in good faith with the injured victim, albeit through their attorney. This does not happen when a lay person handles their own case.


Number Three: More resources are available for the injured victim. Knowledge is power. Because the injured victim has obtain legal representation, the best interest of the client, and not the insurance company is the most important aspect of the case.


Number Two: More room for negotiation is available to benefit the injured victim. Insurance companies do not negotiate with lay person in the same way that they do when a lawyer is involved.


Number ONE: It cost them more money. Insurance companies are in the business of making money. When an injured person hires an attorney to handle their personal injury case, the attorney will ask for more money and will by default, get more money on any particular case.

There is a MAXIM of the law that says "Only a fool has him/her self as a client. Insurance companies know this. As such, they do not want you to hire a lawyer. One of the most important reasons why you should hire a lawyer in your personal injury case is that Your Rights Will Be Protected!

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of an Auto Accident, Medical Malpractice, Police Brutality, Car Wreck, Trucking Accident, 18 Wheeler Accident or any other form of injury, you can contact our law firm at 1-800-700-LAWFIRM. You can also visit our websites: The Baez Law Firm, P.C. or San Antonio Injury Lawyers.

Car accident at Reveille and Dixie caused by suspected drunk driver

A driver is suspected of being drunk when he caused a major two car accident early this morning at the intersection of Reveille Street and Dixie Drive in southeast Houston. HPD say a white car, apparently a newer model Chevy Malibu or Impala, was speeding down Reveille at around 80 MPH. A white colored pickup truck was eastbound on Dixie Drive when it was t-boned by the car and pushed through the intersection into a yard, nearly hitting a nearby home. The pickup driver was trapped in his vehicle and had to be extracted by the fire department. Both drivers were taken to the hospital and suffered broken bones in the accident. Investigators say the driver of the white car appeared to be impaired.

Photo credit: Channel 2 News Houston

Photo credit: Channel 2 News Houston

Houston drunk driving accident attorney

Motorcycle accident on Waugh bridge over Allen Parkway - four injured

Four people were injured last night when a motorcycle went out of control and mounted the sidewalk on the Waugh Drive bridge over Allen Parkway.  Channel 11 reports that the motorcycle had a rider and passenger, and when the bike mounted the sidewalk two pedestrians were struck.  All four involved reportedly had serious injuries (probably lower extremity fractures for the pedestrians) and were transported to hospital in stable condition.  Why the motorcycle went out of control remains under investigation.

Photo credit: Channel 11 News 

Photo credit: Channel 11 News

Photo credit: Channel 11 News

Houston motorcycle accident attorney information

Tanker truck and silver Buick in accident on North 610 Loop near Kirkpatrick exit

A major accident unfolded this morning on the North 610 Loop eastbound near the Kirkpatrick exit.  A tanker truck and a silver-colored Buick sedan were involved in the collision, which forced the Buick up onto the concrete divider, spinning the Buick 180 degrees.  It is unknown at this time what caused the accident or if there were any injuries. Hopefully everyone involved is okay. DaraghCarterLaw - Houston Personal Injury attorney

Photo credit: Claudia Cruz

Photo credit: Claudia Cruz

At Fault Driver Uninsured? Don't Give Up On Your Claim Without Speaking to an Attorney!

Former Insurance Company Attorney Mark Caruso Gives Honest Answers to Your Questions.

By:  Mark Caruso, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney (Albuquerque, NM)



At Caruso Law Offices, we deal with people who have been hurt in car accidents every day. Having auto insurance in place is a legal requirement in New Mexico, and our clients are shocked to discover that there are many people who get behind the wheel without this necessary coverage in place. When an accident occurs, they are at a loss to understand exactly what happens to their right to be compensated in a fair manner for their injuries and expenses. 

New Mexico is a Tort State

New Mexico operates under the tort system for car insurance purposes. The driver who is found legally at fault is responsible for paying for the damages he or she caused. People who have been injured have the right to sue to recover damages. Drivers are required to buy a minimum level of liability coverage, which pays for the injuries and damages they cause in an accident. The minimum requirements are as follows:

·  $25,000 in bodily injury coverage for a single accident victim

·  $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for all injuries caused in the same accident, regardless of the number of victims

·  $10,000 in property damage coverage

If You are Injured in a Car Accident

Caruso Law Offices, (505) 883-5000

In a situation where a car accident occurs and the other driver is at fault, you would be looking to him or her to compensate you for your injuries and damages. The first thing you would need to do is make sure that your health is looked after by getting appropriate emergency medical treatment, as well as any follow-up care recommended by the doctor. You will still need to continue paying off your car loans from Car Loan 4U, since you are responsible for this expense even if your vehicle is in the shop. In the normal course of events, the at-fault driver's insurance company would pay your claim for damages. You may be asked to get more than one estimate before starting the work on your car, but you also have the option of having your own insurer pay for the damage, less your deductible. This could get you on the road more quickly than waiting to get estimates or have the damage inspected.

 

Getting Compensation for Your Injuries from an Uninsured Driver

The Insurance Research Council estimates that one in seven drivers is uninsured (2011). If you have been injured in an accident where the at-fault driver does not have insurance, the first place you should look to seek compensation for your injuries and damages is whether you have coverage under your own insurance policy through uninsured driver coverage. If you have this type of insurance, your own insurer will pay your claim for damages.

If you don't have any insurance coverage in place and the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you still have the right to sue and get a judgment against him or her. Don't assume that it is not worth your while to make a claim against someone who does not have auto insurance coverage before speaking with an attorney about your situation. 

The last thing you want to do is assume that the person responsible for causing your injuries has no assets that can be recovered to pay for your damages simply because his or her auto insurance coverage may have lapsed at the time of the accident. Being involved in a motor vehicle accident is a high-stress situation and you need someone on your side to can provide advice about the best way to continue. 

Your attorney can look at the facts of the accident, as well as the damages you have incurred and provide you with an expert opinion about your case. You can get the facts you need about preserving your right to sue by acting within the time limits set out by law as well. The worst thing you can do in a situation where you have been injured in an accident with an uninsured driver is to do nothing. Get the facts from an expert who is on your side, and that means speaking with a licensed attorney as soon as possible, even if you don't know the full extent of your injuries after the accident.

Call Mark Caruso, personal injury and wrongful death attorney, at Caruso Law Offices for a free consultation at (505) 883-5000 or visit www.carusolaw.com


By:  Julie Bradgate

Dump truck accident and vehicle fire on Gulf Fwy near Dixie Farm Road

Channel 11 is reporting a traffic alert for a multi-vehicle accident on the southbound Gulf Freeway near Dixie Farm Road in Houston. All of the southbound lanes of the Gulf Freeway are blocked and the northbound lanes have all but ground to a halt because of rubbernecking. The crash happened just before 6:00 a.m.; one vehicle rolled in the crash, and Channel 11 reports its helicopter footage showed a dump truck behind a crushed vehicle that was on fire.

Update 1: a report from Channel 13 posted just before 7:00 a.m. states law enforcement has confirmed one fatality from this wreck. How awful for the family of this person who was probably making their routine morning commute; hopefully the media has made a mistake and all lives were spared.

Update 2: Channel 2 is now reporting that a pedestrian was hit and killed in this accident while walking on the freeway.  Not that it doesn't happen, but it seems very strange that a pedestrian would be walking on the freeway. Perhaps a vehicle was broken down or disabled?

Update 3: Channel 11 is offering a more detailed account of what allegedly happened. According to an unnamed HPD officer a woman was wandering in the southbound lanes of the Gulf Freeway when she was struck by a car. The car then swerved and hit a dump truck.  Another driver in an SUV also swerved, causing that vehicle to lose control and roll. The pedestrian died at the scene; two other people involved were transported to hospital in stable condition. 

Update 4: the female pedestrian who died in this accident has been identified as 38-year old April McKenzie from League City, Texas.  For some reason it appears Ms. McKenzie was walking in the travel lanes of the freeway during the morning rush hour.  Whatever the reason, this is a very sad outcome.

DaraghCarterLaw.com

Photo credit: Channel 11 News Houston

Photo credit: Channel 11 News Houston

Photo credit: Channel 2 News Houston

Photo credit: Channel 13 News Houston

One dead in 18-wheeler accident on Katy Freeway at Grand Parkway

The Houston Chronicle is reporting a fatal 18-wheeler accident that occurred this morning around 2:00 a.m. on the Katy Freeway (I-10) westbound near the Grand Parkway. Harris County Sheriff's Office is investigating and a cause of the accident was not included in the Chronicle's report. Three feeder road lanes near the wreck were closed as emergency responders worked the scene.

Update 1: Channel 11's story states that the accident victim is a woman who was driving a gold-colored Buick sedan.  The Buick struck the rear of the 18-wheeler's trailer at an intersection on the Katy Freeway feeder road. Channel 2's report is here, and states the big rig was waiting at a red light at the time of the collision.

Photo credit: Channel 11 News Houston

Photo credit: Channel 11 News Houston

Photo credit: Channel 11 News Houston

Motorcyclist Thomas Hooper innocent victim of hit-and-run carjackers

Police are seeking the hit-and-run driver and passenger of a stolen Isuzu SUV that hit and killed motorcyclist Thomas Hooper in northeast Harris County last night. The crash happened around 7:00 p.m. in the 400 block of Uvalde at Woodforest. Thomas was pulling out of a parking lot on his motorbike to turn north onto Uvalde when the SUV struck him from behind.  Thomas and his motorcycle were dragged for some distance before the motorcycle caught fire, subsequently igniting the SUV as well. After the SUV started burning, the witnesses saw two men in the SUV jump out and run away. The Isuzu was reported stolen in a carjacking earlier.

Hopefully because the Isuzu was stolen the driver responsible for Mr. Hooper's death will face more serious charges than failure to stop and render aid.  Because the Isuzu was stolen at the time of the accident, even if the vehicle is insured, there would no coverage for this tragedy because the thief did not have permission to use the SUV.

Photo credit: Channel 13 News Houston

Warns Pedestrians to be Careful of Motor Vehicles Following a Rash of Recent Fatalities

Hanson Duby Personal Injury Law (http://www.HansonDuby.com), a personal injury law firm serving the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), is warning pedestrians to be careful of motor vehicles after a number of recent accidents, including a woman who was fatally struck while walking her dog and a pedestrian who was killed helping another person cross the street.

On Monday, June 10, a 28-year-old woman and her dog were killed after being struck from behind by a car while walking on a sidewalk in Vaughan. The vehicle's driver and occupant were taken to hospital with minor injuries. In a separate incident, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a truck while crossing Steeles Avenue at Weston Road. The driver of the truck was unhurt, but taken to hospital and treated for shock. (Sources: “Woman, 28, and her dog fatally struck by car in Vaughan, north of Toronto,” CTV News, June 11, 2013, http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/woman-28-and-her-dog-fatally-struck-by-car-in-vaughan-north-of-toronto-1.1320549; “Female pedestrian fatally struck at Steeles and Weston,” CityNews Toronto, May 15, 2013, http://www.citynews.ca/2012/05/15/female-pedestrian-fatally-struck-at-steeles-and-weston/.)

According to Hanson Duby Personal Injury Law, accidents involving pedestrians can happen because of many reasons: sometimes drivers are distracted, negligent, or even reckless. In some cases, motorists negligently or recklessly drive onto sidewalks and strike pedestrians. 

“There has been a disturbing spike in pedestrian deaths in the GTA since early May,” says Spyros Bekiaris, a lawyer at Hanson Duby Personal Injury Law. “Pedestrian accidents can be extremely devastating and lead to serious physical and emotional trauma. Pedestrians injured by motor vehicles can face lost wages, costly medical bills, pain, and emotional distress. Injuries can also lead to death.”

Bekiaris joined Hanson Duby Personal Injury Law as an associate in September 2010. He graduated from York University with an Honours BA in political science in 2006 and from the Queen’s University, Faculty of Law with a JD in 2009. He formerly worked at a boutique insurance defence firm in Toronto, representing insurance companies.

Bekiaris has appeared before the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the Small Claims Court, the Superior Court of Justice, and the Divisional Court. Bekiaris represents clients in a variety of disputes including motor vehicle accidents, accident benefits, slips and falls, property damage claims and victims of assault, representing the victims. Bekiaris is a member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the Hellenic Canadian Lawyers’ Association.

“Every pedestrian has rights, which include getting compensation for injuries sustained by motor vehicles," Bekiaris adds. "Pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents and family members of those killed need to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Toronto immediately after the accident occurs. In most cases, fault can be established against the driver of a vehicle if a pedestrian is hit while crossing the street in accordance with traffic laws. Even a pedestrian is partly at fault, they may still be entitled to compensation.” 

The personal injury lawyers at Hanson Duby Personal Injury Law remind pedestrians that if they have been injured in an accident, they are entitled to compensation. Unlike other provinces, in Ontario, you can both file an accident benefits claim and sue the driver at fault for damages. That is why pedestrian accident victims should seek the legal advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer in the GTA to discuss their legal options.

Hanson Duby Personal Injury Law is a personal injury law firm located in the Annex district of Toronto. The firm specializes in helping injured victims obtain compensation due to car accidents, long-term disability claims, life insurance claims, and product liability claims. The firm serves clients from across the Greater Toronto Area and provides service in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil, Greek, and French. The site will soon evolve again and be updated to include pages in Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil, and Greek to better serve those communities.

More information on Hanson Duby Personal Injury Law is available by visiting the firm's web site at http://www.HansonDuby.com or by calling 416-588-9100.

Suburban hits, flips HFD ambulance: suspected drunk driver to blame

A suspected drunk driver in a Chevy Suburban ran a red light last night at Cook Road and Bellaire Boulevard, crashing into a HFD ambulance, causing the ambulance to flip onto its side. Two paramedics and a six month old baby riding in the Suburban were injured in the accident. At the time of the accident, around 12:30 p.m., the ambulance was not on a call and was returning to base. The man driving the Suburban faces a felony DWI charge because of the age of his passenger. Hopefully the driver of the Suburban has some insurance: ambulances aren't cheap and as a taxpayer I don't particularly feel like absorbing the cost of this accident.

Photo credit: Channel 2 News Houston

Photo credit: Channel 13 News Houston