Oklahoma City Personal Injury Lawyer - Automobile Accidents

Jury awards $89 million against drunken driver in fatality collision

Jeremy Thurman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:22:17 GMT

According to stlttoday.com a Missouri jury has awarded $89 million in damages to the family of a man killed in a 2008 crash with a drunken driver, and to the man's fiancée and daughter.

According to the article, the lawyer for the family stated

he doubts his clients will ever see a fraction of the money. But he said the jury's disgust with drunken driving was unmistakable.

The story further details the egregious facts of the case. It states

that Troy Zerna, 20, at the time at the crash, was already driving on a hardship license after a previous DWI when he caused a head-on collision Feb. 2, 2008, on Highway 100 near Gray Summit.

Zerna's blood-alcohol level was 0.20 percent, 2 1/2 times the legal limit to drive, according to Missouri Highway Patrol testimony at the trial.

This is a prime example of a jury sending a clear and unequivocal message to all those who dare drink and drive. The general public is fed up with losing fathers, mothers, sons and daughters to people who purposefully risk the lives of others by drinking and driving. While this verdict took place in Missouri residents of Oklahoma should take note. The size of the award (which very little will likely be recovered) is a lesson about accountability, not collectability.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman

Things to Never Tell an Adjuster – “I’m Not Injured”

Jeremy Thurman — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:13:00 GMT

As an Oklahoma City car accident attorney a common battle I face on a daily basis is the adjuster telling me I have your client recorded stating “I’m not injured.”

In almost every circumstance, the adjuster has two goals when he or she makes contact with you immediately following an automobile accident. First, they always want you to say that your “at fault.” Secondly, if there is no way around liability, they want you to say “I’m not injured.” Why? Its quite simple they want to use this statement in a potential settlement and/or litigation to show that you are lying about your injuries regardless of the truth.

You have to realize that car wreck injuries do not immediately show up. Often, pain does not show up until a few days after the car accident. For example, brain trauma may not immediately manifest itself and sometimes shows up in the following days with symptoms of dizziness, vomiting and light sensitivity. Other “soft tissue” injuries such as whiplash and back strains also may not show immediately do the adrenaline rush many people experience after a car wreck.

Accordingly, its important to never admit that you are not injured and always contact an attorney to maneuver you around the potholes that an experienced insurance adjuster will try to get you to fall in.

If you or loved one has been injured or a loved one killed in an auto accident, McIntyre Law, P.C. has the experience and knowledge needed to successfully handle your auto accident case. Contact us immediately after an auto accident and we will discuss the situation with you and come up with a plan of action to help you get compensation for your injuries, property damage or a loved one’s wrongful death. Visit www.mcintyrelaw.com or call toll free 1-866-917-5200 to discuss your case and find out the best course of action to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman

Man in Coma for 23 Years Heard Everything

Jeremy Thurman — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:04:22 GMT

Imagine being trapped in your own body. When you think of being trapped the first thing that may come to mind is being confined, now think about the only thing confining you is your brain. Your loved ones are all around you trying to talk to you; meanwhile, you lay there and cannot speak. You scream, shout, cry, smile, and even laugh occasionally but no one knows but you. Now imagine this has been going on for 23 years. Recently in Brussels, Belgium this nightmare is one man’s reality. Recently made public in newspapers and internet sites throughout the world is the story of Rom Houben, a 46 year old man, who was involved in a car accident 26 years ago. Up until 3 years ago this man was thought to be in a vegetative state, but thanks to new brain scanning technology they discovered that not only was Mr. Houben’s brain functioning properly but it was almost operating normally. Dr. Steven Laureys, a neurologist at the University of Liège in Belgium, has published a new study that states Mr. Houben could be one of many misdiagnosed coma cases in the world. Dr. Laurey’s study states that up to 40% of cases labeled vegatative state, upon closer examination are found to have at least some brain activity. With this new finding they have found that some cases with consciousness can be treated and they are making considerable progress.

This grim reality could happen to any one of us. A simple trip to the grocery store could put you or a loved one in a hospital bed, one that they may never get out of again. In the United States in 2008 per every 100,000 population, 12.25 people were killed (FARS DOT). While every year less and less people are dying on the roadways, there are still severe injury accidents that occur. Every day I count my blessings when I make it home safely, and I was not responsible for somebody’s pain and suffering.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman

Oklahomans Need to Carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance

Jeremy Thurman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:48:18 GMT

One (1) in four (4) Oklahomans do not carry automobile liability insurance. According to the Muskogee Phoenix the latest national survey shows one in four Oklahomans drive without insurance. The publication states that

Oklahoma's rate in a survey released in January by the national Insurance Research Council is 24 percent -- the fourth-worst in the nation.

As an Oklahoma auto accident attorney, I have seen the devastating effects of negligent drivers who do not carry liability insurance as mandated by the state. There have been times when clients have had hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills with no health insurance or other avenue to pay those bills. Given my experience in dealing with uninsured drivers, I typically recommend that individuals carry at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) in uninsured motorist coverage. For some, they may need more. However, anything less subjects you and your family to the risks of being underinsured should you or a family member sustain serious injuries in a car accident.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman

Rules Target Teen Drinking in Oklahoma

Jeremy Thurman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:57:04 GMT

People often fail to realize that Oklahoma auto accident attorneys have families and face the same trials as all Oklahomans. I can unequivocally admit that my profession gives me a fair amount of insight into the consequences of drinking and driving, texting and driving and other acts. However, as a father, I’m faced with the same challenges as everyone else in getting my teenage child to understand the devastating consequences of their actions.

This morning I came across an interested read from newsok.com wherein the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services provides some good parenting tips for preventing underage drinking among teens. While it’s important to stop teens from drinking and driving it’s as equally important to stop their drinking in general and/or at least reinforce the consequences of their behavior. I thought I would share those tips with our readers. According to the article, parents and/or loved ones should do the following:

· Provide a clear message. There should be no confusing language when discussing drug or alcohol use. Make sure the child knows that underage drinking and drug abuse are completely unacceptable.

· Report underage drinking. Adults should feel compelled to report instances of underage drinking to the proper authorities, in order to send a clear message to youths. To report instances of underage drinking, call (866) 942-6824 (94-2MUCH).

· Communicate with teens about underage drinking. People who wait until they are 21 to drink are much less likely to have health problems than those who start drinking at a younger age.

· Stay connected. Youths who feel a connection with their parents are far less likely to participate in underage drinking than those who feel alienated.

· Restrict access to alcohol. Set and enforce expectations regarding alcohol

· Be aware of things that could place your teen at higher risk. All youths are at risk, but the following make them more at risk:

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman

Oklahoma Good Samaritan Killed While Rendering Aid to Car Accident Victims

Jeremy Thurman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:39:13 GMT

A 63-year-old Jay Oklahoma man was killed Sunday when he was struck by a vehicle while attempting to render aid to victims of a car accident in Delaware County, Oklahoma.

According to the Joplin Globe, a 63 year-old Oklahoman died at the scene about 14 miles northeast of Jay. Apparently, a Grove Oklahoma couple was southbound on Oklahoma Highway 20 when their car ran off the road on a curve and struck a tree at 11:57 a.m.

The article states that:

Peter Holland came to their aid and was standing just off the roadway when a southbound vehicle driven by Timothy Eyres, 54, of Grove, ran off the road on the same curve at 12:17 p.m. and struck Holland, the patrol said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Holland and those injured. We live in a state where we are blessed with men and women who seem to be there to lend a hand to people in crisis. It’s always tragic when people lose their lives in an effort to save others.

While we are not aware of whether any hazard or warning lights were on, this car accident is a grim reminder of our duties as drivers to remain alert and to pay proper attention to the roadway ahead.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman

Passenger Killed in Tulsa Car Wreck

Jeremy Thurman — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:00:18 GMT

Sad news came out of Tulsa this morning when a thirty (30) year-old Tulsa woman was killed in an automobile accident that occurred on I-244 in Tulsa according to newsok.com. According the story, the woman was a passenger in a vehicle that rear-ended another vehicle.

This is a sad story of a young life lost. Many Oklahomans do not realize that a passenger in a car driven by a negligent motorist can make a claim against that motorist and their insurance for negligence. In other words, because you were riding with someone who made a bad decision driving, you are not responsible and have a claim against the negligent driver the same as if you were the person he or she hit.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman

I-35 Automobile Accidents - Barrier Cables Can Prevent Deadly Car Accidents

Jeremy Thurman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:17:30 GMT

The other day I read fellow I-35 Blog Pack and Injuryboard member Mike Bryant’s blog entitled “I-35 Collision Kills Two.” Mike discusses a tragic accident that occurred in Minnesota where two people were killed when a 19 year old driver lost control of his car and veered into oncoming traffic on I-35.

Mike made an insightful commentary regarding the stretch of road where this automobile collision occurred. He noted that this stretch of road did not have any safety cables. Specifically, Mike stated

The crash happened on a stretch of interstate in Forest Lake that lacks a physical safety barrier in the median that is designed to prevent cross-over crashes. I have written about the value of the cables in preventing these kinds of tragedies. Sorrow for the family of the child and all of those involved goes out.

This is a story all too familiar with Oklahomans who travel I-35 daily. While the State of Oklahoma has attempted erect safety cables along I-35 and other heavily trafficked areas, there still remains hundreds of miles of I-35 in Oklahoma that do not have these safety cables designed to prevent cross-over head on crashes. We need to continue to encourage our State to install these cables along every area of I-35. While I’m sure some will complain about the costs of such, I personally will not and cannot put a value on another human’s life. Further, I’m certain there are plenty of pork and other projects using tax dollars that could be redirected to this safety area.

For questions you have about these collisions and to read previous posts from our blog pack contact or visit this website as well as the websites of:

Steve Lombardi, 4200 Corporate Drive, Suite 112, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 Tel: 515-222-1110

Schuelke, C Brooks, 1717 W 6th St # 375, Austin, TX (512) 476-4944

Mike Bryant, 1505 Division Street | Waite Park, Minnesota 56387 | T: 320.259.5414

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman

EMSA Sirens Helping Reduce Automobile Accidents at Intersections

Jeremy Thurman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:54:28 GMT

Have been in that quagmire where you are listening to your too loud or talking on your cell phone all the while being oblivious to an emergency vehicle approaching with its sirens on. I will personally plead the fifth but I have seen accidents and near misses involving ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency services at Oklahoma City intersections. Luckily, EMSA seems to have purchased a solution that is having a pronounces statistical lessening of accidents involving their ambulances on Oklahoma City streets.

A newsok.com details new “sirens” added to EMSA Ambulances that emit a low-frequency hum making unsuspecting motorists aware that an ambulance is in the area.

Ten-inch subwoofers called Howlers were installed in EMSA ambulances statewide beginning in November 2008, said spokeswoman Lara O’Leary. They emit a low-frequency hum that can cause vibrations up to 200 feet away, and EMSA officials credit the Howlers with cutting in half the number of crashes involving ambulances. “You can literally feel it, just like anyone that pulls up next to a car that has their stereo bumping extremely loud,”

The article goes on to provide data showing the effect the sirens are having on intersection car accidents involving ambulances

In the first 10 months of last year, EMSA ambulances were involved in 16 wrecks at Oklahoma intersections, O’Leary said. But only eight were reported from January to October in more than 4.3 million miles of driving. Crash figures for earlier years were not available.

As to its applicability, we encourage all drivers to avoid distractions such as cell phones and loud music. Ambulances responding to or from life threatening situations need to get their patients to a health care facility as soon as possible. Lets all be partners on the road and assist these paramedics who are trying to save a life.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman

SUV Slams Into Oklahoma City Print Shop

Jeremy Thurman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:47:04 GMT

According to KOCO.com at least two (2) people were taken to local hospitals when an SUV crashed into an Oklahoma City print shop late Monday.

The wreck happened at Northwest Expressway and Rockwell in Oklahoma City when

a U-Haul truck rear-ended an SUV around 8:30 p.m. Officers think the SUV driver hit the gas instead of the brake and slammed into Cartridge World.

Two things are worthy to note. First, we hope the injured make a full and speedy recovery. The second item is these individuals may have difficult recovering from their injuries as the insurance on these vehicles will attempt to fight it out leaving the injured in the print shop to battle both insurances.

Why? Sounds simple that the U-Haul rear-ended the car doesn’t it so the U-Haul driver is at-fault? Never underestimate the ability of an insurance company to throw away common sense in favor of monetary gain. I’m certain the U-Haul’s insurance company will want to say the driver of the SUV reacted improperly and as such is the proximate cause of the collision. The SUV driver will of course say the U-Haul caused the events that led to the collision.

Deny, Delay and Defend! Even when you’re a completely innocent victim this is the mantra of the insurance industry.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman