Oklahoma City Personal Injury Lawyer

Infant Near Drowning - Remember Water Safety Does Not Stop With Summer

Jeremy Thurman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:39:06 GMT

I recently came across an article regarding the near drowning death of a Nine-Month-Old Child in Tulsa Oklahoma.

Apparently a mother had a 19-month old showering with the 9-month old outside the tub. She was in another room doing chores when she went to check on the children. According to the article

When she went in to check on the children, the child taking the shower, that's when she found the nine month old infant outside of the tub in a puddle of water and it was lifeless and breathless at that point.

This story reiterates an important safety tips for parents of all children. One to two inches of water can be hazardous to a child. Just because summer ends and pools close doesn’t mean our children are safe for the seasons to come. The US Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that at least 459 children younger than 5 drowned at home from 1996 through 1999 and since 1984 over 275 children have drown in buckets. A child can drown as quick as it takes to answer a phone. Kids are curious around water and the splashing is inviting but can quickly become deadly. Children under the age of 1 most often drown in bathtubs, buckets, and toilets. Children aged 1 to 4 often drown in swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas. Children aged 5 to 14 most often drown in swimming pools, lakes, and rivers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer safety tips for protecting your children around water such as emptying buckets, pans, and bathtubs of water, keeping door closed to bathroom unless with child, locking toilets, and having safety knobs.

If you do find a child who is lifeless stay calm and remember your 123’s & ABC’s of CPR. Knowing and practicing CPR can change a deadly situation into a life saving one.

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.

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

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

Man Arrested 6 Months after Allegedly Causing Fatal Car Accident

Jeremy Thurman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:33:56 GMT

Will justice be served? After 6 months an arrest has been made in the fatal car accident that occurred on May 9 crash that killed Kyler Blagg, 15, his mother, Amy Blagg, 44, of Caney, Kansas and Alfred Hobbs, 70, of South Coffeyville.

According to the Tulsa World

Kyler Blagg was driving north on U.S. 169 near Delaware when he swerved to avoid a southbound 1950s Chevrolet Bel Air, which was trying to pass two cars. Blagg's vehicle did not hit the Bel Air but slid off the road to the right and then overcorrected left of center, hitting Hobbs' Lincoln Town Car head-on.

The driver of the Bel Air fled the scene leaving carnage in his wake. However, after six months, investigators connected the unique car to Charles Strong Jr. and found witnesses who had seen him drinking at a bar before the collision. The evidence was enough for a Nowata County district judge to issue a bench warrant for Strong's arrest.

We will of course follow this story. However, I am glad to see that the investigators didn’t simply chalk this up to a ghost vehicle. Too often, Oklahoma automobile accidents occur where a “phantom” vehicle causes a crash to only leave the scene. The injured are often left permanently disabled with no third party (at fault driver) to hold accountable for their injuries. This should serve as a strong reminder of the necessity to carry high limits of uninsured motorist coverage. The statistics in Oklahoma typically show that 1 in 3 drivers are uninsured. Just this last week we were retained by 2 individuals who were hit by drivers who did not have insurance. So please, to protect yourself and your family, carry uninsured motorist coverage.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman

Drinking and Driving Increasing Among Women

Jeremy Thurman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:59:19 GMT

A mother’s job is to protect, nurture, love, and lead by example. One mother failed to all expectations of her duties as a nurturer. This mother chose to drink and drive on October 17, 2009, with seven young innocent girls in her vehicle. This mother’s reckless decision killed a beautiful 11-year-old girl and injured six others, including her own daughter. The accident left a single father’s life shattered, alone, and empty without his pride and joy. As this devastated father stated, “A Drink is a drink. You are still driving under the influence.” How is he supposed to move on with his life when his life was his only beloved daughter? Does this leave a bad taste in your mouth? Or are you still thinking this will never happen to me. There is no reason for someone to drink and drive at all.

Within the past few years, statistics have shown that women drinking and driving has risen significantly. Women are now taking on roles of men; many of them are heads of households under severe stress. Statistics from US Transportation Department in 2007 show an increase of 30 %women under the influence and a decrease of 17% for men. I’m sure we can correlate this to a lot of sociological factors but regardless of those findings these statistics are unacceptable.

Consequently, many victims do not know where to turn. There is an important organization out there called Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). This organization has been around for 29 years and has fought hard to have legislation passed against drinking and driving. MADD has volunteers who go up against the state senate and pushes for tougher laws. Many do not realize it, but there is a MADD volunteer in the courtroom when a person is charged with drinking and driving. Who is taking notes of all the punishments?

While MADD is fighting against drinking and driving, roles have changed. Now representatives of MADD are facing mothers against mothers. Many people would have never thought this would happen. We, as fathers, brothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts and mothers, should be leading examples and not making irrational decisions, which not only will affect us, our families, but the lives of our victims. Tell me. Is that drink worth giving up your child’s life or killing another victim that has not had a chance to experience life? Think about it. If you are going to drink, I beg you to do it responsibly. It only takes one phone call to protect yourself or someone else.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jeremy Thurman