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Monthly Archives: February 2012

Construction Zones are Dangerous for Motorists and Workers

Feb 28, 2012 - Workers' Compensation/Work Injury by

Our Alabama workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyers understand that construction zones are dangerous for both motorists and workers, especially when people aren’t paying attention. According to The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, there were more than 575 people killed in work zones in the U.S. in 2009. Alabama sees nearly a dozen of these kinds of fatalities a year. Of the nationwide fatalities, nearly 50 of the 575 were the result of a pedestrian accident involving a pedestrian and a vehicle or a piece of mobile equipment. Last year, WorkZoneSafety.org released a statement discussing the importance of driver attention and worker protection in our nation’s work zones. The organization asked motorists to practice safe driving in these areas to help protect our roadside workers. Motorists are asked to slow it down, to be cautious on uneven pavement, to abide by posted work zone signs, to stay away from workers and work zone equipment, to keep an eye out for other drivers and to expect the unexpected. Employers are asked to ensure that workers have all of the proper safety equipment to help to reduce the risks of these accidents. With cautious travel and safe working habits, we can all do our part to help to stop these kinds of accidents.

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Reduction of Birmingham and Alabama Car Accidents the Aim of Anti-Texting Bill

Feb 21, 2012 - Birmingham by

In an effort to curb Birmingham car accidents and crashes across the state, a new anti-texting bill is getting widespread support in Alabama’s House of Representatives. The Birmingham News is reporting that a number of high-level lawmakers are backing the bill, which would completely outlaw texting behind the wheel in our state. The way our Birmingham car accident attorneys understand it, anyone who violates this law would be slapped with a $25 fine for the first offense, $50 for the second conviction and $75 for the third or subsequent offense. Some wonder if the bill even goes far enough, considering the devastation that distracted driving can cause on Alabama’s roads.

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Bill Aims to Reduce Risk of Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Alabama

Feb 15, 2012 - Car Accidents by

A new bill is expected to be offered in Washington that will potentially rework federal transportation programs to offer millions of dollars in funding to deserving states for incentives to help to reduce the risks of drunk driving car accidents in Alabama and elsewhere. The goal is to help lawmakers enact tougher penalties for those convicted of a first-time drunk driving offense, according to The Hill. Not everyone’s on board though, saying that these kinds of programs require millions and millions of dollars to be successful. It’s takes community effort and seemingly endless funds for these types of programs. What we’re talking about is Title V. This bill could potentially free up about $500 million every year for highway safety grants in deserving states. About 5 percent, or about $25 million, of that funding would be handed over to states that already require ignition interlock devices for first-time drunk driving offenders. Drunk drivers scare us, too! Our Alabama drunk driving accident attorneys understand that every year, drunk drivers take the lives of thousands of innocent motorists across the U.S. What’s most sad about it is that these accidents are preventable. These victims didn’t have to die.

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Parents and Passengers Affecting Teen’s Risks for Car Accidents in Alabama, Nation

Feb 7, 2012 - Car Accidents by

Teens are at high risks for car accidents in Montgomery, Alabama and elsewhere. Their inexperience behind the wheel hinders their ability to safely navigate our roadways. But did you know there are things you and your teen driver may be doing that can be increasing those risks? According to two new studies released in the Journal of Adolescent Health, passengers and parental involvement can make or break your teen’s safety behind the wheel. Both of the recent studies concluded that comprehensive graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) programs and parental oversight are effective ways to help to reduce the risks of teen car accidents. One of the studies looked at the driving habits of nearly 200 teenage drivers in 15 different states with graduated drivers licensing (GDL) programs. After analyzing their driving behaviors, researchers concluded that teens who had parents who were involved in monitoring the young driver’s habits were less likely to act dangerously behind the wheel. The teen drivers with parents who stayed aware of their teen’s whereabouts and their driving habits were typically safer behind the wheel.

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Super Bowl Sunday Second Deadliest for Drunk Driving Accidents in Tuscaloosa, Nation

Feb 2, 2012 - Car Accidents by

The Super Bowl is this Sunday! Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. While neither of the teams are from Alabama, people throughout the state are sure to pile in front of the TV to enjoy the biggest football game of the year with friends and family members. Some of us will be gathering at house parties. Others will be getting together at local restaurants and bars for Super Bowl parties. What none of us should be doing is getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Super Bowl Sunday sees more drunk driving car accidents in Tuscaloosa and elsewhere than any other day of the year aside from New Year’s Day. This year’s drunk driving prevention campaign is called “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk,” and it’s being put on by the U.S Department of Transportation (USDOT), law enforcement officials nationwide and the Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a subsidiary of the USDOT, there have been roughly 180,000 football fans have already signed up to be a designated driver this season. These drivers are the key to safer roadways, especially on Super Bowl Sunday.

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Hear What Our Clients Have To Say

"After my husband was injured in a burn accident at work, we felt the accident could have been avoided. I was not sure where to start, but after careful research, we met with Justin Smith and shared our experience. From day one, we felt we were in good hands. Justin and Dell explained everything and kept us informed from start to finish. It was a complicated case that took an outside the box approach. Both Justin and Dell made us feel like part of the team."
Posted By: Rhonda Moore

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