 Egerton Blog
About Us
Attorney Profiles
Lawrence is Rear-Ended
Client's Special Needs
Accident Report Codes
Articles
Injured? Read This.
Se Habla Español
Contact Us
Lawrence Egerton
Pierce Egerton
Lawrence Speaks (Part 1)
Lawrence Speaks (Part 2)
Lawrence Speaks (Part 3)
Auto Accidents
Boating Accidents
Construction Accidents
Insurance Bad Faith
Medical Malpractice
Nursing Home Abuse
Personal Injury Law
Premises Liability
Slip & Fall Accidents
Social Security Law
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
Workers Compensation
Wrongful Death
AAJ's Legal & Consumer News
Instructions For Injury Clients
|
March 8th, 2010
Taj Kahn, 58, of High Point was killed in an automobile accident on NC Highway 62 near Hopewell Church Road on Saturday, March 6, 2010. Five other people were injured, including Kahn’s son, Amjad Kahn, 31, who was airlifted to Baptist Hospital.
The wreck that resulted in Kahn’s unfortunate death and his son’s critical injuries occurred because another car failed to yield the right-of-way while making a left turn onto Hopewell Church Road, according to an article on digtriad.com. The collision overturned the 4 Runner SUV in which Kahn was riding.
Despite the fact that alcohol consumption is not suspected as a factor in the crash and everyone involved was wearing their seatbelts, more could have been done to prevent Kahn’s death and the other victims’ injuries.
Is it possible that another car was involved or there was an obstacle in the vehicle’s path? Or is it simply the unfortunate case that the driver who struck the Kahns was not paying attention or travelling too fast?
Another factor to consider is the condition of the vehicles involved in the collision. SUV’s are notoriously top-heavy and prone to overturn, but could the automobile have a defect that caused it to crash so violently? It might be that the car that struck the 4 Runner was suffering some malfunction.
The Kahn family is handling many concerns in addition to the grief they are surely feeling over the death of Taj Kahn. Doubtless, they are preoccupied with worries regarding Amjad Kahn’s injuries. Farthest from their minds is the probability that insurance companies are already investigating the accident.
A attorney could help the Kahn family level the playing field by gathering information and preserving important evidence. Photographs should be taken of the wrecked vehicles and the scene of the accident, and witnesses of the collision must be sought and interviewed. By retaining a lawyer to deal with the insurance company, the family can focus on recovering from this tragic event.
Tags: 4 Runner SUV, Amjad Kahn, automobile accident, death, death by motor vehicle, failure to yield right-of-way, injury, NC Highway 62, North Carolina, Randolph County, Taj Kahn, Tryon
Posted in Auto Accidents | No Comments »
February 26th, 2010
Koua Fong Lee, 32, of St. Paul, Minnesota was charged and convicted of vehicular homicide when his 1996 Toyota Camry crashed into an Oldsmobile, killing three. The Toyota Camry accelerated up an exit ramp at speeds 70-90 mph though Lee claims he was stepping on the brakes the whole time.
Lee, a Hmong immigrant, had only been driving for a year when the accident occurred on June 10, 2006. A jury did not believe his story, and he was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Now, new evidence of unintended acceleration—which forced the recall of millions of Toyota models—should set Lee free. Though his 1996 Camry has not been included in the recent wave of Toyota recalls, the same year and model vehicles were previously recalled “for defective cruise controls that could cause sudden acceleration,” according to an article on msnbc.msn.com.
Not only does the prosecutor of Lee’s case concede that the situation deserves another look, but also relatives of the victims now feel Lee is innocent and will file suit against Toyota.
How many innocent people could be behind bars because of defective Toyota vehicles? As if it isn’t bad enough that people have been injured and killed because of accelerator malfunctions, now it turns out that innocent citizens have been wrongly deprived of their liberty. How can executives at Toyota Motor Corp. sleep soundly knowing that in addition to killing and injuring drivers and passengers, innocent motorists are serving time because officials at Toyota failed to own up to their automobiles’ safety issues?
Tags: "Toyota Defense", defective throttle, Koua Fong Lee, lawsuit, recall, Toyota, unintended acceleration, vehicular homicide
Posted in Auto Accidents, Safety | No Comments »
February 25th, 2010
William Lee Hemphill, 88, of Greensboro, North Carolina filed suit against Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Sales and Flow Imports Incorporated on February 24, 2010.
Hemphill owns a 2004 Lexus LS430 that crashed into a pillar in a parking deck after “uncontrolled rapid acceleration” on December 11, 2009, according to an article on news-record.com. Hemphill broke his leg—an injury that required surgery—and has since spent weeks in recovery.
Hemphill filed suit against Flow Lexus of Winston-Salem, North Carolina because the company—which sold him the automobile claiming it was in “perfect condition” in 2004—failed to repair the vehicle when Hemphill initially complained of unintended acceleration months before his accident.
Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Sales and Flow Imports Incorporated should each be held accountable for the injuries Hemphill has suffered. Each company is guilty of negligence because they failed to address the defective mechanics that led to the Lexus’s uncontrolled rapid acceleration and caused Hemphill’s injuries. They are also guilty of breach of implied warranty because the defective electronic throttle made the car unfit for use, leading Hemphill to be injured.
Tags: breach of implied warranty, defective electronic throttle, Flow Lexus, Greensboro, injury, negligence, North Carolina, Toyota, unintended acceleration, William Lee Hemphill
Posted in Auto Accidents | No Comments »
February 24th, 2010
Denny Lopez, 47, of High Point, North Carolina was in a two-car wreck on February 22, 2010 that resulted in his untimely death. Denny Lopez’s passenger, Dora Lopez, 51, was taken to the High Point Regional Hospital with serious injuries.
Sarah McClary, 35, of High Point hit Denny Lopez’s Toyota Corolla while driving her Chevy Suburban north on N.C. 68 near the intersection with Mendenhall Oaks Parkway. She sustained minor injuries.
What factors could have contributed to the automobile accident that led to the death of Denny Lopez and Dora Lopez’s injuries? Was Sarah McClary distracted while driving or did she swerve to avoid an obstacle in the road? Is it possible that another car was involved? Could the Chevy SUV Sarah McClary was driving have been defective or was it too big and travelling too fast for the Lopezes’ Toyota to compete with in a collision? Is it possible that the Corolla Denny Lopez was driving was defective or unsafe?
In spite of the intense grief the Lopez family is handling over the loss of Denny Lopez and the concerns they surely feel for the injured Dora Lopez, they should know that authorities and insurance agents are already investigating the accident. An attorney could help the Lopez family gather information regarding the death of Denny Lopez and consider liability issues.
What else needs to be addressed on behalf of automobile accident victims, Denny Lopez and Dora Lopez?
1) Is there a need for Denny Lopez’s body to be autopsied?
2) Did alcohol or drugs contribute to the collision?
3) Have pictures been made of the wrecked vehicles and the scene of the accident?
4) Have witnesses been sought and interviewed?
Tags: automobile accident, Chevrolet Suburban, death, Denny Lopez, Dora Lopez, High Point, High Point Regional Hospital, injury, lawyer, liability, Mendenhall Oaks Parkway, NC 68, North Carolina, personal injury, Sarah McClary, Toyota Corolla
Posted in Auto Accidents | No Comments »
February 24th, 2010
If only the Crash Prevention Network of North Carolina had reached Amanda Sperduti, perhaps the deaths of Scott Bedwell, Sascha Hoffman and Taylor McCaskill could have been prevented.
As I reported in a previous post, Sperduti, 20, of Browns Summit, North Carolina was speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol when she crashed into a tree on February 13, 2010. The wreck, which could have been prevented, resulted in the death of the three passengers.
A nonprofit organization founded in Greensboro, North Carolina, attempts to raise awareness and prevent motor-vehicle accidents just like the one that ended in the deaths of Bedwell, Hoffman and McCaskill. Greensboro resident, Michael Jackson, founded the Crash Prevention Network of North Carolina in 2005, according to an article on news-record.com. He currently has 20 years of experience raising awareness about motor vehicle safety and crash prevention as he founded the Guilford County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in 1990 after the death of his then 16-year-old neighbor, Allison Gannon.
The Crash Prevention Network of North Carolina addresses such issues as seatbelt safety, speeding and cell phone use in addition to drunk driving. The organization has established programs that it plans to extend statewide. One such program, The Right Choice, meets monthly at the Guilford County Courthouse and features volunteer guest speakers.
Friends and family who grieve the deaths of Bedwell, Hoffman and McCaskill might take some comfort in knowing there are support groups and networks that strive to raise awareness about preventable accidents in memory of loved ones lost. To learn more about the Crash Prevention Network of North Carolina, click on this link.
Tags: Amanda Sperduti, automobile accident, Browns Summit, Crash Prevention Network of North Carolina, death, driving while intoxicated, DWI, MADD, Michael Jackson, nonprofit, North Carolina, Sascha Hoffman, Scott Bedwell, speeding, Taylor McCaskill
Posted in Auto Accidents, Safety | No Comments »
February 23rd, 2010
Oscar Wilde said, “All art is quite useless,” because he hadn’t seen the PSA from Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, “Embrace Life.”
According to writer/director, Daniel Cox, in an article on sussessaferroads.gov.uk, the goal of the brief but striking PSA film was “to deliver a powerful message, but in a new way.” Millions of YouTube viewers agree: they succeeded.
You can watch the video from YouTube here or follow this link to the original website:
\”Embrace Life\” PSA
As an advocate for the arts in Greensboro, North Carolina, I appreciate the brilliant approach the “Embrace Life” artists and producers have taken to convey the simple message that seat belts save lives. As an attorney practicing in the field of personal injury practice, I’ve seen countless injuries and deaths that wouldn’t have occurred if drivers and passengers had worn their seatbelts.
Instead of frightening or repulsing viewers with the negative consequences of what happens to people when they don’t wear their seatbelts, the “Embrace Life” PSA reminds viewers why we should all buckle-up.
The video uses the story of a wife and daughter hugging a man like the straps of a seatbelt when he slams on breaks. The action doesn’t take place on the road, but in the home, as if the family imagines the emergency from the safety of their living room. It uses only a powerful score, no spoken words, to illustrate a moment we can all relate to. Viewers watch as the family’s faces portray the range of human emotions—from shock to surrender to gratitude—that a person might experience in a wreck that ends safely thanks to the driver, a lucky dad, wearing a seat belt.
Writer/director, Cox, really puts it best: “I wanted to create a visual metaphor addressing how a single decision in a person’s day can greatly influence both their own and their loved ones’ lives.” That’s exactly what he’s done; the world thanks him for it.
Become a fan on facebook and spread the message about this awesome PSA and seatbelt safety!
Tags: Daniel Cox, Embrace Life, Facebook, PSA, Seatbelt Safety, Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, YouTube
Posted in Safety | No Comments »
February 19th, 2010
Pedestrians use extra caution when crossing the street or travelling alongside moving traffic. A person might not feel as much at risk in parking lots, where pedestrian traffic is not unusual, but they should!
As I pointed out in a blog last September, drivers must be aware of their surroundings, especially in areas where pedestrian traffic is high. Low speeds should not mean drivers reduce their radar for potentially dangerous and fatal accidents. In North Carolina, pedestrians have the right-of-way no matter where they are in commercial parking lots.
Bonnie G. McBryde was in front of Harris Teeter grocery store on Pisgah Church Road in Greensboro, North Carolina when she was struck by a vehicle on Tuesday afternoon, February 16, 2010. Kathleen Ann Ryan was attempting to make a left turn in the parking lot. She failed to see Ms. McBryde, who fell on the hard pavement and hit her head after being struck by Ms. Ryan’s automobile. Though the accident occurred at a low speed, the impact sent Ms. McBryde to Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro via Guilford County EMS.
In both of these incidents, the pedestrians were located directly in front of the stores. Drivers know pedestrians are heading to and from the door at all times. Despite street markings, cautionary warning signs, and common sense, these pedestrians were struck where you might think the risk is lowest.
Even in parking lots, pedestrians should be on the lookout for moving vehicles. Drivers might not be paying as close attention to people walking to their cars as they are to a potential parking space. There are obstacles everywhere in busy parking lots that obstruct a driver’s view. Drivers lose their patience or have their minds on their errands, not on what’s right in front of them.
Tags: Bonnie G. McBryde, Greensboro, injury, Kathleen Ann Ryan, North Carolina, parking lot, pedestrian, right-of-way
Posted in Auto Accidents, Safety | 1 Comment »
February 17th, 2010
A car reportedly being driven by an intoxicated driver, Mr. Rachid Madani, rear-ended Mr. Michael Jamal Davis and his passenger, Dexter Antonio Alston, at 2:24 am on February 10, 2010 at the intersection of West Market and Spring Garden Streets in Greensboro, North Carolina. Unfortunately, lots of wrecks like this one occur during the wee hours of the morning, and not just on Friday and Saturday nights. It was early on a Wednesday morning when Mr. Madani hit Mr. Davis.
Mr. Madani was charged with DWI. He was transported by Guilford County EMS to Moses Cone Hospital with serious injuries.
Mr. Davis and Mr. Alston did not report any injuries; however, it would be unusual for someone to suffer a rear-end collision at 25 mph without sustaining any injuries. Mr. Davis would be wise to visit a doctor if he experiences any pain in the coming days.
Tags: Alston, Davis, drunk driving, DWI, Greensboro, Madani, North Carolina, rear-end collision
Posted in Auto Accidents | No Comments »
February 16th, 2010
Mike Beverly, 18, of Graham and Charles O. Reynolds, 19, of Burlington were in a single-car accident early Saturday morning, February 13th, 2010 in Burlington, North Carolina that resulted in their untimely deaths.
Police identified Mike Beverly as the driver of the 2009 Nissan Sentra that ran off the road and hit a tree before catching fire. Charles O. Reynolds, the apparent passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene, states an article on news-record.com.
Sergeant Sam Epps said that the accident could be blamed on factors including speed and weather conditions. What other factors could have contributed to the deaths of these young people? Was Mike Beverly under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Was he distracted while driving or did he swerve to avoid an obstacle in the road? Is it possible that another car was involved? Could the vehicle Mike was driving have been defective?
Though the family members of both Mike Beverly and Charles O. Reynolds are no doubt experiencing intense grief and are overwhelmed with many concerns right now, they should keep in mind the fact that police and insurance companies are already investigating the accident. An attorney could help family members gather information regarding the deaths of the two young men and consider liability issues.
What other issues should the families of Mike Beverly and Charles O. Reynolds consider regarding the deaths of these two teenagers?
1) Did one Mike Beverly’s passenger, Charles O. Reynolds, tell the driver to slow down, stop the car, or let him out?
2) Is there a need for autopsies?
3) If alcohol was involved, was it acquired illegally, purchased at a bar, or given at a party to an underage driver who was obviously under the influence?
4) Have pictures been made of the wrecked vehicle and the scene of the accident?
5) Have witnesses been sought and interviewed?
Tags: Charles O. Reynolds, death, liability, Mike Beverly, Nissan Sentra, Sergeant Sam Epps, single-car collision, speed, teenage driver
Posted in Auto Accidents, Safety, Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 15th, 2010
Scott Bedwell, 23, of Greensboro, Sascha Hoffman, 18, of Whitsett, and Taylor McCaskill, 18, of Browns Summit died Saturday, February 13, 2010 when Amanda Sperduti, 20, of Browns Summit drove off the road and into a tree. According to Trooper M. L. Mann in an article on news-record.com, Sperduti was speeding at the rate of 90 mph in a zone that drops from 55 to 45 mph near the curve where the car struck a tree. Sperduti was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol when she lost control of the car. The sad situation ended in death, but this may not be the entire story.
Though relatives of the young people who died are grieving the deaths of their loved ones and have many burdens on their minds right now, it is important to understand that police and insurance companies are already conducting investigations into the situation. An attorney could help members of the Bedwell, Hoffman, and McCaskill families gather as much information as possible regarding the deaths of their loved ones and determine the possibility of liability issues.
What issues need to be considered?
1) Did one or more of the passengers tell the driver to slow down, stop the car, or let them out?
2) Is there a need for autopsies?
3) If alcohol was involved, was it acquired illegally, purchased at a bar, or given at a party to a person obviously under the influence?
4) Was anther vehicle involved?
5) Was a deer, pedestrian, or other obstacle in the road?
6) Did the vehicle have a defect, such as a stuck accelerator?
7) Have pictures been made of the wrecked vehicle and the scene of the accident?
8) Have witnesses been sought and interviewed?
Tags: automobile accident, Bedwell, Browns Summit, death, DWI, Greensboro, Guilford County, Hoffman, McCaskill, NC, speeding, Sperduti, young driver
Posted in Auto Accidents, Safety | 1 Comment »
 |
|
