Baltimore, Maryland
The Yost Legal Group in Baltimore, Maryland is a multi – service personal injury law firm focusing on serious personal injury and wrongful death cases.
August 19th, 2010
Truck Accidents
Each year truck accidents account for about 5,000 deaths and 150,000 more injuries. Even though there are laws in place to ensure that truck drivers are highly qualified and also laws to make commercial transport as safe as possible, truck accidents remain one of the most fatal vehicular collisions on the road. There are more risk factors in commercial truck driving which put them at higher risk for accidents such as; driving for long periods of time, driving a larger, heavier vehicle, unsafe vehicles, less visibility, less ability to stop, and hauling dangerous materials.
Dangerous Cargo
One of the most dangerous times to collide with a truck is when it is hauling hazardous materials. If a truck is hauling hazardous materials it puts both the driver and the passengers of the other vehicle in more danger than just that of impact. Not only do hazardous materials create the risk of respiratory injuries, in the case of flammable materials, they also create the risk of burn. Another risk of extensive injuries caused by truck accidents is shifting loads. Sometimes when a truck is hauling cargo that could become loose on impact, it creates more of a risk of injury to other vehicles.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a truck accident where dangerous cargo has caused more severe injuries and are in need of a Maryland Truck Accident lawyer please contact one of our truck accident attorneys today to schedule a free initial consultation with The Yost Legal Group.
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August 18th, 2010
The Effects of Unsafe Truck Driving
Commercial truck driving is a necessary part of the American economy and has many positive aspects to society. However, in many cases unsafe driving conditions make commercial truck driving a dangerous threat to the safety on United States’ highways. According to the American Trucking Association there are over 3,000,000 commercial truck drivers in the United States. Although most of these commercial carriers are safe, there are some companies that allow unsafe truck conditions which can result in injury, or even wrongful death. Truck accidents cause more than nineteen billion dollars in damage each year. Truck accidents are also responsible for more than 5,000 deaths and 150,000 injuries every year.
The Effects of Unsafe Trucks
Although there are many laws in place to prevent unsafe commercial truck driving conditions, there are several companies that create unsafe conditions on United States’ highways such as unrealistic schedules, forcing truck drivers to drive more consecutive hours than laws permit, unqualified drivers, these include drivers who have fraud commercial drivers licenses, and lack of maintenance, vehicles that do not comply with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Guidelines. There are safety guidelines and inspections in place to make sure that Commercial Vehicles comply with safety regulations, however there is no way possible to inspect every truck and trucking company thoroughly which leaves unsafe trucks on the road.
If you or someone you know is suffering from injuries caused by an unsafe truck please contact one of our Baltimore truck accident Lawyers today to schedule a free initial consultation with The Yost Legal Group.
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August 17th, 2010
Truck Accidents
Each year truck accidents are one of the leading causes of accidents resulting in death. One out of every four vehicle collisions involves a large truck. Approximately 5,000 people die and 150,000 people are injured as a result of a large truck accident every year. Although there are many laws in place to ensure safety on the road for both large trucks and for smaller vehicles, there are still several risk factors involved in the commercial truck driving industry. None od those risk factors is bigger than the actions of the truck driver.
Federal Regulations
There are many regulations to ensure that truck drivers are highly qualified and safe to operate over the road semi trucks. However, all too often, trucking companies cut corners and put unsafe drivers on the road. First, drivers must have a commercial driver’s license to meet the minimum legal requirements to operate a truck. However, trucking companies must determine if more training is required. Also they must check each driver’s previous employment history to make certain that the driver is not disqualified for other reasons. Some of the reasons truck drivers are not legally qualified could be too many accidents, alcohol violation, or too many tickets. Trucking companies often do not have adequate hiring, screening and training practices. These offenders allow unqualified patrons to operate commercial vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds or more. These types of issues are frequently overlooked by accident lawyers who do not understand trucking law.
If you or someone you know was injured from a truck accident it is important to seek a Maryland Truck Accident attorney please contact one of our truck accident attorneys at The Yost Legal Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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August 16th, 2010
The Effects of Truck Accidents
Every year, truck accidents kill more than 5,000 people and injure approximately 150,000 more. These types of accidents remain one of the highest leading causes of vehicle death where one out of every four vehicle accidents includes a large truck. Trucks are twice as likely to be involved in a multi-car accident. In addition, approximately 800 truckers die in accidents per year.
The Effects of Truck Driver Fatigue
Although there are laws in place to make sure truck drivers do not become fatigued such as laws stating how long truck drivers can drive consecutively and how long in between shifts they must rest consecutively, truck driver’s have deadlines and therefore sometimes a driver might speed or stretch the limit on the number of consecutive hours he or she can drive. This makes it difficult to pay close enough attention to driving conditions or surroundings which can cause injury or death to others in traffic. If a trucker is suffering from fatigue as a result of ignoring these rules, our Baltimore Truck Accident Attorneys can help victims recover damages from the driver or the trucking company to compensate for any injuries caused.
If you or someone you know is suffering from injuries caused by trucker fatigue please contact one of our Baltimore Truck Accident Attorneys today to schedule a free initial consultation. The Yost Legal Group serves clients in and around Baltimore, Maryland.
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July 20th, 2010
Most motorcycle riders who are seriously injured and killed following an accident are thrown from their bike. Without a seatbelt or other restraints, the rider and any passengers with them will be ejected onto or near the road.
It is estimated that 75% of all motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. A quarter of them involve single bike accidents where there is a chance the rider will fall, then slide, roll, or bounce down the road. Either way, the resulting injuries can be very severe. Blunt force trauma and abrasion injuries are very common.
Some of the most common injuries following a motorcycle accident include:
It is important to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Traumatic brain injuries will often be very severe or fatal in motorcycle accidents. Even if you are riding your motorcycle in a state that does not enforce helmet laws, please wear a helmet.
It can take months to heal from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Broken bones are more than just simple fractures most of the time. Healing often involves months of physical therapy and recuperation. You may be unable to work to pay bills that continue to role in if you are laid up for months.
If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident and are unable to work, please contact the experienced Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers at the Yost Legal Groupto get the compensation you deserve. We serve the Baltimore, Maryland area.
Tags: compensation you deserve, motorcycle accident lawyers, seriously injured, unable to work
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July 15th, 2010
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it will probably be hard to think clearly right away, but you need to so that you can protect yourself and others. Having a motorcycle accident is not like being involved in an auto accident. You do not have the luxury of being surrounded by material that will take most of the impact. However, several of the things you should do following your motorcycle accident at the same things you would do had you been involved in an auto accident.
If you are in the way of traffic or are in danger of being involved in a second accident, you need to move fast. There may be gas leaking, which can start a fire and burn you or others. Once you are sure you are safe, you need to check for injuries and call emergency services. Be sure other motorists can see your motorcycle if it is lying on its side.
Other actions you should take if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident include:
- If you or others need medical attention, get it as quickly as you can
- Do not leave the scene of the motorcycle accident before police arrive
- Get any pertinent information from others involved or witnesses, including: name, address, phone, email, insurance company information, driver’s license, and license plate number
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact the offices of the experienced Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyers at the Yost Law Group for a free case consultation.
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July 6th, 2010
It is estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that there are over four million registered motorcycles on U.S. roads. There are probably many more unregistered riders who ride their motorcycles across cities and towns in every state.
However, in order to keep from being seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, it is beneficial to all motorcyclists to drive defensively. Remember, you are the some of the smallest vehicles on the road and are without the protection cars and trucks have.
Some things you can do to drive defensively on your motorcycle include:
- Stay alert to vehicles around you, especially at intersections. Vehicles may pull or turn in front of you at any time.
- Be prepared to stop or avoid vehicles quickly
- Check your mirrors when changing lanes or stopping to avoid being rear-ended. Use your turn signals.
- Watch for changes in the surface of the road. A minor bump for a car can be a major jolt causing you to crash on a motorcycle. Also watch for manholes, debris, water, gravel, and more.
- Cross railroad tracks at as close to a 90 degree angle as possible
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is something that experienced motorcycle riders often tell newbies: Assume you are invisible to other motorists. Avoid blind spots, use headlights at all times of the day, and do not try to speed past cars.
If you have questions about defensive motorcycle driving in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact the experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys at the Yost Law Group today.
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July 1st, 2010
Most vehicles on the roads are passenger vehicles, such as autos, SUVs, or large trucks. However, during the warm months of summer, more motorcycles are frequently ridden. Motorcycles have become more popular for people from all walks of life to ride. With the rise in motorcyclists on the road comes a rise in the chance of being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcyclists follow the same rules of the road as anyone else in a car. Most accidents involving a motorcycle are caused by the driver of a car not seeing the motorcycle. Loud exhaust pipes and bright colored gear are two ways motorcycles are more likely to be noticed. There are a few things to remember when driving around motorcycles.
- Motorcycles are smaller than your car – it may be easy to see other passenger vehicles, but motorcyclists are sometimes not identified by other drivers, even when they are looking right in the direction of the motorcycle. All drivers should look for motorcycles when they turn onto the road or cross an intersection.
- Groups of motorcyclists may ride in formation together or ride spread out – Even if two or three motorcycles are not part of the same group, drivers should avoid coming between them on the road. Motorcycles can easily wind up in your blind spot.
- Remember that motorcycles do not have the same protection as people in a car – Motorcycle riders are more likely to be in a traffic fatality than passengers in a car. They are also more likely to suffer road rash, lower extremity injury, or broken bones.
It is especially important for motorcycle riders to drive defensively. When cars drive behind motorcycles, they should give a little extra distance to increase their reaction time in case of brakes being applied. Car drivers should also be careful after passing a motorcycle so that they do not cut back in too close to the motorcycle rider’s path. By staying safe on the road, you can be sure that you and those around you will make it home.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact the experienced Baltimore motorcycle accident attorneys at the Yost Legal Group for an initial consultation.
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June 30th, 2010
Your spinal cord is more fragile than you may think, and it doesn’t take much to injure it compared to other areas of your body. Although it is protected by the bony vertebrae in your back, sometimes that is not enough. When the victim of an accident injures their spinal cord, they may suffer partial or complete paralysis that usually requires a lifetime of care.
There are many kinds of accidents or traumas to the spinal cord that can result in paralysis. The most common kind of accidents to cause spinal cord injuries is car accidents. Being crushed or thrown around the vehicle during impact can cause serious injury. Another way the spinal cord can be injured in a car accident is with a whiplash injury when the victim’s head snaps forward and then back over the car seat. These kinds of injuries may not paralyze, but the pain and suffering may need a constant stream of pain medication and expensive visits to the doctor.
Contact sports, especially football, are another risk factor for spinal cord injuries to young people in high school and college. Repetitive jarring or damage to the tendons and ligaments can cause more serious spinal cord injuries later on in life.
Other Accidents and Traumas
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, there are certain conditions where it should be assumed a spinal cord injury has occurred. These include:
- Vehicle rollover where passenger has been ejected
- Pedestrian accident involving car going over 18mph
- Significant falls
- Shallow water diving or surfing accident
- Motorcycle accident where helmet was damaged
- Unconscious trauma patient with head or neck injury
- Penetrating injuries to the spinal cord, such as gunshot wound
- Physical signs and symptoms associated with the spine in an accident, including tenderness around spinal cord
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident or fall that was due to the negligence of another party in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact the experienced Maryland spinal cord injury lawyers at the Yost Legal Group. We can help get you the compensation you deserve.
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June 21st, 2010
After a traumatic brain injury (TBI), there is often a period of uncertainty while doctors determine the severity of the injury and diagnose all its symptoms. Even with 21st century medical technology, the prognosis for TBI patients is not always clear until long after the injury occurs. Some behavioral symptoms may go unrecognized for weeks or months. In the meantime, it may be very stressful if you do not know what to expect.
TBI Symptoms
Traumatic brain injury symptoms are difficult to summarize because in many ways each TBI presents unique challenges. The brain is a highly sensitive, organized, and complicated system in which damage to one part may affect others in unexpected ways. Therefore, symptoms of TBI depend greatly on the location of the injury as well as the severity of the impact.
For example, injuries to the back of the head near the visual cortex can cause blurred vision and other visual problems. However, TBIs affecting other areas may still cause the same symptom. The most severe traumatic brain injuries can cause permanent disability or long periods of unconsciousness or unawareness. Coma, persistent vegetative state, and even death can result from the extensive damage of a very serious TBI.
TBI Legal Options
Any severe impact or blow to the skull can result in traumatic brain injury. Most commonly, TBI is the result of an accident that may be the fault of another party’s negligence, such as:
The Maryland personal injury lawyers of the Yost Legal Group have years of experience recovering damages for victims of TBI or wrongful death. Our goal is to get you the compensation you deserve for the suffering you and your family have endured. We strive to ensure that the financial impact of TBI or other personal injury does not compound the emotional pain you feel.
If you or your family member has suffered a TBI in Baltimore, Maryland, please contact the Baltimore traumatic brain injury attorneys of the Yost Legal Group to schedule a consultation.
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