SC NC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer – Motorcycle Fatalities Trending Downward

Mar 31, 2012 | Brain Injury/Head Trauma, Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized, Wrongful Death

Good news for all motorcycle riders. Due to greater safety training and concerns, fatalities have been trending downward in recent years. Although the explanations for this trend vary, one continuing theme becomes clear. Better training and use of helmets saves lives. Hopefully, more states will implement changes on better motorcycle safety education. Helmet laws are a different matter. In this area, we remain proponents of rider choice. We realize, of course, that it is safer to wear a helmet in the event of an accident. However, many riders contend that a full helmet interferes with vision as well as hearing which can actually cause accidents. No matter what your view, please be careful on the road and always watch out for the inattentive car or truck driver. Be Safe. Get Home.

At Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP, all of our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers with over 70 years combined experience. Whether it is criminal or civil, our litigators are regularly in Court fighting for our clients. Two of our firm’s partners, Art Aiken and Robert Reeves, are inducted lifetime members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Reeves has also been named one of the Top 100 lawyers for South Carolina in 2012 by the National Trial Lawyers Organization. And most recently, Mr. Reeves has been included in the SC Super Lawyers for 2012. Our attorneys include a former SC prosecutor, a former public defender, a former NC District Attorney intern, a former Registered Nurse (RN), and former insurance defense attorneys. As a result of their varied backgrounds, they understand the potential criminal, insurance, and medical aspects of complex injury cases. We would welcome an opportunity to sit down and personally review your case. Compare our attorneys’ credentials to any other law firm. Then call us today at 877-374-5999 for a private consultation. Or visit our firm’s website at www.rjrlaw.com.

Motorcyclist Traffic Fatalities

2010 Preliminary data

Prepared for Governors Highway Safety Association

By Dr. James Hedlund

Motorcyclist traffic fatalities in the United States continued to fall in 2010, based on preliminary data supplied by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Motorcyclist fatalities dropped by 2.4% during the first nine months of 2010 across the 48 states and the District of Columbia that reported monthly data for these months.

Most states have quite complete traffic fatality counts for this period. Fatalities decreased substantially in the first quarter, decreased slightly in the second quarter, and rose slightly in the third quarter. While fatality data for the final months of 2010 are less complete in some states, motorcyclist fatalities for the full year nationwide are expected to be 4,376 or fewer, a decrease of at least 2% from the 4,465 fatalities of 2009.

About half the states are likely to have fewer motorcyclist fatalities in 2010 than in 2009, and about half are likely to have more. States with decreased motorcyclist fatalities suggested several explanations, including: higher priority for motorcycle safety education, publicity, and enforcement; increased motorcyclist training; and poor cycling weather. States with increased fatalities cited more motorcycle travel, lower helmet use, and good cycling weather.

The good news of 2010’s likely decrease in motorcyclist fatalities must be tempered with several disturbing observations. First, 2010’s predicted 2% decrease is far less than 2009’s 16% decrease. Second, the decrease was concentrated in the early months: fatalities dropped only slightly in the second quarter and rose in the third quarter. Next, it’s highly likely that motorcycle travel is increasing as the economy improves. Finally, use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets dropped an alarming 13 percentage points in 2010. To prevent an increase in motorcyclist fatalities in 2011, states should work to increase helmet use, provide motorcycle operator training to all who need or seek it, and reduce motorcyclist alcohol impairment and speeding.

Motorcyclist traffic fatalities in the United States dropped by 16% in 2009 to 4,465. This broke a chain of 11 consecutive years of increases that more than doubled motorcyclist fatalities from 2,116 in 1997 to 5,312 in 2008. Was the 2009 decrease the beginning of a long-term downward trend in motorcyclist fatalities similar to that from 1980 to 1997? Or was 2009 only a temporary bit of relief from the steady upward trend that began in 1997?

SC NC Accident Attorney Robert J. Reeves Inducted into SC Super Lawyers for 2012

Mar 28, 2012 | Brain Injury/Head Trauma, Car Accidents, DUI & DWI, News, Nursing Home Abuse, Personal Injury, Uncategorized, Workers' Compensation, Wrongful Death

At Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP, all of our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers with over 70 years combined experience. Whether it is criminal or civil, our litigators are regularly in Court fighting for our clients. Two of our firm’s partners, Art Aiken and Robert Reeves, are inducted lifetime members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Reeves has also been named one of the Top 100 lawyers for South Carolina in 2012 by the National Trial Lawyers Organization. And most recently, Mr. Reeves has been included in the SC Super Lawyers for 2012. Below is the review and selection process by which new members are chosen. Our attorneys include a former SC prosecutor, a former public defender, a former Registered Nurse (RN), and former insurance defense attorneys. As a result of their varied backgrounds, they understand the potential criminal, insurance, and medical aspects of complex injury cases. We would welcome an opportunity to sit down and personally review your case. Compare our attorneys’ credentials to any other law firm. Then call us today at 877-374-5999 for a private consultation. Or visit our firm’s website at www.rjrlaw.com.

Super Lawyers Selection Process

Super Lawyers Selection Process Blessed by Courts and Bar Associations Across the Country

Bar associations and courts across the country have recognized the legitimacy of the Super Lawyers selection process. Most recently, the New Jersey Supreme Court upheld the findings of a Special Master assigned by the court to, among other things, examine the details of our process. In his July 2008 report, the Special Master lauded our lawyer-rating process, stating:

“[The Super Lawyers selection process] is a comprehensive, good-faith and detailed attempt to produce a list of lawyers that have attained high peer recognition, meet ethical standards, and have demonstrated some degree of achievement in their field.”

“Suffice to say, the selection procedures employed by [Super Lawyers] are very sophisticated, comprehensive and complex.”

“It is absolutely clear from this record that [Super Lawyers does] not permit a lawyer to buy one’s way onto the list, nor is there any requirement for the purchase of any product for inclusion in the lists or any quid pro quo of any kind or nature associated with the evaluation and listing of an attorney or in the subsequent advertising of one’s inclusion in the lists.”

Overview

Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a rigorous, multiphase rating process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.

The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers is intended to be used as an aid in selecting a lawyer, we limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public, i.e., lawyers in private practice and Legal Aid attorneys.

The Super Lawyers selection process involves three basic steps: creation of the candidate pool; evaluation of candidates by the research department; and peer evaluation by practice area.

Step One: Creation of the Candidate Pool

Lawyers enter the candidate pool by being formally nominated by a peer or if identified by the research department during the research process.

Formal nominations

Once a year, we invite lawyers in each state to nominate the top attorneys they’ve personally observed in action. Lawyers may nominate attorneys in their own firm, but these nominations count only if each in-firm nomination is matched by at least one out-firm nomination.

Each nomination carries a point value. An out-firm nomination has substantially greater point value than an in-firm nomination. Lawyers cannot nominate themselves, and must limit their nominations to others who practice in the same state.

Our procedures and database have several safeguards that prevent lawyers from “gaming” the system. For example, we track who nominates whom. This helps us detect any excessive “back-scratch” nominations (lawyers nominating each other) and “block nominations” (where members of the same law firm all cast identical nominations). We also prohibit lawyers from engaging in “campaigning” or solicitation of nominations from other lawyers.

While important, the nomination phase is simply the first step in our process. It puts lawyers on our radar for further research and evaluation, and awards points in our rating system. But we limit the value of those points so that no matter how many nominations one receives, it will not guarantee selection.

Research process

Our attorney-led research staff searches for lawyers who have attained certain honors, results or credentials, which indicate a high degree of peer recognition or professional competence. For example, certification as a specialist in a particular area of practice, or admission to prestigious colleges or academies, e.g., The American College of Trial Lawyers. The staff identifies these credentials by reviewing a proprietary list of database and online sources, including national and local legal trade publications.

Most of the lawyers we identify in this process have also been nominated by their peers. Occasionally, however, we find outstanding lawyers who have been overlooked in the nomination process. These may include: lawyers with national litigation practices who rarely appear in the courts of their home jurisdiction; lawyers in smaller firms or from smaller communities; and lawyers practicing in less visible or highly specialized practice areas.

Informal nominations

Throughout the year, readers, clients and attorneys who are not eligible to formally nominate (that is, actively licensed to practice in the same state as the nominee) send us names of lawyers we should consider for inclusion. Though no points are awarded, we add these lawyers to the candidate pool for further research and evaluation.

Step Two: Evaluation of Lawyers in Candidate Pool

Our research department evaluates each candidate based on these 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement: verdicts and settlements; transactions; representative clients; experience; honors and awards; special licenses and certifications; position within law firm; bar and or other professional activity; pro bono and community service as a lawyer; scholarly lectures and writings; education and employment background; and other outstanding achievements.

These indicators are not treated equally; some have a higher maximum point value than others.

Step Three: Peer Evaluation by Practice Area

In this step, also known as the “blue ribbon review,” candidates are grouped according to their primary areas of practice. The candidates in each practice area with the highest point totals from steps one and two above are asked to serve on a blue ribbon panel. The panelists are then provided a list of candidates from their practice areas to review, rating them on a scale of one to ten.

Final Selection

Candidates are grouped into four firm-size categories. Those with the highest point totals from each category are selected. This means solo and small firm lawyers are compared with other solo and small firm attorneys, and large firm lawyers compete with other large firm lawyers. Five percent of the total lawyers in the state are selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers.

Before Publishing

The research staff checks each candidate’s standing with the local licensing authority. Each candidate is asked to aver that they have never been subject to disciplinary or criminal proceedings.

Final Internet searches are performed on each candidate to ensure there are no outstanding matters that would reflect adversely on the lawyer. We also contact each lawyer to ensure accuracy of all published information.

Publication

The final published list represents no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state. The lists are published annually in state and regional editions of Super Lawyers magazines and in inserts and special advertising sections in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers. All attorneys selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers, regardless of year, can be found on superlawyers.com.

Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Attorney – New Law Increases Fines for Bad Car Drivers

Mar 27, 2012 | Brain Injury/Head Trauma, Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized, Wrongful Death

There has been a new law passed for motorcycle safety which increases the fines for car drivers who pull out or cross over into the path of a motorcyclist. We know how dangerous most drivers are when it comes to motorcycles. Despite headlights and loud pipes, drivers routinely cause a real danger to motorcyclists. Sadly, most serious motorcycle accidents occur due to the fault or negligence of other vehicle drivers not paying attention. If you or your family member have been in a car-motorcycle crash, call our firm to see what can be done to help.

At Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP, all of our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers with over 70 years combined experience. Whether it is criminal or civil, our litigators are regularly in Court fighting for our clients. Two of our firm’s partners, Art Aiken and Robert Reeves, are inducted lifetime members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Reeves has also been named one of the Top 100 lawyers for South Carolina in 2012 by the National Trial Lawyers Organization. And most recently, Mr. Reeves has been included in the SC Super Lawyers for 2012. Our attorneys include a former SC prosecutor, a former public defender, a former NC District Attorney intern, a former Registered Nurse (RN), and former insurance defense attorneys. As a result of their varied backgrounds, they understand the potential criminal, insurance, and medical aspects of complex injury cases. We would welcome an opportunity to sit down and personally review your case. Compare our attorneys’ credentials to any other law firm. Then call us today at 877-374-5999 for a private consultation. Or visit our firm’s website at www.rjrlaw.com.

North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Act Now Law

As of December 1, 2011, the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Act went into effect. The new law seeks to protect motorcyclists across the state from unsafe movements by other vehicles on the roadway. Now, drivers who make unsafe movements around a motorcycle which force it to unsafely change lanes or run off the road will be fined $200. If the unsafe movements result in a accident or personal injury of the motorcyclist, the driver will be fined $500. This law is certainly a positive step, and we appreciate the focus on this issue by the legislature. However, a fine is simply not going to mean much if the motorcyclist is struck or run off the road. If really serious about motorcycle safety, the legislature should also consider additional penalties, such as community service or even jail time where injury occurs. For now, we will say “thank you” and hope it helps.

SC NC Serious Accident Attorney – Dump Truck Accident Kills

Mar 27, 2012 | Brain Injury/Head Trauma, Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized, Wrongful Death

This article below really accentuates how quickly bad accidents can happen reulting in serious injury or death. It starts with one driver who is not paying full attention to the road or is in a hurry and taking dangerous chances. Although we use the term “accident,” I always remind myself that there is really is no such thing. Accidents are almost always the result of making bad decisions, taking risks, and/or breaking safety rules. When you add a large commercial truck or tractor trailer to the mix, catastrophic loss can occur. When you and your family are on the road, always assume the worst in other people’s driving. Give yourself plenty of room between your car and traffic. And always be looking for an “escape” or “exit” should an accident occur in front of you. Be Safe. Get Home.

At Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP, all of our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers with over 70 years combined experience. Whether it is criminal or civil, our litigators are regularly in Court fighting for our clients. Two of our firm’s partners, Art Aiken and Robert Reeves, are inducted lifetime members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Reeves has also been named one of the Top 100 lawyers for South Carolina in 2012 by the National Trial Lawyers Organization. Our attorneys include a former SC prosecutor, a former public defender, a former NC District Attorney intern, a former Registered Nurse (RN), and former insurance defense attorneys. As a result of their varied backgrounds, they understand the potential criminal, insurance, and medical aspects of complex injury cases. We would welcome an opportunity to sit down and personally review your case. Compare our attorneys’ credentials to any other law firm. Then call us today at 877-374-5999 for a private consultation. Or visit our firm’s website at www.rjrlaw.com.

Dump truck driver killed in 8-car pile up on Hwy 17

Posted: Aug 02, 2011 10:07 AM EDTUpdated: Aug 03, 2011 4:40 PM EDT

By Alex Kreitman

MT. PLEASANT, SC (WCSC) -The driver of a large dump truck was killed Tuesday morning after the truck collided with at least seven cars on Highway 17 in Mt. Pleasant. The major wreck killed a dump truck driver and shut down Highway 17 in both directions for most of the day.After striking that car, the dump truck plowed into six more vehicles in the northbound lane before hitting a tree in front of a pharmacy. The dump truck then caught fire, killing the driver, 73-year-old James Cook of Summerville. Autopsy results show that Cook died from injuries sustained in the accident.According to Mt. Pleasant police, the collision happened at 9:48 a.m. on Highway 17 North near the Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre. A large dump truck hit a vehicle at the intersection of Market Center Boulevard.Highway 17 has been shut down in both directions since 10 a.m. Traffic is being diverted off of Highway 17 onto Venning and Mathis Ferry Roads and the Isle of Palms Connector. The road will remain closed until at least 4 p.m., pending the conclusion of the accident investigation. Once the roadway is reopened, delays should still be expected.Mt. Pleasant Police are urging drivers to avoid the area. Drivers can take Hungryneck Boulevard, go around Lowes and then head toward the Rite Aid. Drivers can also use Longpoint Road or Rifle Range Road.Lorraine grant works in the area and saw the whole accident unfold.”I saw other people in other cars some of them were injured but other people jumped out of their car to make sure they were alright so I saw at least three people get pulled from their car someone was helping them out fo their car,” Grant said.The Mount Pleasant Police Department and the South Carolina Highway Patrol are conducting the investigation.Copyright WCSC 2011. All rights reserved.

SC NC Motorcycle Accident Attorney – Motorcycle Recall by Honda for Defective Brakes

Mar 26, 2012 | Brain Injury/Head Trauma, Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized, Wrongful Death

Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have issued a recall alert for approximately 126,000 Goldwing motorcycles. The company has identified an issue with the motorbikes’ secondary brake master cylinders that may cause the rear brakes to drag, increasing the risk of a collision. Riding a motorcycle with a stuck rear brake may also generate enough heat to cause a fire.

According to Honda, the brake issue affects GL1800 Goldwing motorcycles of the 2001 through 2010 and 2012 model years.

In January, the company expects to being notifying affected Goldwing owners to bring their motorcycles to Honda dealers. Mechanics there will inspect and, if necessary, replace the secondary master cylinder free of charge.

For more information on the recall, which Honda has identified as S03, consumers can call Honda customer service (toll-free: 866-784-1870) or visit the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov.

At Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP, all of our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers with over 70 years combined experience. Whether it is criminal or civil, our litigators are regularly in Court fighting for our clients. Two of our firm’s partners, Art Aiken and Robert Reeves, are inducted lifetime members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Reeves has also been named one of the Top 100 lawyers for South Carolina in 2012 by the National Trial Lawyers Organization. And most recently, Mr. Reeves has been included in the SC Super Lawyers for 2012. Our attorneys include a former SC prosecutor, a former public defender, a former NC District Attorney intern, a former Registered Nurse (RN), and former insurance defense attorneys. As a result of their varied backgrounds, they understand the potential criminal, insurance, and medical aspects of complex injury cases. We would welcome an opportunity to sit down and personally review your case. Compare our attorneys’ credentials to any other law firm. Then call us today at 877-374-5999 for a private consultation. Or visit our firm’s website at www.rjrlaw.com.

SC NC Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney – DUI and Large Trucks – Mistakes Can Be Fatal

Mar 25, 2012 | Brain Injury/Head Trauma, Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized, Wrongful Death

This article below really accentuates how quickly bad accidents can happen resulting in serious injury or death. It starts with one driver who is not paying full attention to the road or is in a hurry and taking dangerous chances. Although we use the term “accident,” I always remind myself that there is really is no such thing. “Accidents” are almost always the result of making bad decisions, taking risks, and/or breaking safety rules. When you add DUI and a large commercial truck or tractor trailer to the mix, catastrophic loss can occur. In this instance, an intoxicated driver apparently lost control and struck a semi truck. Her mistake in judgement will cost her dearly this time. When you and your family are on the road, you have to assume the worst in other people’s driving. Give yourself plenty of room between your car and traffic. And always be looking for an “escape” or “exit” should an accident occur in front of you. Be Safe. Get Home.

At Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP, all of our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers with over 70 years combined experience. Whether it is criminal or civil, our litigators are regularly in Court fighting for our clients. Two of our firm’s partners, Art Aiken and Robert Reeves, are inducted lifetime members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Reeves has also been named one of the Top 100 lawyers for South Carolina in 2012 by the National Trial Lawyers Organization. Our attorneys include a former SC prosecutor, a former public defender, a former NC District Attorney intern, a former Registered Nurse (RN), and former insurance defense attorneys. As a result of their varied backgrounds, they understand the potential criminal, insurance, and medical aspects of complex injury cases. We would welcome an opportunity to sit down and personally review your case. Compare our attorneys’ credentials to any other law firm. Then call us today at 877-374-5999 for a private consultation. Or visit our firm’s website at www.rjrlaw.com.

DUI Driver Critically Injured in Semi Truck Accident in Braselton, GA

December 2nd, 2011 | Author: Truck360 Staff

BRASELTON, GA – A woman driving under the influence the wrong way on I-85 in Braselton, GA was critically injured after she crashed into two semi trucks and was ejected from her SUV on Friday, November 4, 2011.

Braselton is located in Barrow County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, and Jackson County, Georgia in the northeastern part of the state about 49 miles northeast of Atlanta.

The accident happened in Jackson County around 1:00 a.m. early Friday morning in the northbound lanes of I-85 near Highway 53 at Exit 129.

The driver of the SUV was identified as Linda Kay Corlew, 34 years old, from Buford, GA. Corlew attempted to drive southbound on the northbound lanes of the I-85 after entering the Interstate at Highway 53.

Corlew side-swiped the first 18 wheeler, then spun out of control and hit a Jeep Cherokee and a second tractor trailer. The SUV spun around again and then finally crashed into the front end of a Chevrolet van and was ejected from her Ford Explorer.

The Chevrolet van rolled over and landed on a cable guard rail. The accident also ruptured the fuel tank of the second big rig which caused a hazardous fuel spill. A Jackson County Hazmat team was called to the scene to contain the hazardous material spill. Fortunately no evacuations were ordered as a result of the spill.

Corlew was transported by ground ambulance to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville where her condition was reported to be critical. The driver of the Chevrolet van plus a passenger from one of the semi trucks were also injured in the accident.

The driver of the Chevrolet van was identified as Shawn Olen McDowell, 30 years old, from Jefferson, GA. He was taken to Athens Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The northbound lanes of the Interstate were closed for about 4 hours while rescue crews, fire fighters, police and investigators worked the scene of the accident. Emergency responders were from the West Jackson Fire Department, the Georgia State Patrol, the Braselton Police Department, and Jackson County EMS. Traffic lanes on the Interstate were re-opened around 5:00 a.m.

Officials believe that alcohol was a factor in the accident. According to the Georgia State Patrol, Corlew was cited for a seat belt violation and charged with DUI as well as driving on the wrong side of the road.

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