Apr 29, 2013 | Motorcycle Accidents, Uncategorized
Finally, it’s spring, and the weather is warming up again. So now is the time for some basic motorcycle maintenance to be safe on the road. Here we explain the basics.
Motorcycle Maintenance for Safety
While riders know they need regular maintenance, sometimes they just want to ride now. However, it is important to first check over your motorcycle. Then you can ride safely with confidence. So start with a full visual check of your motorcycle from front to rear. In addition to making sure all bolts are secure, also look at brake pads, belts, and hoses for issues. Also change all fluids, including oil, brake fluid, and chain lube. When in doubt, replace parts sooner than later. Rather, don’t wait to save money. In fact, you can save money in the long run by avoiding unnecessary and expensive repairs. Moreover, the last place you want to discover a problem is while riding down the highway.
Tires and Brakes
Because everything starts and finishes with your tires, make sure they are ready to go. After all, they are the only thing between you and the road. So absolutely make sure they are in good shape with no “flat” or worn spots. In addition, keep your bike and tires slightly off the ground during storage months. Also be sure the tires are properly inflated. While too much pressure can cause tire failure, too little can cause handling and steering problems. And when you need new tires, don’t get the cheap ones. Rather, spend the few extra dollars to protect yourself and get back home to your family.
Just like good tires, don’t take chances with your brakes. Seems like everyone wants speed when they should really focus on how quickly a motorcycle can stop. While going fast is fun, being able to stop in time will save your life. So regularly check your brake linings, cables, and fluids and know you can stop when necessary. Since this is so important, you probably should do a check every time you get ready to ride. Rather than risk serious injury, put safety and regular motorcycle maintenance first. And finally, ride like your life depends on it.
Apr 26, 2013 | DUI & DWI, Felony DUI, Uncategorized
A Lexington, South Carolina man, who was accused of striking and killing another man
while he was walking down Lake Murray Boulevard this past January, has just been released from jail. This occurred about a week after the judge denied his bond, which was denied the day following the accident.
The man was released on a bond that was set at $250,000, when a Lexington County judge ruled that this amount would be sufficient, according to court records. Further, his conditional release stipulates that the man does not have any contact with the victim’s family, he must submit to random drug tests, and he must stay within a close proximity to Columbia, South Carolina.
The driver is employed as a Family Practice physician in Lexington. When officers inquired as to what caused him to hit the victim, he replied that he was swerving; and, that he blacked out, like narcolepsy, as he was trying to get home. This is according to the incident report. The man further stated that he had not been drinking that evening, although the officers report that his eyes were “bloodshot, watery, and droopy.”
After this, police had the man engage in a series of field sobriety tests, of which he allegedly performed poorly. However, alcohol was not present in the breath-test. He was taken to the Lexington Medical Center for further testing.
If you or a loved one has been charged with driving under the influence, or driving under the influence with great bodily injury or death, you must contact competent legal representation. The results of the drug and alcohol tests above have not been released to the public. If they come back negative, the man may have been being truthful when he stated that he was suffering from a form of narcolepsy. However, if they come back positive, he will likely be charged with DUI resulting in death, which can carry a stiff sentence.
Call the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP if you have any questions regarding a pending DUI charge in South Carolina. You can reach our Baxter Village office located in Fort Mill, South Carolina at 803-548-4444, or toll-free at 877-374-4444. We will be pleased to assist you in any way we can.
Apr 25, 2013 | DUI & DWI, Felony DUI, Uncategorized
Four Hartsville, South Carolina Children have tragically died in a fire that took place in the mobile home they were residing in at the time. The
firefighters found the bodies on Wednesday afternoon after extinguishing the blaze.
The tragic accident did not seem to scorch the outside of the home; however, the inside was allegedly damaged to a greater extent. It appears as though the children died of asphyxiation from the smoke, but reports have not been filed at this point.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident of any kind, and there is a question as to whether somebody or some company were negligent, call the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP for a consultation. You can reach our Baxter Village office located in Fort Mill, South Carolina at 803-548-4444, or toll-free at 877-374-5999. We know tragedies such as this one can alter the life of everyone involved, and we are here to help where we can.
Apr 25, 2013 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
Charlotte commuters had quite a drive Tuesday morning when traffic was back-up so severely that people who typically have a 30 minute drive were in traffic for almost an hour and half!
The news reports state that the two accidents were on Charlotte’s biggest thoroughfares: Interstate 77 and Interstate 485.
The car crash on I-77 was near the Woodlawn exit, or exit 6 for your fellow commuters. That brought traffic to a complete standstill around 8:00 a.m., the time most of us leave for work. There was even one point when traffic was backed up almost 10 full miles, where cars were at a complete stop.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police with the aid of the NC Highway Patrol were able to push the accident over onto the shoulder and clear the affected area. However, as onlookers know, wrecked cars on the side of the road are still going to cause a terrible back-up.
The I-485 wreck also had traffic to a suffiecent halt for most of the morning. Traffic began to move, but at a snail’s pace.
What is important to note is that when you, or someone you know is involved in a serious car accident, you do not want everyone to stop and stare. Not only does it create serious road rage, but also, the victim of the crash most likely does not appreciate people staring at their misfortune.
At Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower,LLP, we understand all the ends and outs of a serious car accident. We have attorneys licensed in both North and South Carolina, and are ready, willing, and able to hear your claim today. Contact us toll-free at 877-374-5999.
Apr 25, 2013 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
According to the local news reports, two Charlotte residents were injured in a car crash
this past Thursday afternoon.
Apparently the crash occurred shortly after noon, in the Ballantyne area; right at the intersection of Lancaster Highway and Johnston Road.
The emergency medics have reported that the crash has left both victims with potentially life-threatening injuries. They were subsequently taken via helicopter to the closer medical facility, which was Carolians Medical Center- Main.
The Authorities have still not been able to determine if alcohol was a source of the accident or not. However, the investigation is still underwy.
Any type of serious injury can bring harm to the victim and his/her loved ones. One may have an action to recover damages for injuries sustained during an accident. Contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower, LLP to consult with one of our personal injury attorneys. Our personal injury attorneys understand the emotional and financial hardships facing persons injured in an accident and want to help you or someone you might know. We are licensed in both North and South Carolina, where you can contact us at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.
Apr 24, 2013 | Car Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
A man from Spartanburg has just pled no contest for a hit-and-run fatality that took place last year.
Apparently, the forty-one-year -old entered his plea literally minutes before the trial was to begin Tuesday morning.
The facts of the fatality are as follows: The Spartanburg man was driving his vehicle last year on June 16. Accordingly, the thirty-one-year-old victim was driving aside the defendant when his car began to malfunction.
The police reports state that the victim then leaped from his malfunctioning vehicle, whereas the defendant accidentally struck him.
The defense attorney made the argument that at the time of the incident, the defendant was severely confused and did not know how to go about changing lanes in the midst of the accident.
He obviously struck the victim, and then continued to drive, due to fear. He subsequently contacted the authorities the next day to report himself and the crime.
The defendant has offered his sincere apologies and condolences to the victim’s family, and as a result, it was the victim’s mother who pled with the Circuit Court Judge to show the defendant mercy.
Thus, the defendant was sentenced to one year in prison, three years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.
Pedestrians are involved in accidents all the time for numerous reasons. Sometimes, both the pedestrian and the driver can be to blame. If the pedestrian is in the middle of the road with dark clothing, and the driver truly did not see him, he may not be the one to blame. What if the pedestrian was intoxicated and ran in front of the car? However, what if the driver were the intoxicated one and the pedestrian was on the walking path beside the road?
No matter who is to blame, a “hit-and-run” is never acceptable behavior. To harm a person and then flee the scene is a serious criminal matter. If you, or a loved one has been injured in any sort of pedestrian or “hit-and-run” accidents, please contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower,LLP at 877-374-5999 toll free. Let us evaluate your claim for you for a one-on-one inital consultation, free of charge
