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Tragic Drunk Driving Crash in New Haven

The New Haven Police Department is investigating a tragic automobile crash which occurred in New Haven, Connecticut.  You can read more about that crash here.

If you would like a Free Consultation with a Connecticut Automobile Crash Attorney, please contact us directly.


Lawsuit Filed in Connecticut Drunk Driving Crash

The Hartford, Connecticut trial law firm, Kenny, O’Keefe & Usseglio, P.C., has filed a lawsuit in New Britain Superior Court on behalf of a man who was seriously injured in motor vehicle crash caused by a drunk driver. The motor vehicle crash occurred in September, 2012 in Southington, Connecticut. As a result of the crash, the injured man sustained serious head injuries which have left him with permanent scarring.

“We have filed a claim to recover financial compensation for our client’s significant medical expenses, his lost wages and his permanent injuries.” Timothy O’Keefe, Kenny, O’Keefe & Usseglio, P.C.


End Distracted Driving EndDD.org

The parents of a teen who was recently killed by a “distracted driver” have founded a terrific organization to help educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving.  You can learn more about this organization by clicking on this website address EndDD.org

Feel free to contact us directly if you want to discuss a potential Auto Injury Lawsuit.


Police: Intoxicated Driver Crashed Into Police Car

Police said they arrested a 30-year-old intoxicated driver who crashed into a police car early Sunday morning at Dixwell Avenue and Benham Street.

To read the whole story click here: http://tinyurl.com/8mm9mjf

Feel free to contact us directly if you want to discuss a potential Auto Injury Lawsuit.


Internet Safety Tips for Parents

As the internet becomes more and more widespread, many parents are wondering about the safety of their children and the dangers of their presence online. Teenagers have so much access to content on the internet, it’s often difficult for parents to determine how to control it.

Read the following tips on how to stay aware of your child’s safety online:

  • Limit usage of the internet. Much like parents have guidelines on how much TV kids can watch, they should also set a limit on internet use. Don’t be afraid to set an average time limit each week. Even with set rules, there will be plenty of times you won’t be around to watch what your children are doing online, so consider setting a password on your computer or checking your online history.
  • Set rules on social media usage. If you are nervous about your child interacting with others and even strangers online, discuss an age limit for social media. Determine what sites they can and cannot have access to, and create an age range when they can have access to social media sites.
  • Watch out for cyber bullying. Keep an eye out for cruel comments from your child and other children online. Make sure that your teens aren’t using the internet as a means of bullying others, or being bullied themselves.
  • Communicate as a family about personal information. It is important to discuss as a family what information should stay private. Your address, phone number, and email are personal information that should not be given out online. Make your family aware of the dangers of online predators and how giving away too much personal information could harm them.

Keep your family communication lines active about computers. It is important to have an open discussion about how you’re using the internet. Don’t be afraid to talk to your kids about the potential dangers of the internet before a problem arises.

For more legal advice for your family, contact the Divorce Attorneys at Jack and Holly Martin at 800-864-0618.


Roadside Emergency Kits

Although many people believe it will never happen to them, roadside emergencies and accidents can occur at anytime. Help may not always arrive right away, so here is a list of items that you should keep in your vehicle in case of an emergency or accident.

  • Cell Phone – This can be the single most important part of your emergency kit. Make sure to keep a car charger in case you are stranded for a long period of time. If you cannot get service, try dialing 9-1-1. Many phones are programmed with special instructions regarding 9-1-1 calls.
  • Fire Extinguisher – Whether it is from an accident or just a wiring short circuit, fires can occur in a multitude of ways. If the fire spreads, get away from the vehicle as quickly as possible; but if it’s a small, contained fire, use the fire extinguisher to prevent further damage to your car.
  • Hazard Triangle or Flare – It is vital that other motorists can see you if you’re in an accident or broken down on the side of the road, especially at night. Reflective hazard triangles or road flares can be easily stored in your trunk, and provide a sufficient warning for others.
  • Water and Food – In case you ever get stranded, you should keep a gallon of water in your car at all times. This can also be used to cool your car down if it overheats. Energy bars can also be stored in your vehicle. They are calorie dense to provide you with energy and keep you full, and you won’t have to worry about them spoiling.
  • Flashlight – A flashlight can come in handy whether you have an emergency at night or just need some more light while looking for any problems with your vehicle.
  • Tools – A car jack and tire iron are essentials. Anyone is capable of changing a tire. Ask someone with experience to show you how to use these tools prior to storing them away in your vehicle. A utility knife would also be helpful, especially if you are in a situation where you need to cut your seatbelt.
  • Cat Litter or Rock Salt – When battling harsh winter weather conditions, you may end up stuck because you cannot get traction on a slick surface. Laying cat litter under your tires will provide the traction you need to get your vehicle moving, or laying rock salt can help to melt the snow or ice down to the asphalt.

When you’re in an accident, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Contact Naftulin Shick, car accident attorneys in Easton PA


Steps You Should Take If You’re in a Car Accident

According to Census.gov, in 2009, there were more than 10.8 million car accidents in the United States. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 3 in 10 Americans will be involved in a serious car crash in their lifetime. Nobody likes to think about the possibility of being in an accident, but given those odds, you want to be prepared and know how to react if you’re involved in one.

  • Call 911: If the accident is serious and medical attention is needed, you want to get an ambulance there ASAP. Receiving medical attention within the first hour of an accident is crucial in saving lives. You also want to file a police report. Don’t simply exchange names or information with the other driver and then leave the scene. Be sure to get the name and badge number of the officer who takes the report, as well.
  • Don’t Discuss Fault: Don’t hop out of your vehicle and blame the other driver, as that can start a fight, nor should you admit fault yourself at the scene. Fault involves complicated laws, and you’ll want to leave that discussion to the police and/or your attorney.
  • Exchange Information: You’ll want to be as thorough as possible in getting information from the other driver(s) involved. Get their name and telephone number, as well as the make, model, license plate number, and color of the vehicle(s). Get the name of their insurance company, and their policy number.
  • Identify Witnesses: As you’re waiting for the other driver(s) to give you their information, identify any witnesses (pedestrians, other motorists, etc.) to the accident. Ask for their names and contact information, as their testimony can play a large role when determining fault.
  • Take Pictures: Almost all cell phones these days are now equipped with cameras. If there was any damage whatsoever, take photos of the damage and make sure to email them to yourself. If you have injuries, you’ll also want to take photos of them, as well, after you receive the appropriate medical care.
  • Write It Down: When you get home, take a few minutes and write down what happened while it is still fresh in your mind. Collect all of the information you’ve received (other driver(s) information, police offer name/badge number, witness information, information about the date, time, weather conditions, etc.) and place it, along with your story, in one envelope. This way all of your paperwork stays together.
  • Call Your Insurance: You’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company about the accident. Keep all of the documents you’ve collected handy as you make the call, as they’ll likely ask you a number of questions about the other driver(s) and vehicle(s) involved.

Getting in a car accident is stressful, both emotionally and financially, especially if the accident results in serious injuries or death. If you need someone to advocate for your rights, you’ll want to call on an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney. Contact the Law Offices of Lenard Cohen today at 215-765-8181 for a free consultation.


Superior Court Rules Court May Not Extend Time to Respond To Offer of Compromise

In the recent Connecticut Superior Court case of Batchelder v. Kolesko, a defendant filed an “Offer of Compromise” in an attempt to settle the case.  The Connecticut “Offer of Compromise” statute gives the recipient thirty (30) days to respond.  The plaintiff asked the court for an extension of time to respond.  The court denied that request and held that, “the offers of compromise provisions facilitate resolution of civil cases…early settlements unclog court dockets and save participants time, money and uncertainty.”

It is vitally important to understand the time deadlines associated with the filing of Offers of Compromise in automobile and truck crash cases, as you may lose important rights if you do not respond in a timely fashion.  If you are uncertain, you should consult with an experienced Automobile Accident Lawyer. Call 860-246-2700 today.


Superior Court Judge Rules Cell Phone Records Off-Limits in Automobile Crash Case

In a recent Connecticut Superior Court case, Judge Alfred J. Jennings rejected a plaintiff’s request for permission to seek the defendant’s cell phone records for the one hour prior to a “relatively high speed rear end collision”.

Connecticut rules of practice only allow for a standard set of discovery (a request for information) in automobile crash cases.  Cell phone records are not included in the standard set of discovery.  The plaintiff in the case of Girardi v. Kreutter sought permission to obtain the defendant’s cell phone records.  The court denied the plaintiff’s request and held that the plaintiff failed to prove there was sufficient grounds to support the request for the cell phone records.

The court did not say that it would be impossible to obtain cell phone records in any automobile crash case and left open the possibility that plaintiffs in other cases could obtain those records if it could provide an adequate reason for their production.  With the increased use of cell phones and text messaging devices, it is highly likely that cell phone records will provide relevant information in automobile and trucking crash cases.

Contact Timothy O’Keefe today at 860-246-2700.


Dram Shop Liability in Connecticut

On April 18, 2012, the Connecticut Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could have an important impact on the ability of a person who is injured (or killed) by a drunk driver in Connecticut to recover adequate financial compensation for the harm caused. At issue is whether a plaintiff in such a case needs to provide trial evidence of “visible intoxication” on the part of the drunk driver in order to recover financial compensation from the bar or tavern that served the intoxicated person.

At the jury trial of the case, the trial court instructed the jury that it did not need to find such evidence to return a verdict for the plaintiff. Upon receiving that instruction, the jury returned a plaintiff’s verdict and awarded damages. The Connecticut Appellate Court reversed that decision. The Connecticut Supreme Court will now decide the issue and make a determination if the plaintiff will recover damages.

If you would like to consult with an experienced Dram Shop Liability Lawyer in Connecticut, please use the Free Case Evaluation Form on the right sidebar, or contact Attorney Timothy L. O’Keefe at tokeefe@kou-law.com.


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