40% Of All Fatal Car Crashes On Labor Day Involve A Drunk Driver

Did you know that on Labor Day in 2012 40% of all fatal car crashes involved a drunk driver?  The National Safety Council estimates 395 people will be killed and an additional 42,300 will be injured in car crashes during the Labor Day holiday  weekend. The period begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1.  
It also is estimated that 143 lives may be saved this Labor Day holiday period by buckling up, and an additional 99 lives could be saved if all wore seat belts. 
Be safe this Labor Day weekend.  Do not drink and drive or get in a car with someone who has been drinking.  Be smart, be safe!  The Labor Day holiday should be filled with fun and relaxation, not flashing lights and tragedy.

To ensure a safer Labor Day holiday weekend, NSC recommends drivers:  

• Refrain from using cell phones – handheld or hands-free – because there is no safe way to use a cell phone while driving.  Join the movement.... #ItCanWait

• Do not manipulate in-vehicle infotainment systems or electronic devices, including GPS systems, while the vehicle is in motion

• Make sure all passengers are buckled up and children are in safety seats appropriate for their age and size.

• Allow plenty of travel time to avoid frustration and diminish the impulse to speed

• Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during inclement weather

• Designate a non-drinking driver or plan for alternative transportation, such as a taxi

 

Play It Safe On The Side Of The Road

SAFETY TIPS:  When an how to properly move to the side of the road.

• Never pull over on an interstate unless it is a true emergency
• Stay calm, activate your hazard lights, and move the vehicle to the side of the road as far as it can go
• It's safer to be on the right shoulder than the left
• Call roadside assistance
• Don't get out of your car if you can help it
• Do no attempt to change a tire in an unsafe location.  Changing a driver-side tire on the right shoulder, just a few feet from cars and trucks going 75 mph, is not safe.
• It's always better to move - even if is slowly - to a safer spot, like a parking lot

Pope Francis' Family Die In Tragic Accident In Argentina

Three of Pope Francis' family members have died in a traffic car accident in Argentina. The wife of the pope's nephew and her two young children were killed and the pope's nephew was "seriously injured,".

Pope Francis said he was "profoundly saddened" by the news and asked that "all those who share in his grief join him in prayer."

NBC News, reports that the accident involved a cargo truck and a Chevy Spin. The network adds:

"The Chevy driver — Francis' 35-year-old nephew, Emanuel Bergoglio — was in intensive care in an induced coma after suffering a variety of injuries including liver trauma and a fractured femur, according to police. Bergoglio's wife, 36-year-old Carmona Valeria, and their eight-month-old son Jose died at the scene. Bergoglio's two-year-old, Antonio, later died at the hospital, police added."

What should I bring when I meet an attorney for the initial consultation?

When someone comes to our office, Buttafuoco & Associates, for an initial consultation, we want to do everything we can to help determine what his or her best course of action is.  To do this, we need information.  The items on the following list will help us determine whether or not there is a personal injury or medical malpractice case, how strong it is, and what sort of costs will be involved in pursuing it.  If you are meeting with us for an initial consultation, we like to see the following:

1. Any reports filed about the incident, from your employer, law enforcement, injury/accident report or any other applicable source.
2. Any related medical records, medical bills, physician reports, test results, prognoses, etc
3. Estimated future medical costs
4. Medical leave or lost wages records from your employer
5. Copies of any correspondence or forms received related to the case.
6. If there was property damage, photographic and video evidence of the dame
7. Policy information and any claims information for insurance.
8. A timeline of important dates including doctor's visits and treatments
9. A written narrative about the accident, including all the details you can remember.

If you have been injured and would like to schedule your initial consultation visit www.1800NowHurt.com or call 1-800-669-4878 today.