The Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, announced the creation of a Distracted Driving Advisory Council in April of 2019. The new, permanent advisory council will be tasked with developing long-standing plans to alter the culture regarding distracted driving in Ohio and follows the release of a report by the Ohio Distracted Driving Task Force. The task force was developed in 2018 by the Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), to investigate the scope of the problem of distracted driving on Ohio’s roads and make suggestions for improvement.
The Distracted Driving Task Force released a detailed report with key findings, statistics, contributing factors to the problem of distracted driving, and a review of current Ohio traffic laws. One key finding states that at the time of the report in 2019, Ohio had experienced an increase in car accidents and fatalities four consecutive years since 2013. Additionally, car accidents in Ohio have increased by 7% and traffic fatalities increased by 17% in the same time period. Contributing Factors for Distracted Driving Distracted driving is a big problem in Ohio, with the use of smartphones believed to be a contributing factor. Young drivers between the age of 16 and 20 had the highest number of car accidents in Ohio due to distracted driving, followed by people in the age range of 21 to 25. Additional key findings in the report conclude that:
If you have been injured in a car accident in Ohio due to distracted driving, you need an experienced car accident attorney who understands current Ohio traffic laws. Schiff & Associates is experienced in representing victims of automobile accidents, personal injury and wrongful death cases. We have helped people in Ohio since 1982 with a team of experienced attorneys, investigators and medical experts. Contact us today to speak with Ohio’s top car accident attorney. Source: https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/042519
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It’s that time of year when we see a lot of motorcycles on the road. Motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of the open road although there is an increased risk of injury if in an accident with a vehicle. This danger could be from a negligent driver and have nothing to do with the biker.
Here are a few tips to motorists to avoid an accident with a motorcycle:
Motorcyclists must be constantly aware of the risk from negligent motorists although they should not take responsibility for the harm they cause. How Motorcyclists Can Protect Themselves Motorcyclists must also do whatever they can to protect themselves while riding. Wearing the right protective gear is crucial to protect yourself in the event of an accident. Bikers should always wear the following when riding:
Bikers should try to protect their spine and shoulder areas as they take the brunt force when thrown from a motorcycle. Bikers should also practice defensive driving techniques to avoid an accident with other vehicles
If you are involved in an accident, try to call 911 and get help as soon as possible. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney should be contacted right away to begin your personal injury claim. Even if you feel your injuries are only minor, do not hesitate in seeking medical treatment. Some soft tissue injuries and whiplash may cause damage to the spine or brain that is not evident immediately. Call an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer If you are able, after an accident be sure to get the other driver’s information and see if there were any witnesses. Take pictures of the motorist’s driver’s license and of the scene if you can. Do not speak to the insurance company of the other driver until you have contacted your own car accident lawyer. Schiff & Associates is a personal injury lawyer in Columbus, OH with over 35 years of experience. We have the expertise necessary including medical experts and investigators to help you receive the maximum compensation due to you under the law. We understand how difficult this time is and help to obtain financial recovery so you can focus on your physical recovery. Schiff & Associates provides free consultations and works with you on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we make a financial recovery for you. Contact the experienced law firm of Schiff & Associates for any personal injury, vehicle or motorcycle accident. Whiplash is the most common injury incurred from a rear-end collision. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury of the neck and can also injure your spine, nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments and your brain. It’s referred to as extension-flexion injury because the head will be propelled forward in flexion, then propelled backward again in extension and may then propel forward again. This motion causes significant trauma and nearly two million people in the U.S. suffer from a whiplash injury each year.
Signs and Symptoms When Whiplash Causes Brain Injury A brain injury may occur when the brain is rattled against the skull during whiplash. People that incur a brain injury with whiplash may experience the following symptoms:
Because an injury to the brain is not as evident as someone with a broken bone or a bleeding injury, it may go undiagnosed. It is important to seek medical care immediately following a whiplash injury as letting a brain injury go untreated may lead to long term or permanent damage. Even if you feel that you were not injured at all, you should seek medical care following a car accident as symptoms may not present themselves immediately. Contact a Car Accident Attorney Do not put off contacting a car accident attorney even if your injuries appear minor as they will be experienced in helping to make sure that you have received the proper medical care and compensation for your injuries. Treatment for a brain injury can be expensive and ongoing. If this happens, you deserve maximum compensation under the law to ease any financial strains. The legal aspects of car accidents that cause injuries can be complex and laws vary from state to state. Consulting a personal injury attorney with experience in soft tissue injuries is the best way to obtain the settlement and financial recovery you deserve so that you can focus on your physical recovery. Schiff & Associates is a car accident attorney in Ohio with more than 35 years of experience in car accidents, personal injury, wrongful death and more. We offer free consultations and work with you on a contingency basis so you do not owe any legal fees unless we make a recovery for you. Contact us for help with your car accident or whiplash injury and speak with the top car accident lawyer in Ohio. Car accidents range in severity from minor fender benders to major collisions causing serious injury or loss of life. One of the most common types of automobile accidents is a rear-end collision. When a driver slams into the car in front of them it’s called a rear-end collision and is sometimes written off as a minor accident. Rear-end collisions can be far from minor with nearly 80,000 reported instances occurring annually in the state of Ohio alone, which lead to approximately 20,000 injuries resulting in 60 fatalities each year.
The personal injury attorneys at Schiff & Associates serving the Columbus, OH and surrounding areas are all too familiar with the types of serious injuries rear-end collisions cause. We have helped many Ohioans who have experienced severe injuries or experienced wrongful death due to these mostly preventable accidents. Who’s at Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Ohio? While many people think that the driver who rear-ended the car in front of them is always to blame, that is not always the case. Either driver could be responsible in some cases, depending on the facts of the situation. If the driver who was in the front and was rear-ended was following all traffic laws, they will most likely not be held responsible and are usually not at fault. The rear driver who ran into the car in front of them could have been following too closely or could have been exceeding the speed limit without having adequate time to stop. If the front driver is negligent, however, they could be responsible if they failed to signal a turn, failed to make it clear they were braking or were driving without brake lights, or if they suddenly went into reverse without paying attention. The most common cause of rear-end accidents is when the rear driver fails to recognize that the car in front of them has stopped either at a stop sign, stop light, when making a turn or entering a lower speed limit zone. Drivers who maintain a safe distance behind the cars in front of them and use brake lights and turn signals properly is the best way to avoid rear-end collisions. Contact and Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Ohio If you have been injured in a rear-end collision, you may have experienced minor or serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or the most common injury from this type of accident which is whiplash. These are not minor injuries and may cause life long symptoms affecting your quality of life. You need an experienced car accident attorney to fight for your rights and the settlement you deserve. Serious injuries cause enough pain and suffering for those affected, seeking monetary damages for your losses will at least help to ease financial burden. Schiff & Associates has over 35 years of experience in getting accident victims the settlement they deserve. We offer free initial consultations and work with you on a contingency basis. Contact Schiff & Associates for a free consultation and to learn what your case is worth if you’ve been injured in a car accident in Ohio. Many people are wondering why there has been an increase in car accidents in Columbus, OH that involve pedestrians. Usually when we hear about a car accident we think of two vehicles colliding or a car veering off the road and colliding with trees or structures. For some reason, in the past few years we have seen an increase in the number of Columbus pedestrians hit and killed by cars.
In 2019 alone, there were 431 car accidents involving pedestrians reported by Columbus dispatch. Of these, 246 received minor injuries, 64 caused serious injuries and 23 resulted in fatalities. Pedestrian fatalities are increasing across the state of Ohio with 133 deaths statewide in 2018. Common Causes of Pedestrian / Vehicle Accidents While every situation leading to an accident involving a pedestrian and a vehicle are unique, some common causes of these types of car accidents include:
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or pedestrian involved accident, do not hesitate to contact Schiff & Associates. Our personal injury attorneys and experienced car accident lawyers bring a full arsenal of expertise and skill to your case. We thoroughly investigate with engineers and accident investigators, including a former highway patrol officer on our team. Schiff & Associates will pursue the maximum compensation for your settlement through negotiations and litigation if necessary. We work for you on a contingency basis and offer free initial consultations. Contact us with any questions and to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Ohio to get the settlement you deserve. If you have experienced neck pain following a car accident you are not alone. You may be wondering if your neck pain will get better or if you should see a doctor. This is a common scenario and one that requires your immediate attention.
It is equally important that you do not speak with the insurance company from the other driver or sign any agreements. You should first speak with an experienced car accident attorney and follow up with your own physician. You should never underestimate a neck injury from a car accident. Many Types of Neck Injuries There are many types of neck injuries that can affect your muscles, bones, nerves, ligaments, tendons, veins, arteries and blood vessels. Common examples of serious neck injuries that occur from car accidents include:
These are just some examples of the many neck injuries that can occur from a car accident. If you have experienced neck pain following a car accident, please seek medical attention and contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away. Schiff & Associates: Experienced Neck Injury Lawyers Schiff & Associates has over 35 years of experience representing our community in Ohio in serious injury, soft-tissue injury, neck and personal injury claims. We offer an experienced team of lawyers and investigators to fight for the settlement you deserve following any personal injury, car or truck accident. Take any neck injury seriously by contacting your physician and Schiff & Associates today. Schiff & Associates is a personal injury attorney in Ohio with experience in car and truck accidents, personal injury and wrongful death. We fight for the maximum settlement you deserve under the law. Contact us to speak with a neck injury attorney now and let us help with your financial recovery so you can focus on your physical recovery. An accident with a semi-truck is quite different from an automobile accident involving passenger vehicles and SUVs. A semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 lbs., whereas an SUV may weigh about 5,000 lbs. and the typical passenger vehicle might weigh 3,000 lbs. Accidents with semis and commercial trucks cause serious damage and are more complex in many ways:
If you have been injured in an accident with a truck it is important that you speak with an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Truck accident cases are complex and risky to manage yourself. An experienced truck accident lawyer with experience in negotiation and litigating tractor-trailer accidents is your best chance of recovering the settlement you deserve. Truck Accident Attorney Helps Determine Who Should Pay Your truck accident attorney will help to determine who should pay in cases of negligence and violation of federal regulations. The trucking company and its employees are responsible to prevent:
All of these things can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. An automobile accident attorney with experience in tractor-trailer accidents will help to determine who should be financially and legally responsible. Schiff & Associates for Automobile and Truck Accidents Schiff & Associates has been helping members of our Ohio community since 1982, recovering the maximum amount of compensation you deserve under the law. We fight for your rights in car accident injuries, truck accidents, wrongful death and personal injury with a team of skilled professionals. We employ a team of lawyers skilled in negotiation and litigation, investigators and accountants to provide the best legal team for your claim. Our investigators know how to hold truck drivers and trucking companies responsible in cases of negligence, uncovering evidence to prove your claim. We fight for your rights to full compensation for all injuries and damages suffered in all car or truck accidents. Schiff & Associates offers a free initial case consultation to help you understand what your case may be worth. We have a positive track record for over 35 years of successfully recovering the compensation you deserve. We look forward to hearing from you to discuss your case and help you recover full compensation for your car or truck accident. Finding the right personal injury lawyer to represent you is a big decision and can be confusing if you do not know exactly what to look for. It can be hard to know where to begin and how to find the attorney that brings the qualities and skillset that matter most to you.
Here are some considerations when searching for the best personal injury lawyer to represent your claim. Be sure that your injury attorney offers the following:
These are all important qualities to look for when hiring a personal injury attorney to represent your interests. Think about what is most important to you such as testimonials or case results. Evaluating the criteria that is important to you and your claim will give you confidence in your decision. Schiff & Associates: Personal Injury Lawyers Since 1982 The staff at Schiff & Associates have provided clients with quality legal representation in personal injury cases since 1982. We fight for the results you deserve in personal injury, car accident claims, soft tissue, serious injury, wrongful death and workmen compensation claims. Our team has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for members of our Ohio community. The legal team at Schiff & Associates includes attorneys who focus solely on negotiating settlements with insurance companies prior to litigation as well as lawyers who focus on litigation of catastrophic injury cases. We offer a combined skillset that of a powerful legal team that genuinely cares about you and fights for your rights. Schiff & Associates is committed to helping our clients recover the full amount of compensation they deserve in serious injury and wrongful death cases. We aggressively pursue the full amount entitled to you under the law. Contact us with any questions and to ensure you receive a fair settlement of your personal injury claim. The term “mild traumatic brain injury” is interchangeable with “concussion”, sometimes referred to as mTBI by physicians. The designation as mild is of no comfort to anyone who has experienced a concussion as a result of a traumatic injury or car accident. This only means that the injury may improve over time, although symptoms of a concussion can last for weeks, months or even longer causing serious impact to the quality of one’s life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, motor vehicle accidents are the 2nd leading cause of all TBI-related hospitalizations, 2nd only to falls. Pedestrians, bicycle and motorcycle riders are at an increased risk of suffering a concussion in an accident. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Symptoms of a Concussion When a person experiences a concussion, they will experience some or all of the following symptoms?
A victim of a concussion may lose consciousness briefly and could find it difficult to remember all the details prior to the injury. Some people may experience symptoms within hours or days following an accident and about one-third of accident victims who experience a concussion will still have symptoms three months after the injury. Long-term constant headaches and other symptoms make it difficult for people to maintain their current job or for students to study. Insurance Settlements for Concussion Injuries The fact that mild traumatic brain injuries do not cause structural or visible damage can make it more difficult for victims to be taken seriously and to receive just compensation. It is imperative that you partner with an experienced and understanding personal injury attorney to attest to your injuries. A skilled accident attorney will present the medical evidence needed to get you the compensation you deserve. Schiff & Associates has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for accident victims in our Ohio community for more than 35 years. We recover the maximum compensation allowed under the law for victims of personal and automobile accident injuries. Contact us to speak with an experienced and compassionate personal injury lawyer. The chaos that follows a car accident can make it very difficult for people to think clearly. It is important to remember to stay calm if you are involved in an automobile accident. Here are 7 steps you should follow if involved in a car accident to protect yourself and a personal injury claim:
1) Move to Safety, Check for Injuries The first thing to do is to get to a safe area. If your vehicle is out in traffic, pull off to the side of the road if possible and use your hazard lights to warn other motorists. If it is unsafe to leave your vehicle, stay in your car with your seatbelt on. 2) Make a Police Report A police report will help to document all the facts and determine the driver at fault. When police are visible at the scene of a crash it helps everyone to stay calm. 3) Collect the Other Driver’s Information Exchange driver’s license and insurance information with the other driver but avoid making any comments about who is to blame. You do not want to admit fault until you’ve had a chance to process the details of the accident and speak with a car accident attorney. 4) Take Photos and Notes of the Accident Take photos of the accident with your phone if you are able, this helps to document details you may forget. Jot down any notes you remember as it can be difficult to remember the details and prove what happened after the fact. Take photos of both vehicles, damages, road conditions and markings. 5) Speak with Your Insurance Company Speak with your auto insurance company as soon as possible. Do not talk with the other driver’s insurance company until you have spoken to your own attorney. Your insurance provider will work directly with the other insurance company on your behalf. 6) See Your Doctor and Document All Injuries See your doctor right away about any discomfort, stiffness, pain, numbness or dizziness you experience. Some injuries are not evident right away and soft-tissue damages can cause serious injuries for the long-term. Be sure to follow all medical advice and keep track of all medical bills and lost wages. 7) Protect Your Rights Your insurance provider will help to make sure that you understand your obligations and will protect your rights. Do not accept any payment or claim settlement without first talking with your own accident attorney. Schiff & Associates is dedicated to helping our clients receive the maximum amount of compensation they deserve. We protect your rights in personal injury and wrongful death cases in Ohio. Contact us to speak with an experienced attorney to see what your case is worth. |
AuthorSince 1982, the attorneys of Schiff & Associates have provided our clients with quality legal representation in cases of personal injury and wrongful death. Our clients benefit from the combined skills of a powerful legal team. Archives
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