Massachusetts Personal Injury Blog

Thomas M. Kiley, founding partner of the Boston personal injury law firm the Kiley Law Group, has dedicated his career to providing injured victims and the families of wrongful death victims with the effective representation and compassionate support they need to recover from the devastating accident that disrupted their lives. But his support for his community doesn’t stop there. Tom Kiley, the Million Dollar Man, is also a proud sponsor of the upcoming New England Warrior Benefit to take place on July 3, 2012 at Boston’s Seaport World Trade Center.

About the New England Warrior Benefit

Over 40,000 of active duty military children in the U.S. have a wounded parent, and over 5,000 have lost a parent. The New England Warrior Benefit aims to raise money for six different foundations that provide support for families of wounded and fallen warriors. These include the:

1. Navy SEAL Foundation;
2. Wounded Warrior Project;
3. Special Operations Warrior Foundation;
4. Semper Fi Fund;
5. No Greater Sacrifice; and
6. The Fallon Family Charitable Foundation.

The event will include live entertainment, a motorcycle auction, honorees and award recipients, as well as various War of 1812 commemoration events, including the International Tall Ships, The U.S. Navy Fleet, and The Blue Angels. All raised funds will be equally distributed among the aforementioned foundations.

Committed to Giving Back

As an experienced personal injury attorney in Boston, Thomas Kiley has seen first-hand how a serious injury can impact a victim and their family, but recognizes that only a warrior or a warrior’s family can truly understand the impact of war. Supporting our warriors is the least we can do to say thank you for the service they have given our country.

It is unfortunate that often times the public seems to only care about safety when something horrible happens. This is true of road rage. While it has been a serious problem in this country for years, you do not see an outcry for road rage prevention or punishments until tragedy strikes. Road rage creates unnecessary, dangerous conditions for motorists and can result in serious injury or death.

Trenton car accident attorneys are well acquainted with this epidemic. Currently there is a bill in New Jersey pending for Governor Chris Christie’s signature that would make road rage that results in serious injury a third-degree offense, and for lesser injuries, a fourth-degree offense. This bill was prompted after a serious accident in 2005 which left a 16-year-old girl paralyzed from the chest down. In her accident, she was sitting in the back seat when the driver of the vehicle crashed into a pole. He had been speeding while chasing after a car that had cut him off. The driver of the car she was in received a sentence of six months in prison and five years of probation, and only ended up serving four of the six months.

The punishments would include three to five years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines for the third-degree and a maximum of 18 months in jail and $10,000 in fines for the fourth-degree offense. The bill was unanimously passed by the state Senate and Assembly in March 2012.

Elsewhere in the country the dangers of road rage have been highlighted as well. In Denver, Colorado, a man was shot in a road rage incident. The victim, Jimma Reat, was riding in a car with several other passengers when they were reportedly victims of a road rage incident. One of the other passengers called 9-1-1 and they left the scene after occupants of the other vehicle began throwing bottles at their car and shattered windows. The dispatcher negligently instructed them to return to the scene and await the police, but when they did the occupants of the other vehicle opened fire on them, killing Reat.

Another tragedy arose from distracted driving in California back in February when an SUV attempted to force another car off the road. When the vehicle made that aggressive action, it caused the other vehicle to swerve off the road and roll down an embankment. Within the vehicle were a 26-year-old man, his wife, and their 4-year-old son. As a result of the accident, the son was killed and the man and his wife sustained minor injuries.

When operating a motor vehicle, it is imperative that the driver focuses on the task at hand and does not allow emotions to create a dangerous situation. Road rage or aggressive driving can include such negligent actions as illegal or aggressive passing, speeding, weaving, tailgating, abrupt lane changes, flashing lights, honking, yelling and obscene hand gestures, running red lights or stop signs, and other similar behaviors.

If you are faced with an aggressive driver, it is important to remain calm and take measures to protect yourself and the occupants of your car. There are several ways you can safely handle the situation when you are faced with a road rage incident:

1. Do your best to get away from the driver. Do not try and outdo them because it could result in serious injury or even death. Even if you have to pull over to remain safe, you should do so.
2. Make sure that everyone in the car is buckled in. If it does get to the point where the aggressive driver does cause an accident, you will decrease the chance of injury by wearing your seat belt.
3. Avoid looking at the other driver. Making eye contact may further agitate the other driver.
   Do not challenge them. Your first reaction may be to be prideful and try to beat the other driver but this reckless decision could cost you your life.
4. Ignore them. If they are making obscene gestures or yelling, do not return this behavior.
5. Call the police. When it is safe for you to do so, contact the police and tell them as much information you can about the other vehicle including license plate number, a description of the car, the location of the aggressive driving, and their direction of travel.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of an aggressive driver in New Jersey, speak with a skilled car accident lawyers in New Jersey today. An experienced attorney will be able to answer all of your questions surrounding your accident as well as make sure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

This guest blog post is provided by the New Jersey personal injury law firm of Console & Hollawell P.C.

Daniel Porter, 48, of Lowell sustained critical injuries in a multi-vehicle accident on Route 110 in Methuen yesterday afternoon.

What Happened

The Eagle Tribune reported today that a Chevy Silverado pickup truck was stopped and waiting to make a left onto Wheeler Street from Route 110 when it was rear-ended by a second pick-up truck around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. This initial collision resulted in the Chevy being forced into the path of Porter, who was on his motorcycle.

Authorities closed Route 110 for about 2 miles in order to have a medical helicopter transport Porter to a Boston hospital for treatment of his critical injuries. The Tribune reported that Porter had sustained massive trauma and witness reports indicate that one of his legs was nearly severed in the crash. There was no available update of his medical condition.

The driver of the pickup truck that rear-ended the Chevy was also transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

Officials are currently investigating the accident and it has been reported that no charges have been filed at this time.

Have You Been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Massachusetts?

If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident because of another driver’s negligence in Massachusetts, call the motorcycle accident lawyers with Kiley Law Group for a free case evaluation at (888) 208-1695.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

As with any product on the market, we assume that everything we purchase has been through stringent testing and is compliant with health and safety regulations. When the manufacturer of a product betrays our trust, our well-being is at the mercy of a dangerous and defective product. For those who have had a vaginal mesh replacement, their life may be forever changed due to the nature of this surgical implant.
The transvaginal mesh was designed to help victims suffering from pelvic organ prolapsed (POP). The mesh was a new method to help treat people who suffered from pelvic prolapse.

FDA Recalls Transvaginal Mesh Replacement Implants

In 2008 and again in 2011, the FDA sent out warning to physicians regarding the transvaginal mesh implants. Some of the side effects from the vaginal mesh can include urinary problems, bleeding, pain and infection. These side effects could persist for the remainder of a patient’s life.

There have been almost 4,000 reports of complications from surgical mesh products according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. For those who have been injured by the product their life may never be the same.

What You Can Do if Injured by a Defective Mesh Implant

Transvaginal mesh lawsuits are being filed nationwide. Those who have been injured from a defective transvaginal mesh replacement could have a claim for compensation. To find out your options please contact us today for your free no obligation consultation.

If you are in need of a knowledge attorney, our skilled LA transvaginal mesh lawyers can help you receive fair compensation for you injuries. Please contact us today at 1-800-561-4887.

This blog post appears courtesy of the law firm of Bisnar Chase.

The Lowell Sun reports today that a young woman in her 20s sustained serious injuries last night after she was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Tewksbury.

What Happened

The unidentified woman was walking in the area of 550 Whipple Road when she was hit by a vehicle just after 10:30 p.m. last night. The driver then reportedly fled the scene towards Lowell. When police and emergency workers responded to the accident scene, the woman had a weak pulse and was rushed to an area hospital for medical treatment. She has since been released and there was no update available on the nature of her injuries.

Authorities are continuing to investigate this serious hit-and-run accident and are asking anyone who may have information on the driver to contact Tewksbury police.

Hit-and-Run Reward Program

Kiley Law Group is proud to be a part of the national Hit-And-Run Reward program. As part of this program, we reward anyone who can help in identifying and bringing hit-and-run drivers to justice for their criminal behavior.

Have You Been Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt by a hit-and-run driver while out walking in Massachusetts, contact a Boston hit-and-run accident lawyer with Kiley Law Group to find out what your legal options are before you sign any forms, give a statement to the insurance company, or hire a lawyer.

Call us today at (888) 208-1695 to receive your free legal consultation.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated internationally on March 17 in honor of Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognized patron saint of Ireland. In the early 17th century, it was made an official “feast day” and is now celebrated not only in honor of St. Patrick, but in honor of Irish culture. The day has become a very popular secular celebration with Irish-inspired food and, of course, drink; more specifically, that traditional Irish libation, Guinness. St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity for friends and family to get together, eat, drink, and be merry, but it can also be very dangerous.

St. Patrick’s Day Drunk Driving Statistics

When people make the decision to drink and drive, it endangers the lives of every other person on the road, whether it is another motorist, pedestrian, or bicyclist. In 2009, there were 103 crash fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day, according to St. Patrick’s Day Fact Sheet & Talking Points, available on TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov. Of these, 37 percent involved drunk drivers.

Impaired Driving Prevention Tips

You can still have a festive holiday without having to drink and drive. By following these tips, you can make sure that you stay safe and keep others safe this St. Patrick’s Day:

• If you are going out, plan a safe way home before you start celebrating. Designate a sober driver and remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving.
• If you know you are your only ride home, make sure you are sober before getting behind the wheel.
• Use a taxi, sober family member or friend, or public transportation to get home safely if you are impaired.
• Contact law enforcement if you see a drunk driver on the road.
• Take the keys of anyone you know who is impaired and about to drive, and help them make safe arrangements home.

When to Contact a Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyer

Drinking and driving is a choice. By not practicing proper safety, impaired drivers put everyone else on the road at risk. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Massachusetts car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, the dedicated motor vehicle accident attorneys in Boston at the Kiley Law Group can help you hold the at-fault driver liable for the losses you’ve suffered as a result of your injury. Contact us today for a free legal consultation of your rights and options at (888) 208-1695.

According to The Boston Globe, a tanker truck collided with a guardrail on I-495 South in Boxborough Sunday evening, spilling fuel and injuring the driver.

What Happened

The unidentified driver of the tanker truck reportedly applied the brakes of the tanker after a van in front of the tanker stopped quickly. The tanker truck was then rear-ended by a tractor-trailer before it collided with the guardrail and crashed, pouring fuel onto the highway. The operator of the tanker truck was taken to a Worcester hospital for injuries that were not considered to be life-threatening.

The accident took place at about 5:15 p.m. and caused the right lane and the breakdown lane to be shut down to traffic for roughly 3 ½ hours. Officials are continuing to investigate this serious multi-vehicle accident.

When Should You Call a Massachusetts Car Accidents Attorney?

Have you suffered serious injuries in a car accident in Massachusetts due to another’s negligent driving? Call a Massachusetts car accidents attorney with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options before you sign any forms, give a statement to an insurance company, or hire a lawyer.

Call us today at (888) 208-1695 to receive your free legal consultation.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is recalling 40,915 tires as the result of a tread defect which can cause partial tire tread separation. This can cause damage to the vehicle and/or lead to tire failure, which can in turn cause a serious car accident.

The Tires

The tires affected by this recall were manufactured from the 9th week of 2009 through the 22nd week of 2009, or March 1, 2009 through May 31, 2009, and include:

1. Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT235/80R17 LRE
2. Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT245/75R17 LRE
3. Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT265/70R17 LRE
4. Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT275/70R18 LRE
5. Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT285/70R17 LRD
6. Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT325/60R18 LRE

Remedy

Goodyear will notify owners and replace the defective tires for free. The recall is expected to start on or before March 22, 2012. Consumers may call Goodyear at (800) 592-3267 or the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236 for more information.

Why Tires are so Important

The tires are the only part of a motor vehicle that touches the road and, as such, they are one of the most important pieces of equipment. If the tires are manufactured using poor quality materials or are poorly designed, it greatly increases the chance of tire failure, which then increases the chance of a serious injury traffic accident.

When to Contact a Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyer

At the Kiley Law Group, our experienced auto product liability attorneys in Boston are committed to obtaining just compensation for accident victims who have been injured as the result of negligent manufacturing or design. If you have been injured in a Massachusetts car accident caused by a defective car part, call us today for a free legal consultation at (888) 208-1695.

The Boston Globe reports that The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts ruled yesterday that teenagers who host parties but do not provide alcohol to their guests cannot be found responsible in a civil suit if a guest were to suffer injuries and attempt to bring a claim against the teenaged host.

The SJC maintained that the current social host law concerns a host that either supplies alcohol to one’s guests or has effective control over the supply of alcohol at the party. A teen host who does not provide alcohol to his or her guests, nor controls the supply of alcohol at the party, cannot be held liable under the law.

This ruling was unanimous among the Justices, who pointed out that amending the current law would create confusion for the legal system and further commented that there is no clear consensus on teenage host liability in the U.S. to draw from.

When Should You Call a Massachusetts Premises Liability Attorney?

Kiley Law Group, LLC has a successful track record of protecting the rights of victims who have been injured as the result of another’s negligence. Call 1-888-208-1695 for your free consultation today.

Drunk drivers are responsible for about one in three traffic accident deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2009, this amounted to 11,000 deaths. With these statistics it is no wonder that authorities want to do everything possible to keep intoxicated drivers off the roads. According to WHDH.com, a Boston city councilor is pushing for an extra line of defense against drunk drivers in the form of valets.

No, You Don’t Get Your Car Keys

After a convicted hit and run driver proclaimed that he couldn’t believe the valet gave him his keys considering how drunk he was, Boston city councilor Rob Consalvo started thinking that there may be another way of keeping drunk drivers from hitting the road. Most valet companies already keep the keys of people who are obviously too drunk to drive and send them home in a cab, but this may soon become required under Massachusetts law.

If it does become law, then valets would have to be trained to recognize signs of intoxication and to follow a certain procedure, but this would be one more obstacle for drunk drivers. If valets can keep these drivers off the roads, then the number of accidents caused by impaired drivers would likely decrease. So far, Bostonians are in support of the idea.

When to Call a Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney

Drunk drivers put other motorists and other road users in danger of serious injury or death every time they choose to drink and drive. New initiatives can help prevent some of these accidents, but until each person makes the choice to never drink and drive, fatal and injury crashes will still occur.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, or other traffic accident, caused by the negligence of another driver, the dedicated auto accident attorneys in Boston with the Kiley Law Group can help you obtain justice and the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (888) 208-1695 for a free legal consultation.