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Ohio motorcycle driver resources

Are you an experienced motorcycle rider, new to motorcycling or an instructor? Looking for details on Ohio motorcycle laws and rules, safety plans, operator manuals and NHTSA national standards? Here are all the details you might need compiled by motorcycle accident attorneys Contrada and Associates.

Training Grant Applications

Are you a motorcycle instructor? Here are your training grant application process details:

Facts about Motorcycle Accidents

All motorcycle riders under 18 in Ohio are required to wear a helmet, as are riders with a “novice license.” Helmets are only 37% effective for drivers and 41% effective for passengers in preventing fatal injuries. Did you know that in 2011, 4,612 motorcyclists were killed, while 81,000 were injured nationwide? The risk is high for riders, and it’s vital that you go to an experienced and dedicated law firm to represent you if you are involved in a motorcycle accident.

Get in touch with a team of veteran motorcycle accident attorneys today! If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Northwest Ohio, call Contrada & Associates at 419.841.4400 or contact us online to set up a free consultation about your case.

Motorcycle Accident Facts

Why is motorcycle helmet use important? Because serious head injuries are common among fatally injured motorcyclists. Helmets are about 37% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67% effective in preventing brain injuries according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute. Here are some more details compiled by motorcycle accident attorneys Contrada and Associates.

Overall Motorcycle Fatalities

  • Motorcycles are less stable and less visible than cars and often have high performance capabilities. When motorcycles crash, riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, and are more likely to be injured or killed. Per mile traveled in 2015, the number of deaths on motorcycles was nearly 29 times the number in cars.
  • 4,976 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2016. Motorcyclist deaths had been declining since the early 1980s but began to increase in 1998 and continued to increase through 2008.

Motorcyclist Gender

  • 91% of motorcyclists killed in 2016 were males.
  • 68% of the female motorcyclists who died in crashes in 2016 were passengers, and their deaths represented 92% of the passenger deaths.

Motorcycle Helmets

  • 61% of fatally injured motorcycle drivers were helmeted in 2016. Helmet use was lower, at 44%, for people killed as passengers on motorcycles.
  • 91% of fatally injured motorcyclists in 2016 were helmeted in states with helmet laws that cover all riders, in contrast to only 27% in states with no helmet law. In states with helmet laws that cover only some riders, 40% of fatally injured motorcyclists were helmeted.

Motorcycle Engine Sizes

  • Engine sizes of motorcycles whose drivers were killed in crashes have gone up dramatically. Among motorcycle drivers killed in 2016, 33% drove motorcycles with engine sizes larger than 1,400 cc, compared with 9% in 2000 and less than 1% in 1990.
  • Among the motorcycles whose drivers were killed in 2016, 90% of touring bikes had engines larger than 1,400 cc, while virtually all super sport bikes had engines of sizes 1,000 cc or smaller.
  • Among fatally injured motorcycle drivers in 2016, 84% of cruiser or standard motorcycle drivers were 30 or older, as were 96% of touring bike drivers. In contrast, 59% of fatally injured super sport drivers in 2016 were younger than 30. 

Timing of Accidents

  • 58% of motorcyclist deaths in 2016 occurred during May-September. Fatalities peaked in July and were lowest in January.
  • 48% of motorcyclist deaths in 2016 occurred on weekends, and those deaths were more likely to occur after 6 p.m. compared with weekdays.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)

 

A Vital Resource

The risk is high for riders, and it’s vital that you go to an experienced and dedicated law firm to represent you if you are involved in a motorcycle accident.

Get in touch with a team of veteran motorcycle accident attorneys today! If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Northwest Ohio, call Contrada & Associates at 419.841.4400 or contact us online to set up a free consultation about your case.

What you should know about Move Over laws

If you’re not completely familiar with current “move over” laws in your state, the good news is that these vehicle laws are becoming more common in the United States.

The Ohio Senate passed S.B. 127 unanimously on Oct. 25, 2018, which resembles other move over vehicle laws that have been enacted around the country. Move over laws protect vehicles and people that are stopped on the side of the road.

Ohio is the 17th state to pass a move over vehicle law. Other states that have passed move over laws include:

  • Alabama
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • West Virginia

Similar legislation has been proposed or is currently being introduced in other states.

The Ohio move over motor vehicle law requires “all drivers to move over one lane when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights. If moving over isn’t possible, drivers are required to slow down.”

Not just police and fire vehicles

Ohio will include waste and recycling vehicles in its existing move over law. Drivers will have to slow down to pass collection vehicles on the road, or change lanes when possible, if those vehicles are stopped with flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights.

Violation of this law is currently a minor misdemeanor, with more serious misdemeanor classifications for motorists that have received past violations. The starting fines for a minor misdemeanor in Ohio are $150 and go up to $500, with potential jail time, for subsequent violations.

The Move Over program was initially developed by National Waste & Recycling Association and Ohio-based service provider Rumpke, after an employee was killed in a 2013 accident. Waste collection remains the fifth most dangerous occupation in the country.

From 2013-2017, Ohio police patrol cruisers were involved in 58 crashes that appear to be related to the Move Over law. The crashes resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injured 34 civilians and 24 police officers.

Michigan’s Move Over Law

Michigan drivers will be required to slow down when passing an emergency, maintenance or utility vehicle on the side of the road.

A law signed in 2018 by Gov. Rick Snyder requires drivers to slow down by 10 mph (below the posted speed limit) and, if possible, move over one lane when passing police or emergency vehicles on the side of the road.

This law takes effect in February 2019 and replaces a current requirement that drivers proceed with caution and move over when passing such vehicles. Violators will be subject to a $400 fine.

Helping you with more than car accidents

A devastating motorcycle, trucking or car accident injury can happen at any time, and at the law offices of Contrada & Associates, our personal injury attorneys represent clients throughout Northwest Ohio who have suffered injuries in vehicle accidents.

If you are injured and you are having trouble dealing with an insurance company, do not hesitate to contact personal injury lawyer Charles Contrada of Contrada & Associates. For peace of mind and the representation you deserve regarding your motorcycle, truck or car accident, contact us today at 419-841-4400.

 

Truck Accident Incident Checklist

A truck and car accident can be a scary, stressful and potentially life-changing experience. There were 551,164 motor vehicles crashes in Ohio in 2017. Of those crashes, 23,704 involved trucks. Do you know what important things you should focus on in the immediate aftermath of a truck-car crash?

Here are some important reminders about collecting information at the scene after you have determined whether anyone needs medical attention and you have called 911 for assistance.

Critical accident information

  • Contact info for all drivers and witnesses
  • Driver’s license numbers (and expiration dates) for all drivers
  • Insurance policy numbers and insurance company contact info
  • Location of the crash
  • Road and weather conditions
  • Physical conditions and injuries of all drivers
  • Photos and video of the crash scene

An attorney will coordinate a full accident investigation. Accident reconstruction specialists can help determine the cause of the accident by studying various aspects of the accident scene, including:

  • Each vehicle involved
  • Road surface condition
  • Skid and tire marks
  • Witness testimony
  • Crash data recorder or video evidence

Crash report information

Police and Safety personnel will file a Crash Report with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Here are some Crash Report facts:

  • Crash reports and photographs are retained for five years
  • You can Purchase or Retrieve a report
  • Crash photographs purchased online will be either:
    • Placed on a DVD
    • Sent in the mail
    • Downloaded electronically

Other Critical Resources Following Truck Accidents

Do you have questions about Ohio Accident and Injury Laws, Ohio Car Accident Compensation Laws and Pain and Suffering Damages in Ohio? The truck accident attorneys at Contrada & Associates have more than 70 combined years of experience, and in that time, we have seen countless truck and car accident cases that have included:

  • Drunk truck drivers
  • Truck drivers asleep at the wheel
  • Truck tire blowouts
  • Defective truck parts
  • Distracted truck drivers
  • Truck driver working extended hours
  • Truck maneuvering
  • Unsafe roadways
  • Truck speeding

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in Northwest Ohio, call Contrada & Associates today at 419.841.4400 or contact us online to set up a free consultation about your case. Our office is in Sylvania, and if you cannot come to us, we can visit your home or hospital room.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Transportation Safety Board.

Facts on Truck Accident Investigations in Ohio

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute, most deaths in large truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants. Trucks weigh 20-30 times more than passenger cars, are taller and have greater ground clearance, which can result in smaller vehicles behind lodged under trucks in crashes.

Truck braking capability (loaded tractor-trailers may take 20-40% farther to stop than cars) and truck driver fatigue are known crash risks. Drivers of large trucks are allowed by federal hours-of-service regulations to drive up to 11 hours at a stretch. Surveys indicate many truck drivers violate these regulations and work longer than allowed.

2017 was tragic for crash victims remaining alive after a crash involving a truck.

  • Number of people killed in 2017 from crashes that involved large trucks climbed 116, a 16% increase, to 841 from 725.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said fatal incidents involving tractor trailers rose 5.8% in 2017 from the previous year.

How Trucking Companies Respond to Truck Accidents

After a truck accident, it is important to determine how the accident happened and who was responsible. Trucking companies send accident investigators to the accident scene. The investigators begin gathering evidence to support the trucking company. Other investigations by the police and sometimes the National Transportation Safety Board Go Team” (which investigates major accidents) are conducted simultaneously.

Determining Responsibility: Driver or Trucking Company?

Generally, a trucking company is responsible for an accident when its employee causes an accident. Some companies enter contracts with private trucking companies for distribution. When an accident occurs in this situation and the truck driver is responsible for the accident, the private trucking company might be liable. Sometimes the truck driver is the owner of the truck.

Trucking companies may be held responsible for an accident when negligence on their part caused or contributed to an accident. Examples of negligence might include:

  • Failure to properly train drivers
  • Truck equipment failures
  • Not enforcing driver rest breaks

When accidents occur, trucking companies can be held responsible for negligence.

Truck Accident Investigations

There are many types of truck accident investigations that happen after a crash. If you plan to file a claim against the truck driver or trucking company, a legal team will obtain copies of these:

  • Police accident report
  • Government agency investigation
  • Trucking company investigation
  • Private investigation
  • Driver logbooks
  • Drug and alcohol test results/citations
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Truck maintenance records
  • Truck inspections/truck registration
  • Driver cell phone records
  • Black box transcripts
  • Weather information
  • Driver employment history
  • Medical reports
  • Police citations
  • Cargo records
  • Truck receipts

Connecting with Veteran Trucking Accident Attorneys

Truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles and drivers from out of state. If you are an out-of-state driver or an Ohio resident involved in a highway crash with an out-of-state driver, you need an attorney who will aggressively represent you and protect your rights. We have the experience you need when you’ve been injured on the Ohio Turnpike or any of Ohio’s roads.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in Northwest Ohio, call Contrada & Associates today at 419.841.4400 or contact us online to set up a free consultation about your case. Our office is in Sylvania, and if you cannot come to us, we can visit your home or hospital room.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Transportation Safety Board.

Finding answers on Ohio motorcycle driver license rules

New to motorcycling, new to Ohio or just don’t know where to find the info you need on the Ohio motorcycle driver license? Here are all the details you might be searching for about your Ohio motorcycle driver’s license and ID Card (DL-ID) compiled by motorcycle accident attorneys Contrada and Associates.

 

Driver License Application Details

The Ohio BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) has information on:

Driver License Test Details

Ready for the motorcycle driver license test? Find out the differences between the skills test and other requirements for Over Age 18 and Under Age 18 applicants.

Do you have additional questions? Try social media. Go to the Ohio BMV Facebook page to ask not only the BMV but other motorcycle owners in Ohio.

Facts about Motorcycle Accidents

In Ohio, all motorcycle riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet, as are riders with a “novice license.” However, helmets are only 37% effective for drivers and 41% effective for passengers in preventing fatal injuries. In 2011, 4,612 motorcyclists were killed, while 81,000 were injured nationwide. The risk is high for riders, and it’s vital that you go to an experienced and dedicated law firm to represent you if you are involved in a motorcycle accident.

Get in touch with a team of veteran motorcycle accident attorneys today! If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Northwest Ohio, call Contrada & Associates at 419.841.4400 or contact us online to set up a free consultation about your case.

 

Drugged driving is a growing danger

When people hear the term “drugged driver” they automatically think of impairment caused by illegal drugs. But illegal drugs are not the only substances that impair drivers. It is now more common for many people using prescription or over-the-counter medications to be driving under these dangerous conditions.

Drivers using illicit drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs can make driving a car unsafe – exactly like driving after drinking alcohol. The rapidly growing number of incidents of drugged driving puts drivers, their passengers, and others who share the same road at serious risk.

  • According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2016, 20.7 million people aged 16 or older drove under the influence of alcohol and 11.8 million drove under the influence of illicit drugs.

Drivers need to understand the serious risks of driving impaired and especially under the influence of prescription drugs. Driving under the influence of prescription drugs like Ambien, Vicodin, codeine, OxyContin, Xanax and Tramadol is a serious risk. If you have been prescribed these medications, it is essential to consult your doctor before operating a vehicle.

Drugged Driving Statistics

The number of drivers using illicit drugs or misusing prescription drugs continues to climb each year. Did you know that:

  • According to Ohio Department of Transportation trafficcrash statistics, Ohio has seen a 25% increase in drugged driving crashes since 2012.
  • There were 3,574 drugged driving crashes in 2016, which accounted for about 33% of all impaired driving crashes.
  • 43% of fatally-injured drivers with a known test result tested positively for drugs, more frequently than when alcohol was present.
  • DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) testing is difficult and complex. There are 430 specific drugs or metabolites in the national highway safety fatality database. In 2015, nationwide, 57% of fatally-injured drivers were tested for drugs. Of those tested:
    • 6% tested for marijuana
    • 3% tested for amphetamine
    • 1% tested for other
    • 4% tested for drugs not in the FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) list

Ohio Drugged Driving Laws

Ohio’s drugged driving law can be found in the Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.19. The law states that no person shall operate any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them.

Ohio has what is known as a per se (also known as a “zero tolerance”) prohibition against drugged driving if the driver, while driving, has specific amounts of certain controlled substances in his or her body.

Contrada & Associates Can Help

At Contrada & Associates, we use the resources available to us to vigorously represent people injured by drugged drivers. If you or a loved one was a victim of a car accident in Ohio, let Contrada & Associates help you.

Call the Toledo-area office of Contrada & Associates at 419.841.4400 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced car accident attorneys. We offer hospital and home consultations if you cannot make it to our office.

10 Christmas Safety Tips

As you look forward to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is also unfortunate that friends and family members going in and out of homes and shopping areas will be exposed to the increased possibility of personal injury.

Did you know that according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission that as many as 15,000 people are admitted to emergency rooms for injuries during the holiday season?

Accidents can include falling from ladders, stepping on glass ornaments, kitchen mishaps and driving to and from holiday parties.

Simple Safety Tips

Follow these simple safety tips to enjoy a happy and safe holiday.

  1. Electrical Hazards: Don’t overuse extension cords. Upgrade to highly insulated extension cords. Avoid using too many adapters and plugging too many things into one outlet. Make sure all outdoor light strings are rated for weather. Consider finally upgrading to LED – as these are considerably safer than traditional holiday lights!
  2. Fire Hazards: Check your holiday lights wiring for defects and replace if needed. Make sure that your real Christmas tree is properly watered, and monitor all lit candles for safety.
  3. Small Decoration Hazards: Avoid creating choking hazards for small children. Keep all very small parts, tree hooks and other small decorative items out of the reach of young ones.
  4. Research Kid’s Toys: Make sure that toys are age appropriate – again small parts can be choking hazards. Don’t look for deals that sacrifice required safety standards.
  5. Opening Packages: Have a letter opener or safety scissors available for opening packages. Using a knife produces the potential of misplacing a sharp object near children and pets.
  6. Reduce Clutter: From sidewalk snow removal to removing wires, extra packages and other debris around an already chaotic house. Preventing slips and falls means being organized and keeping clutter to a minimum.
  7. Don’t Rush in the Kitchen: Ill-planned meals with many people in the kitchen can lead to burns, cuts and spills. Plan food prep in advance to avoid problems caused by hurrying.
  8. Prevent Contamination: Supervise the basics that you would at any other time of the year. Wash hands, clean utensils – especially after cutting raw meat – and refrigerate items that, if left at room temperature, could cause illness.
  9. Ladder Safety for Decorating: Basic OSHA guidelines say to make sure the ladder is appropriate for the height you are climbing. Face the ladder, use both hands, center your body weight, wear slip-proof footwear. Test your lights on the ground before heading up the ladder.
  10. Never Drink and Drive: Control consumption for your family and friends. Designate a driver for groups in advance, and as a last resort, hide keys to prevent an unwise choice.

Contrada & Associates Can Help

If you or a loved one have been a victim of an accident, don’t sign or say anything. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. Attorney Charles V. Contrada will explain your legal options, and guide you through the process.

To speak to attorney Charles V. Contrada about a personal injury accident in Ohio or Michigan, call 419.841.4400. Charles has helped thousands of individuals with personal injury claims and will explain the legal options that are available to you. Call Contrada & Associates for comprehensive legal guidance that will help you to receive the most favorable outcome.

 

 

9 Questions (and answers) on Mesothelioma

Could someone in your family have Mesothelioma cancer? If you or a family member has been exposed to asbestos, then there is a chance of developing this cancer as a result. You should understand everything you can about Mesothelioma and what legal options you and your family might have.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. It is caused primarily by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma is most commonly diagnosed in older people who have worked with asbestos in an industrial environment. The prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, however early detection and advanced treatment methods have given many Mesothelioma patients new hope.

This rare cancer affects the membranes that line the organs in the chest and abdomen, resulting in symptoms that include the following:

  • Chest pain
  • Painful breathing
  • Ongoing Cough
  • Fluid build-up
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite

When Was Asbestos Used?

After being increasingly utilized during World War II, asbestos was prevalent in many industries. It provided strength in building products, was used for insulation purposes and in roofing materials.

Due to the fire-retardant characteristic of asbestos, it was ideal for fireproofing buildings. It also served as a sound absorber, making asbestos a product contained in many school buildings.

It wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century when asbestos-related cancers become more recognizable, that measures were taken to reduce the exposure to asbestos. The risk of exposure to the dangerous mineral remains high during renovation projects, remodels, and demolitions of structures containing asbestos products. When the mineral becomes disturbed, it is released into the air as dust and can be inhaled, putting individuals at risk for lung cancer.

How Are You Exposed to Asbestos?

The exposure to asbestos occurs when the minerals are disturbed and released into the air. Those who work in certain industries are at an increased risk for asbestos exposure due to the duties performed at work and the processes in place. Exposure to asbestos can also occur while making products containing asbestos, when working with insulation that contains asbestos, or during construction projects that include demolition or renovation.

Individuals are exposed to asbestos in essentially two ways. The first occurs in the installation of products. This normally happened years ago. The other situation in which people are exposed to asbestos is when materials containing it are taken out or disturbed (i.e. renovation projects). People who changed brakes on their cars could be exposed both putting them on and taking them off.

How Does Asbestos Get Into Your System?

When asbestos is disturbed, it is released into the air as dust. The inhalation of these minerals puts the individual at risk, as some of the tiny particles can remain within the lungs. According to the American Cancer Society, when the asbestos particles accumulate within the lungs, they can cause scarring and inflammation. The build-up of this scarring and inflammation can then lead to a number of different diseases including the development of mesothelioma.

What are the Riskiest Occupations for Mesothelioma Exposure?

Those individuals at risk to develop mesothelioma include workers from a specified list of industries and trades that utilized asbestos for its various properties.

Workers from the following companies in the Northwest Ohio area could have been exposed to asbestos and risk the chance of developing mesothelioma:

  • Power plants – ACME, Bay Shore, Steam Plant, Davis Besse, Monroe Coal Burner, Consumer Energy, Enrico Fermi
  • Automotive Plants – General Motors Foundry, Chrysler Assembly, Chrysler Fostoria Foundry
  • Glass making factories – Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Company in Rossford, Libbey Glass in Toledo & East Toledo
  • Refineries in Toledo – British Petroleum (BP), Sunoco, Gulf Oil, Pure Oil
  • Nearly all other industrial settings in Northwest Ohio

Individuals who worked in commercial buildings of any size may have been exposed to asbestos, possibly causing scarring of the lungs and mesothelioma. Other workers affected by asbestos include those employed in the following industries and professions:

  • Shipping and rail yards
  • Ship building
  • Carbon black plants
  • Fiber glass and asbestos plants
  • Food processing plants
  • Military services involving shipping
  • Air Force
  • Employees in school buildings
  • Employees in University buildings
  • All manufacturing plants that use steam or had high-temperature processes
  • Anyone in building trades

What products contain asbestos?

The following list does not include every product that might contain asbestos. It is a general guide to show which types of materials might contain asbestos.

  • Cement Pipes
  • Cement Wallboard
  • Cement Siding
  • Asphalt Floor Tile
  • Vinyl Floor Tile
  • Vinyl Sheet Flooring
  • Flooring Backing
  • Construction Mastics
  • Acoustical Plaster
  • Decorative Plaster
  • Textured Paints/Coatings
  • Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels
  • Spray-Applied Insulation
  • Blown-in Insulation
  • Fireproofing Materials
  • Taping Compounds (thermal)
  • Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations)
  • High Temperature Gaskets
  • Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops
  • Laboratory Gloves
  • Fire Blankets and Curtains
  • Elevator Equipment Panels
  • HVAC Duct Insulation
  • Boiler Insulation
  • Breaching Insulation
  • Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections
  • Cooling Towers
  • Pipe Insulation
  • Heating and Electrical Ducts
  • Electrical Panel Partitions
  • Electrical Cloth
  • Electric Wiring Insulation
  • Chalkboards
  • Roofing Shingles
  • Roofing Felt
  • Roll Roofing
  • Roof Patching Cement
  • Base Flashing
  • Thermal Paper Products
  • Fire Doors
  • Caulking/Putties
  • Adhesives
  • Wallboard
  • Joint Compounds
  • Vinyl Wall Coverings
  • Spackling Compounds

What is the Latency Period of Asbestos?

One of the distinguishing factors of asbestos disease is the long latency period between exposure to the dust and the appearance of symptoms, with the normal range being 25-40 years. The advice that attorney Charlie Contrada gives to individuals who believe that they have developed asbestos disease is that “you are your best witness.” Your personal memory is very important to help find the answers related to your case, including where you may have been exposed to asbestos. Specifics such as where you worked in the past or where you lived can help your case.

Once you begin to have symptoms of mesothelioma, it is critical to contact a mesothelioma lawyer immediately. Doing so will allow them to work with you on your case and increase the chances of you and your family receiving a settlement.

Can I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

If you were exposed to asbestos at one of the locations listed above, or within one of the industries identified as a risk for asbestos exposure, we recommend calling a mesothelioma lawyer.

At Contrada & Associates, we have a database of asbestos products that can help identify whether you may have been exposed. If there is a chance that you will develop mesothelioma, our Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan mesothelioma lawyer Charlie Contrada can help you to pursue a claim. Our office also has established relationships with national resources, as well as access to the top mesothelioma and asbestos experts in the country, allowing us to provide the evidence needed to support your claim.

What are my legal options after being exposed to asbestos?

Attorney Charlie Contrada is the only mesothelioma lawyer in Northwest Ohio who has handled cases for over 25 years for individuals who have been exposed to asbestos.

Contrada & Associates is a proven partner for anyone seeking damages due to asbestos exposure and risk of mesothelioma. To speak to attorney Charlie Contrada about your history with asbestos and the legal options that you have, call 419.841.4400. You will have direct access to the only mesothelioma lawyer in Northwest Ohio, allowing you the personal attention and answers you need.

 

 

 

 

Personal Injury Lawsuit Primer

Have you or a family member been injured in an accident caused be someone else who was acting irresponsibly? One of your options might be securing comprehensive legal guidance from a personal injury attorney. You might be wondering what are the basics of the personal injury lawsuit process and what are some typical types of personal injury claims?

How Do I File a Personal Injury Claim?

  1. Determine grounds to file a Personal Injury Claim: Usually, if you have been injured because of another person’s negligence or fault, you have grounds for a claim, possibly a lawsuit. It is very important to know that if you accept any type of settlement and sign a release from the insurance company, you waive your right to collect any additional compensation even if your medical condition changes.
  2. Gather evidence: In order to file a Personal Injury claim, you need proof. Make sure you collect as much evidence relating to your accident as possible. Types of evidence you can easily collect include a police report (if one was filed), photographs of the accident scene, your vehicle and the other party’s vehicle. Gather photographs of your injuries, and any additional relevant documents proving that your injuries sustained in your accident led to lost wages. You should even ask to take a photograph of the other party’s driver’s license and insurance cards.
  3. Contact Personal Injury Attorney: The earlier you contact a personal injury lawyer, the better. Every state has a statute of limitations specifically for personal injury lawsuits. In Ohio, an injured person has 2 years and Michigan, 3 years from the date of the injury to go to court to settle or file a lawsuit. Contact Attorney Charles V. Contrada at 419-841-4400 to set up a consultation to discuss your case.
  4. Review your case with your Attorney: Once you select your personal injury attorney, you will need to review your case and share all injury related evidence and documents you have collected. Disclose all information relating to your case to your attorney. Do not present misleading information to make your claim look stronger for example not disclosing a prior accident or injuries. At Contrada & Associates, honesty with our attorneys is the key to getting the best outcome possible.
  5. Consider the option of settlement: In a settlement, both sides meet to settle the claim without going to court. If you decide to try and reach a settlement agreement, it is a good idea to go through this process with your personal injury attorney, so they are able to examine the settlement and negotiate with the other party to ensure the best result for you. Quite frankly, most people have no idea what their case is worth and they don’t believe the insurance company will be fair.
  6. Filing A Lawsuit: If you and your personal injury attorney agree that your case is strong enough, or if your pre-lawsuit settlement negotiations do not end up being sufficient, you may then decide to file a lawsuit. If you choose this option, your attorney will file the lawsuit on your behalf. It is extremely difficult but not impossible to file a lawsuit on your own. Your outcome may not be as favorable as if you were working with an attorney on your behalf.

How Long Will My Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?

There is no definite answer to the length of time that a personal injury lawsuit takes to settle. The time is determined by multiple factors, including the client, the nature of the injuries and the ongoing treatment, and the amount of money that the case is worth.

What is an Independent Medical Examination?

In very limited circumstances, if you are involved in an accident, the insurance company or the defense lawyer may request that you undergo an “independent medical examination.”  Needless to say, there is nothing independent about these examinations and, in many ways, they are a total mockery of the doctor/patient relationship.

The insurance companies want you examined by their doctor to evaluate the extent of your injuries and oftentimes to determine what injury was caused by the crash, as opposed to a pre-existing condition that the victim had before the automobile accident.

Can Social Media Harm My Personal Injury Case?

Social media channels have integrated themselves into the daily lives of most individuals. Everyone loves to share status updates, photos, and videos about what is going on in their life. Sometimes, sharing updates about a car accident can result in consequences in the future. Here is what you can do to protect yourself and your personal injury claim on social media.

Information that is shared on a public social media account can cause complications. Insurance adjusters, lawyers, and others will search profiles on social media scrutinizing any information they can find that will hurt your claim such as conflicting statements as well as additional evidence.

What are the Most Typical Types of Personal Injury Cases?

There are many types of personal injury cases. For example, let’s look at four scenarios: school bus accidents, winter driving accidents, low speed vehicle accidents and icy sidewalk accidents.

School Bus Accidents

Speed limits in school zones are reduced to 15-25 mph, and with good reason. More children are hit by vehicles in or near school zones than any other location. Watch for children that may dart out in the road without looking. When you slow down, it forces other drivers behind you to slow down making it a safer place for children as they might not see the obstacles you do.

When driving in school zones especially near high schools, be aware that there will be many more drivers on the road who are newly licensed and inexperienced drivers. New drivers, before they become more comfortable on the road can drive overly tentative or make unexpected maneuvers. Be patient and give them extra room.

Winter Driving Accidents

It’s no secret that driving in the winter can become treacherous in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Ice and snow can make for slippery roads and poor visibility which in turn cause more accidents than in the summer months. Typical types of winter driving accidents include sliding through intersections, poor visibility and rear-end collisions. Adjust your defensive driving style to help avoid them.

Low Speed Vehicle Accidents

Summer is here and there is a good possibility that you will see a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) driving around your neighborhood. LSV’s are small electric vehicles, similar to golf carts that are street legal.

To drive legally, your LSV must pass an inspection, be registered and titled by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and insured. You must also have a valid driver’s license. An LSV can only go up to 25 mph and is only allowed on roads or highways that have a 35 mph posted speed limit with the exception of crossing a street with a higher posted speed limit.

Icy Sidewalk Accidents

If you were to trip on an icy sidewalk, that does not mean that you have a legitimate slip-and-fall personal injury claim. Ohio slip-and-fall law can seem somewhat confusing because in order for there to be a premises liability claim, there must have been negligence or fault on behalf of the business owner.

Just because someone slips and falls on the property of another person or business, it doesn’t mean that the individual or entity is responsible. A slip-and-fall case must involve some sort of hazard that the owner of the property was aware of. 

What Are My Legal Options if I Suffer a Personal Injury?

The best course of action to take to be sure that your personal injury claim will be handled properly is to contact a personal injury attorney. Having an attorney guide you through the legal process will ensure that you are taking the appropriate steps toward a settlement and are not jeopardizing your claim.

To speak to one of the Toledo personal injury attorneys at Contrada & Associates, call 419.841.4400. When calling our office, you will be able to review your case with an attorney and learn what your legal options are.