One of the Leading Causes of Trucking Accidents

Getting into an accident with a large truck can have devastating consequences for all parties involved, and unfortunately all too often the accident may be caused by driver fatigue.  In fact the U.S. Department of Transportation reports, “Nearly 4,000 people die in large truck crashes each year and driver fatigue is a leading factor.  Tragically, the truck drivers themselves sometimes die driving tired.”

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a new rule in December of 2011 that was designed to stop fatigued driving.  It basically made two important updates to the “hours of service” rules for truck drivers.  First it required drivers to take a 30-minute break within the first 8 hours of drive time.  The other change involved the use of the 34-hour rest period, known as the “restart.”  Overall the new rule reduced the average maximum week a driver could work from 82 hours to 70 hours.

One of the biggest problems with fatigue is that it sneaks up on drivers, and new research indicates a strong correlation between long work hours and insufficient recovery time leading to reduction in sleep and chronic fatigue.  Fatigued drivers not only have slower reaction times but a diminished capacity to assess situations.  Sometimes truck drivers actually fall asleep while driving, and others use stimulants to stay awake, which can further impair their ability to drive and lead to accidents that cause severe injuries and even fatalities.

At Schiff & Associates we are experienced in proving driver fatigue as the cause of tractor-trailer and other truck accidents.  Our investigation is thorough and we know how to secure the evidence that can prove violations of safety regulations.  We have a long history of successfully winning truck driver liability claims and claims against trucking companies and we will work to get you the compensation you deserve.  Visit our website to learn more.

The experienced team of Schiff & Associates has offered the area trusted legal representation in cases of personal injury and wrongful death since 1982.  We have a history of getting clients the results they deserve and recognize that financial recovery from an accident is just as important as physical recovery.  Call today for information regarding legal services from Columbus, Ohio’s top personal injury lawyer.

Source: transportation.gov/fastlane/why-we-care-about-truck-driver-fatigue

Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you or a family member has been hurt in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, consulting with a personal injury attorney makes good sense as they can help you to decide what to do next.  At Findlaw.com, a website that provides legal information and services for lawyers, businesses, and individuals, they explain why it is important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney. 

One critical reason to consult with a personal injury attorney is that they have the expertise to assess claims and can tell you right from the start whether your case is worth pursuing legal action.  Also since most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, you will not pay attorney fees unless you recover compensation.

Furthermore, experienced attorneys understand the complicated nature of such cases and often have a team of consultants they work with regarding the medical and technical aspects of your case.  Another reason to have an expert on your side is that they approach the case from a more objective viewpoint than someone who is suffering from the effects of the injury.  In other words, your attorney knows that a quick payout is not always in your best interest and it may be more advantageous to wait for a better settlement.

Additionally a personal injury lawyer recognizes when a negotiated settlement is the right action or if the case needs to go to trial.  They also are experienced in effectively dealing with attorneys from the other side as well as insurance companies.  In addition your attorney understands the fact-finding portion of the litigation, which is when parties are required to share information.  However most importantly, personal injury lawyers like Schiff & Associates will fight to get you the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.

The experienced team of Schiff & Associates has offered the area trusted legal representation in cases of personal injury and wrongful death since 1982.  We have a history of getting clients the results they deserve and recognize that financial recovery from an accident is just as important as physical recovery.  Contact us for more information on expert legal services from Columbus, Ohio’s top personal injury lawyer.

Source:injury.findlaw.com/accident-injury-law/reasons-to-hire-an-experienced-personal-injury-attorney.html

Dog Bites Can Result in Both Physical and Emotional Scars

Every year dogs bite millions of people and some of these attacks are very serious, even life-threatening, and require immediate medical attention to prevent infection or traumatic complications.  According to DogsBite.org, they state that “many of the most serious and deadly dog attack victims are inflicted on children who are visiting or living temporarily at the home of a relative, family friend or babysitter who owns a pit bull or Rottweiler.”  

The organization cites a few commonsense precautions to take around dogs and should be taught to the children in your life.  First, you should never pet a dog before it has had an opportunity to see you.  In addition you should not lean your face close to a dog’s, or bother a dog who is sleeping or eating.  Also never disturb a dog that is caring for puppies, or turn your back on a dog and run away.

Dog and animal attacks can cause physical as well as emotional scars and can result in medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and loss of enjoyment of life.  Victims may require extensive reconstructive surgery, and in the most extreme cases, attacks can be deadly.

As attorneys who specialize in dog bite injury cases, we are aware of the laws regarding liability and know how to determine the full costs of injuries and damages.  Our expertise includes a legal understanding of issues such as leash laws and stipulations regarding aggressive and nonaggressive breeds.  The attorneys at Schiff & Associates have a successful record of negotiating or bringing cases to court in order to secure fair and full compensation for our clients.

Please keep in mind that your initial consultation with us is free.  Furthermore, as we work on a contingency basis, you will not pay anything unless we successful recover a settlement.

The experienced attorneys at Schiff & Associates have offered the area trusted legal representation in cases of personal injury and wrongful death since 1982.  We have a history of getting clients the results they deserve and recognize that financial recovery from an accident is just as important as physical recovery.  Call today for information regarding legal services from Columbus, Ohio’s top personal injury lawyer.

Source: dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-fatalities-2015.php

 

For Expert Legal Counsel - Trust Our Team

At Schiff & Associates, we are proud to espouse our motto of “Trust a Respected Name with a Winning Tradition,” as we fight to get our clients the settlements they deserve.  The entire firm takes our responsibilities toward each client very seriously, and we understand that our efforts can change lives.   

In addition to Scott Schiff, our team of personal injury attorneys is extremely experienced and many have been with the firm for a long time such as Keith J. Shepardson, Esq., who has been with us for over 15 years.  Keith is a graduate of the University of Akron School of Law, where he received his JD (1995), and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1995.  His area of expertise includes motor vehicle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, insurance law, automobile negligence, premises liability, and dog and animal bites.

Another member of our team is Craig T. Smith, Esq. who brings to Schiff & Associates a commitment to helping those in difficult situations.  He has a law degree from the Capital University Law School, JD, and has been with the firm since 2001. His expertise includes obtaining settlements, particularly in wrongful death and serious injury cases.

Terry Hummel, Esq. is a trial attorney and has more than 30 years’ experience preparing and successfully trying cases in the State of Ohio.  He has litigated a wide scope of personal injury claims involving the following areas: transportation; work and premises; and medical and nursing.  Terry is a graduate of the Capital University Law School (1982), and has litigated thousands of personal injury and death claims in state and federal courts throughout the Midwest.

This is just a small sampling of our staff of attorneys.  Please visit our website to see the full bios of all of our attorneys.  Schiff & Associates’ entire team of attorneys, our investigator, and numerous paralegals and legal assistants all work together to get results for our clients in a respectful and ethical manner.

The experienced attorneys at Schiff & Associates have offered the area trusted legal representation in cases of personal injury and wrongful death since 1982.  We have a history of getting clients the results they deserve and recognize that financial recovery from an accident is just as important as physical recovery.  Call today for information regarding legal services from Columbus, Ohio’s top personal injury lawyer.