East Wake High School Teenager Dies after Knightdale, North Carolina Car Accident

Recently, I wrote an article about a car accident involving two teenagers in Knightdale, North Carolina (NC). The teenagers, from East Wake High School, were traveling on Puryear Road when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The teenager went off the road, hit an embankment, and flipped over several times.

At the time the article was written, both teenagers had been taken to WakeMed hospital where they were being treated for injuries. Tragically, the passenger recently died at as a result of injuries they sustained in the car accident. The driver has been released from WakeMed hospital.

Sadly, this is the second tragedy to strike East Wake High School this year; another teenager was killed in a car accident in January. Counselors have been dispatched to the high school to help the grieving process for fellow students and friends of these two teenagers.

Two Teenagers Critically Injured in Car Accident in Knightdale, North Carolina

According to North Carolina State Trooper, Beckley Vaughn, “Statistics show that teenagers are in some of the highest fatality groups and certainly some of the highest accident groups.” The car accident that occurred on Puryear Road in Knightdale, North Carolina (NC) recently proves Beckley Vaughn is right in his assessment.  

Two teenagers, students at East Wake High School, were traveling back to East Wake from lunch when their car went off the road, hit an embankment, and flipped over several times. The driver and the passenger in the car accident where sent to a local North Carolina hospital. The driver was released later in the day, but the other teenager is still in the hospital suffering from critical injuries.

The car accident was investigated by North Carolina State Troopers who feel speed was a major factor in the crash.

If you have a teenage driver at home, discuss the seriousness of speeding and reckless driving as often as you can. By using real life examples, highlighting statistics like the one given by North Carolina State Trooper, Beckly Vaughn, and keeping an open line of communication between you and your young driver, you may be able to prevent another teen car accident from occurring in North Carolina. (NC)

Pedestrian Killed by SUV in Red Springs, North Carolina

A pedestrian from Red Springs, North Carolina (NC) was struck and killed by an SUV while she was out walking on N.C. 71.

Angela Ross, was walking southbound on N.C. 71 around 7 p.m. when she was struck by a 1993 GMC SUV. According to a report filed by the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the GMC was driven by a teenager from Shannon, North Carolina (NC). Tragically, Angela Ross died from injuries she sustained in the crash.

Pedestrian accidents are far too common in North Carolina. Some advocacy groups blame the road systems for the high number of pedestrian fatalities that occur in the state each year. These groups are working with state officials to make the roadways friendlier for pedestrians and bicyclists alike. The hope is that by adding sidewalks, decreasing the distance between crosswalks, and installing better lighting less pedestrians and bicyclists will be on the roadways where they are likely to be struck by a car.

However, that process could take years. In the meantime lives are being lost on Carolina roads. As drivers there are actions we can all take to reduce the likelihood of striking a pedestrian. Most importantly, drivers should exercise caution on any roadway, especially ones located in residential areas or after nightfall when it can be difficult to spot a pedestrian. When driving, remember that pedestrians can appear quickly. Look to both sides of a crosswalk before passing and keep an eye out for pedestrians coming around parked cars or other obstacles.

By simply slowing down and paying more attention to the road we can stop needless deaths like Angela Ross.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled thousands of automobile negligence cases involving cars, trucks, trains, and motorcycles. We would be pleased to send you one of our FREE reports about car accident cases, including our special report on distracted driving or our Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in North Carolina. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

AC

Second Fort Mills, North Carolina Teenager Dies in Car Accident

A pair of tennis shoes hangs over a cross at the site of a car accident that claimed a Fort Mills, North Carolina (NC) teenager’s life.

Seventeen year old Luke Hoover was a student at Nation Ford High School, an athlete, and a Boy Scout who volunteered at local churches. He is also the second Nation Ford High School student to die in a car accident this week.

Luke Hoover was driving to his friend’s house on Holbrook Road in Fort Mills, North Carolina (NC) when he attempted to pass another car. Hoover lost control of his car, went off the roadway and hit a tree. He died at the scene of the accident.

Students at Nation Ford High School were devastated by the news of the accident; especially after losing another student and friend only days before. Michelle DiBernardini, 16, was traveling with three other teenagers when her car collided with a truck. Michelle DiBernardini died as a result of her injuries and the three passengers were taken to local hospitals.

The sudden loss of Luke Hoover and Michelle DiBernardini shows how dangerous the roads can be for young drivers. The auto insurance company, Allstate, recently released a study showing that car accidents are the leading cause of teen death in the United States. Car accidents have claimed the life of 5,000-6,000 teenagers annually for the past decade. Allstate reported that speed and driving errors, which are far more likely to happen during a driver’s first few years on the road, are the highest cause of teen car accidents.

If you have a young driver on the road, teaching them to maintain the speed limit as well as how to react in potentially dangerous situations will go a long way in preventing an accident. Remember that practice makes perfect and by spending as much time driving with your teen as you can will help them be better drivers on their own.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys handle automobile negligence cases involving cars, trucks, trains, and motorcycles every day. We will send you one of our FREE reports about car accident cases, including our special report on distracted driving or our Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in North Carolina. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube .  In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

AC

SUV crashes in to Johnston County School Bus and Injures Four Children

A Johnston County school bus was involved in a car accident with an SUV that sent four children to the hospital.

Shannon Banks was driving her SUV on Highway 210 in Angier, North Carolina (NC) when her SUV suddenly crossed over the center lane and hit a school bus head on in the intersection of Highway 210 and Highway 50. At the time of the accident the school bus had just left McGee's Crossroads Elementary School and had a bus load of children on board. Four of those children and the school bus driver were taken to Wake Med Hospital.

Shannon Banks was charged with reckless driving by the North Carolina Highway Patrol after an investigation proved she had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Most of us do not believe we will fall asleep while driving. No matter how tired we are we get behind the wheel assuming that the driving will keep us alert enough to make the trip. However, it is easy to suddenly nod off while you are driving, especially if you are used to the route you are taking.

Several thousand accidents are reported nationwide each year due to drivers falling asleep behind the wheel. It is important that you do not drive when you are drowsy or on medication known to make you drowsy. Even if you do not fall asleep while you are driving, drowsiness severely impairs your ability to drive. It will slow down your reaction time and make you far more likely to be involved in a car accident.

About the Editors: The Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton law firm focuses on accident and injury law. Our law firm holds offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled thousands of automobile negligence cases involving cars, trucks, trains, and motorcycles. We would be pleased to send you one of our FREE reports about car accident cases, including our special report on distracted driving or our Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in North Carolina. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—to receive a free initial confidential injury case consultations call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube .  In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

AC

Drunk Driver Causes Accident While Driving the Wrong Way on Interstate I-85

A woman faces several charges after causing a head on collision on Interstate I-85 in Salisbury, North Carolina (NC).

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol the woman entered Interstate I-85 going the wrong way at speeds of 115 mph when she hit a van head on. At the time of the car accident the woman’s blood alcohol level indicated she was beyond the legal limit to be operating a vehicle.

Fortunately, there were no serious injuries in the accident. The woman faces DWI charges as well as reckless driving charges.

A driver entering the highway in the wrong direction happens more often then one might think especially if the driver is intoxicated. Drunk driving severely impairs a driver’s ability to reason and they can often over look Do Not Enter signs and other road cautions. If you are caught on a roadway with a driver going the wrong way you may only have a few precious seconds to respond. Your best course of action is to apply the breaks and guide your car in to another lane or off the roadway. Take caution not to break suddenly or swerve quickly as this can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

However, not all car accidents like these can be avoided. Despite your best efforts the other driver may be traveling at speeds that greatly reduce your response time. If you or someone you know was hurt in a car accident by a driver traveling the wrong way on the interstate the law may fall short of getting you what you need to recover. A personal injury attorney can assist you in working with insurance companies and local law enforcement to get you what you need for hospital bills, and pain and suffering.

About the Editors: The Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm focuses on accident and injury law. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). The attorneys at Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton have handled thousands of automobile negligence cases involving cars, trucks, trains, and motorcycles. We would be pleased to send you one of our FREE reports about car accident cases, including our special report on distracted driving or our Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in North Carolina. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube .  In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

 AC

Two North Carolina Companies want Removed from Liability in the Death of Two Women in a Parasailing Accident

The tragic accident occurred late this summer. Cynthia Woodcock, of Kernersville, and Lorrie Shoup went parasailing on Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina (NC). While the two were in the air a large wind gust blew up, tethering the line between the parasail and the boat. The wind forced the women back into the ocean where they were drug towards the pier.

Sadly, both Cynthia Woodcock and Lorrie Shoup died from a blunt force trauma caused by the parasailing accident. Neither the Coast Guard nor the North Carolina Department of Labor regulates parasailing operators but an investigation was opened by the Coast Guard to determine if it was safe for the parasail to go out in to the water given the choppy conditions at the time.

A lawsuit was opened against Ocean Isle Beach Water Sports, Inc. and N.C. Watersports, Inc., the two companies that owned and ran the parasail boat at the time of the women’s deaths. Earlier this week the two companies went before a judge asking to be removed from the liability in the death of Woodcock and Shoup, or that the liability limit to be lowered to $100,000.

The request may be denied if it can be proven that either company knew about potentially dangerous factors leading up to the accident.

Even without state or federal regulation, companies can still be held at fault in accident and death cases involving extreme sports such as parasailing. If you or someone you know was injured or killed while practicing an extreme sport a personal injury attorney can help you determine if the company was at fault. These sports can be dangerous, especially on the water, and companies have an obligation to only operate in good weather conditions as well as to operate as safely as possible.

About the Editors: The Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton law firm focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling wrongful death cases. Our case results speak for themselves. We have offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled numerous wrongful death cases and we understand the difficult circumstances which accompany these types of cases. That’s why you need an experienced attorney to help you through the legal process. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

Man Killed While Changing Flat Tire in Charlotte, North Carolina

The pedestrian, Arthur Bankhead, pulled over on Interstate 85 in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) to assist a woman who had pulled over to the left shoulder of the interstate with a flat tire. Three IMAP workers also pulled over to assist the woman. The IMAP workers set up emergency cones and flashers around the vehicle to indicate other drivers to move over to the other lane before passing by.

According to North Carolina State Troopers, Arthur Bankhead was inside of the coned off area of interstate 85 changing the tire when Sandra Krasen drove through the cones and struck and killed Bankhead. Sandra Krasen did not flee the scene. State troopers have opened an investigation on the car accident and Krasen may be charged with violating North Carolina’s move over safety law.

The move over safety law requires any vehicle to move a minimum of one lane over from any stalled vehicle or other emergency. So far the North Carolina Highway Patrol has issued 88 citations for violating the law. These citations have a $380 fine.

Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injury law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library with over 50 videos covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

AC

Pinnacle, North Carolina Child in Critical Condition after Dog Attack

A child is in critical condition in Pinnacle, North Carolina (NC) after being attacked by a dog.

The five year old boy was visiting family in Surry County, North Carolina (NC) at the time of the accident. According to police and witness reports the child went in to a caged area with the dogs while they were feeding. The boy was attacked by a Rottweiler while in the cage.

The child was taken to a hospital in Pinnacle, North Carolina where he remains in critical condition. Police have opened an investigation on the owners of the Rottweiler, who had up to thirty dogs on the scene at the time of the accident, but no charges have been filed yet.

Dog bites can cause severe damage, especially to young children. My colleague, John Cooper, recently wrote about a young girl bit by a dog in Charlotte, North Carolina. In that accident the girl suffered severe damage to her face and had to undergo surgery.

Children have the highest risk of being bitten by an animal due to their curious nature. Children, especially younger children, will naturally reach out to touch a pet. This can be very dangerous if the animal is aggressive. You can teach your child to play it safe around pets. Show him/her how to approach an animal carefully and slowly before reaching down to pet them. Discourage them from attempting to play with any animal that does not belong to your family.

Even with the best training children can still be attacked by household pets. More often then not, if your child suffers from a dog bite they will require a hospital visit. These visits can lead to costly surgeries and recovery time for your child. Since the laws regarding animal attacks can be difficult to prove and often do not cover the full needs of your hurt child you may want to seek the help of a personal injury attorney.

AC

Toddler Ran Over by his Father’s Truck in Lumberton, North Carolina

A two year old boy was accidentally run over by his father’s truck in his driveway in Lumberton, North Carolina (NC) over the weekend.

The police report filed by Lumberton police officer J.W. Scott reports that the accident happened around 2:30 p.m. and it is unclear if the toddler was in front of or behind the truck at the time of the accident. The boy’s father Sabino Fuentes, who initially caused the accident, rushed him to a local hospital but tragically the toddler died from his injuries.

No charges have been filed on Sabino Fuentes, and the sudden and devastating loss of the small child appears to be an accident.

While rare, accidents like these do happen especially in large trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVS). Trucks and SUVs have a decreased range of visibility, especially at ground level. For this reason many new vehicles come equipped with rear view cameras that allow the driver to better see what is behind them when reversing.

Accidental child pedestrian accidents can be avoided in larger vehicles if extra caution is used. If you own a truck or SUV be sure to make note of everything in front of and behind the vehicle before moving. Since it is easy to overlook a child playing in the driveway or street, always look twice before moving your vehicle.

If you have small children at home teaching them proper car safety can go a long way in preventing accidents. Point out blind spots on your vehicle as “no play” zones. Place your child in the driver’s seat of your parked vehicle to show them how the rear view mirrors work. If you have severely limited visibility in your truck or SUV set up a check-in procedure with your child so you know where they are located before you enter your vehicle. This will keep them from accidentally getting in the path of the car.

AC

Underage Driver Causes Fatal Car Accident in Surry County, North Carolina

Former NCSU Football Player Died in Tragic Car Accident in Charlotte, North Carolina

Teenage Driving Deaths are on the Rise in North Carolina

The North Carolina Highway Patrol told reporters that teen deaths related to car accidents are on the rise this year.

According to the highway patrol, North Carolina (NC) as a whole has seen a 22% increase in teen deaths from last year. Since January, 49 teens have been killed in car accidents. The rise in deaths occurred after a low period in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol says the simplest and best way to cut down on these staggering number of car accident related deaths is to teach new drivers better driving techniques. The highway patrol and UNC Highway Safety Research Center developed a parent/teen driver agreement. The agreement is a signed promise by teenagers to drive safer behind the wheel.

If you have a teen driver at home, take in to consideration that speed is often the leading factor in teenage car accidents. Speeding is always dangerous, but for newly taught teenagers it can be even worse. Teens are not yet equipped to handle roadways at increased speeds and should be reminded to slow down whenever possible.

Another cause of car accidents is distractions inside the car; cell phones, Ipods, and passengers create a distracting environment for newly learned drivers. Several accidents are reported in North Carolina that resulted from teenagers and adults texting on their cell phones while driving. Consider taking these distractions away from your teen when they are behind the wheel. Also, limiting the amount of passengers that can ride with your teenager may help cut down on some of the in car distractions.

AC

Car Accident in Carteret County, North Carolina Leads to one Fatality

A car accident in Carteret County, North Carolina (NC) Monday left one person dead and another injured.

The car accident occurred on Highway 24 in Carteret County, North Carolina (NC) near Broad Creek Loop Road early Monday morning. The driver of a truck crossed the center lane on Highway 24 and collided head on with a large commercial truck.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol the vehicle burst into flames and the damage from the car accident was spread over the highway, causing a portion of Highway 24 in Carteret County, North Carolina (NC) to be closed Monday morning while crews worked to clean the scene.

The driver of the commercial truck was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Sadly, the driver of the other vehicle that originally caused the car accident was found dead on the scene.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol did not release the name of the deceased or the initial reason for the car accident. It is not known if drugs or alcohol were a factor.

Head on collisions happen suddenly and often result in serious injury or even fatalities. Not all head on collisions can be avoided, but a few extra precautions may help you prevent a car accident. When you are driving be sure to pay attention to both your side of the roadway and the oncoming traffic. If you see a driver swerve into your roadway, try to steer your vehicle into a farther lane to avoid hitting them head on.

AC

Single Car Accident Leads to Fatality in Charlotte, North Carolina

A car accident in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) lead to the death of the driver early this morning.

The car accident occurred early this morning on Little Rock Road south of Freedom Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC). Charlotte fire Capt. Rob Brisley told reporters that at least one person was killed in the single car crash. It is unclear if any passengers were in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Rob Brisley reported that the car accident occurred when the vehicle swerved off the road, hitting a tree. After the vehicle crashed in to the tree it wound up in a creek just off Little Rock Road. Emergency responders were called to the scene around 10 a.m. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

It is unsure at this time what initially caused the accident that claimed the life of the driver.

Car accidents can happen at any time, especially on rural roadways like Little Rock Road. If you drive rural roadways you should always heed extra caution. These types of roadways can have sudden turns and hills in the roadway that may impair your vision or cause you to have to turn the car suddenly. If you are not fully alert you can miss a simple turn and run off of the road way, such as the tragic case that resulted in a death this morning.

AC

Pedestrian Killed in Accident in Mecklenburg, North Carolina

AC

Car Accident in Gastonia, North Carolina Leaves One Dead, One Injured

A car accident in Gastonia, North Carolina (NC) Wednesday night left one person dead and another injured.

According to the North Carolina (NC) highway Patrol, a woman was driving a Honda Civic on highway 321 in Gaston County, North Carolina (NC) when she went off the road. She over corrected her vehicle, went under the cable links in the median, crossed to the southbound side of the road, and hit a tractor-trailer and another vehicle.

The car accident sent the driver of the tractor-trailer to a local Gaston County hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle struck in the accident was unhurt. Sadly, the driver of the Honda Civic died in the crash.

Over correcting is a major cause of car accidents. This is especially true with young drivers who have not experienced off roadway correction techniques first hand, but over correcting can affect any driver. All it can take is a small error or a distraction and the results can be tragic, such as the car accident that took place Wednesday evening in Gastonia.

If you find yourself in an off roadway situation there is a technique you can employ to avoid being the victim of another over correcting car accident. First, do not panic. Panic can lead to errors while operating a vehicle. Simply stop accelerating, do not break your vehicle. Once you have slowed to a lesser speed, gently ease the vehicle back on to the roadway, being careful not to jerk the wheel too suddenly or too far towards the roadway.

Since the risk of off roadway accidents is much greater in younger drivers, some local North Carolina (NC) driving schools have begun teaching techniques to avoid over correcting. They stimulate the situation in a controlled area at a much slower speed to give the learner practice.

Over correcting can happen in an instant and the results can be tragic. As long as you remain calm in the situation you will greatly reduce your chances of being in a collision.

AC

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William Schmitt Remains in Critical Condition after a Motorcycle Accident in Raleigh, North Carolina

William Schmitt was headed to work in Raleigh, North Carolina (NC) on his motorcycle when he crashed into a van, causing him critical injuries.

William Schmitt was traveling on Mt. Vernon Church Road in Raleigh when Cheryl Rash heading the opposite way in her van attempted to turn left into a private drive. Schmitt’s motorcycle crashed in to the side of Cheryl Rash’s van.

Cheryl Rash and the child who was traveling with her at the time of the motorcycle accident were taken to local Raleigh, North Carolina (NC) hospitals where they were treated for minor injuries. Both Rash and the child were released later in the day. William Schmitt was taken to WakeMed where he is still in critical condition.

According to the Raleigh Police Department Rash simply did not see Schmitt’s motorcycle before she turned and no charges have been filed in the accident.

As a personal injury attorney I know that accidents involving motorcycles are far too common. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcycles are up to 16 times more likely to be involved in an accident, and undivided roads such as Mt. Vernon Church Road are responsible for the majority of fatal motorcycle accidents.

While you are driving it is important to pay attention to motorcycles on the roadways, especially at night time and on smaller more rural roads. Accidents where the driver of a vehicle simply didn’t see the motorcycle make up for a large portion of all motorcycle accidents. By slowing down and sharing the road with motorcycles you can help decrease those numbers.

AC

Faison, North Carolina Man Critically Injured in Accident with Tractor Trailer

John Thomas Ball Jr. from Faison, North Carolina (NC) was traveling on Interstate 40 near Old Mountain Road when he collided with a tractor trailer. The tractor trailer, driven by Pacquin Fields, had stopped at a construction zone. John Thomas Ball Jr. was not able to stop in time safely behind the truck and slammed in to the back.   

Ball’s vehicle broke through the support beam that is supposed to stop underride crashes and went under the tractor trailer. The rear axle of the truck broke, causing extensive damage to Ball’s vehicle.

Ball was airlifted to the Carolinas Medical Center, where he is still being treated for serious injuries sustained in the trucking accident.

As a personal injury attorney I have seen countless accidents involving tractor trailers. Trucking accidents are often far more dangerous for drivers then typical car accidents. Tractor trailers are several times the weight and size of a vehicle and can do extensive damage in even small accidents.

As drivers we have to be extremely cautious around large trucks, especially on the highway. In the case of John Thomas Ball, the truck had come to a complete stop on the highway and even though the truck was equipped with a support beam, the device failed and caused Ball to go under the truck. Ball’s injuries may not have been so serious if this had not happened.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law with experience handling truck accidents. Read our case results to see for yourself. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). . Our attorneys have handled thousands of automobile negligence cases involving trucks, cars, trains, and motorcycles. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube .  In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service

Residents of Apex, North Carolina to Receive Settlement for 2006 Hazardous Waste Fire

Residents of Apex, North Carolina (NC) recently won a lawsuit against the hazardous waste company that caused a fire that led to the evacuation of most of Apex. The Environmental Quality Industrial Services facility was ordered to pay a $7.85 million dollar settlement for medical bills, pain and suffering cause by the fire.

It all started in October 2006, when the Environmental Quality Industrial Services facility exploded in to a large structure fire and officials were forced to evacuate 17,000 people from local homes and businesses. Initially, the concern was that hazardous chemicals were in the plume of smoke over the Environmental Quality Industrial Services facility, which led to the evacuation of Apex, North Carolina (NC) until an investigation could be completed.

The investigation proved that no hazardous chemicals were contained in the smoke; and the original cause of the fire was improperly stored oxygen containers in the building. With heavy hearts and shaky nerves the residents of Apex returned home, but not before the loss of business had costs thousands of dollars for local business owners.

The residents of Apex filed the lawsuit against the Environmental Quality Industrial Services facility as well as companies that sent their oxygen tanks to the facility for both the displacement of homesteads and monetary loss caused by the fire. Senior U.S. District Judge Earl Britt signed off on the deal that will pay both business owners and local residents.

As a personal injury attorney, I have seen cases like fire at the Apex Environmental Quality Industrial Services facility where residents are suddenly evacuated from their homes with out warning. It is imperative that each of us, especially if you live close to a chemical or hazardous waste plant, to have an evacuation plan. By setting up a simple plan now, you can quickly get your family to safety in the event of a disaster.

AC

Maclaren Recalls Over One Million Strollers After 12 Children are Severely Injured

As a parent you have enough to worry about regarding your child’s safety. You should not have to worry about the toys they play with, the clothes they wear, or the stroller you take to the park everyday. These items should be tested by the companies that make them, but what if they aren’t? What if that product you use everyday is putting your child at risk for serious injury?

At least twelve parents across the U.S. know what can happen when a product goes bad; that is, after their children had their fingers amputated by a Maclaren stroller.

Maclaren, a long trusted children’s brand, issued a recall for over a million strollers after 15 reports of injury to a child. According to the http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com/blog/blair-expands-robe-recall-after-nine-deaths-were-reported.cfmrecall, children can get their fingers trapped in the mechanism that hinges the stroller closed, potentially causing those fingers to be amputated among other serious injuries. The effected models include; Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking any parent who owns a Maclaren stroller to discontinue use immediately until the stroller can be fixed.

Maclaren is offering a hinge cover for any model affected by the recall. The hinge cover can be installed fairly easily and is available both at their website and through their toll free number; (877) 688-2326.

If your child has already been injured by their stroller a personal injury attorney may be able to assist you in seeking damages for your child. Injuries such as amputation require extensive surgery, which can be difficult on a child and often very expensive. If your child has not yet been injured by the stroller, but you do own one from the brand, we urge you to discontinue use immediately and order a replacement part as soon as possible.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling dangerous drugs and prescription drug errors. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube .  In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

AC

Garner, North Carolina ConAgra Plant to cut 321 Jobs after Explosion

The ConAgra food plant located in Garner, North Carolina (NC) plans to cut 300 hourly and 21 salaried positions from their payroll following a plant explosion that occurred earlier this summer.

The initial explosion resulted from contract employees installing a water line and accidentally leaking natural gas into the plant. The ConAgra food plant exploded causing the roof to collapse and trap dozens of employees. Three employees died as a result of the blast. Several dozen employees were sent to local North Carolina (NC) hospitals where they were treated for their injuries.

After the explosion the ConAgra food company initially provided full pay and benefits to workers. However, the plant will soon cut pay to any worker still out of work as a result of their injuries in addition to the 321 lay offs the company plans to initiate. These workers are eligible to apply for Worker’s Compensation Benefits.

When my colleague, Jim Lewis, originally wrote about the ConAgra plant explosion in June an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the blast. While it has now been determined that the explosion was accidental, several people of Garner are feeling little relief. The untimely loss of the three plant employees; Barbara McLean, Lewis Watson and Rachel Pulley, and the added stress of loss of pay for those still suffering from their injuries is a tragic situation.

As a personal injury attorney I have seen several cases were Worker’s Compensation Benefits fail to provide what is needed for families out of work. If you find yourself injured and out of work due to an accident at your company a personal injury attorney may be able to assist you in getting back on your feet financially.

Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injury law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library with over 50 videos covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

AC

QVC Employees under Investigation in Rocky Mount, North Carolina (NC)

Dozens of QVC employees have gathered around the plant in Rocky Mount, North Carolina (NC) in protest today after being turned away when reporting to work.

A spokesperson for the QVC plant told reporters that the employees were under investigation after several employees withdrew hardship loans from their 401k. The employees have been placed on unpaid leave pending the investigation and any employee of QVC found to have falsely used the hardship program may be terminated.

The Rocky Mount, North Carolina (NC) employees tell a different story. Employees told reporters QVC had cut overtime, hours, and imposed a salary freeze causing them to dip in to their 401k for funding. Fidelity, the company that handles the 401k program for the plant, approved the hardship loans and funding has already been sent to the employees.

Letters were sent out earlier this month requesting that any employee with a hardship loan schedule a meeting with QVC’s loss prevention department. QVC employees over 900 people in the Rocky Mount area, but declined to comment on how many employees had been affected by the investigation.

As a personal injury attorney, I know that cases like these are never simple and investigations of a large magnitude can take time. Meanwhile, the QVC employees will remain out of work. Going without a paycheck can be a huge struggle for most people. If you have found yourself out of work due to your employer a personal injury attorney may be able to help you get what you need to get back on your feet.

Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injur law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

AC