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Personal Injury

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How to Avoid Being Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident

Drunk driving is a serious problem in the United States. In 2022, there were over 10,000 people killed in drunk driving accidents, roughly 28 people every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving is responsible for about 28% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. If you’re looking to avoid being injured in a drunk driving accident, there are a few things you can do. In this article, we’ll discuss the signs that someone is drunk, the dangerous times to drive, and the days you should avoid driving. Signs of Drunk Driving Drunk driving is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. If you see someone who may be driving drunk, it is important to be able to identify the signs.. These include: Slow or erratic driving A drunk driver may be driving too slowly, weaving in and out of their lane, or making sudden stops or turns. Aggressive driving A drunk driver may be tailgating, honking their horn excessively, or making other dangerous maneuvers. Drowsy driving A drunk driver may be nodding off at the wheel or have difficulty keeping their eyes open. Red, watery eyes A drunk driver may have red, watery eyes or dilated pupils. If you see someone who is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s best to avoid them and alert the police as soon as possible. Dangerous Times to Drive There are certain times of day when drunk driving is more common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most drunk driving arrests and accidents occur between midnight and 3 AM. This is likely due to the fact that many bars and parties close during this time, and people are more likely to be intoxicated. Additionally, people are often tired after a long day, which can impair their judgment and make them more likely to drive drunk. If you must drive during these times, be extra careful. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of any erratic drivers.  Days to Avoid Driving There are also certain days of the year when drunk driving is more common. Some of these include: New Year’s Eve Super Bowl Sunday Labor Day Memorial Day If you can, avoid driving on these days. Take public transportation or try to make plans near home. If you must drive, be sure to take extra precautions. Contact Our Kansas City Area Car Accident Attorneys Today By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of being injured in a drunk driving accident. Remember, never drink and drive. If you’re going to drink, make sure you have a designated driver or call a taxi. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident at the hands of a drunk driver, contact our Overland Park car accident lawyers today. We are here to help.

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Injured due to a corporation's negligence? The personal injury attorneys at MSB Law have your back.

Supreme Court Narrowly Upholds State Corporate Registration Law in Major Personal Jurisdiction Case

On June 27, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld a Pennsylvania law that allows out-of-state corporations to be sued in Pennsylvania courts simply by registering to do business in the state. The case, Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co., involved a Virginia resident who worked for Norfolk Southern in Virginia and Ohio. After he was diagnosed with colon cancer, he sued Norfolk Southern Railway – a North Carolina corporation, in Pennsylvania state court. Norfolk Southern argued that the Pennsylvania court did not have personal jurisdiction over it because it had no other contacts with the state. The Supreme Court disagreed, holding that the Pennsylvania corporate registration law created sufficient minimum contacts with the state to justify personal jurisdiction. The Court reasoned that by registering to do business in Pennsylvania, a corporation consents to being sued in Pennsylvania courts for any claims arising out of its activities in the state. The Mallory decision is a significant victory for plaintiffs who are injured by out-of-state corporations. It makes it easier for plaintiffs to sue these corporations in their home state, where they may be more likely to succeed. The decision also has implications for businesses that register to do business in multiple states. These businesses should carefully consider the implications of the Mallory decision before registering to do business in any state. The corporate registration law in Kansas will likely make corporations registered there subject to lawsuits in the state. What does this mean for businesses? The Mallory decision means that businesses that register to do business in a state may be subject to personal jurisdiction in that state for any claims arising out of their activities in the state. This includes claims that are unrelated to the business’s registration activities. Businesses should be aware of the implications of the Mallory decision when registering to do business in any state. Many companies do business throughout the country and will be required to register to do business in those states.  What does this mean for plaintiffs? The Mallory decision makes it easier for plaintiffs who are injured by out-of-state corporations to sue these corporations in their home state. This is because the decision allows plaintiffs to establish personal jurisdiction over out-of-state corporations based on their registration activities in the state. Plaintiffs should be aware of the Mallory decision and should consider whether it may be helpful in their case. Our Attorneys Can Help If you have been injured by an out-of-state corporation, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. The attorneys at MSB Law have extensive experience handling many types of personal injury cases. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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If you have lost a loved one, our Overland Park wrongful death attorneys are here to help

Uncovering Causes of Wrongful Death: An In-Depth Look

Wrongful death cases can be complicated and emotionally charged. While it’s impossible to undo the tragedy of a loved one’s passing, filing a wrongful death claim may help bring closure and justice for those affected. At MSB Law, we have handled many wrongful death cases over the years. In this article, we delve into the common causes of wrongful death and discuss how we have helped families seek closure and justice. Auto Accidents According to the CDC, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of unintentional deaths in the United States. In fact, over 42,000 people died from motor vehicle-related injuries in 2022 alone. Whether a loved one was killed as the result of an auto accident involving a car, motorcycle, or semi-truck—you may have grounds to file a wrongful death suit. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal system and ensure those responsible are held accountable. Medical Malpractice When people entrust their health to medical professionals they expect to be treated with the utmost care. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or healthcare professional fails to meet the standard of care and their action or inaction causes serious injury or death. On average per year in the United States, 10% of all deaths are the result of medical error and roughly 85,000 medical malpractice cases are filed each year. By filing a wrongful death claim against those at fault, families can recover financial compensation for their losses. Product Liability Defective products can cause severe harm if proper safety protocols aren’t followed by manufacturers. If someone you love has been wrongfully killed due to a defective product—such as children’s toys, furniture, electronics, motor vehicles, or equipment—you may be able to pursue legal action against those responsible with our help. We have years of experience handling product liability cases and understand how devastating these types of losses can be for families.  Social Host Liability, Dram Shop Liability, and Drunk Driving We have represented several families who have lost loved due to the actions of drunk drivers. We have successfully recovered money not only from the drunk drivers, but also those who served the driver with alcohol when the driver was already visibly intoxicated. If the driver was served with liquor at a private gathering, the person serving the alcohol may have social host liability. If the driver was served with liquor at a bar or restaurant, the bar or restaurant may have dram shop liability. The laws are Kansas differ from those in Missouri Construction Accidents Each year construction workers face danger on job sites both big and small. But when employers fail to adhere to safety regulations or provide adequate training it increases the risk of an accident occurring that could lead to death or injury. If your family has lost a loved one due to a construction accident caused by negligence—we are here for you every step of the way in pursuing justice and rightful compensation for what you’ve endured during this tragic time. Click here to learn about some of our success stories. Our Overland Park Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help At MSB Law we understand how difficult it is when you lose someone close due to negligence or recklessness from another party—which is why we fight hard on behalf of our clients for rightful compensation and justice for them and their family members who have passed away too soon due to wrongful death causes like motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, and construction accidents. Contact our Overland Park wrongful death attorneys today if you think you may have a wrongful death case so we can discuss your options going forward in seeking closure and justice after such an unexpected loss.

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If you have been injured in a car accident, contact our Overland Park car accident attorneys today

Active Safety Technology: How it is Reshaping Our Roads

In the modern world, no one wants to experience the pain and suffering that comes with a car accident. As car manufacturers look for ways to make driving as safe and secure as possible, they are turning to active safety technology as a potential solution. This technology utilizes sensors, cameras, radar, and other features designed to detect potential hazards and take corrective action. In this article we’ll explore how this technology is reshaping our roads and reducing the number of car accidents. This technology is great, however, car accidents still continue to happen. If you have been injured in an accident, our Overland Park car accident attorneys are here to help you. What is Active Safety Technology?  Active safety technology is defined as “technologies designed to reduce the risk of a crash or mitigate its severity.” This includes features such as lane-departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and many more. While these features have been around for some time, they are becoming increasingly advanced and widespread across different car models. The Role of Automakers  Automakers are investing heavily in active safety technology as a way to make their cars safer and more competitive in the market. According to research from NHTSA, auto manufacturers spend about $6 billion each year on new technologies. As automakers continue to develop more sophisticated active safety features and make them more widely available, this investment could pay off in terms of reducing accidents. Impact on Car Accidents  Given the immense investment in active safety technology by auto manufacturers, it’s not surprising that this technology has had a significant impact on car accidents in recent years. One study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University found that vehicles equipped with lane-departure warnings experienced 46% fewer single vehicle crashes than those without the feature. Similarly, cars with automatic emergency braking systems experienced 40% fewer frontal collisions than those without these systems. Ultimately, it appears that these active safety technologies can have a major role in reducing car accidents. This technology also impacts the legal profession, as lawyers now have access to more data than ever before. This allows for us to better represent our clients and get them the compensation and care they deserve. How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Despite improved technology, accidents still happen all the time. At MSB Law, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve when recovering from an auto accident injury. Our attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and will work diligently on your behalf in order to get you the maximum compensation for your injuries and other losses. With our help, you can rest assured that all costs associated with your accident will be accounted for and addressed appropriately. If you have been injured in a car accident and require legal counsel, contact one of our car accident attorneys at MSB Law today.

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Navigating the Aftermath of Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a rear-end motorcycle accident, you are not alone. Each year, more than 5,000 people are killed in motorcycle accidents and more than 90,000 are injured. Knowing what to expect and the steps to take after an accident can help save your life and protect your rights. In this article, we’ll discuss the common injuries associated with rear-end motorcycle accidents and provide information on how to best handle the situation. If you’ve been hit from behind on a motorcycle, do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Common injuries  Rear-end motorcycle accidents can lead to a variety of serious injuries. Due to the nature of this kind of accident, head and neck injuries are some of the most common ones you will see. According to the National Safety Council, head and neck injuries accounted for 29 percent of all motorcycle fatalities in 2018. Other common injuries associated with rear-end motorcycle accidents include: Road rash: This is a common injury among motorcyclists due to their lack of protection when they are thrown from the bike. Road rash can cause significant pain, swelling, and skin discoloration. In more severe cases, road rash may lead to infection or nerve damage.  Broken bones: When you’re the victim of a rear-end collision, you may be thrown from your bike and suffer broken bones as a result. In addition to causing immense physical pain, it can also have significant financial repercussions due to time off from work and medical bills associated with recovery.  Spinal cord injuries: The spine is made up of many vertebrae that are highly vulnerable to injury in an accident. If your spine sustains trauma during a collision, it could lead to long-term complications such as paralysis or chronic pain. Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries are often permanent and require lifelong medical care.  Loss of limb: Rear-end collisions can cause traumatic amputations if limbs become trapped beneath the vehicle that hit you or were otherwise mangled in the crash itself. The loss of a limb can drastically alter your life as you adjust both physically and emotionally to this new reality.  Steps you can take after an accident What you do immediately after an accident may have a huge impact on how the accident will affect you inside and outside of the courtroom. Here are some steps you should take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation: Seek medical attention right away: It’s important not only for your health but also for any legal action you decide to pursue. This is because having timely records documenting your injuries will help build your case against the other party involved in the crash and clearly show the nature and the extent of your injuries. Notify law enforcement about the accident: Make sure that an official report is filed so that there is a public record indicating who was responsible for causing the crash (as well as any other details related to it).  Contact a qualified motorcycle accident attorney: You may be entitled to receive compensation from those responsible for causing your rear-end motorcycle accident. Having an experienced lawyer on your side will increase your chances of getting what’s owed to you legally under the law. A good attorney will also be able to guide you through any tricky legal situations by thoroughly explaining your rights along with providing helpful counsel throughout each step of proceedings. Contact Our Overland Park Motorcycle Accident Lawyers With decades of experience helping Kansas and Missouri residents who suffered severe motorcycle accident injuries, our Overland Park motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. We focus on helping our clients recover what they have lost and will fight aggressively to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured in an accident, fill out a contact form or call us at (913) 839-2808.

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Injured in a roundabout accident? Contact our car accident attorneys today.

Risky Roundabouts: How to Better Understand and Avoid Accidents

Roundabouts are an increasingly common feature of the modern roadway. But despite their convenience, roundabouts have their own set of dangers. That’s why it’s important for drivers to understand the risks associated with traveling through roundabouts so that they can make informed decisions behind the wheel. The team at MSB Law wants to help you do just that by providing this comprehensive guide to understanding and avoiding roundabout-related accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident at a roundabout or any intersection, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The Pros and Cons of Roundabouts Roundabouts are becoming increasingly popular in the US due to their ability to reduce congestion, increase safety, and save money. They can also be a great way to control traffic flow if they’re designed correctly. However, they can be dangerous if drivers don’t take the time to understand how they work.  Here are some of the pros and cons associated with roundabouts: Pros: Improve traffic flow by eliminating congestion caused by stoplights  Improve safety because vehicles must slow down before entering  Can reduce emissions due to elimination of stop-and-go traffic patterns  Cost less to maintain than traditional intersections with stoplights  Cons:  Typically require more space than other types of intersections  Can be confusing for drivers unfamiliar with roundabouts or who are not paying attention  Poorly-designed roundabouts have been found to increase crash rates, resulting in higher insurance premiums  Dangerous for pedestrians to cross due to the size of the intersection and vehicles not stopping Understanding Roundabout Dangers and Causes of Accidents It’s important for you to understand the potential risks associated with traveling through roundabouts so that you can make informed decisions behind the wheel. The most common causes of accidents at roundabouts include: Inexperience – Drivers who are not familiar with how roundabouts work may try to pass through too quickly or fail to yield appropriately. This is especially common among inexperienced teenage drivers.  Driver Distraction – Many drivers become distracted as they enter a roundabout and fail to pay attention to where they need to go next. Drivers need to plan ahead as they approach a roundabout and they need to be aware of vehicles approaching from other directions. It’s important that all drivers stay focused while traveling through a roundabout in order to avoid an accident.  Speeding – Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents at any intersection, including roundabouts. It’s important for drivers to obey posted speed limits while making their way through a roundabout in order to minimize their risk of an accident. How MSB Law Can Help At MSB Law, we understand that navigating a busy roadway can be tricky, regardless of whether it contains a traditional intersection or a roundabout. Our Overland Park personal injury attorneys are committed to obtaining the maximum possible compensation for our clients. We are here to help guide clients through the challenging process of navigating a car accident and maintain a close line of communication with them throughout. In the event you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a roundabout accident, call (913) 839-2808 for a free and confidential case evaluation.

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