Car Accidents

August 17, 2015

Renowned Batman Impersonator Dies in Highway Accident

A man who was renowned in the Washington D.C. area for the countless hours he spent impersonating Batman at local hospitals has died following a car accident on a highway in Maryland. The man, 51 year old Leonard Robinson of Owing Mills, Maryland, was struck and killed while he was attempting to check the engine of his “Batmobile” along the eastbound I-70 highway on Sunday night. According to police reports, the crash took place at approximately 10:30 PM that evening.

Responding officers have stated that Robinson was hit by a Toyota Camry shortly after he pulled over to inspect the engine of his vehicle, a Lamborghini he had customized to look like a real-life Batmobile. Robinson was apparently coming home from a car show when he suddenly had to pull over in the fast lane in order to check issues he appeared to be having with his engine. It was around this time that the unidentified driver of the Toyota Camry struck Robinson’s Lamborghini, which in turn struck Robinson following the impact—he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota Camry did not suffer any injuries during the accident, and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is still ongoing. State police responding to the scene have said that no charges have been filed against the driver at this time.

Leonard Robinson first gained national attention after he was filmed being pulled over by police in 2012 while he was driving his Batmobile in full Batman attire. Before then, however, he was well known for adorning himself in a replica Batman suit in order to visit sick children at nearby hospitals. Reports have indicated that Robinson made his fair share of wealth in the cleaning business and made the decision to purchase over $25,000 worth of Batman shirts, toys, and books that he then gave to the children he was visiting in the hospital. Those who knew Robinson as the man and not just the hero have revered his dedication to bringing smiles to the children who needed it the most. He would frequently visit the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, and on one visit he took time to reflect on the vast injustices these children were facing every single day. Robinson himself had three healthy children—perhaps a driving factor in his decision to devote so much time to children who weren’t as fortunate.

August 14, 2015

Property Damage Coverage and Disputes

by Altman & Altman

Dealing with property damage insurance claims after a motor vehicle accident that takes place in Massachusetts can be overwhelming and confusing. The questions of which party caused the accident, whether it was based on negligence, and what kind of insurance policies both drivers have are all taken into consideration. A basic understanding of policy limits, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage can be immensely helpful in the event of an accident. If you are involved in an accident, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney immediately. Without legal representation, knowing your rights and interpreting certain information may be a challenge. For example, the insurance adjuster may present a damage repair estimate that is much different than the one you have obtained. Understanding the legal aspects of motor vehicle accidents and property damage is essential to protecting your rights and obtaining compensation if the other driver is at fault.

Understanding Policy Limits

When damage to your vehicle is a result of another driver’s negligence, it can be covered only up to the policy limit of that driver’s insurance coverage. Their insurance company is only required to pay out the amount available in the plan they have chosen. If the damage is less than their policy offers, the other driver’s insurer will send a check for the full amount of damages determined by estimates and property worth. However, if the damage exceeds the amount their plan covers, you will have to examine your own policy’s collision coverage to determine if the difference will be covered.

Understanding Collision Coverage

With collision coverage, your insurance policy will cover the amount of damage to your vehicle (minus the deductible) regardless of who was liable. However, the amount may not exceed policy limits. In order to use your collision coverage to subsidize the difference between the damage amount and the other driver’s property damage coverage, your collision coverage must exceed the at-fault driver’s property damage coverage. This only applies to auto insurance. If a building was damaged, such as a garage or home, your homeowner’s insurance policy would determine how to proceed. Continue reading

August 12, 2015

Smartphone Apps Aim To Help Reduce Texting While Driving Accidents

by Altman & Altman

Texting and driving is extremely dangerous, and in some states the action is even illegal. The number of vehicle related accidents that can be directly tied to phone distraction is on the rise. However, a few up-and-coming phone applications have been developed in an effort to combat these accidents from occurring at such a high volume. A range of different options allows drivers and cellphone enthusiasts to select the app they feel best suits their needs while they are on the road. As Boston car accident lawyers we often see what can happen when a driver briefly takes his or her eyes off the road. Sometimes it can be a minor fender bender other times it can be catastrophic.

For those of you who struggle with completely disconnecting yourself from your phone while you travel, app developers are hoping they can lend you a hand (figuratively and literally) to assist in your debacle. Keeping both hands on the wheel and remaining alert and attentive are the most important things you can do while you are driving. The first of these options provided for hands-free driving is an app by the name of Auto SMS. This application is described as being an auto-response to both text messages and phone calls received while traveling in your vehicle. Auto SMS will automatically respond to all phone calls and text messages received when the application is set to a “text-to-speech” setting. In addition to responding to your messages, the application also has the ability to read the text messages aloud to you so that you are aware of who is contacting you and what the matter is regarding. Auto SMS has a variety of settings that you can adjust to best suit your needs, offering you the ability to auto respond to certain people at certain times and the manner in which you would like to respond to these individuals. Continue reading

August 5, 2015

Are There Gaps in Your Massachusetts Auto Insurance Policy?

by Altman & Altman

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from a subsequent injury. Stress is likely to increase when the driver at fault has inadequate auto insurance coverage or no coverage at all. To protect yourself from unnecessary medical and property damage expenses, it is important to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in your plan. The Insurance Research Council’s latest report reveals that, although the number of uninsured motorists has experienced a downward trend over the past five years, the amount of uninsured claims has increased an estimated 75%. In 2012, insurance companies paid out over $2 million in uninsured / under insured motorist claims.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage allows you to make a claim against your own insurance company when the at-fault driver carries no auto insurance. Although there is an option to sue the at-fault driver, it is likely that he or she will not have the funds to compensate you. Claims against your own insurance company can be as high as the limit of coverage and will cover both property damage and medical expenses.

The statute of limitations for uninsured motorist claims typically provides a very short period during which to file. Therefore, it is in your best interest to report a claim as soon as possible. Try to exchange insurance information with the at-fault driver at the scene of the accident. If the driver does not comply, ask the police officer involved to check the insurance information of everyone involved. Continue reading

July 30, 2015

The Psychological Impact of Car Accidents in Massachusetts and Throughout The Country

by Altman & Altman

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that a person is injured in a car accident every 10 seconds. Crashes affect approximately three million Americans annually. From fender benders to catastrophic collisions, car accidents can be costly. Statistics show that motor vehicle accidents are the leading type of traumatic event for men, and the second most frequent trauma for women in the United States. The psychological effects of even the most minor accident may become debilitating over time. Anxiety, depression, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder are the most common conditions experienced by car accident victims. These issues may call for medical attention or time away from work. Our Massachusetts car accident lawyers have seen how such a trauma can effect accident victims.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

A recent study reveals that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects 10% to 45% of car accident victims. While feelings of fear, loss of control, anxiety, and stress are typical responses after any kind of trauma, they tend to dissipate over time. What differentiates PTSD from these other conditions is the long lasting or recurring nature of the symptoms. These symptoms may include:

Re-experiencing Symptoms – Often referred to as flashbacks, this is when a victim has episodes of physically and emotionally re-living the accident. This may also manifest through nightmares and other negative experiences.
Avoidance – This is a defense mechanism used to keep the victim from initiating memories of the crash. He or she may avoid the site of the crash, or any people involved that trigger anxiety.
Changing beliefs – A traumatic car accident may induce a shift in a victim’s perspective of people, activities, or self-image. This is usually considered as another avoidance mechanism. New feelings of fear, guilt, and shame are common.
Hyper-arousal – This is when an accident victim exhibits a nervous, hyper-alert state. He or she has trouble releasing tension and may have difficulty focusing or sleeping.

July 29, 2015

Are Anti-Texting While Driving Campaigns Effective?

by Altman & Altman

Everyone knows the dangers of texting while driving. Currently, 39 states have laws against this growing problem, and anti-texting campaigns can regularly be seen and heard on radio, television, social media, and in print ads. These ads have become increasingly graphic in an attempt to discourage drivers from texting or talking on the phone while behind the wheel.

But do they work?

According to a recent report, there are 660,000 drivers looking at their phones at any given moment. Young people between the ages of 18 and 24 account for the largest percentage of offenders. Unfortunately, this is the same age group with the highest risk of fatal crashes. Young people are less experienced drivers, and have a tendency to engage in riskier behaviors (not wearing a seatbelt, speeding) than their older counterparts. Combining these risk-factors with the added risk of texting while driving proves fatal for thousands of young people every year. Obviously, something needs to be done.

Anti-texting Campaigns Are “Missing the Mark”

Unfortunately, reports show that the surge of anti-texting campaigns is proving largely ineffective. A recent survey found that 97% of teens already know that texting and driving is extremely dangerous. With the dangers of texting and driving being the main focus of just about every ad campaign, it seems as though the campaigns are simply telling people what they already know. Continue reading

July 21, 2015

Whiplash – Causes and Misconceptions – What You Need to Know If You’re Injured in Massachusetts

by Altman & Altman

Whiplash is the most common motor vehicle accident-related injury. However, it is also widely misunderstood. Unfortunately, the term “whiplash” has become associated with exaggerated personal injury claims. In fact, most attorneys refrain from using the term whiplash in the courtroom, instead referring to the specific injury’s technical name. Whiplash-related injuries may include hyperextension/hyperflexion or myofascial injury, neck strain or sprain, and cervical strain or sprain.

The term whiplash encompasses a number of neck injuries that are most commonly suffered as a result of a rear-end collision. When the body is propelled forward but the head and neck stay in place, such as in a rear-end auto accident, damage to the soft tissue of the neck may occur. This sudden jerking and stretching of the neck muscles occurs in a whip-like motion, hence the name.

Common Causes of Whiplash

Although rear-end collisions are the main cause of whiplash injuries, damage to the soft tissue of the neck can occur under many circumstances. These may include:

July 2, 2015

Massachusetts Car Accidents Gradually Declining

by Altman & Altman

A general decrease in car accidents and vehicle related fatalities has been taking place in Massachusetts over the past six years or so. While some counties (Worcester and Plymouth primarily) are still experiencing fluctuating numbers between years, a steady overall decline seems to be developing. Most online records have not been updated since 2012-2013 but the graphs provided indicate that this is a trend that could realistically continue.

Car crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries stemming from car accidents have decreased substantially from 2010-2012. The statistics do show a slight increase in fatalities between 2010-2011, but then the numbers become lower again during the 2011-2012 time frame. The Massachusetts Government reports that the total number of car crashes between 2010 and 2012 has dwindled by as many as 8,317. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration similarly reported that in 2010 motor vehicle crashes resulted in the lowest number of fatalities since 1949. Continue reading

June 29, 2015

Driving Tips and Tools: For Bay State Holiday Weekends and Beyond

by Altman & Altman

If you are driving this July 4^th weekend, whether it is locally or out-of-state, there are a few things you may need to observe in order to ensure your safety on the road. Times of celebration bring to mind more pleasant ideas than driver safety, but it is important to remember that holiday times tend to be some of the most dangerous times of the year in terms of road conditions.

In preparation for your road trip, there are essential things you can check on and within your vehicle to make sure that you are in a safe driving condition. The most basic item you could tick off your checklist first would be your tires. Checking your tire pressure before you take to the streets can be a key difference maker in terms of your fuel efficiency, and it can also play a vital role in your safety as well.

Another important item to check the quality of is your car’s battery. If you know that it has been awhile since you last replaced the battery in your car, it could be time to consider changing the battery for a new one. If you feel as though this can wait until you return from your trip, it would be a good idea to keep jumper cables handy in case you were to need them. In terms of driving, it is always better to be prepared for any possible circumstances that may arise. Continue reading

May 31, 2015

Massachusetts Sideswipe Accidents Leave Passengers Vulnerable to Serious Injuries

by Altman & Altman

If you or someone you love was injured in a Boston sideswipe collision, you should speak with an experienced Massachusetts traffic accident lawyer right away. A sideswipe accident happens when the sides of two autos heading in the same direction end up striking one another, potentially causing serious injuries or death.

A sideswipe accident typically occurs when one driver changes lanes without checking to make sure there isn’t already a vehicle there. Distracted driving can also compel a motorist to unintentionally drift into the next lane without noticing until it’s too late. Driving while tired, talking on a cell phone, text messaging, or operating under the influence of alcohol and drugs can also cause sideswipe crashes.

Injuries from a sideswipe accident may be severe—especially as the bulk of protection found in vehicles are designated to deal with head-on and rear-end crashes, although having side-impact air bags can help. Still, in sideswipe crashes there is very little physical buffer between where the impact strikes a vehicle and the location of the passengers.