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Careful Not to Cross the Line (or Lane)! Knowing Lane Rules for Motorcyclists Increases Safety

Sarah Cool — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 07:03:03 GMT

To become licensed to drive a motorcycle in Nebraska, both written and driving tests are required. Riders must fulfill all the requirements, including motorcycle skills tests at local testing centers and demonstrating knowledge of the Nebraska motorcycle operating manual. But it is also the responsibility of all riders to recall the rules of the road and follow them carefully. If you’re a new motorcycle rider, or perhaps an experienced rider who needs a refresher on riding rules, you may not remember some of the laws regarding lane usage by motorcycles. Those of us that have driven primarily cars and trucks, or other similar vehicles, have seen it a number of times – motorcycle riders zipping through a traffic jam, weaving with ease and confidence through lanes and lanes of backed up cars. Driving this way is called “lane splitting,” and it is prohibited by Nebraska’s traffic law. Nebraska section 60-6308 specifically prohibits operation of a motorcycle “between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.” This means that weaving between the lanes can get the rider a ticket – or worse, cause a rider who is injured when between lanes of traffic to be at fault if an accident is caused by a car moving in or out of a lane. This can occur because Nebraska recognizes contributory negligence, meaning that if a rider is partially at fault for an accident when he or she is moving between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines of row of vehicles, then his or her damages from an accident can be reduced to reflect that the rider was partially responsible. Lane splitting can be especially dangerous for riders when drivers of cars and other vehicles aren’t paying careful attention to the road and aren’t expecting motorcycles to be present between the lanes.

In order to protect yourself on the road and in case of an accident, it is important as a motorcyclist to use the lanes properly. Although it can be especially tempting in a traffic jam, do not engage in “lane splitting.” and know the requirements of Nebraska’s law for motorcyclists. It may also be helpful to note that only two riders should be side-by-side in a lane at a time. For more on the safety and legal requirements for Nebraska’s motorcyclists, a brief and helpful overview can be found here, courtesy of American Motorcyclist.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sarah Cool

AAJ ranks Ten Worst Insurance Companies for Consumers

John Inserra — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:44:46 GMT

The American Association for Justice has published its ten worst insurance companies for consumers. Forget what you see on TV, as a consumer you are not in good hands with Allstate, as they lead the list. As a consumer, let the buyer beware, each of the top ten companies will use various tactics to increase profit. The more you know as a consumer about the realities of the insurance business, the better you can decide which company will protect you and your family when you need the coverage you buy.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Inserra

Cell Phone Dialing and Texting While Driving - How Many Deaths and Serious Accidents Will it Take??

Craig Kelley — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:40:31 GMT

BEFORE we the people, our legislatures, or the proper lobbying groups DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS CRAZINESS!!

If the sight of the drivers all around you on the interstate, dialing/using one driving arm to hold or dial their cell/smart phones scares you as much as it does me, you've got a right to be angry or concerned, or both.

Various studies have shown that driving while using a cell phone can be as dangerous as driving with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit. Estimates of the number of U.S. traffic deaths caused by cell phone talking while driving are generally in the 2,000 - 3,000 range with one hundred times as many injuries. Yes that is SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND accidents caused by cell phones. NOW, add in text messaging!

The best remedy for this menace would be common sense by most drivers and a realization that the common practice is anti-social and dangerous. YEAH, RIGHT!

Legislation that say Cell phones may only be used hands-free, followed by tough enforcement, are the ONLY answer and need to be implemented.

I now use Bluetooth in my vehicle after formerly being a dangerous dialer/phone holder/texter until a few months ago. Use hands-free, dial ONLY when stopped, and never text in the car. I am going to write a whole series of blogs on this epidemic that will soon rise to surpass intoxication and fatigue as the leading cause of death, paralyzation, and serious personal injury, including lost careers and major medical bills.

Stay tuned!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Craig Kelley

DO YOU OWN A 2003 HONDA ACCORD? You and 350,000 OTher Fellow Owners Have a Recall to Deal With

Craig Kelley — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:45:55 GMT

Omaha's KETV broke the AP story:

THe 2003 Honda Accord has a water drainage problem that leads to corrosion windshield wiper cover. The corrosion could cause the electrical circuit breaker inside the wiper motor area to fail and could prevent the motor from working, potentially leading to a crash.

Call your dealer, and schedule an appointment to get a cover over your motor area, and/or a new windshield wiper motor if there are any signs of corrosion, or you may contact Honda at (800) 999-1009 with further questions.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Craig Kelley

Volvo Wins Safety Award

John Inserra — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:16:00 GMT

Volvo has won an award for the development of "City Safety." The XC60 is Volvo's first car to have this system. Approximately 75% of all collisions are at speeds less than 30 km/h (18 mph). In 50 percent of cases the driver does not even brake before the collision and the reason is usually insufficient concentration. If the vehicle in front brakes suddenly and City Safety assesses that a collision is imminent, the brakes are prepared for action. If the driver does not take action, the car is braked automatically. At speeds less than 15 km/h (9 mph) City Safety can entirely avoid accidents, at speeds between 17 - 30 km/h (10-18 mph) the system applies brake force to reduce vehicle speed and help reduce occupant injuries and vehicle damage.

This system sounds promising. As usual Volvo still leads automobile manufactures in designing safer cars for us all to drive.

later this year, the
Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Inserra

Should Omaha Allow Minors in Bars or Lounges for Concerts? The Omaha City Council Decides Yes

Craig Kelley — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:12:41 GMT

Yesterday, the Omaha City Council listened to arguments from both side regarding a proposed ordinance that would allow Minors to attend concerts and music events at bars or lounges were alcohol is being concurrently served, as reported by WOWT.

What is your opinion?

As a BIG music fan and concert lover who is currently unable to see many shows with my music-loving 17 year old son, I LOVE the idea. Being a parent who realizes many kids will do anything possible to obtain nearby alcohol, I understand the concerns of the naysayers.

I think if the ideas are implemented for wristbands and different-appearing serving cups, added security, separation of adults and minorsections and other proposed solutions, this is a GREAT idea to bring more and better music shows to the Omaha and Council Bluffs metro area.

YOUR thoughts?

After hearing the arguments the Council decided to let Minors attend concerts at alcohol-serving concert venue lounges, such as Omaha's Slowdown and Waiting Room lounges, but ONLY with the goofy new requirement that the minors have a NOTARIZED permission slip from the Minor's Parents or Guardians, amongst other requirements

WHAT A HASSLE! check out Omaha.com for more on the story, and arguments from both sides on the new ordinance

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Craig Kelley

Cell Phone Use Laws While Driving

John Inserra — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:07:16 GMT

Concern over the increasing use of cell phones has prompted legislatures in a number of states to attempt to ban, or at least restrict, cell phone use while driving, particularly among novice drivers. Attached is a chart outlining the use of cell phones while driving for each state.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Inserra

Jeep Liberty Recall

John Inserra — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 14:45:24 GMT

DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler is recalling about 832,500 Jeep Liberty sport utility vehicles to fix a steering part.
The front suspension lower ball joints on 2002 to 2006 Liberty SUVs will be replaced, the automaker said in a statement. The part can experience excessive wear and in extreme cases may separate, causing a loss of steering control, Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Chrysler said.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Inserra

Top Ten Tips For Injured Workers

John Inserra — Wed, 24 May 2006 13:53:39 GMT

If you get hurt on the job, your employer maybe required to pay you workers' compensation benefits.
You may be entitled to Medical Care, Temporary total disability benefits,Temporary partial disability benefits,
Permanent partial disability benefits, Vocational rehabilitation benefits, or Death benefits.

The tips below only scratch the surface of possible pitfalls in the workers' compensation system. It is your duty to find out what laws apply and whether your employer/insurance company are providing the proper benefits. Do not expect the insurance company to tell you about your rights. As a matter of fact an adjuster is not allowed to give you legal advice. It is your duty to get that information.

1. REPORT INJURY
Â§ Report you injury right away! Tell your supervisor and ask him/her to fill out a First Report of Alleged Occupational Illness Injury. Many times employers will not make a record of an injury until well after the date of accident. The lack of a record can hurt your claim. If you are getting hassled about filling out a report you should contact an attorney immediately.

2. GATHER INFORMATION
Â§ Write down the names of anyone who witnessed the accident and where the accident happened. Also if the accident involved any possible dangerous or defective product, save the product. You may be able to bring a separate claim against the manufacturer or distributor of that product.

3. CHOOSE YOUR OWN DOCTOR
Â§ In Nebraska there are rules about who chooses the doctor you see. You have the right to select a doctor who you (or an immediate family member) have seen before. If you do not have seen a doctor the employer may get to choose. Frequently an employer will not tell you about this right to choose your own doctor and simply send you to a company doctor. Without proper notice by the employer you may then have the right to select your own physician. If possible you should avoid company doctors and see your own family doctor. An attorney can help you with this process.

4. SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY
Â§ It is very important that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible for two reasons. First is to get the best medical care available. Sometimes by waiting you will further injure yourself. Second is that you will create a medical record of what happened. If you delay treatment an insurance company can use that against you and even argue that you didn't get hurt at work. The sooner the better.

5. DESCRIBE THE ACCIDENT
Â§ Always tell the doctor how the accident happened. Describe in detail when, where, how. The doctor will write down this information. You need this information recorded to help your claim.

6. REPORT ALL SYMPTOMS
Â§ No matter how minor it may seem, always report ALL symptoms to your doctor. If your neck AND back hurt, tell your doctor about both. The simplest way is to work from your head to your toes and report everything. However this does not mean exaggerate your symptoms. Be matter of fact and know that you are creating a record of your injuries.

7. RECORDED STATEMENTS
Â§ Never give a recorded statement without first talking to an attorney. Prior to taking recorded statements of injured workers, adjusters frequently meet with their attorneys to discuss how to ask questions. By allowing a recorded statement, you may be giving an insurance company ammunition to deny your claim. With you even knowing it. If you already have a recorded statement scheduled - talk to an attorney before you talk.

8. ABOUT CLAIMS ADJUSTERS/ NURSE MANAGERS
Â§ Be careful when you talk to adjusters. They are paid to keep claims down and the only way they can do that is at the expense of you. However you should always be polite when talking to an adjuster and you also have a duty to cooperate.

9. COMPANY DOCTORS
Â§ If you get a call from an adjuster or nurse manager that you need to see another doctor, call an attorney immediately. Seeing a company or defense doctor can seriously affect your claim. Company/defense doctors may disagree with the treatment you are receiving or the physical restrictions recommended by your treating doctor. The insurance company may then even has a reason to deny your claim. Also if your treating physician recommends a referral to a specialist, do not let the employer/insurance company pick the specialist. Talk to an attorney first.

10. TALK TO AN ATTORNEY
Â§ The sooner you talk to an attorney the better. You may not need an attorney to represent you but without first talking to one, you will never know.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Inserra

Iraq War Brain Injury Feature of NBC News

Staff Writer — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 09:11:53 GMT

Bob Westbrook is a brain injury victim located in Toledo Ohio who owns the blog Ran with the devil, Walked with angels. I am an avid reader of Bob's posts, and he brought my attention to a series NBC news has been running this week. The stories have focused on brain injuries and the Iraq War. Their features have talked about how brain injuries are common among Iraq War vets, how brain injuries are not always apparent and how brain injury is the signature wound of the Iraq War.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer