Jun 28, 2011

Local Driver Faces 4th Drunk Driving Charge

Carlos Sanchez, 46, of Haverhill faces his 4th drunk driving charge after his blood alcohol content (BAC) registered at a .32, four times over the legal limit of .08, when he was pulled over Sunday evening around 8:30pm on South Main Street in Haverhill.

The Eagle Tribune reported that Sanchez may have had 15 drinks to have such a high BAC. Haverhill police reported that Sanchez was slurring his speech upon being pulled over and sobriety tests were conducted at that point, including the Breathalyzer.

Sanchez has previously served a 6-month sentence in jail for drunk driving and had drunk driving convictions in 1986, 1988, and 1989. Sanchez is being held on $3,000 bail and will have a pretrial hearing at the end of July.

Drunk Driving Statistics
Mothers Against Drunk Driving estimates that just over 30% of all fatal crashes in 2010 across Massachusetts involved a drunk driver. Also that year, 108 people in the state were killed in collisions as a direct result of a drunk driver.

When Should You Contact a Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Accidents Lawyer?
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in Massachusetts due to a drunk or reckless driver, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire a lawyer, contact the Massachusetts motor vehicle accidents lawyers with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and a successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases. Call 800-410-2769 to receive your free legal consultation. And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us at 800-410-2769, or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Jun 27, 2011

Two Hurt in Two-Vehicle Rollover on I-495 in Andover

Two unidentified drivers were injured in a serious rollover accident this morning on I-495 South in Andover near the I-93 exits. Around 6:15am, a Ford Explorer being driven by a 44-year-old man from Riverdale, Maryland and another vehicle driven by a 32-year-old man from Bradford somehow made contact while on the highway and rolled over before coming to a stop in the median.

The Maryland driver sustained severe injuries and was rushed to an area hospital by helicopter. The Bradford driver suffered injuries as well and was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. Both the travel and middle lanes were shut down for the investigation and in order for officials to clear the scene. Authorities are in the process of determining what caused the serious crash.

Rollover Accident Statistics
Car accidents that involve a rollover are the deadliest kinds of accidents to occur among all passenger vehicles. SUVs are at the highest risk of rolling over in a serious crash and face a 60% chance of rolling over, while other types of passenger vehicles (sedans, compacts, etc.) face a 25% risk of rolling over in the event of a collision.

When to Contact a Massachusetts Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident in Massachusetts due to a reckless driver, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire a lawyer, contact a Massachusetts accident lawyer with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and a successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases.

Call 800-410-2769 to receive your free legal consultation today. And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us at 800-410-2769, or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Jun 23, 2011

Bail Reduced for Lawrence OUI Driver in Double Fatal Crash

A Lawrence Superior Court judge has lowered the bail set for Shayna Fernandez, 21, of Lawrence, for her role in the deadly drunk driving accident on I-93 in Andover the morning of June 11 that claimed the lives of 2 men. The Eagle Tribune reports that her bail was decreased this week from $50,000 to $12,500.

As of yesterday, it was not known if Fernandez posted the bail and returned home. If Fernandez did post pail, the judge set forth conditions that Fernandez be under hour arrest at all times, that she is prohibited from driving, drinking alcohol and that she must also wear an electronic monitoring device in order to be tracked at all times.

Fernandez must also pass alcohol screens conducted randomly by her probation officer and she has been ordered to not have contact with the families of the men who died in the crash, Francis O’Hanley, 62, of Saugus and Joseph Coppola, 57, of Malden.

Drunk Driving Statistics
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) estimates that 1 person is killed every 50 minutes in drunk driving crashes in the U.S. Each year, 1/3 of all fatal accidents across the country are the result of a drunk driver.

When to Contact a Massachusetts Auto Accidents Lawyer
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident in Massachusetts due to a drunk driver, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire a lawyer, contact a Massachusetts auto accident lawyer with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and a successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases.

Call 800-410-2769 to receive your free legal consultation today. And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Jun 21, 2011

Tour Bus Catches Fire on I-95 in Danvers

According to The Boston Globe, a tour bus with 35 passengers onboard burst into flames last evening around 6:00pm while travelling on I-95 South in Danvers by the Ferncroft rotary. None of the passengers were injured and all were able to evacuate the burning bus safely.

Three of the right highway lanes were closed due to the heavy smoke and flames while firefighters put the fire out. The MBTA sent a bus for the passengers to sit in while the flames were brought under control and until the tour company was able to send another bus to the scene. The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation and the bus company’s name was not publicly released.

Bus Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that occupants of large passenger buses can experience a wide range of injuries in the event of an accident, including strains, broken bones, lacerations and contusions, as well as traumatic head and brain injuries. Buses do not typically come equipped with safety restraints, which can put passengers at an even higher risk of sustaining injuries. Thankfully, no one was injured in this incident.

When Should You Contact a Massachusetts Accident Lawyer?
If you or someone you know has been injured in a bus accident in Massachusetts due to a reckless driver, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire a lawyer, contact a Massachusetts accidents lawyer with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our motor vehicle accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and a successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases.

Call 800-410-2769 to receive your free legal consultation. And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us at 800-410-2769, or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Jun 15, 2011

Truck Driver Injured in Peabody Crash

Russell Richardson, 56, of Woburn was severely injured in a truck accident that occurred Monday morning just after 9:00am on the ramp connecting Route 128 and I-95 in Peabody. Richardson somehow lost control of his delivery truck when he veered off of the highway and collided with a bridge abutment near Centennial Drive.

Richardson had to be rescued by the Jaws of Life from the cab section of the box truck and was taken to a Boston hospital for treatment of his significant injuries. He was listed in good condition later that evening. According to The Salem News, the box truck was the only vehicle involved in the crash and authorities have not yet released the exact cause.

Vehicle Accident Injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 2.5 million drivers, occupants, motorcyclists and pedestrians required medical treatment in emergency rooms across the country in 2009 for injuries stemming from motor vehicle collisions.

When to Contact a Massachusetts Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident in Massachusetts due to a reckless driver, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire a lawyer, contact a Massachusetts accidents attorney with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and a successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases. Call 800-410-2769 to receive your free legal consultation today.

And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Jun 13, 2011

2 People Die in Andover OUI Crash, Lawrence Woman Charged

Shayna Fernandez, 21, of Lawrence is set to appear in Lawrence District Court today to face several charges related to the fatal drunk driving crash that she caused this past Saturday morning at about 7:00am on I-93 North in Andover.

Fernandez was reportedly driving drunk and speeding in the left lane when her Acura RSX collided with a Chevrolet Blazer being operated by Francis O’Hanley, 62, of Saugus. The force of the impact caused Fernandez to drive off of the highway, travel onto the median, then drive back onto the highway. Upon re-entering the highway, Fernandez then crashed into the Blazer a second time, causing the Blazer to roll over and come to a rest on the center median.

The Eagle Tribune reports that O’Hanley died from his severe injuries from the accident at an area hospital that same day. One of O’Hanley’s two passengers, Joseph Coppola, 57, of Malden also died on Saturday in a Boston hospital from his injuries. The second passenger in the Blazer was identified as Timothy O’Hanley, 25, of Saugus, who continues to be hospitalized. His condition is currently not known at this time.

Fernandez walked away uninjured from the crash. She will be arraigned today in court for driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speed, and potential motor vehicle homicide for the tragic deaths of O’Hanley and Coppola. She may also face charges of causing serious bodily injury to Timothy O’Hanley. Officials are continuing to investigate the accident and may bring more charges against Fernandez.

Fatal OUI Accident Statistics
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has reported that 1 person dies every 50 minutes from fatal injuries stemming from a drunk driving accident in the U.S. It is also reported that 1 in 3 people will somehow be involved in an alcohol-related accident in their lifetime, whether as a driver, occupant or pedestrian. Every single year, 1/3 of all fatal accidents across the U.S. are caused by a drunk driver.

When to Contact a Boston Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident in Massachusetts due to a drunk driver, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire a lawyer, contact a Boston wrongful death attorney with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and a successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases. Call 800-410-2769 to receive your free legal consultation today.

And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Jun 9, 2011

Google Giving Boston Bus Riders a Heads Up

The Boston Globe reported this week that Google has selected Boston to be 1 of the 6 international cities that will be able to receive up-to-the-minute predictions for MBTA bus arrival times available on Google Maps. The application for the predicted bus arrival times was ready to be viewed by the public as of yesterday afternoon.

This is a much-anticipated effort to keep those who take public transportation informed of when to expect their bus and to make alternative arrangements if their bus will be running too late to wait for. Google Maps predictions for public transportation services will also be available in the cities of San Diego, San Francisco, Portland, Madrid and Turin. In general, approximately 200 million users access Google Maps every month using smartphones and other electronic devices.

In Boston each day, there are nearly 400,000 bus riders along a total of about 200 routes with a combined 8,000 stops. Because of such a significant commuter presence, this new application on Google will surely prove to be helpful to MBTA bus riders throughout the city. Additionally, there is already talk of prediction applications in the works for both the commuter rail and subway schedules as well, though no confirmed date has been set for these applications to become available.

When to Contact a Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney
If you or someone you know has been injured in Massachusetts due to a reckless driver, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire a lawyer, contact a Massachusetts personal injury attorney with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and a successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases. Call 800-410-2769 to receive your free legal consultation today.

And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

Jun 8, 2011

Legal Options for Victims of Uninsured Drivers

If you have suffered serious injuries in a car accident with an uninsured driver, then you will most likely have to rely on your own car insurance company to file a claim for your injuries and any related property damage.

In the event of a crash with another driver who has no insurance, you can pursue two avenues in recovering damages from the accident: Underinsured Motorist Coverage or a personal injury claim. Car insurance companies in Massachusetts offer their customers voluntary coverage that is known as either Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage.

This type of coverage protects you if you are involved in a car crash with an uninsured operator. You typically have to ask for this optional coverage and set the limits for the coverage when you register or renew your policy. If you choose not to select this type of protective insurance coverage, you then have the option to pursue a claim with the help of an attorney in order to recover any and all damages stemming from the accident.

When to Contact a Massachusetts Accidents Attorney
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident in Massachusetts due to a reckless driver, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire a lawyer, contact a Massachusetts accidents attorney with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and a successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases. Call 800-410-2769 to receive your free legal consultation today.

And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us at 800-410-2769, or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Jun 7, 2011

OUI Driver Pleads Guilty to Jogger's Death

David Diaz, 24, of Lawrence has been sentenced to approximately 3 years in prison for driving under the influence of alcohol and hitting Lay Bou, who was out jogging on Lowell Street in Methuen on the morning of February 5, 2010. Bou died at the hospital from his serious injuries after he was rushed there from the accident scene.

According to The Eagle Tribune, the sentencing hearing occurred yesterday at Salem Superior Court where Diaz entered a guilty plea for motor vehicle homicide, driving drunk, and for negligent or reckless driving. Diaz reportedly went to a friend’s house after work around 3:00am the morning of the fatal accident, drank 4 beers, then attempted to drive home when he struck and killed Bou.

Bou leaves behind his wife of 10 years and 6 children.

Drunk Driving Statistics
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reports that the average drunk driver has been behind the wheel about 90 times before his or her first arrest by law enforcement. MADD also estimates that 1 person is seriously injured in a crash where alcohol is involved every minute across the U.S.

When to Contact a Massachusetts Auto Accidents Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident in Massachusetts due to a drunk driver, BEFORE you sign any forms, talk to the insurance company or hire a lawyer, contact a Massachusetts auto accidents lawyer with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options.

Our car accident lawyers have 30 years of experience and a successful track record of obtaining seven figure wins for our clients in auto accident cases, medical malpractice, child birth injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injury cases. Call 800-410-2769 to receive your free legal consultation today.

And while the call is free, the information may be priceless.

DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us at 800-410-2769, or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

Jun 1, 2011

Who Is Watching You On Facebook?



If you are one of the 600+ million Facebook members, you may want to pay more attention to the privacy settings on your profile to make sure that you are protected from the prying eyes of insurance agents, employers, schools, and even attorneys (especially if you are involved in a car accident case or a divorce trial).

Who May Be Watching You on Facebook

- Employers: people have been fired from their jobs due to some content posted on their Facebook page

- Schools: prospective students have been rejected, and current students expelled because of their Facebook information.

- Insurance Companies and Attorneys: people injured in car accidents have been denied settlements because of information or pictures they shared on Facebook.

A word of advice to car accident victims: Scrutinize your own Facebook page as if you were an insurance agent. Go over every single detail posted there and either limit the access to your information or delete the content that may be used against you.

Just an example of what insurance agents and personal injury attorneys will look for: your religious beliefs, your social and financial situation, possible alcohol or drug use, whether you are a smoker, whether you have had previous injuries or health conditions, who your friends are, what you have posted after the accident, and so on.

Steps to Protect Yourself on Facebook

1. Be friends only with the people you know.
Don’t “Friend” someone unless you personally know them, even if they are friends with your friends. They may be insurance agents who have “friended” your friends just to get to your information.

2. Control your Photo Settings
On your Profile Privacy page under “Photos Tagged of You,” select “Customize” and “Only Me” to limit the access to your tagged photos. You can also manually change the privacy settings on each of your photo albums on the Photos Privacy page.

3. Disappear from searches
On the Profile Privacy Page, be sure to uncheck the box: "Create a public search listing for me and submit it for search engine indexing" for those searching for you on Google.

Be sure to also make your contact info private, except for close friends. To do this, go the Friends setting and make it Private.

4. Protect your Wall
While keeping in mind what you post on your Wall, you can also manage who else can post there. To disable friends from writing on your wall, go to your Profile Privacy Settings page and set up the Wall Posts section.

5. Privacy Settings and Google Alerts
Check in with Facebook’s ever changing privacy policies from time to time, and double-check your profile’s privacy settings to make sure you haven’t missed anything.

Also, if you have Gmail, sign up for Google Alerts for your name, so you will be alerted every time anyone posts anything about you.