$82 Fine for Hitting an Officer with a SUV

According to this Post and Courier article, a man was fined $82 after hitting an officer with his vehicle. The officer, Wes Foster, said the first responders may have been the difference between life and death. He suffered a broken skull and other injuries when he was hit by the automobile while directing traffic around an earlier traffic crash on Folly Road.

His injuries will put him out of work for months. He expressed no opinion when asked of the fine handed down to the driver who hit him. This could be due to his understanding of the criminal code. The driver was charged with operating his vehicle at a greater speed than reasonable under the conditions. This does not necessarily mean he was speeding. Also, alcohol was not a factor in the car accident.

Is a $82 Fine Proper Punishment for Hitting an Officer with a Car?

There are more serious charges the driver could have faced, like reckless driving. Reckless driving is a charge issued when a driver operates a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Since this was not the charge, it indicates the prosecution feels the fines were appropriate.

It is important to remember the criminal justice system intends to deter and mitigate crime by those who violate laws with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts. Punishment for criminal convictions include fines, probation, and jail time.

It is the civil justice system’s goal to compensate an injured person and minimize the short and long term affects of another person’s harmful actions. If you are found to be liable in a civil case, you face possible monetary damages. This helps the injured party pay for the medical treatment needed due to an accident. There is also the potential of recovering financial damages for pain and suffering. This would be in addition to what’s needed to pay the medical bills. The defendant could even be forced to give up property, but he or she will never face jail time in a civil case.

Car Collisions with Pedestrians

The 2012 Traffic Fatality Report shows 55 deaths caused by driving too fast for conditions through April. Fortunately, this officer was not killed. He still has many looming financial issues due to this accident. Who will pay the medical bills? How will he pay his living expenses while he is recovering? What if he cannot return to full time duty? These are the types of questions the Clore Law Group answers for the victims of auto accidents. If you were hit by a car or involved in any other type of auto accident, call today for a free consultation with one of our experience Charleston car accident lawyers.

A deadly hit-and-run involving a car and bicycle early Friday morning in West Ashley continues what seems to be a string of days, if not weeks, of serious and fatal motor vehicle crashes in the Lowcountry.

The incident occurred on Savannah Highway near White Oak Drive just before 1:30 am.  Officers say both the cyclist and the motorist were traveling south at the time of the incident and they confirmed the victim was killed. The Clore Law Group is committed to helping the families of cyclists killed by negligent drivers. Call today to discuss your potential wrongful death law suit.

Are you safer on a bicycle than in a car?

Figures released by NHTSA in February of 2011 show bicycle deaths have been declining. Much like the dubious distinction Charleston holds for being one of the most dangerous places to drive, South Carolina is also in the ‘top five’ worst states nationally in terms of the per capita deaths to cyclists.

Bicycle deaths are a relatively small percentage of traffic fatalities, so we could say driving is still more safe. There was another bicycle death in the West Ashley area last May. The reality is cyclists don’t choose to ride for safety factors. They choose to ride for fun, exercise or more cost effective transportation. This is why there are laws that give cyclists rights to share the road with motor vehicles.

Bicycle Safety Tips

The South Carolina Department of Transportation lists the following helpful safety tips for avoiding bicycle accidents.

• Obey traffic signs and signals.
• Never ride against traffic – Motorists aren’t looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road.
• Follow lane markings.
• Don’t pass on the right. A majority of accidents occur when a car is turning right at an intersection.
• Scan the road behind you – Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Some riders use rear-view mirrors.
• Keep both hands ready to brake.
• Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain.
• Wear a helmet and never ride with headphones.
• Dress appropriately – In rain wear a poncho or waterproof suit. Wear bright-colored clothing.
• Use hand signals.
• Ride in the middle of the lane at busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic.
• Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you. Drivers report not seeing a cyclist until the moment of impact.
• Use lights if you must ride at night.
• Keep your bike in good repair, especially your brakes and tires.

Many of these are not just good tips, they are the law, and riders can receive traffic citations for  failing to obey the rules of the road.

The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office has determined the man killed after his moped was struck by a car late Tuesday night on Old Highway 52 just south of Monk’s Corner was killed by blunt force trauma. The victim was not wearing a helmet when he was rear-ended by another motorist.

Charges have not been filed. More times than not, a rear end collision will result in a criminal charge. The law stipulates drivers are to maintain control of their vehicle at all times in such a way as to avoid impacting other vehicles or persons. There are exceptions, or course. If the victim is in the act of violating motor vehicle laws, including any specific moped laws, in could preempt criminal charges.  The fact law enforcement have yet to press charges could indicate this accident may be one of the exceptions.

Regardless of criminal charges, if you lost a family member in a car or moped accident, you should speak to a Charleston accident lawyer. South Carolina wrongful death laws enable you pursue justice via the civil justice system in addition to or in absence of criminal charges.

What is wrongful death?

Wrongful death is a law suit against a person who can be held responsible for a death. It is usually filed on the behalf of close relatives, but may also be applicable for financial dependents. The purpose is to restore the family or dependents to their position prior to the accident, at least financially.

For example, let’s say the man killed in this accident was the sole provider of a family. His death would eliminate the income he earns now and in the future. The family would also incur medical costs and funeral costs. Without the right to win financial damages by means of a wrongful death law suit, the entire family would suffer due to the reckless or careless actions of another person. No amount of money can replace the lost family member, but at least it can allow the affected family to keep their home and pay their bills.

Contact a Charleston Accident Lawyer

Clore Law Group helps victims injured in moped and car accidents in Charleston and the surrounding communities. If you were hurt in an accident or someone you love killed, call today for a free consultation.

Sine 2009, the two-mile long Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge spanning Charleston and Mount Pleasant has been the scene of more than 170 accidents. Jurisdiction is split between the municipalities and according to the Charleston and Mount Pleasant police, the following injuries and death have recorded.

• 2009— Injuries, 17. Deaths, 0.
• 2010— Injuries, 22. Deaths, 1.
• 2011— Injuries, 14. Deaths, 2.
• 2012 (Through Sunday)— Injuries, 6. Deaths, 0.

If you or someone you loved suffered an injury in an accident on the Ravenel, contact a Charleston car accident attorney at the Clore law Group now. Your consultation is free, but the medical treatment on ongoing medical care needed following an auto accident is not.

Monday’s Truck Wreck on Ravenel Bridge

The truck driver was charged  on Tuesday following Monday’s high-speed crash on the ramp connecting Interstate 26 eastbound and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge with multiple equipment violations. The truck driver was cited for brake violations and not having an annual federal inspection of the truck since 2009.

Reports show multiple brake violations and multiple issues with his braking system. The truck is registered to SSA Cooper, a company engaged in work at Marine terminal including the Port of Charleston. State Transport Police last inspected the truck in November 2010, registering multiple safety violations that led to the truck being placed out of service.

State inspections happen if an officer on patrol observes a violation, at random checkpoints or if a driver at a weigh station is flagged to pull in for further inspection, she said. The State Transport Police has about 100 officers who work the highways checking for possible violations.

Charleston Truck Accident Attorney

The tractor trailer wreck left mangled vehicles and shut down the bridge. No one was seriously injured, but two police officers were taken to the hospital. We commonly refer to these incidents as a “car accident” or a “tractor trailer accident.” Considering the history of brake malfunctions and the failure to meet mandated safety inspection, is it really accurate to call this an accident? Perhaps it would be more applicable to say it was merely a matter of time before these negligent actions resulted in an accident.

Although no one was seriously injured, there was significant property damage. The victims my discover that the insurance company is not eager to provide the settlement needed to repair or replace damaged vehicles. A Charleston accident attorney at Clore law Group is prepared to help accident victims of car and truck accidents. Call today for a free consultation if you were injured or suffered property damage in an accident.

Faulty brakes have been reported as the cause of the tractor trailer crash Monday on the Ravenel Bridge. Monday morning a State Highway Emergency Program truck and a Charleston Police Department cruiser were helping a motorist when the tractor trailer crashed into their vehicles. SCHP officials have determined faulty brakes were responsible for the driver’s inability to reduce his speed, resulting in the accident. The truck’s driver was cited for numerous violations.

Brake Failure Accidents

Research show that almost 30% of trucking accident are related to brake failure. Operators are required to have their vehicles inspected at regular intervals. The driver charged in this accident failed get the required inspections. In some accidents, the greatest challenge your attorney faces is proving negligence. He or she must show that the defendant is responsible for your injuries. It would appear that law enforcement has all but established this already, but it is imperative injury victims like these consult with an experienced Charleston accident attorney.

Injuries resulting from tractor trailer wrecks often include spinal cord injuries and head injuries. The symptoms of these injuries may not present immediately. When the injury is apparent, the long and expensive path to recover may not be. An experienced injury lawyer at Clore Law Group will review your prognosis and employ expert witness who can project the long term costs of recover or ongoing medical care. The insurance company may seem gracious in their settlement offer, but their priority is to minimize settlements. You shouldn’t find yourself years after an accident struggling financially because it was not sufficient.

Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer

People are often surprised to learn that Charleston has more accidents than any other metro area in all of South Carolina. There is constantly tourist unfamiliar with the local roads. There is a never ending cycle of tractor trailers delivering and receiving goods from the Port of Charleston. Of course, Charleston has it’s share of distracted drivers too. These but a few of the factor resulting in Charleston leading the state in car accidents. If you were injured in an auto accident, call Clore Law Group for a free consultation.

Fire Department officials are trying to determine the cause of  a massive home fire that destroyed two homes on Dewees Island Tuesday night. Just prior to 10 p.m., one home caught fire and spread rapidly to others. It resulted in 2 homes being completely destroyed and several others being damaged.

When fires damage destroys a home or business, the property owner will need to file a claim with their insurance company. In a perfect world, the insurers would pay the claim in accordance with policy’s provisions. Unfortunately, people who have filed a fire damage claim can attest that it is not that simple.

The cause of this fire, has yet to be determined. If the first home’s fire was set intentionally, what does that mean to the others’ insurance claims? If a claim is paid, will it go to the mortgage holder first making the property owner wait for repairs until the insurance company chooses a contractor? These are just the begin of the complex questions that may arise when filling a substantial insurance claim like those following a home fire.

Contact the property damage lawyers at Clore Law Group if you have experienced damage or complete destruction to your property from a fire. Our attorneys are experience in negotiating insurance claims and will work to see you receive the claim settlement needed to repair or replace your property.

Fire Injuries

Fortunately, no one was injured in these fires. What if some one was hurt or died in these blazes? Perusing a personal injury  or wrongful death law suit could be extremely complex, but very necessary. There would be medical expenses to be paid or loss of income in the event of death. An attorney would need to investigate thoroughly the cause of the fire to ascertain the appropriate party against which to take action.

In order to best determine the long term future costs involved with medical treatment or therapy required, our fire injury attorneys will employ experts who can determine what the projected cost of medical treatment will be. The experts will also speak to the future lost income in the event of long-term or permanent disability.  Clore Law Group will diligently seek the maximum compensation to ensure your financial needs will be met following a fire injury.

Contact a Fire Damage Lawyer

Clore Law Group works on a contingency basis and there is never any charge for your consultation. Call now to speak with an attorney about your situation. If you or a family member property damage or injury in a fire, our attorneys will help you understand your legal rights.

A recall is issued when it is determine the dangers of a product outweigh the benefits. Doctors and other health care providers are increasing dependent on medical devices in treatment of patients. Unfortunately, many medical devices are recalled due to manufacturing defects. These devices may be use in medical procedures or may be used in an ongoing fashion both internal and external of the patient.

Defective internal medical devices present a significant risk of serious injury and death. For example, when an implantable fusion pump fails, the patient may not have sufficient time to reach a medical facility. Should not companies profiting from these defective products requiring a recall be held accountable? They should, and Clore Law Group does just that. If you were injured or if a family member was killed by a defective medical device, even if a recall has not yet been issued, call 800-610-2546 to discuss your case with an attorney.

Recalls through March 13, 2012

Contact a Charleston Recall Lawyer

Even if your loved one died as a result of a defective product , you will need an attorney to hold the company responsible. Your lawyer will have to establish a level of responsibility which results in the company admitting their responsibility. If your case goes to trial, a jury will decide your case. There are no guarantees you will win your recall law suit; however, you can be 100% sure the defendant will have skill attorneys representing their best interests.

The attorneys at Clore Law Group are experienced is significant injury and death cases and stand ready to take your case to trial, if that is what’s needed to achieve your desired results. If you were injured or a loved on kiled by a medical device prior or subsequent to a recall, call now for a free consultation with one of our Charleston product liability lawyers.

Drug companies must seek FDA approval to sell a new prescription drug in the US. Companies first test on animals and then test on humans to see if the drug is safe and effective. After testing, the company sends FDA an application called a New Drug Application (NDA). If the FDA doctors and scientists believe the drug’s benefits outweigh its known risks and negative side effects, it will be approved for sale.

While this sounds like a good plan, the testing is short in order to allow the companies to capitalize on taking their product to market. This is why the very same organization who approves drug later recalls the same drugs. The following are drug recalls issued thus far this year.

• March 09, 2012 Recall of Brilliant Blue G
• February 16, 2012 Bedford Laboratories™ Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Cytarabine for Injection, USP, 1 Gram per Vial
• February 24, 2012 Regeneca, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of All Lots of Single Capsule RegenErect Because of Potential Health Risks
• February 24, 2012 Glenmark Generics Inc. Recalls Seven Lots of Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP, 0.18 mg/0.035 mg, 0.215 mg/0.035 mg, 0.25 mg/0.035 mg (Generic) Due to Possibility of Out of Sequence Tablets
• February 22, 2012 American Regent Initiates Nationwide Voluntary Recall Of Phenylephrine HCl Injection, USP, 1% 5 mL Vial, Lot# 0693 Due To Visible Particles
• February 17, 2012 McNeil Consumer Healthcare Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Infants’ TYLENOL Oral Suspension, 1 oz. Grape Due to Dosing System Complaints
• February 16, 2012 Bedford Laboratories Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Cytarabine for Injection, USP, 1 Gram per Vial
• February 10, 2012 Regeneca, Inc. Issues A Voluntary Nationwide Recall Of A Specific Lot Of RegenArouse Because Of Potential Health Risks
• February 09, 2012 Wholistic Herbs, Inc. Recalls “Koff & Kold” and “Kold Sore” Because Of Possible Health Risk
• February 06, 2012 North American Rescue, LLC Announces A Follow-Up to the Recall of Crickit Convenience Kits Related to Nationwide Recall of Triad Povidone Iodine Prep Pads
• February 02, 2012 Bedford Laboratories Issues A Voluntary Nationwide Patient Level Recall Of Acetylcysteine Solution, USP, LOT 1877093
• January 31, 2012 Pfizer Recalls Lo/Ovral-28 and Norgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Due to Possibility of Inexact Tablet Counts or Out of Sequence Tablets
• January 27, 2012 One Lot of Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion Recalled
• January 27, 2012 Cephalon, Inc. recalls Treanda® (bendamustine HCL) for Injection 25mg/Vial Due to Particulate Matter
• January 19, 2012 Perfect Image Solutions, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Unapproved Product Due to Potential Health Risk
• January 10, 2012 Bedford Laboratories Issues Guidance On 2011 Voluntary Recall Of Polymyxin B For Injection USP And Vecuronium Bromide For Injection Related To Glass Particles
• January 08, 2012 Novartis Consumer Health Inc. Recalls Certain Over-The-Counter Products Due to Potential Presence Of Foreign Tablets Or Chipped Or Broken Tablets Or Gelcaps

Drug Recall Law Suit

It is quite expensive to research and develop drugs. If serious side affects are hidden or not disclosed, you may be entitled to compensation for the resulting injury. Call 800-610-2546 to speak with an attorney regarding your potential drug recall law suit.

Mark Clore and Vernon Glenn, of Clore Law Group, a Charleston-based catastrophic personal injury and business law firm, have been named as South Carolina Super Lawyers for 2012. Only five percent of lawyers in the state of South Carolina are named to the list, and both attorneys have been named for this honor multiple times.

The selections for Super Lawyers are made by Law & Politics of Minneapolis, Minn. Each year, a rigorous multi-phase selection process is conducted, which includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent evaluation of candidates by Law & Politics’ attorney-led research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area, and a good-standing and disciplinary check.

Mark Clore practices catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, and business law. He is admitted to practice in Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C., and before the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina, and before the U.S. District Court, District of Columbia. A graduate of Rice University and South Texas College of Law, Clore is board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Professional Medical Negligence by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys, and Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He currently holds an AV rating, the highest available, from Martindale-Hubbell and has been listed as a Super Lawyer in both Texas and South Carolina on numerous occasions. He is also an Associate of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Vernon Glenn is a board certified civil trial lawyer who has been practicing law for over 30 years. He focuses his practice on professional and medical malpractice law, contract and business disputes, dram shop/liquor/alcohol liability litigation, personal injury, and toxic torts. Glenn graduated from The Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in North Carolina and South Carolina, and before the U.S. District Court Eastern District of North Carolina, the U.S. District Court Western District of North Carolina, the U.S. District Court Middle District of North Carolina, the U.S. Court of Appeals 4^th Circuit, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the U.S. District Court District of South Carolina.

Glenn has been named a civil trial lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in both North and South Carolina. He is also listed in Outstanding Lawyers of America, Best Lawyers in America, and Best Trial Lawyers in America, and has received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating for professional skill and ethics.

Super Lawyers can be found online at www.superlawyers.com, where lawyers can be searched by practice area and location.

Clore Law Group takes an aggressive and thorough approach to resolving complex cases that involve catastrophic and traumatic loss to individuals and businesses.  Based in Charleston, S.C., and practicing across multiple states, the firm brings together attorneys with formidable track records in winning settlements and jury trials through advanced analysis, research and enhanced presentation of the facts. Clore Law Group applies a strategic approach to handling cases involving wrongful death, serious injuries, business or personal losses. They work diligently to resolve difficult legal matters for injured individuals and businesses. More information is available at www.clorelaw.com.

A proposal being considered by Congress would increase fines for automakers who delay the recall of defective vehicles. As we learned in the late 1970′s with the Ford Pinto cases, auto defect recalls are determined on a cost-benefit analysis; their costs weighed against the benefit of yours and your family’s lives. The potential of multi-million dollar fines for choosing to delay the recall of flawed automotive products may prove to be the motivation the automotive manufactures’ need to do what’s right.

The proposal is part of a more comprehensive bill to reform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Should it pass, it would raise the maximum fines for car makers to $250 million from the existing amount of approximately $17 million.

Accidents and Deaths Due to Auto Defects

Defective automobiles, including their component parts and tires, kill and seriously injure thousands of Americans every year. If you are hurt by a defective automobile, you are entitled to compensation. Clore Law Group will help you seek the maximum compensation under the law.

Most common auto defects include rollovers, fires, faulty tires, failing seat belts, steering and transmission defects. Not all law firms have the financial resources or experience to  prepare and try any auto defects claim.  We are prepared to take your trial to a jury to win your case.

Contact an Auto Defects Lawyers

Clore Law Group accepts auto defect cases involving poor design and faulty manufacturing. We will hire and pay for the investigators, experts and accident re-constructionists. Many  cases are settled prior to trial, but if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached your case will be tried. Call today to discuss your potential auto defects law suit.