Palmeiro Law Group

Motorcycle rider injured in Maryland multi-vehicle accident

2011-09-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

Motorcycle rider injured in Maryland multi-vehicle accident

On behalf of Palmeiro Law Group posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Wednesday, September 28, 2011

In our personal injury blog posts, we have often discussed the various types of vehicles that are commonly involved in auto accidents each day. There are essentially three types of vehicles: the common car, large commercial trucks and the small motorcycle.

A multi-vehicle accident occurred this month in Maryland involving all three types of vehicles and sending two of the drivers to the local area hospital.

On September 15, 2011 at approximately 9:30 in the morning, a Ford Windstar minivan drove up the entrance to I-70 using Exit 32 off of the Dual Highway. When the minivan approached the merging lane, the driver reportedly slowed to merge with the flowing traffic. According to the Maryland State Trooper reporting on the accident, the minivan was struck from behind by a large commercial vehicle.

The driver of the commercial vehicle swerved across the line designating his driving lane and into the lane to the left where a motorcycle had been traveling. The rider was struck by the big rig and pushing it into the center median. The motorcycle overturned, sending its rider sliding across the pavement.

In a multi-vehicle accident such as this one, the motorcycle rider has the largest risk of being injured while the driver of the semi truck has the lowest. The injuries sustained in the accident followed the typical pattern and the cyclist and the driver of the minivan were transported to the nearest hospital where they were treated for their injuries. The full extent of the injuries sustained in the accident was unknown at the time of the report, but it was later confirmed that the two lives were not threatened by the injuries.

Source: Herald-Mail, "Two taken to hospital following three-vehicle crash on I-70," Sept. 15, 2011

University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center treats motorcycle accident victim

2011-09-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

Police and emergency medical personnel respond to reports of accidents every day, arriving on scenes where victims are in need of serious medical attention. Emergency response are focused first and foremost on obtaining treatment for the victims often making it difficult to immediately determine what caused the accident.

Investigators are looking into the cause of a serious motorcycle accident that left one victim recovering at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center early last week.

According to police reports, the accident occurred on Monday, September 12, 2011. Police responded to the report that an accident had occurred at the intersection of Montgomery Road in U.S. 1 in the city of Elkridge, Maryland. When they arrived on the scene, they found a seriously damaged motorcycle and a black sedan.

Emergency medical personnel responded to the report as well when police learned that there were four possible victims. Three of the people involved voluntarily declined any kind of medical attention but one person's injuries were serious enough to require transport to the shock center.

The accident caused traffic to be diverted after the southbound lanes of Washington Boulevard and Montgomery Road were shut down by 6:30 p.m., approximately one half hour after the accident occurred.

Investigators have not released details that would help determine who was responsible in causing the accident. If a person was found to have negligently caused the accident, the victim injured by their careless behavior may be able to recover compensation for their injuries or lost wages that may result from their time spent at the trauma center and during recovery.

Source: Ellicott City Patch, "Collision at Route 1 and Montgomery Sends One to Shock Trauma," Elizabeth Janney, Sept. 12, 2011

Successful "Phone in One Hand" pilot program reduces distracted driving

2011-08-10T15:33:00.001-07:00

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) keeps tabs on motor vehicle accidents and the personal injury experienced as a result. The federal agency looks into the factors that cause accidents or would increase the risk of injury during a crash.

The NHTSA has focused its attention on the recently growing problem aptly named "distracted driving" after the behaviors that cause a person to divert their attention away from the road. The agency has been behind several successful safety campaigns including their most recent, "Click It or Ticket" which increased the national seatbelt use to a record 85 percent.

"Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other," is their newest creation, aimed at mobile phone use behind the wheel, the largest culprit of distracted driving. The new program includes increased police enforcement of recent laws that ban cell phone use or texting while driving. The program also focuses on educating the public on the dangers of distracted driving.

Like any new program, it was tested first. In April of 2010, the program was implemented in two East coast cities. After only one year, 57 percent of residents in the first city put down their phones all together and an astonishing 72 percent stopped texting while behind the wheel.

"These findings show that strong laws, combined with highly visible police enforcement, can significantly reduce dangerous texting and cellphone use behind the wheel," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood after the numbers were released.

Whether or not the program will be implemented nationwide is yet to be seen, but it is clear that distracted driving is a serious problem.

Source: USA Today, "Distracted-driving programs show success," Larry Copeland, 11 July 2011

2010-04-29T17:00:00.001-07:00

Reputation - Guard it with your life...for newly admitted attorneys, a lesson to learn quickly is to build your reputation. I'm working on it. Slowly but surely...

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Are DUI Checkpoints targeting illegal immigrants? http://ping.fm/y2oPp

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George Washington - 101 Rules of Civility http://ping.fm/i2IpW

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Cell phone tracking - They know where we are... http://ping.fm/zvGgW

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Dear Client, shut down your online social networking sites... http://ping.fm/2I0X5

2010-01-26T19:57:00.001-08:00

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2009-11-17T14:25:00.001-08:00

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Beware of Mortgage Modification Services. The scams are everywhere. http://ping.fm/Tw3WS

2009-11-15T19:01:00.001-08:00

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2009-10-28T07:49:00.001-07:00

Helping the Maryland undergrad mock trial team prepare for competition. These students are doing great so far and hopefully get rewarded for it in Pittsburgh.

2009-10-21T06:44:00.001-07:00

Starting a solo practice? In 2005 62% of lawyers were solo. Requires planning, persistence, long hours, sweat equity and personal sacrifice. Find out more http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/so_you_want_to_go_solo_you_sure/

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Twitter in Courtrooms? Live coverage by journalists seems to be catching on. http://ping.fm/xXTM1

2009-10-19T09:15:00.001-07:00

Palmeiro Law Group now on Yahoo Local Yellowpages

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2009-06-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

What to do after an auto accident:

1. Stay as calm as possible.
2. Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance.
3. If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move cars to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic.
4. Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
5. Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
6. Don't sign any document unless it is for the police or your insurance agent
7. Make immediate notes about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved. If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and jot it down. Get witness information, if possible, as well.
8. Be polite, but don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. Likewise, do not accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time. Everyone is usually shaken up immediately after an accident, and it is wise to state only the facts. Limit your discussion of the accident to the police. Even if the facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful.
9. If you have a camera handy, and it is safe to do so, it may be helpful to photograph the accident scene.
10. If possible, do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do.

Once you've collected the information stop by our office and we will help you through the rest of the process.

Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. To receive legal advice, call Victor Palmeiro at Palmeiro Law Group, LLC, 301-933-2595.

Visit our webpage at www.palmeirolaw.com

Maryland's MVA 10 Day Rule

2008-06-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

When you receive a DUI or DWI, you will be issued a temporary license. You have 10 days from the citation date to mail in a request for an administrative hearing. This administrative hearing will determine whether you can keep the temporary license or not. If you do not request an administrative hearing, your license will be suspended without a hearing and your temporary license will not be renewed.

If you have received either a DUI or DWI, make an appointment to meet with us at Palmeiro Law Group, LLC and we can begin to mount your defense. Call us at 301-933-2595 today.

Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. To receive legal advice, call Victor Palmeiro at Palmeiro Law Group, LLC, 301-933-2595.

Visit our webpage at www.palmeirolaw.com

New Radio Spot!

2008-06-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

Palmeiro Law Group, LLC will have a new radio spot that will be featured from 12am-5am on El Zol, 99.1 FM. El Zol is the premier Spanish station in the Maryland/DC/Virginia metropolitan area.

Speed Cameras

2008-06-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

Although we focus on legal issues in Maryland, we thought you might like to know about speed cameras. This website, http://dcnites.com/files/special_trafficcameras.php, shows various districts in Washington, DC and the locations of speed cameras. Although these tickets do not results in point on your license, they can result in fines.

Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. To receive legal advice, call Victor Palmeiro at Palmeiro Law Group, LLC, 301-933-2595.

Visit our webpage at www.palmeirolaw.com

Points On Your License

2008-06-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

After conviction of an individual for a traffic violation, points will be assessed against the individual as of the date of the violation.

The points are as follows:
• DUI - Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs - 12
• DWI - Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs - 12
• Unlawful use of your driver's license - 12
• Loaning or borrowing a driver's license - 12
• Speeding (9 miles per hour (mph) or less) - 1
• Speeding (10 mph and over) - 2
• Speeding (20 mph or greater over the 65 mph speed limit) - 5
• Speeding (30 mph and over) - 5
• Driving without a license - 5
• Speed contests - 5
• Driving alone with a permit - 5
• Driving without proof of insurance - 5
• Reckless driving - 6
• Driving with a suspended license - 3
• Failure to stop at a red light - 2
• Failure to stop for a school bus - 2
• Improper turn - 1
• Clicking off your lights to evade identification - 8
• Failure to yield - 1

*These points are determined by the vehicle laws or regulations of Maryland or of any local authority. The above stated values are subject to change and Palmeiro Law Group does not certify that they are true or accurate.

Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. To receive legal advice, call Victor Palmeiro at Palmeiro Law Group, LLC, 301-933-2595.

Visit our webpage at www.palmeirolaw.com

What is Bankruptcy?

2008-06-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

What Is Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a person who can not pay his or her bills can get a fresh financial start. The right to file for bankruptcy is provided by federal law, and all bankruptcy cases are handled in federal court. Filing bankruptcy immediately stops all of your creditors from seeking to collect debts from you, at least until your debts are sorted out according to the law.

What Can Bankruptcy Do for Me?

Bankruptcy may make it possible for you to:
* Eliminate the legal obligation to pay most or all of your debts. This is called a "discharge" of debts. It is designed to give you a fresh financial start.
* Stop foreclosure on your house or mobile home and allow you an opportunity to catch up on missed payments. (Bankruptcy does not, however, automatically eliminate mortgages and other liens on your property without payment.)
* Prevent repossession of a car or other property, or force the creditor to return property even after it has been repossessed.
* Stop wage garnishment, debt collection harassment, and similar creditor actions to collect a debt.
* Restore or prevent termination of utility service.
* Allow you to challenge the claims of creditors who have committed fraud or who are otherwise trying to collect more than you really owe.

Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. To receive legal advice, call Victor Palmeiro at Palmeiro Law Group, LLC, 301-933-2595.

Visit our webpage at www.palmeirolaw.com

I Just Had a Car Accident, What Do I Do?

2008-06-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

What do I do if I am involved in a Car Accident?
• If anyone is injured, call 911
• Record the other driver’s information (Name, Driver’s License #, Insurance Co.)
• Get the names and contact info of any witnesses
• Take photos of the accident scene
• Make an appointment to visit us, call 301-933-2595, and we will make sure your medical bills are paid, your car damage is paid for and you recover any damages for pain and suffering

Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. To receive legal advice, call Victor Palmeiro at Palmeiro Law Group, LLC, 301-933-2595.

Visit our webpage at www.palmeirolaw.com

Gettting Pulled Over and Probable Cause

2008-06-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

In regards to DUI/DWI's, a police officer must have probable cause to pull you over. Probable cause can be any of the following:
o Driving on or over the lane divide
o Drifting into the other lane
o Making a wide turn
o Making an illegal turn
o Weaving in your lane
o Braking frequently
o Nearly Missing an object or another car
o Driving very slowly, generally more than 10 mph below speed limit
o Swerving
o Driving with your headlights off
o Not using turn signals, or making inappropriate turn signals
o Stopping in the middle of the road for no reason
o Accelerating or decelerating too quickly
o Following another car too closely
*However, police officers do not need probable cause to pull over vehicles at a sobriety checkpoint.

Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. To receive legal advice, call Victor Palmeiro at Palmeiro Law Group, LLC, 301-933-2595.

Visit our webpage at www.palmeirolaw.com

Free Consultations

2008-05-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Palmeiro Law Group is happy to announce all-new "Free Consultation". You heard right: any client can walk in the door and get a free initial consultation with a quality lawyer. That is what we call "Palmeiro Customer Service". Please contact us for the specific hours in which to schedule an appointment.

The Palmeiro Law Group
11501 Georgia Ave., Suite 406
Wheaton, MD 20902
301-933-2595 Phone
301-933-2597 Fax
www.palmeirolaw.com

Visit our webpage at www.palmeirolaw.com

New Office

2008-05-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Palmeiro Law Group is happy to announce the opening of our Wheaton office located at 11801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20902. This prime location is at the heart of the community and promises much success. We look forward to seeing all of our loyal customers, as well as our new customers, at this new office.

Visit our webpage at www.palmeirolaw.com