Florida motorcycle accident attorney alerts- FHP continues to investigate motorcycle crash involving pickup truck that resulted in four deaths.

Bushnell, FL—A tragic motor vehicle collision (MVC) involving two motorcycles and a pickup truck resulted in the death of four people and left several others with minor injuries. The violent crash occurred in Sumter County, Florida, on County Road 476, according to information provided by WESH.com.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers reported a westbound 1991 GMC pickup truck attempting to pass a “slower-moving” truck as two eastbound motorcycles were traveling on CR 476. Paul Sermons, 45, the driver of the truck, apparently believed the motorcycles were further away then they actually were. Though Sermons reportedly tried to slow his vehicle down upon noticing how close the motorcyclists actually were, he consequently could not avoid a collision with them. The impact of the crash caused two motorcyclists and both of their passengers to be ejected from the bikes. One passenger allegedly struck the windshield of the truck that Sermons had made an effort to pass in the first place.

Sumter County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the scene where they sadly pronounced three motorcycle occupants dead at the scene. The fourth motorcyclist was taken to an area hospital where her severe injuries proved fatal shortly after her arrival. Though authorities did not disclose the exact number of people traveling inside the trucks at the time, reports stated that several occupants suffered non-life threatening injuries. Toxicology results and charges are pending as the FHP continues its probe into the fatal wreck.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers.

South Carolina aviation accident attorney alerts- FAA, NTSB to probe unusual plane-pedestrian collision on Hilton Head Island.

Hilton Head Island, SC—A pleasant stroll on the beach turned into a deadly and unusual tragedy when a plane struck a beachgoer as it was making an emergency landing Monday evening, March 15, 2010. The single-engine aircraft was en route to Virginia from Orlando, Florida when the incident occurred on the beach at Palmetto Dunes, according to information provided by WTOC.com.

The unidentified pilot of the Experimental Lancair IV-P aircraft allegedly reported that his vision was hindered when oil began leaking onto the windshield of the small plane. While the pilot’s initial objective was to land the plane at Hilton Head Island Airport, the propeller fell off the plane before he could do so, subsequently prompting the need for an emergency landing.

As the plane made its descent at approximately 6 p.m., a Georgia man was reported walking along the shore listening to his iPod. The beachgoer, identified as Robert Gary Jones, 38, apparently failed to hear the plane rapidly approaching the beach and was violently struck just as the aircraft was about to land. The Lancair IV-P came to a rest in the ocean just offshore.

Jones seemingly suffered traumatic injuries, which proved fatal at the scene, while the pilot and a passenger occupying the airplane at the time managed to exit the aircraft without any injuries. Although Hilton Head Fire Rescue, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office and Beaufort County Emergency Management were dispatched to the scene, officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be conducting further investigations into the pedestrian-aircraft collision.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for South Carolina Aviation Accident Lawyers.

Illinois SUV accident attorney alerts- I-55 SUV rollover crash caused fatal and critical injuries.

Chicago, IL—One person was killed and two others were critically injured in a violent SUV rollover crash Monday night, March 15, 2010. The single-vehicle wreck occurred on the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) on the Southwest Side, according to information provided by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Illinois State Police (ISP) District Chicago Trooper Mark Hall allegedly reported that the driver of the Infiniti FX Luxury Crossover fled the scene of the crash before authorities arrived. At approximately 11:05 p.m., an unidentified motorist was traveling south on I-55 at an excessively high rate of speed when, according to eyewitnesses, the driver lost control of the vehicle, sending it careening into the center divider of the roadway. On impact, the sport utility vehicle overturned into the northbound lanes of the Stevenson Expressway, where it eventually came to a rest. The driver then allegedly proceeded to flee the scene on foot.

Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel seemingly responded to the scene to transport the remaining injured victims to area hospitals for treatment. A Hispanic male passenger in his 20s, whose name has not been disclosed by authorities, was reportedly ejected from the vehicle and unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene. Two females, also occupying the SUV at the time, were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital to be treated for their critical injuries. Speed was apparently believed to be a factor in the crash. Search efforts for the runaway driver and further investigations in the fatal motor vehicle accident are expected to be underway.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), as of March 16, there have been 134 fatal crashes, resulting in a total of 151 casualties during the year 2010.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Illinois SUV Accident Lawyers.

Indiana construction accident attorney alerts- Indiana State Police are looking for the driver of a car that struck a construction worker in a closed off area of the Borman Expressway.

Lake Station, IN—A construction worker was fatally injured in a traffic accident on the Frank Borman Expressway (Interstate 80/94) on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. Although other construction employees at the scene attempted to stop the motorist from leaving the scene by standing in front of his car, that didn’t stop him from escaping on foot, according to information provided by ABCLocal.com.

It was unknown why the driver of a 1993 Mercury Cougar proceeded to travel through an unmistakably marked off construction zone in the westbound lanes of Interstate 80/94. According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Ann Wojas, “They had message boards. They had arrow boards out there. They had construction barrels that were blocking these lanes. And they also had other signage out there telling them the two left lanes were closed.” Nonetheless, the unidentified motorist drove through the closed off lanes of the roadway, consequently plowing into a contractor at approximately 1:30 a.m. The construction worker, identified as Christopher Jenkins, 45, smashed through the windshield of the vehicle on impact, reportedly striking the driver inside the Mercury. Jenkins, a Walsh Construction worker, was seemingly pronounced dead at the scene.

After the horrifying incident occurred, Jenkins’ fellow employees reportedly stood in front of the Mercury so the driver could not flee the scene… via automobile, that is. The driver reportedly ran away, crossing construction barrier walls, construction sites, and multiple-lane roadways, as a means of escape. Police are reportedly “confident they have the identity of the driver and encourage anyone who is helping him to call the police”. Reports did not disclose whether OSHA had been notified of the fatal on-the-job accident. Investigations continue.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Indiana Construction Accident Lawyers.

Product liability lawyer alerts- CPSC announced product recall of remote control kits; no injures reported.

Washington, DC—Ontario, Canada-based Dimplex North America has participated in the voluntary recall of approximately 700,000 Remote Control Kits for Electric Fireplaces and Stoves due to the fire and burn hazards they pose to consumers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) http://www.cpsc.gov announced the product safety recall on Tuesday, March 16, 2010.

According to the CPSC, the plug-in wall unit is susceptible to overheating, subsequently causing fire and burn dangers to consumers using the remote control kits. Dimplex has reportedly received approximately 5,000 reports of overheating plug-in wall units, which resulted in “19 reports of damage beyond the remote control and one report of a house fire in Columbus, Ohio that resulted in considerable property damage”. It was unknown if the over-heating incidents resulted in any consumer injuries.

The recalled remote control kits were created for use with electric fireplaces, stoves and fireplace inserts under the brand names Dimplex, Electraflame, Symphony, Optiflame, Electralog and Charmglow. The remote control and wall unit were sold in either black or dark gray, with affected model numbers including 47-1001, 47-1010-R and APT-1315. The model number can be located on the plug-in unity or remote control.

These risky remote control kits were sold in mass merchandise, home improvement, specialty fireplace and furniture stores for prices ranging from $200 to $1,500, for the fireplaces and stoves. Remote control kits replaced under warranty are affected by the recall as well.

Consumers have been urged to stop using the recalled remote control kits and unplug the wall unit from the electrical outlet to prevent any potential fire or burn hazards. Diplex North America may be contacted toll-free at (866) 673-9880 or online at www.recall.dimplex.com with regards to receiving a complimentary replacement remote control kit.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Product Liability Lawyers.

Wisconsin employment lawyer alerts- HazMat crews responded to scene of chemical explosion at Olympia Resort, while several employees and others were taken to the hospital.

Oconomowoc, WI—A chemical explosion at Olympia Resort and Conference Center left an employee with multiple fractures and minor burns Tuesday morning, March 16, 2010. The worker was reportedly mixing chlorine with another chemical while in the laundry room of the resort, prompting the blast. As a safety precaution, over thirty people, including other employees, police officers and fire rescue personnel also reported to area hospitals after the incident. The resort is located on the 1300 block of Royale Mile Road, according to information provided by the 620WTMJ.com.

Deputies from the Oconomowoc Police Department reported that at approximately 9 a.m., an unidentified female employee was in the laundry room, located in the basement of the resort, mixing chlorine and another chemical when the explosion occurred. Fire rescue personnel seemingly responded to the scene to transport the woman to Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital to be treated for several broken bones, minor burns, and an eye irritation. Dozens of other staff members, authorities, and rescue workers also reported to the hospital emergency room to be checked out and treated for mild respiratory issues and chemical-induced skin irritations. None of the guests staying at the hotel at the time were reportedly affected by the small chemical explosion.

HazMat teams were dispatched to the scene to aid in cleanup efforts. It was undisclosed if OSHA will be conducting independent investigations into the workplace explosion.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Wisconsin Employment Lawyers.

California Highway Patrol alert: Green Bay Packers football player, Spencer Havner, faces DUI charges following a Kawasaki motorcycle crash.

Nevada County, CA—Green Bay Packers’ tight end and linebacker, Spencer Havner, is facing charges of driving under the influence (DUI) following a motorcycle accident on Monday, March 15, 2010. The professional football player lost control of his motorcycle around 2:45 a.m., in Grass Valley, causing bodily harm to himself, as reported by USA Today.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Havner, 27, lost control of his 2007 Kawasaki motorcycle on a private road where there was cul-de-sac. Havner reportedly broke his shoulder, sustained cuts to the back of his head and left arm and numerous abrasions, as he tried to round the end of the road. He was not wearing a helmet at the time. Havner was rushed by responding emergency medical services (EMS) teams to Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital in Grass Valley for treatment. Upon arriving at the medical facility, he was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Consequently Havner was arrested for DUI at the hospital and was later taken to Sutter Roseville Memorial Center for continued treatment. Police officials are still investigating the motorcycle crash. Charges are being directed to the Nevada County district attorney’s office for prosecution.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for California DUI lawyers.

A crash involving a Metro bus and a light rail train injured 19 people in downtown Houston.

Houston, TX—For the second time in the past month, a Metro bus collided with light rail train, injuring at least 19 people. The train and bus collision occurred in downtown Houston at St. Joseph Parkway and Main Street around 2:30 p.m., March 15, 2010, as reported by Kens5.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority reported they are unsure what caused the collision that knocked the first car of the train off the tracks, leaving visible damage to the front end of the public transportation bus. Reports indicated that 19 people were transported to area hospitals following the crash. The hospitalized victims apparently complained of mostly neck and back pains, which appeared to be non-life-threatening. Police officials are currently investigating the collision. No charges have been filed at this time.

The recent collision occurred at the same intersection as another identical crash occurred just weeks earlier on February 8. The similar collision occurred when a bus ran a red light and slammed into another light rail train. Nine people were transported to the hospital following the crash. Officials are expected to look into why two similar accidents occurred at the same intersection. The Houston Chronicle reported, “The union that represents all Metro employees is calling for a full investigation to make sure the traffic signals are working properly at Main and St. Joseph Parkway.” The investigation is underway.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Texas bus accident lawyers.

Kansas automobile accident lawyer alert- A double fatality resulted from a fiery car wreck in Overland Park.

Overland Park, KS—An early Tuesday morning, March 16, 2010 fiery automobile crash claimed the lives of two people in Southern Overland Park. The double fatality crash took place around 1:10 a.m., on West 151st Street, where the vehicle hit a house located at 6860 W. 151st, as reported by The Kansas City Star.

A vehicle was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed on eastbound 151st, when the car suddenly left the roadway, slammed into a power pole, clipped the garage of a home, rolled several times and the burst into flames in the front yard of the home. A witness to the wreck rushed over to the burning vehicle to pull the driver from the burning wreckage. The brave witness was able to get the driver out, but sustained burns to his hands while trying to rescue him. Unfortunately two passengers were also trapped in the vehicle, and were unable to get out. The two passengers were tragically killed in the wreck. Police officials are still trying to identify the young deceased victims. The driver of the car and the witness were both taken to an area hospital by responding emergency personnel for treatment of their injuries. The driver is reportedly listed in critical condition. At this time no charges have been filed, but the investigation is ongoing. It has not been determined if drugs and/or alcohol played a role in the deadly crash.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Kansas automobile accident lawyers.

Arizona Personal injury lawyer alert- A hot air balloon crash injured two people in Phoenix.

Phoenix, AZ—An out-of-town family of four, who decided to take a scenic hot balloon ride, got more than they bargained for when the balloon suddenly crashed near Interstate 17 and Carefree Highway. Two people were rushed to the hospital after the balloon crash that occurred around 6:00 p.m., on Monday, March 15, 2010, as reported by AZFamily.com

According to officials, the experienced hot air balloon pilot, 49, made the decision to cut the family’s trip short due to increasing winds. As the balloon neared the ground, the sail began to drag the balloon about 80 yards as the pilot attempted to open its vent. While the pilot desperately tried to stop the balloon, she fell out of the basket and was drug underneath across the hard ground, all while trying to still pull the vent line to get the top pulled out. The pilot subsequently broke her leg in two places above the ankle on the streets curb and suffered severe road rash. One of the family’s daughter’s, who was in the balloon, sought medical treatment after hitting her head on a pole while getting out of the hot air balloon. She is reportedly going to be okay. The pilot reportedly worked for Arizona Hot Air Balloons. Investigators are currently looking into what caused the balloon to take such a hard landing.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Arizona personal injury lawyers.