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How to Prevent Dog Bite Injuries

Posted on: May 2nd, 2018

Two mean dogs behind a fenceEvery year over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, and approximately 25% of those people require medical attention for these bites. From these statistics, it appears that serious dog bites are all too common. However, there are a number of ways to prevent dog bite injuries.

Tips for Avoiding Dog Bite Injuries

The first step toward preventing a dog bite injury is to understand the body language of a dog you encounter. Dogs, like people, display signals with their body that correspond with their current demeanor. A dog that is likely to bite will often exhibit body language such as a stiff tail, tensed body, furrowed brow, drawn back ears and/or head, yawning, flicking of the tongue, visible whites of the eyes, retreating, and/or an intense stare.

If you are confronted with a dog displaying any of these signs, the following steps can help to avoid escalating the confrontation to an attack. (more…)

NY Motorcycle Helmet Laws – Do You Have To Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in New York State?

Posted on: April 17th, 2018

Woman riding motorcycle, abiding by NY motorcycle helmet lawsNew York State does in fact have a helmet law requiring all riders and passengers on a motorcycle to wear a helmet approved under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Section 571.218.

Motorcycle Helmets Are REQUIRED in New York State

New York’s helmet law is found in the Vehicle and Traffic Law at Section 381(6), which states as follows:

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type which meets the requirements set forth in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards as may from time to time be amended. The commissioner is hereby authorized and directed to adopt regulations for helmets which are consistent with the requirements as specified in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards as may from time to time be amended. The police authorities of a city, town or village may issue a permit exempting members of organizations sponsoring or conducting parades or other public exhibitions from the provisions of this subdivision while such members are participating in such parades or other public exhibitions.

In addition to the requirement that all drivers and passengers wear an approved helmet, operators of a motorcycle are also required to wear goggles or a face shield of a type approved by the Commission of Motor Vehicles. See NY Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 381(7). (more…)

How Much Money is My NY Personal Injury Case Worth?

Posted on: April 9th, 2018

Dollar signs representing how much a personal injury case is worthOne of the most common questions asked by personal injury clients is the value of the case. Of course, that is often an impossible question to determine at the onset of a case. Every case is unique and different, and many details of a case must be explored before a value can be assigned.

Many factors affect that determination, and the value will be fully learned over the course of representation, as your attorney obtains necessary information and investigation. However, a few factors are always taken into consideration. (more…)

Injured as a Spectator at a Sporting Event: Can You Sue?

Posted on: March 16th, 2018

baseball and home plate in sand on the baseball fieldIt is not uncommon during a game to see a fan struck when a foul ball or broken bat goes flying into the stands. However, in most circumstances, courts routinely deny recovery to spectators struck by batted balls and other flying objects, such as broken bats, hockey pucks, footballs, or debris.

Most courts have adopted what is commonly known as “the Baseball Rule,” which asserts that foul balls are a common part of the game that can reasonably be expected and anticipated. As a result, fans struck by flying objects have assumed the risk of their injuries and will usually not be able to pursue an action. (more…)

Safety Tips for Winter Sports

Posted on: January 23rd, 2018

A group of 5 young skiiersThere are many recreational activities to participate in during the winter season, including skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating and more. Unfortunately, treacherous winter weather and the nature of some of these activities results in the risk of injuries among adults and young children alike.

In 2013, more than 47,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to sledding, ice skating and snowboarding. What’s perhaps more surprising is that the majority of these winter sports injuries could have been prevented. (more…)

Pre-existing Conditions: What You Need to Know

Posted on: January 8th, 2018

Woman with a sore neck as a preexisting conditionClients sometimes wonder, “Will a medical condition I had before my accident prevent me from recovering money?”

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. While in some cases a preexisting condition may impact your ability to recover, in other cases it may not foreclose you from recovery.

The outcome of the situation will vary based on your specific circumstances.

Here, we’ll help you understand the different types of pre-existing conditions and how to go about pursuing compensation if you’ve been injured even if you have a pre-existing condition. (more…)

Winter Driving Tips – Be Prepared This Winter

Posted on: December 18th, 2017

Cars on a snow covered roadway in dangerous driving conditionsWinter driving in the Northeast can be challenging and dangerous! With winters that leave our roads slick with ice, snow and slush, let’s take a moment to refresh our memories on how to avoid bad winter drivers and be prepared in the event of an accident.

Winter Driving Tips

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and avoid winter driving hazards when the roadways are covered in snow and ice this winter. (more…)

Car Accidents Caused by Sun Glare

Posted on: December 14th, 2017

Man driving with the visor down to avoid sun glareMost people have, at some point in their lives, experienced how blinding the sun can be if its rays shine directly into your eyes. This can be especially problematic when you are behind the wheel of a car.

There are a number of factors that can make driving into the sun – an already difficult driving scenario – worse. These factors include driving on a street running east and west, sun glare from any snowfall, dirt and grime accumulations on your windshield, and light-colored dashboards.

The chances of encountering dangerous sun glare conditions are heightened in fall and winter when the trees have fewer leaves on them and the sun sets earlier in the evening.

Despite the fact that the position of the sun is not something the ordinary motorist can control, the New York Court of Appeals has determined that sun glare is not a valid excuse for a motor vehicle accident, especially one with a pedestrian. (more…)

Are Employers Liable for Employee Car Accidents?

Posted on: November 17th, 2017

Employee driving a company carPeople in many occupations drive as part of their jobs on a daily basis. Whether making deliveries, traveling to meet with clients, or visiting various service locations, employees – like all motorists – are expected to drive carefully and responsibly, so as not to cause harm to others.

But if an employee acts negligently or is involved in an accident while driving to complete duties associated with their job, it may be the employer who is held responsible.

If you drive for your job, you run a company that includes employees who drive while on the job, or you’ve been involved in an accident with someone who was driving for work, read on to find out what to expect when employees are involved in car accidents during the scope of their employment.  (more…)

How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on: October 16th, 2017

Woman thinking about choosing a personal injury lawyerIf you or a loved one is seriously injured, choosing the right personal injury lawyer is an important decision that will impact the rest of your life. The attorney who represents you will be your advocate to ensure you receive the money you need for future medical treatment, and supporting your family for years to come. Finding the right attorney is more than just finding someone who can get you a quick settlement.

At Maynard O’Connor, we think that in addition to getting you all of the money you deserve, your attorney should also be someone who you can talk to, trust, and who will help guide you through this difficult time in your life. We understand you have serious injuries and are facing difficult challenges. (more…)

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