January 2014 - Johnson & Lundgreen

Idaho Personal-Injury News

January 27, 2014/in Blog /by rljohnson

Stories about accidents that cause personal injuries serve a very important purpose: They provide a warning to others, showing the dangers of negligent behavior. Raising awareness to negligent business practices also holds the potential to force businesses to change those practices, saving future customers from suffering similar injuries.

That is why we are passionate about spreading personal-injury news as often as possible. At the Law Offices of Johnson and Lundgreen, we are dedicated to helping honest people hold insurance companies to their promises. If you are in need of an accident lawyer in Meridian, we hope you’ll call us to schedule a consultation. To find out more about our services, Call Us At 208-376-5256 Today!

Police Wrap Up Investigation Into 44-Car Accident

Recently, there was a multi-car accident that occurred on Interstate 84 that likely was caused by fog. The Idaho Statesman reports that there was more to that story. Police investigators concluded that the driver of the log truck, Cory Ford, was driving recklessly based on the conditions. Specifically, he failed to slow down when the fog rolled in and the visibility became low on the interstate.

At least seven other drivers have been cited following the accident for violations ranging from speeding to following too closely. These citations may suggest that personal-injury lawsuits are on the horizon from the 10 people who were injured in the pileup.

Idaho Plasma Donation Clinic Sued Over False Lab Report

According to the Seattle Times, Melissa Bloom successfully donated plasma through BioLife Plasma Services for about six months. Patients can donate about once per month, so Bloom likely donated six times before a mistake caused her to stop donating.

Last April, the clinic informed Bloom that she was no longer eligible to donate plasma because their tests revealed that she had HIV and hepatitis. Furthermore, they told her that they put her name on a list of ineligible donors that was available to clinics nationwide.

Bloom was shocked. Her first round of tests, six months earlier, came back clean. She said that she became concerned about her grandson after he fell and received an open leg wound—could she help him without communicating the disease? She was also humiliated when she told her fiancé that she had HIV.

Fortunately, a second test at her physician’s office showed that the BioLife results were false. An investigation revealed that BioLife combined her blood with that of other donors before testing it, which led to the mistake. As compensation for the emotional distress that their negligence cost her, Bloom filed a lawsuit for more than $10,000 against the clinic.

If the negligence of a person or a company has caused you physical, mental or emotional suffering, we can help you find compensation though a personal-injury lawsuit. To discuss your case during a free consultation, please Call Us At 208-376-5256 Today!

Bus Driver At Fault For Fatal Car Accident

January 20, 2014/in Blog /by rljohnson

Last month, Treasure Valley residents were shocked to read about a school bus accident that left one child dead and several in the hospital. Now, according to the Idaho Statesman, the story has grown more complicated with the release of a report written by the Idaho State Police (ISP) and submitted to the Idaho Department of Transportation.

The ISP determined that the primary cause of the accident was the fact that Debra Boatwright, the bus driver, failed to yield to a dump truck that had the right of way. However, the story behind the early morning crash may not be as simple as that. The report also details the fact that the dump-truck driver, Charles Samuel Derby, drove onto the shoulder before quickly crossing back onto the road, where Boatwright was pulling into the intersection.

Although Derby did not have a stop sign and Boatwright did, the erratic driving could indicate that Derby was intoxicated. Police said that Derby has a history of using marijuana and driving under the influence, but they are not certain if he was intoxicated when the crash occurred. Currently, they are awaiting the results of a blood test.

No Criminal Charges Have Been Filed And Police Continue To Investigate

Police initially told reporters that charges were likely to follow the report, but none have been filed. Investigators say that they are waiting for the results of the blood tests for both Boatwright and Derby. The impact of the crash killed 11-year-old Daniel Cook and injured four other children, two of which were released within 24 hours. The other two received serious injuries, but they are expected to fully recover.

The families of the children who were injured now face expensive medical bills. Unfortunately, even if it is determined that one of the drivers acted negligently, insurance companies often offer injured parties much less than they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident by a drunk or otherwise negligent driver, we can help you recover the compensation that you deserve. At the Law Offices of Johnson & Lundgreen, we have decades of experience representing Meridian residents. To schedule a free consultation, Call Us At 208-376-5256 Today!

So Far, No Personal-Injury Lawsuits Have Been Filed Against Either Driver

The police reported that they found several equipment violations on Derby’s truck, but they have not said whether or not those violations played a role in the crash. Boatwright remains on leave after the accident, and the school district will review the police report before reinstating her. She has been driving for the district for more than five years.

Throughout the past 20 years, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Johnson & Lundgreen have successfully handled thousands of personal-injury claims, and we have the experience necessary to help you find justice in a civil courtroom. To discuss your car accident in Meridian, Call Us At 208-376-5256 Today!

Car Accident Involving 46 Vehicles

January 13, 2014/in Blog /by rljohnson

KTVB News reports that there was a massive, 46-car pileup on I-84. The accident was so destructive that it took cleanup crews more than four hours to reopen the freeway.

The story starts at 9:00 a.m., when police responded to a two-car accident. While they were clearing the wreck, heavy fog rolled in and the roadway froze over.

The driver of a black Subaru wasn’t able to see the first accident until he was very close, at which point he swerved into the other lane. He clipped another vehicle and spun out of control. The driver of a logging truck tried to avoid the Subaru, but the roads were too slick. The truck slammed into the Subaru, which became lodged under the axel of the truck.

The slick conditions made it all but impossible for the vehicles behind the truck to slow in time, and soon, more than 40 vehicles were crunched together along the interstate, blocking both lanes.

10 People Were Injured In The Accident And Taken To Local Hospitals

Amazingly, no one was killed in the massive pileup. Even the Subaru driver escaped with his life, though police say that he was severely injured.

The Subaru received the most damage, and firefighters needed to use the Jaws of Life to pry open several of the 46 vehicles at the scene. Also involved in the accident were multiple semi-trucks, cars, pickups and SUVs. Also, the logging truck’s straps came loose and lost the logs.

If you have been injured in a similar car accident that was caused by the negligence of another motorist, we urge you to contact a personal-injury attorney from our offices right away. At the Law Offices of Johnson & Lundgreen, we specialize in helping Meridian car-accident victims recover the compensation that they deserve. To speak with an attorney about your accident, Call Us At 208-376-5256 Today!

Motorists Need To Keep An Eye Out For Changing Weather And Slow Down When Necessary

The Treasure Valley has had a particularly treacherous winter, with fog and ice advisories issued many times throughout December and now in January. Just before the accident occurred, a weather advisory was released, warning residents of freezing fog. In situations where the visibility drops and the roads become slick, it may not be safe to drive the speed limit.

In fact, driving the speed limit when the road is extremely slick is often considered negligent driving in the courtroom. As illustrated by the recent I-84 crash, you may not be able to see obstructions in areas with low visibility until it is too late.

Even if you are driving responsibly, there is no guarantee that other drivers are. If another driver’s negligence caused an accident that left you in the hospital, we can help you find justice through a civil lawsuit. To schedule a consultation with an attorney from The Law Offices of Johnson & Lundgreen, Call Us At 208-376-5256 Today!

5 Defensive-Driving Tips

January 2, 2014/in Blog /by rljohnson

You can never be too cautious on the roads nowadays. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 33,500 people were killed in auto accidents last year. Hundred of thousands more were injured in accidents. With the increase in distractions that are in vehicles, including cell phones and tablet computers, it is no longer enough to drive safely; you need to start driving defensively.

However, not all accidents can be prevented. If you have been injured in an auto accident by a negligent driver, we can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, the time you need to spend away from work and your pain and suffering. To schedule a consultation with an attorney from the Law Offices of Johnson & Lundgreen, Call Us At 208-376-5256 Today!

1. Minimize Distractions

Distraction.gov, the official website for distracted driving advises that the three types of distractions are visual, manual and cognitive. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe while you’re driving, don’t take your eyes off the road, keep your hands on the wheel and don’t let anything take your mind off of driving. Driving is a complex task and requires your full attention.

2. Keep An Eye Out For Fast Lane Changes

Few people are rear-ended while they are staying in a single lane and traveling at the speed limit. Collisions most often occur after one driver has made a fast lane change and fails to leave enough room for the person behind them. Keep an eye out for drivers who switch lanes quickly, and be cautious when they pass you.

3. Avoid Distracted Drivers

Similarly, if you see someone talking on a cell phone, texting, putting on makeup or otherwise engaging in distracted driving, let him or her pass you or take an alternative route. It’s only a matter of time before they cause an accident. Do everything that you can to make sure that you don’t suffer for their recklessness.

4. Select The Right Gear For Mountain Driving

If you are driving up to Bogus Basin or McCall this winter, make sure that you are in the right gear when driving downhill. Use a low speed that keeps you relatively close to the speed limit, and then use your brakes for about three seconds at a time to keep your car at the right speed.

5. Maintain A Safe Bubble

The best way to avoid an accident is to give yourself plenty of room to react to a sudden change on the road around you. Leave several car lengths between you and the driver in front of you. Whenever possible, maximize the distance between you and other motorists or bicyclists.

If a distracted or negligent driver injures you, don’t let their mistake leave you with high medical bills. Instead, give us a call. We can help you negotiate with insurance companies to get you the compensation that you deserve. To schedule an appointment, Call Us At 208-376-5256 Today!

Idaho Personal-Injury News

Bus Driver At Fault For Fatal Car Accident

Car Accident Involving 46 Vehicles

5 Defensive-Driving Tips

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