Former Inmate Offers Training Services, Educational Opportunities for Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal defense attorneys are often the sole advocate for their clients. From the moment their client is charged with a criminal offense until the judge completes the sentencing process, the criminal defense attorney is required to use their legal expertise and professional experience to provide their clients with the best service possible. In addition to providing legal counsel, a criminal defense attorney also must be compassionate, empathetic and understanding.

In many cases, empathy can be challenging — especially since the criminal defense attorney has likely never been in the same position as their client. Now, Prison Coach John Fuller is offering criminal defense attorneys the opportunity to learn more about their clients’ perspective while also providing actionable advice for improving their legal services.

John Fuller is a former inmate who now works as a prison coach and motivational speaker. Criminal defense attorneys around the country have found him to be a valuable resource, as he can provide them with a unique perspective into the lives and minds of their clients.

Benefits of CLE Training with Prison Coach John Fuller

As opposed to other CLE training opportunities that may discuss legal minutiae or industry trends that impact attorneys or their clients, John Fuller’s speaking engagements provide real-life insight into the perspective of those facing criminal charges and those who have been sentenced to a prison term. His personal experience and professional knowledge provide him with the qualifications necessary to take on these issues and to provide attorneys with guidance as they work with their clients.

Criminal defense attorneys who complete training with Prison Coach John Fuller leave their experience with:

  • A better understanding into the perspective of their clients. John Fuller is a former inmate who has spent time in more than 9 different correctional facilities throughout the country, and he has an intimate understanding of what life is like during incarceration. He provides attorneys with insight into the physical and emotional challenges that incarcerated individuals face, which in turn allows attorneys to be more understanding and empathetic with their clients.
  • An ability to prepare their clients for incarceration. Many criminal defense attorneys find themselves faced with a client who has been sentenced to months or years in the prison system, and it can be a difficult conversation to have. By completing training with John Fuller, criminal defense attorneys will be able to provide their clients with specific information that will prepare them for what they will experience once they begin their prison sentence.
  • Actionable tips that they can use to improve their legal practice. In addition to providing attorneys with information that they can relay to their clients, John Fuller gives practical and actionable advice that attorneys can use throughout their experience with clients who are facing criminal charges and possible prison sentences.

As a former inmate, author, public speaker and prison coach, John Fuller is the ideal person to lead a training seminar or conference breakout session. He is a valuable asset to anyone in the legal profession, particularly those who specialize in criminal defense.

Testimonials: What Legal Experts Have to Say About Training with John Fuller

As a prison coach and motivational speaker, John Fuller has had the opportunity to work with criminal defense attorneys from around the country. He has offered training sessions through local bar associations and at private practices that have been well-received by all in attendance. The attorneys who complete his training programs have left with a sense of fulfillment, and they are excited to make the adaptations necessary to provide their clients with a better experience.

Melinda Pendergraph, training director at the Missouri Public Defender’s Office, appreciated the ability to better understand the clients who they work with on a daily basis.

“For me to have the information to explain to them what’s going to happen to them when they go into a prison, it makes all of the difference,” Pendergraph said after a recent training session. “Sometimes it’s hard for our clients to share those experiences, so it was really helpful for me to hear from someone who has been there.”

Not only does John Fuller offer valuable information and additional resources that attorneys can use, he presents it in a manner which is digestible and engaging.

“His communication was great, the way that he was able to get it across to us — it was very easy to understand,” said Adam Woody, attorney and vice president of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. “It’s very valuable information that without a doubt I’m going to use. I’m going to put it in my toolbox.”

Ultimately, it’s John Fuller’s commitment and dedication that shines through when he is discussing the topic of incarceration with attorneys.

“The passion that he has for it is evident,” said Criminal Defense Attorney Eric Vernon. “The fact that he’s evangelizing — he’s writing books, he’s trying to help people, he’s going out and giving these kinds of talks.”

About Prison Coach and Motivational Speaker John Fuller

As a young adult, John Fuller lived a life of crime and ended up facing criminal charges that resulted in more than 10 years in prison. He spent time in 9 different correctional facilities, including 5 federal prisons. Upon his release in 2002, he vowed to start his life anew. He began a career as a prison coach, in which he assists individuals facing incarceration and helps to prepare them for the upcoming experience. He encourages his clients to make the best out of this difficult time. In addition, John Fuller is a motivational speaker and a teacher who hopes to help legal professionals better prepare their clients for incarceration.

Prison Coach John Fuller is available to speak at legal conferences, CLE training classes and criminal defense seminars. He has experience speaking to local bar associations, criminal defense organizations and individual law firms. He enjoys traveling around the country and providing attorneys with personal and professional insight that can help them improve their relationships with their clients.

For more information on booking Prison Coach John Fuller for your next conference, seminar or training experience, contact him today.

 

An Insiders Guide To Understanding a Franchise Disclosure Document

The Franchise Disclosure Document is a way to keep a Franchisee safe. The problem is that most people have no idea how to read yet alone understand a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

This reality brought out a whole bunch of people who call themselves Franchise
Brokers, when in reality they have no licensing nor are they required to have such. Perhaps they can be called Consultants, but a Broker is somebody licensed by the Dept. of Real Estate and if you are searching for a franchise opportunity, look for a licensed one.

Let’s do a quick rundown of the FDD. A comprehensive book is available at my website, www.franchisebrokersinc.com.

Summary Page identifies what the franchise opportunity will cost you. If this number seems high, you may wish to reconsider.

Item 1 identifies who the Franchisor is and who are the partners in this business. It’s good to know who you are getting into business with.

Item 2 identifies the experience of the Franchisor executives. This is a critical area.

Item 3 reveals the litigation, if any, the company is in or has gone through. This is best understood with the help of a Franchise Broker.

Item 4 discusses any bankruptcy issues the Franchisor has present or past.

Item 5 Discusses the initial fees. Again best understood with a Broker.

Item 6 reveals other fees that may have not been disclosed.

Item 7 breaks down your total initial investment.

Item 8 discusses the restrictions Franchisors put on their Franchisees.

Item 9 talks about the Franchisors responsibilities.

Item 10 discusses financing, a must have for most buyers.

Item 11 lets you know what assistance you will receive for training, advertising and general support.

Item 12 talks about territories.

Item 13 discusses trademarks and who owns them.

Item 14 continues with a discussion about patents and copyrights.

Item 15 will let you know if you can be an absentee owner.

Item 16 discusses what you can and cannot sell.

Item 17 discusses the renewal and termination aspects of a franchise.

Item 18 discusses any public figures involved with the business.

Item 19 is the meat of the FDD with a detailed financial picture of the business.

Item 20 reveals all of the outlets, how many are selling and what the count is.

Item 21 has the financial statements and is very important to understand.

Item 22 contains all the contracts you will sign.

Item 23 is the receipt section showing you were given this document.

If you are considering purchasing a franchise opportunity call us for some consultation. It is at no charge as our fees are paid out of the Franchisors marketing fund. We are here to help.

Chuck Machado has 35 years of experience in running and managing companies. After college he started a steel company and grew it into a multi million-dollar business by building fast track retail outlets throughout the west coast. His clients included the biggest names in retail. Among them: Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Kmart. After a short retirement, he realized the lure of business and real estate had a hold on him. His quest lead him to partner with CMA Capital Funding, a commercial brokerage house where he provided short and long term financing for investors and business owners. To further his education, Chuck has undertaken & completed the rigorous requirements necessary to earn the title of Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) issued by the International Business Brokers Association. His passion lead him to representing clients who have a desire to own franchises and partner with The Franchise Brokers Association. He holds a California Brokers License and can be reached at [email protected]

Advantages of Hiring a Lemon Law Attorney

A vehicle is considered a lemon if the manufacturer of the car failed to repair the vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts.  In such a situation you can sue the manufacturer of the vehicle for a replacement which is known as a lemon buyback. To get your car or vehicle replaced consider hiring a lemon law attorney. In this article, we discuss some of the advantages of hiring a lemon law attorney.

Getting Legal Advice

When many people get confronted with legal matters, not many people know what to do, who to call, where to go and what actions to take. Not knowing what to do is frustrating and also time-consuming. A lawyer you choose to hire will help you understand the law concerning your problem. A lawyer will also give you the right knowledge about what you are supposed to do and what actions you need to take. A good lemon law attorney will point you in the right direction. There is nothing as crucial as legal counseling in such situations. A good attorney will review your case and will offer you with insight and solutions to your problem. If you have a problem that needs a lemon law attorney don’t just stand idly find someone who will help you with your problem.

You will have a stronger case

With a lawyer, you will have a stronger case unlike when you don’t have a lawyer. A lawyer will help you to help you win the case so that both parties (that is you and the lawyer) benefit. Lemon law attorneys know the right way in a case can be approached. This is why it is advisable for you to look for a good lawyer in matters concerning lemon law. You are the one who is responsible for providing data the lawyer, on the other hand, processes the information which you have given and then tries to come up with the best solution. A professional working on your case will make the case stronger. A person who has a stronger case will have a higher chance of winning the lawsuit.

It is free

By the fact that we are dealing with a breach of consumers’ law you need not pay the lawyer any fees. It is the manufacturer of the vehicle who is supposed to pay for the attorney.  This is the reason why they will try to make the process as quick as possible. Sometimes the manufacturer will give up more easily.

About compensation

You sue your manufacturer to get the necessary compensation. With a lawyer and a strong case on your side, the chances of winning the lawsuit are high, and it is possible to get the compensation that you deserve. Compensation comes in different forms. It can come in the form of financial compensation or the replacement of the vehicle.  If you are a victim of a warranty breach, don’t just stand idly, call a professional lemon law attorney who will help you find justice. Don’t just stand idly, find a lawyer who will help you build a strong case.

Can Having an MRI Cause More Problems?


An imaging test can be harmful to your health because they employ substances and electromagnetic waves. These types of tests are usually prescribed by your doctor to assist with diagnosing a disease or injury. If you have taken an MRI, you may have been exposed to gadolinium. A contrasting agent used to obtain a clearer image produced by an MRI machine. An X-ray machine can also be harmful to your health because you are exposed to radiation during the examination.

What is it?

Gadolinium is a chemical element and a metal with fluorescent properties. It is used in  medical magnetic resonance imaging and in color television picture tubes to enhance picture quality. When used for medical reasons it is injected into patients before they receive an MRI. Once injected into your bloodstream the chemical circulates throughout your body. This allows physicians to see your internal organs and on a screen.

Physicians can diagnose medical conditions and achieve detailed images of your bones, tissues and internal body structure. Even though gadolinium has been used to help patients and physicians diagnose medical maladies the chemical has been found to cause health problems. Many people have developed side effects and become ill due to this element.

What are the potential risks?

Once gadolinium is administered, it can be retained in your internal organs, skin, brain and bones for an unspecified period. It is estimated that the substance can remain in your body for up to several months or years. The dye can cause effect distinct parts of the body, including your kidneys, arms, legs and bones. While the chemical is retained in the body, it can cause poisoning that affects the kidneys. You can also experience brain fog, tissue burning and pain in your extremities. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, gadolinium deposition disease, and gadolinium storage condition are the known issues that have arisen in patients that have been given the dye.

If you have gadolinium storage condition, your kidneys will function normally, but you will be diagnosed with excessive amounts of this chemical being stored in your body.

When your renal function is impaired, and you have pain after being administered the dye within a few weeks this is related to gadolinium deposition disease. If diagnosed with nephrogenic system fibrosis condition, your renal system has been damaged by the chemical. This condition causes you to experience kidney malfunction and discolored skin. It is a fatal illness and can lead to shortening of your muscles and tendons.

What is being done?

Since the chemical has been administered to patients that have undergone an MRI, the Food and Drug Administration has added a warning about the risk of the contrasting dye. Physicians should also be informing patients about the dangers of gadolinium. There has been a mass tort, simply put a Gadolinium lawsuit, in progress since October 2016 and there are more lawsuits being filed.

There have been plenty of patients harmed by the chemical and plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages for the medical conditions caused by the dye. They do not believe they were warned about the toxicity of the dye and became ill due to its retention in their bodies.

Bankruptcy and Medical Bills

What’s the number one reason why people in this country feel compelled to file for bankruptcy? Medical bills. In a 2015 study authored released by the Kaiser Foundation, researchers found that unpaid medical bills had forced more than one million Americans to seek bankruptcy protection. If you or a loved one is overwhelmed with costs related to the treatment of an illness or an injury, speaking with an experienced bankruptcy attorney St Louis may be able to help you figure out what your options are.

Medical Bills and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lets an individual who can no longer pay his or her debts get a fresh financial start. In order to qualify to file Chapter 7, you must pass a means test, which looks at the amount of disposable income available to you for paying your debts.

If you pass this means test and file a bankruptcy petition, the court will charge a trustee with overseeing the liquidation of certain of your assets. Those proceeds will then be used to pay a pro rata amount of the unsecured claims made against you by creditors. The remaining debt may be discharged.

Medical bills are considered to be a type of unsecured debt. Not all unsecured debt can be wiped out by filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, however. You will be obligated to continue payments on priority debts such as certain types of taxes, alimony and child support. Medical bill payments, however, are not considered a priority debt.

Medical Bills and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy works differently. If your petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy is approved, you will be allowed to devise a plan whose objective will be the repayment of all or a substantial portion of your unsecured and other debts within a three- to five-year term. You will be making payments on your medical bills as well as on your credit card bills.

You cannot qualify for Chapter 13 if your unsecured debt is in excess of $394,725. While that may seem like a large amount, your medical bills could easily be that high if you’ve been treated for a severe illness or injury. Consulting with a seasoned bankruptcy lawyer can help you determine whether bankruptcy is the right option for you.

List of the Skills You Need to Excel in Law Career

A legal profession is a field that requires a great sense of responsibility and logical thinking. Your communication and ability to present a case with clarity is needed. This is a field which requires hours of your labour, meticulousness, and attention to detail. You need to have an acute business sense as well as reasoning ability. Your diction and language must be flawless. You need to have a good hold of knowledge of law and order, as well as curious nature. Along with time management, you must have the sound judgement of any situation posed to you. Grit, oratory skills, persuasion skills, teamwork, and emotional intelligence go a long way in building a career in the legal field. Listed below are the skills and abilities required to excel in the field of law.

Reasoning ability and an inquisitive mind

Those who are naturally curious do well in this field. Your curious mind lets you find out the hidden details in any situation and come up with a workable solution with good reasoning. You also need to deal with software packages when in the field of law. Microsoft Excel is one application that you will be using in the field of law. Excel how to move columns is one of the tasks that you need to learn when you start using the application. Microsoft Excel is extensively used in this field, and you must know how to use this application in depth.

Exceptional oratory skills

Whether you are working for a corporate firm or practicing privately, as a lawyer, you need to have exceptional oratory and reading skills. You must be able to grasp through the documents and understand the content of the data in documents. Your reading, writing, and speaking ability must be exceptional when you choose the field of law. You must have command over the language and have good knowledge of grammar and jargons used in the field.

Emotional intelligence

The job of the lawyer is to deal with other people’s problems. It is a high strung job and could create a lot of stress. You are required to keep your emotions in check and deal with the problems head-on. At no point can you get riled up during a case. As a legal professional, you have to keep your emotions in check and think with clarity.

 

Manage time well

Time management is the crux of this field apart from reasoning, dealing with details, and other operations. As a lawyer, you are required to have a quick grasp of facts and work on them efficiently. Your teamwork and team building skills are essential as well.

Know about finances and technology

You must be financially literate and have working knowledge of this field as well. Since most of the cases a lawyer deals with involves money, financial literacy is the core of the law field. All the law firms are digitized, and it is important that you know of the working knowledge of software packages used in this field.

Law is a dynamic and an intellectual field. It is for those who have a taste for challenges, law and legal procedures, and love thriving in an intellectually challenging environment.

Protect Yourself After an Auto Accident

A Life-Threatening Situation

Either due to alcohol or just recklessness, a typical commute to work was swiftly ended in a painful collision. While your worries may have only been that one email you needed to send out before a certain time, now you’re facing expensive hospital bills. Not to mention the claims with insurance and whether or not you’re going to need a new car. There’s a lot to handle after surviving an auto accident. First, you should be relieved that you made it out at all. Auto accidents are the leading cause of death in America. After you’ve survived, however, you may want to consider hiring an Oregon auto accident attorney.

Receive Justice

Because of the confusing legal literature that insurance companies try to impose, you may miss certain details that could prevent you from receiving money from them. You can also be sure that the other person who was in the accident likely has a lawyer, too, eager to defend their actions. Instead of defending yourself and trying to fight for your rights alone, you may want to consider Patrick G. Cadiz. He’s an experienced lawyer who has handled multiple auto accident cases in his history as an attorney. He can help you figure out how to battle the insurance companies, the offender, and any other offender that might have played a part in the accident. The more difficult the case, the better your chances of receiving a sizable amount in damages.

There’s a great deal that goes into the protocols and necessary paperwork after an auto accident. It’s easy to miss a certain file or claim and you’ll either be penalized or you’ll miss out on potential money. The Law Offices of Patrick G. Cadiz can help make sure you don’t miss a dime.

So, if you’re in an accident and ready to fight for your rights and receive justice for what was done to you and your car, consider taking on Patrick G. Cadiz. Together, you can make sure you are not a victim again.

Filing a birth injury lawsuit

Almost 4 million babies are born in the U.S. annually. Approximately 10% of those are preterm births, and over 23,000 infants don’t survive the process. It’s estimated that 6 to 8 out of every 1000 live births still suffer from some form of birth defect or traumatic injury. That equates to almost 30,000 infants every year. Most birth issues can be treated or heal easily within days or weeks. However, some require more healing efforts or can even last a lifetime, and sometimes justice needs to be served. Knowing and understanding the difference between misfortune and malpractice is key to a successful outcome. But what are some tips for filing a birth injury lawsuit?

 

Prioritize Your Child’s Medical Care

Obviously, your first concern as a worried parent will be to make sure your child’s needs are addressed. But you’ll also need to make sure that you work with the doctors and other medical care providers to establish and learn the total costs of the impending medical treatment. This can be a stressful process, but the information is crucial to determining short and long-term financial responsibilities.

 

Gather All Information Regarding the Birth and Delivery

Memories can fade quickly, so you’ll need to write down all recollections of your hospital experience as soon as possible. Include the names and titles or job descriptions of every person who was part of your medical treatment from the moment you entered the hospital or birthing facility. The more information you can get your attorney the better. Opinions and recollections of your spouse or the other parent, if they were present for the birth, may be beneficial as well.

 

Be Careful with Hospital Employees or Insurance Reps

Once it’s established that the cause of the birth injury may be negligence-related by anyone on the medical team, the hospital may begin contacting you. Insurance professionals or legal reps for the hospital or individual doctors themselves may become insistent that you return correspondence or meet in person to discuss the details and potentially agree to a settlement. This may either act as a scare tactic or a stress reducer, but in either case, you have the legal right to inform them you need to speak to your own attorney first. Otherwise, jumping into those waters head-first can negatively affect an otherwise potentially impressive settlement.

 

Save, File, Document!

After a birth injury, the parents will be swept up in a whirlwind of paperwork and documentation. Multiple sources will send correspondence. Medical bills and care instructions will be emailed, mailed, and offered as downloads. Be sure to request and keep a written copy of the doctor’s professional diagnosis and file every letter or email from the hospital and insurance company. Your birth injury attorney will need this information. Also, be careful not to discuss the potential lawsuit with friends or even close relations. These relations won’t be able to help you get the financial remediation you need, but any form of leaked information even slightly downplaying outside roles in the birth injuries can destroy your case.

 

Secure a Competent Birth Injury Attorney As Soon As Possible

One wrong conversation or a single misplaced or lost document can completely derail a potentially solid birth injury lawsuit. But a competent legal team can help you remain focused as your emotions soar off the charts. The hospital’s attorneys will be fighting hard to find holes in your claim. Give us a call to help ensure there are none.

Four Types of Professionals That Can Keep You Out of Legal Troubles

As a business owner, the nature of your work – or the clients with whom you work – could open you up to the risk of litigation. Even those who own relatively small and simple businesses may eventually find themselves in a mess of legal difficulties, potentially at no fault of their own. When legal worries come your way, you stand a much better chance at survival with the help of experienced professionals.

Let’s take a look at some specialists who can represent your business and help you avoid legal ruin in the event litigation is filed against you.

Payroll Specialist

Your small business may only employ a handful of workers and you may not see the need of outsourcing employee compensation to a third party, but there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to managing payroll.

The payroll specialist job description encompasses more than just paying your help: they also make sure you’re adhering to regulations and state and federal laws that govern payroll. If you choose to handle payroll matters in-house, then you will have to hire a team of experts or run the risk of being out of compliance and open to legal difficulty.

Business Lawyer

Though you may lack a substantial amount of capital, having an expert attorney well-versed in business law on-retainer can prevent you from running into problems that can cost you everything.

Many business owners may only think that they need a lawyer when a lawsuit is brought against them but utilizing the services and advice of a business lawyer can prevent litigation being filed in the first place. Consulting your business attorney on sensitive matters first – before they lead to headache – may seem like an unnecessary cost, but it can save your livelihood.

Private Investigator

Though it may seem like a strange suggestion, a private investigator could be a great addition to your team. Despite what you may know about private investigators from film and TV, they provide their services to a wide range of clients.

As an expert in legal matters that works closely with lawyers and other agents, a PI could be your point of contact to connect you to other professionals who can provide benefits to your operation. If you work in a high-security environment, then your employees need to be heavily vetted before you can hire them; a private investigatory firm can perform thorough research and background checks so that you can focus on running your business.

Forensic Accountant

The thought of needing the help of investigatory accounting professionals when your business is running smoothly may seem like a waste of money, but there are many instances where you will really benefit from their assistance.

Any time money comes up missing or falls into your lap unexpectedly, you’ll need outside help to investigate the matter and provide advice on the best course of action to take. Financial matters can lead to a whole host of litigation and lawsuits which can be avoided or mitigated with the help of a forensic accounting firm.

Doing things by the books – backed up by documentation and paper trails – can prevent most situations that could lead to lawsuits. No one can be completely safe from legal misfortune, however, so it is important to seek out expert assistance when trouble comes knocking.

The Benefits of a Reverse Mortgage Loan

Many seniors who have just entered or are well into their retirement years may worry that they won’t have enough money for the rest of their lives. If you’re one of these retired people, then you may consider taking out a reverse mortgage loan. This is a loan available to seniors who are aged 62 and up. What this loan does is allow you to trade in some of the equities in your home for cash. There are many benefits to taking out a reverse mortgage loan.

Reverse Mortgage Education is Required

You may not fully understand what this loan is and what it can do for you. This is alright because everyone who applies is required to learn more about it directly from a professional. A law has been enacted to protect unsuspecting borrowers from obtaining a loan they don’t fully comprehend. You don’t have to worry about any hidden rules and fees. All reverse mortgage lenders, like American Advisors Group, will provide you with all of the information you need before you take out this loan.

It Gives You Constant Cash Flow

The sad truth about retirement is that not everyone saves up for it. More and more Americans have to work past the age of requirement just to survive. Even for those who save, the money leftover might not be enough for the rest of their lives. A reverse mortgage can provide a sort of second income. As long as you have equities in your home, you can receive monthly payments to pay off any debt or finally do the things on your bucket list that you couldn’t previously afford. This is also beneficial to your adult children that are paying your mortgage each month.

Make Those Retirement Savings Last Longer

Retirement money is generally used for living expenses. What if there’s more to pay, however? If you have any other bills or you want to afford to do certain fun things in life, then the retirement plans you already have may not be enough. Reverse mortgage loans are there to give you that extra money you need. Sometimes social security won’t provide enough. Maybe you withdrew it in your early 60s. You receive more money from social security the longer you delay to obtain it, but not everyone can prolong this. You can, however, prolong your retirement money with a reverse mortgage loan.

Applying for a reverse mortgage loan can financially assist you in your retirement. With companies, like AAG Reverse ready to inform you further about this loan, you can rest assured that you’ll know what you’re applying for. A reverse mortgage loan will allow you to gain cash and lengthen your retirement.

When Defective Car Parts Lead to Serious Accidents

Ask anyone who has ever survived a motor vehicle accident, and they will likely tell you that the sudden and unexpected collision is one of the most violent and physically threatening encounters one can experience.

Recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) Crash Stats report has shown that for 94% of accidents, the critical reason for the crash is attributed to decisions made by one or more drivers. Mechanical failure in a car is credited as the critical reason for a crash in 2% of accidents.

So, are car accidents caused by a mechanical failure such a minority? That 2% figure is, as shown by the NHTSA, unreliable; the related statistics may not be representative of the role of other internal vehicle-related problems as the vehicle related critical reasons were, for the main part, deduced through external visual inspection of the vehicle components.

In short, mechanical failures in vehicles may be a more significant problem than the available data suggests.

With this in mind, here are three mechanical failures that caused car accidents and injuries to drivers in cases investigated and solved by Miami car accident and product liability attorney Sean M. Cleary:

Failure #1: Defective Ignition Switch

Many drivers are completely oblivious to the dangers until it is too late, as was the case for Miami resident Alex M. Alex was making a flower delivery and the last thing he remembers was he entered an intersection, and the light was yellow. The car crashed, and as a result, Alex suffered a brain aneurysm and a hernia recurrence.

Subsequently, Alex found out that his car was one of the General Motors models having faulty ignition switches.

When the ignition on a defective GM car fails, the vehicle immediately loses power, and the driver then loses power steering and braking ability, significantly increasing the chances for a car accident. Most concerning is the fact that the vehicle’s airbags are also disabled and if an accident does occur, the risk of serious injury to the driver and any passengers increases greatly.

Failure #2: Unintended Acceleration

Orio L.’s wife was slowing down to park when her car accelerated and crashed into the house. Typically, when engineers examine the vehicles involved in these types of crashes, they find nothing that could account for what the driver had reported. So, the main defense in sudden acceleration cases has been the inability of the car accident victims to duplicate the incident. In this case, also, the car dealership insisted that the driver’s pedal misapplication caused the sudden acceleration.

Auto manufacturers admit that only two mechanisms can cause a vehicle to accelerate; the driver’s foot on the accelerator and the cruise control. Sean M. Cleary researched and investigated the case, ran tests at the car dealership, and took the time to explain the situation and guide his clients until the case was successfully resolved.

The wide array of instances involving sudden and inadvertent acceleration constitutes compelling evidence that the phenomenon exists.

Failure #3: Exploding Airbag

Dorothy G. rear-ended the car in front of her while doing 10-15 mph, so the accident shouldn’t have been a major one. However, the airbag in her car came out and exploded, detaching itself from the steering wheel. Dorothy suffered burns on her arms and a permanent hearing impairment as a result of the accident.

One of the most significant forms of protection that motor vehicles have is the airbag. Unfortunately, there have been accidents where airbags have done more harm than good for passengers as airbag malfunctions can result in serious bodily harm.

As vehicle safety and control systems rely heavily on electronic components, it’s more and more likely that these electronics can malfunction and place the driver and passengers in dangerous and life-threatening situations.

If a company creates a defective product which injures someone, the company can be held liable for the damages. The area of law that deals with defective products is called products liability.

“When an auto accident occurs, it’s important to examine every aspect of the case, even when another driver is clearly at fault,” said car accident and products liability attorney Sean M. Cleary. “It’s often the case that someone suffers serious injuries from a malfunctioning component in his or her own vehicle. Like any manufactured machine with thousands of parts and components, sometimes auto parts are inherently defective, poorly designed, or manufactured improperly.”

 

 

What to do in Case of Wrongful Death of a Loved One

Wrongful death happens in all sorts of places a lot more often than you can possibly imagine. In other words, each year many people die due to various procedures that were supposed to help them, but instead caused their death.

Losing a loved one as the result of a mistake of another person, usually a doctor, can be one of the most difficult things to handle in life. While nothing can bring that person back to life, a few things can be done in order to ease the pain resulting from the loss.

1. If wrongful death happened to one of your family members or friends, consider connecting with others. Support from other people who feel the same emotions as you can mean all the difference. I am sure that in your family you will find many people who feel about the loss similarly to the way you feel. They also are shocked, disappointed, devastated. Talking about your sudden feelings can help you to bear the pain resulting from the loss, and knowing that you are not alone can make all the difference as well. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others thinking that you will be ridiculed or frowned upon. You would be surprised by the level of support you might get from your family members you might not have seen for a long time.

2. If you truly believe that the loss was caused by a mistake and not due to natural causes, contact a Jackson Memorial Hospital accident lawyer. You would be surprised by the level of expertise and proficiency an experienced lawyer can deliver. Don’t count that you can handle this type of case alone as filing a lawsuit against a hospital or a particular doctor can be a very complicated process.

3. Don’t be afraid to speak out your mind. If you are frustrated, talk about it and let others know about your feelings. This way you will help others to avoid the similar fate as you will get a unique chance to warn others about particular hospitals or doctors. Do not ever assume that you are helpless and that there is absolutely nothing you can do, because acting is a good way to make things better.