Were you impacted by these products in 2016?!

Most of us can agree that the year 2016 had its highlights, but also its shortcomings. But for those impacted by three major defective products identified by US Recall News as the worst defective products of 2016, there will likely be ongoing consequences into 2017 and beyond.

• Takata Air Bags  - According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), the airbag recall is the largest in U.S. history, affecting one-in-seven cars. When defective Takata air bags deploy, they explode shooting shrapnel into the driver and passenger. So far, 11 people have been killed by the airbags and more than 100 injured.  It could be 2023 before all recalled airbags are fixed.
  
• GM Ignition Switches - At least 124 death and 274 injuries have been linked to the faulty switches. GM has already paid about $2 billion in penalties and settlements, and a ruling in July stated that bankruptcy did not shield the automaker from additional lawsuits, opening the company up to more suits with an estimated value of $7-10 billion.
  
• Talcum Powder - Johnson & Johnson has more than 2,000 pending cases involving women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer linked to talcum powder used for feminine hygiene.

If you or a loved one has been injured by any defective product, please contact the team at Hopkins, Barvie andHopkins, PLLC. Our team has the skills and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve!

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

We wanted to share with you some information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Motorcyclist fatalities increased in 2012 to 4,957, accounting for 15 percent of total fatali­ties for the year. This increase in motorcycle fatalities continues a tragic trend over the last 15 years, which only saw a one-year decline in 2009. Crash-related motorcycle injuries also increased from 81,000 in 2011 to 93,000 in 2012. Safe riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways.

FACTS ABOUT HELMET USE

·       Use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets decreased to 60 percent in 2012, down from 66 percent in 2011, based on the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS). The decrease was most significant among motorcycle passengers, decreasing from 64 percent in 2011 to 46 percent in 2012.

·        Helmet use continued to be significantly higher in States that required all motorcyclists to be helmeted. Ten times as many unhelmeted riders died in States without a universal helmet law (1,858 unhelmeted fatalities) as compared to States with such laws (178 unhelmeted fatalities).

·        In 2011, 60 percent of fatally injured motorcycle riders and 49 percent of fatally injured motorcycle passengers were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

FACTS ABOUT MOTORCYCLES AND ALCOHOL

• In 2011, the percentage of motorcycle operators who were intoxicated in fatal crashes (27%) was greater than the percentage of intoxicated drivers of passenger cars (23%) and light trucks (22%) in fatal crashes.

·        In 2011, 30 percent of all fatally injured motorcycle riders had BAC levels of .08 or higher.

·        Motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes at night were 3.4 times more likely to have BAC levels of .08 g/dL or higher than those killed during the day (47% and 14%, respectively).

·        Forty-two percent of the 1,997 motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2011 had BAC levels of .08 g/dl or higher. Sixty-seven percent of those killed in single-vehicle crashes on weekend nights had BACs of .08 g/dl or higher.

TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS

·       Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed. In 2011, more than one-fifth of motorcycle riders (22%) involved in fatal crashes were riding with invalid licenses at the time of the collision.

·       Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and use reflective tape and gear to be more visible. NHTSA estimates helmets saved the lives of 1,617 motorcyclists in 2011.

• Never ride while impaired or distracted—it is not worth the risk of killing or injuring yourself or someone else. Plus, a DUI costs $10,000 on average, and can lead to jail time, loss of your driver’s license, and higher insurance rates.

To learn more about the representation we offer Mississippi clients who have been injured in an auto accident, a dangerous product or through a slip and fall, contact us online or call 228-864-2200 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer.

At Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C., we defend your interests and protect your legal rights. With more than 66 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer our clients the representation they need. To best meet the needs of our diverse client base, we speak Spanish. Los Abogados Hablan Espanol.

Or, email us, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn. Just click below.
        
 

Have you been injured in a car accident?

Car accidents can happen anytime and anywhere even to the safest drivers. You cannot control what careless or distracted motorists will do but you can take control of your life after a car accident.

In Mississippi a written accident report must be filed with the police with 10 days if someone is hurt or the property damage exceeds $250. It is a misdemeanor if you fail to file this report and could lead to a suspended driver’s license and it is illegal to provide false information in the report. We have listed below 9 steps to take if you are involved in a car accident as we realize that this can be overwhelming.

9 steps to take if you are involved in a car accident:

1. Be prepared before it happens. Have your insurance information in your wallet and glove compartment. It is also a good idea to have pen and paper in the glove compartment.
2. Stay calm.
3. Make sure everyone is OK. If needed seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
4. Call the police to report the accident.
5. Call your insurance company and report the claim.
6. Exchange vital information with the other driver such as contact information and insurance information.
7. Take photos with your cell phone or if you have a camera, including the surrounding areas, traffic signs, lane markings and damages to the vehicles.
8. Do not admit guilt. Express compassion but do not admit any fault. Do not answer questions or make statements to the other driver.
9. Treat parking accidents the same as road accidents.
   

Our law firm has the necessary resources and experience to effectively assist you with your car accident. We will discuss your situation in detail and go over the various options that are available to you. We will work with insurance companies and other parties involved to make sure that all your needs are handled quickly and appropriately.

If you or a loved one has suffered a vehicle injury you need to hire an experienced auto accident attorney who can help make sure you receive the benefits you need. Our team at Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C handles all types of motor vehicle accidents including motorcycle accidents, boating accident, truck accidents and auto accidents. With more than 68 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer clients throughout Mississippi the representation they need.

Contact us online or call 228-864-2200 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced auto accident lawyer.

To best meet the needs of our diverse client base, we speak Spanish. Los Abogados Hablan Espanol.

Or, email us, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn. Just click below.