We have been practicing law in Boston and throughout Massachusetts since 1985. I have represented clients in District Courts, Superior Courts, the Appeals Court, Housing Court, Probate Courts, Federal Bankruptcy Court and the Federal District Court.
In previous blogs on my website, we have discussed the mind-boggling fact that Massachusetts drivers rank among the worst users of seat belts! As of 2017, we moved to 45th in the nation from a low of 48th, but our usage dropped. Just last year, our drivers were restrained an average of 78.2% of the time while driving. Current statistics have our drivers buckling up at only 74 %. Our sister state, New Hampshire, is dead last at just over 70%.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bar Counsel reports to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Since 1974, The Board of Bard Overseers hears attorney discipline cases prosecuted by the Office of the Bar Counsel. The Bar Counsel’s findings in their report to the SJC for 2016, if reviewed carefully, provides important insight for legal malpractice attorneys, and the victims of legal malpractice, in Massachusetts.
Read MoreMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court had the ultimate authority regarding discipline for attorneys in Massachusetts. Cases against attorneys, since 1974, are heard by The Board of Bar Overseers and prosecuted by the Office of the Bar Counsel. The 2016 Report to the SJC Bar Counsel provides us with insight as to who the serious cases were against.
Read MorePeriodically, we get reports of Uber drivers assaulting passengers. A number of cases have been filed across the nation alleging that passengers or riders were sexually assaulted by their Uber driver. This begs the question of what kind of background checks Uber is conducting of its drivers so as to protect the public?
Read MoreIn Massachusetts the wild turkey population is out of control. Sure, it’s sometimes delightful to see wild turkeys, especially this time of year, in suburban, and even some urban places. But what about if they cause someone to swerve off the road and cause a motor vehicle accident?
Read MoreIn September 2017, a horrific accident in Methuen took the life of an 11-year old girl when she was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while crossing at an intersection. The girl’s stepfather who was with her at the time had looked before crossing but the vehicle failed to stop and hit the young girl who was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Fortunately, diligent efforts by police who distributed news of the tragedy to the community led to the arrest of a 22-year old Lawrence man within 48-hours after someone recognized the vehicle from photos and videos that police made available. Apparently, cameras either overhanging or adjacent to the intersection, recorded the event.
Read MoreAre rotaries safe? Traffic engineers who designed these traffic flow systems seemed to think so, but sentiments are changing. Rotaries, also called roundabouts, are a common feature in many European countries. The difference between a roundabout and a rotary is that the former has one lane for traffic to circle and the later has multiple lanes. The theory behind these systems is that they facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles into a constantly moving circle at reduced speeds.
Read MoreIf you are a pedestrian struck by a motorist who was attempting to park or exit from a parking space, or you are a motorist hit by another vehicle that was parking, attempting to park or exiting a parking space, you may have a claim for compensation. Although parking accidents are often low-impact or occur at low speeds, the injuries that can result are very real.
Read MoreRiding a motorcycle is exhilarating. You feel the elements while zipping down the road amidst a feeling of freedom and release, totally unlike that felt in a regular passenger car. For dirt bike riders, the feeling is no less exciting. Dirt bikes are built for riding on unpaved trails or roadways, with narrower tires and nobs for greater traction. The frame on a dirt bike is lighter than a conventional motorcycle and has a suspension system designed to absorb shock on jumps and rough roads. They often have narrow seats and plastic or thin metal bodyworks to make it as light as possible. However, dirt bikes are generally not street legal, meaning they are for off-road use only.
Read MoreRiding a motorcycle is by its very nature a risky activity. You have little to protect yourself in an accident and can be thrown onto the pavement, into a tree, or exposed to other vehicles even in minor collisions. At any one-time, intoxicated drivers and those under the influence of illegal drugs or legal medications are on the roadway, presenting a danger to all, and most especially pedestrians and motorcycle riders.
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