Worcester Personal Injury Blog

Massachusetts car accident results in injuries and death

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C. posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, June 20, 2019.

Car accident victims can suffer serious, and fatal, injuries in car accidents. In a neighboring Massachusetts community south of Worcester, a car accident recently claimed the life of one and injured another who was taken to a local hospital. The victim who was killed was also taken to the local Worcester hospital but was pronounced dead in the hospital. The accident occurred when an SUV crossed a double yellow center line and struck a pick-up truck and another SUV while traveling in the wrong lane of travel.

The driver of the SUV that crossed the double center line was taken into police custody. The reconstruction team responded to the accident which is under investigation according to authorities. Victims of car accidents need to be familiar with personal injury legal protections which can hold a negligent driver responsible for their injuries accountable and help them recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages.

Don't do these things after a wreck

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C. on Monday, June 10, 2019.

Imagine driving through Worcester. It's Monday morning and you have a big week ahead at work. So far, things are starting off right. Traffic is light, you're running ahead of schedule and you have plenty of time to stop for a coffee before you get to work. Unfortunately, things go sideways when another driver rear-ends you at an intersection. Now, you have a damaged vehicle, a pain in your neck and back, and you will have to take at least a few days off work.

Car accidents, even minor ones, can be very scary for all individuals involved. In the aftermath, you might find it difficult to focus on what is going on around you and it is possible that you might even feel panic. However, during the moments immediately after a car wreck, it is vital that you remain calm because what you don't do after an accident is just as important as what you do. Here are a few mistakes you should avoid after a motor vehicle collision.

How legal remedies can help brain injury victims

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C. posted in Personal Injury on Thursday, June 6, 2019.

Victims of car accidents can unexpectedly suffer injuries that can alter their lives forever. Brain injuries can change the lives of car accident victims in significant ways including emotionally and financially and can have an extensive impact on them and their families.

A brain injury can result in physical, personality, mood, cognitive and behavioral changes in the victim. The changes may leave them unrecognizable to family members and can impact the closest relationships the victims have in their lives. Overnight, victims may not be able to complete simple tasks they could complete the day before and may struggle to be able to earn a living to support themselves and may need help with daily activities and expenses.

Summer safety tips for families

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C. on Thursday, May 23, 2019.

As summer quickly approaches, you might think you know how to keep you and your family safe. There are basic tips you know and use. Wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated are two more obvious tips for warm weather.

But what about summer activities? How can you stay safe while biking, walking or playing with the kids? Here are a few safety tips for all types of summer fun.

Medical malpractice basics and help for injured victims

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C. posted in Medical Malpractice on Thursday, May 23, 2019.

It can be overwhelming to suffer harm during surgery or while under the care of a medical care provider. As a result, victims of medical malpractice and their families should be familiar with the legal resources available to help them with the damages suffered as a result of medical negligence.

When a Massachusetts medical professional or hospital has provided negligent care, they may be liable to the victim for the physical, financial and emotional damages suffered. This can include damages for medical expenses; future medical expenses; lost wages; and lost-earning capacity. Additionally, damages may also be available for disfigurement; loss of enjoyment of life; loss of consortium; loss of companionship; and loss of support and services; as well as pain and suffering damages.

6 tips for your next road trip

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C. on Friday, May 17, 2019.

With summer looming around the corner, you might be planning your annual summer vacation road trip. When it comes to long distance driving, it is important to plan ahead so that you arrive back home safely and comfortably. For instance, you should take steps to avoid "highway hypnosis." This occurs when you become drowsy or zone out when you are driving for multiple hours.

When you are on a long-haul drive, it is vital that you stay awake, alert and energized. Here are a few tips to help you on your next road trip.

Looking out for motorcycle riders this motorcycle season

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C. posted in Personal Injury on Sunday, May 12, 2019.

Massachusetts motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries for victims that can have a negative effect on both victims and their families. This blog recently discussed how serious brain injuries can be for car accident victims and their families, which is a type of injury that can also be suffered in a motorcycle accident. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As such, this is a good time to look at the ways motorcyclists are protected.

Drivers sharing the roadways with motorcycles can help to make sure they are safe by not engaging in distracted or impaired driving and making sure to be on the lookout for motorcycle riders, which are smaller visual targets than other passenger vehicles. Drivers should always make sure to check their blind spots for motorcycle riders before changing lanes and to double check for motorcyclists before making a turn because motorcycles can be more difficult to spot and many accidents are caused by a car negligently turning in front of a motorcycle, violating the motorcycle's right of way.

4 categories of common semitruck crash causes

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C. on Friday, May 10, 2019.

Crashes that involve semitrucks can produce very serious injuries or even fatalities. While it is possible that some of these wrecks aren't preventable, there are others that could have been if the trucker and everyone who works on the rig accepted safety as the top priority.

Understanding some of the more common causes of 18-wheeler crashes can help truckers to prevent them from happening. This knowledge can also help victims of these wrecks to make a plan for seeking compensation for the damages they suffered in the accident.

Loading and securement: The cargo that the trucker is carrying must be loaded and secured properly. When these aren't done as they should be, the cargo can shift or even come loose from the rig, which can lead to crashes.
Maintenance and components: All systems on the semitruck and trailer must be maintained. When there are defective components or improper maintenance, the truck and trailer might not function as they should.
Trucker errors: Truckers should only start the rig when they are fully ready to drive, meaning they aren't fatigued, distracted or impaired. They must follow all traffic laws and be able to make snap decisions based on what is going on around them.
Trucking company policies: Trucking companies often have short delivery time promises to clients. This, along with other policies of the company, might take the power away from the truckers to make decisions that improve safety. For example, they might not be able to rest when they feel fatigued because of the demands of the trucking company.

Sleep-deprived parents could be inadvertently risking safety

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C. on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.

Sleep is a precious commodity when a newborn joins the household. As a new parent, you may wake up several times a night to tend to your baby’s needs, and the disruption to your sleep schedule can be jarring.

Sleep deprivation can cause a variety of irritating effects to the brain and body, such as moodiness and weight gain. However, it can also cause dangerous effects, such as slower reaction times, decreased awareness of hazards and reduced ability to focus. When driving, these dangerous effects of sleep deprivation can cause impairment comparable to driving drunk, and drowsy driving causes at least 100,000 car crashes every year.

Are you wearing your seatbelt correctly?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C. on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

You get in the car, close your door and then what do you do next? Turn on the car? Hit "play" on your playlist? What about putting on your seatbelt? Putting on your seatbelt should be a part of your routine as you prepare to hit the road.

Wearing a seatbelt can make all the difference if you're involved in a crash. By wearing your seatbelt, you immediately increase your chances for surviving a car accident by 50 percent. However, for seatbelts to be effective, you must wear one properly.