Dangerous Driving Reports
October 7, 2013 | Jon P. EricksonTraffic accidents and fatalities are up after years of declining. A recent article in Consumer Reports entitled “Crash Course on Car Safety” indicates that accidents and fatalities are continuing to rise. The Consumer Report article reported that the number of death and injuries in motor vehicle accidents in 2012 saw a 5{a0c01d20c42349884e67ff80c137866b0a9fe47aaae8f8a86a605a369ae487c3} rise after over 5 years of declining numbers. It reported that in 2012 there were 12,872 deaths where the deceased was unbelted, 9,944 deaths where speed was the main factor in the accident, 9,878 deaths of occupants of motor vehicles where the driver’s were intoxicated, and 3,331 deaths identifying distracted driving as the major cause. There were suggestions as to what could be done to bring these numbers down. Most are just common sense, but it did suggest that advances in motor vehicle safety technology can go a long way in reducing the numbers i.e. speed sensors in motor vehicles, ignition interlocks, cars with easy to use and good control systems, and improved voice-command systems. There are of course some simple things we all can do such as slowing down, wear your seat belts, wear a helmet when on a motorcycle, don’t drink and drive and don’t use hand held phones while driving. The article also suggested five easy ways to…
Read MoreDo All Personal Injury Cases Go to Court?
October 3, 2013 | Adriel B. VillarrealGoing to a personal injury attorney does not always mean launching a lawsuit. Sometimes the presence of an experienced Minnesota attorney who knows what you’re entitled to is enough to convince insurance companies to offer a fair and reasonable settlement. However, “fair and reasonable” isn’t always a clear cut number. It’s important for you to give your attorney everything he asks for so he can investigate the facts of a case. Determining the Value of Your Personal Injury Case Personal injury compensation figures are not simply pulled from the air. Instead, they are based on the facts: the size of your medical bills, the amount of lost wages, and other factors. There may also be multiple responsible parties who need to issue checks under the law. This means obtaining all of the facts that led up to your injury, talking to witnesses, reading police reports, and more. It also means reviewing medical bills and evaluating lost wages. It can also mean counseling you to take the steps necessary to protect yourself in the event that you have injuries that are not immediately apparent after the accident, like whiplash. You never have to take a settlement if you’re not satisfied with it, and you can push for a trial if you wish. A trial…
Read MoreMinnesota Guide for City Human Resources Edited & Updated
October 1, 2013 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.BGS Labor & Employment Attorney Scott Lepak has written an updated chapter on Labor Relations in the League of Minnesota Cities’ Human Resources Reference Manual. A guide for city management, the chapter covers the basics of union organizing, negotiating union contracts, and working through mediation, interest arbitration, or strikes. This information can be found at Labor Relations Chapter.
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