TRUCK RELATED FATALITIES DECLINED IN 2008

Movinout.com a national journal of the trucking industry reports in its August 2009 edition that in the year 2008 truck related fatality rates declined by 12% as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The number of truck occupant deaths also decreased 16%. Further the overall number of people killed in motor vehicle crashes in the US decreased almost 10%, the lowest level since 1961.The decrease is attributed in part to the increased use of safety belts along with new hours-of-service regulations.

Truck fatalities are now at their lower point since statistics have been kept starting in 1975. The American Trucking Association also credits its 18 point safety agenda which includes promoting safety belt use, a national speed limit, improved truck crash worthiness standards, tax incentives for safety technology, and drug testing.

SUPREME COURT PETITIONED TO ALLOW SUITS BY ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONEL

A recent AAJ article reports that a petition is pending requesting that the Supreme Court allow active duty military personnel to sue the government. Petty Officer Nathan Hafterson died on March 26, 2006, at Naval Hospital Jacksonville after being admitted for trouble breathing. His attorneys state that it would put military members on the same footing as civilians under the Federal Tort Claims Act. This malpractice action was denied by the lower courts because a federal law (known as the Feres doctrine) prohibits active military members from suing the US government.

TEN THOUSAND FIREFIGHTERS HONOR FALLEN HEROS

The mourners from afar came to pay respects to Lt. Charles W. “Chip” McCarthy Jr. and Firefighter Jonathan S. Croom early Monday. Both rushed into a burning building to rescue a life — any life — from the smoky hell.

The firefighters created a profound scene for McCarthy as his casket reached the historic St. Joseph Cathedral shortly before 10 this morning. The casket and McCarthy’s family entered the cathedral through a path of firefighters at least ten deep.

As McCarthy’s family members followed his flag-draped wooden coffin into the cathedral, not firefighters stood in respect, and workers from nearby office buildings gazed attentively from their windows or came outside to join in tribute. See Buffalo News.

Toyota will begin recalling some 2009-2110 Corolla and Matrix models and 2008-2009 Scion xD models.

As reported in the Buffalo News, Toyota will begin recalling some 2009-2110 Corolla and Matrix models and 2008-2009 Scion xD models.

Toyota will begin sending recall notices to consumers beginning in early September. The vehicles are being recalled due to possible brake malfunction.

For more information, please see:
The Buffalo News

True Heros

Buffalo firefighters hung drapes of mourning outside two firehouses on Jefferson Avenue and Main Street on Monday, out of respect for Lt. Charles W. “Chip” McCarthy Jr. and Firefighter Jonathan S. Croom.

As reported in the Buffalo News “But the black and dark blue bunting was only one of the signs that fellow firefighters were just beginning to come to terms with their loss.

Eyes were rimmed red from tears, stories about McCarthy and Croom from happier times made the rounds, and colleagues collected personal effects from their fallen comrades during the early hours of grief.” Members of the close knit firefighters community and the region are morning the loss of two heros.

UB Law 2011

Welcome UB Law class of 2011!

You all have worked incredibly hard to get to where you are and we are proud and excited for you choosing UB Law. All the attorneys at our firm graduated from UB Law and we would be more than happy to have any of you come visit us in downtown Buffalo.

I mean that sincerely. UB Law is (in my opinion) one of those rare, outstanding schools where students share their outlines, their time, their ear….This spirit mimics the legal community you will find in downtown Buffalo. I hope you will all reach out to the Buffalo legal community as they are a welcoming group of people. Relax…..I too was really nervous about reaching out to attorneys, but I am so happy I did. This city is full of supportive attorneys who want to support and encourage you. (Really!)

The next three years will fly by, mark my words. I just graduated this past May 2009 and I am amazed at how time flew by. Enjoy these next few years!

Please remember, we are privileged to have the opportunity to study the law and to enter the legal profession in the future. Do good with your legal knowledge. Do good, but enjoy yourselves too. And again, come visit us! (Plus, you’ll most likey get a free lunch out of it!)

RASH OF RECENT TEXTING RELATED CRASHES PROMPTS LEGISLATION

The Buffalo News reported today that the Town of Amherst last Monday became the first Erie County municipality to pass a law that would prohibit drivers from composing, reading or sending a text message while behind the wheel. Violators face a $150 fine for each offense. It also reported that the Cattaraugus County Legislature passed a similar law in June. Niagara County and Erie County legislatures are expected to vote on similar proposed laws in the coming weeks.

TWO BUFFALO FIREFIGHTERS PERISH IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Two Buffalo firefighters died today fighting an early morning blaze on Genessee Street near Wende Street in Buffalo, New York. We have had many firefighter friends and clients over the years and every one is a dedicated professional willing to put his or her life on the line to serve our community.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friend during this difficult time.

Clarence firefighters honored for heroic flight 3407 response

As reported in the Buffalo News August 19,2009 ” Members of the Clarence Center Fire Department were honored today at the opening ceremony of the 137th annual New York State Firemen’s Association annual convention.”

A special citation was awarded to the firefighters for their heroic response to the Feb. 12 crash of Flight 3407.

The annual convention is in the City of Niagara Falls for more than 600 volunteer firefighters from across the state. For the first time, a special Youth Day will be held at Frontier Volunteer Fire Hall.

Hudson plane-helicopter crash- preventable fatal tragedies continue

According to the New York Times “Roughly 15 years ago, the federal agency that investigates air disasters(NTSA) made a plea for more data on the air-tour industry, to improve safety for helicopter, airplane, balloon and airship flights around the nation. Six years later, it asked again.” Preventable fatal tragedies continue.

“Deborah A. P. Hersman, the safety board chairwoman, in an interview Thursday sharply criticized a process that, she said, sometimes takes “2 years, 4 years, 10 years” to see the board’s recommendations achieved.’We issue them because we think they can save lives and improve safety,’ Ms. Hersman said of the board’s recommendations. The board does not have the authority to carry out or enforce its recommendations.”