Carl Solomon

How is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

August 9, 2018 by Carl Solomon Leave a Comment

While an accident between two passenger vehicles is always a traumatic event, an accident between a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck can be even more devastating because of the truck’s sheer size. In the event you’re in a truck accident, determining liability can be challenging because trucking companies often have determined legal teams fighting for them. It’s important to understand how you can prove the truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence so you can receive the compensation you deserve.

Gathering Effective Evidence

Photographs. If you’ve received medical attention after the crash and are able to, take as many pictures from as many different angles as possible of the crash scene. You’ll want photographic evidence of all damages to your vehicle, as well as the truck. It’s also a good idea to document the road conditions, any traffic signs, and the general location. [Read more…] about How is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

Announcing the Fall 2018 Winner of the Solomon Law Group Scholarship

August 6, 2018 by Carl Solomon Leave a Comment

At Solomon Law Group, we pride ourselves on giving back to our community however we can. This past year, we decided to start a scholarship that lets us give back to the community and enhance our nation’s ability to educate future generations. The first submission period for our scholarship– Fall 2018– just came to a close. We were truly humbled by the amount of applications we received as well as the overall quality of every essay.

Thank you to every student who applied!

We’re pleased to announce we’ve chosen a winner.

Congratulations to Kimberly Marie Hasse of Waddell, Arizona!

Kimberly will be attending Arizona State University in Fall 2018. [Read more…] about Announcing the Fall 2018 Winner of the Solomon Law Group Scholarship

How Can We Improve Motorcycle Safety in South Carolina?

July 25, 2018 by Carl Solomon Leave a Comment

A single devastating motorcycle accident can negatively impact the lives of many people. With hundreds of motorcycle crash fatalities occurring each year in South Carolina, it begs the question what can be done to improve motorcycle safety and save lives.

The Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, motorcycle accident deaths in South Carolina account for 7.7 percent of all traffic fatalities each year. The majority of these accidents involved another vehicle.

Many motorcyclists are responsible, safe riders. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always matter when negligent drivers are on the road. Motorcycle accidents can occur when other drivers speed, shift lanes without checking their blind spots, or drive under the influence.

Motorcyclists can also claim some of the responsibility for wrecks. South Carolina reported having issues with unlicensed, untrained, and intoxicated riders. Also, 75 percent of unhelmeted motorcycle accidents result in fatalities. Helmets are required for individuals under 21 and encouraged for anyone older. [Read more…] about How Can We Improve Motorcycle Safety in South Carolina?

Why Are Train Accidents Becoming More Common?

July 12, 2018 by Carl Solomon Leave a Comment

News of catastrophic train accidents seems to be heard more frequently than in past years or decades. While the studies and statistics can tell us why these accidents happen, it does not make them any less devastating.

Train Accident Statistics

From 2012-2016, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported a total of 50,085 railroad transportation accidents. That includes both railroad and highway-rail grade crossing accidents.

As a result of those accidents, 3,760 people were killed: 2,235 due to trespassing, 1,221 in highway-rail grade cross accident, 44 in train accidents, and 170 for other reasons.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the majority of train accident fatalities occurs when trespassers are hit by trains.

Reasons for Accidents

While new technologies, like improved braking systems and positive train control, have the potential to decrease train accidents, these systems are expensive. Train companies do not always feel as though new systems are a wise investment. In addition to the lack of technological upgrades, here are some other main reasons train accidents occur:

Human Error. Human error is the leading cause of train accidents in the United States. The term “human error” includes excessive speeding, failure to break, and engineer distraction. In December 2017, in DuPont, Washington, an Amtrak train derailed traveling around a curve while going 80mph in a 30mph zone. Three people were killed.
Track and Roadbed Malfunctions. There are over 140,000 miles of railroad tracks throughout the United States. The condition and maintenance of these tracks and rails place a significant part in the number of accidents. In February 2018, an Amtrak train carrying Republican lawmakers struck a garbage truck near Crozet, Virginia. One man was killed, others were injured. There are questions as to whether or not the signal system was functioning properly at that time.
Mechanical Failure. Mechanical failure also plays a large role in train accidents. Approximately ten percent of all train accidents are caused by mechanical failure.

Other unfortunate reasons for train derailments and collisions are:

Collision with another train
Collision with a car, bus, or truck trying to cross train tracks
Collapsed bridges
Pedestrians on the tracks
Accidents at unmarked railroad crossings
Faulty train crossings
Suicide attempts

Prevention

With the number of unnecessary deaths related to train accidents, there is a need for improved laws and regulation to protect passengers and pedestrians. Train companies, train engineers, and travelers can all take measures to prevent train accidents.

Train companies and engineers need to be vigilant when it comes to train and railroad maintenance. Engineers should be focused at all times and abide by all laws and regulations. Drivers should never assume a track is not is use or stop their vehicle on a track and should always look both ways before crossing a train track.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a train collision, you need a law firm that understands the federal laws and regulations for the railroad industry. Here at Solomon Law Group, our South Carolina train accident lawyers are dedicated to holding the train companies accountable for their negligence. You may be owed compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, damages, or financial loss. Reach out to us today to get the justice you deserve.

Accepting Money at the Scene of a Car Wreck

July 3, 2018 by Carl Solomon Leave a Comment

Written by: Reginald C. Hair

As personal injury attorneys, we occasionally come into contact with clients that were offered money by the at-fault party at the scene of a car wreck. For drivers that have been in a car wreck before, taking the money can be tempting to avoid the stress and hassle of dropping your car off at a body shop, requesting a rental car, and dealing with two insurance companies. Maybe you do not want to call the police and report the wreck because you are driving an uninsured vehicle yourself. There are three main reasons why you should not let your impatience and/or fear get the best of you in this situation.

Confirming Identity of At-Fault Driver

If you and the at-fault party are both in a rush to leave the scene of the wreck, the at-fault party may provide you with incorrect contact information. Maybe he has a horrible driving record. He could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These are both factors that a personal injury attorney could use to help increase the value of your case if you choose to hire one. [Read more…] about Accepting Money at the Scene of a Car Wreck

How Do South Carolina Drivers Rank in Comparison to Drivers Nationwide?

June 29, 2018 by Carl Solomon Leave a Comment

Everyone knows that city driving can often be stressful. You’re trying to account for the traffic while you have to watch for weaving cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. If you’re a resident of a city, you may claim that you live in the city with the worst drivers. And with worst drivers comes the consequences: Car accidents.

If you’ve been in a car accident, you can seek help. A Columbia, SC car accident injury lawyer from The Solomon Law Group will help you with your car accident claim. We’ll do everything to get you the compensation you need. [Read more…] about How Do South Carolina Drivers Rank in Comparison to Drivers Nationwide?