Washington Personal Injury Lawyer & Attorney : Regan Zambri & Long Law Firm : DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and partner            

The AP (12/15) reported that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "named a record 115 vehicles as 'top safety picks' Monday, including the new versions of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry." This list "includes 18 new recipients on top of the 97 who qualified for the award last year and had it carry over to the 2012 model year."

CNNMoney (12/15, Valdes) noted that in order "to earn a Top Safety Pick Award, a vehicle must earn top marks from the Institute for front and side impact protection, rollover protection and whiplash protection."

When purchasing a vehicle, please do so with safety in mind first.  And remember, never drive distracted. 

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About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney and Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. The association has recently named him the " 2011 Trial Lawyer of the Year".  He has also been acknowledged by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all of the more than 80,000 lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also acknowledged him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in medical malpractice matters, product liability claims, and serious automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri was recently (2012 edition) acknowledged as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers, and has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine (2012)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in the country.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to present seminars to lawyers and doctors, as well as both medical and law students concerning defective products, medication errors, medical malpractice litigation, and safety improvements.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com.  You may also reach him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior partner

Distracted driving kills nearly 5,500 people and injures 500,000 more each year. These aren't just statistics. Children, parents, neighbors, and friends are victims every day due to the distracted driver epidemic in this country and in your community.

“Faces of Distracted Driving” is a powerful new video series that raises awareness about the potentially tragic consequences of texting and cell phone use while driving by sharing the stories of family members who have lost loved ones in distracted driving crashes.  As part of their campaign to educate drivers of the seriousness of distracted driving, the Department of Transportation encourages anyone who would like to share experiences to email faces@distraction,gov.

In an earlier blog posting, I noted that the U.S. Department of Transportation had created an official government website Distraction.gov to "share knowledge and promote a greater understanding of the issue, and identify additional strategies to end distracted driving."  "Faces of Distracted Driving" is an effort to personalize experiences of distracted driving, with the hope that individuals seeing the videos will see something more than just some statistics.

Every year I give presentations to area schools and parents about distracted driving in an effort to teach young people the importance of driving carefully, and to empower them to be sure they do not allow others to drive while distracted, at least not while they are in the car.

If you or your child's school would like to know more about my presentation, please let me know. I of course do not charge a fee for it, as it is part of my volunteer community service program.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. The association recently named him "Trial Lawyer of the Year" (2011). He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior partner

DISTRACTION.GOV - Official U.S Government Website for Distracted Driving

Yes, there is an official government website for distracted driving.  Why?  Because distracted driving results in thousands of traffic crashes and deaths in this country every year.  The epidemic of distracted driving continues to cause drivers to drive recklessly, leading to serious injuries and death.

Although states are responsible for their own driving laws, the distracted driving problem has reached such heights that The U.S. Department of Transportation created the Distraction.gov site to work with advocacy groups and others to "share knowledge and promote a greater understanding of the issue, and identify additional strategies to end distracted driving."

Every year I give presentations to area schools about distracted driving in an effort to teach young people the importance of driving carefully, and to empower them to be sure they do not allow others to drive while distracted, at least not while they are in the car.

If you or your child's school would like to know more about my presentation, please let me know. I of course do not charge a fee for it, as it is part of my volunteer community service program.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. The association recently named him "Trial Lawyer of the Year" (2011).  He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior partner

For those of you following my blog, you know that I give presentations at schools to faculty, parents and students about the dangers of distracted driving.  Historically, I have given those presentations at Middle and high schools.  Last week, I gave a presentation at an area elementary school.  You may be thinking, "Why give a presentation at a school that teaches such young children, kids who won't be driving for a very long time?"  I was wondering about the wisdom of such a presentation too.  What I found out, however, is that elementary schools are a perfect place to start talking about the distracted driving crisis.

One of the most significant problems fueling the crisis is parent/caregiver conduct. Young children witness their parents and caregivers driving while using a cell phone or even texting.  Kids start to see this conduct as acceptable and, even worse, safe.  By the time they reach driving age, they are indoctrinated with the thought that driving while using distracting devices is appropriate.  If my parents have done it for so long, it must be ok.  What's all the fuss about?

The fuss is about millions of people being severely injured and killed from distracted driving.  It's about the multitude of lives that can be devastatingly changed in a moment from someone's carelessness.  Perhaps I learned more than those I spoke to about unsafe driving practices last week.  I know this:  I need to speak to more elementary school parents in our community about their behavior, and about how to teach their kids--their young kids--about the deadly consequences of distracted driving.

Please drive safely, and put the phone down.  Better yet, shut it off.  It will turn back on when you get to your destination.  I promise.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior partner

On April 5, I will be giving a presentation at an area middle school about the devastating consequences of distracted driving.  I represent victims of reckless driving every day.  Distracted driving has horrific consequences for all involved--the victim and the wrongdoer, their families, their friends,  their business colleagues, etc.

Every year I give presentations to area schools about distracted driving in an effort to teach young people the importance of driving carefully, and to empower them to be sure they do not allow others to drive while distracted, at least not while they are in the car.

If you or your child's school would like to know more about my presentation, please let me know. I do not charge a fee for it, as it is part of my volunteer community service program.

Wish me luck next week. 

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior partner

November 8 marked the beginning of  Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, a public awareness campaign by the National Sleep Foundation to educate drivers about sleep safety.  In a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, alarming statistics indicate that the problem is much larger than previous estimates. Included among those statistics:

• "drowsy driving involves about one in six deadly crashes;
• one in eight crashes results in occupant hospitalization;
• one in fourteen crashes in which a vehicle was towed."

According to Anita Valaju Shelgikar, a clinical instructor in the University of Michigan Medical School's Department of Neurology, “The percentage of near-miss accidents due to drowsiness is likely an even greater problem. Dozing off for just a few seconds can be enough to cause a fatal crash. If you ever develop drowsiness while driving, it is best to pull over safely, lock the vehicle doors and take a nap. If there are other passengers with you, switch driving responsibilities with someone who is alert and able to drive.”

The National Sleep Foundation's 2009 Sleep in America revealed even more alarming statistics:

• "about one-third  (28%) of Americans admitted they had fallen asleep behind the wheel within the past year,
• more than half (54%) said they had driven while drowsy,
• more than a quarter of surveyed adults admitted they drove despite being so tired that they had difficulty keeping their eyes open in the previous month."

Be alert for the following warning signs that you may be driving drowsy:

• "difficulty focusing, frequent blinking and/or heavy eyelids,
• difficulty keeping reveries or daydreams at bay,
• trouble keeping your head up,
• drifting from your lane, swerving, tailgating and/or hitting rumble strips,
• inability to clearly remember the last few miles driven,
• messing exits or traffic signs,
• yawning repeatedly,
• feeling restless, irritable, or aggressive."

Sleepiness can impair drivers with slower reaction times, vision impairments, lapses in judgment and delays in processing information.  Studies show that being awake for more than 20 hours results in an impairment equal to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%.  Crashes caused by driving drowsy are preventable.  Driving safely is a responsibility that cannot be overemphasized.  In this age of too much activity for too little time, sleep frequently is the item that many sacrifice.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior partner

I am thrilled to report that Maryland has changed its law governing cell phone use while driving.  Effective October 1, 2010, it is now illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless a hands free device is used.  Here's a list of salient portions of the legislation:

"MARYLAND CELL PHONE LAW FACT SHEET -EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010
           
1.     What is Maryland's Cell Phone Law that takes effect on October 1, 2010?

Maryland Senate Bill 321 and House Bill 934 were signed into law by Governor O'Malley.  The new law will prohibit all Maryland drivers from using a cell phone without a hands free device while operating a motor vehicle in motion on a street or highway.  In addition, the new law would prohibit a school bus driver or a holder of a learner's permit, or provisional license who is 18 years of age or older, from driving a motor vehicle while using a handheld telephone.  A driver under 18 already is prohibited from using any cell phone.

2.     What exceptions are allowed?

Phone calls placed to 9-1-1, ambulance, hospital, fire, or law enforcement agencies are allowed, as are calls made by emergency and law enforcement personnel.  A driver is allowed to turn a handheld phone on or off and to initiate or terminate a call.

3.     Is the law a primary offense?

The new law is a secondary offense, meaning that a driver must first be detained for another offense, such as speeding or negligent driving, before he or she can be ticketed for a cell phone offense.  However, be advised that "negligent driving" is a primary offense in Maryland and can be used as a precursor to citing violators of the new cell phone law.

4.     What is the fine for the offense?

The fine for a first offense would be $40 and subsequent offenses would be $100.  Points will not be assessed to the first-time violator's driving record, except, three points are assessed if the violation contributed to a crash.  One point is assessed for a second or subsequent offense.

5.     Is this the same law as the texting law?

No, Maryland also bans texting while driving.  This law prohibits an individual from writing or sending a text message while operating a motor vehicle that is in motion or in the travel portion of the highway. If convicted of violating this law a person may be assessed a fine not exceeding $500. This law does not apply to texting 9-1-1 or using a global positioning system.

6.     Why is this law needed?

Studies indicate that cell phone conversations distract a driver and delays reaction time, which can cause and increase the severity of a vehicular crash.  The National Safety Council has estimated that cell phone use is responsible for 1.6 million crashes a year, nationally -- about 28 percent of all crashes.  Maryland now joins 7 other states (Calif., Conn., Del., N.J., N.Y., Ore. and Wash.), D.C. and the Virgin Islands in banning handheld cell phone use while driving.  For more information, please visit www.ChooseSafetyForLife.com"

As you know from reading my previous blogs about distracted driving, I give lectures to middle and high schools every year about the adverse effects of distracted driving.  Hand-held cell phone use is as dangerous as drinking and driving.  Texting while driving is three times as dangerous as drunk driving.  Don't do it.  Please drive safely.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior partner

Once again, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is promoting its annual national drunk driving enforcement during the final weeks of summer vacation in an effort to crack down on impaired driving and reduce highway fatalities.

          2010 Impaired Driving National Enforcement Crackdown
                            August 20 - September 6, 2010

Key points from the NHTSA Campaign listed below emphasize why there is still a need to educate drivers of the dangers of impaired driving.  

• "Impaired driving is a deadly crime that’s still prevalent throughout America and is especially common among young males 21 to 34 years old.
• To crack down on alcohol-impaired driving — which is especially common in the summer — police in every State and most U.S. towns and cities will be out in record numbers from mid-August through Labor Day (August 20–September 6).
• All 50 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have established a threshold making it illegal per se to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 grams per deciliter or higher.
• Yet nearly 12,000 people in 2008 were killed in U.S. highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with an illegal BAC of .08 g/dL or higher, according to NHTSA statistics.
• In 2008, 5,432 passenger vehicle drivers 21 to 34 years old were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Of those, a total of 2,866 (53%) had illegal BACs of .08 or higher.
• Alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was four times higher at night than during the day (36% versus 9%).
• Thirty-two percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes on weekends were alcohol-impaired, compared with 15 percent during the week.
• In 2008, 32 percent of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involved drivers or motorcycle riders with BACs of .08 or above — an average of one fatality every 45 minutes.
• The percentage of drivers with BACs of .08 or above involved in fatal crashes in 2008 was highest for motorcycle riders (29 percent), followed by drivers of light trucks (23 percent) and passenger cars (23 percent).
• Forty-three percent of the 2,291 motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes had BACs of .08 or above.
• The age groups of 45 to 49 and 40 to 44 had the highest percentages of impaired (BAC of .08 or higher) motorcycle riders killed in fatal crashes — 41 percent and 37 percent, respectively.
• Impaired driving is not an accident — it’s an epidemic of careless disregard for human life.
• Each year, nearly 12,000 people die on our roads due to impaired driving. That would be equal to about 30 jumbo jets crashing each year.
• No one should ever get that late-night phone call from the police telling you your loved one has died due to an impaired driver."

The ultimate results of impaired driving will eventually catch up with those who believe "it will never happen to them." Be safe on the road by driving smart.  Please don't drink and drive.  It's a matter of life and death for not only you, but all others on the roadway.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has been named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition), as well as a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior partner

As you know from reading my blogs, I have been giving presentations for years to students throughout the Metro area about the dangers associated with driving while being distracted (through cell phone use, texting, drinking, loud music, rubber-necking, etc.).  The Department of Transportation has announced that it will hold its second National Distracted Driving Summit on September 21.  I applaud this effort.

The DOT stated on its website:

"From the powerful momentum of last year's distracted driving summit, we've seen some important efforts emerge in the fight against this deadly epidemic. But we're not about to rest now.

That's why we're hosting a second National Distracted Driving Summit on September 21 here in Washington, DC. By getting the best minds together, we think we can figure out effective ways to get people to put down their phones and pay attention to the road."

Distracted driving is an epidemic indeed.  We need stronger regulation, greater education, and cooperation by parents and communities to resolve the problem.  If we don't act fast, millions of people will be severely injured or killed.

Here are a few of my previous blogs about distracted driving that you may find interesting:

• Distracted Driving Kills, Seriously Injures
• More Than 1.6 Million Car Crashes Caused By Texting, Cell Use
• Cell Phone Use, Texting While Driving Causes Catastrophic Consequences
• Oprah Winfrey Speaks Out Against Distracted Driving
• Laura Bush's New Book: More Attention to Distracted Driving

Please drive safely.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

A recent article in the Washington Post addresses the concerns of many families regarding how to determine when an aging driver is no longer safe behind the wheel and how best to deal with taking away that independence.  Although older drivers frequently retain the cognitive functions necessary to drive, other progressive diseases that come with aging complicate matters. Being able to drive represents maintaining independence and confidence for older drivers.  However, "a 2007 report by the Government Accountability Office found that drivers 75 and older were more likely than drivers in all other age groups, including adolescents, to be involved in a fatal crash."

Even though some states are requiring more stringent renewal requirements to include vision exams or a doctor's approval, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "there is no single test or screening tool that will reliably weed out unsafe older drivers."  Proactive involvement by families and physicians will likely be the best way to prevent older drivers on the highways as they become more dangerous.

Protect your family and the memories of your grandparents. Don't allow them to drive beyond the time it is safe for them to do so. 

The issue of how and when to determine whether someone has become too risky to safely drive has been the subject of frequent previous postings on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog:

• Alzeheimer's Study Illustrates Need for Reliable Tests of Driving Skill and Cognitive Ability
• Safe Driving for Those Who Take Medications
• Older Drivers Not the Most Dangerous: New Study
• Senior Drivers; Special Equipment and Helpful Advice
• When Should You Ask a Family Member to Stop Driving? Look for Warning Signs for Aging Drivers
• AARP Driving Course for Adults over 50

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has been named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition), as well as a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by Catherine Bertram                                       

There are 270 million cellphones in use and,  according to the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, cell phones have caused 636,000 crashes, including  2,600 deaths, 342,000 injuries and a financial toll of $43 billion each year.

Despite recent public campaigns to get people to put down their phones while driving, 81 percent of people saying they use cellphones.  That means by one calculation that at any given time almost 1 million drivers in cars are talking while on the nation's highways.  In a study released last week,  research released last week on Beltway drivers in Virginia put the number at one in four.

Yesterday, on Fastlane, DOT's official blog, they announced a second national summit on distracted driving will be held Sept. 21 to highlight the problem and find ways to combat it, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday. In 2008, more than 20 percent of crashes that year involved distracted drivers.  This is a great step in the right direction. We need the country's top experts to work together to stop this needless loss of lives. 

At this point, this is a public health crisis.  How many people need to be permanently injured or die before we take action?

About the author:

Catherine Bertram is board certified in civil trials and was recently nominated as a 2010 Super Lawyer for personal injury law in Washington, D.C.  Ms. Bertram has 20 years of trial experience and is unique in that she was formerly the Director of Risk Management in Washington, D.C.  Ms. Bertram is a member of the bar for the U.S. Supreme Court.  She is a partner with the firm and lectures regularly to lawyers, nationally and locally, regarding trial strategy,  complex medical issues and other related consumer safety issues. She has also recently published a chapter in a surgical textbook.   She can be reached by email at cbertram@reganfirm.com or by phone 202-822-1875 in her office in Washington, D.C.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

During a recent California court case involving the deaths of two women, executives of the country's largest car rental company admitted to renting vehicles known to be under safety recalls. According to testimony by Enterprise (parent company for Alamo and National) executives, there was no company policy to require cars under recall to be held back from rental.  A subsequent investigative report by ABC News also revealed that  neither Avis nor Hertz have company-wide policies regarding recalled vehicles, but evaluate safety recalls on a case by case basis. After the trial and admission of negligence, Enterprise issued a statement of their procedures for automobile manufacturers' recalls. 

Essentially, car rental agencies have taken the attitude that demand trumps safety.  By doing so, are they also putting profits over safety? Consumers need to become their own advocates in matters of safety and recalls.  When renting a vehicle, ask what types of vehicles are available, then do your own research at SaferCar.gov, a special portion of the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. 

As I have advocated frequently on this blog, safety and people must be put above profits.

Any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

Proms are supposed to be fun.  All too often, though, they end in tragedy.  By combining common sense and advance planning, proms can be both fun and safe. As we have written during previous prom seasons, a primary emphasis for both parents and their teens should be safety.  Having lives shattered or ended is hardly the way that anyone would want to remember their prom.

In spite of all the cautions and warnings available now, the primary cause of death and injury for teenagers is motor vehicle accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Alcohol is the number one youth drug problem, per the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) and kills six times more people than all other illicit drugs combined.

Listed below are our earlier postings that provide prom advice:

• Senior Prom Safety Tips for Teens
• Prom Safety Tips for Parents and Teens
• Prom Safety Tips: Common Sense Advice

Listed below are more safety tips, courtesy of www.ourpromnight.com.

"Parents, make sure that your children are safe on prom night. There are so many drug and alcohol related accidents on prom night that is is critical for you to be aware of what you can do to help keep your children safe.

• Know who is driving to the prom and who will be a passenger.
• Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce driver distractions.
• Encourage seatbelt use: The best accessory!
• Know the location of post prom parties and who is sponsoring them.
• Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.
• If your child's plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children.
• Remind your child that you are there for them if they need a ride home or to an after prom affair.
• Alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one. Underage drinking is illegal and can result in arrest, injury, or worse!
• Don't let friends drink and drive.
• Plan ahead - make sure you have a safe plan for prom night.
• Discuss your plans with your friends, remind each other about responsible decision-making and confronting peer pressure.
• Do not accept any drinks from someone you do not know.
• If you leave your drink, discard it and get a new one.
• Do not leave your possessions unattended.
• Learn the warning signs for alcohol poisoning and drug intoxication, contact 911 for assistance and immediate treatment.
   

Teens, take responsibility and plan your prom night. This will be an important night to remember as you grow old in age. Make this night a joyous night to remember by thinking about and following these few tips before you leave the house for the prom that evening.

• Alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one. Underage drinking is illegal and can result in arrest, injury, or worse!
• Don't let friends drink and drive.
• Plan ahead - make sure you have a safe plan for prom night.
• Discuss your plans with your friends, remind each other about responsible decision-making and confronting peer pressure.
• Do not accept any drinks from someone you do not know.
• If you leave your drink, discard it and get a new one.
• Do not leave your possessions unattended.
• Learn the warning signs for alcohol poisoning and drug intoxication, contact 911 for assistance and immediate treatment.
• Take extra money or have a responsible person available for transportation for a safe ride home or in case an emergency arises.
• Remember to charge your cell phone and have it with you.
• Know where you are and where you are going, keep your parents and friends informed.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel endangered or uncomfortable, leave immediately.
• Intoxication by alcohol or drugs can lead to poor judgment and dangerous situations.
• Remember to contact your parents if your plans change. Practice and discuss answers you can use to get out of uncomfortable situations.
• Do not allow anyone in your car or limo that has drugs or weapons.
• It is dangerous and every one in the car is at risk of getting arrested.
• It is illegal to alter your drivers' license or any other form of government identification."

Have a wonderful time if attending a prom, but be careful.  Don't jeopardize your future or the lives of others.  The prom should be a celebration of past accomplishments and the promise of the future.  Please enjoy the celebration responsibly.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

As I have frequently blogged before, the dangers of distracted driving cannot be under-estimated, especially for teen drivers.  In her new book "Spoken from the Heart," former First lady Laura Bush describes her deadly teen auto accident in which a high school friend was killed.  According to Mrs. Bush, she and her friend were chatting when she ran a stop sign that caused the crash. She suffered years of guilt as a result of the accident.  Mrs. Bush brings one more celebrity voice to the devastating life-long effects that a deadly accident can have on young drivers.

Distracted driving, whether caused by other passengers in the vehicle, eating while driving, playing with the radio, talking on the cell phone, texting, or any number of other reasons for not paying 100% attention to driving, is a serious and very real danger for all drivers, as I have emphasized repeatedly in my talks with high school groups. As posted in a previous entry on this blog, Motor Vehicle Accidents Continue to Be the Leading Death Cause for Teen Drivers.  Please be careful on the road and don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to learn more about my presentations concerning distracted driving. You can call me at (202) 822-1899 or email me at szambri@reganfirm.com.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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