Police Arrested Man Suspected of Hurling Rocks at Cars

After a two year investigation, police have arrested a man suspected of hurling rocks at moving cars and trucks along Interstate 35 in Austin.

On June 14, 2014, Kenneth Johnson was heading home from work when a rock smashed through his window, hitting him in the face and lower neck. Patrick Johnson (no relation) called 911 to report the crash. He told police he was driving in the opposite direction when he saw the vehicle swerve and crash into the median. Patrick said he turned around at the first opportunity to “assist and call 911.” The incident caused Kenneth to have an aneurysm which ruptured, leading to a stroke. He is paralyzed and suffered brain damage.

During the next two years, Patrick Johnson made more than 1000 calls to 911 to report collisions, traffic hazards and reckless driving. When arrested, Johnson admitted to throwing rocks when questioned by Austin police and named several occasions where he had thrown rocks at oncoming traffic on Interstate 35.

Rock throwing incidents are not uncommon. In March, a woman’s car window was shattered while she cruised down a valley highway in Nevada. Last month, two men were arrested for throwing rocks at cars in Owen County, Indiana. Police arrested the men after one of the rocks hit the sheriff's car. Both men admitted they'd been throwing rocks for about a week. Last week, a 25-year-old Jackson, Michigan man was arrested after throwing rocks at passing cars. Police have not received any damage reports from motorists who were hit. There have been other incidents nationwide over the past few years, some resulting in critical injuries to motorists.

Police say it is a dangerous problem, but one that is difficult to patrol. Some cities have put up fences on overpasses. A Texas Department of Transportation spokeswoman said it would not be feasible in Austin because the city has so many elevated structures.

Rock throwing at cars is not a prank. It’s an intentional act of vandalism that can lead to fatal accidents. The perpetrator(s) can also face criminal charges. If a rock hits your car or you witness a rock throwing, contact the local police immediately and do not touch the projectile or the area of impact. If injured, seek medical help. If you were seriously injured due to a rock thrown at your vehicle, consult a personal injury attorney to understand your rights. You may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

For the safety of others, Lawsuit Financial encourages its readers to pass this on to everyone you know.

About Lawsuit Financial
Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a pro-justice lawsuit funding company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding. Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation.

More Lawsuits, More Allegations in Fatal Truck Crash

Little has been resolved since a fatal truck crash claimed the lives of six people on I-75 in Ooltewah, TN on June 25, 2015.

The truck driver was traveling north on I-75 when he failed to slow down and stop for congested traffic in a construction zone. His tractor-trailer slammed into eight cars, killing six people and injuring several others. The impact dragged one vehicle 453 feet before coming to a rest. The NTSB determined that the truck driver had been on duty for 50 consecutive hours. He was later charged with six counts of vehicular homicide, four counts of reckless aggravated assault, one count of DUI by impairment of narcotics, one count of speeding, and one count of false report of duty status.

The truck driver began his trip three days prior to the collision; it was his first drive for Cool Runnings. He had far exceeded federal truck safety regulations and remained on duty for 50 hours, according to court documents. The trucker was reportedly carrying a time-sensitive load for Cool Runnings under a contract with Marten Transportation, a Wisconsin-based provider of refrigerated truck services.

Federal records showed that Cool Runnings Express has had problems with safety in the past. On three occasions since 2013, roadside safety inspectors immediately shut down Cool Runnings Express’ trucks because of safety issues with the trucks’ brakes. The trucks weren’t allowed back on the road until the problems were fixed. Trucks were also pulled from the road after failing two other random inspections — once for making false reports about the driver’s duty log in May 2014, and once when the driver had gone beyond the 14-hour duty limit in June 2014.

Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the truck driver alleging negligence. The suits also contend that Cool Runnings and its operators Billy and Cretty Sizemore failed to use reasonable and due care in hiring the driver and failed to perform an adequate drug test as required by federal law. Some lawsuits also name Marten Transportation as a defendant. Marten reportedly subcontracted work to Cool Runnings to deliver goods for national food chain Darden Restaurants, which owns Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, among others. According to complaints, the truck driver was required to check in with Marten daily on his Kentucky-to-Florida-and-back trip. If he had done so, it would have meant Marten would have known the driver’s whereabouts on his trip and that he was violating federal duty regulations by staying on duty for 50 consecutive hours. Additional claims state that Talley Construction Company and Nashville-based Superior Traffic Control, Inc. were negligent because the road construction was occurring at an unauthorized time and that construction and traffic planning and control at the site were inadequate.

A successful civil claim would enable surviving victims and families who lost loved ones to cover medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering as a result of the crash. Unfortunately, these claims typically take years to settle. Financial strain not only seriously impacts a victim’s life, it also impacts the case. Once a lawsuit is underway, if a plaintiff needs financial assistance, lawsuit funding may be a valuable option.

Lawsuit funding is a non-recourse cash advance, to help plaintiffs take care of financial obligations while giving their attorney the time needed to seek appropriate justice. Funding is provided strictly on case strength so there is no need for a credit check or employment verification. Most funding decisions can be determined within 24 – 48 hours of our office receiving an application and applicable case documentation. We are only repaid when the case settles; if the case is lost, the repayment is waived.

If you are the victim of an auto accident, don’t allow corporate defense attorneys to force you to settle prematurely for a fraction of case value. Let Lawsuit Financial remove the financial pressure and gives you and your attorney the time needed to fully pursue your case. Complete our online application or call our office at 1-877-377-7848 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

About Lawsuit Financial
Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a pro-justice lawsuit funding company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding. Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation.

Litigation Funding Fills a Need Caused by Settlement Delays

Are you a personal injury victim anxiously waiting for your case to settle, but need a cash to pay medical bills and basic living expenses? Financial needs and pressure can drive plaintiffs and attorneys to settle for less than they deserve. Ideally, you would be able to turn to credit cards or a bank loan. The problem with these options is that you are required to make monthly payments and even if your lawsuit is unsuccessful, you are still required to pay back your debt. You may be able to turn to family or friends, but what happens to the relationship if your case is lost and you can’t repay the money borrowed? One other alternative is litigation funding.

Litigation funding is a financial transaction where a plaintiff sells a portion of the future proceeds of his/her lawsuit in exchange for immediate cash. While a lawsuit cash advance can be a very valuable resource to someone who can’t get the money they need, it is more costly than other means and should only be used as a last resort.

Here are a few advantages of litigation funding:

• Approvals based on strength of case only
• No need for a credit check
• No need for employment verification
• No collateral required
• No monthly payments; the cash advance is repaid from the proceeds of the case
• Approvals typically within 24 – 48 hours
• Money sent by wire transfer or overnight mail within 24 – 4 hours of approval
• No risk. If your case is unsuccessful, you will never be required to pay us back

Don’t walk away from your case with anything less than the best settlement amount, and don’t spend months, or even years waiting for the money that you are entitled to for your pain and suffering. When you need litigation funding to meet financial obligations, Lawsuit Financial is here to help. Case we fund include, but are not limited to:

• Auto accidents
• Slip and fall cases
• Medical malpractice cases
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Wrongful Death cases

To find out how much cash you can get today, call and speak to one of our funding professionals or complete our online form.

About Lawsuit Financial

Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a pro-justice lawsuit funding company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding. Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation.

Was Fatal Crash with Tractor Trailer Driver Negligence or Result of a Known Dangerous Roadway?

A man was killed after his pick-up truck collided with a concrete lamppost on Route 22 near Delmont, PA. Debris — a lawnmower, power washer, rake and wheelbarrow — was scattered across the highway from a small trailer the pickup was pulling.

A tractor-trailer and six other vehicles were involved in the collision. The man in the pick-up truck was trapped inside his vehicle. It took firefighters nearly an hour to cut the roof and rescue him. The man died at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Two other people were taken to area hospitals for injuries.

State police spent several hours reconstructing the scene trying to determine what caused the crash. The investigations will undoubtedly look into driver negligence as well as whether the roadway was knowingly dangerous.

The crash site is the same location of a similar accident that injured three people nearly a year ago when a tractor-trailer hit a car, and airborne debris from that crash struck a road construction worker setting up signs. In this collision, the tractor-trailer careened across the median; its cab pushed a pick-up truck into several other vehicles. Firefighters had to extricate the driver from the pick-up.

Are these two accidents a coincidence or do they indicate a stretch of unsafe road? A poorly designed roadway, intersection, or means of controlling traffic, such as a traffic light can cause or contribute to an auto accident. Poorly placed and poorly designed road signs or barriers can also be a factor.

Whether driver negligence, dangerous road conditions, or a combination, it is always difficult to hear about the loss of a loved one. During this time, the last thing the family needs is to face legal and financial issues, but it is important to contact an experienced auto accident attorney to understand their rights. If it is determined that a cause of action exists for a lawsuit and the family needs financial assistance, lawsuit funding may be a short-term solution.

Lawsuit funding is a non-recourse cash advance against the future proceeds of the case to help ease the financial burden and give the plaintiff's attorney the time needed to obtain full case value. The process to apply for a lawsuit cash advance is easy and it's also free. Funding decisions are typically made within 24 – 48 hours of receiving an application and applicable case documentation. The only payment made is when the case successfully settles. If the case is lost, the repayment is completely waived.

Suffering injuries are the loss of a loved one is enough of a hardship; don’t succumb to a financial hardship. If you are in a pending lawsuit and in need of a lawsuit cash advance, call Lawsuit Financial toll-free at 1-877-377-7848 for a free, no-obligation consultation or complete our online funding application.

About Lawsuit Financial
Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a pro-justice lawsuit funding company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding. Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation.

Justice Served For Some In Deadly Apartment Fire. Lawsuit Funding May Help Pending Cases

In December 2014, a fire broke out in a San Antonio, Texas high-rise apartment building for senior citizens which left five dead, injuring a dozen others, A sixth resident died days after the fire. Nearly 100 displaced residents scrambled to find housing.

The fire broke out about 6:30 a.m. at the Wedgewood Senior Living Center in Castle Hills, a suburb surrounded by San Antonio. More than 160 firefighters from six fire departments were called to the scene.

Six months before the fire several residents had filed a lawsuit alleging that bird feces had contaminated the apartment's drinking water and caused illnesses to several residents, including spores found in one resident's lungs. In the wake of the fire, asbestos was found in areas of the building.

In the aftermath of the fire, a jointly filed negligence lawsuit claimed apartment management neglected to take basic fire safety precautions in order to keep tenants safe by failing to install or maintain certain safety measures. The suit cited a list of issues, including the lack of fire sprinklers inside the 11-story building, failing to install or maintain smoke detectors, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, and failing to adequately notify elderly residents of how to evacuate in the event of a fire.

The building did not have fire sprinklers, although it was not required to under Castle Hills’ grandfathered rules. Last year, State Representative Rick Galindo (R) sponsored a bipartisan bill that became law Sept. 1, which requires all Bexar County high-rise residential buildings in which the population is majority elderly or mobility-impaired to be retrofitted with fire sprinklers by 2027.

Recently, more than 60 survivors reached a confidential settlement with Entrada Management Services, Inc., Bellamar Texas, LLC and the Wedgewood Senior Apartments. A prior settlement was reached with Hernandez Painting, which had been doing work at the complex before the fire. Although still unresolved are claims against Firetrol Protection Systems which designed, installed and maintained the fire alarm system. The lawsuit alleges that the systems failed to properly operate the morning of the fire, and thus contributed to the injuries and deaths.

In separate lawsuits, relatives of those killed reached a tentative settlement with the apartment operators last year, although they have sent filed paperwork alleging Entrada and Wedgwood hid the fact that they had more insurance coverage than disclosed, so they could settle at a lower cost. Family members also have an open claim against Firetrol.

Property owners and managers have a legal obligation to keep an apartment complex free of known dangers, including maintaining adequate security and fire safety measures. If they shirk this responsibility, serious injuries or death can occur. But, securing financial compensation in premises liability cases can be difficult. For victims who find themselves in needing financial assistance while in a pending lawsuit, premise liability lawsuit funding may be beneficial.

The main reason plaintiffs seek lawsuit funding is to take away the financial pressure of settling a case too early, for too little just to pay the bills. The process is quick simple because there is no need for collateral, a credit check or employment verification. As long as the case is strong, funding approval is usually granted within 24 – 48 hours. Repayment of the cash advance is made only when the case successfully settles, but if the case is lost, the repayment is completely waived.

If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a tragic accident such as this apartment fire and doubt you can maintain your life financially while awaiting your case to settle, lawsuit funding could be the answer you need. Contact Lawsuit Financial for a free, no obligation case analysis.

About Lawsuit Financial
Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a pro-justice lawsuit funding company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding. Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation.

Speed and Inexperience Contributed to a Horrific Crash that Claimed the Lives of Three Teens

Graduation was less than 3 hours away. Then tragedy struck.

Three Maryland teens were killed in a single-vehicle crash after a 1989 Ford F-250 left the roadway and hit a tree. The crash happened at 11:36 p.m. on a stretch of road with two set of curves. An initial investigation revealed that speed may have been a factor. Montgomery County police said they believe the teens were returning from a pre-graduation party at a friend’s house, but said there is no indication that alcohol was involved. Two of the teens died at the scene; a third teen was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver and one passenger were wearing seat belts. Further investigation is necessary to determine if the other passenger was wearing a seat belt, as well. Police said the pick-up truck had no airbags. The driver had just received his license in March.

Teen drivers have caused more auto accidents than any other age group. They are not only inexperienced, but their immaturity makes them more likely to take risks behind the wheel. A speeding driver, especially and inexperienced one, is less able to negotiate turns and to steer around hazards. The faster a vehicle is going, the longer it will take to slow down or stop. The key to driving safely is not only experience, but responsibility.

Speeding and other risky behavior are potentially as dangerous as drinking and driving. Every year thousands of teens die in traffic accidents—often as a result of the teenage driver’s excessive speed, lack of experience, or inattention. As the school year comes to a close, our young adults will be spending more time driving and hanging out with friends. Parents should devote time to talk to their kids about safe driving and being a safe passenger. Speeding, talking or texting on cell phones, impaired driving, and loud music are just part of a long list of distractions that can cause a serious or deadly accident, even with the most experienced drivers.

Passengers can also help lower the risk of serious and deadly accidents by limiting distractions, respecting the driver, and always wearing a seat belt. Young adults need to understand that their carelessness behind the wheel puts them and others at risk. Remind your kids that driving is a privilege and not a right. If your child is not mature enough to handle the responsibility and follow the rules of the road, then he/she should not be behind the wheel.

About Lawsuit Financial

Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a pro-justice lawsuit funding company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding. Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation.

Firefighter’s Widow Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit against City

A wrongful death is when a person is killed due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, company or entity. It may be the result of an auto accident, plane crash, medical malpractice, or work place accident. While filing a lawsuit can be a difficult decision, it not only provides surviving family member’s financial compensation for their loss, but lawsuits can effect change.

Last month, a widow filed a wrongful death claim against the city of Claremore, Oklahoma alleging negligence caused her husband’s death in May 2015. Fire Captain Jason Farley was killed in the line of duty while trying to rescue residents during a flash flood. Reports stated that he drowned when rushing waters trapped him after he fell into a 36-inch uncovered drain, which had no grates, barriers, or markings. He left behind a wife and young daughter. The lawsuit alleges that repairs to the drainage pipe and area around it were a top priority in 2009, yet no action was taken. Additionally, the claim contends that the city neglected to provide swift water rescue training in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association. The lawsuit claims that if training had been in place, Captain “would have not drowned because his colleagues would have safely been able to rescue him from the drainage pipe.” Since Captain Farley’s death, the city hosted its first swift water rescue class in July 2015 and erected fencing around the storm drain, but has yet to install a safety grate.

Wrongful death claims can take years to settle; time many families don’t have especially if the victim was the sole bread winner. When the defendant denies, delays and defends, the financial burden is increased. Without financial assistance, many families may be unable to proceed with their case; often times they will settle for considerably less than the wrongful death is worth. Before accepting an unjust settlement offer, plaintiffs should consider lawsuit funding.

Lawsuit funding is a non-recourse cash advance against your pending claim. This means you can receive cash today and repay the advance once your case settles. The money can be used for anything you wish, although is typical used to pay medical bills, day-to-day living expenses, or any other financial obligations.

As long as you have pending lawsuit and attorney representation, you are eligible for lawsuit funding. To apply, Lawsuit Financial requires completion of a simple one-page application. We will review the application and case documentation; there is no need for a credit check or employment verification. If approved for funding, we can wire transfer or overnight mail the money within 24 – 48 hours. Additionally, the money is provided risk-free; should you lose the case, the repaying the cash advance is completely waived. Visit our website or call our office at 1-877-377-SUIT (7848) to learn more.

About Lawsuit Financial
Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a pro-justice lawsuit funding company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding. Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation.

Florida Motorcyclists Run Over In Memorial Day Road Rage Incident

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is now investigating a road rage incident after two motorcycle riders were hurt when a driver ran them over just north of Tampa, Florida. The incident was recorded by a nearby driver after he heard an altercation break out between the driver of the car and a group of bikers.

After exchanging words, the driver of the vehicle ran over a motorcycle, knocking the driver and his female passenger to the ground before driving off. Several witnesses followed the man until he was caught by police a short time later. The couple knocked off the biker were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The hit-and-run driver was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and leaving the scene of an accident involving injury. He is also accused of sideswiping one of the witnesses who followed him. The nature of the argument has not been disclosed.

The victims can file a personal injury suit against the negligent driver and his insurance company. Since assault and battery are intentional acts, in addition to compensatory damages for injuries, the victims can also seek punitive damages against the negligent driver. But, auto accident lawsuits can be very complex by nature and sometimes result in a lengthy and stressful litigation process. Insurance companies are represented by some of the most tenacious defense attorneys that are backed by deep pockets which can result in dragging a case out for months or even years. Unfortunately for some victims are not financially stable to wait out the process, especially with unexpected medical expenses.

Although most auto accidents undergo lengthy lawsuits, victims should not have to worry about finances. Auto accident lawsuit funding can help plaintiffs sustain their daily as well as monthly financial obligations in order to hold out for full compensation for their injuries.

Lawsuit Financial is one of the experienced in the legal finance industry, and our application process is among the quickest and easiest. There is no credit check or employment verification, and no application fee. Once you apply, we work directly with your attorney to quickly assess the strength of the case. If your case qualifies for funding, we will prepare a contract to be signed by you and your attorney. Then the lawsuit cash advance can be wire transferred or sent by overnight delivery. All this could be accomplished within 24 – 48 hours. Best of all, our legal funding only requires repayment if you receive a favorable cash settlement award. If your case is lost, the repayment is waived.

If you have been involved in an accident due to road rage, you have legal recourse. Once you are represented by an attorney and have filed a lawsuit, you are eligible for lawsuit funding. Call Lawsuit Financial at (877) 377-7848 or complete an online application for a case funding evaluation today.

About Lawsuit Financial
Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a pro-justice lawsuit funding company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding. Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation.