Couple Killed in Motorcycle Crash Leave behind Two Young Children

On February 18, the weather was unusually warm in southeastern Michigan. A Marysville couple decided to take the opportunity to go for a ride on their motorcycle. On the way home that evening, they were killed in a crash. A witness told police that the man was operating the motorcycle when it struck a curb. The impact threw the couple off the motorcycle.

At the scene, police found the man in the grass and the female passenger lying in the road. There was a wrecked Harley Davidson nearby. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene; the man died at the hospital the next evening after being taken off life support. Neither was wearing a helmet. The couple leave behind two daughters, nine and eight-months-old. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

This fatal crash could have been due to a distraction, defective tire, an object in the road, speeding, or a host of other reasons. No matter the cause, many people think that something like this will never happen to them, but it can.

Would a helmet have saved this couple? Possibly.

Studies have shown that those who have been involved in a motorcycle accident while wearing a helmet suffer far less head injuries and/or are less seriously hurt than those not wearing protective head gear. Yet, many motorcyclists and their passengers still don’t wear one.

Although it is only February and cold weather isn’t completely behind us, more warm days will surely come and go. Make sure these safety tips don’t.

• Check the bike before each ride including tire tread, air pressure, battery, headlights, oil and other fluids, frame and suspension.
• Follow the rules of the road. Obey speed limits and all traffic signals, and use hand signals for turning. Don’t follow too closely and don’t weave in and out of lanes.
• Practice defensive riding. Avoid riding in blind spots, use turn signals, and extra caution when passing a vehicle.
• Position yourself to be seen. Use lane placement to help you see further and others to see you.
• Use protective eyewear and wear protective clothing to serve as a buffer from the impact of an accident.
• Use a helmet even if it is not required in your state.

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. For more information, visit www.lawsuitfinancial.com.

Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents Can Protect Their Assets with Litigation Funding

The selfish decision to drink and drive can change lives forever! In many cases, the offender walks away with minor injuries or no injuries and receives an insignificant punishment or is sentenced to a few months in jail. On the other hand, the victim and/or their family will struggle emotionally, physically, and financially. As if that wasn’t enough, waiting out the litigation process can be paralyzing. In times like this, auto accident litigation funding is a good option. Here is a recent tragic accident that may benefit from the legal services at Lawsuit Financial.

Two Farmington, Missouri motorcyclists were killed after a pick-up truck crossed the center line on a curve, colliding with their motorcycle head-on, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The impact threw the couple from the motorcycle; they were pronounced dead at the scene. Both were wearing helmets. The truck driver was not injured. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter. The crash happened at approximately 3:30 p.m. Sunday, on Highway 72 in Bollinger County.

Although it may be difficult for surviving family members to think about taking legal action following the loss of loved ones, a wrongful death lawsuit is the only way to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions and for the family to seek compensation for damages. In addition to compensation for funeral costs and other expenses resulting from the death, the family can also seek damages for the loss of present and future earnings as well as intangible elements of life, such as loss of companionship, which cannot be assigned cash value. Such cases can take months, even years to settle.

While all the precautions in the world can’t protect you against someone who consciously drinks and drives, Lawsuit Financial can protect your assets while you await a settlement or trial. Litigation funding is an emergency cash advance to assist qualified plaintiffs who are struggling to make ends meet due to injury or death caused by an auto accident. All that is required to be eligible for funding is attorney representation and a case with merit. Simply complete an online application and Lawsuit Financial will do the rest. Unlike a traditional bank loan, lawsuit funding is not a loan. Personal credit has no bearing on our funding decision, and you don’t need to be employed. Furthermore, there are no monthly payments. We are repaid only when the case successfully settles. If you don’t win your case, you don’t repay the cash advance – no strings attached.

Lawsuit Financial is one of the country's most experienced providers of litigation funding services. We work directly with your attorney to gather needed information to process your funding request quickly, typically within 48 hours. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, are in a pending lawsuit, and facing serious financial challenges while waiting for a settlement, contact Lawsuit Financial. If you do not have an attorney, we have a network of attorneys all over the country waiting to assist you. We would be happy to provide one in your area at no cost.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Result of Negligent Semi Driver

Motorcycle accidents present an increased risk of fatality over any other auto accident. Most often these collisions are the result of negligence on the part of a car or truck driver. The injuries are often seriously disabling or worse, and victims and their families often need financial assistance to survive the litigation with any financial dignity. In such situations, lawsuit funding can be a valuable resource.

An investigation is ongoing regarding a fatal auto-motorcycle crash on July 27 in Wyoming, Michigan.

Police said the driver of a semi, who was traveling westbound on 44^th, misunderstood the traffic lights as he turned onto southbound US-131. He turned in front of an eastbound motorcyclist, who had the green light, causing the motorcycle to hit the semi’s trailer. The motorcyclist was rushed to a local hospital where he died from injuries sustained. No one else was injured in the crash.

The legal professionals at Lawsuit Financial know that such an accident can have devastating financial consequences on surviving family members. Filing and waiting for a case settlement can take a long time, during which, plaintiffs often feel financial and emotional stress. This is why many will work with their attorney to secure a lawsuit cash advance, known as lawsuit funding.

Lawsuit funding is a non-recourse cash advance against the pending claim. Unlike a bank loan, there is no need for a credit check or employment verification. We provide funding on case merit alone and repayment is made once the case settles. If the case does not settle in our client’s favor, we completely waive repayment of the cash advance.

There is no mountain of paperwork to complete for funding; we only require a quick and easy one-page application which is available online for your convenience. Once approved, we can typically provide cash within 24 – 48 hours, via overnight mail or direct deposit.

Have you been seriously injured or lost a loved one due to no fault of your own? Have you retained a contingent-fee attorney? Are you in a financial bind because of a drawn out legal battle? Are you in need of financial support to avoid settling your claim too soon and for too little just to pay the bills?

If you answered yes to these questions, call Lawsuit Financial to learn how lawsuit funding can help you. If you are ready to apply for a lawsuit cash advance, click here for our online application.

Lawsuit Funding Supports Cases When Government Entities Appeal

Poorly designed roadways, intersections, or means of controlling traffic, such as a traffic light can cause or contribute to an auto accident. When this happens, government entities can be held liable. The issue in any lawsuit is whether the government failed to fulfill its obligations of making sure a dangerous road is somewhat forgiving of driver error. Successful cases not only benefit the client, they directly force changes in dangerous road conditions that can save lives. Challenging the government is a daunting task that can take years, but demanding accountability is critical to obtaining justice.

On March 1, 2013, Thomas Guilmette, a scientist with Northrop Grumman, sustained massive injuries after his motorcycle collided with a SUV making a left turn at an intersection. Guilmette was transported to a nearby hospital where he died a short time later.

The investigation revealed that Guilmette was riding his motorcycle east on Summerland Avenue. The driver of the SUV had stopped at the stop sign northbound on Cabrillo Avenue at Summerland. Unable to see around the line of parked cars that blocked his view of oncoming traffic, the driver of the SUV slowly inched forward. Guilmette, who was traveling 30 to 35 mph and not speeding, according to witnesses, clipped the front end of the SUV.

Guilmette’s family filed a lawsuit alleging the city of Los Angeles had received complaints for years that the intersection was dangerous but did nothing to make it safer. The lawsuit alleged that the intersection was inherently flawed; drivers trying to turn left from Cabrillo onto Summerland were forced to pull into the intersection because of impaired visibility due to a hill and parked cars. The claim alleged that the crash could have been avoided if the city had followed through and made changes to the intersection that had been planned for more than a decade. After Guilmette’s death, a stop sign was added to make the intersection a four-way stop. Additionally, curb parking was restricted to improve visibility.

Following a two-week civil trial, a 12-member jury unanimously ruled that the city of Los Angeles was 95 percent responsibly and ordered to pay $23.7 million to the plaintiffs. The city plans to appeal.

An appeal could take up to a year-and-a-half to file. Until then, no payout will be made to the family. With an appeal, the plaintiff may face the legal process and waiting period all over again. There may be just one problem – the bills must be paid. Times like this, lawsuit funding can help.

When a government entity doesn’t do the right thing, Lawsuit Financial will continue to provide non-recourse cash advances to plaintiffs who are fighting without adequate resources to do so. Simple complete an online application and we will do the rest. There are no application fees, credit checks, employment verification or monthly payments. The only time we ever receive money is when the case has successfully settled and funds are dispersed. Because our funding is on a non-recourse basis, if there is no settlement, even on appeal, there is no repayment; the cash advance is waived in its entirety.

If you are a plaintiff experiencing financial hardship while waiting for resolution from your lawsuit or an appeal, a lawsuit cash advance may be your solution to avoiding financial implications. Call Lawsuit Financial toll free at 1-877-377-7848 for a free, no obligation consultation or complete our online funding application.

Gearing Up For A Safe Ride

The feeling of a warm day has motorcyclists ready to ride. Unfortunately, history shows a rise in temperatures also leads to a rise in crashes. Just this week, two people riding a motorcycle were killed when their bike hit a minivan in an intersection. Police said it appears the cyclists ran a red light, and neither victim was wearing a helmet.

Motorcycle accidents occur for numerous reasons, many of which can be prevented by taking the time to adopt safe riding practices. The importance of individual preparation for the new riding season is vastly underrated. Even the most experienced riders have to re-acclimate themselves back on the roadway after a long winter break. There are four basic factors to consider to ensure your ride is less likely to end in a motorcycle accident: your bike, your protective gear, your visibility, and how you ride.

1. Maintain your Motorcycle. Check the bike before each ride including tire tread, air pressure, battery, headlights, oil and other fluids, frame and suspension.
2. Dress to Ride. Wear protective eyewear and protective clothing (heavy-duty jacket and pants or riding suit, riding boots that cover the ankles, and gloves). Wear a helmet even if it is not required in your state. Generally speaking, those who wear a helmet suffer far fewer head injuries and/or are less seriously injured.
3. Practice defensive riding. Position yourself to be seen. Avoid riding in blind spots, use turn signals, and be extra cautious when passing a vehicle.
4. Ride safely. Follow the rules of the road. Obey speed limits and all traffic signals, and use hand signals for turning and slowing as well as your motorcycle’s turn signals and brake light. Don’t follow too closely and don’t weave in and out of lanes. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Riders should ride only within their skill limits and consider proper training and refresher courses.

Motorcycle accidents may also take place because of no fault of the cyclist. Approximately 75% of all motorcycle crashes involve a car or other vehicle. Roughly two thirds of the crashes are caused by driver negligence. Auto drivers should be aware of motorcycles at intersections and when the cyclist may be making a left turn or changing lanes, anticipate cyclist's maneuver, and not follow too closely behind a motorcycle.

Bottom line -- motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as other drivers. Increased awareness, especially as the weather is warming up will result in increased safety.

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. For more information, visit www.lawsuitfinancial.com.

Most Motorcycle Fatalities Caused by Speed, Alcohol, and No Helmet

A Pennsylvania man was killed in a motorcycle accident after he failed to negotiate a right turn. The motorcycle traveled through a grassy area, crossed the opposite lane, struck a metal pole, and careened down an embankment. The man died as he was being airlifted to the hospital. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. A motorcycle accident occurred in Wisconsin when the driver failed to negotiate a turn. He sustained minor injuries after his bike stopped in a ditch and rolled onto its side. Another accident was the result of a motorcyclist failing to stop at a posted stop sign. After the speeding driver pulled in front of a truck, the motorcycle traveled into a ditch before flipping over. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene; he was not wearing a helmet.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycles make up only 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States, however, 4,957 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2012, an increase of 7% from 2011. There were 93,000 motorcyclists injured during 2012, a 15% increase from 81,000 in 2011. In two-vehicle crashes, 75% of motorcycles involved in crashes collided with the vehicles in the front of them; only 7% were struck from behind.

While speeding is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents, alcohol also plays a major role. In 2012, 29% of riders had blood alcohol levels (BAC) of 0.8 or higher. In fact, statistics show that the percentage of intoxicated motorcycle riders in fatal crashes is greater than the percentage of intoxicated drivers on our roads. This quite possibly is because alcohol affects balance and coordination, significant skills needed in riding a motorcycle.

These statistics point to the fact that motorcycle accidents remain a serious problem. Whether young or old, an experienced rider or new, it’s always smart to familiarize yourself with safety tips before hitting the open road.

• Make yourself visible by riding where you can be seen and wearing bright, contrasting protective clothing.Avoid riding in blind spots, use turn signals, and extra caution when passing a vehicle. 
• Make lane moves gradually. 
• Never share a lane with a vehicle. 
• Signal before changing lanes and never weave between lanes. 
• Use protective eye wear and wear protective clothing to serve as a buffer from the impact of an accident. 

Wear a helmet. Evidence overwhelmingly suggests that wearing a motorcycle helmet significantly reduces the incidence of head injuries in accidents. According to the NHTSA, for every 100 motorcyclists killed in a crash while not wearing a helmet, 37 would have survived if they had been wearing one.

For vehicle drivers, remember that motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges. Drivers should:

• Be aware of motorcycles at intersections and when the cyclist may be making a left turn or changing lanes. 
• Anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuver. Obstructions that you do not notice may be deadly for a motorcyclist 
• Don't follow too closely behind a motorcycle; allow plenty of room.

Ride smart, ride safe and enjoy the season. Increased awareness by everyone on the road will result in greater safety.

If you are in a motorcycle accident and wish to recover for your injuries or other losses, consider consulting with an attorney for advice or representation. For help locating an experienced attorney in your area, contact Lawsuit Financial.  We would be happy to recommend one, free of charge, from our nationwide database. Once you have attorney representation, if you struggling financially, let us remove the financial pressure with lawsuit funding. Applying is quick and easy because we determine funding based solely on case strength. Best of all, our lawsuit cash advances are not paid back until the case successfully settles. Should you lose the case, the repayment is completely waived. 

To learn more about our funding process, discuss how we can assist with your financial needs, or to apply call Lawsuit Financial at 1-877-377- 7848 or visit us online.