Teen and Instructor Killed in Tandem Skydive When Parachute Fails To Open

Two tandem skydivers fell to their deaths when their parachute failed to open. One of the victims was an 18-year-old who was jumping for the first time. His family was watching when the teen hit the ground. The other victim was a veteran flight instructor, according to Bill Dause, owner of the Lodi Parachute Center. According to reports, the two skydivers died on impact; their bodies were found in a Lodi vineyard. "Something may have gone out of sequence in the jump, said Dause." The wind and other conditions were "perfect" at the time of the jump, he said. "Conditions had nothing to do with it." Dause also said the instructor had completed more than 700 hours of jump time.

 

The initial investigation revealed that the parachute did not open until after impact. Under further investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it was discovered that the skydiving instructor was not certified by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). There were actually no records found under his name.

 

Executive director of USPA, Ed Scott said tandem-jump instructors are required to have three years of experience, made more than 500 jumps and completed a three-day tandem-jump course that includes 10 jumps. Skydiving schools are responsible to ensure instructors are properly trained and certified.

 

The Lodi Parachute Center was in the news in February after a solo skydiver died after a parachute malfunction. In May, a small plane carrying 17 skydivers took off from the center and landed upside-down after clipping a pickup. Fortunately, the worst injuries were minor cuts and scrapes.

 

If investigators determine that this accident resulted from defective equipment, the owner of the center, parts manufacturers, and/or inspectors could be held liable. The owner may also be held liable if it is determined that he hired an untrained instructor, who was also not certified.

 

These types of wrongful death lawsuits will typically last years before a verdict or settlement is reached. Insurance companies will prolong the claim to force the plaintiff to settle for much less than they deserve. A plaintiff that is financially strapped will often accept such and offer just to maintain financial responsibilities. A better option would be to apply for pre-settlement lawsuit funding, money given in advance of an expected settlement or jury verdict to pay mortgage payments, car payments, funeral expenses and other necessary expenses caused by death.

 

Lawsuit Financial Corporation has more combined litigation and litigation funding experience than any other company in the lawsuit finance marketplace. We work fast to approve your funding application because we know time is of the essence. Typically, funding can be available within 24 – 48 hours of approval. Our legal finance services are not based on your credit or work history, but rather on the strengths and merits of your lawsuit. Most importantly, our cash advances are non-recourse. This means that if a funded client loses his/her case, the cash advance is waived.

 

Contact us today to learn more or to apply for immediate financial relief. We can be reached via our website or by calling 1-877-377-SUIT (7848).

Investigation Into Fatal Auto-Motorcycle Crash May Show That Rebuilt Intersection Is Still Dangerous

Two Rockford, Wisconsin motorists were killed when a motorcyclist and car collided at a rural intersection. The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office says a car was heading west on Roscoe Rd when it ran the stop sign hitting the motorcycle heading north on Route 2. The impact sent the motorcycle into the northwest corner of Route 2, while the car ended up a couple hundred feet away in a cornfield. The 50-year-old driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. The 28-year-old driver of the car was pronounced dead at the hospital. It's not known at this time if speed or alcohol played a factor in the crash. The accident is under investigation.

If the investigation reveals that the driver of the car was negligent for running the stop sign, the family of the motorcyclist can file a claim for damages against the estate of a deceased driver. Just as in a case against a living defendant, the plaintiff's attorney must prove all of the elements of a claim based upon negligence.

While it appears that driver negligence played a role in this fatal accident, the intersection has a long history of accidents and was rebuilt in 2015 at a cost of $5.8 million. If it is determined that the accident was, in part, caused by improper road design or poor visibility of a sign, such as a stop sign obstructed by an overgrown tree or covered in graffiti, a government entity can be held liable.

Defective roadway accident lawsuits involving government entities are subject to different procedures and multiple parties may be at fault. The issue in these cases is whether the government failed to fulfill its obligations of making sure a dangerous road is somewhat forgiving of driver error. These cases require an extensive investigation of the roadway and its history, which is especially critical when the roadway has been the site of previous accidents.

If it is determined that this accident was due to a faulty roadway design, a defect in the road or because of poor maintenance, family members of the deceased may wish to pursue a claim against the government entity responsible for designing, building, or maintaining the road where the accident occurred. Bringing a lawsuit can not only help to offset the funeral expenses of a loved one and provide non-economic damages for pain and suffering, it can bring about change to prevent similar accidents from occurring.

Proving a dangerous roadway caused an auto accident can be a long legal process and difficult to prove; government bodies have strong defenses put in place by the government itself. It is imperative that you discuss your options with an experienced attorney. If it is determined that a cause of action exists for a lawsuit and you need financial assistance during the lengthy legal process, litigation funding may be a short-term solution.

Lawsuit Financial understands that auto accident lawsuits can take months, even years to settle and many people are on a fixed income and won’t have enough money to keep the case going. Rather than a plaintiff struggling financially during an already difficult time, we can offer a non-recourse cash advance against the pending claim. Our application take five minutes to complete and funding approvals can be made in less than a day, provided we receive the necessary case documentation to determine case strength and make a funding decision. The only time we are repaid is one the case successfully settles. If the case is lost, the repayment is waived. Call Lawsuit Financial to learn more or to apply for lawsuit funding.

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.

Investigation Into Fatal Auto-Motorcycle Crash May Show That Rebuilt Intersection Is Still Dangerous

Two Rockford, Wisconsin motorists were killed when a motorcyclist and car collided at a rural intersection. The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office says a car was heading west on Roscoe Rd when it ran the stop sign hitting the motorcycle heading north on Route 2. The impact sent the motorcycle into the northwest corner of Route 2, while the car ended up a couple hundred feet away in a cornfield. The 50-year-old driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. The 28-year-old driver of the car was pronounced dead at the hospital. It's not known at this time if speed or alcohol played a factor in the crash. The accident is under investigation.

If the investigation reveals that the driver of the car was negligent for running the stop sign, the family of the motorcyclist can file a claim for damages against the estate of a deceased driver. Just as in a case against a living defendant, the plaintiff's attorney must prove all of the elements of a claim based upon negligence.

While it appears that driver negligence played a role in this fatal accident, the intersection has a long history of accidents and was rebuilt in 2015 at a cost of $5.8 million. If it is determined that the accident was, in part, caused by improper road design or poor visibility of a sign, such as a stop sign obstructed by an overgrown tree or covered in graffiti, a government entity can be held liable.

Defective roadway accident lawsuits involving government entities are subject to different procedures and multiple parties may be at fault. The issue in these cases is whether the government failed to fulfill its obligations of making sure a dangerous road is somewhat forgiving of driver error. These cases require an extensive investigation of the roadway and its history, which is especially critical when the roadway has been the site of previous accidents.

If it is determined that this accident was due to a faulty roadway design, a defect in the road or because of poor maintenance, family members of the deceased may wish to pursue a claim against the government entity responsible for designing, building, or maintaining the road where the accident occurred. Bringing a lawsuit can not only help to offset the funeral expenses of a loved one and provide non-economic damages for pain and suffering, it can bring about change to prevent similar accidents from occurring.

Proving a dangerous roadway caused an auto accident can be a long legal process and difficult to prove; government bodies have strong defenses put in place by the government itself. It is imperative that you discuss your options with an experienced attorney. If it is determined that a cause of action exists for a lawsuit and you need financial assistance during the lengthy legal process, litigation funding may be a short-term solution.

Lawsuit Financial understands that auto accident lawsuits can take months, even years to settle and many people are on a fixed income and won’t have enough money to keep the case going. Rather than a plaintiff struggling financially during an already difficult time, we can offer a non-recourse cash advance against the pending claim. Our application take five minutes to complete and funding approvals can be made in less than a day, provided we receive the necessary case documentation to determine case strength and make a funding decision. The only time we are repaid is one the case successfully settles. If the case is lost, the repayment is waived. Call Lawsuit Financial to learn more or to apply for lawsuit funding.

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.

10 Teens Injured When Driver Attempts to 'Swap Seats' While Vehicle is Moving

Research shows that teens understand the risks that affect safety, yet many still engage in dangerous driving behavior. Failure to drive in a reasonably safe manner can include anything from texting while driving, to speeding or running a red light, to engaging in risky behavior with passengers. The risk of a crash is 3 times higher after 9:00 p.m. because of the challenges of night driving.

Ten southeast Michigan teens were injured, three of them critically, in an early rollover accident on their way home from Cedar Point. The 17-year-old driver of a 2003 Chevrolet Express Van was attempting to switch seats with the front seat passenger, while the vehicle was traveling down I-75. While doing so, she lost control, causing the van to go off the left side of the roadway and into the median. The vehicle then rolled several times, ejecting two passengers. The accident occurred around 1:15 a.m. near Northwood, Ohio. The driver, front seat passenger, and one rear passenger were those critically injured. The other seven passengers, ranging from ages 15-17, suffered minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

A motorist who fails to drive in a reasonably safe manner can be held at fault for any injuries stemming from an auto accident; teen drivers are no exception. Innocent victims may also be able to bring a claim against the parents of the teen driver. What laws apply in such cases can be challenging, which is why it is best to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to make sure that your rights are protected.

These claims can also take years to resolve. During this time, the innocent victims may have to foot the bill for ongoing medical care and other expenses. When money is short, lawsuit funding may be the means to cope financially until a settlement is reached.

Once a personal injury attorney has been retained, plaintiffs can apply for lawsuit funding. The only requirement besides attorney representation is a strong case with merit. At Lawsuit Financial, we do not require a credit check or employment verification. We also do not require monthly payments. We make it quick and easy to get a lawsuit cash advance with our simple one-page funding application and basic case documentation from your attorney. If approved, the money can be available in less than 48 hours, and it can be used at your discretion. We place no restrictions on how you use the cash advance. Unlike a bank loan, we are only repaid if the case is successful.

If you would like to learn how Lawsuit Financial can help you, contact us at 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.

Bodies of Three Teens Found in Mangled Car at the Bottom of Ravine

Automobile accidents account for more than one in three deaths among teens 16- to 19-years-of-age, often as a result of lack of experience, speeding, and distractions. A speeding driver, especially an inexperienced one, is less able to negotiate a dangerous turn or curve in the road. They tend to underestimate the accident risk in dangerous situations and overestimate their capacity to deal with the threat. It is relatively easy to lose control and collide with another vehicle or an obstacle, or to careen off the roadway. Serious injuries and fatalities are a likely outcome.

Three teens who planned to go hiking in the Angeles National Forest were found in a mangled Toyota Tundra at the bottom of a deep ravine. Authorities are still investigating, but speed appears to be a factor in the crash.

The teens told family members of their plans for the day, but when the teens failed to return home, their families reported them missing. Later that day, Fontana police received a report of fresh skid marks on Angeles Crest Highway, near mile marker 40. The pick-up truck was spotted by a LA County Sheriff helicopter. Authorities said the area where the truck left the roadway is one of the steepest drops along the entire Angeles Crest Highway. The skid marks appear to show that the vehicle was rounding a curve when the driver hit the brakes hard and went over the edge, according to the California Highway Patrol. The investigations will undoubtedly look into driver negligence, as well as whether the roadway was knowingly dangerous.

Let this deadly accident serve as a reminder of the perils of teen driving. We should not accept these deaths as something that cannot be prevented. As a parent, it is important to talk to your teen. Set and enforce rules that reiterate the importance of responsible driving.

• No speeding.
• Follow road signs.
• Drive defensively.
• Always buckle up! Make sure everyone is buckled up before starting the car.
• Avoid distractions of any kind – texting or talking on the phone, loud music, passengers, etc.
• No alcohol or drugs. Explain the consequences of being caught with alcohol or drugs.

Remind your teen that driving is a privilege—not to be taken lightly or for granted.

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.

Five Killed, Others Lost Limbs in Chartered Bus Crash

At least five people were killed and more than two dozen injured when a charter bus suddenly veered off the highway and crashed into a support pole in Northern California, slicing the bus in half. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the pole went through the center of the bus, stopping at the first rear axle. Wreckage and debris, including seat cushions, drink containers, pillows and a blanket, were scattered in lanes and on the shoulder of the highway. Some of the injured were trapped for hours; others were ejected and lying in a ditch. Of the 30 people on board, only four escaped unscathed. Fifteen passengers suffered serious to critical injuries, five with lost limbs. The 57-year-old bus driver was among those who sustained critical injuries. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The bus, registered to Autobuses Coordinados, was en route from Southern California to Sacramento at the time. The crash happened just outside Livingston where the bus was due to change drivers. Its final destination was Washington State.

The investigation will take a substantial amount of time to determine the cause of the crash. CHP officials said there were no signs of brake marks at the scene, indicating that the driver crashed into the poll at full speed. Moments before the crash, it appeared the driver was trying to pass another vehicle that he apparently expected to yield, but it would not let him merge, according to one passenger. In addition to looking into potential driver carelessness and recklessness, investigators will also consider speed and driver fatigue. Apparently, the bus was running late for its 1:30 a.m. driver switch in Livingston; the crash happened shortly before 3:30 a.m. Relatives of the bus driver said he had been distraught over the recent death of his wife and hadn’t been sleeping well, but they insisted he would never have driven if tired. Investigators have been unable to interview the driver due to the extent of his injuries.

Additionally, the bus will be inspected to see if any equipment malfunctioned. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration listed the carrier as having a "satisfactory" rating as of May 17. The bus was inspected in April and had three violations, including an unequipped or defective brake warning device. That violation was not further described, and there was no indication whether each of the items had been fixed.

Out of such tragic stories, which we read about far too often, we also see hope and a quest for change. One way is through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. While we at Lawsuit Financial understand the physical and emotional pain these victims and their families are experiencing, we also know that it is imperative that they consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible to understand their rights. In such cases, the injured victims, and those that lost a loved one, can seek compensation for medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, funeral expenses, and other damages. Such a lawsuit will inevitably be a long process between the final investigation report and a settlement. For victims under financial duress, lawsuit funding can help.

Lawsuit funding is available to pay the mortgage/rent, medical and funeral expenses, utilities, groceries, and any other important bill or expense while waiting for a settlement to be reached. A lawsuit cash advance gives plaintiffs a strategic advantage by providing leverage against the insurance company so they don’t have to settle too soon, for too little.

A lawsuit cash advance has many advantages over a traditional bank loan. It begins with a simple one-page application and basic documentation to determine case strength. We do not require a credit check, employment verification, or collateral of any kind. There are no upfront fees or monthly payments; repayment is made from the proceeds of the settlement so there are never any out of pocket expenses. Most importantly, funding is on a no-risk basis. If the case is lost, repayment of the cash advance is completely waived.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a bus accident, it is important to contact an attorney to help recover compensation for your loss. When you need help with life’s necessities, contact Lawsuit Financial. Our lawsuit funding services are designed to provide quick cash when you need it most. When you know your bills and expenses are covered, it is much easier to fight for justice.

Family of The Divvy Cyclist Killed By Truck Has Filed Lawsuit

A 25-year-old Chicago woman was killed last month when her Divvy bike collided with a flatbed truck. Her parents recently filed a lawsuit against the truck driver and his employer alleging negligence.

Divvy, launched in 2013, is a new bike sharing system featuring thousands of bikes available 24/7 at hundreds of stations in the Chicago area. Each station has a kiosk, station map, and docking system that releases bikes using a code. Renters must be at least 16 to ride.

In the surveillance video, a large flatbed truck can been seen pulling up to the light at the intersection. Several seconds later, the bicyclist rides up on the right. As she flanks the side of the truck, the driver turns right, hitting her. The woman was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where she died a short time later. Police said she was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, which remains under investigation.

According to the lawsuit, the truck driver failed to keep a proper lookout for bicyclists, failed to yield the right of way, and failed to reduce his speed. The lawsuit also names Divvy, the city of Chicago and the city's Department of Transportation as respondents in discovery, meaning they have information essential to the case, according to Jeffrey Kroll, attorney for the plaintiff.

Additionally, this crash brings renewed calls for change. There are no bike lanes at most busy intersections in the Chicago area, which local residents say has been the sight of many accidents. With a push for bike-sharing and more riders on the road, the city has been investing heavily in barrier- and buffer-protected bicycle lanes and hundreds of miles of designated bike routes, but they are still lacking in some areas, including Avondale where the crash occurred. “If we cannot find a way to safely accommodate bikes on busy roadways, this will not be the last tragedy of this nature," said Kroll. “One of the things we want to determine from not only the city of Chicago but also from Divvy is what is your plan moving forward so these vehicles and bicyclists can peacefully coexist," he said. Filing a lawsuit isn’t always about the money. Like this family, many people bring lawsuits to force change. A lawsuit can help prevent tragedy, promote safety, and make sure others do not suffer similar pain.

Mark Bello is the CEO and General Counsel of Lawsuit Financial Corporation, a pro-justice lawsuit funding company. Lawsuit Financial provides financial assistance to injury victims and their families. We have helped many families, through difficult times, following a tragic loss. We understand the difficulties you are facing; we are sensitive to your concerns. If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has been killed in a bicycle collision with a motor vehicle, only an experienced attorney can tell you whether you have a right to compensation. If an attorney takes your case and files a lawsuit, lawsuit funding may be available to assist you through difficult financial circumstances caused by a serious, disabling injury accident. Call Lawsuit Financial tool-free at 877-377-7848 to learn more and determine if your case qualifies for lawsuit funding.