Attorney Jim Desmond

Experience the Desmond Difference

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Category: Car Wrecks

Desmond Among Top Accident Attorneys

I’ll admit it, once in a while, it’s nice to be recognized for doing good work.  I received notification that a company called “Expertise” recently reviewed 153 car accident attorneys in Louisville.  The Desmond Law Office ranked among the top.

Desmond Law Offices ranks among top car accident attorneys

The criteria was based on:

  1. Reputation
  2. Credibility
  3. Experience
  4. Availability
  5. Professionalism

I’ve always tried to do outstanding work for my clients. Nevertheless, I’m not one of those firms you constantly see bragging on TV about success.  I try to earn mine, one client at a time.
Thank you to all of my clients in both Kentucky and Indiana.  A significant part of my practice is based on referrals from people just like you.  Your trust, based on your satisfaction, is one of the highest compliments I could ever receive.
My practice isn’t flashy.  I’m not a giant advertiser.  What I am is an accident attorney who wakes up each day and tries to help people.  When that effort gets recognized, it’s a very encouraging.  The truth is, I’m not in this for the awards, rankings or accolades.  I do what I do because I want to help people.
So thank you to Expertise for this recognition.  I’ll continue to work hard and to look for ways to prove my value in the eyes of my clients.  Knowing that the Desmond Law Office ranked among the top, is encouraging.
Today, like any other day, I’m back in the office working on motorcycle accidents and car wrecks.  My phone is on and I’m ready to take calls.  There’s no patting myself on the back.  Clients are expecting me to do my best on their behalf.  That’s exactly what I intend to do, again today.
At the Desmond Law Office, I believe the work I do is important.  My clients are the ones who really matter, not the awards.

We’re Getting Better, but Kentucky Needs to Buckle Their Seat Belts More Often

 

 

Seat belts save lives, and reduce the severity of many injuries in a car crash.  We’re getting better, but Kentucky needs to buckle their seat belts more often.  In 2011, there were 537 people who lost their lives in Kentucky car wreck.  Only 230 of these individuals, or 43%, were wearing seat belts.  Most people killed in Kentucky car accidents were not wearing a seat belt.  The latest year we have data for is 2015.  We improved a bit, as 44% of those who lost their lives in a car crash were wearing seat belts.  This is a 1% improvement over 5 years, but we can do a lot better.

Seat belts save lives

The percentages for those who were injured are very similar.  The fact is you are less likely to be seriously injured or killed in a car accident if you wear a seat belt.  After more than 20 years of representing people who are injured in Kentucky and Indiana I can tell you to buckle up.  The forces inside a car during a crash are powerful.  A person who is not restrained is moved very quickly in multiple directions during the few seconds at impact.  This results in multiple injuries that could be avoided.  Seat belts help to reduce the injuries to your back and neck.  They also keep you in a more protected posture instead of hitting the windshield or one of the support beams in the car.

No one leaves their house expecting to be in a car crash.  If you fasten your seat belt you significantly increase the chances of returning home safely.  If you are involved in an accident you have a much better chance of reducing or eliminating injury altogether by wearing your seat belt.

Kentucky needs to buckle their seat belts more often to reduce the amount of injuries each year.  If you are injured in a car crash caused by someone else I will help to ensure you recover as much as possible to cover your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.  Always seek medical treatment after an accident (even if you don’t think you were injured) and call me on my phone at [number] for a free consultation.

Car Accidents at Intersections Result in Many Serious Injuries

Kentucky Car Accident Attorney IndianaCar accidents at intersections often result in more serious and sometimes fatal injuries.  Most people may think the most dangerous and serious accidents occur on two lane rural highways, and they would be right.  Recent car crash data tells us a new trend is developing.  Why are accidents in an intersection more dangerous?

One reason is the design of a modern car.  Engineers have designed cars to absorb more energy and protect the occupants when the car is struck head-on or from behind.   There is less to protect the driver and passengers in a car wreck when the impact comes from the side.  Another reason is the increasing use of phones to text or email while driving.  These “distracted drivers” are causing almost as many serious accidents as those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Federal Highway Administration recently reported there were 2.5 million accidents involving injury in intersections.  40% of accidents in the US happen at an intersection.  The vast majority serious injuries in these accidents and those which involved fatalities were left hand turns.  Many of these drivers were attempting to hurry through a light as it changed.  In my 20 years of experience I’ve also noticed that many of these accidents happen because people were:

  • Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions
  • Attempting to drive straight through the intersection as the light is changing or after the light is red
  • Turning left due to pressure from another driver honking their horn or pressuring them to move
  • Turning left when a large vehicle such as a truck or SUV is blocking part of their view
  • Turning on wet or icy roads or into a bright sun

Car accidents at intersections result in more serious injuries and many fatalities.  Be very careful when you enter an intersection and take that extra moment to make sure it’s clear before turning left.  If you are injured in a car crash at an intersection seek immediate medical treatment, and call me on my phone for a free consultation at [number].

KY Memorial Day Accidents

Family Eating Outdoor Meal on Memorial DayIn Kentucky, holidays usually mean 3-day weekends and a possible road trip.  We have one coming up on Monday.  Unfortunately, with all of the drivers on our roads, we also have a high likelihood of Memorial Day accidents.

There are reasons why holidays can spike the number of automobile collisions and even traffic fatalities.  It may be that in an effort to get to our destinations, we tend to drive at a higher rate of speed, or more recklessly.  Another possibility is that the family car might be full of parents, rowdy children and even a pet.  This can increase the potential for distracted drivers.

Finally, as with any holiday road trip, there’s always the risk of someone taking to the roads after having a few drinks with friends and family.  By now we should all be aware of the problems occurring any time we mix alcohol and driving.

I took a few minutes to research how Kentucky drivers have done over the past few years.  Compared to other major holidays, the occurrences of Memorial Day accidents aren’t nearly as high as on other holidays.  Still, we should be mindful of the increased risk from other drivers.

Data for Memorial Day Accidents *

  • 2015 KY Injury Collisions – 183     Persons Injured – 302     Persons Killed – 9
  • 2014 KY Injury Collisions – 186     Persons Injured – 262     Persons Killed – 7
  • 2013 KY Injury Collisions – 143     Persons Injured – 232     Persons Killed – 7
  • 2012 KY Injury Collisions – 190     Persons Injured – 320     Persons Killed – 17
  • 2011 KY Injury Collisions – 182     Persons Injured – 331     Persons Killed – 7
* Data includes the holiday weekend from 6:00pm on Friday until 11:59pm on Monday.

You’ve worked hard through the first five months of the year.  It’s about time for a nice get-away.  While the Desmond Law Offices is a personal injury law firm, I hope this will be an enjoyable time spent with family and friends.  Take precautions to make sure you arrive home safely.  Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!  I think we deserve this one.

Driving One of Louisville’s 150,000 Dangerous Cars?

Cars Pass By Roadside Memorial Accident SceneDid you know Louisville has about 150,000 dangerous cars on the road?  In a recent news story, Wave 3 reporter Eric Flack did a story on why drivers aren’t aware, or aren’t taking action, when their cars are part of a recall.

Manufacturers issue recalls after a safety issue has been identified.  This may have to do with a defective switch, computer glitch, assembly malfunctions, etc.  Safety recalls are extremely expensive for the manufacturer, but typically don’t cost the vehicle owner at all.

Flack’s report suggests that with people’s busy schedules, they simply don’t have the time to spare.  One thing leads to another and the entire issue is forgotten.  Another explanation is that people who purchase a used car wouldn’t have received notifications sent to the previous owner.

Unfortunately, the problem may go unresolved.  A serious safety defect may be placing you, your family and other passengers at risk.  Luckily, there’s an easy way for you to determine if there are any outstanding safety recalls on your car.

All you need is your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  This is a 17-digit number that’s placed in several areas, including at the base of your driver’s side windshield.  It may also be listed on your registration and/or insurance card.

Once you know your VIN, do a quick Recall Check:  https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.  This is a free resource provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Driving with defective equipment can lead to serious automobile accidents and injuries.  Unfortunately, this may also include a traffic fatality.  Your local car dealer’s service department already knows how to make the repair and can quickly order any related parts.  Again, most of the time you won’t incur any expense to have the repair done.

I’d encourage you to do an easy Recall Check to see if your vehicle is one of Louisville’s 150,000 dangerous cars.  The good news is that it doesn’t have to be.  The NHTSA, your local dealer and the Desmond Law Office want you to be safe on our Kentucky and Indiana roads.

I hope you’ll share this information to help others become aware of this simple step.  Being mindful of safety recalls, and more importantly, taking action to get your automobile repaired is important.  Summer road trips are just around the corner.