We trust our schools. We rely on them to protect our children. We expect them to keep them safe. But accidents happen, often when we least expect them. Sometimes in the classroom. Other times just coming or going to school, especially in New York State, where roads can turn treacherous quickly in winter.

People especially need to be aware of children walking to school. Sometimes, children get distracted or caught up in the excitement of seeing a friend and unexpectedly dart out into a street. That’s when pedestrian accidents happen.

Sadly, a staggering number of pedestrians injured and killed are under 15 years old. In 2008, pedestrians sustained 69,000 injuries and 4,378 deaths in accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Those statistics include 15,000 injured and 316 killed under 15 years old.

The statistics are even more startling for bicycle injuries and deaths for children. Cyclists under 14 years old account for 24 percent of all bicycle-related deaths and 50 percent of all bicycle-related injuries.

Why so many accidents? Sometimes, children don’t pay attention while walking to their bus stop, riding a bike or walking to school. Other times, it’s the driver doing something besides driving. Texting while driving, talking on a cell phone, fiddling with the radio – all of these activities distract drivers and put us all at risk.

Accidents happen. Everyone feels sorry. But actions have consequences. Don’t let someone else’s irresponsible behavior ruin your family’s lives. You need a team you can trust to fight for your rights. You need the Law Offices of James Morris.

Serving clients throughout New York State, James Morris has years of experience defending families traumatized by accidents involving school children. We know how precious your children are to you. An accident can instantly change your lives. Let us do everything in our power to right any wrongs done to your children.

Don’t be a victim. Take action. Contact James Morris today. We’re on your side.

The information contained in this communication is provided for informational purposes only and should not be constituted as legal advice on any subject matter.

Tractor trailer trucks can be intimidating. These large, 18-wheeler trucks tower over our cars as we travel on our nation’s highways. There seems to be more of them than ever as well – and you’re right.

In the last 40 years, the number of tractor trailers has more than doubled. In 1970, there were 905,082 tractor trailers. By 2008, that figure had skyrocketed to 2,215,856. The number of all large trucks (vehicles over 10,000 pounds) has also increased sharply in recent years, from 7.7 million in 1998 to 9 million in 2007.

Not surprisingly, large trucks are involved in many accidents. One out of nine traffic fatalities in 2008 resulted from a collision involving a large truck, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In New York State, 112 large trucks were involved in 6.6 percent of all fatal accidents statewide in 2008. Just recently, a 32-year-old Niagara Falls woman was killed when a large truck ran a red light and slammed into her in Niagara Falls, New York.

In an effort to prevent such accidents, numerous laws exist governing the trucking industry. Drivers must undergo rigorous training to obtain a license. Strict rules govern exactly how many hours drivers can operate a truck. Weigh stations make sure trucks do not exceed legal limits. And this year, the federal government banned texting while driving for all commercial truck drivers nationwide.

But accidents happen. Truck drivers flaunt the law and send text messages. Others ignore rest breaks and fall asleep at the wheel. Some drivers overload their trucks and lose control of their vehicles. Such irresponsible behavior is unacceptable.

Some truck companies will use every trick in the book to get out of compensating you for your injuries or your family’s loss. Insurance companies can be just as frustrating, doing everything they can to blame you for something you didn’t do.

Don’t be intimidated by their scare tactics. Fight back. Get the professional help you need to defend your rights. Get someone who knows how to win complicated cases. Go with the Law Offices of James Morris.

James Morris is a member of the American Association for Justice’s Interstate Trucking Group and he has attended their national conference.  The information obtained from this national network of attorneys with expertise in large truck accidents is invaluable in handling cases against trucking or bus companies.  Please call Mr. Morris if you have a truck or bus accident case and need an experienced lawyer.

Get your life back. Take action. Contact James Morris today. We mean business.

The information contained in this communication is provided for informational purposes only and should not be constituted as legal advice on any subject matter.