Richard Bagdasarian Attorney – New Documentary Highlights Wrongful Conviction Issues in United States

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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New Documentary Highlights Wrongful Conviction Issues in United States

A new documentary just released—Southwest of Salem: the Story of the San Antonio Four—documents the story of four wrongful convictions during a time of paranoia and homophobia in the United States twenty years ago. The documentary specifically focuses on the use of junk science in convicting these women so many years ago, when they were pulled away from their lives and families due to issues in our criminal justice system that are still very much around.

Although the story of this particular trial is riddled with nightmarish facts, unfortunately, wrongful convictions aren’t that unusual in our criminal justice system. According to a recent study, approximately 10,000 people are wrongfully convicted of serious crimes in the U.S. each year.

Exoneration and Compensation for Victims

Some states have gone so far as to pass laws that allow wrongfully convicted defendants to challenge their convictions when there is new scientific evidence, regardless of where their appeals process is.  Federal law also provides that there be compensation for the wrongfully convicted, and even Florida has a law allowing anyone who was wrongfully convicted to receive $50,000 for each year they were imprisoned (up to a maximum of $2 million), in addition to free college tuition. In Florida, for example, one man was awarded $1.7 million after spending 35 years in prison for a rape conviction that he was cleared of following DNA testing.

However, there is a clause which prevents the state from providing any compensation if the wrongfully convicted has prior felony convictions, and most people who are released from prison after a wrongful conviction have a very difficult time getting the compensation they are due from the state and getting back on their feet again.

Exonerees also have the option of filing a civil suit against the city, state, or authorities that were involved in their wrongful conviction. That may be an option the San Antonio Four pursue, as you must first be exonerated in order to be compensated by the state for being unjustly imprisoned, and yet for these four wrongfully convicted women, the district attorney’s office has not yet supported a finding that the woman are, in fact innocent; just that they are entitled to new trials.

Boca Raton Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you have been accused or convicted of a crime, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, P.A. provide a strong defense against criminal charges and work to get the best result possible, from a dismissal of charges or not guilty verdict to favorable plea bargains, probation and alternative sentencing options. Contacting one of our attorneys as soon as possible will help to preserve and protect your rights and position you for the best possible outcome. If you or a loved one has been arrested in Boca Raton or a surrounding area, contact our office for immediate assistance.

Resources:

rollingstone.com/culture/features/southwest-of-salem-san-antonio-four-junk-forensic-science-w444481

researchnews.osu.edu/archive/ronhuff.htm

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Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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By Jeff Brown | Posted on November 23, 2016Tags: Boca Raton Criminal Charges, Boca Raton Criminal Defense Lawyer, Boca Raton Criminal Defense Lawyers, Florida Criminal Charges, Florida Defense Attorney, Florida Defense Attorneys, Florida Wrongful Conviction Defense

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/12/29/richard-bagdasarian-attorney-new-documentary-highlights-wrongful-conviction-issues-in-united-states/

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney – A New Crisis in Distracted Driving & Auto Accidents

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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A New Crisis in Distracted Driving & Auto Accidents

After being on the decline over the last forty years, in 2015, highway fatalities due to auto accidentswere recorded at their largest annual percentage increase in over 50 years. And the numbers for 2016—thus far—are even worse: fatalities jumped more than 10 percent in the first six months alone.

What’s causing this crisis on the highways? According to insurance companies (who’ve been tracking the accidents), it’s the increased use of electronic devices while driving, a large part of that being phone apps. For example, Snapchat allows drivers to post photos recording how fast their car is going. Waze rewards drivers when they report traffic jams and hazards. The problem of distracted driving has moved past texting and calling on your cell phone while on the road and entered a new world of internet use in vehicles, minus the safety.

Florida Accident

The issue hits close to home: In late October, the Florida Highway Patrol investigated a crash that killed five people in Tampa. During the investigation, they found a phone that recorded a Snapchat video of the car traveling at 115 miles per hour before the accident happened.

Are Driverless Cars The Answer?

Some have proposed that the introduction of driverless cars is the answer, whereby you would eliminate the issue of people engaging in distracted driving altogether, but even driverless cars have their issues in terms of auto accidents. They may even provide a false sense of security that actually contributes to distracted driving.

What about Technologies to Reduce Distraction?

There are a variety of technologies designed to allow drivers and passengers to both be using their cell phone and supposedly concentrating on the road: hand-free software, do-not-disturb buttons, virtual assistants, etc. But critics note that these technologies may simply be encouraging people to use even more functions on their phone while driving instead of reducing distraction. In addition, just freeing your hands up doesn’t necessarily mean that your brain is focused on driving because it’s the “cognitive workload” that can cause a problem. Some have noted that, even if they need to touch their phone just for a brief moment, they completely forget what’s happening on the road in those few seconds.

Boca Raton Auto Accident & Injury Attorneys for Victims

With over 180 years of combined personal injury litigation experience, the Boca Raton auto accident attorneys at Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, P.A. help victims of auto accidents get back on their feet. Our team of experienced attorneys work to ensure that you are awarded the full amount of compensation you need, including the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.

For more information and in depth analysis, please contact Attorney Ken Ronan at   kronan@bocalaw.com and Case Manager Richard Bagdasarian at rbagdasarian@bocalaw.com.

Resource:

nytimes.com/2016/11/16/business/tech-distractions-blamed-for-rise-in-traffic-fatalities.html

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Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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By Jeff Brown | Posted on December 21, 2016Tags: Boca Raton Auto Accident Lawyer, Boca Raton Auto Accident Lawyers, Boca Raton Car Accident Attorney, Boca Raton Car Accident Attorneys, Distracted Driving, Florida Personal Injury Attorney, Florida Personal Injury Attorneys, Texting and Driving

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/12/21/richard-bagdasarian-attorney-a-new-crisis-in-distracted-driving-auto-accidents/

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney – Is Marijuana Now Legal In Florida?

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Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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Is Marijuana Now Legal In Florida?

On November 8^th, voters in Florida legalized medical marijuana by approving Amendment 2, meaning that anyone who has a prescription may legally purchase and use marijuana under some circumstances. However, it is important to note that the state of Florida will first need to create some rules concerning how the state will regulate the substance, and in addition, regardless of whether someone has obtained a prescription for medical marijuana, you can still be arrested for potentially driving under the influence of drugs if you drive after smoking marijuana.

According to state lawmakers, the process for creating and implementing these regulations won’t begin until March of 2017, at the earliest—two months after the amendment officially goes into effect. Specifically, the measure enables individuals with debilitating medical conditions—like cancer, AIDS, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, etc.—to legally obtain marijuana in order to help treat their conditions. The Florida Department of Health will oversee regulation and enforcement issues.

The Law in Florida

Florida already has a medical marijuana program in place allowing low-THC products (not to be smoked); however, this amendment aims to expand the existing program and make medical marijuana more available, in different forms, and in general, for additional medical purposes.

Regardless of the new amendment legalizing medical marijuana for more people and in stronger forms, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal in Florida. This is because state law defines “under the influence” as operating a vehicle while one is affected by drugs, alcohol, or a combination therefore such that their normal faculties are impaired. Having a prescription does not mean that you are allowed to drive while under the influence of whatever drug—including marijuana—you are affected by; it means that you will face the same penalties as anyone else driving under the influence, including:

• First conviction: by a fine of between $500 and $1,000 and up to six months in prison;
• Second conviction: by a fine of between $1,000 and $2,000 and no more than nine months in prison; as well as mandatory placement of an ignition interlock device for at least one year; and
• Third conviction: prosecuted as a third degree felony if the violation takes place within 10 years of a prior conviction.

Contact a Boca Raton criminal defense attorney today to schedule a free consultation

If you or someone you know has been accused of a drug crime or arrested on suspicion of a DUI, you should retain qualified legal counsel as soon as possible. The penalties associated with these charges are not minor. You can lose your driver’s license, serve jail time, pay significant fines, permanently face employment discrimination, etc.

The experienced Florida criminal defense attorneys of Lavalle Brown & Ronan are dedicated to helping those accused of crimes receive the best legal defense out there. Schedule a free consultation by calling our office today at 888-646-1315 or contacting us online.

For more information and in depth analysis, please contact Attorney Ken Ronan at   kronan@bocalaw.com and Case Manager Richard Bagdasarian at rbagdasarian@bocalaw.com.

Resource:

patch.com/florida/stpete/florida-s-medical-marijuana-amendment-what-happens-next

 

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Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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By Jeff Brown | Posted on December 14, 2016Tags: Boca Raton Criminal Defense Attorney, Boca Raton Criminal Defense Attorneys, Boca Raton Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer, Boca Raton Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers, Boca Raton marijuana possession, Florida Drug Arrest, Florida Drug Charges, Medical Marijuana

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/12/16/richard-bagdasarian-attorney-is-marijuana-now-legal-in-florida/

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney – Samsung Smartphones Still a Danger

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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Samsung Smartphones Still a Danger

 

When you go to the cell phone store to pick out a new, shiny, and often costly smartphone, you likely ask questions about its speed and memory. However, you may not think to ask about the possibility of spontaneous combustion and personal injury. Unfortunately, more than a million owners of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 phones recently learned that they do have reason to fear, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an official recall of the affected devices last month.

The recall was in response to numerous reports of dangerous malfunctions in the smartphones, including the following:

• 92 total reports of overheating batteries that suddenly caused the phone to catch on fire;
• 55 reports involving damage to property due to car fires and a garage fire;
• 26 reports of users being burned by the device;
• One report of the phone starting a house fire.

In response to these reports, Samsung took action to stop sales of this model and recalled millions of models that had been shipped for sale at retail stores. While these recalls do not involve every Galaxy Note 7 produced and sold, if you have this type of phone, you should immediately check whether the recall applies to you. If your phone has been recalled, Samsung will replace it with a reportedly safe phone at no cost.

Are The Replacement Phones Safe?

When you purchase a phone initially, you should expect it to be safe. If your phone is recalled and you have it replaced by the manufacturer, you should be able to be even more certain that the phone is safe. However, a recent story seems to indicate that the replacement models may still be defective. An entire plane had be evacuated because one passenger’s Samsung Galaxy Note 7 began smoking onboard the plane. The more disturbing part of the story is that the smoking phone was a replacement issued by Samsung and “confirmed” to be safe. This goes to show that users of replacement phones should be careful to avoid injuries and fires, as well.

Companies have the legal responsibility to make products that are safe and to provide necessary warnings if a product comes with the risk of injury. If you are injured by a defective product, you have the right to hold the negligent manufacturer liable for your medical expenses and other losses. The situation becomes even more egregious if a company fails to issue a recall or issues replacement products that are still harmful. Anyone who has been injured by a Samsung phone or another type of defective product should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

All a Boca Raton Products Liability Attorney for Help

Products liability cases have specific legal issues that may arise and there are also unique challenges to taking on large corporations in these cases. At the Boca Raton law firm of Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, we know how to handle this type of case and will fight your right to recovery. Call us at 888-646-1315 for a free consultation.

Resource:

cpsc.gov/Newsroom/Press-Statements/Press-Statement-from-the-US-Consumer-Product-Safety-Commission-Regarding-the-Samsung-Galaxy-Note7/

 

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Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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By Jeff Brown | Posted on October 26, 2016Tags: Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer, Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyers, Boca Raton Product Liability Attorney, Boca Raton Product Liability Attorneys, Consumer Risk, Defective Phone, Defective Products, Samsung Recall

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/12/13/richard-bagdasarian-attorney-samsung-smartphones-still-a-danger/

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney – Common Truck Driver Errors

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Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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Common Truck Driver Errors

While commercial trucks such as tractor-trailers are essential for our economy, these trucks present a significant risk of severe injuries if a truck accident occurs. While passenger vehicles generally weigh a few thousand pounds, large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and can crush a smaller vehicle if they collide. Even with seat belts and airbags, motorists in cars or even SUVs often have little protection from a massive truck in a crash. If motorists survive, they are often left severely injured.

According to a study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the leading cause of truck accidents is errors on the part of the truck driver. Driving a commercial truck requires a special driver’s license that drivers receive after extensive training and testing. If the driver wants to operate certain types of commercial vehicles–such as those carrying passengers or hazardous materials–they must receive additional training and licenses. Despite all of the training required for truck drivers, they are human like anyone else can can make serious mistakes that lead to accidents.

Some of the most common examples of truck driver negligence include the following:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Violations of hours of service regulations and fatigued driving;
• Distracted driving, including texting, using a cell phone, reading, or watching videos;
• Speeding;
• Dangerous lane changes;
• Following other vehicles too closely;
• Driving too fast for weather or road conditions;
• Not having the proper license or training to operate that particular commercial vehicle;
• Not complying with FMCSA rules and regulations;
• Failing to properly inspect a truck before each driving leg; and
• Driving with a serious health problem that causes an adverse health event behind the wheel.

If a truck driver causes an accident due to negligence, injured victims can hold the driver and possibly their employer liable for their injuries and losses. However, a victim must first prove that negligence caused the accident. In most situations, a driver will not voluntarily admit wrongdoing, do proof must be accomplished through other types of evidence. Proving driver error is relatively straightforward in some cases and very complicated in others.

For example, if a driver was speeding, the truck’s data recorder can be used to demonstrate the speed at the time of the collision. Also, many trucking companies have installed cameras in trucks that can show whether or not a driver was texting or was engaging in any other type of dangerous behavior when they crashed. However, in other cases, there may be little concrete evidence of driver error. An accident reconstruction expert may be called in to analyze the scene of the accident, the damage to the vehicles, and more to give their professional opinion of what happened.

Call A Boca Raton Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you believe a truck driver caused your accident and injuries, call a Boca Raton truck accident attorney at the law office of Lavalle, Brown & Ronan as soon as possible. We have helped many truck accidents victims obtain significant compensation, so call for a free consultation at 888-646-1315 today.

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Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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By Jeff Brown | Posted on July 6, 2016Tags: Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorney, Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorneys, Boca Raton Truck Accident Lawyer, Boca Raton Truck Accident Lawyers, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Florida Truck Accident Injuries, Florida Truck Driving License, Truck Driver Errors

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/12/12/richard-bagdasarian-attorney-common-truck-driver-errors/

Used Cars Slipping Past Recalls, Leading To Deaths on the Road – Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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Used Cars Slipping Past Recalls, Leading To Deaths on the Road

On October 26^th, the New York Times featured an article on how used cars are falling through the cracks when it comes to recall safeguards, placing many drivers in danger each year. Although consumers may believe that the Takata airbag disaster is over and done with, in fact, it claimed another life recently.

Cars that are sold in auctions and then from one person to another—or second, third, or fourth owners—have brought forth a category of drivers who face serious risks when it comes to deaths due to auto accidents in these vehicles. Although there are federal regulations mandating that certain protections be offered to buyers of new cars—as well as requiring that dealerships fix any safety recall issues—these same regulations unfortunately do not apply to used cars. This is a serious issue considering that, in 2015 alone, more than 38 million used cars were sold in the U.S.—twice as many as the number of new cars sold.

Unregulated Auctions

Auctions, in particular, are the least regulated means of selling cars, leading to high-risk vehicles ending up in the hands of vulnerable drivers every year. Many of the cars sold at auctions are there because dealerships are, themselves, uncomfortable directly selling these cars to consumers, and instead decide to sell them directly to dealerships that do not have such reservations.

In the death just last month, metal parts were propelled into the driver, who was driving a Honda, killing her, when the car’s airbag exploded upon impact. The car should not have been sold before the airbag was replaced at a Honda dealership or the defect was at least disclosed. Although Honda had supposedly sent out 20 recall notices since 2008 concerning these airbags, the car was resold at least three times since the initial recall, namely at auctions.

If you’ve purchased a Used Car

Recall information is available based on vehicle identification numbers in this government database. In addition, an auto safety hotline has been set up just to answer questions about recalled vehicles.

Although federal regulations on used cars are lacking, there are also sometimes state consumer protection laws that prohibit the sale of dangerous vehicles. Although in Florida there is no used car lemon law, you are covered by implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for the item’s particular purpose, and good title. Dealerships also cannot conceal material defects, as this can be considered as fraud, and automakers are required by law to put in effort to contact a car’s current owner to inform them of a recall.

Boca Raton Auto Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Boca Raton auto accident, contact our office for advice and representation from our auto accident attorneys. With over 180 years of combined personal injury/auto accident litigation experience, the Boca Raton auto accident attorneys at Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, P.A. work to provide the best protection possible to our Florida clients.  Contact us today.

For more information and in depth analysis, please contact Attorney Ken Ronan at   kronan@bocalaw.com and Case Manager Richard Bagdasarian at rbagdasarian@bocalaw.com.

Resource:

nytimes.com/2016/10/27/business/takata-airbag-victim-car-auction.html?mabReward=A1&recp=8&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&region=CColumn&module=Recommendation&src=rechp&WT.nav=RecEngine&_r=0

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Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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By Jeff Brown | Posted on December 7, 2016Tags: Boca Raton Auto Accident Lawyer, Boca Raton Auto Accident Lawyers, Boca Raton Product Liability Attorneys, Boca Raton Products Liability Attorney, Car Recalls, Florida Car Accident Injuries, Florida Personal Injury Attorney, Florida Personal Injury Attorneys, Used Car Defects

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/12/09/used-cars-slipping-past-recalls-leading-to-deaths-on-the-road-richard-bagdasarian-attorney/

Why Timing Is Important In A Truck Accident Case – Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

 

Why Timing Is Important In A Truck Accident Case

If you are injured in a car accident, the law in Florida allows you up to four years to file a claim for personal injury to recover for your medical bills and other related losses. While it is always advisable to discuss your rights with an attorney well before the four year time limit, timing is even more critical if you have been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck.

Trucking Reporting Requirements and Post-Accident Testing

Whether or not you report a truck accident to the authorities or to an insurance company, truck drivers are often required to report accidents in a certain period of time following the event. Both companies and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have these reporting requirements for various reasons, one of which is for necessary post-accident drug and alcohol testing of the truck driver. According to FMCSA regulations, such drug and alcohol testing must be performed “as soon as practicable” if any of the following are true of the accident:

• The accident resulted in a fatality;
• The driver was cited for violating a moving traffic law within a certain period of time following the accident (8 hours for alcohol testing and 32 hours for drug testing) and the accident either caused bodily injury or damage that disabled another vehicle.

Because of these reporting requirements, the ball often starts rolling quickly following a truck accident and you should communicate with law enforcement when they get involved regarding your side of the story.

Avoid Evidence Destruction Or Alterations

Following a truck accident, the trucking company and/or its insurance company will almost certainly begin investigating the cause of the accident and determining what evidence exists as soon as possible. These companies have many resources and can often be ready to start an investigation at a moment’s notice. Unfortunately, many injured victims do not have similar resources until they seek help from an experienced truck accident law firm.

Because trucking companies and drivers often get a head start in identifying evidence of a truck accident, there is always a risk that some of the evidence will be destroyed, hidden, or altered to avoid liability. While many trucking companies are honest and will comply with the law when it comes to sharing evidence, there are some companies who will try to cover up the cause of an accident. The sooner your attorney starts investigating, the greater chance that evidence will not be tampered with.

Call a Boca Raton Truck Accident Attorney For a Free Consultation Today

Commercial truck accidents can cause devastating and life-changing injuries. Trucking companies will also work to avoid liability whenever possible, so you never want to delay in taking the necessary steps to pursue a legal claim. At the law office of Lavalle, Brown & Ronan in Boca Raton, our truck accident lawyers know how important it is to take swift action in this type of case. If you would like us to evaluate your situation for free, call us today at 888-646-1315.

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Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

By Jeff Brown | Posted on September 1, 2016Tags: Boca Raton Car Accident Attorney, Boca Raton Car Accident Attorneys, Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer, Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyers, Boca Raton Truck Accident Attorney, Boca Raton Truck Accident Attorneys, Florida Truck Accident Injuries, Truck Accident Cases

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/richard-bagdasarian-attorneyimportant-in-truck-accident/

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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Pokemon Go Is Causing Injuries

Over the summer, the explosive hit game Pokemon Go was introduced as a mobile app. Millions of people downloaded the app, which became more popular than many social media giants in the first few weeks. The game is loved by both young children who are just being introduced to the Pokemon franchise, as well as adults who remember these beloved characters from the earlier installments of Pokemon games. No matter who is playing, however, one thing is for certain – people are suffering personal injuries as result of playing this seemingly harmless game.

When you play Pokemon Go, your smartphone uses geolocation technology to guide you to different places where there may be Pokemon characters, PokeStops, PokeGyms, and other places for teams and opponents to gather to battle. In addition, while you are playing, Pokemon characters may appear at any time and they are superimposed onto the real world view through your phone. Players then swipe on their phones until they “catch” the different characters and collect them. Most of the game requires almost constant attention to your phone, which is causing problems out in the world.

Distracted Driving and Walking

As if people staring at their phones to text or look at Facebook was not already a big enough problem, now there are drivers who may be playing Pokemon Go while they are behind the wheel. Many people have even tweeted photos showing them trying to catch Pokemon characters while they were on the road or highway. Actively playing games on a smartphone is one of the most dangerous distractions imaginable, as it takes a driver’s eyes off of the road, hands off the wheel (as they have to hold the phone and swipe to catch the Pokemon), and their mind off of the act of driving. This can easily result in serious accidents and devastating injuries to others. One driver who was admittedly playing the game even crashed directly into a parked police car. If you were injured by a driver who was playing Pokemon Go, you have the right to hold that driver accountable for your medical bills, lost wages, and any other losses that resulted from the accident.

Distracted walking can be just as dangerous if it results in pedestrian collisions. While drivers should be watching for pedestrians, pedestrians also have the duty to be safe and alert when crossing the street. If a person steps into traffic because they were playing Pokemon Go, they may be held liable for damage caused to vehicles or injuries to drivers. Drivers may swerve out of the way to avoid a collision and may crash into another vehicle instead. In such cases, the distracted Pokemon Go player may be responsible for all of the losses of the accident victims.

Contact a Boca Raton Auto Accident Attorney For a Free Consultation

If you believe that you have been in any type of accident with a distracted driver, whether Pokemon Go-related or not, you should not wait to discuss your rights with our experienced Boca Raton personal injury lawyers. Call the office of Lavalle, Brown & Ronan today at 888-646-1315 for assistance.

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney

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By Jeff Brown | Posted on October 5, 2016Tags: Boca Raton Auto Accident Attorney, Boca Raton Auto Accident Attorneys, Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer, Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyers, Car Accident Injuries, Distracted Driving, Distracted Walking, Pokemon Go

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/11/29/richard-bagdasarian-attorney-pokemon/

Driverless Cars: Is America Ready, Or Will This Be A Personal Injury Nightmare?

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney > https://medium.com/@richardbagdasa/common-injuries-at-school-d3c6857ddba3

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Driverless Cars: Is America Ready, Or Will This Be A Personal Injury Nightmare?

By now, most everyone has heard that driverless, automated cars have made their way onto our roads; specifically, most have heard about the numerous accidents in which several of them have been involved, some of them serious crashes that have resulted in fatalities. Our agencies and states appear to be moving forward, paving the way by providing for guidelines to try and regulate the testing and use of these vehicles on the road.  But what do these gestures mean to the everyday consumer, and the safety of our families?

Auto accidents are already a leading cause of serious injuries in Florida every year, making auto accident claims almost routine when it comes to insurance companies and attorneys negotiating the no-fault system and personal injury protection. But how will this change if and when your driverless car takes a turn for the worst, leading to a serious accident, where people are injured or killed?

Florida Resident Killed

Perhaps the worst accident thus far involved Florida resident Joshua Brown’s Tesla vehicle driving under an 18-wheel truck on the highway while in Autopilot mode. According to Tesla, the vehicle failed to distinguish the truck from the sky, resulting in Joshua’s death.

These vehicles are expected to be a common reality on our roads by 2020; and they’ve already been used on the roads without first being properly tested for safety defects like this one. “Regular” cars will always have an element of human error; but it appears that these new driverless cars have their own brand of error, and we may not be ready for it. Perhaps this is why 84 percent of people surveyed indicated that they were afraid of riding in these driverless vehicles, and trusted their own driving skills over that of the car’s computer.

New Questions of Liability

What’s frightening about these accidents is how difficult it can be to trace liability as compared to auto accidents involving “regular” cars. What many have remarked could be the most frightening aspect of these crashes is that the driverless car will, at the last minute, be forced to choose between your life and that of a pedestrian’s. For example, if two people suddenly run out into the road, they may not hear your car coming because it is electric and doesn’t make much noise. With little time to brake, your car will have to make the choice between hitting the pedestrians, and sending you left into oncoming traffic (or right, into a building or sidewalk). In effect, your driverless car is charged with making a serious ethical decision.

Boca Raton Auto Accident Attorneys

Regardless of the circumstances of your auto accident, at Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, P.A., we can help you figure out whether or not you have a claim, and what your next steps should be. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Boca Raton auto accident, contact our office. With decades of experience recovering compensation for injury victims, we are here to serve our clients aggressively for any and all injury claims here in the sunshine state.

Resources:

mirror.co.uk/tech/google-driverless-car-involved-worst-8917388

trustedreviews.com/news/driverless-autonomous-car-death-kill-accident-liability-insurance-tesla-google

fortune.com/2016/07/03/teslas-fatal-crash-implications/

Richard Bagdasarian Attorney > https://medium.com/@richardbagdasa/common-injuries-at-school-d3c6857ddba3

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By Jeff Brown | Posted on October 21, 2016 Tags: Accident Liability, Auto pilot Car, Boca Raton Auto Accident Lawyer, Boca Raton Auto Accident Lawyers, Boca Raton Car Accident Attorney, Boca Raton Car Accident Attorneys, Driverless Cars, Tesla , 

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/11/28/richard-bagdasarian-attorneydriverless-cars-is-america-ready-or-will-this-be-a-personal-injury-nightmare/

The Dangers of Faulty & Underinflated Tires

Richard Bagdasarian attorney

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The Dangers of Faulty & Underinflated Tires

According to recently-released statistics, every year, 40,000 Americans die in auto accidents and only nine percent of the cars out there on the road have properly inflated tires. In fact, under inflated tires are significantly contributing to dangerous accidents. Because many of these accidents involve teens or inexperienced drivers, a campaign launched by state departments—“Beyond the Driving Test”—is directed at families and encourages them to check their tire pressure and tread every month.

Underinflated tires and those with worn-out treads can be extremely dangerous, often blowing out on the road and leading to an accident. But how often is this due to owner error versus, for example, the auto dealership? Many people  reguarly take their car in to be serviced—you would be surprised to find out just how often those who are in charge of ensuring that your car is safe for the road overlook something or negligently fail to replace tires, leading to an accident.

Lawsuits

For example, in 2014, the court entered a judgment close to $4 million against one company–Flemington Car & Truck Country–for continually failing to replace tires in their service department, leading to an accident caused by a blown out tire that lead to severe injuries for one family who was on their way to Florida one year. Specifically, the company’s employees failed to follow company policy and replace one faulty tire, ultimately acting with reckless disregard for their customer’s safety. As a result of the accident, one family member continued to suffer from migraines, insomnia, hearing loss, and post-traumatic Parkinson’s after undergoing surgery. Another family member developed dementia as a result of the accident.

In addition, the dealership’s employees actually found abnormally worn front tires earlier, but due to negligence and oversight, this information was not reflected in the inspection report. When the family visited again three months later due to a fuel odor, the tires passed the dealership’s multi-point inspection, indicating that the technicians involved failed to properly perform their duties. When the family returned a third time—three days before they drove to Florida—the inspection report noted that the tires were worn out, yet still, the service technicians did not recommend tire replacement at that time. According to the dealership, the technician did not review prior inspection reports, which is a violation of company policy. As a result, the jury found that there was not only negligence, but “[wanton indifference] to a high probability of injury” in failing to recommend tire replacement.

Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a faulty tire, the experienced auto accident attorneys at Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, P.A. can help you move forward. You may be due compensation, depending upon the circumstances in your case. Contact our office in Boca Raton for advice. Our Florida auto accident attorneys have decades of experience recovering compensation for injury victims.

Resources:

foxbusiness.com/features/2016/09/12/how-weak-tires-cause-dangerous-car-accidents.html

tirereview.com/auto-dealership-loses-appeal-tire-blowout-lawsuit/

By Jeff Brown Tags: Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorney, Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorneys, Boca Raton Products Liability Lawyer, Boca Raton Products Liability Lawyers, Car Accident Injuries, Defective Car Parts, Faulty Tires, Underinflated Tires

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/11/26/the-dangers-of-faulty-underinflated-tires/

Common Injuries at School

Richard Bagdasarian attorney

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Common Injuries at School

Now that school has started and fall routines are in full-swing, parents can breathe a sigh of relief that their children will be occupied and will not be at home all day. While this can take stress off many parents, there is also always the concern that your child may be involved in an accident and may sustain a personal injury while at school. If you do receive that dreaded phone call that your child has been injured, you may wonder whether you can hold the school responsible for any medical bills or other losses caused by the injury.

Some Injuries Are Simply Accidental

Children are often precarious, take risks, and do not watch where they are going. In addition, children in various stages of growth can be clumsy and have less control over their bodies. For this reason, children are prone to getting into accidents. If a child trips over their own feet and falls for no other reason, any injuries suffered can ruled purely accidental. In such accidents, no one else was at fault, so no one can likely be held accountable.

Schools Can Be Negligent

In order to hold another party liable for the losses you suffered from your child’s injuries, you must prove that the party was negligent in some manner that led to the injuries. Schools and their staff members can be negligent in many different ways that can cause or contribute to accidents and injuries to students. Some examples of incidents that are commonly caused by negligence in schools can include the following:

Slip and falls – LIke any other property owner, schools have the duty to keep the entire premises in reasonably safe condition. If something spills in a hallway, the school is expected to either clean it up in a timely manner or to adequately warn students of the hazard. If a school allows dangerous conditions in the hallways or on the floors and a student slips and falls and gets hurt, the school should be found negligent.

Playground accidents – Playgrounds must be regularly inspected, maintained, and must comply with safety codes. If a child gets injured due to a rusted swing, broken monkey bars, inadequate ground coverings, or other conditions, the school should be responsible for any injuries that resulted.

Assaults – Schools also have the responsibility to provide adequate security to keep out anyone who may cause harm to students. If schools allow someone to enter the building and they assault a child, the school can be held liable.

School bus accidents – Injuries can happen on school buses due to collisions, a failure to supervise the students, slip and falls getting off and on the bus, and more. In such situations, it may be the school or an independent bus company that may be liable for your losses.

Contact An Experienced Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer For Help Today

If your child was injured at school, you should not hesitate to discuss your options with the personal injury attorneys at Lavalle, Brown & Ronan in Boca Raton. Call for a free consultation today at 888-646-1315.

By Jeff Brown | Posted on September 23, 2016Tags: Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorney, Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorneys, Boca Raton playground injuries, Boca Raton school injuries, Child Injuries, Florida School Bus Accidents, Florida School Injury

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/11/23/common-injuries-at-school/

Think You Can’t Recover After a Single-Car Crash? Don’t Be So Sure

Richard Bagdasarian

Think You Can’t Recover After a Single-Car Crash? Don’t Be So Sure

A significant number of people are hurt in single-vehicle car accidents every year. Unfortunately, many people who are hurt in these kinds of accidents assume that it was their fault – after all, if there are no other drivers around, who else is there to blame? In reality, many single-vehicle accidents are not the driver’s fault, which means that drivers and their passengers will likely be able to recover compensation from a third party. Some of the ways that a single-car accident can be caused by the negligence of a person other than the driver of the vehicle are discussed below.

Vehicle Defects

Vehicles that are defectively designed, manufactured, or marketed (the manufacturer fails to warn the driver about some non-obvious danger) can cause serious accidents. The same is true for aftermarket vehicle equipment. Some failures that can result in an injury-causing crash include those that involve:

• Brakes;
• Steering mechanisms;
• Tires;
• Power steering pumps;
• Cruise control systems;
• Headlights;
• Lane departure warning systems;
• Anti-lock braking systems;
• Accelerator failures;
• Speedometers.

If these or any other parts were defective, it could easily lead to a serious single-vehicle accident. In order to determine whether a vehicle defect played a role in your case, it may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation of the way in which the accident occurred. In addition, proving that a vehicle defect played a role may require the assistance of an accident reconstruction expert. As a result, it is critical for single-car accident victims to always speak with an attorney as soon as they can.

Defectively Designed or Maintained Roadways

Defectively designed or maintained roadways are another common cause of single-vehicle accidents where the driver was not at fault. Some of the issues that may lead to an accident include the following:

• Potholes;
• Inadequate signage;
• Unmarked construction zones;
• Inoperative street lights;
• Missing guardrails;
• Faded lane markers;
• Improperly graded curves;
• Inadequate road maintenance in adverse weather conditions;
• Overgrown trees or other plants obscuring road signs;
• Shoulder drop offs.

It is important to understand that there is often a public entity such as the Florida Department of Transportation or a local municipality responsible for road design and maintenance. Whenever you bring a legal claim against the government, a special set of legal rules applies and the time limitations and amount you can recover are much more limited than in actions against private parties. For this reason, if you believe that your accident was the result of a road defect, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible, as even a slight delay has the potential to result in an inability to file a claim.

Call a Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorney Today to Discuss Your Case

If you have been injured in a single vehicle accident, do not assume that the accident was your fault. You should always have an experienced Boca Raton car accident lawyer at Lavalle, Brown & Ronan review your case in order to find out whether any evidence of negligence exists. To schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers, call our office today at 888-646-1315.

By Jeff Brown | Posted on September 14, 2016Tags: Accident Negligence, Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer, Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyers, Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorney, Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorneys, Car Defects, Single Vehicle Accident, Single-Car Crash

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/11/21/think-you-cant-recover-after-a-single-car-crash-dont-be-so-sure/

Florida Court Issues Ruling on Tech Money Laundering Case

Florida law sets out a wide variety of white collar crimes that can be committed using the Internet and technology. However, one court in Florida recently ruled that a man should not be prosecuted for the offense of money laundering for transmitting the virtual currency called Bitcoins.

A man had allegedly transmitted 1,500 Bitcoins to undercover police detectives knowing that they planned to use the Bitcoins to purchase credit card numbers that had been stolen. Prosecutors charged him with the offense of money laundering, which includes a financial transaction with the intent to promote further unlawful activity. The defense argued the charges should be dismissed because a financial transaction requires money and Bitcoins are not actual money.

Bitcoins are digital assets used for peer-to-peer online payments. Bitcoins have no monetary value outside of the world of the Internet and, while considered to be property, the units have been called a “decentralized virtual currency” by the Department of the Treasury. The defense argued that because Bitcoins are not money, no money laundering could have occurred and there were not enough supporting facts to continue pursuing felony charges.

The prosecutor admitted this was the first case in state court that involved Bitcoins as the basis for money laundering charges. She also argued that so-called “cyber-criminals” are simply ahead of the authorities in coming up with new ways to launder criminal funds and, therefore, they should be charged.

Under the definitions in the Florida money laundering statute, “monetary instruments” means any of the following:

• Coins or currency of the US or another country;
• Personal checks;
• Travelers’ checks;
• Money orders;
• Bank checks;
• Investment securities in bearer form;
• Negotiable instruments in bearer form.

The judge presiding over the case ruled that Bitcoins do not equal any type of tangible wealth and that the Bitcoin has not yet risen to the level of qualifying as actual money. The judge also noted that, if in the future the state of Florida began regulating Bitcoins, perhaps then Bitcoins may be considered under the money laundering statute. At this point, however, the felony charges for money laundering were dropped because all of the elements of the crime could not be proven.

This is one example of the complex and unique arguments that can successfully defend against criminal charges. If convicted, the man could have faced up to five year in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

Call an Experienced White Collar Crime Defense Attorney As Soon As Possible

White collar crimes can result in serious consequences. There are many ways to defend against white collar allegations such as money laundering and it is highly important to have an effective defense strategy built by a skilled criminal defense lawyer who understands financial crime laws. At the law firm of Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, we have represented many individuals facing charges related to finance, technology, and other white collar circumstances. If you are under investigation or have been arrested, call us today at 888-646-1315.

By Jeff Brown | Posted on September 7, 2016

Tags: Bitcoin, Boca Raton Criminal Defense Attorney, Boca Raton Criminal Defense Attorneys, Boca Raton White Collar Crime Defense Lawyer, Boca Raton White Collar Crime Defense Lawyers, Florida Criminal Charges, Money Laundering Charges, White Collar Crimes

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/11/17/tech-money-laundering-case/

Richard C. Bagdasarian – Case Manager

Richard Bagdasarian was awarded a J.D from the University Of Akron School Of Law in 1983. He was the Captain of Akron’s National ABA Trial Team earning Regional Best Individual Advocate Honors, Team Regional Champion and National Finalist. He also earned the American College of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Advocacy. Richard received his B.A. from Hiram College in 1977 dual majoring in English and Speech Communications. He studied in Cambridge, England and completed a fellowship in film production with WQED in Pittsburgh, PA, where he worked on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bicentennial Project producing a series of films on the life of Chief Justice John Marshall.

With an extensive case history, Richard is an invaluable asset to the firm. He specializes in complex litigation support to the firm’s attorneys in their representing Plaintiffs and Defendants in all State and Federal Courts. Richard also has experience in Commercial, Insurance, Foreclosure, Negligence-Personal Injury, Probate Litigation, Labor/Discrimination, Construction and Sports Law. Richard is also a consultant for the firm’s Corporate Counsel representation of small, medium and large companies in a wide range of industries.

Phone Number

561-395-0000 Extension 150
855-Boca Law

Email
rbagdasarian@lavallebrown.com

Other Credentials:

Professional Experience

• Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, P.A., Case Manager, 2007 to Present
• Richard C. Bagdasarian, P.A., Managing Partner, Boca Raton, Florida, 1983 to 2007
• Business Consultant, Boca Raton, Florida, 1995 to Present
• Mediator, Boca Raton, Florida, 1990 to 2007
• Production Engineer, Heckman Corporation, Mentor, Ohio, 1978 to1980
• Manager, Bob Evans Restaurant Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, 1977 to 1978

Community Involvement

Richard was the Founding Director and President of Boca Ballet Theatre Company, one of the top civic ballet companies in the United States and internationally recognized for its unique approach to providing performance opportunities for young dancers with professional artists from the world’s leading ballet companies.

Richard was a long time Director of the Symphony of the Americas, South Florida’s professional orchestra under the direction of Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese. The Symphony recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and continues to perform around the world.
Before becoming heavily involved in his cultural pursuits, Richard was a Little League Coach for many years. In addition, Richard was a long time Parish Council representative in his church.

About Richard

Richard Bagdasarian provides exemplary leadership, problem solving, and negotiation skills to allow successful conclusions for Lavalle, Brown & Ronan’s clients in diverse and unpredictable situations. He is a dynamic, energetic team player with the desire and expertise to produce results. He has a special interest in the emerging EDR (automobile black box ) technology and is at the forefront in its use in saving lives, positively changing driver behavior and reducing insurance costs by its use of instant crash notification and accurate crash reporting.

source https://richardbagdasarian.wordpress.com/2016/11/16/richard-bagdasarian-case-manager/