A Missouri teenager has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and texting-while-driving for killing another motorist. The teenager will face trial as an adult.

In Missouri, all drivers under 21 are prohibited from texting while driving. The offense carries a $200 fine. Second-degree involuntary manslaughter is punishable by up to four years in prison.

The teenage killed a 72-year-old woman and injured the woman’s 10-year old granddaughter last September.

A passenger in Gannon’s car told police that the teen lost control while texting and looking at her cell phone.

“Texting-while-driving is at least as dangerous as drinking and driving. We make a crime of that for anybody, no matter the age. It also ought to be a crime for anybody, regardless of how old you are, to text while driving,” said Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.

A recent study has shown that despite the known safety risks, teen drivers are now texting more than ever.

Read more: http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-teenager-from-kansas-city-is-charged-with-texting-before-fatal-crash-20120420,0,885659.story

If you or someone you love has been injured by a texting driver, please contact the experienced car accident attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A recent article on KSPR.com suggests that despite all of the warnings and acknowledgments that texting while driving is dangerous, teens are still doing it. The article reads as follows:

Several years after a massive national campaign to stop teen texting and driving a new survey says it isn’t working. conducted for state farm, it shows 14 to 17-year-olds are still texting behind the wheel, while admitting its dangerous, even deadly.

In the summer of 2009 it became illegal for anyone 21 and under to text and drive in Missouri. Since the law went into effect the Missouri Highway Patrol has issued more than 130 tickets for the violation state-wide, but teens themselves will tell you that hasn’t fixed the problem.

2:45 p.m. is high school rush hour. Students pour out of Parkview; the goal– get in the car, get on the phone.

Arianna Beckham and Taylor Hulsey sheepishly admit they don’t just talk, they text.

“Every time I get a text,” Beckyham says she replies.

The girls also admit it’s dangerous; they’ve both been on the receiving end of a texting driver’s folly.

“I was a passenger and the person behind us hit us. She was texting,” Hulsey tells us.

“In the school parking lot the third day I started driving at school I got bumped from a guy texting behind me,” Beckham tells us.

Sometimes it’s worse. Car wrecks are the leading cause of teen deaths in Missouri, and inattention is the leading cause of car wrecks. That’s why for years the state highway patrol has been cracking down on teen texting.

“The highway patrol has not only increased enforcement efforts but we’ve gotten into schools,” explains Sergeant Jason Pace.

A new nationwide survey suggests that might not be enough. The results this year are virtually the same as when it was first conducted in 2010.

57% of the teens surveyed say they have texted while driving. 76% say they believe regular texters and drivers will eventually be killed in a car crash, and 93% say regular texters and drivers will eventually have some kind of a car crash, so clearly there is a disconnect.

Still– Pace is convinced the message is translating.

“Some statistics show you’re 23 times more likely to be involved in a traffic crash while using a cell phone or texting and driving so people are understanding that, they are pulling over,” Pace says.

Shelby Martin is pulling over.

“I was raised better,” the Parkview Student tells us.

So are Evan Atwood and his friend and fellow sophomore Darren Busbey.

“I just wait til I get to where I’m going and check it out,” the boys tell us.

As for Beckham and Hulsey– it may take more direct intervention.

“I got pulled over for speeding, so I don’t speed anymore. So if I got pulled over for texting I probably wouldn’t text anymore,” Beckham concludes.

The Missouri Highway Patrol has added a new feature to its online crash reports in 2012. You can now break down the cause of a crash to something as specific as texting, so it will be easier to track those numbers.

37 states and Washington DC ban texting while driving for drivers of all ages. Six states including Missouri have a ban for a specific age group.

Read more: http://articles.kspr.com/2012-04-10/teen-texting_31321327

The attorneys at Strong-Garner-Bauer have seen first hand the life-changing impact texting and driving can have. Texting while driving not only poses a substantial risk to your own life, but also the safety of everyone on the road. The attorneys at Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. urge all drivers to be mindful of this and do not text and drive.

If you have been involved in a car accident where someone hit you while texting and driving, please contact the experienced car accident attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

There have been new legal developments out a horrific February car accident in central missouri.

Marty Wilcox, his wife Elisa and the couple’s 3-year-old son Marty were killed February 28 in a head on collision on Highway 52 at Brown Road in Miller County.

The only survivor in the family’s car, was the couple’s baby boy, Gabriel, born just two days before.

Now the mother of Marty Wilcox Sr., has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

Mary Robinson filed the lawsuit against 19-year-old Emily Frakes on March 19 in miller county.

The Highway Patrol said Frakes crossed the center line on Missouri Highway 52 and hit the Wilcox family head on.

Court documents say Frakes was speeding at the time.

Robinson’s lawsuit claims the teen was careless and negligent.

Robinson said because of that, not only has she lost 3 members of her family, she’s also had to take care of funeral and burial expenses.

The documents also say baby Gabriel will always suffer the loss of his parents and older brother and say the newborn was physically hurt in the crash but the extent of his injuries are unknown.

Robinson claims Frakes was cited for speeding days before the crash and say she showed a conscious and reckless disregard for others.

Baby Gabriel is now in the custody of his mother, Elisa Wilcox’s parents.

Read more: http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=740815

If a loved one has been taken from you or someone you know, please contact the experienced Springfield Missouri wrongful death attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

Kansas City police have identified a 19-year-old man who died in a head-on collision earlier today in the Northland as Cameron M. Heath.

The two-vehicle accident occurred about 6:45 a.m. at Northeast 46th Terrace and North Brighton Avenue.

According to police, a southbound silver Pontiac collided head-on with a northbound Tahoe.

Heath, a Kansas City resident, was driving the Pontiac. Three people in the Tahoe were taken to a hospital with what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/15/3492227/emergency-crews-working-crash.html#storylink=cpy

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car wreck, please contact the experienced Springfield car accident attorney’s of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

Missouri Lawyers Weekly recently published an article recounting the Greene County trial of Lewis v. Busco Inc. The plaintiff, Daniel Lewis was represented by Springfield Lawyer of the Year Steve Garner. The article reads as follows:

A Greene County jury awarded nearly $1 million to a Republic man whose car was hit by a charter tour bus headed to Branson in a 2007 accident.

That Nov. 18, Daniel Lewis, then 37, was driving his 1990 Honda Accord on Route N in southwest Missouri. A charter bus heading the opposite direction on the rural road turned in front of Lewis’ car and struck the driver’s side, according to the plaintiff’s attorneys’ written case description. James P. Mailen of Lawrence, Kan., was driving the bus.

Lewis, a concrete finisher, suffered back and spine injuries that have left him unable to work, said attorney Steve Garner, who took over the case in November, a month before the trial, after Lewis’ first lawyers stepped aside. Neither Mailen nor the bus passengers were injured. The bus driver had made a wrong turn and was trying to get back onto Interstate 44, Garner said.

Lewis sued the bus driver and Busco Inc., which owned the bus, in November 2009. The Norfolk, Neb., company does business as Arrow Stage Lines.

A four-day jury trial began on Dec. 19. In his opening arguments, Garner told the jury of his client’s history of methamphetamine abuse and “petty crimes that go along with people who have substance abuse problems.” Lewis’ rap sheet includes previous convictions for burglary, drug possession and drunken driving, court records show. He was also on probation at the time of the trial.

Lewis’ drug addiction prevented him from being treated with prescription painkillers, Garner said.

“He has chronic pain and can’t take painkillers other than over-the-counter medicine,” he said. “The jury was good to their promises not to consider [his drug abuse]. I think lawyers give it a lot more credence than jurors do.”

Lewis agreed to dismiss Mailen, the bus driver, from the case two weeks before trial.

“I didn’t see any need to drag that guy to court,” Garner said. “Ultimately, insurance is responsible. I didn’t want the jury to feel sorry for this driver.”

On cross-examination, defense attorney Dana Mark Harris elicited testimony from Lewis’ doctor that the accident victim’s injuries could have been “psychologically perpetuated.” The physician also said Lewis was “doctor shopping” in an attempt to obtain prescription narcotics.

“It appeared to me that the complaints went beyond the normal healing course,” Harris said. “His treating doctor agreed with me.”

During jury deliberations, Garner and Harris reached a high-low agreement, calling for a minimum payment to Lewis of $175,000 and a maximum of $1 million. On the trial’s fourth day, the jury returned a plaintiff’s verdict of $941,000.

Harris said he was disappointed in the verdict but didn’t plan to appeal.

Read more: http://molawyersmedia.com/blog/2012/03/12/drug-addicted-plaintiff-wins-southwest-mo-trial/

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced Springfield car accident attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A 25-year-old Texas man was pronounced dead at the scene of an early-morning crash today at Commercial Street and National Avenue, according to a report from the Springfield Police Department.

Brandon S. Smith, of Copperas Cove, Texas, was a passenger in a westbound 1997 Acura driven by Harold L. Evans, 33, of Galena. Evans reportedly lost control of the car and struck a traffic signal pole at the northeast corner of the intersection, the report said.

The accident occured about 12:15 a.m.

The Acura then struck a 76 Ford LTD that was southbound on National and stopped for a red light at Commercial.

A second passenger in the Acura was not injured, Evans suffered minor injuries, and was taken into custody due to alcohol impairment, according to the police report.

Speed is also thought to have been a contributing factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing, police said.

Read more: http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120303/NEWS01/303040011/fatal-crash-harold-evans-brandon-smith?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced Springfield car accident attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A 2-day-old baby survived a crash that killed his mother, father and 3-year-old brother.

Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Paul Reinsh said the family of four from Eldon was traveling west on Missouri 52 in Miller County, 100 miles north of Springfield, when an eastbound Toyota moved into their lane.

“The one vehicle just crossed the center line and they hit pretty much head-on,” Reinsh said, noting it was sunny and clear when the crash happened at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday. “As far as I know, the weather was not a factor.”

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

One person was killed and two others injured today in a three-vehicle crash on Olive Boulevard, police said.

A black sport utility vehicle eastbound on Olive crossed the center line and struck two westbound vehicles about 11 a.m., said Capt. Steve Lewis of the Chesterfield Police Department.

The crash at Olive Boulevard at Creve Coeur Mill Road shut down the westbound lanes road until about 3:45 p.m., Lewis said. The SUV crossed into the westbound lanes, first struck a white pickup and then hit a four-door silver sedan.

Police late Tuesday did not know what caused the crash.

Police withheld identities of those involved late Tuesday. The person in the silver car died at a hospital, Lewis said. Two people in the SUV were hospitalized. A person in the white pickup was not hurt.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/one-dead-two-injured-in-chesterfield-crash/article_6a71c638-5cb8-11e1-bf0b-0019bb30f31a.html#ixzz1n4mt2QCX

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced Missouri car accident attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

In the state of Missouri, it is legal to talk on the phone while driving a passenger vehicle. But the law regarding cell phone usage while operating a commercial vehicle has changed. Depending on the weight of the truck, a new federal mandate states that those driving a commercial vehicle must use a “one touch” method if they wish to talk on the cell phone while driving.

“It would be a hands free device,” said Sgt. Bernhardt.

“A one touch telephone call can be made utilizing a cell phone only if it can be done while the driver is seat belted in the seat of a commercial vehicle. Commercial motor vehicle drivers can no longer hold the cell phone in their hand to make a call or answer a call, unless it is being used in an emergency or to contact law enforcement to report crashes, or intoxicated drivers.”

Bernhardt said that several months ago, the Department of Transportation set a mandate that it is against the law to text while operating a commercial vehicle. There are also restrictions for young drivers regarding texting and driving.

“In the state of Missouri, it is illegal for anyone 21 or younger to operate a motor vehicle and send or receive a text or use a mobile data device,” Sgt. Bernhardt said.

Bernhardt mentioned that this law also applies to those 21 and younger participating in activities such as reading Facebook feeds on smart phones while driving. Although it is legal for those over 21 to text while driving in the state of Missouri, Sgt. Bernhardt said it is certainly not the safest thing to do while out on the roads.

“Obviously texting or talking on the cell phone is a very unsafe driving practice because when you’re talking on the cell phone, when you’re texting, that takes your eyes off of the roadway and gives you an increased chance of being involved in a traffic crash . ”

Here are the Missouri State Highway Patrol statistics to prove his claim. In 2010, there were 151,353 car crashes in the State of Missouri. Of those crashes, 21 people were killed due to the driver using a cell phone at the the time of crash. 558 were injured. Also, there were 1,772 traffic crashes in 2010 due to driving and using a cell phone. In regards to commercial vehicles, they were involved in nine percent of all traffic crashes in 2010. In those crashes, 105 people were killed and 4,007 were injured.

Read More: http://www.heartlandconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=711970

If you or a loved one have been involved in a trucking accident, please contact the experienced trucking accident lawyers of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

In the state of Missouri, it is legal to talk on the phone while driving a passenger vehicle. But the law regarding cell phone usage while operating a commercial vehicle has changed. Depending on the weight of the truck, a new federal mandate states that those driving a commercial vehicle must use a “one touch” method if they wish to talk on the cell phone while driving.

“It would be a hands free device,” said Sgt. Bernhardt.

“A one touch telephone call can be made utilizing a cell phone only if it can be done while the driver is seat belted in the seat of a commercial vehicle. Commercial motor vehicle drivers can no longer hold the cell phone in their hand to make a call or answer a call, unless it is being used in an emergency or to contact law enforcement to report crashes, or intoxicated drivers.”

Bernhardt said that several months ago, the Department of Transportation set a mandate that it is against the law to text while operating a commercial vehicle. There are also restrictions for young drivers regarding texting and driving.

“In the state of Missouri, it is illegal for anyone 21 or younger to operate a motor vehicle and send or receive a text or use a mobile data device,” Sgt. Bernhardt said.

Bernhardt mentioned that this law also applies to those 21 and younger participating in activities such as reading Facebook feeds on smart phones while driving. Although it is legal for those over 21 to text while driving in the state of Missouri, Sgt. Bernhardt said it is certainly not the safest thing to do while out on the roads.

“Obviously texting or talking on the cell phone is a very unsafe driving practice because when you’re talking on the cell phone, when you’re texting, that takes your eyes off of the roadway and gives you an increased chance of being involved in a traffic crash . ”

Here are the Missouri State Highway Patrol statistics to prove his claim. In 2010, there were 151,353 car crashes in the State of Missouri. Of those crashes, 21 people were killed due to the driver using a cell phone at the the time of crash. 558 were injured. Also, there were 1,772 traffic crashes in 2010 due to driving and using a cell phone. In regards to commercial vehicles, they were involved in nine percent of all traffic crashes in 2010. In those crashes, 105 people were killed and 4,007 were injured.

Read More: http://www.heartlandconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=711970

If you or a loved one have been involved in a trucking accident, please contact the experienced trucking accident lawyers of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A second person has died from a crash in Branson Monday (1-16).

The Taney County coroner says 90 year old Lucille Hoegerl, Harrison, AR, died two days after a pickup and car collided on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson. Coroner Kevin Tweedy tells KSPR News, Hoegerl was a passenger in a car that was hit by a pickup driven by Angus Walker who also died in the crash.

The 42 year old Walker was a Western Taney County Firefighter. Authorities say his pickup crossed the center line and crashed into the car driven by Toni Hoegerl. The 65 year old Harrison, AR woman is recovering in a Springfield hospital.

Read More: http://articles.kspr.com/2012-01-19/ar-woman_30645350

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced Springfield car accident attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A second person has died from a crash in Branson Monday (1-16).

The Taney County coroner says 90 year old Lucille Hoegerl, Harrison, AR, died two days after a pickup and car collided on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson. Coroner Kevin Tweedy tells KSPR News, Hoegerl was a passenger in a car that was hit by a pickup driven by Angus Walker who also died in the crash.

The 42 year old Walker was a Western Taney County Firefighter. Authorities say his pickup crossed the center line and crashed into the car driven by Toni Hoegerl. The 65 year old Harrison, AR woman is recovering in a Springfield hospital.

Read More: http://articles.kspr.com/2012-01-19/ar-woman_30645350

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced Springfield car accident attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 30,797 people died in fatal motor vehicle crashes across the U.S. in 2009. The Missouri Department of Public Safety reported 821 fatal motor vehicle accidents in Missouri alone in 2010.

More people are buckling up these days, but a recent study indicates there is one group that still remains vulnerable to injury in an accident. The bad news is that there may not be much they can do about it. According to a University of Virginia study published in the October edition of the American Journal of Public Health, women are more likely to be injured in car accidents than men. The disparity between genders is due in large part to vehicle safety feature design.

Study results

Researchers examined NHTSA motor vehicle accident data from 1998 through 2008. The women drivers in the study were an average of five and a half inches shorter than the men, an average of 35 pounds lighter, less likely to be overweight and more were driving newer passenger cars at the time of their accidents. Even after controlling for these and other variables, researchers found that women wearing seatbelts were 47 percent more likely to suffer injuries than male drivers wearing seatbelts. Women tended to have more spine and chest injuries than men drivers in crashes that were comparable in severity. Women also suffered more injuries in their lower extremities than men did.

Vehicle Safety Features

Researchers suggest that the reason for the higher risk of injuries for women drivers lies in the fact that safety equipment in vehicles does not take into account the differences in women’s bodies. The way that vehicle manufacturers position seat belts, for example, does not factor in women’s neck strength and musculature, their height or the differences in how women sit in car seats. Engineers usually design car safety features with men’s bodies in mind. Those differences may contribute to greater injuries by women.

Researchers noted that women were more vulnerable to injury in car accidents and that federal regulations need to focus on reducing the gender disparity in vehicle safety standards.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced Springfield car accident lawyers of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

Two people were injured Tuesday evening after an accident in Troy Missouri.

The Lincoln County firefighters responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 61 and S. Lincoln Drive at 6:17 p.m.

Firefighters say a passenger van sustained major damage and was nearly ripped in half. A dump truck was also overturned with its entire load of corn spread over the highway.

There was one victim from the van who was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

The dump truck driver was flown by helicopter to the same hospital.

The condition of both victims is unknown.

The Missouri Department of Transportation helped firefighters move several tons of corn from the highway to the side of the road. It will be completely removed with a vacuum truck to prevent the attraction of deer and other animals to the highway.

The Missouri Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Read More: http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/299291/3/Two-injured-in-Troy-Missouri-car-accident-at-Highway-61-and-S-Lincoln-Drive

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced Springfield car accident attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

Two people were injured Tuesday evening after an accident in Troy Missouri.

The Lincoln County firefighters responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 61 and S. Lincoln Drive at 6:17 p.m.

Firefighters say a passenger van sustained major damage and was nearly ripped in half. A dump truck was also overturned with its entire load of corn spread over the highway.

There was one victim from the van who was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

The dump truck driver was flown by helicopter to the same hospital.

The condition of both victims is unknown.

The Missouri Department of Transportation helped firefighters move several tons of corn from the highway to the side of the road. It will be completely removed with a vacuum truck to prevent the attraction of deer and other animals to the highway.

The Missouri Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Read More: http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/299291/3/Two-injured-in-Troy-Missouri-car-accident-at-Highway-61-and-S-Lincoln-Drive

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced Springfield car accident attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A head-on collision Wednesday morning on Missouri 248 in Taney County left two people seriously injured, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol.

A 2004 Jeep Liberty driven by Sarah Mifflen, 20, of Forsyth, crossed the center line and struck a 2000 Dodge Stratus driven by Lance Taylor, 38, of Walnut Shade, according to a crash report. The collision happened around 6:15 a.m. Taylor along with a passenger were transported to St. Johns Hospital with serious injuries.

Read More: http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120111/NEWS01/120111008/taney-collision-head-on-mifflen-branson-missouri?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A head-on collision Wednesday morning on Missouri 248 in Taney County left two people seriously injured, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol.

A 2004 Jeep Liberty driven by Sarah Mifflen, 20, of Forsyth, crossed the center line and struck a 2000 Dodge Stratus driven by Lance Taylor, 38, of Walnut Shade, according to a crash report. The collision happened around 6:15 a.m. Taylor along with a passenger were transported to St. Johns Hospital with serious injuries.

Read More: http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120111/NEWS01/120111008/taney-collision-head-on-mifflen-branson-missouri?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A head-on collision Wednesday morning on Missouri 248 in Taney County left two people seriously injured, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol.

A 2004 Jeep Liberty driven by Sarah Mifflen, 20, of Forsyth, crossed the center line and struck a 2000 Dodge Stratus driven by Lance Taylor, 38, of Walnut Shade, according to a crash report. The collision happened around 6:15 a.m. Taylor along with a passenger were transported to St. Johns Hospital with serious injuries.

Read More: http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120111/NEWS01/120111008/taney-collision-head-on-mifflen-branson-missouri?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A 19-year-old Mexican man pleaded guilty Wednesday to driving under the influence and killing two people in an Independence Day accident in Kansas City.
Felix Solano-Gallardo sat in a wheelchair, still recovering from his own injuries that day, as he pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson County Circuit Court.He admitted driving the wrong way on Interstate 435 near 63rd Street when he crashed, head on, into a car carrying Diane Bronson, 44, and her daughter, Anna Bronson, 11, of Belton. Solano-Gallardo also admitted that his blood alcohol level that day was more than twice the legal limit.Buddy Bronson — Diane Bronson’s husband, and Anna’s father — said afterward that he was numb as he sat in the courtroom, listening to the plea. “It’s been a bumpy ride,” he said. “I’m hoping for justice and sympathy for our side.”  Solano-Gallardo could receive up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced March 9.  Solano-Gallardo’s correct name and age have been unclear throughout his prosecution. Immediately after his arrest, he gave investigators the Solano-Gallardo name, while later telling immigration officers that his correct name was Luis Solano-Barrera. Under that name also he gave a birth day that would have made him 23 years old. But under oath Wednesday, he said his name was Solano-Gallardo and that he was 19 years old.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/04/3352620/man-admits-driving-drunk-in-kc.html#storylink=cpy

If you or a loved one have been injured by a drunk driver, please contact the experienced car accident lawyers of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A 19-year-old Mexican man pleaded guilty Wednesday to driving under the influence and killing two people in an Independence Day accident in Kansas City.
Felix Solano-Gallardo sat in a wheelchair, still recovering from his own injuries that day, as he pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson County Circuit Court.He admitted driving the wrong way on Interstate 435 near 63rd Street when he crashed, head on, into a car carrying Diane Bronson, 44, and her daughter, Anna Bronson, 11, of Belton. Solano-Gallardo also admitted that his blood alcohol level that day was more than twice the legal limit.Buddy Bronson — Diane Bronson’s husband, and Anna’s father — said afterward that he was numb as he sat in the courtroom, listening to the plea. “It’s been a bumpy ride,” he said. “I’m hoping for justice and sympathy for our side.”  Solano-Gallardo could receive up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced March 9.  Solano-Gallardo’s correct name and age have been unclear throughout his prosecution. Immediately after his arrest, he gave investigators the Solano-Gallardo name, while later telling immigration officers that his correct name was Luis Solano-Barrera. Under that name also he gave a birth day that would have made him 23 years old. But under oath Wednesday, he said his name was Solano-Gallardo and that he was 19 years old.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/04/3352620/man-admits-driving-drunk-in-kc.html#storylink=cpy

If you or a loved one have been injured by a drunk driver, please contact the experienced car accident lawyers of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A Florida family injured in a head-on collision with a man leaving his employer’s holiday party settled its personal injury lawsuit against the man’s employer for $3.9 million, the plaintiffs’ lawyers said.

The collision happened around 2 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2007, when Jeffrey Francis drove the wrong direction on Interstate 95, the plaintiffs alleged. Plaintiffs Larry Smith, Sandra Smith and Tykinnia Smith were passengers in a minivan Larry Smith’s sister was driving when the crash occurred.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys sued Francis’ employer, Data Road/Zanett, because Francis had attended the company’s holiday party before the collision. The attorneys discovered that employees of Data Road/Zanett were in charge of monitoring other employees leaving the party to prevent drunken driving, though there was no official such policy, said Art Menke, a spokesman for the Langdon & Emison law firm.

During negotiations with defense attorneys, the plaintiffs argued that Francis’ employer should be held liable for the plaintiffs’ injuries. Recent Florida caselaw supported this conclusion, Menke said.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys also discovered that Francis was one of the last attendees to leave the party and his co-workers saw him drinking throughout the night. There was no evidence about how much alcohol Francis consumed. No co-worker asked him if he was too impaired to drive or tried to stop him from leaving, the attorneys alleged.

Defense attorneys, based in Philadelphia and Florida, didn’t return messages seeking comment.

The Smith family’s attorneys offered this explanation of the crash:

Before the collision, Francis, traveling at the speed limit of 70 mph, nearly collided with a truck. The truck driver flashed his lights at Francis and called 911. After that near miss, Francis swerved into an oncoming car and kept driving, leaving the scene of that collision.

Then, Francis collided with the plaintiffs’ minivan, which became airborne, struck a guardrail and landed on its side. The Smiths suffered serious injuries, including head trauma, brain injuries, broken bones and bruises. Francis was less seriously injured and taken to a hospital from the crash scene, the plaintiffs’ attorneys said.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys also presented a neurobehavioral assessment and an estimate of future life care costs for each plaintiff during negotiations.

Read More: http://molawyersmedia.com/blog/2011/12/26/holiday-party-crash-ends-with-settlement/

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please contact the experienced Springfield personal injury lawyers of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A Florida family injured in a head-on collision with a man leaving his employer’s holiday party settled its personal injury lawsuit against the man’s employer for $3.9 million, the plaintiffs’ lawyers said.

The collision happened around 2 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2007, when Jeffrey Francis drove the wrong direction on Interstate 95, the plaintiffs alleged. Plaintiffs Larry Smith, Sandra Smith and Tykinnia Smith were passengers in a minivan Larry Smith’s sister was driving when the crash occurred.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys sued Francis’ employer, Data Road/Zanett, because Francis had attended the company’s holiday party before the collision. The attorneys discovered that employees of Data Road/Zanett were in charge of monitoring other employees leaving the party to prevent drunken driving, though there was no official such policy, said Art Menke, a spokesman for the Langdon & Emison law firm.

During negotiations with defense attorneys, the plaintiffs argued that Francis’ employer should be held liable for the plaintiffs’ injuries. Recent Florida caselaw supported this conclusion, Menke said.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys also discovered that Francis was one of the last attendees to leave the party and his co-workers saw him drinking throughout the night. There was no evidence about how much alcohol Francis consumed. No co-worker asked him if he was too impaired to drive or tried to stop him from leaving, the attorneys alleged.

Defense attorneys, based in Philadelphia and Florida, didn’t return messages seeking comment.

The Smith family’s attorneys offered this explanation of the crash:

Before the collision, Francis, traveling at the speed limit of 70 mph, nearly collided with a truck. The truck driver flashed his lights at Francis and called 911. After that near miss, Francis swerved into an oncoming car and kept driving, leaving the scene of that collision.

Then, Francis collided with the plaintiffs’ minivan, which became airborne, struck a guardrail and landed on its side. The Smiths suffered serious injuries, including head trauma, brain injuries, broken bones and bruises. Francis was less seriously injured and taken to a hospital from the crash scene, the plaintiffs’ attorneys said.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys also presented a neurobehavioral assessment and an estimate of future life care costs for each plaintiff during negotiations.

Read More: http://molawyersmedia.com/blog/2011/12/26/holiday-party-crash-ends-with-settlement/

If you or a loved one have suffered a brain injury, please contact the experienced Springfield brain injury lawyers of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A Florida family injured in a head-on collision with a man leaving his employer’s holiday party settled its personal injury lawsuit against the man’s employer for $3.9 million, the plaintiffs’ lawyers said.

The collision happened around 2 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2007, when Jeffrey Francis drove the wrong direction on Interstate 95, the plaintiffs alleged. Plaintiffs Larry Smith, Sandra Smith and Tykinnia Smith were passengers in a minivan Larry Smith’s sister was driving when the crash occurred.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys sued Francis’ employer, Data Road/Zanett, because Francis had attended the company’s holiday party before the collision. The attorneys discovered that employees of Data Road/Zanett were in charge of monitoring other employees leaving the party to prevent drunken driving, though there was no official such policy, said Art Menke, a spokesman for the Langdon & Emison law firm.

During negotiations with defense attorneys, the plaintiffs argued that Francis’ employer should be held liable for the plaintiffs’ injuries. Recent Florida caselaw supported this conclusion, Menke said.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys also discovered that Francis was one of the last attendees to leave the party and his co-workers saw him drinking throughout the night. There was no evidence about how much alcohol Francis consumed. No co-worker asked him if he was too impaired to drive or tried to stop him from leaving, the attorneys alleged.

Defense attorneys, based in Philadelphia and Florida, didn’t return messages seeking comment.

The Smith family’s attorneys offered this explanation of the crash:

Before the collision, Francis, traveling at the speed limit of 70 mph, nearly collided with a truck. The truck driver flashed his lights at Francis and called 911. After that near miss, Francis swerved into an oncoming car and kept driving, leaving the scene of that collision.

Then, Francis collided with the plaintiffs’ minivan, which became airborne, struck a guardrail and landed on its side. The Smiths suffered serious injuries, including head trauma, brain injuries, broken bones and bruises. Francis was less seriously injured and taken to a hospital from the crash scene, the plaintiffs’ attorneys said.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys also presented a neurobehavioral assessment and an estimate of future life care costs for each plaintiff during negotiations.

Read More: http://molawyersmedia.com/blog/2011/12/26/holiday-party-crash-ends-with-settlement/

If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious car accident, please contact the experienced Springfield car accident lawyers of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A 21-year-old Carthage woman was killed in a two-car accident south of Carthage on Tuesday.

Chelsey Burgess was pronounced dead at McCune-Brooks Regional Hospital after the crash that occurred at 12:05 p.m. on Cedar Road, four miles south of Carthage.

According to an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Burgess was driving a 1993 Ford Taurus westbound on Cedar Road when it collided with a car driven by Janiece K. Siebert, 47, of Carthage. Siebert, who was driving a 1999 Lexus eastbound on Cedar Road, ran off the right edge of the road, overcorrected, lost control, crossed the centerline and struck the Burgess vehicle head-on.

Siebert also was taken by ambulance to Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, along with passenger Malachi Siebert, an infant.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious car accident, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.

A 21-year-old Carthage woman was killed in a two-car accident south of Carthage on Tuesday.

Chelsey Burgess was pronounced dead at McCune-Brooks Regional Hospital after the crash that occurred at 12:05 p.m. on Cedar Road, four miles south of Carthage.

According to an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Burgess was driving a 1993 Ford Taurus westbound on Cedar Road when it collided with a car driven by Janiece K. Siebert, 47, of Carthage. Siebert, who was driving a 1999 Lexus eastbound on Cedar Road, ran off the right edge of the road, overcorrected, lost control, crossed the centerline and struck the Burgess vehicle head-on.

Siebert also was taken by ambulance to Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, along with passenger Malachi Siebert, an infant.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious car accident, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C. at 417-887-4300.