Man Convicted in Hit and Run Accident Gets 4 Years in Prison

(Photo Credit: Denver Police Department)

31-year-old Nathan Beechley has been sentenced to 4 years in prison and 3 years of mandatory parole stemming from his involvement in a hit-and-run accident last in April of 2013.

Beechley was the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed Jonathan Lewis, 35. Beechley plead guilty to vehicular homicide, a felony in the state of Colorado.

Lewis was apparently walking in a crosswalk at the intersection of Ninth Avenue and Colorado Boulevard at approximately 2 a.m. on April 9, 2013, when Beechley hit and killed him. Beechley fled the scene but was apprehended the next day at an apartment complex in Aurora.

Beechley was also charged with fleeing the scene of an accident, but that charged was dropped as a result of his plea agreement, according to court records.

Prosecutors argued that Beechley's sentence should be the maximum of 6 years for a hit and run homicide. Attorneys for Beechley requested that he be placed on probation.

If you are injured in an auto accident or a hit and run accident, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. today at (303) 279-0221 or visit www.paysingerlaw.com for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Source: Aurora Man Gets 4 Years in Prison for Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident

Hershey Files Suit Against Colorado Marijuana Edible Manufacturer

The Hershey Co. has filed a lawsuit against TinctureBelle LLC and TinctureBelle Marijuana LLC for allegedly creating marijuana-infused products that closely mimic the design and appearance of four of Hershey's candy products.

The candy maker stated that the products created and distributed by TinctureBelle not only infringe on Hershey's products, but also create a safety hazard for children and unknowing consumers who might confuse the two products and mistakenly ingest marijuana.

The four products in question, TinctureBelle's Ganja Joy, Hasheath, Hashees and Dabby Patty, effectively copy the labeling, style, and appearance of Hershey's Almond Joy, Heath, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and York Peppermint Patties.

The Hershey Co. alleges that the products are so similar that TinctureBelle's products "create a genuine safety risk with regard to consumers" who could accidentally think they are eating a Hershey's product, when in fact they are consuming a candy infused with marijuana.

TinctureBelle's products are available at Colorado's medical marijuana dispensaries and recreational retailers.

The Hershey Co. seeks injunctive relief preventing TinctureBelle from creating and distributing the products, in addition to monetary damages.

Driving while intoxicated as a result of marijuana consumption has become an increasing problem in Colorado since the passage of various laws allowing both medical and recreational use of the drug.

If you are injured in a car accident in the greater Denver metro area, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. today for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Sources: Hershey sues Colorado Edible Pot Company

How Parents Can Protect Teen Drivers

 The statistics on teen driver fatalities are shocking.  Car crashes are the number one killer of teenagers.  In Colorado, fatalities were up 10 percent in 2012.  From 2004 to 2011, motor vehicle crash rates for drivers from 15-19 years of age dropped more than 57 percent, according to CDOT.  Statewide education and heightened enforcement likely led to the drop, officials say.  But last year teen fatalities jumped 10 percent from 2011.

  In response, CDOT and the Colorado Teen Driving Alliance are launching an online parent course that provides step-by-step instructions on how parents can learn, and then teach their kids about Colorado's graduated driver's license laws.  Recently, a survey of parents of teens indicated that only 6.4 percent of parents could determine the license laws including curfews, passenger restrictions and seat belt requirements.
  All teen drivers must log 50 hours of practice driving with a parent or legal guardian. The online course guides parents through lesson ideas to help cover different aspects of practice driving.

  No one knows more about the dangers of teen driving than Tim Hollister, an attorney who lives in Hartford, who is an advocate for teen driver laws. After the death of his son in 2006 in a car accident, Tim has worked to change the laws to address key concerns associated with younger drivers, including the risks associated with passengers, their lack of experience, and their propensity to engage in risky behaviors such as texting or cell phone use.  Mr. Hollister is the author of a new book titled, "Not So Fast: Parenting your Teen Through the Dangers of Driving,"  which offers suggestions for parents.

  "Teaching a teen to drive is a daunting process," said Carol Gould, highway safety manager for CDOT. "But the best way to put yourself at ease is to get up to speed on the process of getting a license, understanding the specific restrictions for teen drivers and treat the learning process as a true partnership."

  If you are injured in a car accident, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.  Call The Law Office of Robert Paysinger, P.C. today at (303) 279-0221 for a free initial consultation, or visit www.paysingerlaw.com.  We help injured people - it's all we do!

Source: www.denverpost.com, www.foxnews.com

Can YOUR Car talk?

Are Talking Cars on the Way?

WASHINGTON - For the lucky drivers who were selected to participate in Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Program, the results were quite clear: adding technology that allows cars to "communicate" with each other with a Wi-Fi-like network was welcomed with open arms by more than 4 out of 5 participants. 

The clinics, which was a joint effort between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Research and Innovation Technology Administration, in addition to automakers and state/federal agencies, were conducted over a five month span between August 2011 and January 2012 in six different locations across the country.

Some automakers have been more reluctant to express their excitement for requirement implementation of new technology. However, many are suggesting that an obligation to equip newer vehicles with new electronic components that allow vehicles to communicate with each other is the most efficient way to have these products introduced to the marketplace.

"If you have the technology, and the price has gone down so much, use it," said Clarence Ditlow, Executive Director of the Center for Auto Safety, a consumer group. "You aren't going to get it into the marketplace as fast as you could and save as many lives as you could unless you mandate it."

A major difference between this newly developed, communicative technology and previous auto-safety technologies is the ability to detect cars that are unable to be distinguished by laser or radar. The previous electronic equipment relied on "seeing" (though laser or radar), rather than discovering other vehicles through a wireless network so the driver can be alerted.

One major concern regarding this technology involves the wireless network aspect. Before the product can be introduced, it must be investigated to ensure that it is resistant to hacking and other issues that might affect reliability.

The joint NHTSA and RITA venture will continue with a second phase this summer, slated to be a year in duration. The experiment will monitor 3,000 vehicles equipped with the technology, and will investigate new areas of use, such as "do not pass" alerts, and an alarm for vehicles that have stopped suddenly.

Data from the pilot program will be used to determine the plausibility of the technology's implementation, and by 2013 the two agencies will decide whether the endeavor will continue to be pursued.

Sources: New DOT Research Shows Drivers Support Connected Vehicle Technology, Appreciate Potential Safety Benefits, Cars Avoid Crashes by Talking to each other 8 June, 2012

You've Been in an Accident: Now what?

Welcome to the Auto Accident Blog prepared by the Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C.

The purpose of this blog is to constantly provide updated information on the best procedures you can take if you have been in a car accident. We welcome any questions, comments, or concerns from our readers, although we must provide a disclaimer that we cannot provide legal advice over the internet. 

Getting in a car wreck can be one of the most life changing events that can happen to someone. Not only are property damage and injuries a common outcome of car accidents, but also the personal and emotional trauma that comes with an accident can be equally severe.

If you are in an auto accident, there are several different methods of action to pursue. Calling 911 and/or the police is the first step, and is also essential. However, there are varying instructions regarding the next step depending on who you listen to. 

Insurance companies are businesses who make a profit off of paying the least amount of money that they can on each claim they receive. A personal injury attorney, however, is paid by obtaining the maximum amount of money possible for a client who has been injured. As a result, their recommended procedures differ significantly. Here is an outline for a course of action after an auto accident as provided by Denver Personal Injury Attorney Robert Paysinger:

DOS AND DON'TS IF YOU ARE IN AN ACCIDENT

• Don't discuss fault with anyone.
• Don't give ANY statement to the other person's insurance company.
• Don't deny any injuries you may have suffered.
• Don't be brave and courageous and sit at home in pain. Go to the doctor or emergency room if you are hurt.
• Don't delay in seeking medical care.
• Don't miss doctor's or therapy appointments.
• Do contact the police immediately if you are in an accident involving an automobile, motorcycle, truck, bicycle or pedestrian.
• Do take pictures of the scene and any visible injuries.
• Do report the accident to your insurance company and obtain a copy of your policy.
• Do locate and get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
• Do keep track of all of your damages, medical bills loss of earnings or any out-of-pocket expenses.
• Do save you all of you medicine bottles, casts, neck braces or other medical devices or appliances.

These suggestions differ in subtle but significant ways from what an insurance company suggests. Let's take Geico for example:

1. Be Safe

• Move your car to a safe nearby location, but be careful not to leave the scene.
• Check to see if anyone is hurt. Call 911 for medical assistance.
• Contact the police. They will let you know if an officer needs to be present at the scene.

2. Stay Calm

• Don't panic – remain calm and polite
• Do not admit fault
• Cooperate with the police

3. Exchange information

• Collect contact information for anyone who was there, including other drivers, witnesses, and the tow company if your car is towed.
• Obtain police report information
• Collect information about all vehicles involved:
• Year, make, and model
• License plate number
• Insurance carrier
• Insurance policy number

While the differences may appear to be very subtle and even negligible when examined ostensibly, there are important reasons why each of these two lists are worded in the way that they are. One of the primary reasons is that the insurance company is attempting to minimize the amount of money it disperses per claim, while an attorney is trying maximize the amount of money received.

For example, lets examine one of the key aspects in terms of significant differences between these two lists. On Geico's list, it instructs the driver of a car wreck to "Call 911 for medical assistance" but only after making sure that someone is "hurt." In contrast, the list provided by a personal injury attorney implores the person to seek medical care immediately, and to follow up and attend all therapy and follow up sessions. This is because if the insurance company is able to confirm that one of their clients missed a therapy session or neglected to seek medical attention immediately, then they are able to reduce the total of their offer.

If you live in the Denver area and you have been injured in a car accident or slip and fall, or you were injured on the job and you would like to speak to an attorney, feel free to call the Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. at (303) 279-9221 or find us on the web at The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C.