Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Cliff Harris is an All-American cornerback and punt-returner for the Oregon University Football Team. Mr. Harris' talents have led to his projection as a first-round selection in the 2012 NFL draft. On the field, his is notorious for utilizing his speed to make exceptional plays.

Unfortunately, Mr. Harris was pulled over by authorities for traveling 118 MPH in a 65 MPH zone in Oregon recently in a Nissan Altima at approximately 4:30AM. Under Oregon law, he faces a fine of $1,148.00 for driving in excess of 100 MPH. Mr. Harris was also operating the vehicle with a suspended license, resulting in an additional $427.00 fine.

I have noted in my practice that the speeds on Charlotte area interstates appear to be increasing. The resulting effects on clients' licenses and insurance can be dramatic, depending upon the circumstances, even with the diligent work of an effective Charlotte traffic attorney. I believe anyone charged with speeding and / or reckless driving who fails to hire proper legal counsel is headed for a mess including potential: significant fines, license suspension, insurance increases, etc.

As a lawyer who also handles auto accident cases, the excessive speeding citations that I see daily are somewhat troubling. The increased speeds result in more accidents, and obviously lead to more dramatic consequences in the event of an accident. Thus, I remind clients to consider their safety and the safety of others as they drive. If you are involved in an accident, it is equally important to consult a qualified personal injury attorney who is familiar with the practical implications of North Carolina's motor vehicle laws.

BigLeadSports.Com, Ducks' Star Cliff Harris Attempted to Break the Sound Barrier in a Nissan Altima Near Albany, Oregon, 06/13/11

Richard Thomas Yoost was a resident of Rock Hill, South Carolina. He worked at the Lowes Home Improvement store on South Boulevard in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to authorities, Mr. Yoost sustained fatal head injuries Saturday, June 11, 2001 when he was struck by a garage door.

Lowe's Officials indicated this is the first fatal work accident at the South Boulevard location. They also confirmed no other workers were injured.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police and the North Carolina Department of Labor (OSHA) continue to investigate the matter. OSHA will conduct a mandatory investigation and report due to the fatality.

This incident is a horrible reminder that every workplace has the potential for accidents, some of which can inflict even fatal injuries. Thousands of Carolinians are injured every year in our state while simply attempting to earn a living for their families. This scenario is a primary reason I have continually warned Charlotteans about recent legislative proposals.

Workers' compensation law is an extremely difficult area of the law for injured employees to understand. Employers and their insurance companies have no legal obligation to treat their injured employees fairly nor tell you the truth regarding the law. Therefore, it is very important to promptly speak with a knowledgeable Charlotte workers' compensation lawyer immediately after you are injured to obtain a free consultation.

CharlotteObserver.Com, Lowe's employee dies in storage building, 06/13/11

On June 01, 2011, George Thomas Kurney was arrested in Wilson, North Carolina and charged with felony possession of cocaine. Mr. Kurney is a resident of Bailey, NC. He is also a Nash County Sheriff's Deputy. Mr. Kurney works as a chief bailiff for the Sheriff's Department, where he has been employed for ten years.

The arrest has sparked the interest of many local football fans because Mr. Kurney is the father of former Carolina Panthers star Julius Peppers. Mr. Peppers was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2002, playing eight years in Charlotte, North Carolina. He now plays for the Chicago Bears under an extremely lucrative contract.

This case has obviously drawn national attention due primarily to the identity of Mr. Kurney's son. Mr. Kurney's employment as a Sheriff's deputy will be an additional factor that may complicate his case. I will be interested to see how this matter develops.

If you know anyone with a pending criminal matter, it is very important that you consult a Charlotte criminal attorney immediately before discussing the case with law enforcement or proceeding to court. I speak with individuals on daily bases that have done irreparable harm to their cases by failing to promptly seek the advice of a qualified lawyer through a free consultation.

RockyMountTelegram.Com, Father of NFL star Julius Peppers arrested on drug charges, 06/03/11

BigLeadSports.Com, Father of Julius Peppers Arrested, Charged with Felony Possession of Cocaine, 06/07/11

Sean "Bobby" Lineberger is a North Carolina Highway Patrolman. He has been with the NCHP since 2007, and he works with Troop F in Hickory, North Carolina.

On 05/24/11, District Court Judge Fonvielle issued a Domestic Violence Protective Order requiring Trooper Lineberger to stay away from Erin Lee Banks. According to Court documents, Trooper Lineberger engaged in numerous stalking activities after Ms. Banks ended their prior relationship.

Most concerning from the perspective of the NCHP is the allegations that Trooper Lineberge utilized his patrol car to stalk Ms. Banks, ran license plates of individuals with whom she spent time, and employed the use of another patrolman to stop Ms. Banks on at least one occasion.

As a Charlotte criminal defense attorney, I immediately wonder whether other individuals were targeted by NCHP troopers at the request of Mr. Lineberger. For instance, did NCHP arrest any acquaintances of Ms. Banks for DWI where the initial stop of the vehicle occurred under false pretenses? Obviously, this issue should be investigated. Any such case, would clearly have substantial legal issues.

Trooper Lineberger has been placed on administrative duty effective 05/19/11, pending the result of an internal affairs investigation. I would note that while the Protective Order was granted, it is important to remember that each matter is separate and independent. I'll be curious to see the outcome of this matter, particularly in light of the NCHP's recent difficulties.

CharlotteObserver.com, Trooper ordered to stay away from ex-girlfriend, 05/27/11