Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Published on: November 4, 2019

Uber Accidents: Proving Your Case

Uber changed the transportation game. No longer do you have to call a taxi company and wait on the driver to arrive, or stand outside while you flag down a driver. With Uber, hailing a ride has never been easier. However, that doesn’t mean all rides go smoothly. Just like all drivers, Uber drivers are susceptible to getting in accidents that can injure themselves, their passengers, and people in other cars.

If you were involved in a car accident involving Uber, you have the legal burden of proving your case if you want to recover compensation for your losses, like medical bills and lost wages. If you find yourself with a claim against Uber and its insurance carrier, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced Uber accident lawyer. Here is how this type of attorney can help you prove your case.

Confirm the Driver Was in the Course and Scope

Published on: October 29, 2019

NST Sponsors “Roast and Toast” Benefiting HER Faith Ministries

By Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, PLC

73025625_1456924851123516_2221741798596804608_n-Small-e1592341164163 NST Law is proud to support HER Faith Ministries, Inc., a Memphis 501(c)(3) nonprofit led by Rev. Dr. Elaine Y. Sanford, whose mission is “to empower women, to protect children, to strengthen families, and to thereby, change lives.” For over 11 years, Rev. Dr. Sanford has led this organization and positively affected the lives of countless Memphians and their families, often providing help and assistance when they needed it the most.

On October 24, 2019, our firm sponsored a Roast and Toast of Otis Sanford, a legend in Memphis journalism and politics, with proceeds going towards HER Faith Ministries and their charitable work in the greater Memphis community. Otis was “roasted and toasted” by longtime friends and colleagues, including Mayors Jim Strickland and Lee Harris, United States Congressman Rep. Steve Cohen, local politicians, Richard Ransom of Local Memphis 24, and community leaders. His career in the Mid-South spans 40+ years, ranging from his work with the Jackson Clarion-Ledger and Memphis Commercial Appeal, to his current roles with the Daily Memphian, serving as panelist and co-host of Informed Sources on WREG, and serving as Professor with the University of Memphis Department of Journalism.

The event was sold out, which is a testament to Otis Sanford and the mission of HER Faith Ministries. Memphis is lucky to have people like Rev. Dr. Sanford and organizations like HER Faith Ministries. By using spiritual and practical tools, they work hard to help homeless and needy women during hard times and empower them to tackle life’s challenges. This faith-based ministry offers resources like housing and shelter, food, clothing, summer camps, and prison outreach. Thank you, Rev. Dr. Sanford and HER Faith Ministries, for your dedication to making Memphis a better place for all.

Published on: October 3, 2019

AAA Study: Car Technology for Pedestrian Detection Still Needs Work

By Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, PLC

Pedestrian deaths have sharply increased over the past decade – in fact, the Governors Highway Safety Association estimates a 35% increase from 2008-2018. In 2009, the U.S. saw 4,109 pedestrian fatalities, and that number jumped to 6,000 in 2017. These facts surprise many, given the increase in technology and safety features within motor vehicles. Many new model cars come equipped with the latest in safety technology like automatic emergency braking (AEB), object detection sensors, blind spot warnings, and adaptive lighting. A new AAA study shows this new technology still has a ways to go.

While the new technology does help reduce overall accidents, the question is whether they are as effective when it comes to avoiding crashes with pedestrians. For example, a car that has AEB with pedestrian detection should spot a pedestrian, issue an alarm to the driver, then brake or slow down if the driver does not react quickly enough. AAA recently conducted testing with four 2019 model cars – Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Tesla Model 3 – and crash dummies mimicking humans. AAA sought to test the effectiveness of the pedestrian detection systems.

The testing revealed some interesting findings:

Published on: October 3, 2019

Toys for Tots Trot – Supporting Our Military and Our Youth

By Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, PLC

tots NST was a proud sponsor of the 4th Annual Toys for Tots Trot held in Jackson, Tennessee, on September 21, 2019. The Toys for Tots Trot is an annual 5k run hosted by the Captain Jack Holland Detachment #735 of the Marine Corps League. The race began at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, and the lawyers and paralegals of our Jackson office had a great time participating in the festivities. 100% of the proceeds from the run will go to providing toys for children this coming holiday season through the Toys for Tots program.

The U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program has a special mission: “to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.” This non-profit organization seeks to develop the children of our community and unite members of our community. In 2018, the Mid-South Toys for Tots chapter donated 33,322 toys to the benefit of 11,679 children, ranging from newborns to 12-year-olds! NST Law salutes Toys for Tots and the local Marine Corp for their dedication to making the holiday season extra meaningful for so many children in West Tennessee. We also appreciate the kindness of all who donated toys and showed their support at the Toys for Tots Trot.

Published on: September 25, 2019

NST Law Proudly Supports 36th Annual Race Judicata

By Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, PLC

race-judicata This year, NST Law again sponsored the 36th Annual Race Judicata 5K which occurred on September 21, 2019. The course started at the University of Memphis Law School, winded through downtown Memphis, and finished up back at the law school. The race also featured pre-race and post-race festivities, including live music at the Memphis Park and the Promenade.

Each year, Race Judicata is held to support the Memphis Area Legal Services, the Community Legal Center, and the Memphis Bar Association’s Access to Justice Program. The proceeds also help support free community resources such as the Second Saturday Free Legal Clinic, the Veteran’s Clinic, Courthouse of the Day Clinic, and non-conviction expungement clinics. Each year, thousands of low income and elderly citizens of West Tennessee utilize these services for various legal needs, and our firm is proud to help support them.

Thank you to all of the runners who participated as well as the other local sponsors for making this year’s Race Judicata a great success!

Published on: September 11, 2019

NST Law Congratulates the Bar-Kays on 55 Years of Soul and Funk!

By Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, PLC

The Bar-Kays are a Memphis institution. In the early 1960s, six students from Booker T. Washington High School formed a group that would eventually be known as the Bar-Kays. They were signed by the world-renowned Stax label, and became one of the most successful recording groups in the history of Memphis music and American music. Over the years, the Bar-Kays have performed their soul and funk hits alongside successful musicians such as Otis Redding, Al Jackson, Jr., Booker T. Jones, Booker T. and the M.G.’s, and Isaac Hayes.

Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz was proud to be a sponsor of Bar-Kays Reloaded – 55^th Anniversary Celebration on August 23, 2019, at the Halloran Center in downtown Memphis. Our firm recognizes their hard work, dedication, passion, and all they have done to help promote the City of Memphis to audiences and listeners worldwide. We also recognize their contributions to our city and the music industry as a whole. As part of the celebration, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland issued an official Proclamation declaring August 23, 2019 to be “Bar-Kays Day” throughout the City of Memphis.

Currently led by founder James Alexander, the Bar-Kays have released nearly 29 albums (including 5 gold, 1 platinum), 40 singles, and 20 top ten singles and albums. The current Bar-Kays members include James Alexander, Chris J, Angelo Earl, Mark Bynum, Robert Day, and Archie Love. The Bar-Kays are still performing their hits before Memphis and national audiences, so be sure to check them out. Congratulations again to the Bar-Kays on 55 excellent years, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Published on: September 3, 2019

2019 WLOK Black Film Festival

By Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, PLC

NST Law is proud to be a sponsor of the 4^th Annual WLOK Black Film Festival! The 2019 festival was held August 29 – September 1, 2019. WLOK was the first African-American owned electronic media outlet in Memphis, and the festival featured films illustrating events with social significance relating to the black experience in America.

The festival held events at locations across Memphis, including the National Civil Rights Museum, Pink Palace, Stax, Southwest Tennessee Community College, and Studio on the Square. The events featured a screening of a movie followed by a panel discussion of family and social issues shown in the films. Participants were able to view films such as “Widows,” “Dreamgirls” (featuring Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, and Eddie Murphy), “The Hate U Give,” and “Green Book.” Invited to speak at the panel following “Green Book” were Congressman Steve Cohen and Congressman John Lewis.

WLOK’s origins trace back to 1956, and WLOK was the second Memphis radio station to offer programming entirely dedicated to a black audience. WLOK continued to grow throughout the 1960s, wich popular DJs like Dick “Cane” Cole and “Hunky Doring” on the airwaves. Serving the community has always been part of WLOK’s mission, partnering with the NAACP and civil rights organizations such as Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity). In 1977, Art Gilliam purchased the station which made it the first black-owned radio station in Memphis (as well as the first locally-owned station). In 1997, the Tennessee Historical Commission designated WLOK as a Tennessee Historical Landmark. NST Law is proud to support WLOK, the 2019 Black Film Festival, and WLOK’s mission of promoting equal rights for all.

Published on: August 7, 2019

Proving Lost Wages in a Car Accident Case

By Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, PLC

Lost wages can be an important part to getting fair compensation in a personal injury case, as medical bills and physical pain aren’t the only ways in which an auto accident can affect you. If you suffered serious injuries like broken bones or required an extended hospital stay, you will probably be taken off of work by your doctor. Even if you didn’t suffer broken bones, your condition still could render you unable to return to work for a period of time. If you miss work due to a car wreck caused by someone else, you are legally entitled to recover your lost wages.

In a car accident case, lost wages are typically recoverable in an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s carrier or your own carrier, if you are making an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim.

Types of Lost Wages

Published on: July 18, 2019

What to Do After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver

By Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, PLC

iStock-474752734 By now, everybody knows the dangers of driving drunk or intoxicated. Unfortunately, the problem doesn’t appear to be going away. The NHTSA estimates 30 people die in drunk driving crashes each day in the United States.

Alcohol causes negative side effects in your central nervous system, making it difficult to drive safely. In most states, the legal limit is a blood alcohol concentration of .08. If your BAC reaches this level, you will have poor muscle coordination and may suffer from lapses in judgment. Perception also becomes more difficult. However, even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still suffer from reduced coordination and lower reaction times.

Accidents involving drunk drivers can cause lots of damage – vehicle damage and personal injuries (in fact, per the NHTSA, drunk driving wrecks cost society $44 billion per year). If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, there are certain steps you can take in order to protect your rights and properly recover for your losses.

Published on: June 3, 2019

Pain and Suffering Damages in Tennessee

By Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, PLC

iStock-927091262 If you’ve been injured in Tennessee due to someone else’s wrongdoing, even if it was just an accident, the law allows you to pursue recovery for your losses by filing a personal injury claim. Since we cannot go back in time, the most common measure of damages is monetary compensation designed to make you whole, as if the injury never happened in the first place. Being made whole comes in different forms. First, you can be reimbursed for direct losses and expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, future lost earnings, or future medical bills. What about losses that cannot be directly quantified? Those losses, non-economic in nature, are most commonly referred to as pain and suffering.

What Is Pain and Suffering?

In a civil trial for a personal injury claim, members of the jury are often given this definition, read by the Judge in open court: “Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is reasonable compensation for any physical pain and discomfort and for mental pain and discomfort suffered by the plaintiff, [and the present cash value for physical and mental discomfort likely to be experienced in the future.] Mental discomfort includes anguish, grief, shame, or worry.”