“The good in gas prices”

I saw this article in the Las Vegas Sun last week and after reading the headline, said “How can this be? With a gallon of gas reaching $5 a gallon how can anything be good in that! Well, it turns out there is….

“The high cost of gasoline may be killing the economy, but also it may be saving lives.

Fewer drivers are using state highways, and fewer people are dying on those roads.

In May, just about the time gas hit $4, the state Transportation Department’s traffic counts at 21 sites in Clark County were down 6 percent overall compared with the May 2007 counts. Only three of the sites posted traffic increases, and at an average of about 1 percent.

“When you’ve seen this report … over last 10 to 20 years, it’s been consistent increases every year,” said DOT spokesman Scott Magruder. “We had even seen the tripling of traffic on some roads over a period of 10 years. So any reduction not attributed to a new road or highway is very significant.”

Over roughly the first half of this year, the number of deaths on the highways and city roads has declined dramatically since early 2007.

As of June 22, Metro had seen a 32 percent drop in traffic fatalities, 61 since Jan. 1, compared with 90 in the same period of 2007.”

The article goes on to accredit stricter traffic enforcement by the Metro Police and better diving to the fall in traffic related deaths.

Read the entire article at http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jul/01/good-gas-prices/

Sincerely,
Adam S. Kutner

It’s with great excitement that this weekend marks our firm’s 14^th anniversary.

It seems like it was just yesterday that I hired my first employee. I had just come from working with a prestigious personal injury attorney and was ready to step out on my own. Clark County’s population was just over 970,000, half of what it is today. Between my law experience and my work as an insurance defense attorney, I knew the business model I wanted to create to help the hundreds of Nevadans each month that need first-class representation. I’m happy to say that we’ve succeeded!

14 years and 50 additional employees later, our firm is one of the largest personal injury law firms in Clark County. It’s not about the size, but about the people that we’re able to help. Our last count showed us having represented more than 17,000 men and women of Southern Nevada with their personal injury cases.

I know it’s difficult when you become a victim in one of these cases. I promise we do our very best to not only get you the best settlement possible, but to treat you with the respect and dignity that you deserve. We also do our best to minimize the anxiety that you’re going through and work as fast as we possibly can to get money in your pocket.

It’s been an honor to represent many of you over the past 14 years and I hope we can continue to do the best work we can on your behalf.

Sincerely,

Adam S. Kutner

Being involved in an accident is a traumatizing experience. By following a few simple steps, the aftermath can be a little less painful and help resolve some of the problems that can result in the future.

Top ten things to do immediately following an auto accident:

1. Stop: If you are able to, stop immediately and get off the road. Failure to do so may result in criminal prosecution.

2. Move vehicles out of harms way, if possible: If you can, get far off the road to prevent other vehicles from getting involved.

3. CALL 911: Police officers and emergency services will be there as soon as possible to assist you and any one else involved.

4. Don’t admit blame: Do not admit blame to any one or make any statements taking blame for the accident.

5. Get other drivers information: Get names, addresses, phone numbers and car information (license plate and insurance) from everyone involved. Also get information from any passengers in or witnesses to the accident. Keep a copy of this information (otherwise you may have to pay to get a copy from the police).

6. Take Photographs: Whether it’s with a camera phone or a disposable camera, documenting the accident with photos is very important. Get pictures of damage on any vehicles involved. Also get pictures of license plates and injuries of any persons involved.

7. Tell the officer your injuries: The officer’s report will be the first documentation of the accident, so it is very important that you tell him/her any pain you feel. Failure to report an injury at this time, waiting to report it later on will cause the insurance companies to be suspicious.

8. Seek medical attention: If injured at all, seek medical attention. Often the shock of the accident releases large amounts of adrenaline into our blood. This can cover and dampen pain temporarily and can sometimes trick you into thinking your fine. Then later on your feel pain.

9. Contact your insurance company: Follow their instructions with full cooperation.

10. Contact an attorney: Call our office at (702) 382-0000. We are here to help. An accident can be a terrible thing, but the aftermath can be just as bad with medical bills, lost wages during recovery time, car repairs and other expenses. You need help, fast!

KEY STRATEGY, BE PEPARED!

Have an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times, including:

• First aid

• Flashlight

• Candles

• Disposable camera

• Pad & pen

• Flares/warning signals

Stay safe!

Adam S. Kutner