Posts by Clay Martin
Why Head-on Crashes Are So Deadly
Head-on collisions are among the most-deadly (though least common) of all car accidents, accounting for about 2% of all crashes, but 10% of all fatal accidents. The reason head-on car accidents are often fatal is a matter of physics: When two cars collide, they both release energy. That energy has to go somewhere, and so…
Read MoreAre You Ready to Vote, Alabama?
November 3rd is less than 6 weeks away, which means it’s time to get registered and vote! This is an especially important year for Alabama, because we have a lot of candidates running for multiple offices, plus local ballot measures: President of the United States State Supreme Court (2) U.S.…
Read MoreStanford University Study Links Vaping with a Higher Risk of COVID-19
Studies have already shown that e-cigarettes made by JUUL and other companies are dangerous products. These products are more formally called electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). These battery-powered devices have become a popular substitute for traditional cigarettes, pipes, and cigars – especially among adolescents and young adults. In addition to catching fire, e-cig vapors include…
Read MoreThe Dangers of Rubbernecking
Distractions are a common risk when driving. Momentary distractions can happen at any moment, whether due to a baby crying in the backseat, an insect landing on your face, or another driver startling you with a loud honk. These are unexpected events, but they happen all the time. Some distractions, however, are more deliberate: texting…
Read MoreThe Suspension of Hours of Service Regulations for Trucker Continues
This March, under the circumstances of the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) temporarily suspended its Hours of Service (HOS) laws. The agency made the decision in response to the declaration of national emergency issued by the President. The purpose of the temporary suspension was to provide truck…
Read MoreThe Injury Risks Associated with Off-Road ATV Riding
Enjoying the outdoors is a pastime in Alabama. One of the outdoor activities enjoyed by many people is riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Although riding these vehicles can be fun and exhilarating, it takes just one error in judgment or unfortunate turn of events on difficult terrain to cause a serious accident. According to the Consumer…
Read MoreE-Cigarettes Present a Clear and Constant Danger
There are numerous reports and lawsuits now asserting that these products are defective and that the defects are causing serious injuries and deaths. The defects are centered around the vaping devices and the chemicals that are used in these devices. Manufacturers of defective products which cause any type of physical harm can be held strictly…
Read MoreCOVID-19 and PMIS: What Parents Should Know if Their Children Get Sick
Initial research into the harm that COVID-19 causes was especially frightening for adults but much less scary for children. This understanding was based on the analysis that the immune systems of older adults, especially those with other health risks, were overreacting causing a high percentage of deaths among the elderly. The immune systems of children,…
Read MoreA Win for Our Local Food Bank!
Martin & Helms recently participated in the 5th Alabama Legal Food Frenzy, a friendly competition between law firms and legal organizations for who could raise the most money to benefit local food banks. As regular supporters of the Food Bank of North Alabama, we were excited to participate in this year’s event. We encouraged everyone…
Read MoreMany Rural Hospitals in Alabama in Danger of Closing in the Wake of COVID-19
Beyond serving an obvious health and life-sustaining purpose, hospitals often provide a key infusion of economic activity within rural communities. Many rural hospitals in Alabama and across the nation were in jeopardy prior to the spread of the coronavirus. The current COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences are likely to make that situation even more…
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