Friday, August 21, 2009

Ross Cellino Discusses Impact of Teen Driving Legislation

Attorney, Ross Cellino, who works in both the Rochester and Buffalo offices, weighs the impact of the New York State Senate legislation that will toughen teen driving laws. Not only will it be illegal for drivers of all ages to text message while driving, but the bill further requires that a learner's permit must be held for at least 6 months before a junior license can be obtained. In addition, if there is no adult in the vehicle with a junior driver, the number of non-family members allowed in the vehicle will be reduced to one.

Rochester, NY residents may find the news timely and encouraging. Many have been affected by the recent news involving three Rochester teens killed in car accidents, as well as the five area teens killed last year as a result of texting while driving. Parents often worry about the safety of their young adults, particularly when they are driving with their friends.

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Cellino and Barnes Attorneys Selected for 2009 New York Super Lawyers

Buffalo lawyers of Cellino and Barnes have been honored with selection into the 2009 edition of New York Super Lawyers, as well as a Rochester attorney. The honored lawyers include buffalo lawyers Richard Barnes, Denis Bastible, Stephen Ciocca, and David Goodman, and Rochester attorney, Richard Amico.

Super Lawyers is comprised of outstanding lawyers recognized by their peers for professional achievements. Each lawyer must undergo a statewide nomination process, review of resumes and peer evaluation by practice area. Only 5% of lawyers in Upstate New York are named to the list. Cellino and Barnes' buffalo lawyers are available through http://www.cellinoandbarnes.com/Home/Buffalo.aspx.

"Cellino & Barnes is comprised of many outstanding lawyers," stated Ross Cellino. "We are proud that several of our attorneys have been highly recognized."

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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Long Island Accident Claims 3 Lives

Via WCBSTV.com

Aug. 3, 2009. Three people died in a Long Island car crash overnight on Wantagh State Parkway.

A car traveling on relatively quiet stretch of highway veered off the roadway and struck a tree. Three people in the car were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth passenger was taken to Nassau University Medical Center in critical but stable condition.

State police are still investigating the fatal accident but believe speed was a factor.

Niagara Falls Teen Killed in Car Crash

Via NiagaraFallsView.ca

Aug. 3, 2009. A Niagara Falls teen was killed and three others were injured after the vehicle they were traveling in veered off the road and collided with a concrete water intake.

Police said the car accident happened when the driver of the car lost control of his vehicle, became airborne and hit the water intake, before becoming partially submerged in the Niagara River.

The driver was charged with dangerous driving causing death and criminal negligence causing death.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

New York State - New Teen Driving Laws

The New York State Senate recently passed legislation that will toughen teen driving laws.

Not only will it be illegal for drivers of all ages to text message while driving, but the bill further requires that a learner’s permit be held for at least 6 months before a junior license can be obtained. In addition, if there is no adult in the vehicle with a junior driver, the number of non-family members allowed in the vehicle is reduced to one.

Many of us have been affected by the recent news involving three area teens killed in car accidents, as well as the five area teens killed last year as a result of texting while driving. As parents, we often worry about the safety of our young adults, particularly when they are driving with their friends.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Institute, in 2007, New York State reported 236 fatalities involving teen drivers. They also found that two-thirds of fatal crashes involving 16-year-old drivers were in cars with teen passengers.

“It is encouraging that New York State is doing something to try to prevent teenage driver fatalities,” states attorney Ross Cellino.

If Governor Paterson signs this bill, the text messaging ban will take effect on November 1, 2009 and will ban both text messaging and transmission of e-mails while driving. Drivers are still permitted to use hands-free devices to talk while driving.

Rochester Man Airlifted After Collision

Via NewYorkInjuryNews.com

July 31, 2009 - A Rochester man, while driving his pickup truck, jumped the median and collided with a minivan on Macedon Center Road in the Town of Perinton.

The driver of the pickup truck, a 32-year-old Rochester man, suffered serious injuries to his chest and arms. He was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital.

The driver of the minivan, a 47-year-old woman from Macedon, suffered minor injuries in the auto accident and was transported via ambulance to Strong Hospital.

Police continue to investigate the accident.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Lockport Woman in Serious Condition – Texting While Driving Accident

Via NewYorkInjuryNews.com

Aug 3, 2009 - This auto accident involved three people who were injured when the driver of a tow truck struck a car at an intersection. The tow truck driver hit the back of the vehicle causing it to swerve out of control and crash through a resident’s backyard fence.

The car and motorcycle on the back of the tow truck flew off, damaging a residential home, destroying the air conditioning unit and house’s gas lines, ultimately landing in a swimming pool.

The woman driving the car was transported to ECMC via helicopter for her serious injuries. An 8-year-old passenger was taken to Women and Children’s Hospital for her injuries. Their car was totaled.

Truck driver has been charged with talking on a mobile phone [while driving], following too closely, and reckless driving. He was talking and texting while driving on two separate mobile phones at the same time.