Maine Injury, Accident, & Disability Law Blog

Truck And Bus Drivers Banned From Text Messaging When Behind The Wheel

Joe Bornstein — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:36:34 -0500

A new federal law prohibits truck and bus drivers from sending or reading text messages while driving.

The new law was established to help reduce the number of accidents involving “big rigs” and is effective immediately. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles will be subject to fines upwards of $2,750.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 out of every 6 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this results in a driver traveling the length of a football field, including end zones, without looking at the road. The research also shows that drivers who text are 20 times more likely to get in an accident than those who keep their eyes on the road. In 2008, nearly 6,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than 500,000 were injured.

Nineteen states, plus the District of Columbia and Guam, have passed laws banning texting while driving. Six states, plus the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, ban the use of handheld devices while driving. Now, no matter where in the U.S., truck and bus drivers cannot send or read text messages while driving.

Currently in Maine, it is illegal to drive while distracted. The fine for a single traffic infraction can range up to $500 with the surcharges and fees added to the original ticket amount. Examples of distracted driving include: using a cell phone or GPS device, eating, and applying makeup.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the results of truck accidents and bus accidents. If you’ve been injured in an accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, call us today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.

And the next time you’re behind the wheel, save the distractions for a time when it’s safe to do so, such as the side of the road or at your final destination. It just may save your life.

For more information on distracted driving, including the different laws for each U.S. state, please visit the federal website: www.distraction.gov.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein – Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People

Keep Pipes From Freezing During A Cold Maine Winter

Joe Bornstein — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:30:42 -0500

Every winter, cold weather comes to Maine, and with it the risk of pipes freezing. When pipes freeze, serious damage can result.

When water freezes, it expands. For example, if you were to put a can of soda in a freezer to cool and forgot, it would explode. When water freezes in a pipe, it expands the same way. If it expands enough, the pipe bursts and water escapes.

Once temperatures dip below 32 degrees, all homes are vulnerable to pipes bursting. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are most susceptible, especially if there are cracks or openings that allow cold, outside air in. Holes in an outside wall where television, cable or telephone lines enter can provide access for cold air to reach pipes.

Homes built on concrete slabs tend to fare better than those that have crawl spaces underneath. Pipes freeze more easily in mobile homes because the plumbing is under the house.

By learning ways to prevent your pipes from freezing, you can help reduce the risk of damage to your home. A little time invested in advanced, may wind up saving you a lot of time down the road.

Here are a few helpful tips that we’d like to pass along to you on preventing your pipes from freezing:

When checking for freezing pipes or looking to prevent them, search for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes.
Use caulk or insulation to seal any leaks, keeping warm air in and cold air out.
Insulate the foundation walls and the ends of the floor beams with durable foam insulation.
Have the home's exterior walls insulated.
Caulk and seal around doors, windows, house faucets, and outside outlets.
Drain in-ground sprinklers.
If you’re going away for an extended period of time, set the heat to at least 55 degrees. Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing.

If you suspect that pipes are freezing:

Wrap towels that have been soaked in warm water around the pipes.
Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air.
Leave the faucet on just enough to let water drip.
Never try to thaw pipes with blowtorch or fire.

When to call a plumber:

If you turn on your faucet and no water comes out. Be sure to leave the faucet on when calling.
If you’ve discovered your pipes have burst. Shut off the main water valve and leave faucet on when calling.

In the event that your pipes do freeze, after they have thawed, check for pinhole leaks or cracked pipes that can cause serious water damage to your home. An eighth-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water a day. Both plastic (PVC) and copper pipes can burst.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can save yourself the mess, money, and aggravation frozen pipes can cause. And by doing so, you and your home will stay both warm and dry this winter.

For more information about keeping your pipes from freezing, please visit: www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/home/hometips/severeweather/pipefreeze_prevent.html.

Operation Keep ME Warm Helps Heat Maine

Joe Bornstein — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:22:32 -0500

Operation Keep ME Warm is helping thousands of Mainers this winter cope with rising energy costs.

The statewide energy and heating assistance program is a partnership between government foundations, private contributions, volunteers, and advocacy groups. The goal of Operation Keep ME Warm is to raise money to help those who do not qualify for federal, state, or local fuel assistance.

Operation Keep ME Warm provides household heating and energy assistance, as well as resources for weatherization, energy audits, food, shelter, legal assistance, counseling, childcare, and elder services.

In an attempt to help Mainers save money, Operation Keep ME Warm offers the following energy saving tips:

1. Close storm windows and use drapes and shades at night to conserve heat.
Estimated Savings - $229.46 per year

2. Close flue dampers on fireplace.
Estimated Savings - $227.92 per year

3. Install faucet flow restrictors and low-flow shower heads.
Estimated Savings - $194.04 per year

4. Tune up your heating system.
Estimated Savings - $190.96 per year

5. Insulate, caulk, and weather-strip your home.
Estimated Savings - $187.88 per year

6. Remove and vacuum your furnace filter every month. Replace it when it cannot be vacuumed clean.
Estimated Savings - $141.68 per year

7. Close and reduce heat in all unoccupied areas.
Estimated Savings - $130.90 per year

8. Replace 60W incandescent bulbs with 13W CFLs.
Estimated Savings - $77.20 per bulb over the life of the bulb

9. Set your thermostat back.
Estimated Savings - $77 annually for every degree set back

10. Insulate heat pipes and duct work.
Estimated Savings - $2.25 per foot for hot water pipes, $3.99 per foot for steam pipes, $2.28 per foot for hot air ducts

By following a few or all of these energy saving tips, you will not only be helping your bank account and living conditions, you’ll also be helping the environment. And that truly is a WIN-WIN situation.

For more information on obtaining home heating and energy assistance or the other numerous resources Keep ME Warm has to offer, please visit: www.unitedwaygp.org/what_we_do/keep_me_warm.php

Distracted Pedestrians Walk Into Accidents

Joe Bornstein — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:15:18 -0500

Distracted drivers have generated much attention over the past few years -- Enough to get many states to ban cell phone usage and text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Lately, however, a new phenomenon has emerged: distracted walking.

As cell phones, MP3 players, and other mobile devices become more and more ubiquitous, there has been an increase in injuries suffered by pedestrians. People everywhere can be seen walking while talking on cell phones, sending text messages, listening to music, and surfing the web. What they are seemingly failing to see, is what’s right in front of them.

In 2008, more than 1,000 pedestrians visited emergency rooms because they were injured while walking and talking or walking and texting. The number is double that of 2007, which is twice as much as 2006. Along with the increasing number of injuries is the number of people with mobile devices, both of which show no signs of slowing.

Most injuries suffered by distracted walkers are minor, such as bumps, bruises, sprains and fractures, but in the most extreme cases, the injuries can be fatal. The majority of the injured are under the age of 30, those who spend the most amount of time with their various gadgets, but over a quarter fell under the baby boomer category. Deaths have been reported of people who walked into oncoming buses, trains, and trucks while listening to music and talking on the phone.

Researchers have found that the problem isn’t only a matter of misstepping while multitasking, it’s that talking or texting has a cognitive effect on people, capturing much of their awareness. Some people are so oblivious to their surroundings when engaged with a mobile device that they fail to see life unfolding around them. Researchers call this phenomenon “inattention blindness.”

In California and Texas, campaigns have sprouted warning pedestrians to be focused on the task at hand and put safety first. In accidents that are caused by pedestrian distraction, not only is the pedestrian putting himself or herself in harm’s way, but also those in nearby vehicles, crosswalks, and sidewalks. And cell phones aren’t the only way pedestrians can be distracted, looking in a different direction than you’re headed, eating on the run, attempting to find something in a backpack or luggage, and being lost in thought can also disrupt one’s walk.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we see firsthand injuries suffered by pedestrians. If you’ve been injured by the negligence of someone else, call us today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.

And remember, if it would distract you while you’re driving, it will distract you while you’re walking. That and keeping your focus may just keep you out of the emergency room, which is a distraction nobody needs.

MLK Jr. Breakfast Celebrates Diversity Locally

Joe Bornstein — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:07:08 -0500

On Monday, January 18th, the Portland Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) hosted a breakfast to honor Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. The annual event celebrates the life of the late doctor and his continuing impact on society today.

In addition to keeping King’s dream alive, the 29th annual breakfast recognized the work of Greater Portland’s civil rights community over the past year and featured key note speaker, Melissa Harris-Lacewell, an Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University and best-selling author. Other prominent speakers in the program included Portland Mayor, Nick Mavodones, and Maine Democratic Congresswoman, Chellie Pingree.

The morning also included events designed for Portland’s youths to teach them about King’s legacy and a traditional march down Congress Street to Monument Square to lay a wreath in memory of Doctor King. Over 700 people braved the snowy weather to attend the annual event that has become a long running and renowned fixture in Maine.

First observed in 1986, and officially recognized by all 50 states in 2000, Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrates the life of a man who made equality his life mission. 41 years after he was assassinated, Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream is not only alive, but also a reality.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is proud to support the NAACP Portland Branch and their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. Equality was Dr. King’s dream -- Equal access to justice is ours. Together, we are making Maine a better place to live.

For more information on the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast please visit: www.portlandmlk.net.

Winter Driving Safety Tips Help Prevent Accidents

Joe Bornstein — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:00:49 -0500

Driving during the winter can be dangerous. Roads are slick with snow and ice, and it gets dark early, limiting one’s visibility. And despite the fact that many Mainers have lived in-state for much of their lives and have experience with winter driving, it’s important to refresh oneself on how to best navigate the slippery season.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the effects of dangerous winter driving. The results often do not paint the picture of a winter wonderland. But by being careful and following a few winter driving tips, you’ll be much more apt to make it from point A to point B safe and sound. Because with only a few winter storms under our belt, it’s inevitable that Maine has many more to go.

The following is a list of winter driving tips that all Mainers should follow:

Avoid unnecessary driving during storms. If you must travel, allow time for maintenance trucks to plow, salt, and sand the roads.
Do not assume that your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel drive cars and trucks can encounter trouble on slick roads.
Keep at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. A distance of 10 seconds or more between you and the next car is considered safe.
Look ahead to anticipate actions well before they happen.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills and unplowed roads.
Do not use cruise control on slick roads.
Be careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways. Black ice is commonly found on roads winding around lakes and rivers, in tunnels, on bridges, and in highly shaded areas.
When you find yourself on ice, avoid braking if possible. Try to remain calm if you experience a skid, and look and steer in the direction you want to go.
If you find yourself stuck in snow, do not spin your wheels – this will only make you dig deeper. Instead, turn your wheel side-to-side to clear snow out of the way and then lightly press on the accelerator. If necessary, shovel away snow and put down kitty litter to help with traction.
Keep a charged cell phone and fully stocked winter driving kit in the event of an emergency.

With many more storms in the forecast this winter, it’s important to be prepared in case you find yourself driving in the middle of one. Because after all, snow may look nice covering trees and mountains, but it paints a whole other picture on the road.

And if you’ve been injured in a car accident by the negligence of someone else, call the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation. In over 35 years, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has helped over 15,000 Mainers get the justice they deserve.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein – Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People

Even during the depths of winter.

Maine Housing Search Makes Moving Easy

Joe Bornstein — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:45:16 -0500

A new website is making finding a new home or apartment in Maine easier.

Mainehousingsearch.org is an online rental listing service that “links people who need housing with the housing they need.” Funded by the Maine State Housing Authority, the Department of Health and Human Services, and 2-1-1 Maine, the website is designed to help Mainers with all of their house hunting needs.

Currently, the website has over 700 listings with over 7,000 units and 450 vacancies across all 16 Maine counties, with the numbers expected to grow. Searches can be done on criteria such as location, price, and accessibility features, and vacancy details are updated daily. Maps and pictures of properties are also available, as well as a calculator to help determine what’s in your price range depending on your income. All property managers and owners who list on the site must abide by Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity regulations that prohibit discrimination.

The website offers a rental checklist that can be printed and brought to properties to track what each has and what each needs, a sample moving expense spreadsheet, a calculator to help figure out exactly how much a move will cost, and a glossary of different housing definitions. The website also acts as a reference for other services that can be helpful when searching for a home, including many educational links.

For homeowners and landlords, the benefits of listing property on the website include a statewide marketing campaign and the ability to update information in real time. The information can be accessed 24-hours a day at the prospective buyer or renter’s leisure.

While the housing website is still new, the state funded programs that started the site are committed to making it the most popular rental listing service in Maine. The centralized information is free, and for those without access to the internet they can call 1-877-428-8844 for a complete housing listing. And perhaps in due time, mainehousingsearch.org will be the place to be online if you’re looking to move in Maine.

For more information about the new housing website and to view all of its resources including available homes and apartments, please visit www.mainehousingsearch.org.

Maine Heating Assistance Helps Keep You Warm

Joe Bornstein — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:31:09 -0500

With winter in mid-season form, Mainers are feeling the freeze. Unfortunately, when temperatures drop, oil prices don’t typically follow. There are, however, programs that can help Mainers heat their homes during a cold frigid winter.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists those who cannot afford to heat their home or pay electric bills. The federally funded program aids those in need both throughout Maine and nationwide.

Maine State officials report that over 49,000 households have already applied for help with heating bills this winter, with approximately 46,000, or 94 percent, being approved benefits. On average, families receive roughly $940 for the winter, an increase of $200 from last year. The amount of money a family receives depends on household size, income, and overall energy costs.

The Maine State Housing Authority expects the federal program to assist over 70,000 homes in Maine this winter. Despite the high percentage of homes applying and receiving benefits, it is estimated that only 15 percent of eligible homes take advantage of LIHEAP’s benefits. Even if heat is included in rent, a home or apartment may still be eligible. Last year, 61,000 homes benefited from LIHEAP’s financial aid.

To apply for heating assistance, Mainers should contact the regional agent that serves their county and provide them with the required information, including: names and social security numbers of all family members living in your home, proof of gross household income, proof of present address, and recent copies of utility bills. The list of regional agents can be found on the Maine Housing website: www.mainehousing.org or by calling 1-800-452-4668. The average wait time to be approved for assistance from LIHEAP is six weeks.

Due to rising oil prices, cold temperatures, and a struggling economy, Congress voted to extend LIHEAP benefits to more families throughout the U.S. and increase the level of benefits. A total of $4.5 billion dollars is being doled out to needy families this winter, with nearly $28 million allocated to Maine. To qualify, a household’s income must fall within 230 percent of the poverty level, or 75 percent of the state’s median income. In 2009, 75 percent of the U.S. was eligible for assistance.

For Mainers who need immediate heating assistance, such as those whose oil tank is dangerously low and cannot afford to fill it, they should call 2-1-1. The toll-free non-profit service directs calls to local resources that can help those who need immediate relief. For those that expect their need to last an extended period of time, they should contact LIHEAP.

Thanks to the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the goodwill services of 2-1-1 Maine, people across Maine and America won’t be left in the cold this winter. And that’s warm news nationwide.

For more information on LIHEAP, please visit: http://www.mainehousing.org/ENERGY

Car Accidents In Maine: Ten Important Steps To Take After An Accident

Joe Bornstein — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:17:57 -0500

It’s inevitable that car accidents happen. Even with proper safety precautions, accidents happen daily. With hope, they won’t include you or a loved one, but they are, however, accidents. And the worst part is that they’re unpredictable.

While no one expects to be in an accident, it’s important to be prepared in the event that one occurs.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the effects of auto accidents on a daily basis. In over 35 years, we have helped over 15,000 Mainers get the justice they deserve, which is why we’d like to pass along the following tips for what to do in the event that you’re in an accident. After all, accidents happen – we just hope they don’t happen to you.

Ten Important Steps To Take When In An Accident:

Stop – State law requires you to remain at the scene of an accident.
Take Safety Precautions – Use flags, flares, cones, etc., to warn oncoming drivers of your accident, preventing further accidents.
Medical Attention – See that any injured parties receive medical attention immediately. If you have any symptoms or injuries, seek medical attention immediately. This protects your health and documents the injury.
Call The Police – Contact the State, local or city police. Give the facts of the accident to the police but do not admit responsibility.
Identify Other Drivers – Obtain the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of all other parties involved in the accident.
Verify Information – Make sure the driver’s license is current and the registration number matches the license plate number on the vehicle for all drivers involved.
Identify Witnesses – Get the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and comments of everyone who witnessed the accident.
Note Details of Accident – Make note of time, weather, road and light conditions, length of skid marks, and make a diagram of the accident scene.
Take Pictures – Use a digital camera or the camera on your cell phone to take pictures of the accident. Take as many pictures as possible from varying angles and distances to capture the accident scene, damage to cars, nearby road signs and landmarks, skid marks, debris in the road, and all other pertinent evidence. Keeping a disposable camera in your glove compartment is also a good idea.
Contact Your Insurance Company And The Law Offices Of Joe Bornstein – In over 35 years, we have helped over 15,000 Mainers get the justice they deserve. Contact us today at 1-800-CALL-JOE to find out how we can help you.

If you’ve been in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, call the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.

And the next time you’re on the road, be alert and be aware, and be prepared in the unfortunate event that you’re in an accident.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein – Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People

Snowmobile Safety Helps Prevent Accidents

Joe Bornstein — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:03:43 -0500

After nine deaths in the 2009 season, the state of Maine is stressing snowmobile safety this winter. The safety campaign is asking snowmobilers to “ride right, ride smart, and ride responsibly.”

Snowmobiling is one of Maine’s favorite pastimes. With 13,000 miles of signed trails in the state, there’s an abundance of room to ride for the 100,000 registered snowmobiles. Yet despite the land reserved for riders, it’s up to snowmobilers to maintain their safety.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Snowmobile Association worked together to create a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) that promotes snowmobile safety. The PSA speaks of the good times snowmobile riding provides and warns of the inherent dangers. In addition to the fatalities, many more snowmobilers are injured each season.

The good news is that the Maine Warden Service patrols Maine’s trails to protect our riders. Last year, Warden’s conducted 46,000 safety inspections, issuing 850 violations, including 30 arrests for operating under the influence of alcohol. The Warden’s services help look out for those that practice safe riding.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the results of risky and dangerous riding. Each year, many Mainers are seriously injured in snowmobile accidents, which is why we’d like to offer you a few snowmobile safety tips.

Speed – While there is no speed limit on trails, it’s important to keep your machine under control. Remember to slow down when you approach other sledders, come to a curve, bridge, or rise in the trail. Sledders are judged by the standard of "reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions." It is illegal to operate a snowmobile in a manner which endangers another person or property.
Drinking and Driving – Like operating any other motor vehicle, for those over the age of 21, it is illegal to ride a snowmobile with a Blood Alcohol Content over .08 percent.
Law Enforcement – It is mandatory to stop for game wardens, foresters, rangers, and local law enforcement.
Lights – All snowmobiles must have headlights and rear lamps. They must be on during the time period 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. It is advised to keep your headlights on at all times.
Wildlife – Yield to all wildlife on the trails and keep your distance. The wilderness is their natural habitat and they have the right of way.
Preparation – It is advised to carry a trail map with you at all times and tell someone where you are sledding. Dressing in layers will help keep you warm when cold and cool when hot, and it is advised to carry an emergency kit that includes a few necessary repair tools.
Safe riding – Always wear a helmet and never ride alone. Take caution when crossing public roads or travelling over bodies of water, and never try to hurdle snow banks. You are most in control of your sled when it’s on the ground.

Safe riding is the beginning and end to an enjoyable day on a snowmobile. By taking the proper safety precautions, all of your rides can be fun, and bring you home safe and sound at the end of the day.

And the next time you’re out on the trail, “ride right, ride smart, and ride responsibly." It just may save your life.

To view the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Snowmobile Association’s Public Service Announcement please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGIFqBCepv0&feature=player_embedded

Texting While Driving Bans Increase

Joe Bornstein — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:56:00 -0500

On January 1st, New Hampshire became the latest state to make texting while driving illegal. Maine’s southerly neighbor joined the ranks of seventeen other states, Guam, and the District of Columbia, where driver safety is of utmost importance. In New Hampshire, the fine for texting while driving is $100.

Though not yet illegal in Maine, texting while driving is a dangerous distraction. As other states, including Maine, debate legislature to make texting while driving illegal, it’s safe to say that it’s only a matter of time before being banned in all fifty states. Currently in Maine, it is illegal to drive while being distracted.

The ban in New Hampshire also forbids twittering, typing on a laptop computer, and using other electronic devices that require drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel and eyes off the road. Some states have even gone so far as to ban cell phone usage while driving unless done so using a hands-free set. Regardless of the state and regardless of its current laws, multitasking while driving is extremely dangerous.

A study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that the risk of collision by a truck driver is 23 times higher when he or she sends or reads text messages. When that same driver is talking on a cell phone, the risk is 7 times higher. Studies in New Hampshire have shown that crashes involving distracted drivers and drivers who cross the center line account for 21 percent of driver fatalities.

In 2009, a crash between a commuter train and an oncoming freight train killed 25 people in California. Federal investigators found that the conductor who was distracted and ran a red light, sent a text message 22 seconds before the accident occurred.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the effects of fatal accidents. Don’t be a statistic, keep your eyes on the road and take care of communications prior to your travel or pull off to the side of the road. In the event that you or a loved one are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, call us for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.

And remember, the next time you’re behind the wheel, an aware driver is a safe driver. And consider that if our neighbor, New Hampshire, whose state motto has long been "Live Free or Die," is banning texting while driving, it is for good reason.

For more information on Maine state driving laws, please visit: www.drivinglaws.org/maine.php

Maine High School Hockey Invitational Shoots And Scores

Joe Bornstein — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:52:00 -0500

The Maine High School Hockey Invitational was once again a resounding success. The ninth annual tournament featured 38 teams from Maine, New England and Canada, and wowed the locals with some of the best high school hockey around.

Considered one of the leading high school hockey tournaments in New England, the competition consisted of 18 of Maine’s finest teams, as well as 20 schools from New Brunswick, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island. The round-robin tournament takes place in four Southern Maine ice arenas and benefits all teams that participate, as the teams get to play squads they wouldn’t normally, who have different styles of play than they are accustomed to.

The non-profit invitational is a great attribute to teams from Maine who get to showcase their skills against some of the most formidable competition within driving distance. The tournament features some of Maine and New England’s top high school players, and attracts college and professional scouts who may not otherwise make a scouting trip to Maine.

In addition to testing the skills of teams and entertaining the scores of fans, the competition gives back to both the players and community. Scholarships are awarded to the student-athletes who show outstanding sportsmanship, and 100 percent of the proceeds is donated to charities in Southern Maine. In its nine years, the tournament has seen the competition grow from six teams to 38, and hopes to attract as many as 62 in the coming years.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is proud to sponsor a tournament that gives back to the community. Whether it’s on the ice or in the office, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein appreciates team players who "Tell Them You Mean Business!" We congratulate the Maine High School Hockey Invitational on a well played ninth year, and look forward to seeing the tournament grow into its second decade.

For more information on the Maine High School Hockey Invitational please visit: www.mainehshockey.com/mhhi.asp.

Message To Maine Drivers: Survive Your Drive

Joe Bornstein — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:14:29 -0500

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety has developed a campaign to help make highways safer.

Survive Your Drive was created to inform Mainers on the importance of safe driving and how to avoid behaviors that lead to fatal crashes. The educational campaign focuses on seat belt usage, impaired and distracted driving, speeding, and other unsafe driving behaviors. The underlining message the safety campaign sends is for drivers to be responsible when behind a wheel.

Thanks in part to similar safe driving programs in recent years, driving statistics in Maine have improved. However, these same statistics show that there is still work to be done.

The Survive Your Drive campaign emphasizes four key components:

Drunk Driving – Though alcohol related fatalities decreased by 33 percent in 2008, alcohol contributed to 24 percent of accident fatalities in Maine last year.
Seatbelts – Thanks to Maine’s Click it or Ticket campaign, 88 percent of Mainers currently wear seatbelts. However, 41 percent of accident fatalities in 2008 were not wearing seatbelts.
Driving Safety – Crash rates in Maine decreased by 5.3 percent in 2008, with highway crashes decreasing by 15.3 percent. However, accidents caused by inattentive driving were up 8.3 percent.
Teenage Driving – Though driving fatalities among teens has decreased in recent years, in 2008, 36 Maine teenagers were involved in fatal car crashes.

The Survive Your Drive campaign began on November 12, 2009, and has been educating Mainers via television commercials, radio ads, press releases, and an online presence. The campaign couples with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drunk Driving. Over The Limit. Under Arrest. campaign which cracks down on impaired driving during holiday seasons. The current NHTSA campaign runs from December 16, 2009 – January 3, 2010 and plans to spend $7.5 million educating Americans nationwide on the dangers of drinking and driving.

In 2008, fatal crash rates in Maine decreased from the previous year by 5.3 percent, marking the lowest the state has seen since 1959. However, Maine’s fatal crash rate continues to be above the national average. Through educational campaigns such as Survive Your Drive and Over The Limit. Under Arrest. Mainers will continue to learn how to make better driving decisions, ultimately keeping themselves and others out of harm’s way.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the effects of serious motor vehicle accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident by the negligence of someone else, call us today for a free and confidential consultation. In over 35 years of practice, we have helped over 15,000 Mainers get the justice they deserve.

And the next time you’re on the road, follow the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety’s advice:

Be safe and Survive Your Drive.

For more information on the Survive Your Drive campaign please visit: www.surviveyourdrive.org

'Tis The Season To Say Thanks

Joe Bornstein — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:00:02 -0500

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with family and friends. A time to be together with the ones we love, thankful for all that we have. And as the calendar turns the page on another year, into a new decade, we at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein would like to reflect on our past while giving thanks to the present.

In 35 years, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has been blessed to represent over 15,000 Mainers in their personal injury and Social Security Disability claims. Inviting each and every client into our "family," we help Mainers through the worst of times, so they can be with their loved ones in the best of times. With five convenient offices throughout the state, access to justice and steadfast representation is our gift to Mainers. Our client's trust and confidence in our law firm is better than any gift we could ever imagine.

Without the support of Mainers statewide there would be no Law Offices of Joe Bornstein. Which is why we'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who have joined our family. We cherish each and every one of you, and wish only the best for the holiday season and upcoming new year.

As we like to say around the office, "The best is yet to come."

Happy Holidays Maine!

With love and gratitude from Joe Bornstein and his staff of over 50 legal professionals.

Obstructed Windshields In Winter: Clear The Snow

Joe Bornstein — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:08:12 -0500

After a dusting of snow, sleet, freezing rain, or hail, it’s necessary to clean off your windshield. It’s necessary in order to see and drive safely, and now it’s necessary because it’s the law.

Maine State Police are warning drivers to clear their windshields completely after a snowstorm before taking to the roads. If a driver’s windshield is obstructed, he or she will be fined. Fines for an obstructed windshield reach upwards of $135.

The law is for both the driver’s benefit as well as all other motorists on the road. An estimated 90 percent of driving decisions are based on a clear and unobstructed view of the road, making good visibility essential. In addition to clearing windshields, drivers must also clear their windows, side mirrors, and front and back headlights.

There’s no denying that driving during the winter in Maine can be dangerous. Now, however, the days of “peephole” driving have come to an end and the winners are Mainers statewide. Yet while the inclement weather continues to fall, there’s more to driving safe than having a clean car. Driver’s should be aware of their surroundings, alert of road conditions, drive safely and slowly, and be prepared by keeping an emergency roadside assistance kit in your car. By taking precautions while on the road, safety will help take you to and from where you want to go during a slippery Maine winter.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we see firsthand the effects of dangerous winter driving. If you’ve been injured in an accident by the negligence of someone else, call us today for a free and confidential consultation. In over 35 years, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has helped over 15,000 Mainers the justice they deserve.

And the next time Mother Nature showers our great state with snow, sleet, freezing rain, or hail, clean your car before you drive. It will not only save you money, it just may save your life.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein – Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Now Mandatory In Homes

Joe Bornstein — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:02:15 -0500

New home owners in Maine must now prove that their house has a carbon monoxide detector.

A new Maine law is designed to reduce the risk of poisoning by carbon monoxide. The colorless, odorless, and invisible gas is a byproduct of burning fuel such as oil, propane, coal, and wood, and is extremely dangerous. On average, 400 people die annually in the United States with another 1,500 injured due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The new law, known as “An Act To Protect Maine Residents from Home Fires and Carbon Monoxide,” covers apartment buildings and single and multi-family homes. Roughly 9,000 of the state’s 450,000 homes are bought and sold each year. Currently, 30 of the 50 U.S. States have some sort of requirement for carbon monoxide testing.

Economic concerns are at the foundation of the new law, as tough financial times could lead to the neglect of a furnace or failure to purchase a carbon monoxide detector. Henceforth, home sales now include a declaration that must be signed by the purchaser stating that the home does indeed have a carbon monoxide detector. Also included in the law are homes under rental agreements and month-to-month leases. A carbon monoxide detector can cost as little as $20.

In Maine, over the past five years, there has been an increase in carbon monoxide poisoning. The new law was enacted to help reduce the risk of preventable fatalities across the state and has been a welcome addition by the Maine State Police and code enforcement officers. By following the law, you will not only avoid being penalized upwards of $500 dollars, you will also potentially save the life of a loved one.

For more information on the new “Act To Protect Maine Residents from Home Fires and Carbon Monoxide” please visit:

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_124th/billpdfs/SP021201.pdf

Maine Law Firms Celebrate Pro Bono Week

Joe Bornstein — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:21:21 -0500

Lawyers have long donated their time and services to help many great causes. Today, amidst difficult economic times, access to lawyers and justice is more challenging than ever. Which is why the American Bar Association established Pro Bono Week.

The first annual Pro Bono Week was held nationwide October 25-31, 2009, both celebrating the work of lawyers who donate their goodwill, as well as recruiting others to get involved. Though a national initiative, the charitable week attempts to establish relationships in local communities with local lawyers. Across the nation, many Americans are faced with legal issues and cannot afford a lawyer. Through the help of generous lawyers, their legal issues can be resolved.

In Maine, there are many opportunities for lawyers to volunteer and give back to the communities they work in. Some have time and others make it, while at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, access to justice is our top priority. With a statewide practice and five conveniently located offices in Biddeford, Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, and Bangor, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is accessible to Mainers of all walks of life. But that’s just the beginning of the firm’s goodwill.

Since its inception in 2005, Attorney Naomi Honeth has been involved with the Volunteer Lawyer Domestic Violence Program representing women (usually) in Protection From Abuse (PFA) cases. The clients are seeking permanent PFA orders to prevent their ex-spouses or partners from having contact with them. The Volunteer Lawyer Domestic Violence Program began as a partnership of Family Crisis Services, the Violence Intervention Project, and Pine Tree Legal Assistance. Currently, there are volunteer lawyer programs in the district courts in Portland, West Bath, and Springvale. In Portland alone, 34 lawyers represent on average 90 clients annually.

Approximately once a month, Attorney Honeth appears in Portland District Court to volunteer under the program. Briefed by a Family Crisis worker and given a file with little time to prepare, Attorney Honeth quickly meets with the client. They discuss what abuse or threat occurred to prompt the client to seek a PFA. The conversations are often emotional, as the client frequently is fearful of confronting her former partner or spouse and nervous about being in court.

After consulting with her client, Attorney Honeth meets with the defendant, asking if he is willing to enter a PFA order without a finding of abuse. This means he agrees to stay away from the plaintiff without a court order saying he abused her. If he agrees, the two parties sign an order which is entered by the Court. If he refuses, there is a hearing. If the judge finds the defendant was abusive or threatening, an order will be issued. If the defendant violates the order, he can be arrested.

The Volunteer Lawyer Domestic Program is just one way Maine lawyers are giving back to their beloved home state.

For a list of charities, communities, and organizations the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein supports please visit: http://www.mainepersonalinjurylaw.com/2009/07/articles/in-our-community/caring-through-charity/.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein - Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People

Maine Cracks Down On Drunk Driving During Holiday Season

Joe Bornstein — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:15:19 -0500

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is supporting a statewide crackdown on impaired driving. The sustained holiday enforcement period runs from December 16th - January 3rd and will attempt to save lives during the holiday season.

Thirty-two local police departments, five county Sheriffs' offices, and the Maine State Police are participating in the campaign, as over $270,000 has been awarded to fund their enforcement efforts. Nationally, more than $7 million dollars will be spent to educate, raise awareness, and curb drinking and driving during the holiday season.

Roadblocks will be set up throughout the state, keeping close tabs on operators of motor vehicles, and ads on television and the radio will inform the general public about the dangers of drinking and driving. This is the second “Over the limit. Under Arrest.” campaign of the year, the previous held over Labor Day Weekend. Statistics show that impaired driving increases by 10 percent over holiday weekends.

Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has shown that more people are killed in crashes that involve alcohol-impaired drivers on weekends and at night, which is when the major winter holidays fall this year. In 2008, 58 percent of fatal accidents that took place on weekends or at night involved alcohol. On average, more than 16,000 people are killed annually from drunk drivers, with approximately 300,000 more injured.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the effects of drinking and driving accidents on a regular basis. The end results do not end happily ever after. Therefore, we ask our fellow Mainers to stay safe and Arrive Alive this holiday season. Doing so will not only save lives, but also help bring a happy holiday to you and your loved ones. Not to mention a Happy New Year.

For more information on the upcoming “Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” campaign, please visit:
http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org/.

Portland Community Health Center Now Open For Patients

Joe Bornstein — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:07:39 -0500

The Portland Community Health Center recently opened in the Parkside neighborhood of Portland, Maine. The healthcare center is a full-service primary care medical facility serving Greater Portland, and is a welcome addition to the area as Mercy Hospital and Maine Medical Center have become overcrowded.

The clinic has the capacity to service 5,000 patients and will focus primarily on the uninsured and those on MaineCare and Medicaid. Those with no insurance will pay on a sliding scale.

The center received $1.3 million in federal stimulus money for start up and operating costs, and is expected to limit the number of emergency room visits in Portland. Currently, there are 40 other clinics in Maine, mostly in rural areas, many of which have waiting lists. The center is the first federally funded clinic in Cumberland County and is expected to alleviate long medical waits in Portland.

Services provided at the clinic include family medicine, pediatrics, counseling, and dental hygiene. The Health Center’s focus is on becoming a primary care provider as well as a “medical home” for those in need of consistent need and services.

Parkside neighborhood is the most densely populated area in Maine and home to a large immigrant community. The center is reachable by bus for those who do not drive and interpreter services are available for those whose primary language is not English. The clinic is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, as well as the growing population of greater Portland.

To contact the Portland Community Health Center or to make an appointment, please call 207.482.5000 or visit them on the first floor at 180 Park Avenue in Portland.

In Maine, Utilities Stay On During Winter Months

Joe Bornstein — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:58:08 -0500

According to the Maine Utility Regulators, Mainers who make an attempt to pay their utility bills will not have them shutoff during the winter. The grace period runs from November 15, 2009 to April 15, 2010.

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) states that Mainers who contact their gas or electricity company, or the PUC, to make reasonable payments will be exempt from having their utilities disconnected during the winter months. The PUC’s Consumer Assistance Division will help with affordable payment arrangements and find financial assistance for those in need.

Special arrangements can be made to help offset the immediate cost of high utility bills through a payment plan. The assistance helps spread the high cost of utilities during the winter over the course of the calendar year. The entire back bill must be paid in full by November 1st of the following year.

If you receive a notice saying that a utility is being shut off due to lack of payment, first and foremost call and speak with the utility company. Their phone number will be on the notice you receive or a past bill. If the situation does not get resolved, call the Consumer Assistance Division of the Maine PUC at 1-800-452-4699, or visit them online to file a complaint at: http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/consumer/file_complaint.shtml.

If you contact the Consumer Assistance Division before your disconnect date your utilities will stay on while they investigate the matter. You will need to keep making payments or make arrangements to pay while the investigation is ongoing, but doing so will keep your utilities on. If legal help is needed, the Pine Tree Legal Assistance is available to help.

For more information on how to ensure your utilities stay on during the upcoming cold Maine winter, please contact the Maine Public Utilities Commission at: http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/.