News

Our New Hampshire injury lawyers are here to help you. As a service to our community Van Dorn & Curtiss post accident related legal news here. We write about injuries relating to accidents that have occurred in Western New Hampshire and Eastern Vermont.

General

• Bennington, VT Family Killed in Tractor Trailer Truck Accident
  Jun 15, 2010

  Nearly an entire Vermont family was left dead after their car collided with a tractor trailer truck. The accident occurred on Route 7 in Pittstown, NY.

  The driver of the car was Robin C. Martinez, 42. His girlfriend, Juana Jimenez, 40, and her children, Jennifer Jimenez, 15, Jasmil Jimenez, 13, Cesar Jimenez, 10 were passengers.

  Jennifer, 15, was the only survivor of the accident (another sibling who wasn't in the car also survives), which occurred when the Honda Pilot SUV they were driving veered across the centerline, and collided with a tractor-trailer truck.

  The family was on their way back home to Bennington, VT after picking Martinez up from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Though the exact cause of the accident is unknown, police believe Martinez may have fallen asleep behind the wheel.

  ''While police may never know why Mr. Martinez crossed over into the westbound lane of traffic, leading to the head-on collision, driver fatigue may have been a factor,'' State Police said in a statement released Monday.

  Juana and Jasmil Jiminez were dead when crews arrived. Cesar Jimenez died at the roadside after being removed from the vehicle. Martinez died en route to the hospital, police said.

  Our heartfelt condolences go out to the surviving members of the family, as well as the truck driver (who lives in Brattleboro, VT ), and anyone else affected by this tragic accident.
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• The Van Dorn & Curtiss Support Our Troops Project
  Jun 03, 2010

   

  Van Dorn & Curtiss is pleased to announce Project Support Our Troops.

  The goal of the project is to collect personal supplies needed by our New Hampshire and Vermont troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The requests are many and the need is great so we are proud and honored to do our part.

  We started this project in memory of SPC Jeremy Regnier who was killed in Iraq in 2004. He is the cousin of our office manager Shelly Vizena and for some time now we wanted to do something in his honor.

  As time has gone by, the sending of personal items to our troops overseas has dwindled yet the need has remained the same and has maybe even increased. So we thought this Project was timely.

  We plan to work the Project in phases. The first phase is for the month of June 2010. In this phase we are sending postcards to all residents in neighboring towns including Lebanon, Hanover, Littleton, Lisbon, Bath, Monroe, Woodsville, Haverhill, North Haverhill, Pike, Piermont and Orford NH.

  The postcard describes the Project, lists the items needed and drop off points. This information is reprinted below. Van Dorn & Curtiss is paying all costs including the cost of the mailings, the collection costs and the shipping and handling costs to send the packages to our troops.

  At the end of June all the items and supplies donated will be picked up, packaged and sent directly to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

  If the first phase of the project is successful, the second phase of the project will incorporate Towns in Vermont and additional Towns in New Hampshire.

  Items and Supplies Needed By Our Troops

  These are the items you can leave at the designated drop off points:

  • Powdered Drink Mixes (individual packests are best)
  • Cookies, Crakers, Pretzels (in snack sizes)
  • Tuna in a Pouch
  • Beef, Chicken or Turkey Jerkey
  • Ramnen Noodles
  • Snack Cakes
  • Gum/Nuts/Granola Bars
  • PopTarts
  • Dried Fruit Packs
  • Trail Mix/Raisins
  • Red Licorice Twists
  • Tootsie Rolls
  • Canned Meats (no pork products)
  • Hard Candy
  • Baseballs
  • Baseball Gloves
  • Soccer Balls
  • Basketballs
  • Squirt Guns
  • Frisbees
  • Books (mysteries, action, dram, science fiction)
  • Magazines - new or nearly new
  • Small Hand-Held Games
  • Crossword Puzzles
  • CDs/DVDs
  • Batteries AA & AAA
  • Facial Cleansing Pads
  • Moisturizing Lotion (unscented)
  • Wet Wipes
  • Eye Drops
  • Lip Balm
  • Toothpaste/Toothbruses
  • Body Wash
  • Sampoo/Conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Sunblock
  • Foot Power
  • Stationary Paper
  • Blank Cards
  • Pens
  • Ziplock Bags (sandwich, qt., gal. sizes)
  • T-shirts (white) Sizes L-2X (new)
  • Socks (white)

  Drop Off Points

  • Bath: The Brick Store
  • Hanover: Mascoma Bank (South Main St.)
  • Lebanon: Carter Community Building (CCB)
  • Lisbon: Northrup’s
  • Littleton: Co-op
  • Littleton: Coin Company (employees only)
  • North Haverhill: Aldrich General Store
  • Orford: Van Dorn & Curtiss Law Office
  • Piermont: The Four Corners Store
  • Woodsville: The Party Store

   

  For larger packages or for those who wish to donate but can’t get to a drop off point contact the Van Dorn & Curtiss Law Office toll free at 1-877-VAN DORN and we will arrange for pick up. 

   

  For anyone in the community who wants to get involved with this project, please get in touch with Ed Van Dorn at the number above or email evandorn@nhvtlaw.com. 

   

  Our hope is to make this an ongoing community project. 

   

  Thank you all for your interest in the Van Dorn & Curtiss Support Our Troops Project. 

   

  SPC, Jeremy F. Regnier

   

  Jeremy Regnier grew up in Agawam, Massachusetts then moved to Littleton, New Hampshire when he was a young teenager. Jeremy was the son of Shawn and Kevin Regnier. Since he was a young boy, Jeremy wanted to serve in the military like his father, his grandfather and his great grandfather. After he obtained his general education diploma, Jeremy joined the New Hampshire Army National Guard in 2000 then switched to active duty. He served a tour in Korea before going to Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Regiment and became a Bradley Fighting Vehicle Gunner. Jeremy was killed on October 13, 2004 when his vehicle drove over an improvised bomb on a road outside of Baghdad. Jeremy had planned a career in the military and wanted to become a Helicopter mechanic. Jeremy Regnier is a true fallen hero and by engaging in this project we hope to honor his memory.

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• Snowmobile Accidents in New Hampshire and Vermont on the Rise
  Feb 18, 2009

   

  Though many snowmobile accidents are caused by driver negligence, not every accident can be avoided. Chittenden Selectman David Sargent was enjoying a day of snowmobiling when he lost control and crashed into a tree.
   
  According to Sargent he was attempting to make a turn when the accident occurred. Previous riders had carved tracks that he could not navigate. Sargent believes that the machines were high-powered and were driven by high-powered riders. 
   
  “My ski got into their track and I followed it, but by the time I corrected it an 18-inch maple tree was right there.”
   
  Fortunately, Sargent was taken quickly to an awaiting ambulance and received treatment at North County Hospital. At the hospital, doctors worked to repair the damage to his broken hip. 
   
  Police do not believe that speed was a factor in the accident.
   
  Sargent was fortunate. Though he received very serious injuries many lose their lives after a snowmobile accident.
   
  On February 15th Derrick Bourque lost his life after colliding with a tree. Fire and rescue officials worked to save Bourque but according to Colrain Fire Chief Dave Celino his injures were extensive.
   
  “At this point it looks like he hit a tree, and suffered massive injuries to his legs and chest,” said Chief Celino. Bourque was reported to be wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
   
  Derrick Bourque was a father of one and a brother to five siblings.
   
  In New Hampshire a woman was injured after falling off the back of a snowmobile driven by her brother. According to reports neither was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
   
  Even when all precautions are taken, snowmobile accidents do happen. Excessive speed, inexperienced drivers and reckless handing are all common causes of crashes.
   
  New Hampshire does have laws that govern the use of snowmobiles. These regulations are intended to keep drivers and their passenger’s safe on New Hampshire’s many snowmobile trails. 
   
  Jim Hill, vice president of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) advises even experienced drivers not to become too comfortable. 
   
  “Pay attention, that’s the biggest thing,” Hill stated. “Be in control…stay right and always expect to see an oncoming snowmobile.”
   
  After his recent accident, Sargent echoes this statement.
   
  “Be rested and alert the whole time,” Sargent said.

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