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UFC's Matt Hughes Years after Violent Train Brain Injuries

UFC’s Matt Hughes Years after Violent Train Brain Injuries

Written by MichaelEhline on . Posted in MMA.

This article represents an example of Axonal shearing and the types of cases we help celebrities win in court. One of the greatest UFC fighters and fan favorites, Matt Hughes, became the target of media attention when TMZ Sports and other tabloids started reporting on his violent behavior following his serious train wreck accident. His alleged hostile actions towards his twin brother and his now-estranged wife accusing him of abusive behavior made headlines throughout 2018 and 2019. The gloves are off with his detractors, with some calling him a sociopath and others accusing him of public urination, skipping college classes, etc.

Matt Hughes Train Crash Update

GOAT Brain Injury Updates

Learn about the GOAT, his legal troubles, and his chances of full recovery. As a member of Ehline Law, a leading personal injury law firm in Los Angeles, California, we must shed light on various legal matters. We want to discuss with you and other motorists how injuries can alter a person’s life. Our attorneys understand the physical, mental, and financial toll serious brain injuries can have on an injured victim’s quality of life.

In this article, we will explore the rise of Matt Hughes and how his life crashed following his brain injury caused by a devastating train accident that nearly killed him. We will discuss his behavior following his accident and how it may be a long-term effect of his brain injury.

The UFC Hall of Famer’s Ladder to Success

In 1999, Hughes made his promotional debut by participating in UFC 22, winning against Valeri Ignatov after three rounds by a unanimous decision. Matt Hughes was just getting started in his MMA fighting career. Matt returned to UFC 26; this time, he faced Marcelo Aguiar, a Brazilian mixed martial artist. Hughes threw some really heavy elbows at Aguiar during the match, cutting him open in the fight. The doctors had to stop the battle around four minutes and 34 seconds into the first round to prevent any severe damage to Aguiar. Hughes had defeated Aguiar, and a silent message was sent to all the wrestlers looking to pick up a fight with him.

On December 16, 2000, Hughes participated in UFC 34 and had a rematch against Dennis Hallman, the fighter who had given Hughes his first-ever professional defeat. Adamant about vengeance, Hughes brutally slammed Dennis to the floor. However, a severe miscalculation during the move caused Hughes to end up in a submission. The fight lasted 20 seconds, and Hughes submitted to the armbar technique locked in by Dennis. This was another defeat Hughes had faced by the same man, but that wouldn’t stop Matt from securing his first-ever welterweight championship the following year.

Hughes Reign as the Welterweight Champion

Here are some highlights of Hughes’s wrestling matches and his reign as the welterweight champion:

  • In 2001, at UFC 34, Hughes delivered the most excellent slam in the history of MMA to Carlos Newton, rendering him unconscious and winning the match.
  • Hughes had to defend his championship against Hayato Sakurai in 2002 at UFC 36 and won the fight.
  • In 2002, Hughes fought against Carlos Newton in a rematch at UFC 38, and he won after an onslaught of ground and pound punches.
  • In 2002, Hughes faced Gill Castillo, an American mixed martial artist, at UFC 40. He dominated the wrestler and cut him open, forcing the referee to stop the fight and declare Hughes the winner.
  • In 2003, at UFC 42, Hughes took on Sean Shrek and was the first man ever to defeat Shrek.
  • In December 2003, Hughes fought with a former UFC welterweight champion, Frank Trigg. Frank became a victim of a rear chokehold and tapped out, resulting in Hughes winning the fight and receiving the “Tapout of the Night Submission” award.
  • At UFC 46 in 2004, Hughes lost his title for the first time after B.J. Penn got Hughes in a rear chokehold during the fourth minute of the first round, forcing Hughes to submit and lose his title.
  • At UFC 50 in 2004, Hughes faced Georges St-Pierre and completely dominated him, winning his title again.
  • Hughes faced Frank Trigg in an anticipated rematch during UFC 52 in April 2005, where the audience saw the most remarkable comeback in UFC history after Trigg submitted to Hughes.
  • In 2006, Hughes defeated Royce Gracie, a UFC Hall of Famer, by landing a couple of blows and quickly locking Gracie’s arm in a submission hold.
  • At UFC 63, Hughes defeated B.J. Penn and won against the only man who had beaten him so far.
  • At UFC 65, Hughes fought Georges St-Pierre and lost. He continued wrestling, but he was never the same after this match.
  • Hughes defeated Chris Lytle at UFC 68 in 2007.
  • Hughes verbally submitted to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69 in 2007.
  • Hughes lost to Thiago Alves at UFC 85 in 2008.
  • Hughes won against Serra at UFC 98 in 2009.
  • Hughes defeated Renzo Gracie at UFC 112 in 2010.
  • Hughes made it to the Hall of Fame in 2010 and, during the same year, defeated Ricardo Almeida.
  • Hughes lost to B.J. Penn within 21 minutes of the fight at UFC 123 in 2010, his second loss to the American mixed martial artist.
  • Hughes lost to Josh Koscheck’s power punches at UFC 135 in 2011.

Of the 54 MMA matches Hughes participated in, he won 45 matches with just nine losses throughout his professional wrestling career. Hughes announced that he would be taking a break after his last UFC fight with Josh Koscheck, but in 2013, UFC announced Matt Hughes’ retirement, bringing an end to the legendary reign of arguably one of the best welterweight MMA fighters.

Life After Retirement

After retirement, Matt Hughes wrote an autobiography. He became a host on many TV shows, including Trophy Hunters TV, Uncaged with Matt Hughes, and The Takedown with Matt Hughes. Life seemed to work out just fine after Hughes retired from UFC until 2017, when he was involved in a devastating train accident. The perfect life that he had built started to crumble away slowly.

The Downhill of UFC Legend Matt Hughes: The Train Accident That Changed Everything

On June 16, 2017, UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes got into a near-fatal train accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, causing his life to spiral downhill. On the morning of June 16, 2017, Matt Hughes was helping a farmer by taking diesel to his farm and filling up the farmer’s tractor. On his way back from Montgomery County, Matt Hughes tried to make it across the railroad track, but a train hit his pickup truck on the passenger side.

In his recent interviews, UFC legend Matt Hughes explained how the accident occurred. The GOAT UFC Hall of Famer stated that the bad angle of the track and the corn vegetation made it difficult to spot an oncoming train. He also said there were no railroad crossing signs or lights to warn drivers of an approaching train. Defense lawyers have been overly critical of his claims about the cause of the crash. But the plaintiff’s lawyers were on his team.

As emergency services arrived at the accident scene, his pickup truck was completely crushed from the passenger side. He had no apparent injuries or broken bones but was unconscious. Medics airlifted the UFC Hall of Famer to a hospital in Springfield, where doctors feared that he had a severe brain injury and had to put him in a medically induced coma for 19 days to protect his brain.

In an interview, Matt recalled that he had no recollection of the day of the accident. Whatever he knew about the accident came from the people with him during hospitalization. The force from the train accident was so severe that it tore away the axon from the brain.

Hughes was suffering from grade 3 diffuse axonal injury, one of the worst kinds of brain injuries, and no one was sure if he would ever wake up from the coma. From the MRI, it didn’t look like he was going to make it, with many doctors referring to his state as “locked-in syndrome” or “brain dead.”

Hughes woke up after 19 days in a coma, and the outlook for returning to everyday life looked grim. He had lost his motor skills and could not speak. The doctors started his physical therapy treatment and cognitive therapy to help Matt Hughes start all over. The UFC hall of Famer had to learn to walk and talk again.

After a year had passed following his brain injury accident, Hughes did not show any big improvements. He was taking small steps but wasn’t showing any significant improvement with his ongoing treatments. He recalled how his outlook on life had turned bleak and that he had lost faith. Hughes slowly spiraled into depression from his brain injury, which eventually took a toll on his family.

Suicidal Thoughts Following the Accident

Depression had taken over Hughes completely, and the former UFC fighter stated that he felt worthless at the time. He wanted to finish his life by committing suicide and ending all the pain. Although he may have lost his old life, he still had his fighting spirit, and he constantly fought the depression and went to the gym every day to better himself.

Allegations of Domestic Violence

His recovery from the train crash and depression was a miracle. Still, his life turned ugly soon after his wife, Audra Hughes, made serious allegations of domestic violence against the former UFC welterweight champion. This moment was extremely sad for Matt and all his fans out there.

The aftermath of his serious brain injury resulted in a lack of impulse control and violent outbursts, classic after-effects of a traumatic brain injury. Although the aftermath of the brain injury was unfortunate, what followed next was even sadder as the story started to make the rounds on national TV.

Audra Hughes approached the court in 2017 to get a restraining order stating that her husband’s violent outbursts seriously affected her and her children’s life. Audra said in court documents that Matt Hughes allegedly attacked and choked her multiple times. He had once hurt her in the shower and even threatened to shoot her dead.

During one incident, she claimed that Matt asked her for his pickup truck keys, which she had refused to give because of his brain injury. In response, Matt choked Audra and asked her to provide him with the code to the gun vault where he stored his guns. Upon refusing to give that, an angry Matt snapped and smashed her head in the shower against the shower wall.

In 2018, Audra took away Matt’s phone, alleging that he was communicating with multiple women, to which he told her, “I am going to f**king shoot you.” A few months later, following this incident, Audra alleges Matt hit her in front of her kids for accusing him of chatting up other women. When Audra claims that Audra refused to give Hughes his truck keys, he choked and smashed her head against the wall.

After reviewing the documents filed in court, the judge held some claims by Audra had merit and allowed restraining orders whereby the former MMA fighter must always stay 500 feet away from Audra and her two daughters.

Many sources allege that Audra filed for divorce from Matt because he liked to pick up arguments daily and was emotionally unstable. However, it has not yet been confirmed by any TMZ report, although he has not shared any pictures with Audra or the daughters on social media sites like Instagram in a long time.

Matt and His Dispute with His Twin Brother

In 2019, Matt had a dispute with his twin brother, Mark Hughes, where things turned more than a little sour. Mark filed a restraining order against Matt, stating that his brother had assaulted his 15-year-old son over a tractor issue. Mark said that his son was driving the family’s tractor, and when Matt saw that, he erupted in anger, rushed over there, and violently started shaking his nephew.

According to the documents filed in court, Mark came across the tractor completely soaked in gasoline and the ground around it a week later. He believed that Matt was trying to destroy the tractor. The court immediately granted a restraining order, ordering Matt to stay away from Mark and his family.

Did the Brain Injury Affect Matt Hughes’s Personality?

So far, no medical tests have been conducted to prove the personality change as witnessed by his incidents with his wife and twin brother, post-traumatic brain injury. However, that does not mean that the UFC legend Matt Hughes isn’t suffering from cognitive impairment or a personality change.

We introduced Matt’s UFC fights in this article to give an idea of what kind of a man he is. Matt was one of UFC’s beloved, and fans from around the world would go berzerk after Matt entered the ring with his entrance song “country boy can survive” blasting in the background.

When Matt entered the ring, he had one mission on his mind, and that was to win. His determination and dedication to being the best in the ring and among his fans made him a UFC favorite. However, unlike other UFC fighters after losing, he was far from a sore loser.

Although Matt had more wins than losses, he would treat his losses as a learning curve to improve. After every loss, he would congratulate his opponent on being a better fighter. His humble attitude in the UFC ring made him different from most fighters.

That said, Matt Serra went on an interview in early 2019 and ranted that Hughes was always nasty. Serra stated that the only side-effect of the accident was that it exposed Matt’s real personality, which he said was nasty. However, we should also not forget that Matt Hughes beat Matt Serra in a fight in 2003. But Hughes made an effort to strike a friendship that soon fell apart as Serra did not have a liking for Hughes’s “dry sense of humor.”

Personality Changes After a Brain Injury

It is common for personality changes to occur after a brain injury. Even a concussion can negatively affect the brain long after the brain heals. How an individual processes information after a post-brain injury also changes, affecting emotions.

After a brain injury, there are chances that a person will suffer from social anxiety, anger, mood swings, irritability, and other emotional changes. However, these symptoms only make the person seem different, but in reality, their personality remains intact but suppressed under all these emotional symptoms, making it challenging to handle.

Usually, mood changes do not last that long. Still, after an injury, there is a serious tendency that drags mood swings over a few days or even weeks, which is why many believe that the person is facing a personality change.

Why Is There a Perceived Personality Change after a Brain Injury?

Physiological changes and emotional changes following the changes in life post-injury are two primary sources from which personality changes originate.

The most basic concussions can alter the connection between neurons and blood vessels in the brain. Normal connection is often restored in most patients after a few weeks of concussion. However, in almost 30% of the cases, the altered link can produce undesirable long-term effects, leading to the brain inefficiently processing information.

Where the brain sustains an injury can affect an individual’s ability to evaluate emotional reactions, assess the situation around them, and respond accordingly. An injury damaging the connection between the cerebral cortex and the limbic system can cause disruptions in emotional responses that are not in sync with the current situation.

A brain injury can alter a person’s ability to process information and emotions, causing mood changes in many ways. However, these emotional disruptions do not last forever unless the person has irreversible brain damage.

What Are Some of the Post-Brain Injury Emotional Symptoms?

A brain injury can cause some parts of the brain to be hyperactive while others become hypoactive, causing the brain to work overtime to process information and register emotions. This makes it very easy for the person with the brain injury to feel overstimulated after coming into contact with noise, light, conversations, and even work.

Overstimulation can lead to many symptoms, such as anger and irritability, anxiety, depression, emotional irritability, impulsivity, and social struggles.

Anger and Irritability

The majority of the patients feel irritated quite quickly post-brain injuries which then results in anger. In 2019, Anthony Loubet, a deputy country lawyer in Utah, was a victim of a severe car accident when a semi-truck and a Dodge car caused a collision with his car, rendering Loubet unconscious.

After gaining consciousness, Loubet felt serious pain in his neck region, but the medical tests did not report any bleeding or internal damage. However, slowly, it became difficult for him to read, and he could not form his words properly during the conversation.

He went to the ER the second time, where the doctors diagnosed him with a concussion and asked him to rest at home for a couple of months. Loubet faced extreme mood changes during this period, especially when he exploded on his family members after failing to fix the broken ice maker.

It’s easy to overreact or react dramatically after a head injury, as the person is already dealing with a lot. To the brain, even minor incidences feel like major emergencies post-brain injury. Most people often have unresolved anger because they think they didn’t ask for the injury, thus contributing to confusion and frustration.

Anxiety

After a brain injury, a person may worry about the smallest things. If the person already had anxiety issues prior to the injury, it may get exacerbated after one. The person may experience sleepless nights, feeling on edge, and a rush of constant thoughts arising.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common symptoms following a brain injury, especially if one already has a history of depression. Recent studies point out a higher risk of suicidal thoughts, poor mental health, and self-harm after sustaining a brain injury. Evidence suggests that the suicide rate is twice as common among people with traumatic brain injuries than those without one.

Emotional Ability

It’s common to shed tears due to the grief from experiencing a traumatic brain injury—still, those sustaining a TBI cry over petty matters for no reason whatsoever. Emotional lability is when a person experiences crying or laughter without cause, especially during an inconvenient situation.

This state might be one of the ways a body copes with overstimulation, as the brain does not know how to react in any given situation.

Impulsivity

Head injuries affect memory loss, brain control, and impulse control. Impulse control disorder causes a person to disregard societal norms by exhibiting adverse behavior or emotions. Impulsivity can occur for many reasons, and fortunately, it is treatable if the person knows the root issue.

Social Struggles

The majority of people, after a brain injury, struggle socially and then don’t find themselves interested in going out or conducting activities they used to enjoy before the injury. This may be because the individual cannot maintain conversations or are tired. It may also be because of the noise and lights, which cause overstimulation and frustration.

From reading the incidents with his twin brother and wife, Matt Hughes seems to be exhibiting frustration and depression. He even mentioned having suicidal thoughts after being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Perhaps he is experiencing the symptoms of a brain injury and is unintentionally hurting those around him.

Brain injuries can have serious, life-altering consequences. It’s not fair that the victim suffers while those responsible are off the hook. If you suffered a brain injury due to another’s negligence, contact us at +(833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation with our legal experts.

Citations:

  • Matt Hughes Train Crash
About UFC Middleweight Dusko Todorovic's Car Accident

About UFC Middleweight Dusko Todorovic’s Car Accident

Written by MichaelEhline on . Posted in MMA.

Dusko Todorovic was hit by a car in July, and he even re-injured himself backstage prior to his UFC Vegas 44 fight off the makeshift warmup tatamis prior to his then next bout. So there were lots of setbacks.

What happened?

Dusko declared, “By the end of July, I got hit by a car. The guy ran over me when I was crossing, so he messed up my left leg pretty good.”

The champ also stated:

“I couldn’t, you know, use my foot the right way, so there were definitely lots of setbacks during this camp and difficulties, all regarding that injury. I didn’t want to talk with anyone about it. I didn’t let even my family know. Just my girl knew, so yeah, it was pretty crazy,” to prepare for a fight, especially after a month and a half ago, after car crash, Todorovic said.

This was before ever crossing gloves with his next sports opponent.

For the first time, after Dusko Todorovic’s match with Maki Pitolo, the UFC audience, and the world came to know about the Dusko Todorovic car accident case and how things occurred. Todorovic revealed how he had gotten hit by a car, and his injuries were still pretty fresh. He joined the UFC in 2009 as part of Dana White’s Contender Series.

Dusko Todorovic has fought five times with two losses since that time in these types of full-contact sports. This article will explore the events following the accident and how he came back at UFC 44. As impressive as it is, if you get involved in a car accident in California, do not do what Todorovic did. Always seek medical attention immediately and contact our injury attorneys for legal advice.

Todorovic and His Secret Accident

On July 1st, 2021, UFC warrior Dusko Todorovic suffered serious leg injuries. This was emotional, especially after a car running him down ruined his chances for a new win to happen due to his fresh wounds and swollen injuries, he related.

A month before the car hit, Todorovic was unsure whether he wanted to sign a contract for UFC Vegas 44 since he had lost a fight against Gregory Rodrigues. The UFC fighter believed he lacked the necessary training to compete at UFC Vegas. But he got pissed despite it not being a fight he entered for a chance at the title.

Soon after his loss in Las Vegas, the UFC fighter faced another setback in the form of a car accident. Dusko Todorovic’s left leg was seriously injured, and he decided not to inform anyone of the severe injury.

In a recent talk with MMA Junkie, when the interviewer asked Dusko Todorovic who knew about the accident, the 27-year-old UFC fighter responded:

“Not even my family.” The fighter told MMA Junkie that he kept the accident a secret from everyone except his girlfriend, stating that it was pretty crazy. At least, that was before Todorovic re-injured his leg during a makeshift warmup tatami. Not training correctly and not doing warmups means lots of setbacks right away.

UFC Vegas 44: Todorovic vs Maki Pitolo

On December 4th, 2021, Todorovic thrived as he was the only one aware of his gruesome injury at the venue. Just moments before the fight between Todorovic and Maki Pitolo, during warmups, Dusko Todorovic re-injured himself as his leg gave out, popped, and snapped pretty hard.

However, that was just one of his setbacks during this camp, and it didn’t stop Todorovic from putting up a fantastic performance in the Octagon. Todorovic says his want to stay active resulted in a TKO win for Todorovic. He delivered an onslaught of punches that weekend to the fallen Pitolo after his first-round TKO.

After the match, Todorovic finally revealed his secret car accident and the devastating injury he sustained from it. He shared a video capturing gruesome injuries from the accident with the media, stating that only his girl knew about the “secret” accident. For the first time, Dusko Todorovic shared how he was crossing the road when a guy ran over him, messing up his left leg. At the time, he was thinking about the call he would receive for a possible bout at UFC Vegas 44, Las Vegas, Nevada.

In his post-fight scrum, he also mentioned how mad he was. It was not a light injury. His left leg was still healing and popped during the warmups before the primary fight, but it wasn’t enough to steer him away from the win column. He recalled getting extremely angry about the situation (Dusko Todorovic made the flippant remark that he was “pissed” regarding that injury). Still, he pushed on to deliver an outstanding performance fighting inside the Octagon.

But the media came out after, stating:

“UFC fighter run down by car captures gruesome injuries on video.”

There were lots of setbacks after crashing. Dusko Todorovic stated that he would be the one making silly comments about UFC fighters and car accidents since it was a frequent occurrence. However, one should not take it lightly, as healing injuries from being struck in a

the accident is a painstakingly long process to do so while still training correctly, including proper warmups.

He mentioned how his left leg is still not fully healed, and he wanted to stay active but needed to focus on adequately healing his leg so he could bring on his A-game in the next fight. Reporters are watching these struggles, and so are MMA fans around the globe.

Need to Take Care of Bills after a Crash?

What are your thoughts on this surreal case? Do you want to talk with a serious injury lawyer in Los Angeles County, CA? Getting ample rest and working with a doctor right after an injury can assist in recovery, especially after a car crash. It can also help prevent any complications that may arise.

If you suffered injuries from a car accident that was not your fault, contact us at +(833) LETS-SUE and let us handle your claims while you focus on improving your bodily and emotional recovery. Click our contact us for more results about cars, accidents, and overcoming the obstacle of disputed liability in court from an honest lawyer as you heal before you get used to it.

Citations:

  • ESPN Sports Football
  • NSFW promotion news.
What Happened to MMA Fighter Guram Gugenishvili?

What Happened to MMA Fighter Guram Gugenishvili?

Written by MichaelEhline on . Posted in MMA.

In a tragic example of a life that ended far too soon, the highly talented and promising MMA fighter, Guram Gugenishvili, died in November 2014 as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident.

The Sad Details

The final story and details of the crash or the specific injuries suffered by the athlete were never fully revealed. Guram Gugenishvili was at the peak of his fighting career and had made a name for himself on the international stage by winning some great fights and setting records, such as his 10-0 win record that propelled him to stardom. Although long stints on the sidelines due to injuries had hindered his progress, he was in the middle of re-igniting his career at the time of the car accident. The cage fighter was due to fight in Japan from the end of 2014 until early 2015; however, tragedy struck, and the MMA world was robbed of great talent.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer

Incidents like this make you wonder whether a good lawyer could have made a difference. You never know when a car accident can happen, but when it does, you will need the services of a great auto accident attorney, such as Michael Ehline.

Michael, and the rest of the other car accident lawyers at Ehline Law Firm, have years of experience helping car crash victims with their auto insurance claims process. We invite you to give us a call at (833) – LETS SUE to schedule a free consultation with an auto accident lawyer today.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, a lot can happen within a short period. Even though you will obviously need to find personal injury lawyers, it is important to take the necessary steps.

Your own safety, as well as the success or failure of your car accident claim, will depend on your decision-making and doing the following:

Move to Safety

Even minor car accidents, such as a fender bender, can cause major fatalities if the victims do not move to safety as soon as possible. Vehicles that have been involved in a crash and are left in the middle of the road where the accident happened can result in a huge car wreck.

Seek Medical Treatment for Your Injuries

Regardless of how minor the injuries may seem, you should always see a doctor as soon as possible to be safe. Hidden injuries have been the cause of many auto accident-related deaths, especially in cases of traumatic brain injuries.

You will also need to provide medical records when seeking fair settlement as part of your personal injury claim, and this will only be available if a doctor treats you after the car crash.

Collect Evidence

In cases where the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuses to pay or decides to make the claim process difficult, you may need to go to court.

When this happens, you will need all the evidence you can get to prove liability and give you the best chances of success.

Before seeking a lawyer, start by gathering the following:

  • Detailed police report
  • Pictures of the accident scene show images of shattered glass, damage to vehicles (including minor damage), the relative position of all cars involved, and the location of the car accident.
  • Information about the other driver’s insurer.

Find a Personal Injury Attorney

Winning an insurance claim will be difficult without a good car accident lawyer by your side. Besides not being familiar with important things, such as whether or not your state has no-fault laws, the insurance company may make things difficult for you.

That is why you should let us handle this stressful situation by providing you with legal representation from an experienced lawyer. You can let your lawyer talk to the other party, insurance companies, and the insurance adjuster on your behalf.

10 Mistakes to Avoid After Car Accidents

Most personal injury attorneys work hard to give their clients the best advice.

Still, they regularly encounter the same issues over and over again, with clients who make the following common errors that can jeopardize any potential claim:

  • Leaving the accident scene without having a police report filed
  • Not gathering enough evidence
  • They Admit fault without consulting a good attorney
  • Not having personal injury protection (PIP)
  • Delaying medical treatment
  • Interfering with insurance adjusters
  • Not informing their own insurance company
  • Trying to handle their own claim
  • Being intimidated by insurance companies
  • Not hiring a good car accident attorney.

Damages a Car Accident Attorney Can Win for You

Car accident attorneys, such as those at Ehline Law, work hard to make sure that they serve the best interests of their clients and win the following damages for them:

  • Medical Bills

Medical bills can be the biggest expense for car crash victims. In cases of serious injuries, even after the patient is released from the hospital, they may still need to undergo a lengthy rehabilitation process, which can be quite expensive. This is why, after a car wreck, ensuring that you have all your medical records ready is important for your car accident claim.

  • Lost Wages

The right lawyer will always prioritize winning damages for lost wages when their client cannot work while recovering from their injuries. In some cases, the insurance policy limits the amount that can be paid for lost wages, but our super lawyers know other ways to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

  • Property Damage

Any damage to your vehicle also needs to be compensated by the other driver’s insurer, regardless of how minor it is.

Call a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Our reputation for having a stellar attorney/client relationship is based on years of ensuring that car accident victims get the best legal advice and representation possible. While many law firms these days focus on attorney advertising without living up to their claims, we will:

  • Negotiate With the Fault Driver’s Insurer in Your Car Accident Claim

Before you have your lawyer issue a lawsuit on your behalf, a lot can be done to avoid having to go to court. A good car accident lawyer will negotiate for an out-of-court settlement with the other driver’s insurance company as the first step.

  • Provide Legal Representation in Court

At Ehline Law, fighting for your legal rights is what we do best. Regardless of the situation’s seriousness, for example, if you have been tricked into admitting fault because of not knowing what constitutes acceptance, we can still win the case for you in court.

  • Win the Maximum Insurance Settlement

Many clients who handle their own cases end up settling for less compensation than they could have walked away with if they had hired an experienced car accident lawyer, even after deducting lawsuit-related expenses, such as filing fees.

  • Provide a Confidential Relationship

Conduct a simple zip code search for Ehline Law or take a look at the many reviews from happy clients. We stand head and shoulders above the rest because we are top-tier lawyers and offer absolute confidentiality in all our dealings.

Ehline Law Attorneys Could Have Helped Guram Gugenishvili!

When terrible accidents happen, such as the one that took the life of Guram Gugenishvili, the at-fault driver and his insurance company have to pay! If you are looking for a reliable, experienced, and confidential car accident lawyer, then look no further than Ehline Law. Please enter your zip code, start the search, and find our website today.

We are here to assist all car crash victims in getting the justice they deserve when going against insurance companies trying to avoid offering the proper settlements. Visit our law offices for a free consultation, or give us a call at (833) – LETS SUE right now!

Update - Chris Cocores "MMA Champ Breaks Back" Situation

Update – Chris Cocores “MMA Champ Breaks Back” Situation

Written by MichaelEhline on . Posted in MMA.

Everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings when it comes to MMA fighting. It can be incredibly dangerous because they put themselves on the line in their fights.

MMA Fighters Get Hurt in and Out of the Ring

But accidents sometimes happen in and outside the ring. Sometimes people or even their dogs are killed. When an accident happens, a personal injury law firm needs to be called to help the prize fighter or other victim get the compensation they deserve. This post will update you on Chris Cocores, an MMA fighter, in a tragic accident a few years ago. Below, Los Angeles car accident attorney Michael Ehline will discuss his case and a little bit about his fighting spirit. Let’s go!

Who Is Chris Cocores?

Cocores went to South Tahoe High School while being homeschooled. He had his first fight when he was 19, and his mother, Jodi Fisher, always supported him. However, she fell ill when he was about to fight. He then took himself out of the fight and helped his mother for six months before she passed away.

He was born and raised in South Lake. Cocores has always been known to be a respectful person who has gone through a lot of difficult situations during his life.

The Car Accident

Back in December 2017, MMA fighter and champion Chris Cocores was in a terrible car crash that left him recovering physically with rehabilitation and grieving for his girlfriend. He suffered severe injuries like a broken foot, arm, and back. Also, the passing of his girlfriend and dog was a new hurdle he needed to overcome.

Apparently, he was riding in the car with his girlfriend and dog when the vehicle swerved onto the other lane and crashed into a Toyota Sienna head-on. The medical expenses for this accident were astronomical, so Ryan Wallace created a GoFundMe to help raise money for the accident. This was a tragic time for his family because they were trying to help him recover while paying for the medical expenses.

How Did His Recovery Go?

It was no surprise when people found out that his injuries were severe. Luckily, he was able to persevere throughout his recovery, and he spoke about being stronger mentally and physically. He spent 20 days recovering in the hospital after needing several surgeries, but he worked on his mental toughness.

The UFC fighter spoke about how he has had to ensure a lot of mental and physical pain over the years. He lost his mother in 2011 to pancreatic cancer. Six months later, he was hit by a car while riding his skateboard. His uncle died of alcoholism, and then his grandfather died in 2015. After going through all of this heartache, he ended up in a car accident in 2017, where he lost two more close individuals.

However, he has managed to keep a positive attitude because he believes that these bad experiences have given him a lot of strength and made him the person he is today. Except, he has mentioned that he is numb to pain, which might be a downfall for him one day.

What Were 20 Days in the Hospital Like?

Cocores was in the hospital for 20 days and couldn’t sit up properly. He has two breaks in his spine, a broken wrist, and a broken ankle. His internal bleeding was so severe because the seatbelt ended up tearing into a part of his stomach. Also, a part of his intestine needed to be removed. He had two stomach surgeries, leaving him with a 12-inch scar on his entire abdomen.

After 15 days on his back, he needed to learn how to walk again. Also, he lost 20 pounds of muscle because of the diet that he was on. Cocores did say that it felt like he was in bed for a year because he needed to learn how to walk again by only walking five feet at a time.

Will Cocores Be Returning as a Bellator MMA Fighter?

It was a hard three years for Cocores, but by 2020, he was ready to get back in the ring. The car crash left him in pieces, but he managed to get through his rehabilitation and recovery fully, so he could look forward to the future. He believes that he was meant to be here and has a purpose, which is a good attitude.

This was a big shock to the MMA fighter because he did not think he would ever fight again. In 2018, he completed an interview where he said that the odds of competing in a UFC match were extremely low. However, he always believed that he needed to fight again, which helped him recover.

However, his goals changed. He wasn’t focused on reaching the UFC again but knew he needed to enter the ring again. After being in the hospital for three weeks, he got a nurse to hold his phone while he began to shadowbox in his room because he wanted to remind himself that he could do this. Luckily, he came at it positively because he said this was his chance to start from scratch.

He also gives credit to the medical professionals who helped him because he says that his recovery would have been a lot different if they had not been around. That is why after all of his surgeries and physiotherapy, he was able to fight again. We don’t know if he had an attorney representing him, but we assume he did.

After losing everything close to him, he ensured he would get back in the ring and fight again. However, this accident taught him that he needs to be patient because he wanted to jump back into fighting. He had difficulty watching his teammates compete and end up in the UFC, but he knew he needed to take time for himself.

Now, he is looking forward to his future in the UFC one day and any future fights he will be in.

Why Ehline Law Firm Can Help with Your MMA Accident

Michael Ehline is an MMA fighter and lover, making him even more passionate about helping those who need a litigation process completed. Every member at Ehline Law Firm is passionate, experienced, and knowledgeable about the subject, so every person can get the compensation they need.

With so much experience, personal injury lawyers know what to look for when their injured client comes to them for help. This is a personal injury law firm that many people have trusted for years with their cases because they know they are there to help them. That is why they offer a free consultation with their best attorney for those who want to ensure they are working with the best team.

Other Ways Personal Injury Lawyers Help?

The personal injury lawyers will gather all of the evidence for the case so that the client can focus on healing.

Battle the Insurance Company

They understand that your insurance company may be difficult to work with, but they will speak to them on your behalf. This is done because an insurance company will try not to give up any coverage money in this situation, balking at the findings of your investigation as to how the accident happened. That’s not right for the client and calls for an attorney.

Work with Injured Client

Overall, the attorney will get all the details about the accident before submitting the claim. Also, they will ensure that all the paperwork is completed on time and properly so the client does not need to think about it. The firm is here to help clients who cannot help themselves at the moment because of the injuries to their health caused by the incident.

Additionally, the team has covered a wide variety of practice areas, so they are ready to help with every accident, including a full-blown jury trial if necessary. The firm will handle the litigation process so that the family can focus on the injured and their injuries. Also, all of the clients that have worked with Ehline Law Firm have been welcomed and looked after like family, even after we collect our fees.

Call the Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Los Angeles Today!

When someone has suffered a bout with car accident injuries, they should speak with attorneys to understand the client’s needs to protect themselves financially. Also, the attorneys should make a claim that will help pay for any expenses regarding the incident. However, finding a team that can help with someone in the UFC may be challenging, but it won’t be if they reach out to Ehline Law Firm.

The team is ready to speak with anyone, an MMA or a UFC fighter, to get the claim they deserve for their suffering. Moreover, the attorneys will be by their side throughout the entire claim process and will be there if a trial occurs. Either way, clients who have an injury will always be treated respectfully by this team with superior, compassionate legal services.

John Dodson MMA Car Crash Update

John Dodson MMA Car Crash Update

Written by MichaelEhline on . Posted in MMA.

On July 4, 2021, we learned that John Dodson, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight competitor was in a tragic, near-death car accident with his whole family and has since been released from the hospital.

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It was a terrible start to the Fourth of July holiday; just as John Dodson shared he was set to make his XMMA return on July 30, the injuries from the crash have necessitated his withdrawal as a title challenger. Learn about the UFC fighter car accident claim of John Dodson and arguments of no-fault and at fault.

Wounded? World-class Los Angeles accident lawyer Michael Ehline stands ready to take your important call to get maximum compensation for your injuries or a death in your family.

The MMA Fighter’s Car Accident Shocked Fans Around the World

MMA news was previously overflowing with news of the fighter John Dodson’s success in the sport, but last year, John Dodson fans were shocked to hear of the veteran’s near-death travel experience. Given the gruesome photos and details that the UFC veteran fighter and his manager released, many fans have relayed their sympathies and expressed their relief, indicating that the John Dodson family was lucky no one died in the automobile accident, and we are glad too.

Things could be far worse for John Dodson, so he let everyone know, reminded them how precious life was, and related how luck played a role in keeping John Dodson alive. So even though he missed his South Carolina fight card, he will live to see another day!

John Dodson’s Car Crashed While Traveling from New Mexico to Texas

John Dodson has spoken out for the first time about the horrific vehicle accident that nearly claimed his life and the lives of his wife and three children.

The Winner, John Dodson

The Season-14 winner of “The Ultimate Fighter” and 17-fight UFC veteran John Dodson was engaged in a high-speed car accident while traveling from New Mexico to Texas. It sent his entire family to the hospital, and they were lucky no one had died.

John Dodson’s manager, Ricky Kottenstette, announced the news and even started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family with healthcare and other expenditures. Fighter John Dodson received much support from his fans after the tragic auto accident through the GoFundMe page.

About UFC Vet John Dodson

The MMA champion is a two-time UFC flyweight title contender and a winner of The Ultimate Fighter. In 2011, he entered the UFC through TUF, where John Dodson won the competition against T.J. Dillashaw prior to his recent near-death accident.

Titles of John Dodson

Both of Dodson’s title defenses were against Demetrious Johnson. The first was in 2013 when a title challenger Johnson won by a unanimous vote decision loss. John Dodson was defeated a second was at the UFC 191 in 2015 when a unanimous decision dethroned his chances again.

The Agony of Defeat

The last time John Dodson fought in the UFC was at UFC 252 in August last year. Merab Dvalishvili defeated him in a unanimous decision as the flyweight title challenger. Soon after, John Dodson was demoted from his position. He has 17 UFC fights and a 21-12 overall record.

How Did the Near Death Accident Occur According to UFC Vet John Dodson?

The MMA fighter released a public statement via several social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, and Dodson’s manager Ricky Kottenstette. He thanked the designers of the SUV, “Cuz it protected my family and me from dying.”

He said: “Life is short, and you don’t know when it’s gonna end,” … “So enjoy it while you can.”

He went on to talk about liability and fault, stating:

“The car we hit was left in the middle of the highway after that person hit an 18-wheel, and another crashed into it. He had no hazardous light [sic.], no flares, and no other warning to let us know. I hit the car, and we rolled. I don’t know how many times, but luckily the cables in the median stopped us from rolling onto traffic going the other direction. The guy fled on foot after he saw my vehicle rolled…”

The Car Crashed into a Stationary Vehicle?

Yes. According to John Dodson, he was driving down the road with his family when they came across an immobile vehicle stuck in the middle of the road with no hazard lights, flares, or other warning signs to warn of oncoming traffic. In other words, John Dodson and their family were involved in a car accident that was a “near death” event with a fixed object at freeway speeds.

The Vehicle John Dodson Hit Was Left in the Middle of the Highway after Being Hit by an 18-Wheeler

The vehicle landed in the middle of the road after colliding with an 18-wheeler. Dodson’s SUV flipped over, causing significant damage. However, John Dodson and his family were not so severely harmed, as they could have been killed in the near-death car accident.

But they will still have medical bills to rule out whether no one is seriously injured and need financial assistance to cover hospital and other recovery expenses from the devastating rollover. At least we know John Dodson will live to see another day based on the information so far!

The Family’s SUV Rolled Several Times

He indicated that the Dodson family vehicle rolled several times after the collision. Still, in a statement on his Facebook page, John Dodson wrote: “the median stopped us from rolling onto traffic going in the opposite direction.”

MMA champion Jogn Dodson also indicated that the guy fled on foot after seeing Dodson’s vehicle rolled en route to Texas for a vacation with his wife and kids.

His Official Statement

Here is the statement UFC vet John Dodson made to ensure fans of his safety:

He said this —-

“Just letting everyone know we’re all alive and no one is seriously injured. The car we hit was left in the middle of the highway after that person hit an 18 wheel, and another car crashed into it as well. He had no hazard lights, no flares, and no other warning to let us know. I hit the car, and we rolled. I don’t know how many times, but luckily the cables in the median stopped us from rolling onto traffic going the other direction. The guy fled on foot after he saw my vehicle roll. I gotta thank infinite for the design of the SUV cuz it protected my family and me from dying. We’re just lucky no one died, and we can live to see another day and be reminded of how lucky we are. Life is short, and you don’t know when it’s gonna end, so enjoy it while you can. If you guys wanna help us out, there is a GoFundMe account that one of my friends has created to help us out since I’m outta my fight for July 30th. Thank you, everyone, for checking up on us, and we’re just lucky,” said tehformer UFC champ.

The Word is that UFC Welterweight Tim Means donated $1,000 to the John Dodson Go FundMe efforts.

Consequences of the Near Death Car Accident

In his first appearance since leaving the UFC, John Dodson often referred to in MMA news as “The Magician,” was scheduled to work his magic at XMMA 2. Still, former UFC champ John Dodson was forced to withdraw early that Saturday related to new reporters.

Another XMMA Event

Dodson had agreed to fight Cody Gibson, a fellow UFC veteran, at an event on July 31. However, he was compelled to withdraw due to the terrible accident, ending the John Dodson comeback fight promotion efforts.

Need a Car Accident Attorney? Contact Ehline Law Firm Today!

If you, like UFC vet John Dodson, were involved in a near-death car crash that was not your fault, you have a right to pursue compensation from the party at fault.

Ehline Law Can Help

At Ehline Law Firm, we have an experienced team of lawyers with decades of experience representing car accident victims like MMA fighter John Dodson.

Contact us today to book a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case or even the John Dodson case in your local community or another state!

Citations:

  • Vox Media, Inc.
  • MMA News.
  • Fund Me.
  • Zuffa, LLC.