Category: Car Accidents

While it is against the law to text and drive in Tennessee, drivers are able to talk on hand-held cellphones with no legal repercussions. Many people, however, know that doing so is dangerous, and some people have turned to using hands free cellphones as a result. A study published by AAA found, however, that even hands free cellphones can pose a serious distraction to drivers and may increase the risk of a catastrophic car accident.

Participants in the study were asked to engage in several activities while using lab equipment, driving a simulator, as well as operating a vehicle equipped with monitoring instruments. These tasks included the following:

•          Listening to the radio
•          Talking with a passenger
•          Talking on a hand-held cellphone
•          Listening to an audiobook
•          Talking on a hands-free cellphone
•          Using a voice activated device

Researchers measured drivers’ following distance, brake reaction time, brainwave activity and eye and head movements while they were involved in the tasks.

Study results indicated that the distractive tasks affected drivers’ response time to road hazards and decreased motorists’ ability to see everything in their driving environment. While engaged in the various tasks, drivers’ showed decreased brain activity. This means that while people are engaged in other tasks that compete for their concentration, they are not able to fully focus on driving safely.

Similar cognitive distraction studies evaluated by the National Safety Council, show that even when drivers’ hands are on the steering wheel and eyes are on the road, they are still cognitively distracted and may be in danger of causing a motor vehicle accident. Anything that deters a motorist’s attention away from the task of driving can be dangerous to everyone on the road.  

While some elderly motorists in Tennessee have the ability to operate a vehicle without any cause for concern, others may pose an increased threat to other drivers on the road. As people age, certain medical conditions and changes in vision can make it difficult for them to react to certain driving hazards. Furthermore, the use of medications and slowed cognitive abilities can exacerbate this issue. As a result, many states have implemented programs that assess seniors’ driving abilities and determine whether they should be able to continue driving.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, states may require elderly motorists to take vision tests, road tests and renew their licenses more frequently than younger drivers. In Tennessee, however, this is not the case. All drivers in the state must have their licenses renewed every five years under current laws. Drivers 60 years and older may have their registration fee reduced.

A new bill may require drivers over the age of 76 to have a vision test before renewing their driver’s licenses, as reported by the Times Free Press. Even if this bill passes into law, however, Tennessee may still be trailing behind other states when it comes to monitoring senior driving. According to state statutes and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tennessee drivers who are required to renew their licenses may take the vision and written exams as many times as they need to until they pass.

Despite these renewal policies and proposed bills, some drivers are left to wonder if the roadways may be safer with stricter driver’s license guidelines for elderly motorists in the state. 

If you are one of the many Tennessee motorists who own a smart phone, they you may have used it to talk, text, email or perform a number of other tasks while driving. Although you run the risk of getting pulled over and cited for texting and driving in the state, it is not illegal to talk on a hand-held cellphone while behind the wheel. This activity, however, is highly distractive and may lead to a catastrophic car accident. While many drivers have turned to using hands free devices to lower the risk of distraction while behind the wheel, you may have wondered whether these cellphones are really safer to use.

Researchers from the National Safety Council have found that talking on a hands free device is still a significant form of cognitive distraction. When you are engaged in a conversation while driving, your brain is unable to fully concentrate on your driving environment. Instead, your brain tends to bounce back and forth between the two tasks, leaving moments where you are not focused on driving at all. As a result, you are less likely to respond to certain hazards, including pedestrian crosswalks, traffic signals, stop signs, objects in the road, bad weather conditions and other negligent motorists.

You may be safer using a hands free cellphone than a hand-held cellular device while driving, as hand-held devices also create manual and visual distractions. However, even a hands free device does not come without certain risks. Your best bet is to avoid using a cellphone while driving altogether.

This information is only intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice. 

If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Knoxville, or anywhere else across the state, you know first-hand how easy it is to become seriously injured. In fact, you may have walked away from the collision thinking that you were fine, only to find out days later that you have suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury.  Our attorneys at Pryor Priest and Harber know how these injuries can affect your quality of life, including your ability to earn a living, engage in hobbies and interact with friends and family. Since time is of the essence when it comes to diagnosing and treating brain injuries, knowing the signs of TBI may help to reduce any long-term cognitive damage that you experience as a result of an accident injury.

Although the symptoms of TBI are unique, depending on the location and severity of the brain injury, there are some common signs to look for.  According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, these include the following:

•          Persistent headaches, nausea and vomiting
•          Tingling in the extremities and/or muscle weakness
•          Trouble sleeping, staying awake or concentrating
•          Changes in your ability to see, hear or understand others

Brain injuries that involve the frontal lobe of the brain may cause changes in your personality, ability to remember details and alter how you process information. Studies show that even mild damage to certain parts of the brain can result in long-term cognitive damage.

To find out more about traumatic brain damage and other types of accident-related injuries, visit our page on automobile accidents. 

As a motorist in Tennessee, you may already know that the winter roads can be extremely dangerous for drivers. Not only are there adverse weather conditions to deal with, but you are also forced to share the road with people who drive recklessly in these harsh circumstances. According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 480,000 people are injured and 6,250 people lose their lives in car accidents caused by slushy, icy or snowy roads each year. Although your risk of becoming involved in a tragic automobile accident increases when the weather is bad, there are steps you can take to stay safe on the road this winter.

One of the most important things that you can do when you face reduced visibility, slick roads and reduced traction due to weather is slow down. You should also leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Icy and wet roads can make it difficult for you to brake, and you may start to skid or lose control of your vehicle if you are forced to stop suddenly.

It is also crucial that you have your vehicle winterized, preferably before the first storm of the year. Make sure that your car’s battery, lights, brakes, windshield wipers, exhaust system, heater and ignition system are in good working order. Have your tires checked to ensure they have good tread and adequate pressure.

Avoid engaging in activities that may distract you, such as texting and driving, eating or reaching for things in the car. While it is important to drive cautiously at all times, it is even more essential that your full attention is on the road when traveling through winter conditions.

This information is simply intended to education and should not taken as legal advice. 

If you find yourself struggling with insurance companies after an accident, you are not alone. Insurance companies will try to limit their monetary losses even if it may come at a cost to you.  In this post, we will discuss the costs that you may face after your accident and why you may benefit from seeking compensation.

You may deal with expensive injuries after being involved in a car accident. Physical injuries will require medical care, but mental and emotional strain may require therapy, which can also be pricey. Injuries that may occur after an accident can include:

•          Muscle or nerve damage
•          Internal bleeding or organ damage
•          Broken bones or skin lesions
•          Spinal or brain damage

If you are suffering from any of these, you will likely need to go to the hospital. You may even need therapy or post-hospital medical treatment in order to aid your recovery. Treatments and hospital stays can be pricy, and it is possible to struggle with payments even if you have insurance. This is particularly true if your injuries have caused you to miss work or take an extended leave. With no income, bills can seem difficult to manage. For these reasons, you may find it beneficial to fight for compensation, which can give you the monetary cushion that you need to power through these tough times.

If you would like to read more about getting the most money from insurance companies after an accident, you can visit our web page on handling the aftermath of car accidents.

Being involved in a hit and run accident can be a traumatizing event. Because of that, many people are not aware of how to handle these types of accidents, especially if they are the victim in the equation. However, handling a hit and run quickly and efficiently is very important.

A person who has been caught up in a hit and run incident can find themselves upset, confused or injured. According to the Department of Motorized Vehicles, this can make it harder for them to handle the scenario well. However, they suggest that a driver or pedestrian involved in a hit and run accident keep their wits about them and collect as much information as possible. Information to collect includes the make, plate number and model of the other car involved. The more information, the better. They also suggest taking pictures of the scene, of the car or cars involved, and writing down when and where the crash happened.

Hit and runs are illegal and the consequences that someone can face if they attempt to flee the scene can be vast. The Evening Standard states that not only are here heavy penalties and fines for those who hit someone and run, but that insurance coverage could be dropped, among other things. Additionally, the victim of a hit and run could take the perpetrator to court and get a fair some of money for insurance and potential medical expenses.

In the end, a hit and run is bad for everyone involved. It is best for a driver to stick around if they hit anyone, even if it is just a parked car. Likewise, it is best for any potential victims to make sure their case is well documented.

Tennessee residents know that car accidents are a sad but true fact of life on area roads. The best defensive driving tactics are not enough to prevent every potential crash. Luckily, many such accidents are minor and may involve only a bit of damage to vehicles. However, when an accident injury occurs, the concerns can increase. When a person is killed in a car accident, friends and family members of the victim are left searching for answers and compensation.

Car accident injuries can range dramatically from a brain injury to broken bones and more. Emotional as well as physical trauma is also common in an automobile accident. For two families, the emotional pain is being experienced deeply after a fatal head-on accident that happened recently. For each family, the angst is slightly different as it appears that the actions of one driver were potentially responsible for the crash.

While driving along State Route 840, a 27-year-old woman veered of the road. In an attempt to get back in her lane, she may have over-corrected. This action put her on the other side of the median and in the path of oncoming traffic. A car driven by a 32-year-old Nashville resident was struck. That driver was taken by helicopter to the hospital and has survived. The first driver died after being ejected from her car. It is not known if any insurance claims or other actions have yet been initiated.

People in Tennessee who have been the victim of a serious car crash deserve help as they recover. Talking with an experienced lawyer may provide options for how best to receive the necessary help.

Source: wgnsradio.com, “Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on SR 840 – Names Released,” September 3, 2015

When it comes to dangerous driving in Knoxville, most are familiar with the problems associated with drunk or distracted driving. However, much debate exists over drowsy driving. While there may be little to argue about in terms of the wisdom of driving while one is obviously tired, most people still believe that their motor skills are immune to fatigue. Yet statistics seem to counter that line of thinking.

Information compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that roughly 2 percent of all injury crashes and 2.5 percent of fatal car accidents in the U.S. involve drowsy driving. Their information goes on to show that of a survey of more than 150,000 drivers, over 4 percent admitted to having fallen asleep while behind the wheel within the last 30 days. However, it’s believed that the problem presented by drowsy drivers is actually much worse. That’s because many cases likely go unreported, as those whose drowsiness causes accidents may be afraid to admit their fault.

How much of a danger can drowsy drivers pose? The CDC estimates that after being awake for 24 consecutive hours, one’s cognitive function is impaired to the point of being comparable to a blood-alcohol content level almost .10 percent over the legal limit in most states.

Tennessee policymakers have recently taken action to try and mitigate the dangers posed by these drivers. According to OpenStates.org, legislation was introduced in early 2014 that proposed adding fatigue to the last of factors attributing to vehicular homicide. If and when this proposed bill passes, those who violate it could face a Class E felony charge. Yet even in the absence of criminal charges, victims of drowsy driving accidents may still have the right to pursue compensation from those who caused their collisions. 

Dealing with accidents or roadway emergencies can be scary. It might shake a person so much that they are not certain what to do. However, being caught unaware can cause even more problems on the road. Because of this, it is best to be prepared.

There are many different tips for handling emergencies on the road. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security has stated that one of the first things drivers can do is dial *THP (*847) for emergency assistance. This directs drivers to the nearest trooper dispatch. While 911 can also be used in emergencies, *847 could get a driver faster help due to the fact that the dispatchers are closer to their location.

In order to alert other drivers to the fact that an emergency is occurring, it is suggested to turn on the emergency flashers first. This is the most universal sign of distress. Hanging something white from the window or antenna can also help, as can popping open the hood of the car.

Another good tip is for drivers to always be aware of their location on the road. If an emergency strikes, they will need to know how to get off of the road quickly and safely. Always aim for the right shoulder and keep tires facing to the right so as to keep the vehicle from drifting into traffic if the brakes fail. Never stop on a bridge if it can be avoided. This is a dangerous place to be and can cause more accidents. It is also advised for drivers to never slam on their brakes, but to simply take their foot off of the gas gradually and guide the car to a safe location.

These are just a few of the tips that can help all drivers universally. Following these tips may make any drive a safer experience.