Category: Car Accidents

Many people in Knoxville who have never been involved in car accidents before believe that the most important thing they should worry about is property damage. However, car accidents can be very serious and often end with someone becoming injured. It is not uncommon for some individuals to suffer serious injuries in car accidents where there is minimal impact. It is also very common for some people not to show signs of their injuries immediately after them. 

As brief as motor vehicle collisions are, many people end up with long-term pain and suffering. Their injuries are often so severe that there is little chance of them making full recoveries. Anyone who has never been in a car accident before should take some time to learn about two types of injuries they are at risk of sustaining. 

Broken bones and fractures 

Broken bones and fractures make it hard for victims to return to normal after their accidents. They take a long time to heal. Some victims who suffer broken bones or fractures may need to undergo physical therapy for weeks or months after their bones mend. Individuals with multiple broken bones and fractures may need surgery before they can make a complete recovery, states MyPhysiciansNow.com. 

Spinal and brain trauma 

Some people end up with spinal cord damage and brain injuries after being flung back and forth in their vehicles during collisions. They may also suffer open wounds and penetration injuries when objects impale their heads and skulls. Brain injuries are also common when their heads are slammed against the sides and windshield of their vehicles and ground after becoming airborne. 

It is recommended for anyone who finds themselves in a motor vehicle collision to seek out immediate medical treatment. They may have injuries that they do not show any outward symptoms of. They should also get medical care in the weeks after their accidents to rule out the presence of delayed wounds.

Summer vacation has come to an end for students in Knoxville. Now that it is time for them to go back to school, you may notice that the roads are more congested than usual. More traffic means you will need to get used to new driving habits and patterns. It also means there is a higher risk of car accidents. According to Edmunds.com, school season car accidents are more likely to occur in school zones, especially during the afternoon. Contributing factors include distracted pedestrians and drivers, motorists disregarding school zone signs and school buses. 

Even if you do not have any kids to drop off and pick up from school, take heed of the following safety tips to keep yourself and others safe when you are out on the roads. 

Pay attention to school buses 

Passing school buses that are picking and unloading children is illegal. Kids do not always pay attention when they are getting on and off buses and may dart across the streets. Most school buses have stop signs that they use to inform motorists when they are picking up and dropping off students. Do not follow these vehicles too closely because some kids may run behind them. School buses also make sudden stops. You should also allow sufficient traveling distance so bus operators can safely maneuver their vehicles. 

Drive the right speed in school zones 

Many school zones have posted speed limits that are lower than the normal flow of traffic in nearby areas. You should keep an eye out for those signs so you can adjust your speed accordingly. Since traffic is slower in school zones, you should adjust your commute. Leave out early, so you do not feel the need to rush, speed and perform other reckless actions that put you and others in danger. 

In addition to pedestrians, there are also many newly licensed teenagers on the roads who may not understand school zone driving rules and make driving errors that put you and everyone else at risk. Stay focused on the roads and drive defensively to reduce the number of back to school season accidents that occur.

Given the mount of local and national awareness that has developed over the dangers and penalties associated with drinking and driving in recent years, you likely feel pretty safe when traveling on Knoxville’s streets. Yet were aware that all around your, countless drivers are engaging in activity that can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated? Several of the clients that we here at Pryor, Priest and Harber have worked with have discovered the hard way the risk posed by those who choose to eat and drive.

You might immediately question what is the harm in eating while driving, yet it is not the effect that causes the risk, but rather the distraction. Data compiled by the Auto Alliance and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recognizes three common types of distractions that occur while driving:

•          Visual
•          Manual
•          Cognitive

If you take a moment to truly think about it, it while driving causes one to experience all three. Line of sight must be diverted when unwrapping packages or picking up food that has fallen. Hands are taken off the wheel to hold food. One’s attention is also impacted as he or she tries not to make a mess while eating.

Research shared by Exxon Mobil shows that as many as 70 percent of motorist may eat while driving. With so few seeing eating behind the wheel as problem, the likelihood that the person who struck you may have been eating might actually be quite high. Look for telltale signs that could indicate he or she indeed had been divulging in this distraction at the time of your accident.

More information on the dangers of distracted driving can be found here on our site. 

As people across Tennessee and the nation watched the story unfold of champion golfer, Tiger Woods, being arrested near his home for a DUI, a spotlight was shined on a problem that is currently plaguing our roads and highways. As the Palm Beach Post reports, more crashes that result in the death of the driver now involve drugs, both prescription and illegal, than involved alcohol. In 2015 the number of drivers who died with drugs in their system is 43 percent, and alcohol is 37 percent. In 2005, the amount of drivers who died with drugs in their system was only 27 percent.

As The Atlantic explains, a recent study found the 20 percent of drivers had used a prescription drug in the past 48 hours. The most commonly used were antidepressants, sedatives and painkillers. Illegal drug use is also up among drivers on nights and weekends. In 2007 only 12.4 percent of drivers were found to be driving with illegal drugs in their systems, but by 2013 that number was up to 15.1 percent. Marijuana use is the most common, in 2007 8.6 percent of drivers tested positive for THC and in 2013 that number had jumped 48 percent, all the way up to 12.6 percent of night-time and weekend drivers testing positive.

With prescription drug use up amongst Americans, it is important to realize that having a prescription from a doctor does not mean a drug is safe to use while driving. Although alcohol has measurable limits within the law for when it is acceptable to drive, neither prescription drugs nor illegal drugs have limits in most states. This makes it difficult for law enforcement, who are increasingly pulling over motorists who do not realize or do not care that they should not be driving while taking a certain drug.

While Tennessee has not joined the ranks of the states that have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, that does not mean that plenty of Tennessee residents may not be headed to those states as part of their summer vacations. At the same time, it is a reality that illegal use of marijuana may well happen in Tennessee and that illegal use may include people driving after consuming the drug. In either of these situations, innocent people may be at risk of being involved in an accident caused by a drugged driver.

An agency that performs insurance research, the Highway Loss Data Institute, conducted a study taking a look at accident insurance claims in multiple states, including three states where pot had been legalized for at least part of the time during the study. What the institute found in its analysis that Washington, Oregon and Colorado all saw jumps by more than two-and-a-half percent in the number of insurance claims filed for motor vehicle accidents after marijuana was legalized versus before.

The study included some time before pot was legalized as well as some time after. It also compared data from those three states to data from states where marijuana was not legally able to be used recreationally.

When on the road this summer, Tennessee residents who are involved in accidents and believe another driver may have been under the influence of a substance may want to reach out to an attorney to learn how to get help in this situation.

Source: NBC29.com, “Insurance study ties legal pot to boost in car crash claims,” Solomon Banda, June 21, 2017

When you think about car accidents, you may feel the only dangers you should worry about are drunk, distracted and aggressive drivers. But did you know you could be a danger to yourself and other motorists if you are feeling fatigued behind the wheel? According to CBSNews.com, “sleepy motorists are just as dangerous as intoxicated/drunk drivers.” Drowsy driving is a very common occurrence that increases the number of driving errors motorists make and motor vehicle wrecks on the roads. 

It is important for you to know what signs to watch for so you can protect yourself and everyone else. 

Signs you are too drowsy to drive safely 

If you find yourself yawning or blinking excessively, you should get off the roads. Some medications have side effects that cause drowsiness. Observe your body’s response to any medications you are on. If you feel tired or fatigued, you should wait until you feel more alert and awake before you get behind the wheel. Other signs that indicate that you are not rested well enough to drive include drifting in your lane, driving past your exit or destination and trouble remembering where you are going. 

Make sure you get enough sleep at night before you head out for the day. If you are a shift worker, you should try to incorporate a few naps into your schedule in addition to your regular rest time. If you find yourself losing focus or becoming sleepy while operating your vehicle, you should pull over to somewhere safe so you can close your eyes for a few moments to take a nap. If a roadside nap is not possible, have another licensed motorist take over your driving duties so you can rest while traveling. It is important for you to realize that rolling your window down and listening to loud music are not effective ways to keep you awake when you are too drowsy to drive. With a little preparation and more rest, you can avoid falling asleep behind the wheel.

Many car accidents in Knoxville occur due to driver error. Although many of the vehicles that are on the roads are equipped with safety features and technology to make them safer to operate, car crashes are still a leading cause of death for all age groups. According to a study posted on CBSNews.com, “driver mistakes contributed to approximately 75 percent of car accidents that occurred over a three-year period.” 

Here is a brief overview on some common driving mistakes that cause car crashes. 

Some motorists, such as teens and seniors are more prone to making critical mistakes while operating their vehicles than others. Young adult drivers do not have much driving experience to rely on. Although they have completed driver’s training, it takes years for them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to handle different road situations and hazards. Seniors may not be fully aware of their surroundings so they can operate their vehicles safely. 

Many driving errors occur out of habit and ignorance, states Goliath.com. Common mistakes drivers make that often result in property damage, injuries and death include: 

•        Riding the brakes
•        Not using turn signals
•        Improper use of vehicle lights
•        Not paying attention to traffic signs 

There are other factors that contribute to people making mistakes while driving, such as alcohol, distractions, recklessness and fatigue. Motorists should take measures to ensure they are ready to drive their vehicles safely. Preparing themselves and their cars before each trip, avoiding distractions and substances that lead to impairment and using defensive driving behaviors can reduce the likelihood of them crashing into others.

Car accidents are extremely common in Knoxville. If you ever find yourself in one, you may be wondering how to prove that your injuries are the result of the crash. Even if you initially feel fine after your ordeal, there is a chance that all of the adrenaline pumping through your blood and your emotions may be masking any injuries you may have. There is also the possibility that you have delayed injuries that may show up several hours or days after your accident. According to Ktar.com, many people do not realize the extent of their car accident injuries because of distractions, emotional disorientation and mental trauma. 

Here are some steps you can take to prove your injuries are car accident-related. 

Do not make statements about your health 

Avoid telling anyone at the scene of the accident that you feel fine and that you are relatively unharmed. You should also avoid running, lifting and doing other actions that could indicate that you are not injured. Those statements and actions can be used to discredit your claim. You could have injuries that you are not aware of yet.

Seek out medical treatment 

No matter how minor or serious your car accident is, it is important for you to seek out medical treatment right away, even if you feel fine. You should get checked for signs of obvious, hidden and delayed injuries. You should inform the medical staff about any symptoms you feel so that all information regarding your health and injuries are documented. You may need to undergo diagnostic testing and take x-rays so that the extent of your injuries, such as broken bones, concussions, and damaged muscles are discovered. 

There are other factors that can affect what you need to do to prove your injuries came from a car accident. If you plan to file a lawsuit against the other driver, you have the burden of proof. Depending on the extent of your wounds and circumstances surrounding your ordeal, you may benefit from seeking out legal counsel.

As a motorist who frequents the roads in Knoxville, you should pay close attention to the drivers around you. Some of them are aggressive motorists who do not care or understand how much their driving behaviors can impact others. Yelling, tailgating, cutting off and rude and inappropriate gestures are common behaviors that angry and reckless drivers exhibit. According to NBCNews.com, aggressive driving is a factor in 56 percent of fatal motor vehicle accidents. It is also a leading cause of car accident injuries. 

With more motorists on the streets these days, the chances of you encountering angry drivers are higher. Here are some ways you can avoid aggressive motorists. 

Stay calm 

It is not uncommon for you to feel as if your patience is being tested during your commute. You should give yourself extra travel time and plan to be on the roads a little longer than usual. When other drivers do things that are inconsiderate, illegal or offensive towards you, stay calm and courteous. 

Avoid eye contact 

Angry drivers often look for people they think are easy targets. They are not necessarily thinking about how their actions can affect themselves or anyone else. Some of them may be looking for opportunities to take their feelings out on others. You should avoid making eye contact with these individuals to keep these situations from escalating beyond your control. If you must respond to them, do so carefully and without aggression. 

Drive to safety 

Some angry and upset motorists may try to follow you so they can confront you the moment you stop and get out of your vehicle. If you suspect you are being followed by an aggressive or reckless motorist, drive to the nearest police station, fire department, hospital or public area. 

Aggressive driving is becoming more common. But you can protect yourself by staying in your own space, not provoking the offending drivers and contacting law enforcement when necessary.

Summertime marks the beginning of longer days, warmer temperatures, more social events and drunk driving. Many people in Knoxville are so caught up in hanging out with their friends, partying and enjoying themselves at events around town that they fail to consider how their alcohol consumption can affect their driving skills. According to Cars.com, “motorists are twice as likely to die from car accidents during the summer than any other time of the year.” Many of those accidents are the result of alcohol and drug use and distractions. 

Here are some ways people can keep themselves and their friends from driving drunk and injuring others. 

Choose a designated driver 

Anyone who plans to go out for some summertime fun should choose a designated driver. That person should not drink any alcoholic beverages. They should also keep an eye on friends who decide to drink so they can discourage them from drinking to the point of intoxication. If a designated driver is not available, they should use a ride share service, taxi or public transportation to travel. 

Limit their drinks 

Many intoxicated people do not keep track of the number of drinks they consume. They may not understand that buzzed driving is just as deadly as drunk driving. All it takes is for a person to consume one alcoholic beverage for their driving abilities and safety to be affected, states AFMC.org. 

Drunk driving accidents are completely preventable when motorists recognize the dangers and adjust their actions to prevent them. Drivers who are at risk of accidents and injuries from crashes with drunk drivers should also encourage their friends not to drink and drive.