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Drunk Driving Accidents

How to identify the signs of a drunk driver

As motorist in Knoxville, you may follow all of the traffic and safety regulations when sharing the road with other vehicles. Regardless of how cautious you are while driving, however, there is the ever present danger that you may become involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. By knowing how to identify the signs of an intoxicated motorist, you may be able to avoid becoming the victim of a serious automobile collision.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, there are some definite driving behaviors that could alert you to an intoxicated or otherwise negligent motorist. These drivers may be found swerving in and out of traffic lanes and might even straddle the center line. You may also spot intoxicated motorists driving at night with their headlights off or following other vehicles too closely. Motorists who have been drinking often drive extremely slow, which in some cases, may be as low as 10 mph under the posted speed limit.

People who are drinking and driving experience a decreased or increased reaction time. They could either slam on their brakes in response to a traffic light, object in the road, pedestrian crosswalk or bad weather conditions, or they could fail to brake in time.

Drunk drivers put the lives of everyone on the road in danger. If you should happen to spot a motorist who is driving erratically, you may want to call the authorities. The few minutes it takes to report the driver may just save someone’s life.

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

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

What are the benefits of taking motorcycle safety classes?

Although you may feel as though riding a motorcycle is second nature, you may not fully understand the mental and physical skills and techniques that are needed to operate a bike. Motorcycle safety classes are offered in Knoxville and across Tennessee as a way to help you become more familiar with the hazardous situations you may face on a bike, as well as how to react if you should encounter dangerous road and traffic conditions.

There are many reasons why you should take a motorcycle safety class, as reported by Discovery News. First, and most importantly, it may help you avoid becoming involved in a devastating motorcycle collision. When riding a motorcycle, you are exposed to different obstacles than when operating a vehicle. By knowing what to look for and how to ride defensively, you may save a life.

Motorcycle safety classes can help you get your motorcycle license in a more timely manner and save you money as well. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, bikers who pass a vision test, complete the motorcycle rider education program and pay the mandatory fees do not have to take the license skills and knowledge tests that are otherwise required to obtain a motorcycle license.

In addition, you may be entitled to a significant discount on your insurance premiums by obtaining a certificate of completion from the motorcycle safety program. Motorcycle classes give you the opportunity to learn new skills, refine old skills and even develop advanced techniques that could help you stay safe on the road.

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

Categories
Drunk Driving Accidents

Intoxicated Tennessee teen causes fatal car accident

Drinking and driving at any age can cause devastating auto accidents, injuries and possible death in Tennessee and across the U.S. However, the risk of a catastrophic collision becomes even greater when an inexperienced and intoxicated teen gets behind the wheel of a vehicle.

A young man faces up to 30 years in prison because of the decision he made to drive while intoxicated. His poor choice changed the lives of several people, including a 19-year-old girl who was killed in the crash. Not only was the teen speeding at the time, but he ran a red light and collided into the young girl’s driver side door. The impact forced her car into another vehicle, causing the driver of that car to sustain serious injuries as well. The teen then tried to flee the scene of the crime, but was caught and detained by witnesses of the incident.

After being tested, the teen’s blood alcohol level content allegedly measured 0.14 percent, which is significantly higher than the 0.02 percent legal limit for an underage minor in the state. He has been indicted for the death of the young girl and faces criminal charges of first-degree assault, manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident with injury.

When people make bad decisions, they should be held responsible for the consequences of their actions. Their negligence ultimately puts peoples’ lives in danger. When tragic auto accidents occur, victims may want to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Tennessee regarding their legal rights and options. 

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle safety classes: What bikers should know

Although motorcycles are a practical and thrilling mode of transportation for some Tennessee residents, motorcyclists are vulnerable when sharing the road with larger vehicles. According to Discovery News, motorcyclists should not only know how to safely operate a motorcycle, but they should understand the limitations of a motorcycle and how to react in certain hazardous situations. The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security offers a motorcycle rider education program that is designed to educate motorcyclists on these very topics. The program also helps people through the motorcycle licensing process.

The motorcycle safety program groups people with similar skill levels together by offering two courses, including a class for new motorcyclists and one for advanced riders. The beginning class focuses on basic rider training through group discussion and actual riding experience. The advanced class enables riders to learn new techniques, practice their skills and further improve their safety on the road. Each course is taught by certified instructors who provide students with all the training materials they will need to use during the class.

Students who register for either class must come prepared with safety gear that they will need to participate. These items include an approved helmet, long pants, a long sleeved shirt or jacket, leather gloves, shoes that extend over the ankle and eye protection. Motorcycles are provided to participants for use on the Advanced Rider Course, as well as for basic safety training.

Taking a motorcycle safety course is a must for people who are new to biking, are more experienced bikers or are simply interested in purchasing a motorcycle. By understanding the critical topics covered in these courses, bikers may be able to avoid a catastrophic motorcycle accident in the future. 

Categories
Drunk Driving Accidents

Repeat DUI offenders in TN could lose their vehicles

Drunk driving offenders in Tennessee are subject to some of the strictest penalties in the country. One of these penalties involves the state’s right to confiscate the vehicles of repeat DUI offenders, as reported by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Although Tennessee’s mandatory ignition interlock law and other DUI restrictions are designed to keep drunk drivers off of the road, there are some drunk drivers who continue to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. As a result, innocent people are injured and killed in drunk driving car accidents every year.

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, drunk drivers who are convicted of two DUI offenses within a five-year period may have their vehicles confiscated by law enforcement. Once an officer determines that a driver has indeed been convicted of multiple DUI offenses, he or she can fill out a Notice of Seizure and Forfeiture of Conveyances form. The form is then given to the offender, who is responsible for having the case brought before a judge to determine whether there is enough reason to seize the drunk driver’s property.

Before the case is taken further into the judicial process, the officer who initiated the seizure and attorneys will attempt to negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the offender. If an agreement cannot be made, however, the case may go before an administrative law judge, who will make the final ruling. Ultimately, the property may be placed into service, sold at a public auction or eventually returned to the owner.

By taking the vehicles of people who have been convicted of multiple DUI offenses, law enforcement officers are helping to clear the roads of dangerous drivers. 

Categories
Truck Accidents

The controversy surrounding tractor trailer underride guards

When motorists ride next to tractor trailers on Tennessee roadways, they may feel comforted by the fact that these massive vehicles, truck drivers and trucking companies are regulated by several federal and state agencies. As the large truck accident fatality rate continues to increase, however, many people are wondering whether the current big rig safety devices are enough. One safety regulation requires certain big rigs to be equipped with rear-end underride guard bars that are designed to protect smaller passenger vehicles from riding underneath the truck if a collision occurs. Unfortunately, a number of these safety mechanisms are not built strong enough to withstand the force of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, many underride bars run the risk of breaking or crushing under pressure, which poses an even bigger threat to motorists.

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, Canada also requires trucks to be equipped with underride guards. However, they mandate that the guards must be able to handle an impact of nearly twice the force of what current American underride guards are required to have. Studies found that the Canadian models are often more effective at preventing serious injuries caused by underride bars. The NHTSA is petitioning to strengthen the current underride guard standards, and to expand the use of these safety devices to all types of large trucks.

Currently, there are no regulations in the United States mandating the use of side-rail or front-rail bars, despite research showing that side-rail guards in large trucks could possibly reduce the risk of serious injuries and deaths, according to the IIHS. Although truck manufacturers are not required to build the stronger underride bars, some companies have built the underride guards according to Canadian standards.  

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Officers encourage Tennessee motorists to buckle up

Although it only takes a few seconds for motor vehicle drivers and passengers in Tennessee to buckle up before hitting the road, many neglect to do so. Unfortunately, a surprising number of lives are lost as a result of this simple oversight. In fact, the Governor’s Highway Safety Office reported that the number of people who wore seat belts last year dropped to 86.6 percent. In an effort to increase the seat belt compliance rate to above 90 percent, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office has launched a campaign encouraging everyone to buckle up every time they drive or ride in a vehicle.

The Seatbelts Are For Everyone campaign is aimed at informing the public of what could happen when they fail to wear a seat belt. According to the GHSO, approximately half of all motor vehicle accident fatalities in the state involve people who were not restrained during a collision. Sadly, these are lives that could have possibly been saved had they remembered to buckle up.

In addition to spreading information to the public through traditional routes at safety and seat belt events, this year the campaign will involve community high schools. Students will have access to the Seat Belt Convincer simulator, which shows teens what could happen if they are involved in a low speed collision without being restrained.

While many new vehicles come equipped with the latest technology and safety devices, the seat belt continues to be one of the most critical life savers. People who are involved in a serious auto accident, and have sustained injuries or have lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, may want to speak to a personal injury attorney in Tennessee. A lawyer may be able to answer questions regarding personal injury cases and what options are available.

Source: WGNS News Radio, “50% of those killed in Tennessee auto accidents were not wearing seatbelts,” Jan 28, 2016. 

Categories
Car Accidents

Auto accidents can lead to serious soft tissue injuries

Whether you have been involved in a fender bender or a catastrophic collision, you are at risk of receiving a soft tissue injury.  While these injuries may be thought of as relatively minor, they can be serious and could have serious consequences if not handled properly. At Pryor, Priest, & Harbor, we understand that injuries obtained in a car accident can be debilitating, and in some cases, can wreak havoc on your life.

Any type of forceful impact can cause your tendons, cartilage, ligaments and/or muscles to tear, swell, rip or stretch. This can result in contusions, strains, sprains, bursitis, tendonitis, as well as a host of other injuries, which may lead to significant pain and could make it difficult for you to function.

Sprains occur when ligaments are stretched beyond their range of movement, and most commonly take place in the knees, ankles, thighs and wrists. Strains, on the other hand, are the result of torn or pulled muscles, and may result in muscle spasms, pain, swelling, muscle weakness, cramping and inflammation.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you should allow yourself plenty of rest when suffering from a strain, sprain or contusion. It is also recommended that you ice the injured area several times a day and keep it elevated if possible. Wearing a compression bandage could also help to prevent blood loss and/or swelling.

Our attorneys know that all personal injury cases are unique and require extensive attention to detail. To find out more information about soft tissue injuries visit our page on motor vehicle accidents. 

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists or drivers: Who causes more motorcycle accidents?

While you and other motorists in Tennessee may feel as though the majority of motorcycle accidents in the state are caused by irresponsible and reckless motorcyclists, researchers found that drivers may be more at fault when it comes to causing catastrophic collisions. You may have heard other drivers complain of negligent motorcyclists weaving in and out of traffic and pulling out in front of vehicles. However, a study conducted at the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research reported that other motorists are responsible for motorcycle accidents approximately 60 percent of the time.

The study found that many motorcycle collisions are caused by motorists who unintentionally pull out in front of motorcyclists, cutting them off. Furthermore, vehicles making left-hand turns may underestimate the speed and/or distance of an oncoming motorcycle and fail to yield.

As a motorcyclist, you can decrease your risk of becoming involved in an accident by wearing the right types of protective equipment and riding defensively in heavy traffic conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you should always use turn signals and try to remain in a spot that is visible to other motorists. If you are driving another type of vehicle, however, it is crucial that you keep on the lookout and drive safely around motorcycles when traveling along state roadways. Motorists should never drive while distracted, drunk or drowsy to avoid causing serious harm to others.

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

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Cellphone selfies: The latest form of driver distraction

A new form of driver distraction is sweeping the nation. A quick look on any social media site proves that many drivers in Tennessee and across the U.S. are doing more than just concentrating on the road while behind the wheel. A number of people, who are taking selfies and posting them on their social media pages, are putting the lives of innocent people at risk. Distraction.gov reported that 3,154 people were killed and 424,000 people were injured by distracted drivers in 2013. However, cellphone selfies may take deadly distractions to an entirely different level.

According to CNN News, a search for selfies that have been posted on social media sites, such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, brings up a surprising number of results. More than 9,700 selfies were found on Instragram under the hashtag #drivingtowork, and an additional 1,900 posts were listed under #drivingselfies. Interestingly enough, motor vehicle operators were not the only people found posting selfies while driving. Boat operators, pilots and motorcyclists were also caught snapping pictures while in precarious situations.

There are three main types of driver distraction, including manual, visual and cognitive distractions. Taking selfies requires drivers to not only remove their hands from the steering wheel, but to take their eyes off of the road for an extended period of time. Furthermore, drivers experience cognitive distraction when they are not focused on the road ahead. Whether a motorist is stopped at a traffic light or driving down the street, posing for a picture can have a catastrophic outcome.