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Drunk Driving Accidents

Tennessee woman gets DUI charges from hit-and-run crash

Driving drunk is something so dangerous and reckless that it puts the driver as well as anyone else in the vicinity at risk of being harmed. The kind of impairment to one’s abilities is often so vast that motor vehicle skills require much too much focus and coordination for a person under the influence to be in control of. Sadly, there are still many car accidents caused as the result of a drunk driver. One family in Tennessee was recently involved in one such crash.

The incident occurred about a week ago and involved two vehicles; one with a father and son and another with the alleged drunk driver and her passenger. The woman who has been charged reportedly hit the other vehicle and afterward, both drivers got out of their cars. It was at this point that the two sides of the story differ, however, it is stated that the woman left the scene and went to another location, where officials found her.

Police have reported that the woman was having trouble balancing when they found her and had a recollection of having run into a wall. Her sobriety test reportedly confirmed her inebriated state. The father and driver of the car she hit explained that she hit him as well with her car after getting back into her vehicle instead of staying at the accident. While the incident continues to be investigated, it has been reported that the woman in this case was charged with DUI as well as assaulting someone with a deadly weapon.

While this case continues to move forward, other Tennessee residents who have been in similar ones may wish to bring their to a legal professional if they have dealt with the aftermath of someone else’s drunk driving. Someone who has been injured or who has lost a loved one to an accident at the hands of a drunk driver could bring forward a personal injury or wrongful death case in an effort to help cover the new financial stress that comes with such accidents.

Source: newschannel5.com, “Woman charged with DUI, assault after hit-and-run,” Nov. 19, 2012

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

County lines causing delay in emergency medical response?

Car accidents in Tennessee often cause many families to have to reevaluate their lives and adjust to new injuries or loss of income. For those who have lost a loved one, the healing process can be a very difficult and lengthy one, as these kinds of accidents are oftentimes so senseless and awful. Sometimes, however, there are circumstances where there might have been a way to help a victim of a crash and those are perhaps the hardest to move forward from.

Just over two and a half years ago a mother lost her son due to a car crash in Tennessee, but she proceeded to move forward in a legal matter regarding his death, and not exactly because of the accident. The location of this fatal motor vehicle accident happened to be on a span of road between counties, giving the Metro dispatcher a decision to make about whose emergency medical team to call and request aid from. The team that arrived was allegedly “10 to 15 minutes away,” while two other teams were a reported “two or three minutes away.”

According to one source, the ambulances which were closer required a formal request before they could be sent out to help the victims of the crash. This kind of rule is what has likely caused much strife and distress for this young man’s mother. The territorial regulations reportedly have a “mutual aid” policy. This policy is for the instances when a situation such as this one is close enough to another county, a call for help could be made to the neighboring county.

Tennessee’s appellate court ruled against the mother’s case that the county had a duty to request the closer of the ambulances. For Tennessee residents who are dealing with a difficult situation similar to this one, working with an attorney cold help them should they wish to proceed with their case. While it cannot return a loved one, it may be able to begin the healing and help with the added financial burdens from the loss.

Source: The Tennessean, “Metro had no duty to summon closer ambulance for man after wreck,” Brian Haas, Nov. 24, 2012

Categories
Truck Accidents

Veterans’ parade float struck by train, town grieves the loss

Tennessee residents have likely heard about the town in Texas that lost four veterans to a train crash last week. The crash is under investigation, however, officials have declared the train’s safety and warning signals to have been working and on when the parade float was crossing into the path of the train. This terrible accident has come at a time when the community and nation as a whole is remembering the services rendered for our safety and we are perhaps even more somber and grateful as this community grieves the loss of their loved ones.

Automobile accidents in general come as a shock to the families of those involved and can often bring up emotions of pain and confusion. For the people who are affected by this crash, moving forward is undoubtedly going to be difficult and painful. Of the 26 people aboard the float, four of them passed in the crash and at least 16 sustained different levels of injuries. One man, a 34-year-old sergeant, was able to shove his wife off of the moving float before the train crashed into it.

It’s often these kinds of tragic accidents that leave people feeling unsatisfied and hurt for so long. The recent information given from the investigation reveals that the signals had indeed begun to warn before the train arrived however the speed of the train was substantially fast, roughly 62 miles per hour.

Tennessee residents who have been involved in a similarly life-threatening automobile accident may understand the devastation and pain these kinds of crashes can cause. For those who have survived such accidents, or families of people who were in a fatal car accident, working with an attorney to potentially receive some compensation might help take some of the stress off you. While our thoughts go out to those lost in this and any other accident, knowing how to move forward could help someone begin to heal.

Source: npr.org, “Officials: Vets’ float crossed track after signals,” The Associated Press, Nov. 18, 2012

Secondary Source: cbsnews.com, “Texas community stunned after veterans parade train crash leaves four dead,” Anna Werner, Nov. 16, 2012

Categories
Car Accidents

Tennessee drivers: How smart are our cars? Toyota tells us

Tennessee drivers may want to take note as it appears that cars might soon be leaving us behind. The advancing technology in motor vehicles and futuristic artificial intelligence may be coming together sooner than expected as Toyota explains their projects in the making. Something called the Intelligent Transport System is testing and cultivating a new kind of intelligent car at the hands of car and safety researchers. This project is an effort to maximize the safety features a car can offer on its own, even ones that had been previously thought to be exclusively a human trait.

The technology is being tested at a secure location in Japan, reportedly similar to something like a new driver’s course. The intent is to work on cars that will be able to notify the driver when objects or people are in the way or when another car or red light is coming up. Arrows, sensors, and even a woman’s voice are all employed in these new car systems to help the driver stay safe.

With the dangers of the road and unexpected car accidents, this new technology could help drivers in situations when they might not be able to react a certain way. Representatives from Toyota explained that many times drivers do not push down on their brakes hard enough due to feelings of panic or alarm. Such responses can’t always be anticipated by the driver, but with certain safety features the car, for all intents and purposes, could anticipate it and push down harder before a collision.

This science has not been made available yet by Toyota, however, they have been reported to be hopeful about coming out with this perceptive automobile accoutrement sometime in the near future. For Tennessee residents out on the road, making sure that you’re secure in your driving can help you to focus on other ways to be safe. In the event of an accident, however, working with a personal injury attorney could help you to know what options are available to you as you move forward.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times, “Toyota tests cars that communicate with each other,” Nov. 12, 2012

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclist killed in Nashville area

Motorcyclists have a different set of worries when they go out. It is often the case that bikes aren’t seen or aren’t supportive enough to help their drivers in the event of a crash. The common bumper sticker “Start Seeing Motorcyclists” has hopefully helped prevent some crashes in Tennessee and everywhere else, but there are still tragic incidents that leave motorcyclists a little more vulnerable than drivers of cars.

A recent news report explains the death of one motorcycle driver after having allegedly not been seen by a truck driver. This past Saturday the two vehicles crashed in an area near the west part of Nashville. The driver of the truck, a Dodge Ram, is said to have explained to local authorities that he did not see the bike until the last moment up to the crash. The report includes a detail that there is a sign prohibiting drivers from turning left at that intersection; a move which this truck had been making at the time of the crash.

The tragedy of this kind of crash is likely going to affect this motorist’s family for some time. While they struggle to cope with this loss, they must also now face unexpected financial stress. The investigation is reported to be ongoing and there haven’t been any charges brought against the driver of the truck, however the victim’s family could look into pursuing a wrongful death claim should they wish to. The results of the pending investigation may or may not supply additional support in their case, depending on what the police find.

Regardless of how this case turns out, the story of it could help other drivers out on Tennessee roads keep their eyes open for other motorcycles. Motorcyclists do face some hazards and dangers that drivers of other vehicles may not, and practicing safe driving in any and all types of motor vehicles can help prevent more unnecessary crashes. For other Tennessee drivers who have suffered a crash or the loss of a loved one in a crash, working with an attorney could help you to understand your options as you begin to heal from the event.

Source: Tennessean.com, “Pegram man killed in motorcycle crash,” The Ashland City Times, Nov. 11, 2012

Categories
Car Accidents

Pedestrian safety precautions for drivers after accidents

As terrible as they may be, some car accidents are just unavoidable. In keeping with the pedestrian theme this week, let’s talk a little more about some safety precautions Tennessee drivers can take when they are involved in a car accident.

Unfortunately, many accidents occur on very busy roads or highways, places that a person is not normally wont to be walking around in. In such situations, some officials are coming forward to ask you to remain in your car. One of the first steps you can take after an accident and if you are well enough, is to see if you can get your vehicle off of the road. If you can do so, sources urge you to stay inside your car and/or far from the other cars and well away from the lanes of traffic. If you cannot move your car but are able to move yourself safely, officials have said that getting away from your vehicle and out of the line of danger is a good thing – just be sure to do so carefully and quickly.

The reason for such focus on you after your accident is that the other drivers may not be looking for other people when they pass a crash scene: they’re likely to be looking at the wreckage, sources say. Being aware that you may not be seen by other drivers could help you to pay extra attention if you do need to vacate your vehicle, but also just as a bystander on the side of the road. One state recently reported that there have been 128 fatalities due to pedestrian traffic accidents, this of the 1,470 total such accidents this year alone.

For those Tennessee drivers or passengers whose cars fail or find themselves in a dangerous traffic situation after an accident, knowing these dangers and how to get out of harm’s way could prevent any further injury or fatality. Should you be injured due to an accident or afterward, working with an attorney could help you find out the different ways you could move forward and understand your compensation options.

Source: Kansas City Star, “Standing along the road after stalling or crashing is unsafe, authorities stress,” Alan Bavley, Oct. 21, 2012

Categories
Uncategorized

Boy suffers TBI in car accident while bicycling: driver fined

Car accidents can occur in any situation and can cause any amount of harm to someone. Earlier this year a young boy was struck by a vehicle while he was riding his bicycle and his life is forever changed. The accident is causing much uproar as the friends and family of the young boy believe his medical condition as a result of this accident wasn’t regarded with the amount of consideration it deserved. Tennessee residents may have heard of this case, wherein community members of the boy’s state are now petitioning their governor to rethink how it sees such accidents.

This car accident has caused the young boy, an eighth grader, to deal with a traumatic brain injury for the rest of his life as well as losing most of his mobility in his limbs, cognitive response and communication skills. He remains alive, however, he is unable to do much, if anything on his own. His parents’ journey after his accident has cost them over $1 million worth of medical expenses, the mother’s job, and now they must face the decision about how to proceed with their son’s condition. The boy’s mother explains that her son’s life is ongoing physically, yet he is not able to function other than that and has begun preparing for whatever comes next.

This accident has garnered a lot of attention not just from the community around this family, but many people in the state and area have signed a petition to reevaluate the traffic laws surrounding pedestrian and bicycle crashes. A woman close to the family notes that the penalties for hitting construction workers can be up to fourteen years in prison and a substantial fine, larger than the $1,000 and no jail sentence that was required of the driver in this case.

While the ability to petition remains an option for a Colorado citizen, it cannot always fix the situations that have already occurred. For victims of car accidents that have changed a life similar to this young boy’s, contacting legal counsel might be able to help with the added stress of the financial burden as you begin to move forward. Understanding your options regarding medical care, insurance, and compensation may make this difficult time a little easier.

Source: The Chicago Tribune, “Parents, friends of disabled Downers Grove teen petition to change traffic law,” Dawn Rhodes, Nov. 2, 2012

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Uncategorized

Leaf collection truck injures pedestrian due to low visibility

It was this time one year ago that a truck collecting leaves hit and killed an 18-year-old in another state. The local and state officials reached out and made efforts to prevent this kind of truck accident from happening again, but just a few weeks ago another accident occurred due to the same culprit: limited visibility. Tennessee pedestrians and drivers may have heard about this accident and may want to use it as an example of the fact that some trucks on the roads may be less safe than others.

The accident that happened earlier this month involved a truck that had a large leaf vacuum on the front of the vehicle, which was reportedly the reason for the incident. The pedestrian who was hit and is in critical condition is 43 years old. The state’s officials explain the residents’ frustrations as the trucks with front vacuums have been taken off the roads, making the leaf collection take longer than expected this year. The reason for the style of truck vacuums is reported to be because it is a more affordable design, only requiring one employee to drive and work the truck.

With the coming fall and winter seasons, weather is likely going to be a factor for Tennessee drivers and the vehicles that are responsible for plowing and collecting snow and leaves are intended to make the roads safer, not more dangerous. Various safety methods are being proposed in the state where the truck accident happened, in an effort to minimize any more accidents caused by the trucks.

Tennessee residents who have been injured by a similar kind of truck or vehicle due to visibility issues would do well to look into their options and laws regarding pedestrian accidents. Contacting an attorney could also help in a situation similar to this one, as the accident may have been due to the negligence of another party and you may be eligible for compensation.

Source: Sheboygan Press, “Wisconsin State Patrol blocks certain leaf trucks in Neenah, Oshkosh,” Duke Behnke, Oct. 24, 2012

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Uncategorized

Crash concussion kept Dale Earnhardt from racing

While most drivers in Tennessee aren’t racing their cars when they are involved in an accident, the recent several-car crash involving Dale Earnhardt may be more relatable than some might think. The racecar driver suffered a concussion that took him out of the scheduled races for several weeks and only in the last week was he cleared to get back out onto the track. Such an injury can occur in any kind of car accident and, once you have one you are far more susceptible to repeat injuries.

Earnhardt suffered his concussion while racing at Talladega on Oct. 7. This injury came only a month and some change after a similar one from a crash in late August, sources say. Earnhardt was reported to have explained that while it was odd not driving in the races he missed while recovering, he wanted to make sure to heal before he got back out there, per his doctor’s instructions. He was on leave for two weeks and reportedly spent time building up to his normal functionality.

The likelihood of getting a concussion grows incredibly after you’ve already sustained one. For Tennessee drivers who have already recovered from one, being sure you’ve healed before getting back to your normal daily life and driving once again can help lower the risk of a second brain injury. While the risks remain for everyone, new research is being done about the effects of traumatic brain injuries, such as concussion, and physicians continue to work toward the best ways of recovery for their injured patients.

There have been more and more athletes with concussions in the news lately and this example may help Tennessee residents to be more aware of how serious a car crash can be. Whether one occurred due to a sport, a car accident or a mixture of both as in this case, contacting an attorney who specializes in personal injury could help if you believe your injury was due to the negligence of someone else. It may not make your recovery process any faster, but it could help with any lost wages or medical bills and to move forward from such an accident.

Source: wbir.com, “Earnhardt Jr. back on track after concussion,” The Sports Network, Oct. 26, 2012

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Uncategorized

A Tennessee man drives into a woman’s kitchen: leafy roads

As we talked about in our previous post, there are some hazards of the road that we sometimes do not have control over. Weather is one of the most prominent influences in driving safety in Tennessee and all over the world. We can prepare for certain kinds of weather with defrost, snow tires and windshield wipers, but sometimes even the most cautious of drivers loses control of their vehicle due to weather conditions.

One Tennessee man is reported to have recently lost control of his vehicle due to the slick roads and wet leaves on the ground, making it difficult for his tires to achieve a safe amount of traction, presumably. The car crash, in Hawkins County, resulted in his vehicle going off the road and hitting a house. The car went through a wall and into an unsuspecting, 63-year-old home woman’s kitchen. The driver did not sustain any injuries of note and the woman whose kitchen her car went into reportedly had some minor ones.

As we are nearing winter, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is in proper working order. No matter the amount of snow, rain or ice, they can still cause an accident. Keeping an eye out for notices of bad weather and knowing how to maneuver your car in case you lose control due to hydroplaning or drifting can help you in a scary situation. Also, checking to see what kind of brakes you have will help. The woman whose kitchen was crashed into in this case may be a candidate for a personal injury claim, as she reportedly wound up with some minor injuries from the incident and the man driving was given a citation for failure to maintain control.

Drivers have a lot to think about already, but knowing the area and Tennessee weather can help you feel more confident as you’re out on the roads. If you should find yourself with injuries from a weather- or environment-related accident, knowing what caused it can help. If you believe it was caused as a result of someone else’s negligence, working with an attorney to find out if you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries could help you to know how to proceed.

Source: wbir.com, “Car crashes into kitchen of Hawkins Co. home,” Oct. 15, 2012