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Categories
motor vehicle accidents

Bicycle accidents on the weekend

Bicycle accidents occur at various times, from the early morning hours to the nighttime and on different days of the week. However, the risk of an accident is especially high during certain periods. For example, many bicyclists are involved in accidents on the weekend.

For starters, many people ride their bikes on the weekend when they do not have to work. Moreover, some ride for very long distances when they have the entire day off. If you regularly ride your bicycle during the weekend, or at any time, watch out for reckless drivers and various hazards.

Risk factors

On the weekend, many drivers like to go on road trips, increasing the odds of driver fatigue, speeding and unfamiliarity with the road. All of these factors make drivers more likely to collide with bicyclists and many lives are lost every year as a result of driver errors and negligence. Often, major events occur on the weekend, which sometimes result in chaotic and unusual traffic. Bicyclists are especially vulnerable when traffic becomes hectic.

Recovering from a wreck

When a bicycle accident takes place, it is crucial for victims to have a firm understanding of their legal options. Many are able to secure crucial financial resources by taking their case to court and holding the driver who caused the accident accountable. However, the correct approach to a lawsuit is pivotal. If you are trying to decide whether legal action is a smart move or you want to learn more about your rights, make sure you carefully evaluate your circumstances. Our law firm covers many other topics related to accident injuries and options available to many victims.

Categories
Car Accidents

Poll: 3 out of 4 Americans say driverless cars “not ready”

The future of traffic looks safe and economical, say those who are working on driverless car development. When autonomous vehicles are perfected and in use across the nation, we should see motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities plummet. In addition, driverless vehicles have the potential to dramatically reduce fossil fuel consumption and decrease traffic congestion and pollution while essentially eliminating distracted and drunk driving.

Not ready

As it turns out, most Americans aren’t buying into that utopian vision of a driverless society. According to a recent poll, “nearly three in four Americans say autonomous vehicles are not ready for primetime.”

While Knoxville has been touted in recent years as a hub for driverless vehicle technology, there are few indications that people here are any more eager for autonomous vehicles than Americans elsewhere.

“No” to taxis

The survey by the Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (a group promoting driverless tech) found that nearly half of the 1,200 people questioned said they would never climb into a self-driving taxi.

Respondents did not indicate that their distrust of autonomous vehicles is due to exposure to widely publicized crashes involving vehicles equipped with autonomous driving technology, however. (Uber and Tesla crashes, for instance.)

According to consumer tech site CNET, the public’s wariness is simply because “because they simply don’t understand” the driverless technology.

Willing to try

Sixty percent of respondents said they would trust autonomous vehicles more if they “understood better how the technology works” and 58 percent indicated that greater trust in the tech could be built if respondents had the opportunity to ride in a driverless vehicle.

Of the 1,200 polled, 678 said they own vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (systems that help drivers maintain lanes, park, detect pedestrians, etc.). This subset of drivers is more upbeat about driverless tech, with three-quarters of them enthusiastic about the features in their current vehicles and looking forward to future advancements.

Danger in overconfidence

Many experts warn that overconfidence in the assistance technology can result in crashes because drivers are paying too little attention to traffic and road conditions, assuming that their vehicles will take care of whatever comes along.

While the promise and potential of driverless cars are exciting, it’s important today to drive cautiously and smarty so that you and your loved ones get to your destinations safely.

Categories
Truck Accidents

4 reasons a tractor-trailer’s brakes may fail

Because of its location near interstates 40, 75 and 81, Knoxville sees its fair share of commercial trucks. You are likely to encounter a few of these vehicles every time you leave home. If a truck’s brakes fail, your life may be in danger. 

Because tractor-trailers may weigh as much as 40 tons, a collision with one may result in serious injuries. Brake failure is one of the frequent contributors to trucking accidents. Here are four reasons a truck’s brakes may not work properly. 

  1. Inadequate maintenance

Truck brakes work through friction, which wears them down over time, so truck drivers must regularly inspect brakes for signs of damage. If there are any, the driver should replace worn-out components before continuing with the trip. To save time and money, truck drivers may push back essential vehicle maintenance or skip it entirely. 

  1. Inferior components

When working on truck brakes, mechanics must use the correct components. Still, many aftermarket parts do not have the same longevity as those from the original equipment manufacturer. If a driver installs inferior mechanical components, the truck’s brakes may not perform correctly. 

  1. Unbalanced loads

While many commercial vehicles can carry thousands of pounds of cargo, drivers must balance loads carefully to avoid stopping interference. If a trucker proceeds with an unbalanced load, the truck’s stopping distance may increase considerably. Even worse, an improperly balanced load may cause brakes to fail altogether. 

  1. Operator error

Stopping a semitruck is different from stopping a passenger vehicle. That is, there are a few different ways to reduce a truck’s speed. If the driver uses improper braking techniques, the truck’s brakes may go out. 

If you have sustained a serious injury in a collision with a semitruck, you may be able to pursue compensation from the driver who caused the accident. While a few factors may have contributed to the crash, you probably want to investigate whether brake failure was to blame. 

Categories
Injuries

The truth behind PTSD myths

Not all debilitating injuries from an accident are physical in nature. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological condition that can affect people who have experienced or witnessed a disturbing event, such as a serious accident.

People understand injuries that leave physical wounds, marks or scars behind. Because these are not present with psychological conditions like PTSD, people do not understand them as well. What follows is the truth behind many common misconceptions that people continue to entertain about the condition.

  1. PTSD affects people other than soldiers

There is a strong association between PTSD and war. In the past, the condition bore names that reflected this, such as combat fatigue or shell shock. It is true that serving in combat is a significant risk factor for post-traumatic stress, but it is not the only possible cause. Any traumatic event, such as a car accident or a physical assault, has the potential to produce symptoms of PTSD.

  1. Symptoms of PTSD do not necessarily show up right away

PTSD symptoms usually start showing up sometime within the first six months following the trauma. However, delayed onset after the initial six months have elapsed is also possible.

  1. Not every trauma results in PTSD

The incidence of trauma is much greater than that of PTSD, which suggests that most traumatic experiences do not result in symptoms of post-traumatic stress. It is not entirely clear why some people experience PTSD while others do not, but it does not indicate that the person is weak. Post-traumatic stress disorder is an illness, and it is no more possible to overcome it through force of will than it is to talk oneself out of diabetes or the common cold.

  1. PTSD is treatable

Unfortunately, due to the stigma associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, some people never seek treatment. While it is true that there is not a cure for PTSD, medications and other therapies can help people manage the symptoms so that they no longer disrupt other life activities.

PTSD due to an accident is a personal injury like any other. Therefore, it may be possible to hold those responsible to account.

Categories
dangerous and defective products

Is vaping dangerous?

Vaping is often touted as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, but that does not mean it is completely without risk. Vape products, such as e-cigarettes, are known to cause health issues, including injuries caused by defective product components. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you or someone you love currently uses vape products and are concerned about safety risks. 

Problems with defective vapes 

Mechanical failures and overheating can lead to the e-cigarette battery exploding, which may cause a wide range of injuries. In one case, a 17-year old in Nevada suffered from burns and a broken jaw as a result of an exploding e-cigarette. The force of the explosion was enough to fracture jawbones and knock out several teeth, which resulted in the need for numerous procedures and surgeries to correct the injuries. 

This is just one of many injuries occurring to e-cigarette users over the course of several years. And while many injuries are relatively minor, an exploding e-cigarette can lead to hospitalization. It is expected that injury rates will rise as vaping becomes more prevalent with each passing year. 

Health problems linked to vaping  

You may be able to avoid injuries caused by defective vaping products, but there are other health issues to be aware of as well. Certain vaping products, such as those including THC liquids, are associated with a greater risk of lung injury. In rare cases, these lung injuries have been severe enough to cause loss of life. 

Additionally, the chemicals in vaping liquids are not widely known. Some may cause serious lung problems after prolonged exposure, including asthma and lung disease. For those who use traditional tobacco products and vape also have a greater risk of developing heart disease. 

Categories
motor vehicle accidents

Driver kills a man in a vehicular collision

When people get behind the wheel of a vehicle, they take on a responsibility to drive safely, stay alert and protect other motorists on the road. Motorists should avoid distractions while driving, get plenty of rest and never drink and drive. Those who do not take the rules of the road seriously may end up taking the life of an innocent person.

This is what recently happened on Dolly Parton Parkway. A 26-year old man lost his life when a car crashed into his vehicle, causing it to start on fire. The man was trapped within the burning car, and first responders were unable to get him out. The man was stopped at an intersection when the 30-year old woman hit his car. She was speeding at the time. A law enforcement officer witnessed the accident and said that the intoxicated woman was driving at high speeds then suddenly turned in an attempt to stop at the intersection. The woman was charged with vehicular homicide and DUI and booked into jail.

One bad decision made by a negligent driver can take the life of a friend or loved one. People who choose to drink and drive should be held responsible for their thoughtless actions. If you are going through a similar situation, you may want to consult an attorney in Tennessee who is experienced in handling cases involving motor vehicle accidents and driver negligence. An attorney may help you organize a case that will bring justice to your situation.

Source: Knox News, “One dies in car crash on Dolly Parton Parkway, other driver arrested for DUI and vehicular homicide,” Allie Clouse, Mar. 15, 2020.

Categories
motor vehicle accidents

Causes of rollover accidents

A rollover accident is a very serious situation that often results in fatalities or serious injuries. Vehicles do not have a design intended to provide safety when rolling over onto the roof. Because of this, rollovers are a particularly dangerous type of accident. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation explains that this violent type of accident is almost always something that officials can link back to the interactions leading up to it between the driver, vehicle and road. More so than other types of crashes, rollovers are commonly single-vehicle accidents, which means that you are responsible for avoiding them and understanding what can lead to such a crash. 

Typical circumstances 

Rollover accidents are most common in vehicles that have a higher center of gravity, such as an SUV or a van. They happen most often on two-lane roads with speed limits of 55 miles per hour or more. Most of these accidents are in rural areas. 

It is also common for rollover accidents to happen during routine driving activities. What this means is that you are most likely to have such an accident when you are just driving down the road without any interference from another vehicle or anything else that may lead to an accident. 

Common factors 

The biggest factor that contributes to rollover accidents is bad driving behavior. Distracted driving, for example, usually plays a role because rollovers often are a result of a loss of control. 

Alcohol is the most common factor in a rollover accident. About half of all accidents will involve alcohol, which affects your ability to control your vehicle. 

Speed is also a common factor in this type of accident because it affects your ability to control the vehicle and adjust to changes in the roadway or environment. When speed is a factor, it is more likely that you and your occupants will die in the crash. 

Categories
nursing home abuse and neglect

Do you know the signs of financial abuse in the elderly?

You put your aging mother or father into a Tennessee-based nursing home, hoping to provide your loved one with superior care. While your parent may not suffer physical abuse, that does not rule out other forms of abuse, such as financial. 

WebMD describes financial abuse of the elderly and what to do about it. Understand how to protect your mother or father both physically and financially. 

Breaking down financial abuse  

Depending on your parent’s overall mental or physical health, you may have to help with finances. While looking over your loved one’s bank accounts, you may notice some odd withdrawals, ones your mother or father cannot explain. Or, there could be missing or suddenly altered legal documents. Both are examples of financial abuse. While missing bank account statements and unpaid bills could be signs of such conditions as Alzheimer’s or dementia, they could also be the work of unscrupulous nursing staff members taking advantage of residents. 

Taking action on financial abuse  

So, you think your loved one may be a victim of elderly financial abuse. What next? It is in everyone’s interest that you take action as soon as possible, no matter how negligible your suspicions may seem. Sit down and talk with your mother or father about your suspicions, explaining your concerns and your desire to help. Pay close attention to how your parent responds. Unusual reluctance to speak or outright silence could indicate signs of coercion or threats. 

You may also need to contact Adult Protective Services to help you handle the situation. After making your report, an official investigates your concerns and ensures that your parent is safe. 

Do not sit idly by if you suspect financial abuse of your mother or father. Talk with a legal representative to formulate a strategy. 

Categories
Truck Accidents

Highway 10 collision kills two

A good deal of disagreement may exist over exactly how far the responsibility that a driver in Knoxville has to the passengers in their vehicle. Many might argue that when an adult agrees to travel as a passenger in another’s vehicle, they accept any risks that may result from their decisions. Others may say, however, that it remains the responsibility of the driver of the car to ensure that every precaution is taken in order to see to a passenger’s safety. That can include everything from avoiding diving at excessive speeds to ensuring that passengers wear their seat belts. 

Even some as simple as people ignoring the latter can produce devastating results. This fact was on full display in an accident that recently occurred on Highway 10. Two people (one from Hartsville, the other from Lebanon) were killed after the vehicle they were traveling in was struck by a semi-truck. Authorities say that neither was wearing a seat belt when the collision took place. While an investigation into the accident is still ongoing, a preliminary report states that the driver of the vehicle the women were traveling in pulled out on to the highway in front of the truck. They also sustained serious injuries; the driver of the semi escaped injury. 

Given that the accident victims in this case were adults, it might be argued that they were responsible to ensure their seat belts were fastened. The driver, however, may come under scrutiny for choosing to pull out in front of an oncoming vehicle. Victims in cases such as this one may not initially wish to seek a liability claim, yet ultimately the costs of accident leave them with little choice. Those needing to do so may want to first consult with an experienced attorney. 

Categories
motor vehicle accidents

Legal options after an accident

After an accident, you may want to move on quickly and not spend a lot of time mulling over what happened. If you had property damage or had to undergo medical treatment, you may be fine with just accepting whatever the insurance company offers you. However, taking this type of approach could be quite detrimental.

You may lose out on many benefits and not get what you should by not considering all your options for how to react after the accident. While you may be hesitant to bring a lawyer into things, it could be the most ideal way to protect yourself and your interests.

The insurance company

While you may think that insurance companies are on your side, that is not true at all. Insurance companies always look out for their interests, according to U.S. News and World Report. They want to find solutions that cost them the least amount of money. Furthermore, they handle a lot of cases, so it is not uncommon for an insurer to make a mistake. If you do not know what you should get in an accident situation, then you will not know if the company is providing you with the optimal benefits.

The legal aspects

An accident may bring about a variety of legal considerations. If you do not understand personal injury law, this could leave you in a very vulnerable position. Having an attorney on your side, even if it is just to explain what is happening or to answer your legal questions, can ensure that nobody takes advantage of you or cheats you out of anything to which you have a right.

Just knowing that there is someone in your corner after an accident can put you more at ease. When you hire an attorney, you have someone fighting for you when everyone else, the other party and the insurance companies, are opposing you.