Rawdon & Cantrill Attorneys At LawGeorgetown Car Wrecks Law Firm2024-03-07T19:54:55Zhttps://www.rawdon-law.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Rawdon & Cantrill Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.rawdon-law.com/?p=507542024-03-05T19:55:39Z2024-03-07T19:54:55ZUneven pavement
Whether caused by weather, poor maintenance or construction, uneven surfaces can cause vehicles to lose control. Potholes are a prime example of this, as they can contribute to crashes if drivers swerve suddenly to avoid them.
Lack of proper signage
Visible signage guides drivers safely along the road. When signage is missing, faded or obscured by vegetation, drivers miss important information. This lack of guidance can lead to confusion and potentially dangerous situations.
Poor lighting
Driving at night already presents its challenges, but inadequate lighting worsens risks. Dimly lit streets make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, obstacles or changes in the road's direction. This reduced visibility can increase the chance of accidents, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Inclement weather
Rain, snow, ice and fog all contribute to hazardous driving conditions. Reduced visibility and slippery roads are just two of the dangers posed by inclement weather. When the weather is poor, drivers must adjust their behavior accordingly.
Lack of maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping roads safe. Potholes, cracks and other defects can worsen over time, creating hazards for unsuspecting motorists. Governments and municipalities must prioritize road maintenance to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
While you cannot always control the condition of the roads, being aware of potential hazards is an important step to staying safe behind the wheel.]]>On Behalf of Rawdon & Cantrill Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.rawdon-law.com/?p=507522024-02-21T04:09:17Z2024-02-23T04:09:05ZNegligence in wildlife collision
When a driver hits an animal on the road, they may be liable for any resulting injuries or damages, including to other cars and people. This liability stems from the legal concept of negligence. It refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care while driving. In the context of wildlife collisions, negligence could include speeding, distracted driving or failing to maintain proper lookout for animals crossing the road.
Duty of care to avoid collisions
Drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly at all times. This duty extends to taking precautions to avoid collisions with wildlife. This may involve obeying posted speed limits, staying attentive to road signs warning of animal crossings and being ready to stop or slow down if an animal suddenly appears on the road.
Potential consequences of wildlife collisions
Collisions with wildlife can result in serious injuries or fatalities for everyone on the road. Swerving to avoid an animal can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and subsequent crashes. Additionally, larger animals such as deer can cause significant damage to vehicles upon impact, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.
In Kentucky, if a driver's negligence contributes to a car accident involving wildlife, they may be liable for any resulting injuries or property damage. This means they could be responsible for compensating victims for medical expenses, vehicle repairs and other losses as a result of the accident.
Drivers must remember their duty to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents. By doing this, drivers can help mitigate the risk of wildlife-related car accidents and the potential legal consequences that may follow.]]>On Behalf of Rawdon & Cantrill Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.rawdon-law.com/?p=507502024-02-06T19:44:35Z2024-02-08T19:44:28ZStay calm
Do not panic or react out of anxiety. Avoid making eye contact, and do not engage in any confrontations even if provoked. Keep your emotions in check and focus on your driving.
Stay a safe distance away
Maintain a safe following distance from the aggressive driver so you have a clear escape route if needed and minimize the risk of a collision. This allows you more time and room to react.
Stay away from retaliatory thoughts
Resist the urge to respond to aggressive behavior with aggression. Avoid honking excessively, making rude gestures or engaging in any behavior that could escalate the situation. Provoking an already aggressive driver may lead to further problems on the road.
Stay away from isolated locations if followed
If the aggressive driver tails you, keep driving until you reach a safe and public place, such as the police station. Use hands-free devices to contact local law enforcement and provide them with the necessary information, such as the license plate number, vehicle description and location.
According to Consumer Affairs, 92% of Americans stated they saw at least one road rage incident in 2023. Aggressive driving can lead to accidents and dangerous confrontations. By maintaining a calm and rational mindset and taking appropriate action around motor operators with road rage, you can help keep yourself safe on the road.]]>On Behalf of Rawdon & Cantrill Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.rawdon-law.com/?p=507472024-01-30T02:56:58Z2024-02-05T14:55:59ZCauses of tire blowouts
Tire blowouts can stem from various factors, including overloading, improper tire maintenance and road hazards. Trucks are often laden with heavy cargo, pushing tires to their limits. When tires get overloaded, they generate excessive heat, increasing the likelihood of a blowout.
Additionally, neglecting regular tire inspections and failing to replace worn-out tires can result in sudden tire failure. Road debris, potholes and uneven surfaces further escalate the risk, causing tires to burst when least expected.
Impact on truck stability
When a tire blows out, it destabilizes the truck, making it challenging for the driver to maintain control. The sudden loss of tire pressure can cause the truck to veer uncontrollably, especially at high speeds.
Maneuvering becomes difficult, increasing the likelihood of the truck swerving into adjacent lanes or even rolling over. The larger size and weight of trucks amplify the consequences, creating a deadly threat to nearby vehicles.
Extreme fallout
The force of impact from a colliding truck can crush smaller vehicles, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Debris scattered from the blowout may create hazardous conditions for other motorists, potentially causing secondary accidents. The aftermath of a truck collision often results in significant property damage, medical expenses and emotional trauma for those involved.
Knowing more about the causes and consequences of tire blowouts is important for ensuring road safety. Truckers need to stay proactive and alert or else they risk collisions due to faulty tires.]]>On Behalf of Rawdon & Cantrill Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.rawdon-law.com/?p=507382024-01-25T18:02:49Z2024-01-25T18:02:49ZMorning hazards
You might think rural roads are at their safest during the bright morning hours. However, the low angle of the sun can create blinding glare, making it difficult to see oncoming traffic or potential obstacles. Additionally, wildlife is more active around dawn, increasing the likelihood of unexpected encounters on the road.
Afternoon shadows
As the day progresses, shadows become longer, casting uneven lighting on the road. These conditions are more prevalent on certain rural roads surrounded tightly by a dense treeline. This can make it challenging to spot potholes, debris or changes in the road surface.
Twilight transition
Visibility decreases as twilight sets in, and rural roads may lack proper lighting. This makes it harder to see road signs, markings, and other vehicles. Drivers must rely on their headlights, which may not be enough to illuminate the entire road ahead. It is often best to reduce speed and stay alert during this transitional time of day.
Nighttime challenges
Driving on rural roads at night amplifies the risks associated with limited visibility. Wildlife becomes more active, and their presence on the road is often harder to detect. Additionally, rural areas may lack streetlights, making it necessary for drivers to rely on their headlights.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that, even though only 20 percent of people in the U.S. live in rural areas, 40 percent of the nation's crash deaths happen on rural roads. Curbing this unfortunate trend starts with acknowledging how dangerous rural roads can be, especially during certain times of the day.]]>On Behalf of Rawdon & Cantrill Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.rawdon-law.com/?p=507222024-01-10T21:48:22Z2024-01-11T21:47:24ZHow courts and insurers use the per diem method
The per diem method is one way that courts and insurance companies calculate noneconomic damages following an accident. This method assumes that the accident survivor is experiencing daily pain and suffering from the day of the accident until the day they will likely recover.
To calculate the total damages, the court multiplies a daily rate by the number of days it expects the claimant to experience pain and suffering. However, this method is usually only ideal for injuries that have a set recovery time, such as a broken bone, which usually takes 12 weeks at most. For injuries where recovery time is uncertain or indefinite, this method may not be a good choice.
How courts and insurers apply the multiplier method
The multiplier method is another technique for calculating noneconomic damages in personal injury cases. In this method, a court establishes a base figure for damages by means of the severity of the sustained injuries. It then multiplies that base figure by a number between 1 and 5, depending on how severe the injuries were. The more serious the injuries, the higher the multiplier.
Previous judgments will inform the chosen number, and the court or insurer can adjust the multiplier upward or downward, depending on the specifics of the case. This method is more common in cases where recovery time is uncertain.
While money cannot fully erase the pain and suffering of a serious accident, it can help alleviate some of the economic and noneconomic burdens. Both the per diem and multiplier methods attempt to calculate noneconomic damages after an accident from as objective and fair a standpoint as possible.]]>On Behalf of Rawdon & Cantrill Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.rawdon-law.com/?p=507202024-01-09T19:38:19Z2024-01-09T19:38:19Z1. Delayed onset pain
After a car accident, adrenaline can mask pain, leading individuals to believe they escaped unscathed. However, internal injuries, such as organ damage or fractures, may not present immediate discomfort. If you experience delayed onset pain, especially in the abdomen, chest or back, it could be indicative of internal trauma.
2. Abnormal bruising or swelling
External bruising and swelling are typical outcomes of accidents. However, if you notice unusual bruising or swelling in areas not directly impacted, it may suggest internal bleeding. This could be a sign of damage to blood vessels, organs or soft tissues, requiring prompt medical attention.
3. Changes in cognitive function
Traumatic brain injuries are not always apparent right after a collision. Changes in cognitive function, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or mood swings, may manifest days or even weeks later. Monitoring for these signs is important for identifying potential brain injuries and seeking appropriate medical care.
4. Nausea and dizziness
While these symptoms can result from shock immediately following an accident, persistent nausea and dizziness may indicate deeper issues. Internal injuries, such as damage to the liver or spleen, can lead to these symptoms. Seeking medical evaluation is important to rule out severe complications.
While car accidents happen, with an estimated 5,250,837 across the U.S. in 2020, some result in unforeseen injuries. Seeking compensation can help cover medical expenses and provide financial support during recovery.]]>On Behalf of Rawdon & Cantrill Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.rawdon-law.com/?p=506972023-12-18T22:03:56Z2023-12-18T22:03:56ZSize and weight
Commercial trucks, including tractor-trailers and big rigs, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. They are significantly larger and heavier than typical passenger vehicles. When a collision occurs, the substantial impact force often causes extensive property damage and catastrophic injuries.
The size of semi trucks makes it challenging for drivers to make fast moves to avoid accidents if obstacles arise. Trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver needs to make an emergency stop, the extended braking distance can cause collisions.
High speeds
Trucks typically travel on highways with speed limits of at least 65 miles per hour. When accidents happen at these speeds, the consequences can be devastating. Speed can be a factor in collisions when smaller vehicles become trapped under the truck, often causing severe injuries and fatalities.
Cargo spills
Trucks often transport heavy and sometimes hazardous cargo. In a collision, truck contents may spill onto the road, posing dangers to other drivers and pedestrians. Hazardous materials can damage the environment and further complicate the impact of an accident.
Fatigue and driver error
Truck drivers often face demanding schedules and long hours on the road. The resulting fatigue can impair reaction time and decision-making abilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Driver errors, such as distracted driving, speeding and failure to obey traffic rules, also contribute to the catastrophic nature of truck accidents.
Inadequate maintenance
Poorly maintained trucks and inadequate inspections can lead to mechanical failures on the road. Brake failures, tire blowouts and other mechanical issues can result in loss of control, contributing to accidents with severe consequences.
Kentucky had a truck accident fatality rate of 2.8 per 100,000 people, compared to a national average of 1.7. Understanding the dangers lets you take steps to stay safe.]]>On Behalf of Rawdon & Cantrill Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.rawdon-law.com/?p=506952023-12-07T19:12:55Z2023-12-07T19:12:55ZWhiplash and brain injuries
One common yet underestimated consequence of car accidents is whiplash, a sudden and forceful back-and-forth movement of the head. While whiplash is typically associated with neck pain, it can also result in traumatic brain injuries. The rapid acceleration and deceleration during a collision may cause the brain to strike the skull, leading to bruising or bleeding.
Impact force and concussion
The force of a car collision can transmit powerful shockwaves throughout the body, impacting the brain even when there is no direct head trauma. Concussions can occur due to these sudden jolts. Car accidents, with their potential for violent impacts, lead to concussions as well, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness regarding the silent threat of concussions following a collision.
Penetrating head injuries
In some cases, car accidents can result in objects penetrating the skull, causing severe open head trauma. While less common, these injuries are often more severe and can lead to long-term cognitive impairments. Studies show that nearly 30% of severe traumatic brain injuries result from open head trauma, with car accidents being a significant contributor to this category.
By acknowledging the potential for hidden damage, individuals can take proactive steps to address and mitigate the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries stemming from car accidents.]]>On Behalf of Rawdon & Cantrill Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.rawdon-law.com/?p=506932023-12-05T03:07:25Z2023-12-05T03:07:25ZHow does a car accident cause whiplash?
The primary cause of whiplash in a car accident is sudden stopping and accelerating, which happens during rear-end collisions. The force of a car hitting from behind propels the front vehicle forward while the unrestrained head lags before catching up with the rest of the body. Surprisingly, injury can still occur when cars are traveling slower than 10 miles per hour.
What are the mechanics of whiplash?
The physical mechanics of whiplash occur in the following steps:
Sudden impact - The forceful impact of a car accident causes the vehicle occupants' bodies to move rapidly and unexpectedly
Neck hyperextension - The head thrusts backward beyond its normal range of motion, hyperextending the neck
Rebound effect - The head rebounds forward, undergoing rapid flexion, sometimes extending beyond its usual position
These forceful whip-like movements strain soft tissues in the neck, resulting in whiplash injuries.
Is whiplash a permanent injury?
Whiplash injuries, while painful and inconvenient, are not usually permanent. Most individuals recover with time and appropriate medical treatment, which may include rest, physical therapy and pain management.
However, in some cases, whiplash symptoms may persist for an extended period, leading to a condition known as chronic whiplash. Symptoms of chronic whiplash include long-term pain and stiffness. While rare, this condition may have a more prolonged impact on an individual's daily life.
If you experience pain in your neck after a car accident, seek prompt medical attention. Early intervention and proper care can contribute to the successful recovery from whiplash injuries and minimize the risk of long-term effects.]]>