North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog

According to state highway patrol officers, speed may have been a top factor in a recent car accident in North Carolina. Reports indicate that the traffic accident happened in Union County at the intersection of Antioch Church and Weddington Oaks Road shortly before 6 p.m.

According to WCNC, a pickup truck was heading south on Antioch Church Road when the teenage driver lost control near a curb. The pickup drove off the roadway and landed into a ditch. Four of the vehicle's passengers, all teenagers, were thrown from the truck. Authorities report that at least one passenger was buckled in at the time of the accident. There were five Weddington High School students in the vehicle when the accident happened. One, who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene. The other four teens were treated for injuries. The young driver of the vehicle faces a misdemeanor charge of death by motor vehicle.

Our Charlotte car accident attorneys understand that teenage drivers face serious risks for accidents on our roadways. When you add speed in as a factor, the risk increases. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were more than 1,300 traffic accident fatalities in North Carolina in 2009. More than 515 were speed-related, and a majority happened on non-interstate roads. Most of these accidents -- 270 -- happened as drivers were traveling at 55 miles per hour. The second most common speed for speed-related car accidents was 45 miles per hour.

The faster a vehicle is traveling at the time of impact in a motor-vehicle accident, the higher the risks are for serious injury and death. Speed limits are posted for a reason. They are the safest and most efficient recommended speed for the corresponding area. Speed limits are posted for idea conditions and drivers should slow down when weather and road conditions are less-than-ideal.

Speeding is one of the top contributors to accidents across the nation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that speeding is a factor in more than 30 percent of all fatal traffic accidents.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation cites speeding as the most common driving violation that leads to deadly car accidents. In the state, there are about 220,000 reported car accidents each year. In these accidents, about 120,000 are injured and roughly 1,500 are killed. Many of these accidents, including the ones that involve speed, are completely preventable.

Speeding reduces a driver's ability to react to potential driving and roadway hazards. To help to avoid speeding, drivers are urged to leave for their destination with plenty of time to spare. Parents are urged to discuss the dangers, risks and consequences of speeding with the teen drivers in their lives. Teenage drivers are likely to exceed posted speed limits.

Continue reading "Speed: A Top Factor in North Carolina Car Accidents" »

According to local police officers, a severe car accident in Greenville on Interstate 85 and Interstate 395 interchanges caused quite the backup for commuters in the area. The traffic accident ended up taking the life of one motorist. Officers and reconstruction teams are still investigating the wreck to figure out what exactly happened.

According to FOX Carolina, the accident happened on the southbound lanes of Interstate 385 near Interstate 85 at roughly 1:30 p.m. Traffic was rerouted for the remainder of the day.

Our Greenville car accident attorneys understand that Interstates are a dangerous place to travel. Every day, there are car accidents along these roadways, many near busy interchanges and interstate ramps. An Interstate interchange is a road junction that usually uses grade separation and one or more ramps to allow traffic on at least one roadway to pass through the area without having to directly cross the flow of other traffic. Drivers are urged to be cautious when traveling through these areas as the high speed makes the extremely susceptible for serious, if not fatal, accidents. Traffic flows quickly in all directions and can be overwhelming to some drivers if they're not prepared and cautious.

To help motorists to ensure a safe trip along the Interstate and through the busy interchanges, our Greenville car accident lawyers are here to offer you some beneficial safety tips. Review these tips with your loved ones to help to make sure that everyone is safe during their travels along the Interstate.

Interstate Safety Tips:

-When entering traffic on an interstate using an on-ramp, be sure to slowly accelerate your speed to match the traffic that you will be joining. You never want to enter traffic at a reduced speed and throw off traffic flow. This is dangerous.

-When entering lanes of traffic, be sure to put on your traffic signal to alert other motorists of your intended maneuvers.

-Know when you're desired exit is approaching. Know and act ahead of time.

-Get into the correct lane of traffic with plenty of time to spare. You don't want to have to cut through traffic at the last moment.

-If you have an emergency and need to pull over, be sure to pull completely off the road.

-Abide by posted speed limit signs. Never exceed the limit or travel beneath it. Stay with the steady, legal flow of traffic.

-Be sure to curb all of the distractions in your vehicle. Driving on the Interstate requires your full attention. Distractions only steal your attention from the roadway and increase your risks of an accident.

-Be cautious and courteous of other vehicles. It's not a race or a competition. Let's all do our part to make sure that everyone gets to where they're going safely.

-Slow it down in shoddy weather conditions. Posted speed limits are for ideal, dry weather conditions. If you travel more than 20 miles per hour under the speed limit, throw on your hazard lights so that other motorists can see you more easily.

Continue reading "Car Accident at Interchange in Greenville Kills One" »

The results are in! According to Transportation Secretary Gene Conti, local and state law enforcement officers busted nearly 4,000 motorists for driving under the influence during the "Booze It & Lose It" enforcement campaign. This road safety campaign ran from the 3rd of December through the 2nd of January. In addition to the alcohol-related arrests, nearly 137,000 criminal and traffic citations were issued across the state, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. These enforcement efforts were executed during this time to help reduce the risks of car accidents in North Carolina.

"These numbers show our dedication to making our roads safer by removing drivers under the influence from our roadways," said Conti.

Our Asheville car accident lawyers understand that the holidays serve as a dangerous time on our roadways every year, but what's more important to point out is that these types of accidents happen every day. As we start a new year, drivers are asked to focus on safe driving habits to make 2012 safer than ever. Law enforcement officers aren't backing down and will continue to hunt down dangerous drivers throughout the year. Remember to ensure that everyone in your vehicle is properly buckled in, that you abide by all posted speed limit signs and that you never drive drunk. Thousands of car accidents in North Carolina can be prevented every year with a little bit of driver responsibility.

Throughout the Governor's Highway Safety Program, officers throughout the state conducted more than 10,640 dedicated patrol and sobriety checkpoints. These enforcement efforts help to deter drunk drivers every year. With high-visibility enforcement efforts, officers hope to bring down the number of drunk driving accidents throughout the state.

Counties with the most DWI Busts:

-Wake: More than 400 citations.

-Mecklenburg: More than 290 citations.

-Guilford: Nearly 145 busts.

In addition to the DWI citations, officers issued nearly 7,050 seat belt citations, nearly 1,425 child passenger safety violations, nearly 40,000 speeding violations and nearly 4,000 drug charges. There were nearly 2,250 fugitives apprehended and nearly 250 stolen vehicles were recovered. Officers believe that these enforcement efforts and these busts were able to save lives throughout the month-long campaign.

While the dangerous holiday travel season may be over, we've started a near year and we'll be facing a whole new list of dangers. Drivers are asked to be cautious and courteous on our roadways throughout 2012. Remember to buckle in all vehicle occupants before taking off, to obey posted speed limit signs and to always driver soberly. These are a few tips that can help to significantly reduce the number of traffic accident-related fatalities that we see in the New Year.

Continue reading "Officials Write 137,000 Citations Over Holidays to Help Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in North Carolina" »

Lt. Tim Tomczak oversees traffic enforcement and accident reconstruction efforts in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tomczak knows firsthand what can happen when drivers focus on phone conversations while trying to navigate a motor vehicle, according to the News Observer. He admits to keeping his phone calls to a minimum behind the wheel, but says he knows how hard it can be for drivers to ignore the phone. As drivers continue to answer phones behind the wheel, the risk of car accidents in North Carolina will continue to be a concern for everyone.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, North Carolina law only bans school bus drivers and drivers who are under the age of 18 from using a hand-held cell phone behind the wheel. All drivers are prohibited from text messaging behind the wheel, which officials are finding is a difficult law to enforce.

Our North Carolina car accident lawyers understand that law enforcement officers have a difficult time determining if a driver was texting at the wheel or simply dialing a phone number, which is allowed by most. To help to clear up the confusion and make our roadways safer for everyone, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is pushing for a nationwide ban on all portable electronic devices.

Sometimes it can be tough for an officer to positively conclude whether a driver was using a cell phone before an accident, but Tomczak has investigated numerous accidents where that was the case. He says the risks are the same, whether a driver is using a hands-free device or a hand-held phone.

"It's not the act of holding the phone in your hand," Tomczak told the paper. "The distracting part is having your attention split between two tasks."

As of now, there are 35 states in the country, including North Carolina, that prohibit drivers from texting behind the wheel. There are only nine states that have made it illegal for drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving. If the NTSB's recommendation is adopted by lawmakers in all 50 states, all portable electronic devices would be prohibited for driver, except in emergency situations.

The call for a nationwide ban comes as big automakers are working to turn vehicles into the ultimate electronic device, including in-car phones, televisions, navigation systems and much more.

"No call, no text, no update is worth a human life," said chairman of the NTSB, Deborah Hersman.

According to CNN, the recommendation from the NTSB may be a hard sell in all 50 states. Legislators are expected to be reluctant to upset constituents. Although a majority of drivers recognize the risks that come with distracted driving, not many are willing to hang up the phone.

Continue reading "Legislators Hesitant to Enact Laws to Reduce Risks of Distraction-Related Car Accidents in North Carolina" »

It's a New Year and we're already racking up some startling statistics for car accidents in the Carolinas. Just take a peek at recent headlines. It's "Car Accident Here" and "Car Accident There." It's a New Year and a fresh start for safer roadways. We're asking all residents to make a New Year's resolution to be a safer driver in 2012.

Our Carolina car accident lawyers understand how dangerous our roadways can be. Car accidents are becoming alarmingly frequent in our area. Use the New Year as a clean slate to practice safe and cautious driving habits. Let the recent strand of motor-vehicle accidents in the area act as a wake-up call for better driving habits by all.

There was a recent car accident in Cherokee County in the northbound lanes of Interstate 85. This accident happened just before 9 a.m. among three tractor trailers and four additional vehicles, according to Fox Carolina.

The Highway Patrol reported a second accident after a tractor trailer hauling live chickens flipped in Oconee County. This accident happened between Hunt and Cody Roads along Pine Grove Road. This accident forced officials to shut down travel in the area for several hours while the mess was cleaned up. The driver of that truck was injured and was transported to Oconee Medical Center in Seneca for treatment.

The list doesn't stop there. There was a third accident in which a North Carolina man died at the scene of an accident also on Interstate 85 right by Blacksburg. The man was killed as the tractor trailer he was driving plowed through a guard rail and down an embankment. According to the man's autopsy, he suffered a heart attack and died just seconds before the accident, according to Go Upstate.

There was even another accident. According Carolina Live, South Carolina Highway Patrol officers continue to investigate a traffic accident that took the lives of two brothers in Georgetown County. It happened when their vehicle smashed into a log truck on Powell Road. Officers will be investigating the in-car black box data recorder, which the brother's newer-model car contained, for additional information.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is here to offer drivers with a few safe driving tips to help make 2012 safer than ever on our Carolina roadways. Safe roads start with you. Pledge to be a better driver this year to help reduce the risks of fatal car accidents.

Safe Driving Tips:

-Be cautious when traveling in the rain. Standing water can cause your vehicle to loose traction with the road and spin out of control. Slow it down in the rain.

-Slow down in work zones, where you may find unexpected dangers. Drive defensively, cautiously and courteously through these areas to protect yourself and road workers.

-Pay extra attention during rush hour. Mornings and afternoons are always a tough time on our roadways. Be patient and polite during these high volume-traffic times.

-Keep your vehicle well-maintained. Periodically check the vehicle's fluid levels and tire pressure and make sure wipers and headlights are working properly.

-Keep a safety kit and a first-aid kit in your vehicle at all times to be better equipped to handle emergencies.

Continue reading "Slew of Car Accidents in Carolinas Raise Concerns for 2012" »

The preliminary numbers are out and six people have died because of South Carolina car accidents during the 78-hour New Year's Holiday, from 6 p.m. on December 30th to 12 a.m. on January 2nd. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, 10 people died during this time period last year. These new statistics reveal drivers are failing to use their New Year's resolutions to be a better driver in 2012. These early statistics should be an eye opener to drivers across the state. Until we all practice safe and defensive driving habits, roadway fatalities will continue to plague the state.

From January 1st though January 2nd on 2012, there were four people killed on our roadways. Eight people were killed during this same time period in 2011.

Our Anderson car accident lawyers understand that as of December 31st 2011, there were approximately 815 people who died on South Carolina highways. Although the number of fatalities remained relatively stagnant, the fact that there were 5 more fatalities in 2011 is devastating. Until traffic accident fatalities reduce significantly, residents, drivers and law enforcement agencies are urged to put road safety as a number one concern.

There were more than 560 motor-vehicle occupants who died in 2011. Of these traffic fatalities, more than 270 were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. In 2010, roughly 315 of the near 600 motor-vehicle occupants who were killed in traffic accidents were not wearing a seat belt during the time of impact. Yes, seat belt use is on the rise among drivers in South Carolina, but the number of traffic accident fatalities still remains far too high.

South Carolina's Preliminary 2011 Statistics:

-Roughly 815 people were killed in traffic-related accidents.

-More than 110 pedestrians were killed in traffic-related accidents.

-More than 100 motorcyclists were killed in traffic-related accidents.

-Nearly 15 bicyclists were killed in traffic-related accidents.

South Carolina's 2010 Statistics:

-Roughly 810 people were killed in traffic-related accidents.

-More than 80 motorcyclists were killed in traffic-related accidents.

-There were 14 bicyclists were killed in traffic-related accidents.

The news doesn't get any better. According to even more recent statistics from the Highway Patrol, more than 10 people were killed on South Carolina highways from 6 a.m. on January 6th through midnight January 8th.

That means that as of January 8th, 17 people have died already in 2012 on South Carolina roadways. This year's statistics are a little better than last year's, considering 19 people were killed during this same short time period in 2011.

2012 Traffic Fatalities as of January 8th:

-Three pedestrians died.

-One motorcyclist was killed.

-One bicyclist has died.

Statistics above occurred on state roads and highways. On the same date in 2011, four pedestrians had died already.

Highway Patrol is keeping a close eye on our roadways and you're urged to do the same. Please be careful on our roadways through 2012 to help make this the safest road ever. Happy 2012!

Continue reading "2012 South Carolina Car Accidents Looking Bad Already" »

Police say a man killed in an accident with State Rep. Larry Womble, D-Forsyth, was driving with a blood-alcohol level more than three times over the legal limit, according to Channel 12 News.

As our Greensboro car accident attorneys reported this week on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog, drunk driving is a leading cause of serious and fatal accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that alcohol was involved in one-third of the nation's fatal traffic accidents in 2010. Drunk driving accidents killed 10,228 motorists that year.

Greensboro car accidents occur for many reasons. But drunk driving is among the most common and the most preventable.

Winston-Salem police say the driver who hit and injured Rep. Womble had a blood alcohol level of .29. The limit in the Carolinas is .08. The driver was killed in the accident, cause of which is still under investigation. The crash occurred in December. At the start of the year, Rep. Womble was upgraded to serious condition at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

And it's not just the at-fault driver who faces liability. The Mason County Daily News reports a young woman is suing a bar that served her alcohol underage prior to her being involved in a car accident. Dram Shop laws may hold responsible bar and restaurants that serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated if that person is later involved in a serious traffic accident.

"The accident that resulted in Plaintiff being a paraplegic was due to and proximately caused by the negligence, recklessness, and willfulness and gross negligence of Defendant Jock's Sports Grill," the lawsuit said.

As many as half of these accidents involve a drunk driver between the ages of 18 and 34 and a significant number involve underage drinkers. Thus, tackling the issues associated with underage drinking is an important part of any anti-drunk driving campaign.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports the use of ignition interlock devices was expanded to another 15 states in 2011. These devices can play an important role in drunk-driving prevention. Ignition interlock devices force a driver to blow into a device that tests blood-alcohol level before permitting a vehicle to start.

"Our fight is far from over," said MADD President Jan Withers. "Each year, more than 10,000 people are killed by drunk driving and hundreds of thousands are injured."

The good news is it's a largely preventable tragedy. Resolve to be responsible in 2012. Put the phone number to a taxi cab in your wallet and a $20 bill for cab fare behind your driver's license. The costs associated with a DUI conviction can approach $20,000 counting lost wages, fines, court costs, license suspension and skyrocketing insurance fees.

And those are the lucky ones. Drivers unfortunate enough to be involved in a serious or fatal accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will see their lives changed forever.

Be smart. Don't drink and drive. Call a friend or call a cab.

Continue reading "Preventing Drunk Driving Accidents in North Carolina an Easy 2012 Resolution" »

Our Winston-Salem personal injury lawyers wish each of you and enjoyable, productive and prosperous 2012. And we urge you to make safer driving a part of your New Year's resolutions.

Winston-Salem car accidents are a leading cause of death for those under the age of 34. And, while teenagers and senior citizens are most at risk, we all face risks every time we get in our car, ride a bike or walk down the street.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of traumatic injury in the United States. The good news is that there is much you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident. Already this week a newspaper delivery man was rescued from Ashe County creek after a car accident sent his vehicle plunging into the icy waters, according to the Winston Salem Journal.

As we reported recently on our Carolina Car Accident Blog, the number of fatal car accidents in North Carolina increased in 2010, even as the nation saw a significant decline in the overall number of traffic fatalities. All in all, more than 2,300 motorists died on North and South Carolina roads in 2010, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Leading causes for fatal motor vehicle accidents include:

-Drunk Driving
-Aggressive Driving
-Speeding
-Distracted Driving
-Intersection Accidents
-Bicycle Accidents
-Pedestrian Accidents
-Motorcycle Accidents

The good news is that the vast majority of these accidents can be prevented. The bad news is the responsibility typically rests with the at-fault driver more than it does the victim. Thus, we must all do our part in reducing the risks for everyone on the road.

Speeding, drunk driving, aggressive driving and distracted or inattentive driving are all easily preventable. And most accidents involving bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcycles are the fault of the driver. Failure to yield is a leading cause, but speeding and drunk driving also play a role.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports 32,885 motorists died on the nation's roads in 2010. The feds want to focus on the fact that it's the lowest accident total since1949. However, far too many motorists are killed on the nation's roads each year. Ninety people a day are killed in traffic accidents.

Somewhere in the United States someone dies in a motor vehicle accident every 15 minutes.

Our Wintson-Salem car accident attorneys encourage you to check your insurance policy as the new year begins. Ensure that you have as much coverage as you can afford. Uninsured motorist coverage can also be vital in the wake of an accident with a hit-and-run driver or a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

Over the next several days we are going to publish a series of blogs on the most common causes of serious and fatal accidents in the Carolinas and elsewhere. We encourage you to check back, both here and on our North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Blog for more information.

An informed 2012 is a safer 2012. And we encourage you to be particularly proactive when it comes to talking to teenagers and the senior citizens in your life about the importance of safe driving.

Continue reading "Resolve to Reduce your Risk of a Carolina Car Accident in 2012" »

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced that the annual traffic fatalities for 2010 were the lowest number of traffic-related deaths in over six decades. After examining the most recent car accident data available, it was determined that the less than 33,000 people who died in traffic accidents last year is the lowest number reported since 1949.

This is good news, but our Asheville car accident attorneys remain concerned about the areas that reported increases, such as pedestrian fatalities or motorcyclists deaths. These areas, along with the concern about distracted driving, have made roadways more dangerous.

The 2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates there were six more deaths caused by North Carolina car accidents in 2010 than in 2009. In 2009, there were 1,313 total traffic fatalities in North Carolina compared to 1,319 last year. South Carolina reported a significant decrease in total traffic fatalities from one year to the next. There were 894 deaths on South Carolina roadways in 2009 compared to 810 deaths in 2010, which equated to more than 9 percent improvement in change from one year to the next. Nationally, there were almost 1,000 fewer deaths on roadways but less than 3 percent improvement from 2009 to 2010.

The 2010 report contained two new measures: "alcohol-related crashes" and "distraction-affected crashes." The continued improvement of electronic devices makes consumers happy, luring them into buying the most recent gadgets, which become distracting when drivers use them instead of focusing solely on their driving duties. The NHTSA reports there were approximately 3,100 distraction-related car accidents nationwide in 2010, most of them caused by cell phone use. Alcohol-related accidents continue to be a concern for transportation officials because a third of traffic fatalities are caused by an intoxicated driver.

2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview Key Findings include:

-Almost 33,000 people died and another 2.25 million were injured in traffic crashes in 2010.

-Almost half of the states reported an increase in total traffic fatalities in 2010.

-There were roughly 5 percent more pedestrians killed from 2009 to 2010 in traffic accidents nationwide.

-From 2009 to 2010, there were 35 more motorcyclists killed nationwide.

-Vehicle occupants wearing a seat belt reported more injuries after a crash in 2010 than in 2009.

-The number of deaths for large truck occupants increased by almost 6 percent from 2009 to 2010.

-Traffic fatalities in urban areas increased significantly in 2010 compared to a decrease in rural area traffic fatalities.

-The over-55 age group showed a significant increase in traffic fatalities in 2010.

Motorists can make a difference as we finish up year 2011 and head into 2012 by making safe driving a priority every time you hit the roadways. Use extra caution to avoid a serious or fatal accident in the months to come.

Continue reading "New Data from NHTSA Indicates Fatal Car Accidents in North Carolina Still High in 2010" »

The North Carolina Department of Transportation makes all final decisions when it comes to changing road designs or improving safety measures on state roads. Many factors can contribute to a road being hazardous for motorists who travel on them regularly. When a car accident in Greensboro, Asheville or elsewhere occurs because a road is deemed dangerous, state and local governments can be held responsible when roads are not repaired or designed properly.

Charlotte car accident lawyers know that city councils and aldermen often get involved in road design issues when it affects the welfare of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. What we don't understand is why trying to avoid a disruption in local businesses should take precedent over roadway user safety when it comes to safety measures that are needed in particularly dangerous areas.

Star News Online reports that aldermen in Southport are concerned about building a traffic circle that would interfere with local businesses so they have written a resolution voicing their concerns to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The installation of a traffic circle at the intersection of N.C. 87 and N.C. 211 would ease the flow of traffic and make the area safer but the board fears several local businesses will be affected in a negative capacity and potentially be put out of business.

A second option that the DOT is weighing is the use of an eight-phased signal design located at the intersection. This plan would be incorporated in a seven-mile stretch of widening current road structures from two lanes to four lanes.

Highways 75, 77 and 85, as well as, Interstate 40 are considered some of the most dangerous roadways in the state. When it comes to dangerous roadways, there are several things that can be considered a hazard. If roads sag into a low area there may be water that accumulates on top causing a risk of flooding or icy conditions that can cause motorists to lose control. Roadways that are traveled frequently or require constant snow or debris removal can be at risk of wear and tear dangers which include the development of pot holes, grooves or buckling. These hazards also may cause a motorist to lose control of the vehicle and cause serious injury if an accident occurs.

A few examples of poor road design include confusing transition markings, missing guard rails, construction zone hazards, insufficient signage, poorly designed railroad crossings, landscaping obstructions or traffic controls placed at ineffective locations.

Insufficient funding is often an excuse used for putting off remedying a dangerous area of roadway but it is the responsibility of state and local officials to make sure accidents aren't occurring because there is poor signage or a traffic light malfunction among other things. Accidents that occur more than once in a particular area of roadway need considerable attention as to what can be done to eliminate future injuries or deaths.

Continue reading "Poor Roadway Design Leads to Greater Risk of Car Accidents in Greensboro, Statewide" »

As we muddle through the busiest shopping period of the year, our Charlotte car accident lawyers want to remind motorists to use extra caution in parking lots filled with anxious or distracted pedestrians. Parking lots are packed with vehicles and shoppers this time of year, which makes the risk of being involved in a parking lot accident in Greensboro, Charlotte or elsewhere all that more heightened compared to shopping under normal circumstances.

A recent parking lot accident at a Home Depot in Maryland is a reminder of how easily accidents can lead to serious or fatal injuries. The Baltimore Sun reports a 79-year-old driver experienced a medical emergency while he was driving through a Home Depot parking lot that caused him to hit six people. The victims were transported to the hospital with injuries, but two have reportedly died from the Thanksgiving Day accident at the Hyattsville Home Depot. The conditions of the other four victims remain undisclosed. The accident is under investigation and no charges have been filed against the driver to date.

For some odd reason shoppers tend to throw courteousness out the window this time of year. Whether it is the shortened time period to cross everything off the shopping list or the race to get to the best sales event, people can get a little aggressive and unruly. When this behavior gets transferred to operating a vehicle, it can put pedestrians at risk of severe injury while walking in the parking lot to and from their vehicle.

To help reduce levels of agitation and encourage a little common courtesy in the spirit of giving, we offer these etiquette tips to help reduce parking lot incidents:

-Drivers should not block other cars behind them while waiting for a parking space near the store entrance to open.

-Pull into a parking space by centering the vehicle with equal space on either side. Pull forward so that the rear end of the vehicle doesn't hang out and block the view of other motorists as they try to see around it.

-If a space is too small to fit into, look for another parking spot. Trying to cram in to a small spot is dangerous and can lead to vehicle damage or personal injury.

-A driver has many blind spots in a parking lot so be aware of these as you maneuver around pedestrians and vehicles.

-Watch for speed limit signs and one-way indicators. Always follow the speed limit and follow the direction indicated by signs and markings on the pavement.

-Stop or yield to oncoming or crossing foot traffic and vehicles.

-Always use a turn signal when making a turn or pulling into a parking spot.

-Never leave a cart or dolly in the parking spot when you are done shopping. Not only can it be aggravating to other motorists attempting to pull into a space when spots are limited, but it can also cause vehicle damage when left unattended.

-Resist aggressive behaviors by not honking the horn or making inappropriate gestures to pedestrians or other motorists.

-Never create your own parking space. It is illegal and dangerous.

Continue reading "Charlotte Parking Lot Accidents Common at Malls, Outlets During Holiday Shopping Season" »

Holiday weekends typically mean an abundance of state troopers and local police officers patrolling North Carolina roadways to reduce the risk of drunk driving or car accidents in Hickory or elsewhere. The number of law enforcement security checkpoints and patrol officers increase during holiday periods when roadways are used more frequently.

WTVD reports about a recent holiday weekend accident that sent three people to the hospital, including a police officer. The accident happened while a state trooper was in pursuit to offer assistance to another officer involved with a suspected drunk driver.

Investigators report the unmarked cruiser was traveling at a speed of 70 mph on Interstate 85 with lights flashing and the siren on when the trooper exited the highway at North Duke Street. To avoid traffic waiting for the light to turn green at the end of the off ramp, the trooper pulled along the shoulder, lost control of the cruiser and crashed into a traffic light control box. The impact of the crash caused the cruiser to go sailing across six lanes of traffic before hitting another vehicle. One of the passengers from that vehicle suffered a broken hip and pelvis while the other had less serious injuries but was sent to the hospital for medical attention. The state trooper was treated and released from the hospital.

Officials from the North Carolina Highway Patrol stated that police officers try to avoid a crash while in pursuit, but when in emergency response mode they sometimes drive above the posted speed limit. This was an unfortunate accident according to state officials because the trooper couldn't balance the danger of speeding in pursuit to the potential harm of hurting a motorist.

Winston-Salem car accident attorneys want to remind North Carolina motorists of the Move Over law set forth by state legislatures in January 2002. In order to prevent contact with policemen, firefighters, emergency responders, utility workers and other rescuers responding to an emergency situation, state officials passed this law that requires motorists to move one lane over if it is safe to do so whenever they see flashing lights or hear a siren. Failure to move over could result in a minimum penalty of $250.

According to Move Over, America, 164 police officers have died nationwide after being struck by a passing vehicle. In 2009, there were 10 law enforcement official deaths nationwide, that's almost half of the number killed in 2008 reported at 18. According to a recent national poll sponsored by the National Safety Commission, 71 percent of Americans don't know that a Move Over law even exists. To date, 43 states have passed a Move Over law in order to help protect emergency responders from being struck while trying to do their job.

Motorists who spot flashing lights should always slow down and move over to help reduce the risk of making contact with an emergency responder.

Continue reading "North Carolina Trooper Injured While Responding to Drunk Driving Pursuit" »

Traveling on holiday weekends can be a nightmare, especially if you are expected to be somewhere and become involved in delays or a car accident in Greensboro, Charlotte or elsewhere in the state.

Holiday weekends always make roadways more congested but this weekend draws more attention as motorists head out to family gatherings, Thanksgiving Day parades, or shopping adventures looking to get a jump on holiday gift ideas and sales events.

Gastonia car accident attorneys know that soaring gas prices won't keep travelers off the roadways this weekend so we want to alert motorists to use extra caution as you travel throughout the holiday week and weekend.

According to a recent article in USA Today, Thanksgiving holiday travel is estimated to hit a record high level this weekend. Even those drivers who plan ahead and intend to leave early can run into snags with construction, breakdowns, or congested traffic. Long trips with screaming kids in the car and potential weather-related problems can only add to the stressors of holiday traveling. AAA predicts that 90 percent of holiday travelers will be on roadways rather than through the air this year. More specifically, it is estimated that 38.2 million of the 42.5 million expected travelers will be via automobile.

Speeders will be of particular interest this holiday weekend as law enforcement gets heightened to keep roadways safe during holiday travel. Some states offer maximum traffic violations as high as $2,500 (Illinois and Virginia) for speeding. North Carolina makes the Top 10 list for stiffest penalties slapped on speeders during holiday weekends. A speeding motorist can be hit with a $1,000 fine in North Carolina, Florida, Minnesota and Indiana. Other hefty maximum speeding fines include $2,000 in Georgia and Nevada, $750 in Utah and $625 in Iowa.

North Carolina is also notorious for some of the worst roads in the country. Construction zones can make travel delays a hassle but motorists are reminded to be patient, plan your route accordingly and don't become aggressive when traffic comes to a screeching halt.

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System used the by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported over 900 deaths nationwide on Thanksgiving in 2009 as a result of 354 fatal crashes. In 2009, North Carolina reported 39 deaths on Thanksgiving caused by 14 fatal crashes.

Important holiday driving tips to remember:

-Perform a routine maintenance check on your vehicle. For example, check the cooling system, air in your tires, radiator and brakes to make sure all are working properly before a long trip.

-Take a nap after your holiday meal to avoid causing a drowsy driving accident on your way home from a family gathering.

-Check out area events that might create road closures or traffic delays like holiday parades or shows. Planning an alternate route is advised.

-If alcohol is being served, designate a driver if you intend to drink.

-Whether it is a quick trip to the store or a 50 mile trip to grandma's house expect delays and traffic congestion.

-Just because it is a holiday doesn't mean bad drivers hide out all weekend and stay off roadways. Defensive driving skills should be heightened during holiday travel weeks.

Continue reading "Thanksgiving Weekend Travel Puts Motorists at Risk of Car Accidents in Greensboro, Statewide" »

A little more than a year ago, a female teenage driver was killed in an Asheville distracted-driving accident because she was texting while driving. Her father now speaks out to teens about the dangers of texting and driving, and is one of the featured clips in the updated "Faces of Distracted Driving" series being promoted by the government.

Our Charlotte accident lawyers applaud the campaign's intent of getting the message out about the dangers of distracted driving and the consequences that come with this driving habit. Viewing personal and tragic stories like those in Faces of Distracted Driving pull on the heart strings, and may just the thing to make drivers think twice about risking an accident because of driver inattention.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released a new public service announcement (PSA) which is updating new faces and stories to the "Faces of Distracted Driving" series. The campaign has been viewed online more than 100,000 times since it began in November 2010. The PSA is a 30-second clip called "Get the Message," which features loved ones who have lost someone from a distracted-driving accident somewhere in the U.S.

Some of the featured tragic stories that can be found at Faces of Distracted Driving include:

-A 19-year-old was struck and killed on his bicycle by a distracted truck driver traveling at 60 mph.

-A 21-year-old male was riding with a co-worker who became distracted and failed to yield at a stop sign. The male passenger was killed within 24 hours of a tractor-trailer hitting the vehicle that failed to yield in the middle of oncoming traffic.

-A 21-year-old female pedestrian was killed by a distracted driver while she was crossing the street.

-A 17-year-old high school student was riding to school in her pickup truck when she crashed on a rural roadway because she was texting.

-Two teen drivers crashed in the middle of an intersection when one of the drivers was distracted by her cell phone while running a red light at 50 mph. The teen victim in the other vehicle died within 24 hours of the crash.

-A 58 year-old hiker was struck from behind and killed instantly by a vehicle traveling at 70 mph. The driver was texting at the time of the accident.

Unfortunately, these and many other tragic stories occur each and every day on roadways throughout the United States. If you have or someone you know has a story to tell or a message to voice, the U.S. Department of Transportation encourages families to post a message or video on YouTube and email the link to faces@distraction.gov.

No one wants to mourn the loss of someone killed in a distracted-driving accident in North Carolina or elsewhere. Make a commitment to drive distraction-free.

Continue reading "Personal Stories of Distracted Driving in Asheville Car Accident and Elsewhere Revealed in PSA Message" »

A recent article in Bloomberg Business Week reported that car safety inspectors are looking more scrupulously at all plug-in electric vehicles manufactured with lithium-ion batteries as their power source. We mention this because our car accident attorneys in Winston-Salem, Charlotte and elsewhere are concerned about consumer safety after reading about two separate incidents involving a Chevrolet Volt that have a lithium-ion battery.

We find it odd that the battery defect wasn't found earlier. A defective vehicle or its parts can cause serious injury if a fire-related car accident in Greensboro or elsewhere occurs, especially if there are occupants. Automobile manufacturers should have detected a problem with the foreign-based batteries produced by the largest chemical maker in South Korea prior to making them the power source of many electric cars being sold on the market today.

Fortunately no one was hurt in either incident. The first incident was a report of a Chevrolet Volt sitting at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) testing center parking lot when it caught fire. The car had undergone a side-impact crash test three weeks prior to the fire. As a result of the incident, safety regulators are talking to all manufacturing companies, including Nissan Motor Co., Ford Motor Co. and General Motors that already sell or intend to use lithium-ion batteries in their electric vehicles about the fire risks associated with the battery.

More recently, another fire-related incident involving a Volt charging in a residential garage in Mooresville, N.C., has a team of NHTSA investigators involved in an ongoing investigation. Several other charging stations were installed in homes in North and South Carolina by Duke Energy Corp. but have been told to stop using the station to prevent the risk of injury until the investigation is complete.

An engineering consultant from Michigan knowledgeable about lithium batteries commented that lithium burns really hot but it isn't a common hazard. A lithium battery can catch fire when the battery case or some of the internal cells get pierced by steel or other ferrous metals. When a lithium battery is pierced like that, the temperature begins to rise through a chemical reaction. Depending on the size of the piercing, the reaction could cause a fire to ignite immediately ot it could take days or weeks to occur.

Electric plug-in vehicles are the wave of the future. In fact, by 2015 President Barack Obama said he would like to to have 1 million electric vehicles on U.S. roadways to countermeasure the dependence on foreign oil supplies. In addition to the Chevrolet Volt, the Nissan Leaf is also powered by a lithium-ion battery. As of October 31, there have been more than 13,000 Leafs and Volts sold in the U.S. this year. Toyota Motor Corp. uses a nickel-metal battery in its top-selling hybrid vehicle the Prius. However, a plug-in version of the Prius and an electric RAV 4 will be using lithium batteries.

Defective vehicles put consumers at risk of injury and often require experienced advice when an accident occurs.

Continue reading "Electric Vehicles With Lithium-Ion Battery Could Put North Carolina Motorists at Risk of Fire-Related Car Accidents" »