Tennessee Injury Attorney Blog

A local driver is counting his blessings today! He was able to avoid a potentially fatal car accident in West Knoxville when he escaped his truck just after it got stuck on the train tracks. After he made it out safely, the vehicle was hit by a 33-car CSX Corp. freight train. The accident happened near on Jackson Road, near Amherst.

"He wasn't trying to beat the train, he just got stuck there on the tracks," said Knoxville Fire Department spokesman Capt. D.J. Corcoran.

Train tracks are the location of numerous fatal car accidents. In these situations, motorists often stand little to no chance surviving the impact of an oncoming train. Our Tennessee car accident attorneys ask that all residents be cautious when traveling near trains and their tracks. While you may think you'd be able to see a train coming and escape its path, that's not always the case. Some statistics conclude that a train and a car collide every 12 minutes in the U.S. This means that about 9,570 train accidents happened in 2009. Of these accidents, it's estimated that nearly 650 people were killed and another 6,670 people were injured. More than 95 percent of these accidents happened at rail-highway intersections and in trespassing instances.

Neither the truck driver nor the operator of the train involved in the West Knoxville train-truck accident is facing any charges, according to Knox News.

According to Knoxville Police Department spokesman Darrell DeBusk, the flatbed truck was carrying an earth mover. It was heading southbound on Jackson when it was struck. The train was heading eastbound and unable to stop before hitting the truck.

The driver of the flatbed truck said he heard the warning bells and saw the railroad crossing arm descending. At that point, he jumped out of his vehicle. He said there was no other choice. The company owning the flatbed called its hazardous materials team to the scene of the accident for cleanup. After the collision, diesel fuel leaked out onto the tracks and the roadway. The train was carrying ethanol and butane. Thankfully, the cars carrying these materials were further back and not affected by the crash.

In the state of Tennessee there are nearly 2,820 public at-grade railroad crossings. To help to reduce the risks of motor-vehicle accidents in these locations, the Tennessee Department of Transportation previously launched a safety campaign. This safety campaign consists of posters and billboards scattered throughout areas near high traffic railroad crossings. These signs are to remind pedestrians and drivers to be alert near crossings and railroad tracks.

In 2009 and 2010, there were nearly 100 train-vehicle accidents in the state of Tennessee. In these accidents, five people died and more than 25 were injured.

Drivers are asked to use caution near all train tracks, but especially at ones near rail-highway intersections. Never attempt to cross train tracks unless you're sure you can make it all the way across. If you see a train coming, stop a significant distance from the tracks to avoid a collision. Turn your radio down when approaching these areas so that you can hear your surroundings, too. Accidents with trains are highly preventable with the proper safety precautions. Be careful out there and stay alert.

Continue reading "Man Eludes Death Following Train Accident in West Knoxville" »

A drunk driving car accident in Tennessee 41-years-ago is remembered by signs on the side of the road on Murfreesboro Road near Clovercoft Road. That night, the lives of two residents changed forever. A woman involved in the accident, who was seven months pregnant at the time, remembers it vividly. She says her husband, herself, their daughter and their nephew were heading back from a peach-picking trip is Nashville when a drunk driver crashed into the car. Their 19-month-old nephew and their 4-year-old daughter were killed in that accident.

The pregnant passenger suffered from a broken neck and burns on almost three-quarters of her body. Her husband was badly burned as well.

Our Tennessee drunk driving car accident attorneys understand that the Franklin Police Department conducted its very first sobriety checkpoint this last Saturday to help to reduce the risks of anymore accidents like that one. The funds for the checkpoints were provided by the Governor's Highway Safety Office. That checkpoint was dedicated to the family, which has been mourning their run-in with a drunk driver for more than 40 years. Pictures of the woman, the husband and the pair's daughter, who was born prematurely and blind, were on display at that site of the DUI checkpoint, according to The Tennessean.

As this family is all too painfully aware, the consequences of drunk driving can last a lifetime.

"This kind of shows more of a powerful reason of why we are out there," said Franklin Police Officer Rachel Gobe. "We are out there for a reason: to save lives."

The woman involved in the drunk driving accident was the national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and started the organization's Tennessee chapter back in 1981. She even appealed to President Clinton, asking him to lower the drunk driving limit from .10 to .08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC). That national standard was passed late in 2000.

Although she is no longer the national president of the organization, MADD is still going strong in its fight against drunk drivers across the nation. According to a recent press release from MADD, new legislation is being pushed to require everyone convicted of drunk driving to install ignition interlock devices, or machines that measure a driver's blood alcohol content. The vehicle won't start if the driver has been drinking. The majority of drunk driving car accidents are caused by repeat offenders. The interlock devices would help to make sure these motorists won't be drunk on our roadways.

"While drunk driving remains the primary threat to American families traveling on our roadways, we are closer than ever to making sure no family must endure the pain of losing a loved one to this 100-percent preventable crime," said MADD National President Jan Withers.

These devices are one of the most beneficial components of the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving®. The passage of laws requiring these devices for all offenders have already reduced the risks of drunk driving-related fatalities, as observed recently in Arizona and Oregon.

Ignition interlock devices save lives and save taxpayer money. For an offender who has been sentenced to use an interlock device, the user has to dish out about $2.25 for each day for its use. Researchers conclude that for every dollar invested in these devices for a first-time offender, it saves the public about $3. When you consider that drunk driving accidents cost the nation more than $130 billion every year, the fees required by these convicted drivers is a small price to pay to help ensure roadway safety and to help to reduce the risks of alcohol-related traffic accidents.

Lastly, MADD is hoping to get the ROADS SAFE Act into legislation. This act could help to offer research funds to those creating Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS). Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety are working to advance this potentially life-saving technology.

Continue reading "Photos at Sobriety Checkpoints to Convey Message of the Dangers of Drunk Driving in Tennessee" »

"Real Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" is the message to remember this Super Bowl Sunday. The Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Department of Safety and the Governor's Highway Safety Office (GHSO) are all pushing that message during Super Bowl XLVI. It's the second most dangerous day to be on our roadways. It ranked in at second place, just behind New Year's Eve for having the most fatal car accidents in Knoxville and elsewhere. Prepare to cheer on your favorite team Sunday and prepare yourself to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

"This Super Bowl Sunday, we want to see zero alcohol-related fatalities in Tennessee, so you will see more troopers in more places looking for people who break the law. Make sure you come out a winner this Super Bowl weekend. Designate a sober driver or take a cab home if you've had too much to drink," said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell.

Our Knoxville drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that officers across the state will be out in full force in search of drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving car accidents are completely preventable, and we're asking all residents to huddle up with family members and friends to come up with a game plan to keep everyone safe on our roadways on Sunday. Kickoff between the Giants and the Patriots is at 6:30 p.m. and residents are urged to have their rides situated before then. Make sure you have a designated driver or a safe place to stay if you'll be drinking during the game.

In 2006, troopers made roughly 25 arrests for driving under the influence over the Super Bowl weekend. During this time, there were nearly 10 fatal accidents. One was alcohol-related. That number was down from the statistics from the previous year's Super Bowl weekend. We're hoping that these numbers can be brought down even lower.

Getting a ride home from a sober friend is always a winning play. There nothing safer than catching a ride with someone who is sober. It's important to keep an eye on your loved ones, too. Make sure everyone you know is taking care of themselves on Super Bowl Sunday.

Tips for Going Out on Super Bowl Sunday:

-Most importantly, fans who will be drinking should find a designated driver before the game begins.

-Make sure your designated agrees to drink only non-alcoholic drinks.

-Drink in moderation over time. Drinking too much in too short of a time can make you sick and ruin your game day.

-Always wear your seat belt.

-Keep phone numbers to cab companies with you in case you or a friend is need of a safe ride.

-Eat plenty of food along with your alcohol consumption.

According to the Designated Driver poll from 2005, about 70 percent of drivers have either been a designated driver for someone or have ridden home with a designated driver. This means that nearly 150 million people know how to party responsibly. Let's make this year's stats reach 100 percent. Enjoy the game!

Continue reading "Tennessee Department of Transportation Working to Reduce Risks of Knoxville Drunk Driving Car Accidents Over Super Bowl Weekend" »

A number of complaints regarding nursing home abuse in Maryville resulted in approximately 100 residents being removed from the Colonial Hills Nursing Center. The nursing home allegedly lost its certification with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services because of a number of problems it encountered in 2011, according to Canadian Business. These problems included some life-threatening deficiencies.

The director of health care facilities with the Tennessee Department of Health reported that two of the facility's residents claimed to have been sexually assaulted. Other violations included patients becoming ill from overly-salted foods and complication from being given incorrect medications. The facility has been ordered to shut down and improve its standard of care before it can re-open.

Our Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyers understand that we depend on nursing homes to provide the proper care to our elderly loved ones, and that these centers have a responsibility to follow strict standards of care. Colonial Hills Nursing Center had nearly 165 residents in December when they were given the notification. Roughly 100 of those patients rely on Medicare and Medicaid. The Tennessee Department of Health ordered the facility to relocate those patients by early February.

State officials and the federal government will not pay for sub-quality care. After an investigation into the facility, there were nearly 100 pages of deficiencies identified at that one residence alone.

"This strips an individual of their dignity and respect. No one who is a vulnerable individual should be placed in this situation," said the director of health.

Tennessee state officials believe the state has some of the finest health care professionals and health care treatment facilities in the U.S. While most of these professionals are caring and competent individuals, there are problems that can arise from faulty institutions. For this reason, the state's Department of Health asks that you file a complaint if you feel that the treatment that you or a loved one is receiving from a nursing home in the state is unacceptable.

Tennessee Nursing Home Complaint Activity (2010):

-There were 325 licensed nursing homes in the state.

-Nursing homes received nearly 1,540 complaints.

-There were 300 nursing homes with one or more complaints filed. These homes accounted for more than 90 percent of all of the state's nursing homes.

-There were nearly 40 nursing homes that had 10 or more complaints filed against them. These residences accounted for more than 11 percent of the homes.

-One nursing home went bankrupt.

-There were 12 homes that were cited with standard level care.

-Five nursing homes were cited and ordered to pay a total of more than $1,569,000.

-Five nursing homes had admissions suspended.

ThirdAge.com offers residents of Tennessee with a list of the top-rated nursing homes in Knoxville. Do your homework before choosing a nursing home facility for your or your loved ones.

Continue reading "Reports of Nursing Home Abuse in Tennessee Shut Down Facility" »

According to a recent report, "The 2012 Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws," Tennessee is one of the country's 18 safest states. Still, the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that there were more than 1,030 traffic accident fatalities here in 2010. The 2010 statistics also illustrate an increase from the 986 who were killed in 2010. While our roadways may have been voted as some of the safest in the country, the number of roadway fatalities is in fact increasing.

According to KnoxNews, a teenage driver in the state is working to spread the word about the importance of safe driving habits to avoid car accidents in Knoxville and elsewhere. Joe Polakiewicz, the new advocate, is choosing to speak up about the dangers teens face on our roadways. The effort for safer roads came after Polakiewicz's October 2010 traffic accident in which he reached down in his vehicle while traveling along Big Springs Road. He unknowingly swerved off of the road, over-corrected his vehicle, spun out and slammed into a tree on the other side of the road. This accident almost took his life. But he survived and now believes it happened for a reason: to promote teen driver safety.

Our Tennessee teen car accident lawyers have read the recent report, "The 2012 Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws," was conducted by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety in which researchers took a look at 15 road safety laws of all states. During the evaluations of each state, researchers looked at how well the state was able to adhere to the safety group's grading scale. Through these ratings, Tennessee came out as one of the top 18 as it had followed 10.5 or more of the safety group's 15 suggested laws.

The more safety laws a state has for its roadways, the safer motorists are. This is a good time to remember how beneficial these laws can be for teens who are just learning to drive. It's vital to reiterate to our newly-licensed drivers the importance of keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Polakiewicz's accident was completely preventable. But with his dedication to spreading the word of safe driving skills, safer roadways may be in the near future.

"I just feel that Joe's survival is a miracle and maybe he survived for a reason," Nancy Polakiewicz, the teen driver's mother, told a reporter. "I need to tell his story to prevent others from going through that."

Road Laws Evaluated in the Report:

-Three different laws to limit drivers' ability to pack in the passengers.

-Having seven complete elements of a graduated driver's licensing (GDL) program.

-Four drug and alcohol-impaired driving laws, including one requiring ignition interlock devices for convicted offenders.

-A ban on text messaging for all drivers.

Some of the worst-ranked states were South Dakota and Arizona, with 4 and 4.5 points, respectively.

Parents are reminded that these laws can be useless without adult enforcement. Parents should remain actively involved in their teen's driving career long after they've graduated to an unrestricted driver's license. Parent involvement can be one of the most beneficial factors in the fight against teen car accidents in Tennessee.

Continue reading "Advocacy Group and Local Teen Fight for Safer Roads to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Tennessee and Elsewhere" »

Burn accidents can happen practically anywhere if you're not careful. Oftentimes, these injuries can be caused by faulty wiring. They can also happen in rental units, places where smoke detectors are not available, where fire exits blocked or locked and in places not equipped with an adequate fire sprinkler system. According to the American Burn Association, nearly half a million people are injured every year in fire and burn-related accidents and require treatment from emergency rooms across the country. If that's not bad enough, another 4,000 people are killed every year in burn-related accidents. Of these fatalities, roughly 3,000 are the result of residential fires. Fire-related accidents in Knoxville and elsewhere can cause burn injuries that can be excruciatingly painful, devastating for family members and can result in permanent deformities.

Our Knoxville personal injury lawyers understand a dispute with an insurance company and a burn victim can involve proving how the fire-related injury happened and where the heat source originated. Our attorneys help to fight for the rights of burn accident victims. Our firm can help victims evaluate the accident scene and collect relevant evidence to help you prove a case to collect the proper compensation.

Many times, these burn accidents are the result of someone else's negligence. For this reason, it is important for you to contact an experienced attorney if you've been the victim of a burn accident.

In many burn accident cases, it is necessary for a victim to determine if the building in which the accident occurred met current safety codes. In cases where buildings do not meet safety codes and the proper corrections were not made to prevent a foreseeable accident, the property owner can be held reliable for the damages and the injuries.

Of the 4,000 fatalities that occur every year because of burn accidents, about 75 percent of the victims die at the scene of the accident or during the initial transport.

Ways to Help Prevent Burn Accidents:

-Never allow the cords of appliances to dangle.

-Keep your water heater set at 120 degrees.

-Don't use any electric hair styling products near sinks in the bathroom.

-Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable.

-Keep paint and other flammable liquids in their original-labeled containers.

-Never toss out ashes, either hot or cold, in anything other than a metal container.

-Never smoke while lying in bed or near anything that's flammable.

-If you live in an apartment, know where the nearest stairwell is located.

-If you have an appliance that starts to smoke, unplug it and take it to be serviced immediately.

-Never overload outlets or extension cords.

-Follow the recommendations listed by manufacturers for bulb wattage in light fixtures.

-Never put extension cords under rugs.

Continue reading "Serious Burn Injuries in Knoxville and Elsewhere Accompany a Lifetime of Suffering" »

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, there have been a number of serious car accidents in Knoxville on Interstate-75. Officials believe that many of these traffic accidents were caused by the snowy weather conditions, according to NBC10.

Snowfall plagued Campbell County and dispatchers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol are reporting that the Interstate was icy and dangerous. There have been at least three car accidents reported because of the snow, ice and slick roadways. Mile marker 158 on I-75 was blocked off because of an accident that happened just before 5:00 p.m. The two other accidents reportedly happened at mile markers 139 and 153.

Our Knoxville car accident attorneys understand that the holiday congested traffic may be departing. But the dangerous winter weather conditions are here to stay for a while. We're asking all drivers to be extremely cautious when navigating snowy and icy roadways. Make it a New Year's resolution to be a better and safer driver in 2012. You can help to reduce your risks of an accident by practicing a few winter weather safe driving tips. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is here to offer you these safe driving tips through its "Ice & Snow: Take It Slow" safe winter driving campaign.

Winter Driving Safety Tips:

-Slow it down. When it snows, you should use your head and not your feet. Reduce your speed when driving on icy, snowy or wet roadways.

-Slow down when approaching bridges, heavily shaded spots, off-ramps and intersections. These areas are prime spots for black ice. Drivers may not always be able to see black ice on the roadway, therefore slow travel is key in preventing an accident.

-Keep the steering to a minimum. Only steer, brake and accelerate when needed. Cutting down on these types of actions cuts down your risks of losing control of your vehicle.

-Keep the distance. Leave more room between your vehicle and other vehicles on the roadways as it's more difficult to stop in these conditions.

-Avoid using the cruise control. You should always stay in control or the acceleration and the brakes when driving on slick roadways. Using the cruise control only slows your ability to react.

-Never crowd snow plows. Give these machines plenty of room to do their job. Remember these vehicles travel much slower than normal traffic.

-Before leaving your home, call 511 from any phone or visit www.tn511.com to learn about current weather and road conditions.

-Leave for your destination with plenty of time to spare. Extra time reduces the need to rush and speed.

-Be sure to clear the snow from your vehicle's windows, headlights and taillights before departing.

-Remember that stopping on slick roadways takes longer than normal and can take more distance. If you have anti-lock brakes, you should brake by pressing firmly down on the brake pedal. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the brake pedal to stop.

Continue reading "Winter Weather Contributing to Numerous Car Accidents on Tennessee Interstates" »

Drivers across the country would no longer be legally able to talk, text or surf the web on a cell phone if the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) gets its way, according to KnoxNews. The Board made a recommendation this month to get local, state and federal officials to prohibit the use of portable electronic devices for all drivers.

The recommendation comes after a recent meeting in which federal officials discussed the dangers of drivers' bad habits. The meeting covered the catastrophic traffic accident that happened in 2010 in Gray Summit, Missouri, in which a distracted driver allegedly killed two people and injured dozens more. In Missouri, drivers under the age of 21 are prohibited from texting while driving, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). All other drivers are free to do as they wish behind the wheel. That's the problem with current laws. Most states prohibit drivers from texting, but not from talking on a cell phone. It's difficult for officials to determine if a driver is using a phone to call someone or typing a text message. A federal ban on all devices would help officials to bust drivers, and could help reduce the risks of distraction-related car accidents in Knoxville and elsewhere.

Our Knoxville car accident attorneys understand that NTSB doesn't have the authority to enact such a law, but its recommendations typically have a significant influence on laws that are passed by state, local and federal lawmakers. If this proposal were to become law, there would be a few exceptions. For instance, devices used to aid driver safety would be permitted, as well as during emergency situations.

"States aren't ready to support a total ban yet, but this may start the discussion," said Jonathan Adkins, a spokesman for the GHSA.

Currently, there are 35 states that do not allow drivers to text at the wheel. Another nine states don't allow drivers to talk on a cell phone while driving. In these states, enforcement of these laws has not appeared to be a top priority.

"Needless lives are lost on our highways, and for what? Convenience? Death isn't convenient," said Deborah Hersman with the NTSB. "So we can stay more connected? A fatal accident severs that connection."

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than a million traffic accidents are caused by drivers who are distracted by cell phones every year. These accidents account for more than 20 percent of all recorded accidents.

Because of these alarming statistics, the NSC says it completely backs the NTSB and its decision to push for a nationwide ban on all electronic devices for drivers.

"This recommendation by NTSB is a national call to action to end distracted driving due to cell phone use. This is a growing public safety threat that needs to be addressed by legislators, employers and every person who operates a motor vehicle on our nation's roadways," said Janet Froetscher with the NSC.

Continue reading "NTSB Pushes for Nationwide Ban on Cell Phone Use to Help Curb Car Accidents in Knoxville, Nation" »

The number of car and trucking accidents in Maryville and elsewhere throughout the state took more lives in 2010 than in 2009 despite an announcement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that claimed the U.S. saw its lowest number of traffic fatalities since 1949.

In 2010, there were roughly 33,000 people who died in traffic accidents in the country. Yes, this is a decrease from the previous year, but there are a number of accident categories that saw a significant increase during this time.

The NHTSA recently released the 2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview, which details accident statistics from the previous year. This is the most up-to-date information available on traffic accidents in the country. While the number of traffic fatalities decreased nationwide, the number of injuries in fact increased. Broken down into categories, the number of fatalities among large truck occupants, van occupants, bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists actually increased.

Our Maryville car accident attorneys understand that the reduction in traffic-accident fatalities may be short lived. The number of fatalities witnessed during the last part of 2010 illustrated a significant increase. Safe driving experts expect this trend to continue as the economy grows stronger. With a more steady economy, residents feel more confident in getting out and traveling. An increase in traffic equates to an increase in your risks for an accident.

The NHTSA is doing more to specify the types of accidents we see on our roadways. With the release of this year's report, the NHTSA introduced two new measures, the "distraction-affected crashes" and the "alcohol-impaired driving crashes."

-Distraction-affected crashes: This measure is used as a way for the Administration to collect more data regarding the contributions of distractions in a traffic accident. The new measure is being used to zoom in on traffic accidents in which a driver was believed to have been distracted at the wheel during the accident. These types of accidents took the lives of roughly 3,100 people throughout the year.

-Alcohol-impaired driving crashes: This new measure is used to examine traffic accidents in which alcohol was most likely the cause. This measure allows researchers to look closer at accidents in which a driver had a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or above, the legal limit for each state.

"We recognize our responsibility to improve our understanding of the dangers that continue to threaten drivers and passengers," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.

Increases in traffic fatalities were witnessed by:

-Large truck occupants

-Motorcyclists

-Occupants of vans

-Pedestrians

-Bicyclists

-Urban-area traffic accidents

-The state of Tennessee. 2009: 986 fatalities. 2010: 1,031 fatalities.

Despite the recent announcement of a decrease in the national traffic accident fatality number, we'd like to point out that 20 states experienced increases. Drivers are urged to remain cautious and alert on our roadways. As motorists flock to our roadways during the holiday season, there will be more dangers lurking than ever. Drive defensively and alertly to avoid an accident. Have a Happy Holiday and New Year!

Continue reading "New Statistics Reveal More Car Accidents in Tennessee than Last Year" »

Drivers in the state of Tennessee have been prohibited from texting behind the wheel for over a year now, but teenage drivers aren't getting the message. Teenage drivers across the state are still using the cell phones to text message one another, endangering themselves and innocent drivers everywhere. For this reason, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper are teaming up to push the "OMG" public service announcement (PSA) and other anti-texing campaigns. Officials are using these campaigns to raise awareness in these young drivers about the dangers of texting and driving and the risks for a distraction-related car accident in Maryville and elsewhere.

"Teen drivers are particularly vulnerable to distracted driving, which is why we are making an extra effort to ensure they understand the dangers," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Our Maryville car accident attorneys understand how serious a problem texting teens pose other motorists on our roadways. According to the State of Tennessee's Attorney Generals Office, distracted driving-related accidents are the number one killer of teenagers in the U.S. Nearly 20 percent of all drivers under the age of 20 who were involved in a fatal accident were reported to have been distracted behind the wheel. Teen drivers who text behind the wheel are 25 percent more likely to get into a serious accident than those who are focused on the roadway.

"Imagine closing your eyes while driving for the amount of time it takes to read a text message," said Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper. "Reading a text message is no less dangerous than any other diversion that takes your eyes off the road, and it can carry deadly consequences."

The NHTSA's "OMG" campaign was recently released on the Distraction.gov website and is available for viewing at roughly 12,000 gas station pump-top screens owned by Outcast PumpTop TV and on roughly 6,600 movie screens in nearly 550 cinemas across the country during the month of December.

Through the holiday season, teenagers will be enjoying a winter break away from school and will be venturing out on our roadways for holiday vacations. The "OMG" PSA uses teen lingo, inducing "LOL and "L8R," to communicate its important safe driving message with these young drivers.

We understand that teenagers want to stay connected with their friends though various social networks and through text messaging, but it's important to teach our young drivers that there's a time and place for that, and it's not behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. The new campaign urges teenagers to make smart decisions while driving through the congested holiday traffic.

Parents are urged to talk with the teen drivers in their life about the serious risks and consequences of taking their eyes off the roadway while driving, if even for a few seconds. Have a safe and Happy Holiday and please curb all distractions while driving through the busy, winter traffic.

Continue reading "USDOT Promoting "OMG" Campaign to Halt Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Tennessee, Nation" »

A recent chain-reaction car accident in Tennessee, just north of Nashville, involved 176 vehicles, killed one and injured nearly 20 more, according to CNN.

Officials say that the accident was caused by the black ice and the heavy fog that plagued State Highway 386. One school bus on its way to drop children off at school was involved. Luckily, none of the children were injured. The man who was killed in the accident was the driver of a compact car that was forced underneath a tractor-trailer. The others who were injured were taken to local hospitals.

According to Capt. Vincent Riley of the county emergency medical services, the accidents started at roughly 8:00 a.m. when a first vehicle ran off the roadway, which caused a chain-reaction accident. That roadway was shut down for a majority of the day as responders tried to clear the wreckage. Many vehicles had to be towed from the scene. Weather officials had not placed the area under a fog advisory during the accidents.

Our Knoxville car accident attorneys understand that traffic is expected to increase significantly through the holidays and our risks for traffic accidents will increase as well. Drivers are urged to check out the road and traffic conditions throughout Tennessee before heading out. Safe driving habits are going to be your number one preventative measure in avoiding a fatal car accident through the season. As millions of drivers head out to celebrate Christmas and New Year's, everyone's urged to drive carefully and cautiously to keep our roadways safe.

"We want everyone traveling in and through Tennessee to get to their destination safely," said Commissioner Bill Gibbons. "We urge all motorists to start the holidays off on the right foot and buckle up on every trip."

Troopers urge all drivers to wear a seat belt, especially throughout the rest of the holiday season. The state's seat belt usage jumped to nearly 90 percent in 2011. Still, it's estimated that nearly 60 percent of vehicle occupants who were killed in car accidents in the state in 2010 were reportedly not wearing their seat belt.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott says that motorists are about 10 times safer when wearing a seat belt. Troopers will be combing the roadways for unbuckled motorists throughout the holiday season, not to issue a bunch of tickets but to help save lives.

As of the 21st of November, the state's accident statistics illustrated that there have been more than 830 deaths on our roadways so far in 2011. While this is about 100 less than this time last year, officers still ask drivers to stay safe, to drive cautiously and to buckle up on our roadways.

Drivers are also urged to steer clear of popular roadways during rush hour, during the evening hours and during weekends. This is a time when we typically see an increase in accidents. Driving is a serious responsibility and we all need to do so safely to ensure the safety of everyone on our roadways. Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

Continue reading "Car Accident in Tennessee Kills 1, Injures 16, Involves 176 Vehicles" »

American Traffic Solutions (ATS) recently filed a lawsuit saying that they're not able to do the job they were hired for anymore, according to KnoxNews. The company is upset because it's no longer allowed to issue citations for improper right turns on red.

We've all heard before that safety benefits that these cameras provide are minimal compared to the millions that cities raise by issuing intersection citations, and this is another illustration on how important generating these citation fines are for these companies. Still, car accidents in Knoxville and elsewhere are still an all too often occurrence, with or without red-light cameras.

Typically, receiving a traffic ticket lies in the hands of an American Traffic Solutions employee, whose paycheck directly correlates with the number of traffic stations that are issued. According to Capt. Gordon Catlett of the Knoxville Police Department, the city isn't the one that's banking from these tickets. He says that ATS is getting 80 percent of the millions that are being reeled in.

Our Knoxville car accident attorneys understand the concern drivers have with these red-light cameras. While many government officials claim that these red-light cameras save lives and were not installed to raise some fast cash, others think differently.

Some recent traffic studies have indicated that red-light cameras have the ability to reduce the risks of front-into-side accidents, but the number of rear-end accidents increase. A study by the Federal Highway Administration looked into the effects of red-light camera programs in nearly 10 U.S. cities. Researchers concluded that right-angle accidents decreased by about 25 percent, but the number of rear-end accidents increased by nearly 20 percent, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The study also concluded that these cities gained nearly $19 million, despite the increase in accidents. The authors of the study concluded that the economic costs resulting from the increase in accidents were more than the offset by the economic benefits from the decrease in the right-and accidents that the cameras were used to target.

According to the Knoxville City Court, there have been more than 17,000 red-light camera tickets issued since 2006 by the two vendors who have been hired to run the camera program. Drivers can use an interactive red-light camera map to locate these cameras throughout the city.

Revenue for July through September from the city's red-light cameras has declined from roughly $490,000 during that time in 2010 to under $140,000 for the same time this year.

Red-light running is no new danger. According to a recent study from the IIHS, a driver will run a red light at any given intersection every 20 minutes. During rush hour, these occurrences are much more frequent. The rate of red-light runners at intersections with and without these cameras is about the same.

Many residents in Knoxville are opposed to the dangerous traps. Many compare them to an old Southern speed trap. Mayor-elect Madeline Rogero recently expressed her support for the eye in the sky.

Bill Myers from Knoxville wrote in to KnoxNews and asked Rogero to re-evaluate her position with these cameras. He says that the residents on the city deserve to have better and safer traffic enforcement practices than these money-hungry camera operations contributing to more accidents.

Continue reading "Red-Light Cameras Question Again for Increasing Car Accidents in Knoxville" »

Although gas prices are higher this year, many Americans will be venturing out for the Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there will be nearly 43 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles from home on Turkey Day weekend.

That's nearly 5 percent more than the 41 million who set out last year. The increase in travel is expected to increase your risks for a car accident in Knoxville and elsewhere.

This year, a gallon of gas is about $3.39 per gallon, whereas last year the average cost per gallon was only $2.88. The cost of gas is believed to be the reason why Memorial Day travel was about the same as last year and why Independence Day and Labor day saw decreased travel numbers, according to CNN. Experts believe that residents are sick of staying home though and are bypassing their tendency to be frugal and traveling out of the house this holiday.

Our Knoxville car accident attorneys understand that the National Safety Council (NSC) predicts that more than 430 people are expected to die in a traffic accident over the holiday weekend. The holiday weekend officially begins on Wednesday, November 23rd at 6:00 p.m. and ends on Sunday November 27th at 11:59 p.m.

The NSC also predicts that another 43,000 people will be injured seriously enough to require assistance from a medical professional. Although this year's estimate is about 20 percent less than the average number of fatalities from the past 6 years, drivers are still asked to be extremely cautious on our roadways.

"Driving AAA's projected increase in the number of Thanksgiving travelers is pent-up demand from Americans who may have foregone holiday travel the last three years," said Bill Sutherland, vice president of AAA Travel Services.

Driving will be the main form of transportation over the upcoming holiday weekend. Air travel predictions vary. AAA predicts that there will be a 2 percent increase in air travel, while the Air Transport Association of America is anticipating a 2 percent decrease.

Those who are traveling on our roadways during the holiday weekend are asked to travel slowly, cautiously and to wear a seat belt regardless of how far you're traveling. Recent studies indicate that seat belts are nearly 50 percent effective in preventing death in the event of an accident for front-seat passengers.

Based on study information, more than 150 person's lives are expected to be saved because of a seat belt. If all vehicle occupants were to wear a seat belt, the NSC predicts that more than 100 additional lives could be saved.

The NSC's estimated fatalities/actual fatalities for Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend:

-2004: 556 estimated. 556 actual.

-2005: 610 estimated. 605 actual.

-2006: 555 estimated. 623 actual.

-2007: 564 estimated. 542 actual.

-2008: 479 estimated. 484 actual.

-2009: 447 estimated. 401 actual.

Continue reading "More Thanksgiving Travel Expected, Increasing Risks of Car Accidents in Knoxville" »

Car and pedestrian accidents in Knoxville are much more likely now that the sun sets earlier in Daylight Saving Time. With the time change, we get more evening hours, increasing the increased risks of accidents. Unfortunately, drivers' abilities behind the wheel are hindered when it's dark out. Even though only about a quarter of travel takes place during the evening hours, about half of all fatal accidents occur during this time. Most drivers don't alter their driving skills after the sun sets like they should. Motorists oftentimes have a misconception of roadway dangers simply because they can't see them. Whether you're traveling on foot, on a bike or in a motor vehicle, you're urged to be extra cautious on our roadways especially after dusk.

Our Knoxville car accident lawyers want you to realize that even drivers with perfect vision experience a decrease in visibility as the sun sets. The eye works harder because it has less to focus on. Many times, the eye will focus on the glare on the windshield, which can pose serious problems because a driver isn't getting the full picture. It's important for drivers to keep scanning their surroundings while driving at night and not to get locked on to one object.

There were more than 4,000 pedestrians killed and another 59,000 injured in traffic-related accidents in the U.S. in 2009. About a quarter of the fatalities occurred between 4 and 8 p.m., while another 13 percent happened between 4 and 8 a.m., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Many drivers have a difficult time adjusting to these new low-light conditions and need to slow down to be able to effectively react to roadways dangers. The darker it is, the less time you have to react to a potential threat or a pedestrian.

Safety tips for motorists to prevent a potentially fatal accident:

-Slow down. Pedestrians are more difficult to spot when it's dark out.

-Remember that some pedestrians wear headphones during their walk. This can make it more difficult to hear you approaching. Don't assume they know you're there.

-Keep your mirrors, windshield and windows clean to help maximize visibility.

-Keep your windshield wiper fluid filled to help clean windows when needed.

Safety tips for pedestrians to prevent a potentially fatal accident:

-You should either carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing to help to increase your visibility during the evening hours.

-Never depend on traffic lights or signals. Drivers can miss these devices or disregard their instruction, putting you in a dangerous situation. Travel defensively.

-Always cross the road at a crosswalk or a street corner. Never jaywalk or cross in between two parked cars.

-Always use the sidewalk when one's available. If there's no sidewalk, then walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic.

Continue reading "Earlier Sunsets Increase Risks for Knoxville Pedestrian Accidents" »

Nationwide, there are more than 100,000 fatigue-related accidents on our roadways every year, causing injury to more than 70,000 people and killing at least 2,000. Drowsy driving-related car accidents in Knoxville and elsewhere in Tennessee happen as well.

These numbers are interesting considering the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recently released a study that concluded that more than 95 percent of drivers said drowsy driving is an unacceptable driving behavior. Even with this many drivers opposing the habit, about a third of them admitted to driving while drowsy at least once in the last 30 days.

To help reduce the risks of these accidents, AAA has joined forces with the National Sleep Foundation to support the 2011 Drowsy Driving Prevention Week campaign. Our Knoxville injury attorneys invite you to join this campaign that is taking place this week, helping to raise awareness among drivers about the dangers, risks and consequences of driving while drowsy.

Sadly, drowsy drivers are involved in one out of every six fatal accidents on our roadways.

"Drivers have a tendency to underestimate the impact being tired has on their driving ability, which puts themselves and others at risk," said AAA Foundation president and CEO Peter Kissinger. Drowsy driving kills, just as sure as drunk, drugged and distracted driving does."

Most of the drivers who admitted to falling asleep at the wheel recently confessed that they did so while they were traveling at a high-rate of speed.

You should pull over and rest if you experience any of the following symptoms:

-You're having trouble keeping your eyelids open or your head up.

-Your vehicle is drifting in and out of the lane.

-You can't really remember the last few miles you've driven.

-You're feeling aggressive, irritable or restless.

-You're missing street signs, street lights or your exit.

-You're having a hard time focusing on the roadways.

-You're daydreaming.

To prevent a drowsy driving-related accident:

-Pull over and take a break.

-Get a good night's rest. Sleep at least seven hours the night before you take a long road trip.

-Drink plenty of caffeinated drinks.

-Stop and take a break after every 100 miles of after every two hours.

-Never drive during times when you'd normally be sleeping.

-Drive with a passenger. Switch spots if you start feeling tired.

One of the most commonly made mistakes by drowsy drivers is attempting to power through their sleepy symptoms. This is one of the most dangerous decisions a driver can make. Sleepy drivers can fall into 3- to 4-second micro-sleep periods. During this time, you're in your car driving unconsciously. It's most important that you stop driving if you start to feel tired. This state of mind not only puts you at risk, but other drivers as well.

Continue reading "Car Accidents in Tennessee Caused by Sleepy Drivers Targeted During Drowsy Driving Prevention Week" »