Kentucky State Police recently announced that the number of fatal car accidents that have occurred on Kentucky roadways so far this year far exceeds the number of fatal crashes that occurred at this time last year. Sadly, many of the fatalities were due to a lack of seat belt use and from alcohol-related collisions.
]]> The number of fatal accidents on Kentucky roads has steadily declined since 2006. However, 16 more fatal accidents have occurred this year compared to last year at this time."It's a good time for us to say Kentucky, our roadway accidents are increasing, we need to do something about this," one state police official said.
The Kentucky State Police points out that many fatal accidents occur on rural roads due to distracted driving. In fact, about 40 percent of collisions are caused by drivers who are not paying attention to the road.
Dealing with the death of a loved one is very difficult. The family of the victim may feel helpless. However, family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if it is determined that another driver's negligence was the cause of the fatal crash. Although no amount of money can take away the pain of losing a loved one, compensation that is awarded through a lawsuit may provide family members with some sense of justice.
Source: WKYT, "Number of fatal accidents is higher in 2012," May 15, 2012
]]>According to a study from the Society of Automotive Engineers, drivers neglect to use their signals when changing lanes or fail to turn them off 48 percent of the time. Furthermore, the failure rate for making a turn is around 25 percent. Therefore, if you do the math, drivers fail to use signals two billion times a day.
]]> Over all, the study suggests that this type of carelessness leads to approximately two million roadway collisions annually. Sources say that the evidence might mean that police put little effort into signal enforcement. Officers put most of their energy into speeding or running stop signs and red lights.With this information, how do we combat this problem? Scholars suggest that cars should use a "Smart Turn Signal." This type of system would automatically shut off a turn signal after a certain period of time or by detecting when a vehicle has finished changing lanes. While most vehicles cancel signals after a full and complete turn, many cars do not turn off the signal after a gradual change of lanes.
However, what could do we do for those who do not utilize their signals at all? According to reports, the "Smart Turn Signal" could send a notice to drivers that routinely forget. So, if a vehicle detected that the motorist was not signaling intent, the car could give a blinking reminder to the person.
If you are a driver, at some point, you have probably been behind that driver that forgot to turn off his or her signal. Beyond the sheer annoyance of experiencing this on the road, this action causes motorists behind the careless driver to slow down, which may increase the chances of a crash.
In the end, this type of technology would provide an opportunity to significantly reduce car accidents. While car manufactures have not yet implemented this system in vehicles, it is definitely a cost-effective possibility for the future.
Source: MSNBC, "Turn signal neglect a real danger, study shows," Paul A. Eisenstein, May 1, 2012
]]>The little girl's father is extremely angry that the man was not where he was supposed to be, and says he is convinced his daughter would be alive today if he had been. Police arrested the man for violating his home incarceration rules, he was held on a $5,000 bond and pleaded not guilty to escape and theft charges. Metro police were awaiting blood alcohol results from the driver that will perhaps incur additional charges.
]]> Police say they were unable to account for the driver for two and a half hours prior to his arrest. They admit that tracking the more than 600 people serving home incarceration sentences in the Louisville area is difficult. The Metro Corrections department hopes to use GPS technology to monitor convicted criminals in the future.The admission of the police department that they cannot supervise all of the people serving house arrest sentences brings up a good question about the possibility of holding the department somewhat accountable in this case.
Source: wdrb.com, "Police: Driver in fatal pedestrian crash was on home incarceration," April 14, 2012
]]>It is for that reason why it is important for new motorcycle drivers to be properly trained. Studies show that a motorcyclist's first year on the road is the most dangerous. In fact, according to the vice president of the Highway Loss Data Institute, a motorcyclist's first month on the road is about four times more dangerous than their second year.
]]> Not surprisingly, there is evidence that the more experience a motorcyclist has the less likely they are to crash. A study of motorcycle crashes between 2003 and 2007 showed that of the nearly 57,000 crashes, about 22 percent occurred within a driver's first 30 days. After six months, that rate dropped by about two-thirds.Next month is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The initiative is aimed at helping motorists and motorcyclists responsibly share the road with each other. By getting the proper training, every driver on the road is working to do what they can to keep others safe.
When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, however, they would likely benefit from consulting with an experienced attorney. If the accident was caused by another driver's negligence they may be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of medical care, lost wages and for any pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident.
Source: The Republic, "Motorcycle crash risk drops sharply after the first month on the road," Michael Virtanen, April 15, 2012
]]>Recently, in a nearby state, two people were killed in motorcycle accidents. The accidents happened on the same roadway just one day apart.
]]> The first accident happened on April 14 around 10 a.m. Police say a 17-year-old driver was attempting to make a U-turn when they collided with a 34-year-old motorcycle driver. Although the 34-year-old man attempted to swerve out of the way, he was unsuccessful. The 34-year-old leaves behind three young children.The next day around 7 p.m., a second motorcyclist was killed. According to reports, the 22-year-old motorcycle driver crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with another vehicle. He died at the scene. He was a member of the military and served in Iraq. He had just recently moved to the area.
Both motorcycle accident victims were wearing helmets. It does not appear speed or alcohol was a factor in either crash.
According to one report, the stretch of road where both accidents occurred is filled with hills and winding curves. Two other fatal crashes occurred on the same roadway just last year.
Motorcycle crashes can cause serious injuries. A person may suffer broken bones, road rash, head and neck injuries and spinal cord injuries. In some cases, a person may even die. If it is determined that another driver's reckless actions contributed to the crash, victims and their family members may be able to pursue legal action in the form of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Source: News & Messenger, "UPDATED: Police ID victims in weekend motorcycle crashes," David Pierce, April 16, 2012
]]>The accident happened in nearby Walton on April 4 around 4:15 in the afternoon. According to authorities, a vehicle was driving south on the Dixie Highway when they crossed the center line and collided head-on with another vehicle.
]]> The driver of the northbound vehicle, a 36-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Her two children were taken to the Children's Hospital in Cincinnati to be treated for their injuries. Another 39-year-old woman was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. She was taken to University Hospital in Cincinnati. According to one report, the 36-year-old mother and her children were not wearing seatbelts.The southbound driver, a 21-year-old woman, and her passenger, a 28-year-old man, were also injured in the crash. Authorities, however, say their injuries are not life threatening.
Drivers in Kentucky and elsewhere must be cautious and attentive. This accident shows how quickly an afternoon drive can turn into a tragedy.
It is not known if any criminal charges will be filed against the southbound driver. However, the victim's family may be able to file a lawsuit for their tragic loss and to cover the cost of medical care for the woman's two children. When a driver's reckless actions cause harm to others they should be held responsible in every aspect of the law.
Source: Kentucky Post, "One killed in two-car crash on Dixie Highway," April 5, 2012
]]>On April 1, at least seven vehicles were involved in a car accident on Interstate 75. According to reports, three people were sent to the hospital. Tragically, one person suffered fatal injuries and was confirmed dead by Kentucky State Police.
]]> It is not clear how the crash happened. However, reports indicate that three of the vehicles were commercial.Northbound Interstate 75 was closed for three hours after the crash.
Car accidents can happen in an instant. One minute a person can be peacefully driving down the road and the next minute they could be sitting in their mangled vehicle with an airbag in their face.
Cars are not toys and it is up to every motorist on the road to drive safely. Sadly, that is not always the case. Distracted or reckless drivers often cause tragic accidents. However, when a person is negligent and causes harm to others they may be held responsible through a personal injury lawsuit.
Drivers in Kentucky who have been injured in an accident may find it best to consult with an experienced attorney who can investigate the facts in a case and help victims get the compensation they deserve. Although an accident may leave a person feeling helpless, compensation awarded through a personal injury lawsuit can be put towards medical bills, lost wages and cover any pain and suffering an individual endured as a result of an accident.
Source: LEX18.com, "One Confirmed Dead After 7-car Accident in Rockcastle County," April 1, 2012
]]>Recently, a man was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest after being hit by a driver that was fleeing the scene of another accident.
]]> According to reports, an 80-year-old man driving a Mercedes Benz collided with a school bus. He fled the scene of the accident and then crashed into a 63-year-old man riding a bike. He continued driving and hit yet another vehicle before coming to a stop.The bicyclist was taken to the hospital, but was said to be in critical condition. The 80-year-old driver was also taken to the hospital, but police said they planned on arresting him and charging him with fleeing the scene of an accident.
When someone is critically injured in an accident they often have a tough battle ahead of them. They may be hospitalized for weeks. They may need multiple surgeries and likely won't be able to work. In addition to a great deal of pain, a person may also face financial difficulties.
Although the driver in this specific situation will likely face criminal charges, he may also face a personal injury lawsuit. When a driver is negligent they should be held accountable for their reckless actions.
Being in an accident is often frightening and painful. However, by filing a personal injury lawsuit, a person in Kentucky and beyond may be able to collect compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages and for any pain and suffering.
Source: New York Daily News, "Cyclist critical in Brooklyn crash," Denis Slattery and Sarah Armaghan, Mar. 21, 2012
]]>Recently, a 9-year-old girl was killed in an accident as she waited for her school bus to pick her up and bring her to school. According to police, the little girl crossed the street to talk to a friend. When she crossed the street a second time, she was hit by a minivan and then a city bus.
]]> A woman who lives near the scene of the tragic accident is a nursing student. She says the impact of the crash sounded like a sledgehammer. She ran outside hoping she could revive the little girl, but soon realized that she was already dead.Authorities do not believe speed was a factor in the accident, but neighbors around the area say people often drive too fast.
"I am going to tell you, the cars are flying," one neighbor said. "This is dangerous right here."
The little girl's father said his daughter was smart, outgoing and had a fun personality.
Although it is not clear if any of the drivers were at fault in this specific case, if a driver is found to be negligent they may face a wrongful death lawsuit. A car is not a toy, and when drivers are reckless and dangerous, they should be held responsible. Although no amount of money can make up for the tragic loss of life, a wrongful death lawsuit may provide family members with some form of justice.
Source: Cincinnati.com, "Girl, 9, dies after being struck by car, then bus," Jennifer Edwards Baker and John Faherty, Mar. 17, 2012
]]>A new report by the Governors Highway Safety Association shows that speeding remains a big problem on roads all across the country. In fact, in 2010, slightly more than 10,500 people were killed in car accidents as the result of speeding.
]]> In the last twelve years, the number of traffic fatalities due to the lack of seatbelt use declined 23 percent. In addition, alcohol-related fatalities declined three percent. However, fatal accidents due to speeding increased by seven percent and continue to be the cause of about one third of total traffic fatalities.However, preventing people from speeding will be no easy task. Many people in the general public do not see speeding as a problem and many states have cut back on the number of officers patrolling the roads for those driving over the speed limit.
In addition, some states have only made the problem worse by increasing speed limits. Kentucky is one of seven states that have raised speed limits despite knowing that higher speeds pose a greater risk for traffic fatalities.
When someone is injured in a car accident, they may face a long recovery. They could spend months in the hospital and may be unable to work. However, if someone's injuries were caused by another person's negligence, they may be able to collect compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Those in Covington who have been injured in an accident may find it helpful to meet with an experienced attorney who can help an individual collect the compensation they deserve.
Source: Los Angeles Times, "Slow down! Speed a factor in almost a third of traffic fatalities," Richard Simon, Mar. 9, 2012
]]>Three sorority sisters were recently killed in a car accident as they were on their way to the airport for a trip to the Dominican Republic. According to reports, a vehicle driven by a 69-year-old woman was traveling down an interstate the wrong way. Authorities had been notified and were following the vehicle when the woman collided into a car carrying five sorority sisters.
]]> Three of the women died in the accident. Two others remain hospitalized in critical condition. The wrong-way driver was also killed in the accident.Authorities are not sure why the 69-year-old woman was driving the wrong way, but it appears she did so for as many as seven miles.
Eleven other sorority sisters were heading to the airport with the five women involved in the accident. According to one source, another car full of women was almost hit by the wrong-way driver. They were able to get out of the way, but the same could not be said for their friends.
This accident serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be. In an instant, these young women's lives were taken.
Residents in Covington who have lost a loved one due to another driver's recklessness would do well to consult with an attorney. An attorney may be able to help families collect compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Source: The Washington Post, "Wrong-way crash kills 3 Ohio sorority sisters heading to airport for spring break trip," Mar. 3, 2012
]]>The accident happened around 9 a.m. on the edge of the University of Cincinnati campus. According to reports, five people were standing on a traffic island waiting for the light to change when the driver of a Dodge Dakota truck lost control of the vehicle and drove up onto the island.
]]> In addition to hitting two pedestrians, the driver also struck a large metal pole that fell on another vehicle.A 27-year-old instructor at the school was injured in the accident and remains in critical condition. A 21-year-old student was also injured, but remains in stable condition. No others were injured in the accident.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. However, they do no suspect that alcohol or speed contributed to the accident. No criminal charges have been filed at this time.
Authorities will continue to investigate the accident and they may determine that distracted driving contributed to the crash. When a driver is not paying attention to the road, tragedies can occur.
Although it does not appear that any charges will be filed against the driver of the truck, they may still be held responsible through a personal injury lawsuit. When someone is harmed because of another person's negligence, they may be entitled to compensation.
An accident can have a huge impact on an individual's life. When someone is injured in a crash they may have to endure multiple surgeries, lengthy rehabilitation and may be unable to work. However, compensation that is awarded from a personal injury lawsuit can offset those costs and help an individual get back to a normal life.
Source: Colerain Township, "Two men injured by truck, pole near UC," Jennifer Edwards Baker, Feb. 28, 2012
]]>The incident occurred earlier this month when a 26-year-old man failed to stop after hitting three cars. Police were called, and the man led authorities on a chase throughout Kenton County. It wasn't until police laid down stop sticks that the man finally surrendered in the parking lot of a local Burlington Coat Factory.
]]> The 26-year-old man has been charged with wanton endangerment, evading police, criminal mischief and leaving the scene of an accident. He was being held on a $5,000 bond in the Kenton County Detention Center.It is not clear if any of the other drivers were injured in the accident, but if they were, they may be able to collect compensation for the man's blatantly reckless behavior.
Injuries sustained in an accident can be life-changing. An individual may face multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation and may be unable to work. However, people should not be faced with any financial burdens because of another person's negligence.
Car accidents are a frequent occurrence in Kentucky and elsewhere, but that does not make them any less serious. When someone is injured in an accident they would be wise to consult with an experienced attorney who can investigate a case and fight for the compensation an individual deserves.
Source: KY Post, "Man leads police on chase throughout Kenton County," Jamila Williams, Feb. 12, 2012
]]>Driving recklessly in hazardous weather conditions not only puts you at risk, but puts everyone else on the road at risk. Often what would be a single-car accident will result in a several-car pileup in poor weather conditions. Officials are blaming a wave of car accidents on Kentucky's recent wet weather conditions.
]]> According to officials, a car accident in Kentucky is believed to have been the result of unsafe driving conditions. A van is said to have slid into the back of another car due to slick roads. The driver of the car was brought to the hospital. Fortunately, they were later discharged and are expected to fully recover.Although officials believe weather conditions contributed to the crash, if investigators determine that a driver's negligence caused the accident, that person should be held accountable. People expect that the roads they drive on will be safe. When reckless drivers cause harm to other people they may face a personal injury lawsuit.
If you are in the Covington area and find yourself injured in a car accident, it may be wise to consult with an experienced attorney. An experienced attorney can work with you to ensure you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Source: Lex18, "Wet roads blamed for several accidents across Kentucky," Feb. 5, 2012
]]>According to police, a 20-year-old man ran a red light and hit another car carrying a couple and their dog in the early evening hours of Aug. 5. The couple and their dog were killed in the car accident.
]]> Recently, the 20-year-old man was indicted on two counts of reckless homicide. Although the man was not drinking, using drugs, texting or drag racing, prosecutors say he showed disregard for a traffic control device.This is not the young man's first brush with the law. He has had several traffic violations since 2010 including speeding, improper passing, reckless driving and disregarding a stop sign. He was also charged with burglary last spring. If he is found guilty of reckless homicide, he could face as many as five years behind bars.
In addition to the criminal charges, the family of the victims may wish to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the 20-year-old driver. Although no amount of money can make up for the family's tragic loss, they may find relief in knowing that the young man will be held accountable for his actions.
Families in Covington that find themselves in a similar situation would do well to consult with an experienced attorney. An attorney can work on behalf of a family to fight for the compensation they deserve.
Source: KY Post, "Independence man indicted for crash that killed couple," Jay Warren, Feb. 2, 2012
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