Louisiana Injury Lawyers BlogArticles Posted in Car Accidents
100 Deadliest Days of Summer
Summer is arguably the best season. It consists of sunshine, road trips, barbecues, and all sorts of outdoor fun. But, it can also bring an increased risk of drunk driving accidents.
Many people are simply more carefree and relaxed in the summer. There is a lot to do and activities such as vacations, holidays, and social gatherings involve the consumption of alcohol. As many of us know, the legal drinking age is 21 years old and the legal drinking limit is .08.
Left Turning Vehicle Accident: Who is Liable?
Left turns can be one of the most dangerous maneuvers. Making a left turn requires drivers to cut across oncoming traffic. So if there is no green arrow that explicitly gives the turning vehicle the right of way, the driver of the vehicle must be extremely careful to not cause an accident with any approaching vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 22.2 percent of intersection crashes involve left turning vehicles. This may be a result of a driver misjudging the speed of an oncoming vehicle, obstruction in view, attempting to beat the yellow light, or running a red light.
The Reality of Scammers as Personal Injury Plaintiffs
Many people know the feeling of frustration when trying to obtain fair compensation for any bodily injury and property damage after getting into a car accident. Auto accidents happen every day to even the most cautious drivers, but are the victims of these accidents telling the truth? Or are they trying to finesse the insurance company?
Unfortunately, honest people often pay the price for those who are out to scam insurance companies. Liars, cheaters, and crooks have no business being plaintiffs in personal injury cases. Especially when there are individuals who are legitimately hurt and would like to pursue a genuine claim, not just get a quick check.
Pandemic Step Aside… Highway Fatalities on the Rise
Just a few months ago, many states began implementing stay-at-home orders due to the Coronavirus outbreak. As a result of more people staying at home, the number of commuters on the road drastically dropped. With less traffic and congestion on our highways, one would think that the number of motor vehicle accidents also plummeted. But, the truth is the exact opposite of what you would believe.
The National Safety Council reported that the number of motor vehicle fatalities per mile driven increased by 14% in March 2020 compared with March 2019. Although the number of miles driven dropped by over 18%, these deadly accidents continued to increase. In March 2019, the mileage death rate per 100 million miles driven was 1.07. Comparably, this number rose to 1.22 in March of this year. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclist.
Make a Habit of Using Your Blinker
We all know the frustration of driving down the highway and another vehicle unexpectedly turns or swerves into our lane. It is as if these drivers expect us to know exactly what they are about to do without using their turn signal. Even the simplest task of using a blinker is ignored by many drivers every single day.
Indicators are there to serve a purpose. This is why the law requires all vehicles to be equipped with signal lamps. They allow drivers to communicate their intentions with other drivers when navigating through traffic. When you properly use your signal, other drivers on the road can carefully slow down, move lanes, or make room for you in order to prevent a car accident. A good rule of thumb is to use your blinker at least five seconds before turning or switching lanes in order to warn other vehicles of your intentions.
Think Before You Ride In the Back of a Pickup Truck
Many people are not strangers to riding in the back of a pickup truck at least once in their life. Maybe you have some fond memories of riding in the back of the family pickup during your childhood or loved the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair while enjoying a ride. Although it is not the safest decision, it still happens all the time. But, as free as the ride in the back of a pickup truck may make you feel, it is extremely dangerous.
I am always in awe at the pure ignorance when I see passengers riding in the back of a pickup truck. The beds of trucks were designed to carry cargo, not passengers. If they were, they would be equipped with seats, seatbelts, airbags, and other vehicular safety measures. When you ride in the back of a truck there is nothing to protect you and nothing to grab onto. All you can do is hold on for dear life to avoid being shoved around or possibly ejected from the vehicle.
Be a Smart Passenger
With the summer season on the horizon, more and more people are taking vacations and going on road trips. Passengers kick back, get comfortable, and begin their journey to their destination. This often includes people foolishly resting their feet up on the dashboard of the vehicle. Maybe it’s a habit, maybe it’s more comfortable, or maybe you even want a better look at that fresh pedicure. Whatever the case may be, it is never a smart idea.
Do Not Let COVID-19 Impact Your Personal Injury Case
I’m sure we have all noticed the major difference in traffic during our daily commute. Because of many individuals being out of work, working remotely or simply not having to follow their every day routines, the roads are much less crowded.