North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

There's a lot of people who walk and ride a bike to work. There will soon be an easier way for anyone and everyone to do just that. It's through a new bike sharing program and it's going to allow for about 20 rental stations throughout town.

Charlotte B-Cycle will soon be unveiled by Charlotte Center City Partners. This is North Carolina's first bike-sharing program. Tyron and Trade streets as well as the area just outside of the 7th Street Public Market already have their rental bike stations, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Our Charlotte bicycle accident attorneys understand how beneficial a program like this can be to our city. We also recognize the problems and the risks for accidents that accompany these bike-sharing programs across the country. We're hoping that authorities continue to keep safety as a top priority and help to keep our cyclists safe. With more bicyclists on our roadways, you can only expect an increase in the number of accidents.

The bike-sharing program is expected to launch in late July or in early August.

Through the new program, there will be about 200 bicycles that will be available for residents and visitors to rent at stations that will be located throughout the city, focusing on the uptown area as well as in SouthEnd. Adults will be able to purchase a day-long or a yearly membership. The best news of all is that the first 30 minutes of each ride is completely free. After the first 30 minutes, it's just $4 for each half hour. You're allowed to rent more than one time in a day's time and any bike can be returned to any of the 20 stations.

The program is expected to cost no more than $400,000 each year. It's privately funded, but is fortunate enough to have Verizon, Carolinas HealthCare System and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina as a sponsors.

Local bicycling advocates couldn't be happier.

"This is just going to make it convenient," said Weldon Weaver with Charlotte Area Bicycle Alliance. "You don't have to own the bike. You don't have to maintain it."

Across the U.S., there are dozens of cities that have already launched the program, the Wisconsin-based B-cycle bicycle network.

The stations will be scattered around areas in which transportation officials feel they will be most needed. You'll be able to found them around light-rail, shuttle and bus stops and even near streetcar areas.

Each bike weighs just under 50 pounds and comes equipped with baskets in the front. They also come with covered chains, adjustable seats as well as disc brakes.Each bike will also be equipped with a GPS tracker.

As we said before, each half hour after the first 30 minutes will be $4. A daily pass will only cost $8 and a year pass will run users about $65. Members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield can get a yearly pass for just $50 and everyone else can get $5 off if they sign up for their membership before July 31st.

Continue reading "New Bike-Sharing Program Raising Concerns of Bicycling Accidents in Charlotte" »

Halle Berry recently suffered a minor head injury after an accident on the film set for "The Hive." Following the accident, the 45-year-old actress was transported to a Los Angeles hospital as a precautionary measure. Meredith O'Sullivan, the actress' publicist, says that she will soon be back on set and working to complete the film.

"The Hive" has been described as a thriller co-starring Abigail Breslin and David Otung, according to the Charlotte Observer.

You may not be aware of the severity of these kinds of accidents, but severe head injuries, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are a serious public health problem in the U.S. Every year, these kinds of injuries contribute to a significant number of deaths and even permanent and debilitating injuries. Unfortunately, not many victims recognize the severity of these kinds of accidents because the damage cannot always be seen with the human eye, like a bruise, a cut or a broken bone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 1.7 million people who suffer from one of these injuries each year. Head injuries, concussions and TBIs are oftentimes much more serious than the victim may think. It's important to get examined by a medical professional in the event of one of these accidents. These kinds of injuries are oftentimes sustained during fall and auto accidents.

A TBI can be caused by what you might find to be the most minor injuries, like a bump, a blow or a jolt to the head. Any of these movements can disrupt normal brain function and cause some serious injuries. As a matter of fact, TBIs account for more than 30 percent of all injury-related fatalities in the U.S. Concussions can cause some serious TBIs, too. As a matter of fact, about 75 percent of TBIs that are sustained every year are the result of a concussion.

Who is most affected by these accidents?

-Children under the age of 4-years-old, individuals between the ages of 14- and 20-years-old and adults over the age of 65-years-old are among the groups that are most likely to sustain one of these injuries.

-Nearly 500,000 visits to the emergency room each year are the result of a TBI. Most of these visits are of children under the age of 15-years-old.

-Individuals who are older that 74-years-old have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalization and death.

-Boys are more likely than girls, in all age groups, to suffer from a TBI.

-The specific group of males under the age of 5 have the highest rates of emergency room visits, stays in the hospital and fatalities resulting from TBIs

The number one cause of TBIs are falls, accounting for more than 35 percent. The second most common cause of TBIs are motor vehicle accidents, accounting for more than 17 percent.

Continue reading "Head Injuries: A More Serious Accident Risk than Once Believed" »

More and more consumers are saying that they want better safety features in their vehicles. Many of the most popular safety features include pedestrian alerts, blind-spot warning systems and backup cameras, according to a new survey that was released by Harris Interactive.

Historically, many drivers have worried about the reliability of these devices, while others worried that they would only serve as more distractions for drives.

But manufacturers have made it clear that such safety features are here to stay -- frequently after prodding from federal safety advocates. According to USA Today, most people no longer have to make the tough pick between safety features and economical cars -- all cars are becoming safer and safer by the year. Now, drivers don't have to sacrifice fuel efficiency for a safe car. Drivers can have both an economical and safe ride.

Of course, smaller cars are still going to have some safety concerns in the event of a serious accident -- it's still incumbent upon the consumer to check a vehicle's safety rating when considering a purchase.

Our Asheville car accident lawyers understand that the simplicity of these devices is also what is driving the interest in them. As these technologies advance, they're becoming more user-friendly. And some of the auto safety advances that we've seen over the last 10 years -- technologies such as side-curtain air bags, antilock brakes and electronic stability systems -- are now required by law.

And new-age technology, like backup cameras and blind-spot warning systems are now being used by drivers in increasing numbers. And with each use of these devices, our roadways are getting safer and safer.

According to Harris, these features are even beating out the lure of in-car entertainment technologies like voice-activated infotainment, satellite radio and various communication features. That may not be much of a surprise to many as a recent study from J.D. Power and Associates shows that drivers are getting awfully frustrated with the operation and reliability of these in-car entertainment systems.

Still, there is no technology to replace a safe and alert driver. According to the Harris survey, new-car purchasers say that they've engaged in nearly 40 distracted driving habits within the last month. Many of these distractions include phone calls, drinking beverages at the wheel, reading text messages and even sending e-mails. Men were noted to engage in distractions more than women, as did the younger drivers over the older drivers. With new technologies helping to reduce the risks of accidents and also helping to keep driver attention on the road, safe diving experts are working on significantly reducing the number of accidents year by year.

Interesting Findings Regarding New Safety Features in Vehicles:

-Drivers would rather just dock their phone with an in-car entertainment system than use it with integrated in-car features.

-Those who have integrated their apps prefer to use Google Maps and Search over Twitter, Facebook or Pandora.

-Most smartphones come equipped with GPS and navigation programs, but most drivers would still prefer to use an in-car system.

Continue reading "North Carolina Traffic Safety - The New Car Safety Features Keep Coming" »

Travelers along Interstate 40 in Durham County will be seeing something new -- buses on the shoulder of the road. It's the B.O.S.S., or the Bus On Shoulder System. It's been designed to help to make traveling within the Triangle a little more reliable. It's going to allow Triangle Transit buses to drive on the shoulder of the interstate and other areas of Durham County when other traffic is traveling at speeds that are less than 35 miles per hour, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

On Interstate 40, buses are now permitted to drive on the shoulder of the road from Durham Freeway (N.C. 147) to U.S. 15-501 interchange. On Interstate 40 East, buses are allowed to now travel on the shoulder from U.S. 15-501 to the Page Road Exit. The route is overall about 20 miles long. The goal of this program is to help buses to avoid congestion on our roadways, especially during the busy travel season when traffic picks up. Passengers will be more likely to get to their destinations on time now.

Our Durham personal injury attorneys understand that this program helps to support Governor Bev Perdue's goals to providing efficient access to jobs and education for all residents, including those who rely on our bus program. Unfortunately, safe driving advocates are worried that this new system is going to cause more of a headache. Officials are worried about many things. Some feel that by allowing buses to ride along the shoulder we will also be seeing increased risks for accidents. Shoulders are present to help to give drivers an "out" in the event of an emergency and to provide space for cars that may be having difficulty. Unfortunately, this space will no longer be available if buses are using it as an extra lane of traffic.

That's not all that's going on along our North Carolina roadways that is concerning safe driving advocates. We're also going to start seeing major work starting to improve the I-41/I-77 Interchange. The project includes a number of smaller projects. Construction crews will be busy building new ramps on both of the interstates, they'll be widening Interstate 40 from four lanes to six lanes, they'll be rebuilding or replacing the three bridges that are already there and they will be adding a diverging diamond interchange at U.S. 21 and Interstate 40.

The interchange right now was built back in the late 1960s and officials believe that it has outlived its service life. The near $90 million project with help to modernize how traffic flows through the area, helping to make it safer and easier for drivers to get to where they need to go.

Drivers are asked to be safe and cautious when traveling through these areas. You're not only urged to keep a lookout for buses now traveling on the shoulders of our roadways, but also to be cautious when traveling through road work areas. Slow down and be on the lookout for both roadside workers and roadside vehicles. Safety should be your top priority behind the wheel. Consider leaving a little bit early for your destination to avoid having to rush.

Continue reading "Buses Now Allowed to Drive on Road Shoulder in Durham, Says NCDOT" »

Authorities are still trying to figure out if they're going to file charges against a driver who was involved in a pedestrian accident in Willow Springs. The accident happened on Old Stage Road when the driver slammed into a 56-year-old pedestrian at roughly 11:30 p.m., according to NBC17.

Our Willow Springs accident lawyers understand that there are approximately 175 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in the state of North Carolina every year, according to the Highway Safety Research Center at the University of North Carolina. As a matter of fact, pedestrians are involved in traffic accidents more often in our state than most other states in the country. According to 2008 statistics, our state ranked 9th for having the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in the country. During the summer season, these accidents are more likely, too. From May to August, pedestrian accident rates are higher than during any other time out of the year.

Every year, there are about 2,000 pedestrians who are involved in traffic accidents in North Carolina. Unfortunately, these are only the ones that are reported. Experts believe that there are many more than happen that are never reported to officials.

During this time of the year, we've got beautiful weather out there and residents are outside and enjoying it. Many are getting out for a leisurely stroll and some are walking (instead of driving) to where they need to go. During the summer travel season, we not only see more pedestrians, but we see more motor vehicle traffic, too. Drivers and pedestrians are asked to travel with caution and to be courteous of one another out there to help to prevent a serious or fatal accident.

The Highway Safety Research Center offer drivers some simple safety tips to help them to be more aware of pedestrian traffic and to help keep these vulnerable travelers safe.

Tips for Drivers:

-Remember that pedestrians can be anywhere at any time. Be on the lookout always.

-Pedestrians can be hard to see, especially during the evening hours. Keep a good lookout and slow down if you cannot see clearly.

-Be ready to stop when you're entering areas with pedestrians.

-Do not overtake and pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians.

-When you're making a turn, you often have to wait for a gap in traffic. Remember that pedestrians may have moved into the street while you were waiting for that gap. Always look before making a turn.

-Be extra attentive and careful in areas where pedestrians are likely, like in school zones and in residential areas.

Pedestrians are urged to be cautious, too. Make your movements as predictable as possible. Make yourself as visible as you can to motorists. Wear bright clothes and reflective materials. Stay away from vehicular traffic whenever possible.

Continue reading "Car Accident in Willow Springs Kills 56-Year-Old Pedestrian" »

Three people are injured after they were plowed into by another vehicle on the freeway.

No. They weren't in the vehicle when the accident happened. According to the Asheville Police Department, two men were helping a female driver push her disabled vehicle to the side of the road. The accident happened on Smoky Highway. The woman was steering the vehicle as the two Carolina men pushed it to the side of the road around 1:00 p.m. According to WYFF 4, one of the men lost his legs in the accident.

The female driver and the other pusher were taken to Mission Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The driver who slammed into the disabled vehicle was cited for neglecting to reduce his speed.

Our Asheville personal injury attorneys understand that breakdowns happen. At virtually any moment in time, something can go wrong with our vehicles. It's important to know how to safely handle these situations to help to reduce your risks for a potentially life-threatening accident. Luckily, we're here to offer you some tips to do just that.

Breakdown Safety Tips:

-If your car breaks down and you find yourself on the side of a busy highway, do not get out of your car. Stay inside your vehicle or quickly move yourself to a safer location.

-Make sure the doors are locked and the windows are rolled up. If anyone approaches your vehicle, roll the window down a little bit, but don`t open the door.

-Try to stop your car as far away from passing traffic as you can.

-Stay inside and buckle up. Call for help on a cell phone. Standing outside can be dangerous.

-Activate your blinking hazard lights.

-Keep an eye out for landmarks or any nearby businesses near the freeway. This can help you to identify your location when calling for help.

-If you have a roadside emergency kit, quickly set up road flares or reflective triangles and get back into your vehicle. These devices help to warn oncoming drivers about your stopped vehicle.

-If you're stuck because of a flat or a blown out tire, move your car to a safe location before you try to fix it. Even if you destroy your wheel on the way there, it's much less costly and devastating than jeopardizing your safety in the process of changing it.

-Consider keeping the number for your emergency breakdown provider nearby for these kinds of situations.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 15 percent of the pedestrians who are killed in traffic accidents every year are killed on freeways. This number doesn't even include the number of people who were killed after they were stranded because of a broken down vehicle. Transportation experts estimate that more than 700 pedestrians are killed on our nation's freeways every year.

Continue reading "Two Injured Helping Woman in Broken Down Vehicle on Smoky Highway" »

Blair Holliday, a star football player for Duke, was recent injured in a jet ski accident at Lake Tillery. Holliday remains in critical condition at Chapel Hill.

According to the boating accident reports, it all happened when one of his teammate's jet skis slammed into Holliday's. According to the assistant director for sports information at Duke, Art Chase, the accident remains under investigation. Local emergency response teams responded to the accident at roughly 5:00 p.m.

"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with Blair, his parents, Leslie and Rick, and the entire Holliday family," David Cutcliffe, Duke football coach.

Our Charlotte accident attorneys understand that there were nearly 5,000 boating accidents that took the lives of nearly 800 people and injured another 3,100 just in 2011 in the U.S.

These accidents totaled more than $50 million in property damage. The fatality rate jumped nearly 15 percent from the previous year. This increase is surprising considering that there was a decrease in the total number of registered watercraft from 2010. The problem is that most people think that they can swim well enough to avoid a potentially fatal accident, but the truth of the matter is that in these kinds of situations, our brain doesn't think clearly and shock and panic take hold. It's important to keep safety as a number one priority on the water, regardless of what kind of watercraft you're in.

Of these boating accidents, about 70 percent were the result of drowning-related fatalities. Nearly 85 percent of accident victims were not wearing a left jacket when the accident occurred, according to Boating Safety Resource Center. The most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats (47%), personal watercraft (19%) and motorboats (14%).

If you enjoy being on the water, we encourage you to enroll in a boating class and get some formal education. It can be the key to keeping you out of a potentially fatal accident. As a matter of fact, only about 10 percent of boating fatalities happened on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction.

About 80 percent of the people who were killed in a drowning accident on the water in 2011 were using vessels that were less than 21 feet long.

Why do boating accidents happen?

-Alcohol

-Excessive Speed

-Operator Inexperience

-Improper Lookout

-Inattention

-Machinery Failure

If you're planning on bringing out your young ones with you, you're going to want to keep an extra close eye on them. According to 2011 statistics, nearly 20 kids under the age of 15-years-old died in boating-related accidents across the U.S. Of these fatalities, about 60 percent of the children drowned. Nearly 80 percent of these victims were in fact wearing a life jacket, as required for these young ones by federal law.

Alcohol consumption is the number one cause of fatal boating accidents in the U.S. As a matter of fact, it was leading as the leading factor in nearly 20 percent of fatalities.

Continue reading "Boating Accident on Lake Tillery Seriously Injures Duke Football Player" »

The pedestrian fatalities keep climbing. According to state reports, there have been 49 people killed in pedestrian accidents in Spartanburg and elsewhere in the state of South Carolina in just 2012.

According to WMBF News, a recent accident in North Myrtle Beach marked the 49th fatality of the year. An 18-year-old driver in a pickup truck hit a pedestrian as the victim attempted to cross Highway 17. The young driver remained on scene and called authorities to report the accident. The teen driver tried to avoid him but was surrounded by other cars and wasn't able to. The pedestrian died on scene.

Our Spartanburg pedestrian accident lawyers understand that this is a high number of pedestrian fatalities for this point of the year. Because of these numbers, officials with the South Carolina Highway Patrol are working to inform residents and visitors to stay away from busy, heavily-traveled roads and to practice safe walking habits regardless of where they are or how they're traveling.

"The best thing to do is wear reflective clothing. You'll be visible for 500 feet, which is plenty of time for a car to avoid you," said S.C. Highway Patrol Officer, L. Cpl. Sonny Collins.

According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program is used to help to make roadways safer for those who choose to walk and pedal throughout the state. Each and every day, more people than you might think are choosing these modes of transportation. It provides travelers with exercise, it helps to reduce traffic congestion on our roadways and it helps to preserve our environment. Some are even doing it to try to save some money and are staying away from the gas pumps. Either way, we can expect increased risks for accidents. The only way we can help to make our roadways safer for everyone is to become better and safer travelers. It's going to take a conscious effort from everyone, but it can help to save lives!

In addition to those who have some place to go, we've also got the travelers who are too young or too old to drive. These travelers require extra care and caution as they're more likely to be involved in traffic-related accidents than any other age group.

Pedestrian Safety Tips:

-Wear bright colors so motorists are more likely to see you.

-Avoid walking at night.

-Don't rely on traffic signals.

-Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.

-Use a sidewalk when one's available.

-Cross at intersections and at crosswalks.

-Be on the lookout for turning or reversing vehicles.

-Walk facing traffic.

-Don't assume that traffic will stop for you.

-Avoid wearing headphones or talking one a cell phone while walking near motor vehicle traffic.

Continue reading "Nearly 50 Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in South Carolina so far in 2012" »

Celebrators beware! In 2010, there were about 9,000 firework-related injuries that sent Americans to the emergency room, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

About 6,000 of these hospital visits happened during the 30 days that surround the Fourth of July. This year is expected to be no different. You're at high risks for a firework-related injury in Greensboro and elsewhere if you're not careful.

"Consumers need to heed our warning: fireworks related incidents, especially those involving illegal fireworks, can be fatal," said Inez Tenenbaum CPSC Chairman.

Our Greensboro personal injury attorneys understand that many residents and visitors to the area are planning on heading out for this year's Fourth and lighting off some fireworks. We're not saying don't do that, we're just asking that you do so carefully and responsibly. Remember, that fireworks can be extremely dangerous and they can cause some serious injuries if you don't take the proper safety precautions. They can also be illegal. Your best bet is to leave them to the professionals and to obey the following safety tips when around fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday:

Firework Safety Tips from the National Council on Firework Safety:

-Make sure that you only use fireworks outdoors.

-Abide by all local firework laws. If they're illegal, don't use them.

-Always keep water nearby. You should always keep a hose or a bucket close by.

-Never alter fireworks or combine them with others. Use them only as they're intended.

-If you're firework doesn't work, toss it into a bucket of water and let it soak for 20 minutes and then throw it out. You never want to relight a dud.

-Remember that common sense is key.

-Keep those who are watching fireworks at a safe distance away from the person who is lighting them off.

-Whoever is lighting the fireworks should always wear safety glasses.

-Never drink and play with fireworks. Make sure the person lighting them is completely sober.

-Never allow anyone under the age of 12-years-old to handle fireworks, not even sparklers.

-You should never use any form of illegal explosives or homemade fireworks.

-If you spot anyone in danger or mishandling fireworks, report them to authorities.

-Never point or throw a firework at another person.

-Never put any body part over a firework device when lighting it. Sometimes they can go off immediately.

-Only light off fireworks one at a time.

-Don't put fireworks in your pocket.

-Don't set off fireworks out of metal or glass containers.

-Once a firework has finished burning, soak the spent device with an ample amount of water from a bucket or hose before tossing it out. This will help to prevent trash fires.

Continue reading "Fireworks Posing Serious Risks for Injury and Greensboro and Elsewhere Over Fourth" »

Investigators are working to figure out what exactly caused a recent Asheville motorcycle accident that took the life of a young woman. According to Lee Barrett, an insurance agent and owner of the Asheville-operated company Rider Insurance Services, these accidents are most oftentimes the fault of the motorcyclist.

For this reason, Capt. Tim Splain and other safe driving advocates in the area are working to help to raise awareness and educate these motorists about the risks that they face on our roadways. It's important that motorcyclists make themselves more visible on our roadways to avoid a collision with another motor vehicle.

"I can tell you from my experience in claims that probably 90 percent of all motorcycle accidents are from operator error," said Barrett.

Our Asheville accident lawyers understand that motorcycle fatalities account for more than 10 percent of all accident fatalities each year. That's a lot when you consider that these vehicles only account for about 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the country. It's estimated that about 80 percent of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death, compared to about 20 percent for passenger vehicles. These motorists are extremely vulnerable in the event of an accident as they're not provided with nearly as much protection as those who are in a passenger vehicle.

In the state of North Carolina, there number of motorcycle accidents in on the rise. In 2010, there were nearly 4,000 accidents that resulted in more than 170 deaths. That's up from less than 3,350 accidents and less than 140 fatalities just 5 years prior.

To help to further reduce the risks of motorcycle accidents, law enforcement officers and BikeSafe NC are working together for the very first time and they're offering free rider skills training session on the 23rd of June at the Asheville police department's downtown location, according to Citizen-Times.

To get a motorcycle in the state of North Carolina, you are required to hold your Motorcycle Learner Permit for 12 months.

Motorcycle Safety Tips from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT):

-Make sure that you're wearing the proper helmet. Consider getting one that meets that U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)

-Make sure that you know the workings of your motorcycle.

-Always wear long pants and sleeves.

-Be visible on our roadways. Most accidents happen because motorcyclists are overlooked by other drivers.

-Maintain your space between other vehicles.

-Always use a blinker.

-Ride in the left portion of the lane to make yourself more visible to other motorists.

-Stay out of vehicle's blind spots.

-Never share a lane with another vehicle.

-Have your headlight on at all times.

-Be extra cautious when driving at night.

-Be cautious and slow down when riding in inclement weather.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Accident in Asheville Raises Safety Advocates' Concerns " »

Officials with local high schools are taking driving seriously and they are taking the driving careers of their students seriously, too. They're requiring all driving students to complete a defensive driving course before they're granted on-campus parking privileges.

Alive at 25 is the program helping to teach these drivers safe habits behind the wheel and it's working to reduce the risks of accidents in North Carolina. It focuses on defensive driving habits and the importance of making safe decisions, according to Herald Online. These young drivers need all the help they can get as they don't have a lot of experience behind the wheel, making them extremely likely to get into an accident.

Sabrina Gast, York County coroner, says that she sees far too many teen accidents every year and some of the most common causes are unnecessary, like distracted driving and driving under the influence.

Our Rock Hill accident lawyers understand that car accidents are the leading cause of death for this young age group. It's important that we catch them early and teach them safe and responsible driving habits. What they learn now will be used for the rest of their driving career. Let's teach them early and equip them with the tools they need to stay safe out there. If we've got to dangle their parking privileges above their head to get them to listen up then so be it.

At three high schools in Rock Hill, driving students will not be allowed to park on campus until they complete the 4 and a half hour defensive driving class, Alive at 25. The course will cost each student only $35. School officials are offering scholarships for any student who can't afford it.

Starting in July, the class will be offered three times a month. Students have to take it once before the 19th of January or they will not be permitted to purchase a parking pass.

Participating Area Schools:

-South Pointe

-Northwestern

-Rock Hill

-Applied Technology Center

-Lancaster County

-York County

-Fort Mill County

Each year, about 11,000 teenagers die in traffic accidents. Close to 4,000 of them are drivers between the ages of 15- and 20-years-old. In the state of South Carolina, there were more than 160 teen drivers killed in traffic accidents.

The defensive driving course is taught by off-duty law enforcement officers and teaches these young drivers about the risks associated with not wearing a seat belt, speeding, eating behind the wheel, talking on phones, text messaging and drunk driving. Parents are urged to get in on it, too. Talk with your teen at home about the dangers they face on our roads. Make sure they know what's expected of them behind the wheel.

"It's a worthwhile time investment for students," said Al Leonard, South Pointe High Principal.

Continue reading "School Driving Classes and North Carolina Car Accidents" »

As our Asheville bicycle accident lawyers recently reported, thousands of cyclists nationwide are being killed in auto accidents every year.

According to a recent report, Bicycle Friendly States in 2012, the state of North Carolina came in at 24th place for this year's rankings. It may not sound all that great, but it's much better than our 38th place ranking we had the previous year. Our state is taking small steps at working to improve the safety of bicyclists and it's paying off, even if only little by little.

The study is conducted by the League of American Bicyclists and researchers use it to look at just how bicycle-friendly each state is. Experts look at biking paths, education efforts, programs, laws and accident reports to rank each state, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

Our Asheville car accident lawyers understand that bicyclists across the state are hitting the streets with the arrival of this beautiful summer weather. Each year, we see increased risks for bicycling accidents during this time. That's why we're reaching out to motorists across the state and asking them to be mindful of these vulnerable travelers as there are undoubtedly more of them out now. Take the extra moment to look for bicyclists before reversing, before pulling into a driveway and when parking along the street. With more awareness, we can all do our part to help to reduce the risks for these accidents and to ultimately bring down the number of these unfortunate traffic fatalities.

In the report, our state was noted for creating "an excellent example of how to address safety across the transportation system." We've been working on a number of projects to help to improve riding conditions and the safety of bicyclists across the state. Included in these programs is the Pedestrian and Bicycle Access to Bus Transit project.

Officials with NCDOT are also using its Bicycle and Pedestrian Division and Public Transportation Division to look at even more ways to help to improve the safety of both bicyclists and pedestrians. With more and more people going green, more are hopping on their bicycles and lacing up their shoes to help up down on emissions into the atmosphere. Many others are doing it to stay in shape and to stay healthy. Whatever the reason may be, it's important that we support them and help to keep them state. We're all friends and family members here in North Carolina!

Currently, the state has more than 3,000 in bike routes to better encourage residents and visitors to get out there and to start pedaling, but to also feel safer while doing so. These systems help the community to maintain accessibility through this alternative form of transportation.

All travelers are asked to be cautious and to lookout for one another. Motorists are asked to be on the lookout for bicyclists just as bicyclists are asked to make themselves as visible as possible for the motorists. Practice safe biking habits, wear brightly-colored clothing, make your maneuvers predictable and keep safety as a top priority!

Continue reading "Cycling Rankings & Risks for North Carolina Bicycle Accidents" »

Motorcyclists look for different characteristics on roadways than we do. They look for turnouts, vistas, twisties and that perfect stretch of smooth tarmac. They also look for areas that have biker-friendly stops that make getting to where they've got to go an adventure!

A recent CNN report searched the country to find the top 10 roadways for just that, some of the best areas for smooth motorcycling in the country. North Carolina was fortunate enough to make this list! Along the Appalachian Mountains, there's a trail of road that goes on for nearly 800 miles from Front Royal, Virginia to Deal's Gap, North Carolina.

This route takes motorcyclists through the Skyline Drive in Virginia, which is a more than a 100 mile ride along the Shenandoah National Park. You can then continue on that road and make your way to Blue Ridge Parkway for another 470 miles of ideal roadways for these motorists. You can keep it going, heading east, and make it to Tellico Plains along the Cherohala Skyway (Hwy 28) and then into Tennessee backcountry. Loop back via Hwys 360 and 72 to Deal's Gap, and take on the internationally famous 11 mile Tail of the Dragon and venture though nearly 320 curves for some bragging rights.

Unfortunately, with these fun rides and twisting roads come risks for motorcycle accidents in Asheville and elsewhere. We're currently in the summer travel season and there is a significant increase in the number of motorists out there. This increase includes many motorcyclists. The clear summer weather provides a prime-time opportunity for our two-wheeled friends to hit the open road. With more motorists we see increased risks for accidents. Be careful out there and travel as one with other motorists. Safe and courteous driving habits can be the key to preventing crashes!

Our Asheville motorcycle accident lawyers understand that there were nearly 90,000 motorcyclists injured in 2008. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 4,800 motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents during this time. It's estimated that more than 10 percent of all accidents involve motorcycles. As a matter of fact, motorcyclists are about 25 times more likely experience a deadly accident on the road than those in passenger cars.

Our two-wheeled friends are much more likely to be seriously injured, or killed, in the event of an accident because they have much less protection working for them as we do in our passenger vehicles. For bikers, head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Did you know that a motorcyclist who is not wearing a helmet is 40 percent more likely to die of a head injury than one who wears a helmet?

We're asking motorcyclists to be careful out there. It's important to make your maneuvers in traffic as predictable as possible. You want to make sure that drivers can see you and they know where you're headed. Being seen on your bike is one of the best ways to help to prevent an accident.

Continue reading "Popular Routes Increasing Risks for Motorcycle Accidents in the Carolinas and Elsewhere" »

There were more than 50,000 people who were injured in bicycle accidents in Asheville and elsewhere in 2010, according to the most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Throughout the entire year, nearly 620 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle-related accidents. These fatalities accounted for about 2 percent of the total number of traffic fatalities.

We may have seen a decrease in the number of bicycle fatalities from 2011 to 2012, from 628 to 618. But the truth of it all is that these fatal bicycle accidents still accounted for the same percentage of traffic fatalities. We saw a slight decrease in the overall number of traffic accidents during this time, too.

Our Asheville bicycle accident lawyers understand that safety experts are expecting the risks for these kinds of accidents to increase in the coming months. Right now, in the summer travel season, we're already seeing increasing risks for these accidents. More motorists are heading out and more bicyclists are pedaling through. With more of these travelers, the risks and the number of accidents is expected to increase alongside. Drivers as asked to be careful when traveling near our two-wheeled friends as bicyclists are asked to make themselves as visible and predictable as possible when traveling near motor vehicles. Both parties need to be responsible for their own actions and they need to work with one another to help to preserve traffic safety.

If you're riding a bicycle in the area, there are few things that you should be on the lookout for. First off, you want to make sure that you're careful when traveling through urban areas and through non-intersection areas as most accidents occur in these locations. You're also warned to be cautious when traveling during the evening hours. About 30 percent of all fatal bicycle accidents in 2010 happened between the hours of 4:00 and 7:59 in the evening. The second most dangerous time to be out on our roadways was from 8:00 and 11:59 at night. The fewest number of fatal bicycle accidents occurred between midnight and 4:00 a.m. We're not saying that you should go out and ride your bike during this time, because you're less likely to be involved in an accident, we're just saying that fewer bicyclists were out during then and therefor there weren't a lot of accidents.

In 2010 in the state of North Carolina, there were nearly 25 people who were killed in bicycling accidents throughout the state. Although the state has been working on a number of initiatives to help to improve safety for all, drivers are asked to do their part and to keep an eye out for these vulnerable travelers. According to the recently-released statistics from the NHSTA, bicycle accident-related fatalities accounted for more than 1.5 percent of the total traffic accident fatalities for the year. These accidents are usually the result of driver inattention. Please be on your best behavior behind the wheel to help to keep everyone safe! The change starts with you.

Continue reading "Bicycle Accidents in Asheville and Elsewhere Injure Thousands Each Summer" »

A single-car accident is currently being investigated by the North Carolina Highway Patrol after one teen died and another was left seriously injured. The accident happened around 8:00 p.m. in Johnston County.

Accident reports indicate that the teen's SUV drove off of the road when the teen overcorrected, ran into a ditch, and was thrown into a tree. The 16-year-old driver died at the scene of the accident and the 17-year-old passenger was transported to WakeMed in Raleigh and treated for various injuries, according to ABC11. Authorities have listed speed as a factor in the accident.

There are ways that we can help to reduce the risks of teen car accidents in Greensboro and elsewhere. All we need is a little help from lawmakers and from parents, according to a recent study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Safe driving advocates recently studied the Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) laws of each state and compared them with their rates for teen car accidents. The goal of the study was to find out what makes a successful GDL program. Officials determined that there were 5 components to success. The five were permit age, licensing age, passenger restrictions, night time driving restrictions and required supervised driving time. These laws are no good though if law enforcement officers and parents don't help to enforce them.

Our Greensboro car accident attorneys understand that the state of North Carolina and our GDL laws didn't do too badly with officials with the IIHS. We have a permit age of 15-years-old, which officials suggest should be higher. We do require our young drivers to complete 60 hours of supervised driving time during the restricted licensing stage. While we didn't meet the IIHS suggestions of 65 hours, we did beat out many other states. We have relatively strict nighttime restrictions, banning our young drivers from driving from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Our passenger restrictions aren't bad either. Teen drivers with a restricted license are not allowed to have more than 1 passenger younger than 21.

These restrictions are lifted when a driver is 16-years-old and has had their restricted license for at least 6 months. Officials suggest that this age be lifted to 18-years-old. Regardless, state lawmakers could tighten up these laws a little bit to help to keep our young drivers safe.

In North Carolina, driver education is required for permit applicants younger than the age of 18-years-old.

"Even the best states can do better," says Anne McCartt, IIHS senior vice president.

GDL programs allow these young drivers to get their driving experience and education through a series of stages and through various restrictions. This allows them to mature as a driver and to develop safe skills behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Teen Car Accidents in Greensboro & Benefits of a Comprehensive GDL Program" »