Tips To Increase Your Safety While On The Road

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Driving is a common aspect of life, which we must participate in doing almost everyday. In order to fulfill our daily tasks, get to work or school, or simply pick up the kids we not only need, but also fully rely on our motor vehicles to help us accomplish these, and more. However, mistakes and accidents are also a common occurrence within our lives, which sometimes we have very little control over. Yet, when it comes down to you actually out on the roadways whether as a driver, or a passenger what can you do in order to increase the overall safety of all?

The Responsibilities of A Driver

When you are the operator of a motor vehicle you have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders whether you realize it or not. You not only have to worry about your safety, but also all others out on the road whether they are fellow motorists, or pedestrians. When playing the role of driver always make sure that before you do anything that your mirrors are properly aligned, and nothing objects your line of sight. Many accidents happen on the road because drivers cannot actually see what is there, or what is not there. When driving on the road always make sure that you signal properly, abide by speed limits, and always make sure to follow the rules of the road for yourself before attempting to do so for other drivers.

 How You Can Help As A Passenger

Although actually driving a vehicle is important it is also very important that passengers of a motor vehicle understand their safety role within a vehicle as well. Passengers should make it a point to emphasize that drivers pay attention to the road, as well making drivers hand over their cellphone device before the car is even put into drive. Passengers also need to make sure that they are out of the line of sight of the driver in order to make sure that the driver can see all aspects of the road accordingly.

Finally, whether you are a driver, or a passenger it is important to wear your seat belt 100% percent of the time. Studies show that seat belts save lives, and can easily help assist your life in the event of an accident. Remember to always abide by the rules of the road in order to help better not only your safety, but all others as well.

If you suffer any of these serious injuries because of an anesthesia mistake, our experienced Mississippi anesthesia medical malpractice lawyers are committed to assisting victims of substandard medical care obtain the financial compensation to rebuild their lives.  At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.

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What Safety Features Actually Make You Safer?

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When we are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle our main concern and focus should be on getting from one place to the next as safely as possible. However, that is not always the case for the majority of drivers out there in the United States today. Accidents and mistakes are a common aspect of life. Yet, when you are involved in an automobile accident you face the risk of being seriously injured, and even killed. However, when it comes down to the actual safety features within a motor vehicle, which ones are actually helping fight for your safety?

Breaking Down That of Safety Features

 If you were to turn on the television right this moment it is certain that you would eventually come into contact with a motor vehicle advertisement of some sorts that describes a vehicle from the inside out, as well as the safety features within it. Many vehicles have safety features and installments that are suppose to be geared towards making you, and your vehicle safer. Unfortunately, not all of these safety devices, and features actually really do anything for you as a driver, or passenger.

What Safety Features You Should Be Familiar With

 Recently, a study was conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which brought to light what safety features were actually making a difference. The top safety feature that helps drivers the most is that of the Forward Collision Avoidance System. What this actually does is senses other vehicles, and objects around it and can help driver’s know when to slow down, or actually slows the vehicle down itself. With this safety feature, drivers are 14% less likely to be involved in the majority of car accidents.

Another safety feature that helps drivers are direction-shifting headlights. How this device works is that it actually helps driver’s visibility when approaching curves, animals, or other stationary objects. When these are installed within vehicles drivers are 10% less likely to be involved in an automobile accident.

Hopefully as we look to the future we can count on other safety features helping contribute to our safety. When a driver has one, or both of these devices installed in their vehicle they are significantly putting themselves in a safer situation every time they are behind the wheel of their motor vehicle.

If you suffer any of these serious injuries because of an anesthesia mistake, our experienced Mississippi anesthesia medical malpractice lawyers are committed to assisting victims of substandard medical care obtain the financial compensation to rebuild their lives.  At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.

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How Your Cellphone Can Actually Help You Behind The Wheel

Technology is fully present within our world, and lives today. If you were to look up you would notice probably a computer monitor, you would probably be in the same room as a television, or just simply check your pocket, or purse for your cellphone. No matter what aspect it involves we not only use technology in this day and age, but heavily rely on it as well. However, when it comes down to that of driving does technology help you or hurt you while you are behind the wheel?

Call Me Maybe?

The power of the cellphone has certainly increased within the past decade or so. Many individuals today run their lives all on these small, electronic devices from planning their week, setting a wake-up alarm, or connecting with friends. While all of these are fun, and very productive things to do they are not when an individual is behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Today, cellphones behind the wheel of the car are becoming known as one of the leading causes of car accidents, whether it is from texting while driving, talking on the phone, or simply using applications or the internet.

While may functions of a phone being used behind the wheel of have had a lot of negative stipulation, and connotation in the past a new application today is now trying to help drivers truly focus on the wheel, and on the road.

A Step Towards Safer Technology

Currently, a team of researchers at Rutgers University recently developed an application to help drivers focus more on the road, and less on their cellphone. How the application actually works requires the phone to be in sync with the vehicle sound system via Bluetooth, or auxiliary cord. From there, the application, when in use, will either forward an individual’s call or text message to a missed communications box in their phone, answer the phone or respond to a text message stating the individual is currently driving during the time of the call or message, or even link up an individual’s driving to their social media outlets in order to inform others that they are behind the wheel.

Developers of the application are still coming up with new ways, and components of the application to help better further an individual’s concentration on the road, and away from their cellular device.

If you suffer any of these serious injuries because of an anesthesia mistake, our experienced Mississippi anesthesia medical malpractice lawyers are committed to assisting victims of substandard medical care obtain the financial compensation to rebuild their lives.  At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.

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Could Car Accidents Involving Teenagers Be Correlated To Bad Behavior?

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Driving is a fairly average portion of life for many Americans today. Yet, how and when do we actually acquire our skills as a driver? Many individuals can think back to the past and think of the first time that they had their driver’s permit, or how they felt when they finally got their driver’s license.  Yet, as we all know we tend to make a few accidents, or mistakes in our lives especially when we are new at something, such as driving. However, are teenage drivers the same as they were back in yesteryear, or driving at a new “speed”?

Oh To Be Young Again

When teenagers finally get their coveted license to drive they believe in their minds that they are on top of the world. They finally get to drive from place to place without the assistance of their parents, and get to experience fun times with their friends. However, a new study has been done that compares that of driving patterns, and accident proneness to that of behavior when it comes down to teenagers.

The Truth About Teenagers

 The study found that teenagers who showed signs of disrespect, apathy, and an overall bad behavior to be more likely to cause, and be involved with car accidents more frequently than other teenagers their age. Why is this though? The study concluded that with this particular group of teenagers they were less likely to abide by traffic signals, not properly follow the speed limit, not buckle their safety belt, and use their cellular device while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

By examining this even closer we can actually see the problem at hand. Considering the fact that teenagers are the age group that are statistically higher to be involved in a car accident solidifies the fact that many teenagers are still learning how to operate and properly drive a motor vehicle, which often times will produce a traffic incident. However, when teenagers have an apathetic attitude towards driving, and simply do as they please behind the wheel of a motor vehicle they not only put themselves at risk of being involved in a serious accident, but also everyone else around them more often than any other age group of drivers.

Make sure to take the time out of your day and do not just tell your children how they should behave behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, but also the consequences that are associated with the negative aspects of driving.

If you suffer any of these serious injuries because of an anesthesia mistake, our experienced Mississippi anesthesia medical malpractice lawyers are committed to assisting victims of substandard medical care obtain the financial compensation to rebuild their lives.  At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.


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The Aftermath of Texting and Driving

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Driving is a very average part of life, which the majority of us are required to do each day. Whether we are commuting from work, to school, or running our various, yet never ending errands we seem to always be behind the wheel of a motor vehicle in order to do so.  However, behind the wheel of a car our focus is not always truly on the safety measures we should be taking, or watching other drivers in order to make sure that we are safe, but the majority of the time we simply are trying to process, and keep up with our busy day.

The Ideology Behind Texting While Driving

 Texting and driving is not a new concept today by any means. Many studies and research are beginning to state that the majority of accidents, and traffic violations today are due to cell phone usage behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. While many individuals believe that they are superb multi-taskers and can drive and operate their cellphone at the same time they are sadly mistaken. When you are focused not only on a conversation, but a conversation that requires you to use your hands and focus to type on buttons while you operate a motor vehicle the possibilities and results are catastrophic.

The Results of Texting While Driving

 Unfortunately, more and more individuals today are being touched in their lives by texting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. One case truly shows what the effects of texting and driving can do to a family in the blink of an eye. A mother had recently had a baby, and was out running errands with her 5 year old, and newborn child while still on her maternity leave. The woman was running errands that day to get decorations for the Labor Day festivities that would be taking place at her home that weekend. However, as she was driving, a young white female began to veer into her lane, head-on, and crashed into the vehicle carrying the mother and her children.

Today, those two children will have to live without their mother for the rest of their lives thanks to the young woman texting while she was driving. Remember when you take your eyes off the road for just a moment, whether you are texting or not, you increase your risk, and the risk of others as well of being involved in a serious accident.

If you suffer any of these serious injuries because of an anesthesia mistake, our experienced Mississippi anesthesia medical malpractice lawyers are committed to assisting victims of substandard medical care obtain the financial compensation to rebuild their lives.  At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.

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How is Fault Determined in an Automobile Accident?

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It may seem like a simple matter to assign fault following an automobile accident. After all, one driver exhibited negligence or recklessness which led to a collision, right? Unfortunately, it is rarely so simple as that. There can be a great deal of confusion regarding the issue of who was at fault and the consequences for the responsible driver are extensive therefore even if one driver is aware they were at fault they may try every way possible to wiggle out of accepting responsibility.

A driver who directly caused an accident may be subject to increasing insurance rates or could even find that their insurance is canceled. How the at-fault driver’s insurance company responds to an admission of responsibility can determine whether the claim will be denied or paid. The deductible, cost of repair for both vehicles and the medical expenses are at stake and can be considerable therefore the insurance company has a significant stake in which driver was at fault.

What Does “At Fault” Mean?

While every state creates its own particular definition of “at-fault,” generally speaking it means just what it says—the person most responsible for being the catalyst which led to the collision is considered to be the liable party. Other classifications regarding fault in auto accidents include “no-fault” and “partial fault,” although these definitions vary considerably across state lines. When it is next to impossible to assign blame to one driver or the other, liability may be assigned to both, however usually the person who performed an act which could be considered irresponsible, illegal, reckless or careless will be the at-fault driver.

Consequences of Admitting Fault

The driver who is found to be negligent could be compelled to be responsible for the medical expenses and damages of the other driver as well as property damages. Aside from the hit taken on auto insurance many states also add points to the at-fault person’s driver’s license which could potentially lead to a suspended license. Clearly there are a wide variety of negative consequences for the at-fault driver which is why drivers should never admit fault following an accident.

In fact, following an accident the only thing you should do is ensure that all those involved in the accident receive prompt medical attention and that basic information including names, addresses and insurance information is properly exchanged. If possible, photographs of the accident should be taken and any pertinent information noted. Admitting fault can potentially damage your entire case. Many times outside factors you were unaware of could exist as well. These factors could have played a significant role in the accident and may contribute to the final determination of which driver was most at fault.

Determining Fault

In order to properly determine who was at fault in the accident it is important to evaluate what each driver was supposed to be doing in the specific situation and which driver did not act in an appropriate manner. This will work in situations where someone was clearly at fault such as when one driver runs a stop sign however more complex accidents will require more extensive assessment. The question of whether each person made a legitimate attempt to avoid the accident will contribute to determination of fault as will the police officer’s assessment of the situation. Should the accident require a ticket be issued to one driver, then the determination of fault will likely become much less complicated.  Factors in determining fault can include the speed of both drivers, the weather and road conditions present when the accident occurred, the failure of one party to take note of traffic signals or signs and whether either driver was driving while impaired.   Having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side can assist in determination of fault as well as ensuring you receive proper compensation for your auto collision.

 

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What is No-Fault Auto Insurance and How Could it Help You?

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If you currently reside in one of the twelve states which operate under a no-fault policy as far as auto insurance is concerned, then your insurance may be somewhat different than more traditional insurance policies. The twelve no-fault states are DC, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Utah. There is wide misunderstanding about what no-fault auto insurance is and how it can hurt or help in the event of an auto accident. No-fault insurance encompasses an automobile insurance system which requires that all drivers carry insurance for their own protection and also limits the right to sue other drivers for damages following an auto accident.

No Pure No-Fault System

Under a pure no-fault system in the event of an accident each driver’s insurance pays for their specific damages—up to the policy limits—without consideration of who might have been at fault in the accident. There is no state which currently operates under a pure no-fault auto insurance system meaning these no-fault states operate under a combination of a no-fault system as well as the standard liability system. This means each driver is financially responsible for the cost of the damages they directly caused.

Positive Aspects of No-Fault Insurance

In theory no-fault insurance guarantees each driver receives immediate medical treatment which is surely a good thing. Benefits such as medical expenses, lost wages, funeral and death benefits and compensation for loss of services are usually fully covered under no-fault insurance policies.  No-fault auto insurance is convenient regarding the time-consuming task of filing a claim following an accident and can also reduce the legal and administration fees associated with insurance claims which would lead you to believe that no-fault insurance is considerably less expensive. Unfortunately, the liability portion can actually cause insurance premiums to be higher than those of states without no-fault laws.

Still, those injured in an accident in a no-fault state are more readily able to have their medical expenses and auto damages dealt with quickly allowing them to get on with their life. If you are the at-fault driver in an accident, then no-fault car insurance means you are not responsible for the other driver’s expenses which can be a huge financial relief. Of course the driver who was not at fault may find this system somewhat unfair, however generally speaking the driver who was not at fault probably spends the same amount of time collecting compensation whether no-fault insurance is involved or not.

Statistics for No-Fault Insurance States

Some no-fault states will allow the injured person or persons to sue but only if their injuries meet a specific standard set for severity of injury or a certain financial level.  On the surface it would appear that the no-fault insurance system should be working well, however statistics prove otherwise. Litigation costs for property damages following a collision remain high and there are no consequences associated with driving recklessly meaning the insurance premiums may be significantly higher in no-fault states. The numbers show that the states with some form of no-fault automobile insurance have the highest premiums and insurance premium in no-fault states rose 92% faster than those in personal responsibility states. Overall insurance premiums in no-fault states are approximately 20% higher than those in states with other forms of auto insurance.

If you live in a no-fault state you must read your policy carefully to determine what is covered under your policy. If you are injured in an accident in a no-fault state it’s important that you get legal advice to ensure your injuries and damages are fully covered.

 

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Multi-Car Accidents

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A multi-car accident is any accident which involves three or more vehicles, including motorcycles, trucks or passenger vehicles. Because there was likely an underlying cause which initially caused the crash, a multi-car crash can be a nightmare on many different levels. Dealing with your insurance company will be much more complex, and you may find it harder to pinpoint who the negligent party actually was, meaning it may be more difficult to prevail in a personal injury case. If you have been involved in a multi-car accident, it’s important to get experienced legal representation as soon as you possibly can.

What Caused the Accident?

The cause of a multi-car accident will likely be the same as in an accident involving two cars. Human error could be a cause of the accident, or it could be attributed to driver fatigue, driver distraction, drunk driving, mechanical failure, inclement weather or sheer recklessness. Many multi-car accidents happen on freeways when cars are driving too fast and too close to one another. When a car stops suddenly way up the road, the cars behind don’t have enough reaction time to avoid an accident.

Who Will Be Liable for the Accident?

Determining the level of responsibility for each driver involved will be an extremely complicated and ultimately incredibly stressful process. Each driver will have a different version of the car crash, and there will be much more data to factor in. A report from the police departmetn is critical even if the police decline to state which driver was at fault. The police report will, at the very least, state the details surrounding the accident such as weather and road conditions, time of day, and approximate speeds the cars were traveling. If it is very obvious who was at fault, then that fact will be in the report.

Comparative vs. Contributory Negligence in a Multi-Car Accident

The fault in a multiple car accident will be determined through either comparative negligence or contributory negligence. If your accident falls under the laws of contributory negligence the person who was hurt in the accident is only be able to receive reimbursement for medical expenses if they did not contribute to the accident in any way. In other words, if you were speeding, therefore could not avoid a pile-up in front of you as a result of that speed, then you would be unable to get compensation. Under comparative negligence, liability for the accident will be weighed according to how much fault can be attributed to each driver, meaning your own damages could be reduced because you were speeding, but you would still be entitled to recover a percentage of the damages.

Whose Insurance Will Cover Your Medical Bills?

Insurance companies will be even more apt than usual to deny claims or point the finger of blame at everybody other than their own insured in a multi-car accident. Remember not to admit fault in a multi-car accident even if you feel the blame was yours. Get medical attention immediately for any injury, no matter how small, as this will weigh heavily when your attorney is negotiating with the insurance companies.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

Sorting out the complicated mess of all the parties involved may involve accident reconstruction, securing witness statements and considerable amounts of investigation. There will be extended communications with the various insurance companies and drivers involved in the accident. While law enforcement personnel may cite the individual drivers if it is readily apparent who was at fault, many times they will simply let the lawyers figure it out. Finding who is at fault can be almost impossible which is why you need an attorney who will defend your rights and aggressively prove your lack of fault or reduce your liability in any way possible. The statute of limitations in multi-car accidents can actually be as short as thirty days, and it is wise to allow your attorney to navigate the complexities and be responsible for meeting critical deadlines.

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NHTSA Reports Traffic Fatalities for First Quarter of 2012 Highest Level in Six Decades

The news in recent year regarding Mississippi motor vehicle accidents rates has generally been positive with a steady decline annually in both fatality rates and the number of deaths per mile driven.  This downward trend is so positive that last year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that traffic related fatalities had reached their lowest level in over sixty years.  Further, the fatality rate as also lower last year than at any time since 1921 when the number of miles driven was taken into consideration.

Sadly, despite these positive trends, the NHTSA is reporting an alarming turn of events based on data from the first quarter of 2012.  Auto accident rates during this period rose substantially which would constitute the most significant annual increase since data has been kept on accident fatalities by the government.

While the sudden spike in auto accident rates runs counter to a four year trend of declines, it may not be as troublesome as it first appears.  Some traffic safety experts have speculated that the increase is a product of an improving economy and mild weather.  While the economic recovery has been marginal, there is a general consensus that the situation is improved over last year.  A stronger economy usually results in more miles being driven because motorists are better able to afford discretionary expenditures.  The relatively mild winter also means that drivers tend to venture out more frequently.  This is particularly true of motorcyclists who face a higher risk of fatality when being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

While the combination of improved vehicle safety features, aggressive enforcement of DUI laws, anti-cell phone laws and other public education and law enforcement measures have made Mississippi roads safer, there is no way to compel indifferent or inconsiderate drivers to obey the speed limit, abstain from consuming drugs or alcohol prior to driving or putting down their cell phone if they have no regard for the consequences.

While our experienced Mississippi auto accident lawyers sincerely hope that this spike in auto accident rates is an anomaly, we also know that car accidents cannot be completely eliminated.  If you have suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one in a Mississippi auto accident, our experienced Mississippi auto accident lawyers fight diligently to recover the financial compensation injury victims need to move past their tragedy.  The experienced Mississippi motor vehicle accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing effective legal representation to Mississippi auto accident victims for over 75 years.  We provide careful investigation, thorough analysis of the law and facts and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.

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Impact of Illicit Drug Use in Mississippi Motor Vehicle Accidents

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While many people in Mississippi and across the U.S. are aware of the substantial reach and magnitude of the danger associated with drunk driving, but the majority of drivers in Mississippi do not realize the extent of the danger posed by drivers impaired by narcotics.  A study conducted by the federal government found that one in eight drivers stopped and drug tested while driving at night one weekends tested positive for some form of illicit drug.  There are many types of illegal narcotics that impair drivers including methamphetamine, ecstasy, heroin, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, opium, oxycodone, PCP and more.  When drivers attempt to navigate the roadways with illegal drugs in their bloodstream they are the equivalent of someone using a deadly weapon like a firearm when impaired by drugs.

Unfortunately, many drivers disregard the dangers of operating a motor vehicle when under the influence of illegal drugs.  These drugs can disrupt perception, promote sleepiness, adversely impact judgment, interfere with coordination and reflexes and promote an inflated sense of confidence in one’s driving ability.  When a car accident occurs involving a driver who is under the influence of drugs, the officer may administer field sobriety tests and a breath testing.  Because illicit drugs do not show up in a breath test, the police officer investigating the accident will typically conduct a blood test.  If a driver impaired by street drugs causes a serious auto accident resulting in serious personal injury including spinal cord damage causing paralysis, traumatic brain injury causing loss of cognitive functioning or amputation of limbs, the judge or jury will often award substantial punitive damages.

Although driving while under the influence of alcohol is a widely acknowledged and discussed dangerous driving practice, drivers that are stoned while driving receive a lot less attention.  While drug impaired drivers are less common, another reason that drugged driving receives less publicity is that it is much harder to prove.  Many times police officers do not even test for drugs in a driver’s system unless a motor vehicle accident occurs.

When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident with a driver who engaged in erratic driving behavior before causing a collision, you should summon law enforcement to the scene of the motor vehicle accident.  Any erratic or unsafe driving that you observed prior to the collision should be clearly described to the police officer.  These statements provide additional evidence supporting the basis for the investigating officer to conduct a drug and alcohol screening.  Sometimes if the officer suspects that the driver was impaired by drugs a specially trained expert called a Drug Recognition Expert may be summoned to conduct tests and make observations to support expert testimony that the driver was drug impaired at the time of the collision.

If a driver who you suspect may be under the influence of illicit drugs injures you, you may have a right to pursue a claim for financial compensation against the other driver. The experienced Mississippi motor vehicle accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing effective representation to Mississippi motor vehicle accident victims for over 75 years.  We provide diligent legal representation and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.

 

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