Charlotte Teens Injured After Crashing Into CATS Bus

Two teens were injured when the car they were in crashed into a CATS bus in South Park Tuesday morning.

According to authorities, the driver of the car was turning onto Barclay Downs Road from Ferncliff Road when the driver lost control and crashed into the bus.

A portion of Barclay Downs drive was blocked off as crews worked to clear the scene.  The car the teens were riding in suffered heavy damage to the front end.

Luckily, the driver of the bus did not suffer any injuries and was the only person on the bus at the time of the crash.

In 2009, a total of 3,466 teenagers ages 13-19 were killed in motor vehicle crashes.  This accounted for approximately a third of all teenage deaths that year.  Additionally, 16 year olds have a higher crash rate than any other age group of drivers.  Road safety is a responsibility for all road users, regardless of age.  That’s why it’s important for teens to have strong encouragement from parents, teachers, and other mentors to practice safe driving in those primitive years on the road.

The  Accident Attorneys of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower understand that even most cautious drivers can be injured in a serious car accident.  When you or someone you love has been involved in a serious accident, our seasoned litigators can be there to assist you on your path to recovery.  We can investigate all aspects of the accident and hold all parties accountable for your loss. Call us today and speak directly with one of our lawyers at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.  Hire the best accident attorneys with whom you and your loved ones can invest the most confidence.

DOT Worker Killed in Crash on Old 421

A Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) worker was killed early this morning in a car crash.

Accordingly, the Police Department was forced to shut down large portions of Old Highway 421 due to the fatality. The wreck occurred around 5:00 a.m., right after  the DOT worker had left for work this morning.

No other information has been released at this time about this deadly crash, and officials are not releasing the DOT worker’s name until the family has been notified of this tragedy.

Wrongful death cases are multifaceted. A thorough investigation must be started almost immediately in order to preserve critical evidence in a fatality. Autopsies are almost always necessary to determine the exact mechanism and cause of death. There is the issue of whether the decedent died instantly or may have a “survival action.” The medical reports can be very confusing as they include external anatomy examination, internal organ examination, microscopic review of tissues, as well as fluid toxicology testing for drugs, alcohol, or disease.

If a loved one has been killed in a wrongful death action, please contact the wrongful death attorneys at Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower and let us sift through the confusing medical reports for you. We are ready, willing, and able to fight for the justice that you and your family deserves. Call us today at and speak directly with one of our lawyers at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.

Charlotte Man Killed At Dangerous Crosswalk

South Charlotte residents are demand changes to a local bus stop after a man was killed crossing the street after getting off the bus. The 51-year-old man was hit and killed while crossing Steel Creek Road after getting off the city bus.

Since the accident, residents of the nearby Steel Creek Senior Living held a meeting with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and transit officials in connection with the issue. To get to the bus stop, residents have to cross a busy two lane street that intersects with Branch Bend Lane.  Many residents with walkers and wheelchairs are too scared to cross the street, especially after the accident.

Transit officials and CMPD have inspected the area and are looking into proposed changes; however, funding for the construction may be an obstacle at the moment, according to a local Pedestrian Crossing Committee.

Studies conducted in 2010 revealed that 4,280 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 70,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the U.S.  On average, a pedestrian was killed every 2 hours and injured every eight minutes in traffic collisions.  Road safety is a responsibility for all road users, drivers and pedestrians alike.  However, pedestrians can take extra precautions to ensure that the inherent vulnerability of walking around motor vehicles can be mitigated as much as possible.  If you are a pedestrian traveler, be sure stay visible to drivers by wearing bight and/or reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight.  Walk and stand clear of buses, hedges, parked vehicles, and other hazards before crossing.

 When you or someone you love has been involved in a serious accident, the Personal Injury Attorneys of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower can be there to assist you on your path to recovery.  We can investigate all aspects of the accident and hold all parties accountable for your loss. Call us today and speak directly with one of our lawyers at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.  

Charlotte Three Car Crash Causes Life-Threatening Injuries

A major Steele Creek roadway was shut down after a three-way car crash, leaving one car turned completely up on its side.

Authorities responded when reports of the incident came in around 2 p.m. on the 15400 block of West Shopton Road in the Steele Creek area. Three people were injured in the crash.  One person was reported as having life-threatening injuries, and the remaining two people suffered potentially life-threatening injuries. All three victims were transported to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment.

With motor vehicle travel being the number one means of transportation in the U.S., it’s not surprising that motor vehicle crashes were the cause of 90 deaths per day in 2010.  Every trip to the store or drive across town presents its own set of risks, and road conditions and weather can vary those risks significantly.  Therefore, it is necessary to stay informed and take appropriate safety precautions.

Rain or shine, the  Accident Attorneys of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower understand that even most cautious drivers can be injured in a serious car accident. We can investigate all aspects of the accident and hold all parties accountable for your loss. Call us today and speak directly with one of our lawyers at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.  

Charlotte Crash Leaves Council Member’s Daughter in Critical Condition

The 21-year-old daughter of a local Council member is in critical condition after a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 485 Wednesday afternoon. The crash occurred on I-485 near Providence Road at approximately 2 p.m. when an SUV clipped her car from behind, sending her spinning off the side of the road.

According to authorities, the driver of the SUV did not stop after the crash.  The SUV is light gray in color and may have damage to the front right side from the crash. The woman suffered multiple broken bones, internal injuries, and collapsed lungs.

Witnesses informed troopers that the woman and the suspect were possibly having road rage issues.

Studies reveal that 66 percent of annual traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving such as running red lights, tailgating, and passing on the right.  Additionally, of the 20 million injuries related to motor vehicle collisions, a staggering 12,610 are believed to be caused by aggressive driving.  One of the challenges about trying to prevent road rage is that you cannot always predict or control the actions of others.  However, taking steps to stay calm and patient on the road can go a long way by not encouraging aggressive driving behaviors.

If you notice people around you driving aggressively, be sure to stay alert and be aware of what is happening, especially ahead of you.  Try to leave early for your destination so that you wont feel as if you have to rush.  If you know you will be spending time in heavy or hectic traffic, find an enjoyable radio station or book on tape to relieve stresses from traffic.

The  Accident Attorneys of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower understand that even most cautious drivers can be injured in a serious car accident. Call us today and speak directly with one of our lawyers at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.  

Rock Hill Child Calls 911 on Drunk Mom

The Rock Hill Police Department received a disturbing phone call this past Sunday, when an 11-year-old child called to report that her mother was drunk driving while the child was a passenger in the vehicle. According to the Rock Hill police report, the 38-year-old mother was subsequently charged with a DUI and child endangerment.

When the police arrived at the child’s home, the little girl pointed out the car her mother was driving and who her mother was. The police found the vehicle parked sideways on the sidewalk, partially blocking pedestrians from the entrance way to the apartment complex.

Moreover, the child told the police that she was the only passenger on the car at the time the mother was driving; that the mom had already consumed two beers and two medium-sized margaritas; and lastly, that the mother had almost hit two cars while driving herself and the daughter home.

At first, the mother was hostile towards the police until that amounted in failure. In a second attempt, the mother became flirtatious with the officer, winking and calling one “love,” in attempts to escape charges.

Fortunately, the flirting had no impact and the mother was properly charged.

As we all know and appreciate, small children are the most vulnerable among us, and great care must be taken to protect their safety. Accidents can happen quickly if proper steps are not taken by those in charge of their welfare. Despite our best intentions, however, needless accidents still happen, and injuries will occur. Hopefully, the injuries will be minor.

However, if your child is seriously injured, you need to know what to do first and what to expect. The experienced child injury attorneys of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower LLP are standing by to help. For more information on your options, call us at 877-374-5999 for a private consultation to evaluate your case.