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.  

Man Kills Friend While Trying to Cure Hiccups

A U.S. Soldier from Texas has just been charged with killing another “in gunfire,” while attempting to cure his friend’s hiccups.

According to the police report, the soldiers from Fort Hood had been drinking and watching Sunday night football when the accident occurred. The accompanying affidavit stated that the defendant was pointing a gun at his friend in attempts to “scare the hiccups out of him.”

The 22-year-old defendant allegedly believed that the gun only had ” dummy rounds” in it when it was discharged.

He was charged with manslaughter and had a bond set at $1 million.

There is no greater loss than losing a loved one, but it is especially hard when you don’t have any warning. Someone else’s negligence can change your life forever in a fatal accident. Accidents can happen, and in the event that it does, please contact the law offices of Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower and let us evaluate your claim.

We are experienced wrongful death attorneys and are here to help get you through this nightmare and find those answers. Call us today and speak directly with one of our lawyers at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.

 

 

Rock Hill Teen Hit in Face While Trying to Break Up Fight

A Northwestern and South Pointe High football game sparked some controversy last Friday that ended with one 14-year-old girl getting punched in the jaw.

According to the Rock Hill police report, the 14-year-old girl was sitting with some friends when a 16-year-old student began to argue with them. “Taking the fight outside,” the boys left the stands around 8:15 p.m. The girl followed the boys outside, when a 16-year-old from a rival school jumped the fence and charged a boy in the 14-year-old girl’s group of friends.

It was at that moment that the girl stood in between the boys to hopefully prevent injury. Unfortunately, she was the one who got injured when one boy pushed her and then subsequently hit her in the jaw. The boys all fled the scene when the police were called in.

Luckily, the aggressor was found and charged with second-degree assault and battery, as well as disturbing schools.

Charges of assault and battery can become very confusing for one who is unfamiliar with the law. The reason it becomes complex is because there is both a civil and criminal charge for each. At times, people being charged with assault and battery are unaware if they have been criminally, or civilly charged for their actions.

At Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower, we can help you through the litigation process, and answer all of your unresolved questions. Whether you are the aggressor or victim, we are trained and experienced in both civil personal injury, and criminal defense. Please call our law office today and speak directly with one of our lawyers at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.

Wreck Causes Traffic on I-485

Last Tuesday, there was an accident that caused traffic from West Charlotte to the South Carolina State line on Interstate-485 around 2:30 p.m.

According to the police report, a North Carolina DOT vehicle was involved in the accident, injuring a Shelby resident. The crew member was taken to the hospital shortly after the accident, which is currently still under investigation.

The accident caused the two left lanes to be shut down for almost 2 hours, causing horrific traffic from Mecklenburg to York County.

For residents of Fort Mill, Rock Hill, and Charlotte, accidents that occur on the state line border can affect travellers of both states. Interstates 85, 77, and 485 all extend to both North and South Carolina, causing traffic and heavy delays for everyone. Moreover, “onlookers” make matters worse when they slow their speed to observe the crash before them. This, in turn, can cause even more traffic or worse, an additional car accident.

If you or a loved one are involved in any sort of car accident, please contact our car accident attorneys at Reeves, Aiken, and Hightower to have your claim evaluated. Call us today and speak directly with one of our lawyers at 704-499-9000 or 877-374-5999 toll-free.