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Fatal Car Crash – Speed May Be A Factor – Charlotte Accident Lawyer

Last Friday morning was a fatal one for a North Carolina resident when the victim/driver when she hit a curb and ultimately flipped her car into a church yard.

The car wreck took place around 7:00 a.m., where Kathleen Bland, age 27, was killed when her 2002 Toyota Highlander she was operating hit a curb, went onto a pedestrian sidewalk, then eventually, after flipping multiple times, landed in a church yard. The wreck took place at the intersection of East Sugar Creek Road and North Tryon Street, closing the intersection for over three hours. Sadly, Bland was pronounced dead on scene at 7:21 a.m.

Bland’s car hit three other vehicles when it began to flip across the intersection after hitting a pole.  Three other people suffered minor injuries during the wreck, police said. Two of the drivers were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were shortly after released with non-life threatening injuries. The third driver was treated on scene, and only sustained minor injuries as well.

“It is unknown at this time whether there were any medical conditions that may have been a factor in the crash,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said in a statement. However, speed is believed to have contributed to Bland losing control of her vehicle.

Charlotte Car Wreck Lawyers

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a car wreck, you need the help of an experienced car wreck attorney like those at Reeves, Aiken & Hightower,LLP.  Call us at 877-374-5999, or contact us using this form, to speak with an attorney who will help you evaluate your claim and help you get the recovery you deserve.

 

Distracted Driving Kills: Charlotte Accident Attorney

Leah Walton, now age 25, is currently on trial for hitting two nurses two nurses outside a nursing home in August of 2010. The hit-and-run was fatal for one nurse, and left the other nurse in critical condition resulting in a 5 month coma for the victim.

The Defendant is now facing multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, and marijuana possession. It was unknown until after an inventory search that the car the Defendant was driving actually had drugs inside of it, adding the distraction that lead to this horrific accident.

The accident happened in August of 2010, outside the White Oak Manor nursing home on Craig Avenue. It was the Defendant herself who told the police that she was trying to reach for ” something” in her purse when she lost control of the vehicle.

However, during the trial yesterday, testimony was given by one of the officers who stated very adamantly, that there were no skids marks at the scene; thus, leading one to believe that perhaps the Defendant never lost control of the car but rather she never saw the nurse/victims when she hit them.

The surviving victim, nurse Lisa McIe testified about what happened the day of the accident and her shock of her survival. She now uses a wheelchair to get around, as the accident left her without use of her legs for the time being. McIe states that the first thing she remembered after the accident was waking up five months later in excruciating pain. She had multiple broken bones and internal injuries. “It’s like somebody’s crushing you, stinging you, stabbing you,” said McIe about the pain. “I couldn’t believe I was still alive,” she said.

McIe was fortunate enough to live, but the same can not be said for her friend and co-worker, Susan Karablut, who died at the scene of the crime.It has been stated by the prosecution that Karablut was dragged over 100 feet after the impact; adding more injury to insult, if that could  have even be possible. Karablut’s daughter was only 9 years old at the time that her mother was killed.

It was a sad and gory day in late August of 2010, not only for the victims and their families, but also for the citizens who witnesses the horrific accident. One witness, Kristen Talbot, described seeing th victims ” mangled bodies on the roadway.” The witness further testified that “[she] saw both of the bodies go under the car and the bodies kept going around and around.” She was continuously wiping tears away  during her testimony.

Yesterday during the opening statements, assistant attorney Natalie Sielaff said that the Defendant had a choice that day, and her choice followed with severe consequences. She said Karablutt and McIe “never expected a car to come barreling up the sidewalk.”

Walton’s attorney, George Laughrun,  rebutted the comment by stating that the Defendant admits to being a ” distracted driver;” however she ( the Defendant) had no malice or wilfulness that added to the injuries.

We will keep our readers abreast as this case develops.

The North Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower

If you or someone you know have been injured or killed in any type of accident, call the North Carolina personal injury attorneys of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower at 877-374-5999, or use this form, for a free consultation with an attorney to help you evaluate your claim and to get the recovery you deserve.

Boating accident involving BUI – Law Enforcement to step up patrol on lakes

Just as summer is heating up, so are patrols by law enforcement to try and stop people who may be “boating under the influence” (BUI).  Law enforcement around the country is gearing up for Operation Dry Water which to crack down on BUI’s on the water.  The goal of this enforcement is to increase safety on the water so that this recreational activity can be enjoyed with less fear of “drunk boaters.”  Just as serious as drinking and driving, so is drinking and operating a boat.  The potential legal consequences as well as the safety of others on the water are essentially the same.  Recent statistics show that up to 16% of boating fatalities result from boating while under the influence. Sadly, almost any accident involving other boats or swimmers almost always results in serious injury and/or death. There are no seatbelts or airbags on a boat. At a minimum, people suffer broken bones.

If you have had a couple drinks and feel as though you should not operate a motor vehicle, the same applies to the operation of a boat.  The article below is a stark reminder of how serious the consequences can be.  Have fun out at the lake or river. Please be safe, not only for others but for yourself as well.

The DUI attorneys of Reeves Aiken & Hightower LLP stand ready to fight for you and your family if you have been seriously injured by a drunk boater. We encourage you to visit our website at www.rjrlaw.com and carefully compare our attorneys’ credentials to any other firm. You can then call us toll-free at 877-374-5999 for a private, confidential consultation to review your particular case.

Man arrested in deadly boat collision on Ga. lake

By JEFF MARTIN
Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) – Crews will resume their search Wednesday for a 13-year-old boy who disappeared in a Georgia lake after a fishing boat rammed a pontoon boat, killing a 9-year-old boy and injuring three other passengers on the vessel.

Authorities said the fishing boat left the area after the Monday night collision. Searchers using sonar found no trace of the missing youth Tuesday and authorities in Hall County said the search would continue Wednesday.

They said 44-year-old Paul J. Bennett of Cumming was arrested Tuesday and charged with boating under the influence. A home number for Bennett could not be located, and it wasn’t known whether he has an attorney representing him.

There were 13 people aboard the pontoon boat when it was struck.

 

Texting Driving Risks and Dangers | Fort Mill Personal Injury Attorney

While everyone knows the dangers of drinking and driving, few appreciate the dangers of texting driving. However, statistics and studies confirm that texting driving may be as dangerous as “drunk driving.” So why do we still do it?

Texting Driving Dangers

While the dangers may seem obvious, many of us still do it. Because you are texting someone as you are driving, you are not paying attention to the road. And even if you glance up every few seconds, you are still a real danger. For example, you won’t have enough time to react if driving conditions change quickly. As a result, serious accidents occur, and people get hurt or killed. Rather than take chances, focus on driving and don’t let this happen to you.

texting drivingEven before the texting driving studies began, I saw first-hand accidents due to texting driving as a police officer. Fortunately, I never had to work an accident where someone was killed. However, I did see accidents where injury and damaged vehicles resulted. While everyone had an excuse, every accident was preventable if the driver had been paying attention. So unnecessary and sad.

Nearly everyone who admitted they had been texting would state they only looked away for a second. It was during that second of looking away that an accident happened. If you absolutely must send a message to someone it is better to pull over and send a quick message and then let the other person you are driving will get back to them shortly.  It is always better to play it safe than to end up in an accident that could result in serious injury or even death.

The personal injury attorneys of Robert J. Reeves P.C. stand ready to fight for you are in an accident. We encourage you to visit our website at www.rjrlaw.com and compare our attorneys’ credentials to any other firm. You can then call us directly at 803-554-4157 for a private, confidential consultation to review your case.

Traffic Deaths Increase Dramatically in 2012 – What can I do to protect myself while driving?

The news article below shows a shockingly high increase in the number of vehicle deaths this year, and it is only July. Vehicle accidents include those involving automobiles, large trucks or tractor trailers, and motorcycles. While the “experts” may speculate on the potential explanations for this increase in accidents and deaths, we already know that drivers are at risk everytime they are behind the wheel. With more distractions than ever, drivers can easily lose their focus on the road and end up crossing the center line. In the past, it was just stereos and talking with passengers that resulted in accidents. Today, drivers have sophisticated “computers” in their cars, cell phones, texting issues, GPS navigation, and increased traffic on the road to manage. And, of course, there is always the danger of drinking and driving. Given the inherent risks associated with driving, what can you do to protect yourself and your family? Here’s what I taught my children.  Always engage and fully utilize every safety system in your vehicle. Regularly maintain your car. Make certain all safety devices are working. Always be on the defensive. Watch for other cars and motorcycles. Always assume the worst. Always have an “escape plan.” Do not drink and then drive. Do not get into a car where the driver has been drinking. And lastly, ALWAYS…ALWAYS wear your safety belt.

The trial attorneys at Reeves, Aiken & Hightower LLP want everyone to be aware and vigilant when it comes to driving safety. We want what you want – to get home safe and sound. If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured in a vehicle accident, we are here to help. With over 75 years combined legal experience in handling serious accident and wrongful death cases, we know how to get you and family through the ordeal of your life. Compare our credentials and then call us for a private consultation with one of our attorneys. You can visit our website at www.rjrlaw.com and/or call us toll-free at 877-374-5999, even after hours or on weekends. Get your questions answered. Sleep better tonight.

U.S. traffic deaths jump 13.5 percent in 2012

  • By David Shepardson
  • Detroit News Washington Bureau

Traffic deaths in the first three months of 2012 jumped 13.5 percent to the highest number since 2008.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported Friday that its estimate of traffic deaths for the first quarter of 2012 show a 13.5 percent increase.

The estimated increase is the second largest quarterly jump in traffic deaths since NHTSA began tracking deaths on a quarterly basis in 1975 — and the biggest since 1979.

NHTSA said the rate of traffic deaths per 100 million miles of vehicle travel increased substantially. For the first three months of 2012, the rate increased significantly to 1.10 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled, up from 0.98 fatalities per 100 million miles in the same period last year.

NHTSA said it estimates 7,630 people died in vehicle crashes in the first three months, up from 6,720 in the first quarter of 2011.

The increase would end a steady decline in U.S. road deaths over the last seven years.

One reason may be the very warm winter across the country meant people drove more.

First-quarter road deaths are typically much lower than the last nine months of the year largely because people drive less in the winter.

“However, the winter of 2012 was also unseasonably warmer than usual in most areas of the country,” NHTSA said in a statement. “Consequently, the fatality rate for the first quarter should not be used to make inferences for the fatality rate for the whole of 2012.”

Traffic deaths in 2011 fell 1.7 percent — their lowest number since 1949.

NHTSA said in May that 32,310 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year, down 1.7 percent over the 32,885 road deaths in 2010.

Traffic fatalities had been steadily declining over the last five years since hitting 42,708 in 2005, decreasing by about 26 percent from 2005 to 2011. The decline in road deaths in 2011 is smaller than 2010, when road deaths fell 2.9 percent

Part of the increase is attributable to Americans driving more.

NHTSA noted that vehicle travel increased by about 9.7 billion miles, or about a 1.4 percent, in the first three months.

In 2011, travel on U.S. roads fell to its lowest level since 2003. Last year, U.S. drivers logged 35.7 billion fewer miles over 2010 — down 1.2 percent — to 2.963 trillion miles.

Barbara Harsha, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, said the news was disappointing.

“While it is too early to draw conclusions about the data and the reasons for the increase, the strengthening economy and the warm winter may be factors,” Harsha said. “Any increase in traffic deaths is unacceptable and we remain absolutely committed to working with our partners at NHTSA and across the country to keep the roadways safe.”

SC Motorcycle Accident Attorney – Motorcycle Safety Tips From a Car Driver

I was on the way to work yesterday morning. The sun was out. It was going to be a light day at the office. Everything just seems better on Friday. Traffic was typically congested for that time in the morning. As I was about to change lanes, I observed, thankfully, a motorcyclist speeding and weaving through cars. Frankly, I almost pulled out in front of him. As a motorcycle accident attorney, I know full well what can happen when a car abruptly pulls out in front of someone riding on a motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents frequently result in serious personal injury, brain or closed head injury, and even death. I know. This is what I do. But here, in this case, the motorcyclist seemed to have no care or concern for his own safety. He was wearing all black clothing which seems to make him disappear in my rear view mirror. At least, he was wearing a helmet, but again, it was all black. He was not watching out for cars. Instead, he was darting in and out of lanes and coming dangerously close to moving traffic. He was also wearing a heavy book bag which can easily shift and cause a loss of control. Fortunately, he made it to his exit and left the interstate. I can only hope he made it to wherever he was going so fast.

Even though I represent injured and killed motorcyclists for a living, I would happily do anything else if only people would be safe on the road. Motorcyclists and their passengers are particularly susceptible to injury as they have no benefit of safety belts or airbags. Instead, in serious accidents, their bodies simply fly through the air until they land in the road or strike an object. And, they are propelled unprotected at whatever speed their motorcycle was traveling at the time of accident. Serious bodily injury and death are often the result. When I was an ICU Registered Nurse (RN), the motorcycle accident victims that I treated almost always broke bones or lost a body part.

Motorcyclists know they are never totally safe when on the road. However, to be as safe as possible, always wear bright colors with reflective strips for night driving. Always wear a DOT approved helmet with reflective strips. Always watch for traffic changes. And always anticipate bad driving by other drivers. Have an escape plan at all times. Know where you will go if someone pulls out in front of you or changes lanes without seeing you. Assume you are invisible to other drivers and never dart in and out of lanes. It is always safer, and frankly, more fun to ride alone. But, if you must have a passenger, instruct them before you head out how to ride with you and not against you. Keeping these basic safety tips in mind throughout your travel will help keep you alive and get you home safely. That’s all anyone wants. Ride to live. But live to ride again.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, please visit our website at www.rjrlaw.com to learn more about your options and our lawyers’ credentials. For a private consultation with any of our attorneys, please call us directly at 877-374-5999 toll free. Our practice is state wide. We will come to you. Try not to worry. We are here to help. This is what we do. Call today.