How to talk to your teenager about safe driving
The thought of your teenage driver hitting the road without supervision is enough to drive you crazy. Even so, you know this is bound to happen at some point in the future. That’s why it’s so important to speak with them about safe driving.
There is no way to prepare your teen for every possible situation, but there are some basic things you can discuss to give them the knowledge necessary to remain as safe as possible.
- Stick with it: You must have the confidence necessary to stick with your approach, knowing that you have the power to impact your teen’s behavior when driving.
- Show them how it’s done: If you want your teen to be a safe driver, you need to show them what it means. For example, if you follow the rules of the road while they’re in the car with you, they’ll see how to drive safely. Conversely, if you’re always texting and driving aggressively, they may assume it’s okay to do the same.
- Talk about potential risks: From nighttime driving to distractions, from drowsy driving to driving under the influence, share as much information with your teen as possible. You want them to be fully aware of the risks that exist.
- Don’t stop: Even if things are going well, it doesn’t mean you should stop talking to your teen about safe driving. Stay involved, such as by discussing safety risks in the local area, monitoring driving habits and asking questions.
- Share advice on what to do in an accident: Even if your teen is a safe driver, not everyone follows the rules of the road. Your teen could be involved in an accident, and you want them to know what to do should this happen.
By doing these things, you’ll be more confident in your teen’s ability to remain safe on the road.
If your child is part of a motor vehicle accident, make sure they receive the best possible medical treatment. Also, learn more about the crash, including who was at fault.
The information you collect will help you when filing an insurance claim and deciding if there is any way to hold the other driver responsible for your child’s injuries and damage to the vehicle.
Source used: www.travelers.com/resources/auto/teen-driving/driving-safety-talk-for-teens
Car crashes into house in early morning hours
With the rain pelting down and roads becoming slick, many New York residents may decide to stay in for the evening to stay safe. After all, one does expect to become involved in a motor vehicle accident in the safety of their homes, but a recent accident in the state demonstrates crashes can take place anywhere, even in one’s house.
According to police officers, they were trying to pull over a car for vehicle and traffic violations when the car ran into the front steps of a house in the early morning hours. As a result, the car caught on fire and the driver fled from the scene of the crime. Firefighters managed to quickly put out the fire. An arrest is pending.
Whether one is waking up in the middle of the night to the wailing of sirens rushing to put out a fire that a car has caused after crashing into their house or one’s vehicle has suddenly been struck from behind by a distracted driver, a car accident strains an accident victim emotionally, financially and physically. While holding the negligent person accountable for their actions can provide a certain amount of closure to the victims and their loved ones, this is not possible if the distracted driver cannot be located. However, the negligent driver’s absence does make an accident victim’s injuries any less devastating.
People who have been struck by a hit-and-run driver may think they have no legal options for compensation, but this is not always the case. It might be beneficial to speak to an experienced attorney to learn what legal options one has in the aftermath of one’s accident. Everyone’s circumstances differ, as does the legal path they can pursue.
Hit-and-run death shows danger of motor vehicle accidents
The New York City roads can be a dangerous place. While law enforcement and legislators try to improve safety and take steps to ensure drivers are adhering to the rules of the road, the sheer nature of life in the city lends itself to risk. Drivers will operate their vehicles while distracted, behave negligently, speed and drive under the influence. That, combined with how many vehicles there are and the number of people who are going back and forth about the city will lead to motor vehicle accidents, injuries and death. To make matters worse, some drivers will flee the scene after an accident. Those who are in a crash must remember their rights to seek compensation in a legal filing.
A man was hit by a car and killed as he crossed the street. The vehicle fled the scene making it a hit and run. According to NBC New York, the man, 29, was hit in the evening at approximately 5:30 p.m. The vehicle was a silver or gray four-door sedan. The man flew in the air and was hit so hard that his shoes came off. He was taken to the hospital and declared dead. The next day, law enforcement stated that they made an arrest in the incident. The driver was a 28-year-old man and he faces a litany of charges from this incident.
When there is a fatal motor vehicle accident, there will be a multitude of issues that the family left behind will face. That includes the emotional impact, lost companionship, lost income and more. Many will think about a legal filing to be compensated. However, a problem that frequently arises is that they do not know where to turn. It is easy to say they should seek legal assistance, but knowing what firm will best represent them can be nearly impossible, especially in the aftermath of a fatal car crash. This is when it is critical to consult those who are experienced in matching clients with lawyers.
In this crash, a man was crossing the street when he was hit by a vehicle. The vehicle fled the scene and the pedestrian died. Police found the apparent driver the next day and arrested him. As the case moves forward, the family of the man who died should think about their options. Part of that is considering a legal filing. Calling for assistance with those who know how to find effective attorneys for every situation following motor vehicle accidents is the first step.
Drowsy driving remains a problem among many people
Drowsy driving remains a major problem among many people, with some not realizing just how dangerous it is. The tricky thing about drowsy driving is that it can hit in an instant. One second you're feeling okay, but the next you're too tired to be behind the wheel.
There are many reasons why drowsy driving is a problem, including the following:
- It slows reaction time, thus making it difficult to make split-second decisions
- Makes you less likely to pay attention to the road ahead and cars around you
- Affects your ability to maintain good judgment
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one out of 25 adult drivers report having fallen asleep while at the wheel over the past 30 days. To add to this, tens of thousands of accidents, injuries and deaths are related to drowsy driving every year.
Who drives drowsy?
Anyone can fall prey to drowsy driving, so it's critical to keep a close watch on your level of alertness at all times. Some of the people who are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel include:
- Anyone who does not get the proper amount of sleep
- Commercial drivers who spend many consecutive hours behind the wheel
- Shift workers, such as those who work at night
- Anyone who takes medication that could cause drowsiness
- Anyone with a sleep disorder
Here are some of the warning signs that you may be driving drowsy:
- An inability to keep your vehicle in its lane of travel
- Difficulty remembering the recent past, such as the last few miles on the road
- Blinking and yawning
- Missing your exit
- Hitting an object on the side of the road
If you have any reason to believe you're too tired to drive, move to safety and stop your vehicle. From there, you can make note of your condition and decide what to do next.
Just as you can become drowsy when driving, the same holds true of others on the road. If another driver strikes your vehicle, perhaps because they fell asleep, call 911 and let police take over the scene. Also, receive immediate medical treatment and contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Doing all these things will help you protect your legal rights.
Spare tire flies off truck, causing fatal accident
A truck driver may be behind the wheel when an accident takes place but not all situations are under their control. When the accident is not caused by negligence but rather with the vehicle's maintenance, then the trucking company may also be responsible for the injuries and destruction caused. It is the company's duty to ensure that the truck driver not only drives responsibly but is also given a vehicle that is properly maintained.
When a truck is not driven or maintained properly, it could be equal to a deadly weapon. Its mass and weight make it a force to be reckoned with if it is not driven correctly. It doesn't help that the majority of other vehicles on the road are passenger vehicles that can be crushed under the truck's size. A recent fatal accident in New York may highlight this discrepancy.
A 64-year-old civilian employee of the city's police department was killed in an accident on a local freeway recently. He was driving in the early morning hours when the spare tire of a garbage truck going in the opposite direction suddenly became unhinged. It flew over the median, hit and smashed the windshield of the car driven by the 64-year-old, causing it to collide into the divider. The accident victim suffered severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by another driver, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. A personal injury attorney should be able to discuss options with those who are looking for compensation for their injuries.
Brooklyn car accidents kills 1, injures others
Legal protections are available for victims of negligent drivers and their families. A fatal car accident in Brooklyn recently claimed the life of one man and injured two others. The accident occurred when a SUV travelling the wrong direction collided with another vehicle. A 27-year old passenger in the vehicle that was hit by the wrong-way driver was killed in the accident. Another passenger, a 29-year old woman, was injured, and the driver of the vehicle that was struck, a 20-year old man, was also injured in the car accident. Both were taken to local hospitals for medical treatment.
The 50-year old wrong-way driver has been charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, three counts of vehicular assault, driving while intoxicated and driving while ability impaired. In addition to criminal consequences that drivers may sometimes face, they may also face civil consequences through a personal injury claim for damages brought by victims or their families. In many instances, the criminal charges may be used as evidence of negligence.
When a negligent driver has wrongfully caused death or injury, they may be liable to compensate injured victims or family members of victims wrongfully killed for the physical, financial and emotional damages they have suffered. Following a motor vehicle accident, a personal injury claim for damages may be brought to recover medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages or a wrongful death claim for damages may be brought to recover compensation for medical and funeral expenses, loss of support and services and other damages as well.
Knowing how to respond when harmed by a negligent driver is important for victims and their families. They should be familiar with the legal options and protections available to them during a difficult time.
Help for victims of car accidents
Knowing what damages victims may be able to claim following a car accident is useful to help them through the recovery process. In addition to damages for medical expenses, damages for lost wages, lost earning capacity and pain and suffering damages may be available to injured victims through a personal injury claim for damages.
Personal injury damages can help victims navigate the recovery process. Victims of car accidents may suffer a wide range of damages from cuts, bruises and broken bones to more catastrophic injuries including brain injuries, paralysis and other potentially disabling injuries. Victims who are unable to work as a result of the injuries suffered in a car accident, or while they are recovering from their injuries, may be able to recover damages for lost wages and lost earning capacity.
Victims may also be able to recover compensation for medical expenses including ambulance fees; consultation with healthcare professionals; medical accessories such as crutches or other accessories; disability or disfigurement; physical or cognitive therapy; and in-home care services. It is important to take into account medical expenses the victim has incurred as well as future medical care costs they may incur.
Personal injury legal resources are available to help protect victims when they have been injured by the negligence of another party. Car accident victims may be able to recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages and should be familiar with the damages that may be available to them through a personal injury claim when they have suffered harm in a car accident.
Filing a car insurance claim: The dos and don'ts
Being part of a motor vehicle accident, regardless of the severity, has the potential to alter your life in many ways. Even if you're part of a minor fender bender, you'll still need to contact your insurance company and work with them to have the damage repaired.
In the event of a more serious car accident, such as one in which you suffer an injury, you'll have even more challenges to contend with.
When filing a car insurance claim, here are some of the many things you need to do (courtesy of FindLaw):
- Call your agent as soon as possible, such as after receiving medical treatment for your injuries
- Review the details of your policy with an eye toward the coverage
- Take notes of all conversations with your agent and other insurance company representatives
- Collect as much evidence as possible, such as notes regarding the accident and photos of the scene and your injuries
- Keep receipts for all expenses associated with the accident, including those for lodging, food and medical bills
Now, let's examine some of the things you shouldn't do when filing a car insurance claim:
- Don't provide a written or recorded statement until you understand your policy and know what you want to say
- Don't accept the first estimate, as your insurance company may throw you a "low ball" offer to start
- Don't sign anything until you know exactly what it is and how it will impact your claim
- Don't accept a check for final payment, as this will make it more difficult to seek additional compensation in the future
- Don't assume you have forever to make a claim
Along with the above, there's one more thing to remember: You have a contract with your car insurance company.
Even though you may face some resistance, your insurer must live up to their obligations as outlined in the policy.
There will always be challenges when filing a car insurance claim, as you can't expect everything to go as planned.
Once you know the process to follow and how to protect your legal rights, you'll find it easier to communicate with your car insurance company with the idea of putting your accident in the past as soon as possible.
Who is to blame for pedestrian accidents?
Walking is one of the most common modes of transportation for Brooklyn residents, whether they walk to work or just down the street to the subway. With so many pedestrians on the road, their safety should be a top priority. However, nearly 50 pedestrians are killed in accidents every year; many more are seriously injured.
To prevent these accidents, it can be helpful to know why they happen in the first place. Below, we examine some of the more common causes of pedestrian accidents and what you can do if you are among those injured in one.
Motorists
Often, drivers are involved in a pedestrian accident. A driver might make an illegal or unsafe turn, fail to stop at a traffic signal, or be unable to stop at a crosswalk because he or she is speeding or distracted. Impairment by fatigue, alcohol or drugs could also contribute to an accident between a driver and a pedestrian.
Pedestrians
Some accidents are caused by other pedestrians. People walking around Brooklyn may be looking at down at their phones or otherwise unaware of their surroundings. Intoxicated walkers can pose a threat to others as well, especially if they are aggressive, clumsy or if they don't follow traffic laws.
Property owners
Keeping premises free from hazards is an important responsibility for property owners in New York. This means they must clear their walkways of snow, ice and other potential hazards. It also means they (or the Department of Transportation, depending on who owns the property) must repair defective sidewalks. Failure to do this could lead to hazardous conditions that put pedestrians in danger of slipping, tripping and falling.
What to do after a pedestrian accident
If you or your loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident recently, you may have grounds to file a legal claim seeking damages from a motorist, pedestrian or property owner engaging in the behaviors we discussed in this post.
Money from a lawsuit cannot undo the accident, but it can help injured parties get the help they need to recover from a serious accident. This money can be crucial, as pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries.
Four-year-old girl killed by hit-and-run driver in parking lot
Commercial parking lots are not generally considered to be the likely scene of a serious motor vehicle, but in the crowded commercial areas of Bushwick in Brooklyn, vehicles and pedestrians move in close proximity to one another. Occasionally, they come into contact with each other, and death or serious injuries are the result.
A recent pedestrian-vehicle accident in a laundromat parking lot resulted in the death of a young girl and serious injuries to her mother. According to police and eye-witnesses, the woman and her child were walking on a public sidewalk that was used by vehicles for access to the parking lot. A second women walked out of the laundromat, climbed into an SUV and struck the child and mother as she left the parking lot. The driver of the SUV did not stop but was arrested later. The four-year-old was taken by ambulance to Wyckoff Hospital, where she died from her injuries. Her mother was also hospitalized in serious but stable condition.
Several witnesses who are frequent users of the laundromat say such an accident was inevitable. The layout of the parking lot requires vehicles to traverse the public sidewalk when entering or leaving the parking lot. The sidewalk is used by pedestrians at all times of the day.
Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident may wish to consider seeking damages from the person or parties at fault. In this case, the driver of the SUV is an obvious defendant, but the owner of the land and the operator of the laundromat may also be liable if they had knowledge of the hazardous layout and failed to take proper remedial measures. An experienced personal injury lawyer can assist in identifying potential defendants, analyzing the law and evidence that will govern the case and providing an estimate of potential damages.