15 July

Sticky

Contributory negligence and car accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are commonplace on North Carolina roads. Suffering an injury of any variation in an accident entitles you to recover damages; however, contributory negligence laws may prevent you from getting as much as you need. Our attorneys at Nielsen Legal understand the devastating physical and financial consequences an accident may cause. We believe it is important that you know what role contributory negligence may play in a personal injury lawsuit. Contributory negligence defined When vehicles collide, one driver may carry the brunt of the responsibility. Perhaps the accident was a result of running a red light or excessive speed. Insurance adjusters...

20 June

0 Comments

Sticky

Rest is the only cure for drowsy driving

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

The results of several studies reveal that most motorists in North Carolina and around the country understand that drowsy driving can be extremely dangerous. However, a worrying number of them also admit that they routinely get behind the wheel or stay on the road when they are too tired to drive safely. Most of these drivers would never venture onto the roads after drinking heavily, but a motorist who has not slept for 24 hours is just as impaired as one with a blood alcohol concentration of .10 according to the National Sleep Foundation. The problem is that most drivers are...

13 June

0 Comments

Sticky

An accident with a truck may lead to long-lasting injuries

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

North Carolina roads may prove frustrating, especially during your commute to and from work. Traffic woes plague well-populated areas as throngs of motorists try and make their way from one place to another around the clock. Accidents happen, but those that occur between a motor vehicle and a semi-truck can wind up as the most severe. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, drivers may end up with catastrophic injuries while some less fortunate do not live. Take a look at some of the injuries that often occur when in an accident with a big rig. Fractures The most common injuries sustained in...

26 February

0 Comments

Sticky

Study finds opioids linked with some 2-car crashes

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Drivers who caused deadly two-vehicle accidents in North Carolina and around the country were much more likely to test positive for opioid prescription painkillers than drivers who did not cause the crash, according to a study. The research was published in JAMA Network Open in February. For the study, researchers examined crash data from 18,321 fatal two-vehicle accidents in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which is compiled by a division of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They found that “failure to keep in lane” was the most common cause of the accidents, accounting for 7,535 of the crashes studied....

30 January

0 Comments

Sticky

Riskier ways of using phones raise driver distraction levels

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Distracted driving is a widespread issue in North Carolina, and phone use is one of the largest factors. However, some ways of using a handheld phone are riskier than others. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released a study comparing observational survey data from 2014 and 2018. It found that while distracted driving rates have not drastically changed, the level of distraction is getting worse. The observational surveys focused on drivers in four Northern Virginia communities as they approached or stopped at red lights. Drivers were 57 percent more likely to use their phones for activities besides talking such...

05 December

0 Comments

Sticky

Reducing winter driving risks in North Carolina

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Blizzard-like and icy conditions sometimes take North Carolina drivers by surprise during the late fall and winter months. But new safety technologies, such as traction control capabilities, that are used properly, and some commonsense precautions may reduce driving and accident risks in inclement weather. This is why the National Safety Council is making an effort to educate drivers by stressing the importance of being as prepared as possible when getting behind the wheel in winter. Checking the forecast before driving and properly warming up vehicles are some of the steps the NSC recommends. The most effective way to avoid car accidents...

07 November

0 Comments

Sticky

Tips for safe driving in the bright sunlight

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Most drivers in North Carolina understand that heading out in the early morning or late afternoon means driving in bright sunlight. If possible, commuters could try waiting until the sun completely rises or sets below the horizon. In any case, it is important to keep safe during these conditions since bright sunlight can create visual illusions. Drivers raise their fatal accident risk by 16 percent when in bright sunlight. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the hazards. Wearing sunglasses is an essential first step as these can reduce the brightness and protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. Drivers should...

12 October

0 Comments

Sticky

Tesla releases voluntary Vehicle Safety Report

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Cars with automatic driving features are becoming more common on roadways in North Carolina. One of the most notable is Tesla’s Autopilot feature. In its recently published Vehicle Safety Report, Tesla asserts that this pseudo self-driving feature prevents crashes. According to the voluntary report, Tesla drivers using the Autopilot feature between July and September of 2018 were involved in “crash-like events” once every 3.34 million miles. Meanwhile, drivers not using the Autopilot feature experienced car accidents once every 1.92 million miles. Tesla’s Autopilot feature combines adaptive cruise control and steering assistance. Adaptive cruise control keeps a set distance between vehicles,...