09 November

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How do you deal with a wrong-way driver?

Wrong-way drivers sometimes get played for laughs in television and movies. However, they are no laughing matter when you actually see someone driving the wrong way down the highway. What causes drivers to end up on the wrong side of the highway? Sometimes a driver simply gets confused, mistaking an off-ramp for an on-ramp because they’re tired, unfamiliar with the area, inexperienced or suffering from some form of mental disability, like dementia. Most of the time, however, wrong-way drivers are impaired due to drugs or alcohol. That’s the reason that most wrong-way accidents happen on the weekend and in the evenings, when...

02 November

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What if I’m in a collision with an uninsured driver?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Anytime you are involved in a serious auto accident is frightening and frustrating. In the moments after the crash, you’re worried about your injuries and if any of your passengers have injuries. Then, you think about how much damage your car sustained and how long it may take to recover from your injuries. If you find out after the crash that the driver who hit you is uninsured, you face even more uncertainty. Who will cover the costs of replacing or repairing your car? Will you even receive compensation for your injury costs? What to do when in a crash with an...

08 October

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Car goes over bridge due to collision with tractor-trailer

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

The stakes are high in a collision between a passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer. Because of its mass, a tractor-trailer can exert much more force when the two vehicles collide. Sometimes the force is sufficient to move the passenger vehicle in an unexpected direction. Recently, a tractor-trailer on U.S. Highway 74 in North Carolina sent one vehicle over the edge of a bridge and struck six others. Authorities charged the driver with reckless driving. Though there was no report of any life-threatening injuries, two people went to the hospital as a result of the crash. Parting the line The accident occurred in the...

16 September

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Types of injuries to watch for after a car crash

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Immediately after a motor vehicle accident, you will not notice the full extent of your injuries as some symptoms appear a few days or weeks later. Seek medical attention right away after a car crash and monitor yourself for the common types of delayed injuries. Common delayed injuries Back, shoulder and neck pain is common after a car accident. If the pain in these areas seems severe and the discomfort is unbearable, seek medical treatment as lasting injuries in these areas can have severe consequences on your body. Headaches or migraines following a motor vehicle accident are signs that you may have a concussion...

07 September

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How can I ride a motorcycle safely as a passenger?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

The area around Asheville is legendary for its beauty, so it is no surprise that plenty of people like to take to their motorcycles and enjoy it on two wheels. Not only is motorcycling a fun solo activity, but it is also possible to take a passenger along for the ride. Riding a motorcycle as a passenger is exhilarating, but understanding how to stay safe and best practices is a must. According to Motorcycle Habit, the most important thing a passenger can do is wear appropriate safety gear. What safety gear should a passenger have? For maximum safety, both driver and passenger should...

01 September

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I’ve been pulled over: Do I have to do Field Sobriety Tests?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

It’s been long day and a longer night. You’re heading home from a work party – you only had a couple of drinks – and while you are tired, you feel okay to drive. A squirrel darts in front of you and you swerve to the left to avoid it. Almost immediately, you hear sirens behind you. You crossed the center line and that is reason enough for law enforcement to stop you. You aren’t too concerned, you’re fatigued, but not drunk. You pull lover, comply politely with the officer when he asks for your license and insurance. And now what? The officer...

17 August

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Is your teenager’s car safe?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

If your son or daughter is like most American tee When examining accidents, researchers discovered that 63% of teens killed in fatal wrecks were in either a small (compact or subcompact) or midsize car. By comparison, only 50.2% of drivers between the ages of 35 and 50 who died in fatal accidents were in smaller vehicles. Size isn’t the only factor that’s driving these stats, however. A vehicle’s age is another factor. Among the teens who were in fatal accidents, 38% were driving a vehicle that was older than a decade. By comparison, teens who were driving cars that were three-years-old or newer only...

03 August

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What are the signs of PTSD following a car accident?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

A serious car accident can have a wide range of effects on those involved. Physical injuries can cause chronic pain issues or immobility for months or even years after an accident. There are also possible emotional effects in accidents that were particularly serious or that cause severe injuries or loss of life. In this case, many accident victims experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While PTSD is often associated with combat veterans or people who have been involved in violent crimes and attacks, it can also result from motor vehicle accidents. Being able to recognize the following common signs of PTSD...

24 July

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4 dangers of unsecured or improperly secured loads

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

The Asheville area has plenty of lumber yards where homeowners can pick up supplies. If a driver transports large or unsecured loads, though, he or she may be a hazard to other motorists. North Carolina has strict requirements for load sizes and securement. If a motorist does not adhere to these rules, your life may be in danger in one or more of the following four ways. 1. Flying objects Before any driver carries objects, he or she should be certain to secure loads properly. When you are moving down the highway at a fast speed, dislodged objects may fly into your vehicle....

22 July

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Asheville resident dies after being struck by fire truck

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

North Carolina pedestrians are often at a higher risk for death when they are involved in motor vehicle accidents. The chance of death is usually extreme when the vehicle involved is a large truck or emergency vehicle, as it was during one accident recently in Asheville that left one woman dead. Cause of accident unclear The Asheville Citizen Times reports that a fire truck struck the female victim when she stepped out into traffic for unknown reasons. A witness claims the female, who was on foot and walking with traffic, seemed to accidentally leave the side of the road and walk into the path...