Category: Personal Injury

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that older drivers have higher rates of car accident fatalities than any other age group. While this does not mean that every senior driver should have their license taken away, there are limitations that older drivers should be aware of that can increase the risk of a car accident. In addition, there are proactive steps that they can take to stay safe.

According to the CDC, in 2020, there were close to 48 million licensed drivers over 65 in the United States. However, that same year, approximately 7,500 older adults were fatally injured in car accidents, and nearly 200,000 suffered injuries that required treatment in an emergency department. This statistic does not include the injuries suffered by the other motorists involved in the accident. The following are examples of common causes of car accidents involving older motorists:

• Slower reflexes: Older drivers have slower reflexes, which means they are less able to react quickly to avoid a potentially hazardous situation, like being cut off by another driver or another vehicle changing lanes without signaling.
• Confusing the pedals: Older drivers are more likely to become confused and mistake the gas and the brake pedals.
• Vision loss: Deteriorating vision is common. However, if an older driver starts to have trouble seeing things when driving at night, cannot read road signs, or sees objects on the road, this can lead to a severe accident.
• Memory loss: This can cause older drivers to become confused about certain driving operations like using signals, how to navigate a traffic circle, or turning the wrong way down a one-way street.
• Medications: Older drivers often take medication for various health issues. Certain medications cause drowsiness or other side effects that can impair one’s driving ability.
• General health problems: Poor health can affect older drivers’ ability to concentrate, physically operate a vehicle, and safely navigate traffic.

How Can Accidents Involving Older Drivers Be Prevented?

If you have an older family member or loved one who is showing signs of aging that you think may be impacting their ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, it may be time to address the issue and discuss steps that can be taken, including:

• Schedule an appointment to have their eyesight checked. Sometimes, an older driver’s prescription simply needs to be updated. More serious conditions, like macular degeneration, may warrant a discussion about driving privileges.
• Get regular physicals. This will ensure your loved one’s physical and mental health is monitored closely.
• Talk to a healthcare provider about medications. A doctor or a pharmacist can review the medications that a loved one is taking and determine whether there are any potentially unsafe side effects, like drowsiness, confusion, or nausea, that could affect their ability to drive.
• Avoid driving at night or during inclement weather. Visibility becomes an issue at night, and inclement weather can cause diving conditions to become hazardous. For older drivers, this can be highly hazardous and increase the risk of a car accident.

Savannah Car Wreck Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Car Accidents

Contact our Savannah car wreck lawyers at Kicklighter Law if you were involved in a car accident. To schedule a free consultation, call 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Even if you follow the rules of the road and try to avoid unsafe driving behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, tailgating, and impaired driving, you cannot control how other people drive. If you are involved in a car accident, you might be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation. However, this can include going to court, depending on the circumstances of your case, but most car accident claims are settled outside of the courtroom.

There are several benefits to settling a car accident case. For example, negotiating the details of a car accident case in court can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive.

The most crucial step to take after an accident is to speak with a lawyer. They will help determine whether settling or going to court is your best option, as both have pros and cons.

Will My Case Go to Court?

While most car accident cases are settled outside of court, there are several reasons why it may be necessary to resolve the case in the courtroom, including the following:

• The insurance company does not want to settle. Insurance companies may resort to various tactics to avoid paying a large settlement. Often, the insurance company will make an initial settlement offer. However, this rarely comes close to covering the costs associated with your injuries. If you cannot reach a settlement agreement with the insurance company, the case may proceed to court, where your car accident lawyer will protect your legal rights.
• The at-fault driver does not have auto insurance. If the other motorist involved in the accident is uninsured or underinsured, you may opt to go to court. Remember that an uninsured driver may have little to no assets to draw on, making it difficult to recover compensation. Your car accident lawyer will review your case and determine whether it is in your best interest to settle versus going to court.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

After any type of car accident, you should do the following:

• Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle and injuries.
• Get immediate medical attention for your injuries, regardless of how minor your injuries may seem.
• Follow all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations.
• If there were witnesses who saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and get their contact information.
• Keep copies of all medical bills, doctor notes, and other receipts that reflect your damages.
• Keep detailed notes about the car accident’s impact on you physically and mentally.
• Speak with a lawyer to determine your legal options.

Savannah Car Wreck Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Assist Survivors of Car Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident and have questions about whether to settle your case or go to court, do not hesitate to contact our Savannah car wreck lawyers at Kicklighter Law. Call us at 912-754-6003 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents are entirely preventable. For example, distracted driving accidents can be prevented by always keeping your attention focused on the road. Drunk driving accidents are preventable if you do not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Maintaining your vehicle is another essential step all motorists should take to take.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire issues cause approximately 11,000 car accidents yearly. Underinflated tires are one of the most common tire issues that can cause tire blowouts and other potentially serious car accidents.

What Are the Risks of Driving With Underinflated Tires?

Now that summer is here, the increase in temperature will impact the pounds per square inch (PSI) inside your vehicle’s tires. Tire blowouts are one of the most common safety hazards associated with underinflated tires. When a tire has low air pressure, more of the tire comes in contact with the road. This generates heat, leading to a tire blowout or an explosion. When this happens, maintaining control of the vehicle can be very difficult.

How Can I Ensure That My Tires Are Properly Inflated?

You do not need to be a trained mechanic to check your tires’ air pressure and ensure that they are correctly inflated. The recommended tire pressure is usually found on the driver’s side door jam or in the owner’s manual.

The best way to check the air pressure in the tires is to purchase a tire gauge. Unscrew the valve cap on the tire, place the gauge onto the valve stem and wait for a reading. The PSI measurement will appear on the screen if you have a digital gauge. With a standard gauge, the air pressure will push a small bar out from the bottom of the gauge and provide the PSI measurement. 

What Other Tires Safety Tips Should I Keep in Mind?

The following are tire safety recommendations that all motorists should follow:

• Check the tire treads. If the tread is worn down, the tires have less grip and traction. This can be particularly hazardous during inclement weather conditions. A mechanic can check the tread, or you can check it by doing the “penny test,” placing a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you should probably replace the tires.
• Have the tires rotated. Tires should generally be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
• Use the right tires for your vehicle. Always use the tire size recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Savannah Car Wreck Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Those Injured in Tire-Related Car Accidents

If you were involved in a tire-related car accident, contact our Savannah car wreck lawyers at Kicklighter Law. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Seatbelts are extremely effective at reducing the severity of injuries, and preventing fatalities resulting from serious car accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 45 percent. However, a seatbelt can also cause injuries, particularly if the force of impact from the collision was extreme. While this is certainly not a reason to stop wearing a seatbelt, whether you are behind the wheel, in the passenger seat, or in the back seat, you may be eligible for financial compensation if the other driver was at fault for causing the accident. An experienced car wreck lawyer can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver, and pursue the maximum financial settlement that you deserve for your injuries.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Seatbelt Injuries?

In addition to holding passengers in place, and preventing them from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of a car accident, they also dissipate the force of the impact to the strongest parts of the body, including the clavicle, chest wall, and superior pelvis. However, the seatbelt itself can cause injuries if it is not positioned properly, is misused, or does not fit correctly. The following are additional causes of potentially serious seatbelt injuries:

• The vehicle was traveling at a high speed at the time of the accident.
• The seatbelt was defective, or malfunctioned.
• The seatbelt was buckled too tightly.
• A child is not secured in the appropriate car seat for their age and weight.
• The accident was catastrophic.

What Are Examples of Seatbelt Injuries?

Unfortunately, seatbelts can cause a range of injuries, the severity of which will depend on a number of factors, including how fast you and the other vehicle involved were traveling, the size of the other vehicle involved, and whether you and the other passengers in the vehicle were wearing the seatbelt properly. The following are examples of possible seatbelt injuries that can occur in a car accident:

• Lacerations and abrasions
• Whiplash
• Tears to the muscles, tendons, and connective tissue
• Fractured ribs, vertebrae, and other bones in the area of impact
• Internal bleeding
• Shoulder injuries
• Chest injuries
• Disc injuries
• Organ damage

What Damages Am I Entitled to If I Suffered a Seatbelt Injury?

If the other driver involved in the accident was at-fault, you can file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation from the at-fault motorist. If the seatbelt injury was caused by a defective seatbelt, the seatbelt manufacturer may be liable for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover damages from the at-fault driver and the seatbelt manufacturer. It is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced car accident lawyer, particularly if there are multiple defendants involved in the case. A dedicated car accident lawyer will review the details of your case, and pursue the maximum financial damages you deserve, including:

• Medical expenses associated with your injury
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Seatbelt?

While seatbelt injuries do happen, the benefits of wearing a seatbelt clearly outweigh any risks. The following statistics support the use of seatbelts, whether your are the driver, the front seat passenger, or riding in the back seat:

• Front seat drivers and passengers reduce the risk of serious injuries by 50 percent when they wear a seatbelt. The risk of fatal injuries is reduced by 45 percent.
• You are 30 times more likely to be ejected from your vehicle during an accident if you are not wearing a seatbelt. Seventy-five percent of passengers who are ejected from the vehicle suffered fatal injuries.
• Men who do not wear a seatbelt are more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a car accident than women.
• Roughly 4,000 lives could be saved each year if all passengers wore a seatbelt.

Savannah Car Wreck Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Seatbelt Injuries

If you suffered a seatbelt injury in a car accident that was caused by another motorist, do not hesitate to contact the Savannah car wreck lawyers at Kicklighter Law. We will review the details of your case to determine who is liable for your injuries. Our dedicated legal team will assist you with every step of the claims process and negotiate the financial settlement that you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Our office is located in Springfield, Georgia where we serve clients from Springfield, Effingham County, Savannah, and surrounding areas.

Sources:

https://www.sherrodandbernard.com/blog/what-are-the-symptoms-of-a-seat-belt-injury/

 

Can Seat Belt Injuries from Car Accidents Be Serious?

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/georgia-car-accident-laws.html

Atlanta Seatbelt Injury Lawyer

What are the Symptoms of a Seat Belt Injury?

Whiplash happens when the neck forcibly bends forward and backward. It is a common car accident injury, especially when a vehicle gets hit from behind. That sudden, violent movement can force spinal discs out of place, tear nerves in the neck and shoulders, and unnaturally stretch or tear tendons and ligaments. Sometimes, the symptoms do not come out for several days.

It is important to seek medical help soon after a car accident in order to diagnose obvious injuries, but whiplash is not always apparent. Without a medical evaluation and treatment, the symptoms could worsen. Besides that, if you are not checked out in a timely manner, others will want to know why you waited so long – the authenticity and severity of the injuries will likely be questioned.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Dizziness and fatigue: Whiplash often causes dizziness and fatigue, which causes sleeping problems, an inability to concentrate, and a noticeable lack of energy.
• Headaches: The headache pain from whiplash can lead to pain that radiates in your forehead, but this can also be in other parts of your head.
• Neck pain and stiffness: Neck pain might come and go, spread to other areas, and become more intense when you move. Stiffness can be felt when you have difficulty moving your neck from left to right or up and down.
• Sore shoulders and back: That forceful back-and-forth motion to the neck during a car accident can also injure muscles around your spine. You could be feeling irritation and inflammation in your neck as well as your shoulders and back, including burning pain between your shoulder blades and lower back pain.

This is not an all-inclusive list of whiplash symptoms. Others include numbness or tingling sensations in the hands, arms, and fingers, or moodiness, confusion, and depression.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Whiplash?

During a medical evaluation, you will be asked to provide accident details and information about your symptoms. The physician will also want to know if the symptoms are impacting your daily life and if you were able to return to work. A physical exam will be performed. The physician will also check your reflexes, range of motion, and strength. Your pain levels will be analyzed, and any soreness will be noted.

If whiplash is suspected, you may need to complete imaging tests. Mild cases of whiplash are treated with physical therapy, pain medications, cold, heat, and chiropractic care.

Savannah Car Wreck Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Car Accident Survivors With Debilitating Whiplash

If you survived a car accident and need legal help, speak with our Savannah car wreck lawyers at Kicklighter Law. Call us at 912-754-6003 or complete our online form today to schedule a free consultation. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

Some of the most common driving hazards associated with winter weather include slippery road conditions caused by snow, ice and freezing rain. Unfortunately, these wintery conditions combined with fluctuating temperatures and general wear and tear on the roadways can cause potholes to form. In addition to the damage these potholes can cause to your vehicle, they also increase the risk of serious car accidents, particularly if a pothole causes you or another motorist to lose control of the vehicle. If you were seriously injured in a car accident that was caused by a pothole, an experienced car accident lawyer can assist you with the claims process, determine who is liable for your injuries, and pursue the financial compensation you deserve.

What Property Damage Do Potholes Cause?

If you have ever hit a pothole while driving, you know that hitting a pothole can cause significant structural and mechanical damage to your vehicle, including:

• Tire blowouts and wheel damage. If the pothole is deep, and there are rough or sharp edges, it can puncture the tire or cause it to split. When this happens, the air inside the tire rapidly releases, which can cause a blowout. If the blowout causes you to lose control of your vehicle, or suddenly veer into oncoming traffic, causing a multi-vehicle accident.
• Damage to the steering system. The force of the impact can cause the steering components to become misaligned, making it difficult to steer and maintain control of the vehicle.
• Damage to the exhaust system. Deep potholes can cause the exhaust system to become damaged if it hits the ground upon impact. When the exhaust system is damaged, it can also damage the engine and put you and the other passengers in the vehicle at risk for carbon monoxide inhalation.

What Types of Injuries Do Potholes Cause?

In addition to the damage to your vehicle, potholes can cause injuries ranging from minor scrapes to serious head injuries. The following are examples of common injuries that are caused by pothole accident:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the force of impact causes your head to snap back and forth, which strains the tendons and muscles in the neck. If left untreated, it can cause chronic pain.
• Head injuries: If the force of impact from hitting a pothole causes the head to hit the steering wheel, the windows, or the steel frame, it can cause serious injuries like a fractured skull or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Blowout injuries. There are a wide range of injuries that can occur if a pothole causes a tire blowout. Examples include cuts, scrapes, strains, broken bones, and organ damage. In extreme cases, they can cause tragic fatalities.

Who Is Liable for a Pothole Accident?

Government agencies are responsible for maintaining public roads and taking the necessary steps to warn motorists about potential hazards, including potholes and dips in the pavement. However, most government agencies are immune from car accident lawsuits through the principle of sovereign immunity. While these laws protect government agencies from being sued, they can still be held liable if you can prove negligence. In order to have a successful claim, you must be able to prove the following:

• The government agency you are suing legally owned or controlled the road that had the pothole, which led to your accident.
• The road in question had a hazardous pothole at the time of the accident. If you can provide photographic evidence, this will help prove negligence.
• The condition of the road was the direct cause of the accident.
• The road condition was so poor that the government agency should have anticipated that an accident could occur, yet they did not fix the problem.
• The government agency’s failure to address the safety issue was a direct factor in the accident.

Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Pothole Accidents

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by a pothole, contact the Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. We will determine who is liable for your injuries, assist you with the claims process and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. From our offices located in Springfield, Georgia, we proudly serve all clients of Springfield, Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.

The fluctuation in temperature that is characteristic of winter weather can affect your vehicle’s performance, particularly your tires. Maintaining the proper tire pressure is imperative for maintaining stability, control, and grip when driving in inclement weather. When the temperature drops, the air pressure in the tires drops significantly, which can increase the risk of a serious car accident. If you were injured in a car accident involving another motorist who was driving on under inflated tires, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at your earliest convenience.

How Does the Cold Weather Impact My Vehicle’s Tires?

The drop in temperature causes the tire’s air pressure to drop an average of one to two pounds per square inch of tire pressure for every ten degrees that the temperature decreases. It is highly recommended that you check your vehicle’s air pressure as soon as the weather changes and the temperatures drop to ensure that your tires are performing properly.

What Are the Dangers of Driving with Under Inflated Tires?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to one-third of all passenger vehicles, light trucks and SUVs on the road have at least one underinflated tire. The NHTSA also found that blown tires are responsible for an average of 11,000 car accidents each year, resulting in approximately 200 fatalities. If you do not maintain the optimal air pressure in your vehicle’s tires, there is an increased risk of the following consequences:

• Tire blowouts: When a tire is under inflated, the friction between the tire and the road builds up and creates heat. While tires are built to withstand a certain amount of heat, the tire can explode if the heat reaches an unsafe degree. The driver is at risk for losing control of the vehicle, swerving into another lane, and cutting off or crashing into other drivers on the road.
• Reduced traction: Under inflated tires are less effective at maintaining effective traction on wet, snowy or icy roads. Underinflation can have a negative impact on the effectiveness of the vehicle’s automatic traction control and anti-lock braking system.
• Compromised safety and operation: Under inflated times generally do not perform as they should. In addition to tire blowouts, a softer tire sidewall can cause your car to sway on a curve or corner, which can increase the risk of a rollover, particularly in vehicles with a higher center of gravity. It is also more difficult to steer if the tires are under inflated.
• Wear and tear: When the tires are under inflated, they are more likely to wear out or bald much more quickly. Bald tires have less traction and are more likely to slip on slide on snowy or icy roads.

How Is Fault Determined in a Weather-Related Car Accident?

If you were injured in a car accident during the winter months, there are a range of factors that will be considered when determining fault. For example, if the other driver failed to properly maintain his or her vehicle, including the tires, they may be held liable for the accident. Other unsafe driving behaviors that would cause the other driver to be considered at fault for an accident include speeding, tailgating, texting while driving, or weaving in and out of lanes. A skilled car accident lawyer will review the details of the case and recommend the best legal course of action.

Springfield Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Represent Victims of Weather-Related Car Accidents

If you were injured in a car accident, and the other motorist’s tires were under inflated, contact our knowledgeable Springfield car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. With our offices located in Springfield, Georgia, we proudly serve all clients of Springfield, Effingham County, Savannah, and surrounding areas.