Distractions, emotions and fatigue play a role in many auto-accidents

April 20, 2016 By

You can quantify auto accident-related information any way you want to, and even include data showing that fatal roadway outcomes are trending downward in recent years.

But there’s still a flatly troubling baseline reality that any person with a glass-half-full perspective on roadway safety must deal with when it comes to traffic on America’s streets and highways.

And that is this, as noted in a recent media article discussing distracted driving and deadly automobile crashes:  “[F]atal accidents, although declining, are the leading cause of death among Americans 5-24 and the second leading cause for everyone older.”

It is simply the case that American motorists’ long-term love affair with automobiles has been coupled with tragedy on a vast scale from the moment that passenger cars and trucks were first introduced. Reportedly, 32,675 people across the country died in vehicle-related crashes in 2014. On an “average” day of the year, that extrapolates to nearly 90 deaths.

Although that is of course 90 too many, a study entailing what is described as the “most recent, in-depth research” on accident causes suggests that materially reducing that number might be more akin to a utopian vision than a plausible reality.

And here’s why, essentially: Humans are, well, human. The aforementioned research shows that drivers are unsurprisingly prone to making mistakes, continuing to drive while tired, staying behind the wheel when emotional and often unduly entranced by distractions.

In fact, the recent research findings point to the presence of one or more such factors in about 90 percent of all crashes.

What is going to — what can ever — change that? Robotic cars will of course make a difference, but there’s clearly work remaining to be done on that front. Evolving safety-enhancing technologies like avoidance-collision systems and automatic braking are making a difference, even now.

The bottom line is that motorists will always bring some frailties to the driver’s seat. Smarter technologies, better roadway engineering, meaningful enforcement measures and consistent/ongoing educational efforts will have to be collectively employed to materially improve accident outcomes and curb the aforementioned dire crash-related numbers.

Filed Under: Car Accident, Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Dangerous Driver Causes Fatality

April 5, 2016 By

A $7.5M wrongful death lawsuit has been filed over the death of a 19 year old cyclist in Ohio. The boy was riding his bike in June when he was struck and killed by a 64-year-old driver.  The lawsuit contends that the driver was a “dangerous driver who knowingly endangered the community.” According to news sources, the driver has a history of medical problems which impaired his ability to drive. Specifically, eight weeks prior to the fatal collision, the driver’s eye doctor informed him that his poor vision made it unsafe for him to drive.

The Toledo Blade reported that the driver “told the police he was going 45 miles an hour.”  However, “the black box recording demonstrates he was going 55 miles an hour both before, after, and while he hit [the cyclist.] He never slowed down a bit.”  The Blade reported an eyewitness saw the cyclist get struck, and said the driver never made an attempt to slow down or swerve. The Blade also noted that the driver has received multiple violation citations, including speeding tickets. He was also involved in a crash where he rear-ended a family dropping off children at a day-care facility on the same road where the cyclist was killed.

While alcohol was not a factor in the foregoing fatal collision, it is often a component in accidents.  In fact, the majority of traffic-related deaths are caused by drunk drivers. Besides staying off the road when you are under the influence of alcohol and other prescription and non-prescription medications, and any other time a medical professional advises you to, here are a few other dangerous practices to avoid while driving.  Driving, after all, is a dangerous business at times.

  1. Avoid driving tired. Drowsy driving is every bit as dangerous as drunk driving.
  2. Avoid speeding. Speeding is the second leading cause of traffic fatalities after drunk driving. According to a 2005 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “The relationship between vehicle speed and crash severity is unequivocal and based on the laws of physics.”
  3. Avoid distracted driving. NHTSA estimates that there are 660,000 distracted drivers on the road most of the time. Put on your make up, eat your bagel, and text your girlfriend before or after your ride.
  4. Driving too fast for weather conditions. When the weather gets bad, slowing down is the best way to avoid an accident.
  5. Avoid following tractor trailers too closely. Following closer than 150 feet behind a truck is really dangerous. Even that distance gives a driver less than two seconds to react if the trucker suddenly slams on the brakes.
  6. Avoid reckless driving. This includes various activities such as swerving, weaving, passing on the right, accelerating and braking suddenly, and driving slowly in the left lane on the freeway. Many states consider driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit reckless driving.
  7. Do wear your seat belt. NHTSA reported that seat belts saved more than 75,000 lives between 2004 and 2008.
  8. Make sure you yield the right of way. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that failure to yield the right of way is the top cause of accidents among drivers aged 70 and older, particularly on freeway merge ramps.

Take care out there on the roads!  Not all accidents can be avoided, but doing all you can to stay safe helps.  In the unfortunate circumstance that you or a loved one is involved in a motor vehicle accident, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick today for a free consultation.
Sources http://www.toledoblade.com/Courts/2016/03/28/Bicyclist-s-family-files-wrongful-death-suit.html#UA1xKqxoAPhqM4PV.99; and http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/features/a4418/feature-the-9-most-dangerous-things-drivers-do/

Filed Under: Car Accident, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death

The Trouble With Ridesharing…

March 18, 2016 By

Ridesharing is a way by which coworkers can reduce the expense of commuting by travelling to work together.  Traditional carpooling is one example of ridesharing, as are walking, using public transportation, vanpooling, and even riding your bike. The big advantage of ridesharing is the environmental and financial savings due to reduced gasoline usage.  Some companies encourage their employees to rideshare, by offering incentives or discounts.  Additionally, there are ridesharing websites, such as www.rideshare.com, that help those interested in ridesharing find others in their situation or location.  It all sounds great, until we consider how insurance plays a role.

ws-carshare-full

If you’ve filled out an insurance application lately, you might recall that you need to answer in terms of the exact type of driving that you are doing.  The insurance companies seek information not just in terms of your mileage, and whether you drive in the city or in a town, but also how you use your vehicle.  In fact, some insurance companies even include a question addressing whether you intend to use your car for ridesharing.  That’s all fine if you know how you’re going to use your car right off the bat; but what happens when you rather suddenly decide that ridesharing makes sense for you?  For example, you decide to work as a contractor for a ridesharing company, or a company such as Uber?

If you are driving and get into an accident, you might find, unfortunately, that any passengers looing to your insurance on the vehicle are not covered.  For instance, if the insurance company discovers that you and your passengers were involved in a ridesharing carpool, it might deny your claim, and the claims of your passengers.  Avoid this situation, by reviewing your insurance policy.  Has your insurance company defined ridesharing and notified you that if you choose to engage in ridesharing, you must provide them with notice?  Additionally, your premium might be adjusted to cover the additional risk.

If you chose to rideshare, there are many obvious benefits, but you should take care to notify your insurance agency in writing and see if there are any additional steps you need to take, to ensure you are adequately covered.   Moreover, if you the passenger in a ridesharing group, you probably want to make sure that your driver has adequate coverage and has notified his or her insurance company.  Also, as a passenger, you can check to see that you yourself have adequate uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own vehicle.  Such coverage can protect you in an accident even when you are not the driver.

At the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, we want Maryland and Virginia drivers to take care and understand the automobile insurance they purchase to protect themselves, family members, friends, and coworkers. Don’t make the mistake of ridesharing and assuming that all will be well.  Do your homework, ask the right questions, and properly notify your insurance company of any changes in your driving status.  If you have been injured in an automobile collision and you have questions about your next steps, please call and speak with Attorney Plotnick today.

Sources: http://www.andersonhemmat.com/denvers-personal-car-accident-injury-blog/ridesharing-is-it-an-alternative-to-driving-alone-or-an-insurance-nightmare; and http://www.rideshare.com

 

 

Filed Under: Car Accident

Traffic Incidents on the Rise – Stay Safe on the Roads this Holiday Season

December 4, 2015 By

 

The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are arguably the busiest of the year. Among other things, families are planning trips to visit relatives to make the holidays the most wonderful time of the year.  Yet, after decreasing for the past decade, traffic deaths increased 8% in the first half of the year, leading the nation’s experts to find ways to stem the human errors that result in 94% of all accidents.

holiday car pic

Interestingly, when the official numbers came out for 2014, they showed a small decline (0.1%) in fatal crashes.  However, this year, perhaps due to lower as prices and an improving economy, people are traveling more.  In fact, Americans, traveled 1.54 trillion miles in the first half of 2015 alone, which is an increase of 3.5% from last year, says the Federal Highway Administration (FHA).  National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) head Mark Rosekind believes that the increase in accidents is not due to more cars on the road and more miles being driven.  He posited that texting and other distractions involving smartphones were to blame (in additional to the usual suspects of drunk and drowsy driving).

In these fast-paced weeks, it’s easy to move so quickly that we forget some safety basics.  First and foremost, it’s truly best to simply turn your phone off, or otherwise place it out of reach (the backseat, for example).  Better to be miss a text or call, than to be liable for causing an accident.  Just one distracted moment can cause a great deal of harm. Taking a moment to remember simple safety tips can help keep your holidays safe and your memories joyous and fun.

As you plan the holidays, General Motors and its partners set forth these Seven Tips for Safe Holiday Travel:

  • Remember to buckle up every ride, every time, whether it’s the long trip to visit family or around the block to the mall.
  • Shopping center parking lots are busier during the holidays. Be aware of distracted pedestrians and drivers who may not be paying attention to you, especially when backing out of parking spaces.
  • For parents of teens, remind them to be extra alert during this holiday season, when conditions are more challenging even for experienced drivers.
  • Commit to keeping your electronics out of your hand. No text message or playlist is worth the risk.
  • If you are headed to a party and plan to drink alcohol, designate a driver or use a car service to make sure you get home safely.
  • Expect the unexpected. You never know when you have to stop abruptly, so keep hot foods, large gifts and anything that can become a projectile in the trunk.
  • Remember when traveling in large groups, all vehicle occupants need their own seat belt or car seat, even for short rides.

And in the unfortunate instance when something does go wrong, the Law Office of Stuart L. Plotnick can help.  Call 301.251.1286 for a free consultation to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Filed Under: Car Accident

Presumption of Negligence in Rear-End Accident Cases to Change?

August 12, 2015 By

In a case reviewed by the Eighth Circuit, Lopez v. United States, the Court of Appeals discussed the presumption of negligence that typically stems from a rear-end vehicular accident; that is, when one driver rear-ends another driver. In the instant case, the plaintiff sought monetary damages from the U.S. government after her vehicle was rear-ended with that of a postal employee.

From the facts given in the Eighth Circuit’s opinion, it seems as though the plaintiff was riding in a vehicle being driven by a friend. The Appellate Court stated that their lane was merging into another lane of traffic at an intersection. The plaintiff’s friend merged into the lane in which a postal truck was driving. Unfortunately, the postal truck rear-ended the plaintiff’s vehicle. Ultimately, the vehicle in which the plaintiff was riding was able to be driven home by its owner. However, the plaintiff then sued the U.S. government and asserted that the postal employee was negligent in rear-ending the vehicle in which the plaintiff was riding. She relied upon a Missouri law presumption that assumes the driver crashing into the rear of another vehicle is negligent and presumed to be at fault. Given the circumstances of this case, however, the Eighth Circuit court did not apply the presumption and found for the defendant.

The Eighth Circuit stated that a presumption of negligence does exist, but the court refused to apply the presumption in the Lopez case since it did not find the plaintiff’s version of the facts to be credible and disputed the facts of the case as presented by the plaintiff. The court noted that the postal employee probably did not have enough time to be able to come to a complete stop due to the rapid merge by the plaintiff’s vehicle. The Court also relied upon a police officer’s testimony. The police officer expressed his professional opinion that it was more likely that the accident was caused by the plaintiff’s friend’s rapid merge, as opposed to any negligence on the part of the postal worker.

Maryland Law Presumptions of Negligence

Maryland law holds presumptions of negligence similar to that found in Missouri. Like the Missouri presumption, in Maryland, when a driver rear-ends another vehicle, the driver who crashed into the rear of the other driver is presumed to be at fault. Be sure to note that this is only a presumption of negligence, and can definitely be overcome with evidence or testimony showing the non-negligence of the defendant, or the negligence of the plaintiff. To learn more about presumptions of negligence in Maryland accident cases, or to obtain legal assistance if you or a loved one have been involved in a vehicular accident, contact the Law Offices of Stuart Plotnick today.

(Source: http://www.marylandaccidentlawblog.com/2015/07/federal-appellate-court-discusses-presumption-of-negligence-in-rear-end-accident-cases.html#more-1292)

 

 

Filed Under: Car Accident, Personal Injury

How Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Law Can Affect Victims of Accidents

April 15, 2015 By

As an experienced personal injury law office, we see a multitude of accident cases each year. Some cases involve accidents that were the fault of just one party, and often involve blatant traffic violations, drunk driving accidents, or distracted driving accidents.

On the other hand, there are many accidents that are not obviously only one party’s fault, which can be problematic for Maryland accident victims. In Maryland, if an accident victim bore some degree of fault in the accident, then the legal principle of contributory negligence comes into play and serves to prohibit recovery for injuries received in the accident.

Contributory negligence can, unfortunately, result in seemingly unfair outcomes. For example, think about the pedestrian who jaywalks and is hit by a driver who ran a red light. In Maryland, that pedestrian would be unable to recovery for their damages, if a jury found that the pedestrian was partially at fault for the accident.

Most states in the United States do not employ contributory negligence, and instead favor “comparative fault.” Comparative fault considers each party’s relative percentage of fault. Once the percentages of fault are established, the victim’s recovery amount is accordingly reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if the jury found the pedestrian in our example above to be 30% at fault in the accident and he suffered $100,000 in damages, then he could recover 70% of the $100,000, or $70,000.

Establishing Fault in Maryland Accidents

Since Maryland remains in the minority of jurisdictions that uses contributory negligence to determine which accident victims are permitted to recover for their injuries, it remains crucial for accident victims to prove that they are free of any fault.  As a result, it is critical for Maryland accident victims to have an experienced personal injury attorney on their side to make their cases. The Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick can help you tell your side of the story and convince a jury that you are without fault in your accident. Call today for a free consultation, 301.251.1286.

 

Filed Under: Car Accident, Personal Injury

6 Important Steps to Take After a Car Crash

April 8, 2015 By

A car crash can rattle the best of us, but staying calm and knowing what to do at the scene can keep a bad situation from getting worse.

Do’s and Don’ts following a Crash

In the minutes immediately following an accident, maintaining your composure is essential. Take the six steps below to protect yourself:

DO:

  1. Move your car to the shoulder, or off the road. If your car is drivable, move it out of the flow of traffic to prevent subsequent accidents.
  2. Call 911 if it seems as if someone needs or requests medical attention.
  3. Exchange information with other car owner: name, contact information, make and model of vehicle, driver’s license number, insurance carrier and policy number.
  4. Take photos or video of the scene and the accident damage, if possible. Be sure to note the time of day and weather conditions.
  5. Report the accident to your insurance company.
  6. Call the police, if necessary. Maryland law does not require you to report every car accident to the police. There are six circumstances in which you are required to report an accident:
  • An occupant of one of the vehicles is hurt;
  • A driver in the accident is drunk;
  • A vehicle needs to be towed;
  • A driver cannot or refuses to exchange information;
  • A driver is not licensed;
  • A driver flees the scene of the collision.

Just as important as knowing what to do following a crash, is knowing what NOT to do. The five steps below can help:

DON’T:

  1. Exit the vehicle until you’re sure it’s safe.
  2. Move any person who may be hurt or injured. Wait for paramedics.
  3. Leave the scene of an accident until you’ve exchanged information with the other driver(s).
  4. Apologize or admit fault, even if you think you’re to blame for the accident. An apology could be used against you later, regardless of whether you were fully responsible.
  5. Share details of your insurance policy — such as coverage limits or deductible — with the other driver.

If you are a Rockville or Bethesda resident, or you live in the greater Metropolitan-Washington D.C. area, and you would like to find out how our experienced Maryland injury lawyer can help you, call (301) 251-1286 to schedule a free consultation today.

Filed Under: Car Accident, Personal Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury Following Car Accidents

April 1, 2015 By

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult under the best of circumstances. Of course, it is essential to receive the proper medical treatment. Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can be a long term consequence following a car accident. The most common TBI types is a concussion. If you have been involved in a car accident, please follow these tips to ensure that you recognize and treat a TBI properly after your car accident:

  1. Not all TBI’s involve cracked skulls. In fact, your head might not have even hit anything during the car accident. Many brain injuries result from the brain forcefully impacting against the skull during the violent back and forth from the impact (whiplash), followed by brain swelling that reduces or eliminates the supply of blood to brain cells.
  2. Seek medical attention, even if you do not suspect an injury. Oftentimes, those involved in car accidents do not lose consciousness, or “blackout.” A victim of a car accident may initially believe that they are alright, but non-obvious injuries can worsen over time without prompt medical treatment.
  3. Be aware of brain injury symptoms. Note that not all brain injuries can be detected by a medical practitioner upon an examination. Frequently, brain injuries will become evident only following x-rays or MRIs. These tests are may only performed when a car accident victim presents with some brain injury symptoms, which include:
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Vision issues
  • Mood changes or Depression
  • Disorientation or problems with your normal ability to process information or tasks that were routine before
  • Productivity at work or in other tasks drops off
  • Nausea, to include vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Memory problems

4.   The Right Doctor:  In some cases, your family doctor, or the doctor you are seeing for your back injury from the accident, is simply not equipped to recognize the brain injury.  If you do not notice something, your family and friends might notice something is off about your behavior.  If you experience any of the concerns or symptoms above, you need to see a neurologist who can perform more thorough testing, e.g. PET Scan  or some other test just to insure that you are okay.

If you have suffered a brain injury following a car accident, even a minor traumatic brain injury, you may have difficulty obtaining compensation for your injuries. An accomplished attorney can be of great assistance in helping you document your injury and demonstrating causation between your injury and your car accident.

For more information, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area at 301.251.1286.

Filed Under: Brain Injuries, Car Accident, Personal Injury

National Bike Race Underscores Auto Accident Attorney Expertise

July 7, 2014 By

An English socialite pedaled through Maryland this month as part of the Race Across America, the national cycling event that for years was dominated by Jure Robic, the Slovenian rider who died in 2010 after being hit on his bike during an auto accident.

At the time of his death nearly four years ago, cycling fans widely regarded Robic, who was 45, as the world’s best ultra-endurance cycler. The athlete was a five-time winner of the Race Across America, the same event in which Pippa Middleton, sister of Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, is currently competing.

While drivers around Maryland and the Washington, D.C.-metropolitan area may quickly recognize the need for an auto accident attorney after a crash, pedestrians and bicycle riders are especially at risk of incurring life-threatening and even fatal injuries should they collide with a car. Despite his robust athleticism, Robic died at the scene of his accident four years ago. His injuries reportedly resulted from a head-on collision with a car while he was cycling near his home, according to local police reports.

If you have been seriously injured in an auto accident or a car-bike collision, or if you lost a loved one as the result of such tragedy, make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your losses. Please call 301-251-1286 or email the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick today for a free case evaluation. We serve clients in Maryland, northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Filed Under: Blog, Car Accident

Recent Dump Truck Accidents Highlight Risks

May 4, 2014 By

A recent set of accidents involving dump trucks in Maryland highlight the particular risks these vehicles bring with them onto our roads. When people think of accidents involving large trucks (as opposed to personal pickups or SUVs), the typical image in ones mind is that of a tractor-trailer, “big rig,” or semi. Despite this thinking, dump trucks account for a sizable percentage of large truck accidents in Maryland and they come with their own set of specific risks to watch out for.

Recently ,  major dump truck accidents occurred in both Anne Arundel County and in Towson. In each case serious injuries resulted, necessitating hospital visits for the victims. Because of the variability in what dump trucks may be carrying they may actually be heavier than a semi or big rig. This has important implications for stopping capability  and means that drivers need to be at least equally worried about dump trucks as they are about their supposedly larger counterparts.

However, the most critical difference between dump trucks and other large trucks is that many vehicle collisions involving dump trucks do not actually even involve the truck itself.  What happens is more often is that thee contents from the truck end up on the road, where unprepared and surprised  motorists are caught off guard. These road hazards can be sudden and exceptionally dangerous – there is no training or preparation for large foreign contents spilling out onto the highway while drivers are moving at tremendous speeds. Even though, it may be the contents of the dump truck involved, it makes no difference should an accident result.  There may still be negligence. It is essential to remember that in that this situation you are still usually entitled to recover for damages, both personal injuries and property damage caused by the accident even if the truck itself is not involved in the crash. This is because had the driver not been negligent in making sure the load stayed in the truck you would not have been injured.

Filed Under: Blog, Car Accident

Vehicle Backup Cameras Are Here to Stay

May 4, 2014 By

When automobile manufacturers began implementing “backup camera technology” into vehicles a few years ago most people marveled at the latest advance on our already quite impressive in-car experience. However, most people probably did not realize the tremendous safety implications, and even fewer, likely would have the guessed the technology may become mandatory on all cars.

Well that once far-fetched reality seems to be exactly what is happening. Drawing on recent studies, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided to mandate that the majority of new cars, minivans, and SUVs in the United States must have backup cameras installed by 2018. Originally NHTSA had only recommended the cameras, but after reconsideration, decided to make it a formal rule that manufacturers had to follow. According to the NHTSA the safety benefits far outweigh the costs, which the agency estimates at about $140 per unit.

The NHTSA ruling comes on the heels of a comprehensive study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). IIHS concluded that backup cameras are superior to parking sensor technology using radar. Also, Consumer Reports released data showing approximately 300 people are killed and 18,000 suffer injuries annually as a consequence of drivers backing up without being able to properly see behind them. The dangers of these “back-over” accidents are particularly acute for children who are often unseen and unaware of the risks that drivers may be negligent in backing up. Overall, this is a positive development as no one-child or otherwise-should become the victim of driver negligence if there are practical ways to avoid it.

Filed Under: Blog, Car Accident

Distracted Pedestrians Are Walking the Path to Injury

April 11, 2014 By

With devices and phones becoming more mobile and entertaining, it’s a common sight to see one walking with their eyes glued to their cellphone, or their ear buds tucked into their ears  humming along to their favorite tune,  instead of paying attention to what they are doing and where they are headed.  Whether it be crossing the street into traffic on a red light, heading towards that crack in the sidewalk, or obliviously strolling behind that car getting ready to back out from the parking space at the mall, the path of the PDA is leading to more and more to the path of personal injury for distracted pedestrians. Just like it isn’t a good idea to drive with your eyes on your cell, the same goes for the pedestrian, who is more vulnerable if hit by a moving vehicle. We all have a duty to protect ourselves from peril.

Typing that text message or fiddling with your settings on your iPod, it is now habit for many, and as a result, more people have landed themselves in the hospital caused by their wandering eyes and ears. In 2010,  the Center for Disease Control noted that over 2,500 pedestrians were taken to emergency rooms in the United States from injuries related to cellphone usage while they were walking. According to a study published in the Accident Analysis and Prevention Journal that number is likely closer to 1 in 2500. The amount in 2012, nearly doubled since the original survey was conducted, and this number is likely higher since not all the incidents are reported. This is more likely to happen to people between the ages of 16 to 25 , who now wear these device just like they wear clothes .

A recent Australian study shows that people walking with cellphones aren’t able to walk in a straight line while reading or texting. This distraction also caused test subjects to walk slower, unevenly with rigid posture and poor balance.  Then there was the story of a woman who fell into a bay because she was checking Facebook, which went viral . Yup, she walked right off a pier in Melbourne,  and unfortunately she didn’t know how to swim. She called for help and nearby police saved her. She was taken to a hospital for treatment and was lucky to come away with no permanent injury.

Another man was so busy chatting on his cellphone that he didn’t realize that he was walking onto the train tracks in Philadelphia. He was lucky there were no trains approaching, but it took him a while to recover from the fall off the platform on to the tracks.

Unfortunately, a New York City woman died after she fell in a gap between two subway cars. She was crushed by the train’s wheels and was dragged for two stops. Video footage shows the woman’s head was down and authorities believe she was distracted by her cellphone and texting or reading email. A Seattle woman was killed after being hit by a truck while she was chatting on the phone with a friend. She was on the way home after dinner and she had ignored honking in the background as she walked on the road and was engaged her conversation as the truck came from behind.

In a review of pedestrian fatalities in 2010, the Office of the Police Chief for Orlando, Florida found that almost twenty (20%) per cent of the pedestrians involved in accidents were distracted by means such as using a cell phone; MP3 player; a mobile device; pushing a shopping cart; walking a dog; or riding a skateboard. While it’s not illegal to cross the street distracted, many police agencies have launched awareness programs, including radio and TV campaigns to get the word out and  ensure that pedestrians pay attention when they’re crossing intersections.

If there’s a green light that gives vehicles the right of way, it’s still important that drivers continue to watch out and yield for pedestrians who might not be paying attention. Vehicle drivers should check that pedestrians make eye contact with the driver before walking, or honk to get their attention.

Pedestrians should stay alert and keep their head up, especially when crossing the roads. If they are listening to music, it’s important that it’s not turned on too loud that they can’t hear anything. Also, they should look both ways before crossing and not play with electronics while crossing.

Filed Under: Car Accident, Personal Injury, Uncategorized

Motorcycle Safety in Maryland

February 18, 2014 By

Riding a motorcycle can feel like a day of freedom, especially this time of year when the snow, ice, and colder temperatures can keep you off the bike for weeks and even months at a time. When you do get the chance to ride, though, remember these safety tips to keep you and your passengers safe.

  • Always wear a helmet. It’s the law in Maryland, and it can prevent severe brain injuries.
  • Do your pre-ride check to make sure your lights, brakes, and turn signals are all functioning properly.
  • Obey posted speed limits and brake slowly.
  • Keep out of blind spots of other drivers.  This is one of the main causes of car-motorcycle accidents.
  • Never drink and ride. It’s not worth the risk of serious injury or fatality to you, your passenger, or the people sharing the road with you.
  • Do not try to short cut traffic ahead, by driving up the middle or in between lanes to get ahead.

If you are suffering from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick for your consultation with an experienced motorcycle injury attorney. Our office is conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland.

Filed Under: Car Accident

Relief for Your Family After a Fatal Car Accident

December 24, 2013 By

Losing a loved one as the result of a fatal car accident is devastating to you and your entire family. Rockville attorney Stuart Plotnick helps families seek the compensation they need to begin the long recovery process and secure their financial and emotional recovery.

We understand that no amount of money will ever heal the wounds of losing a loved one to a car accident, but it can help ease the financial strain that your family will face in the coming months and years; however, as a loved one and dependent, you are entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, and lost wages of the deceased, including the lifetime support he/she would have provided had the accident never occurred. You may also be entitled to a financial award for the emotional pain and suffering caused by the loss of your loved one; the loss of relationship, companionship, and support.

Talking with an experienced accident attorney is the best way to know whether your family can recover compensation for your loss.

If you have lost a loved one because of a fatal car accident in the Rockville area, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation. Our office is conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland.

Filed Under: Car Accident
MENU