Miss and Run Accidents: Beware the Phantom Driver
Miss and run accidents caused by phantom drivers often result in serious injuries and fatalities, yet these drivers speed away from the accident without stopping. What is a Phantom Car Accident? A phantom car accident is similar to a hit and run, except the driver’s vehicle never touches the injury victim or the victim’s car. Phantom drivers often swerve into other lanes, pass cars too closely, forcefully merge into heavy traffic, or throw objects out of their windows causing other drivers to swerve or stop suddenly. While startled, [...]
Who’s At Fault When the Driver Is Blinded by the Light?
There is no law excusing a driver from liability when an accident is caused by solar glare. Drivers are expected to take the necessary precautions that promote safe driving. Blinded by Sun Glare Bright sunlight and sun glare are associated with an increased risk of life-threatening motor vehicle crashes. The risk of serious driving injuries and fatalities is 16 percent higher during days with bright sunlight than days with normal weather or cloudy days. Bright sunlight or glare can temporarily blind a driver causing visual illusions that lead [...]
What Is a Common Carrier Accident?
Common carriers like trucks, buses, taxis, and passenger trains are held to a higher standard of care. When a common carrier is negligent, the company or driver is liable for injuries. So, what is a common carrier accident? Common Carrier Liability for Accidents and Injuries An example of common carriers includes commercial vehicles such as buses, taxicabs, and trucks, as well as passenger trains, commercial airplanes, and cruise ships. Common carriers are held to a high standard of care for people and property they transport. When common carrier [...]
When a Dog Causes an Accident
Published on January 11, 2019, by Matthew Sharp
Car Accident
What happens when a dog causes an accident? Every year, thousands of auto accidents are caused by loose pets in a vehicle. At a moment’s notice, an unrestrained pet can jump or move suddenly, distracting the driver and threatening the normal operation of the vehicle. Car accidents caused by animals can be just as dangerous as any other car crash, so it’s important to avoid distractions while driving by properly restraining your pet in the vehicle. Are You Distracted by Your Dog? A recent American Auto Association survey [...]
When Angry Drivers Cause Accidents [infographic]
When road rage results in a serious car accident or injuries, the driver who committed the offense can be held liable. According to NHTSA, approximately one-third of accidents that cause injuries and deaths on U.S. roads and highways are caused by aggressive drivers and road rage. (Article continues below infographic) ______ Road Rage and Angry Drivers Traffic studies done by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that more than 50 percent of drivers have experienced angry drivers on the road. Many of these incidents end [...]
Textalyzer: A Breathalyzer for Your Cellphone
A new device called a textalyzer, designed to reduce the high number of auto accidents caused by distracted drivers, can check to see if drivers have been texting or performing other activities on their cell phones in the moments before a crash. What is the Textalyzer? A digital device, called the textalyzer, has been developed to help law enforcement crack down on distracted driving accidents caused by cell phone use behind the wheel. The new textalyzer technology is modeled after the current Breathalyzer device that police use to [...]
Auto Safety Issues Often Overlooked
Published on December 4, 2017, by Matthew Sharp
Car Accident
Drivers often overlook important safety issues such as vehicle defects, recalls, and proper maintenance that contribute to dangerous auto accidents. A vehicle’s age and style, and the type and scope of a safety-related recall have a significant impact on whether or not a recall is addressed or repairs are ever completed. When motor vehicle owners fail to make repairs, perform maintenance or address safety-related recalls, they place themselves, their families and other motorists at risk for serious injury and death. Overlooked Safety Issues Ignoring important safety issues and [...]
How and Why Hit and Run Cases are Rising in Nevada [infographic]
The number of hit and run accidents in Nevada is on the rise, but new laws have stiffened the penalties. In the past, Reno drivers faced harsh sentence for driving under the influence, while hit and run consequences remained relatively lax. Lawmakers hope that the new laws will change this pattern. (Article continues below infographic.) The Number of Hit and Runs The number of hit and run crashes is rising across the nation and many major cities are experiencing the phenomenon in epidemic proportions. The National Highway Traffic [...]
Nevada Car Accident Deaths & Serious Injuries to Those Without A Seatbelt [infographic]
Under Nevada law, all motor vehicle occupants – in both the front and rear seats of a car or truck – must wear either a seat belt or be in an approved child restraining system. (There are some exceptions for older cars that do not have seatbelts.) Despite this, almost 1,300 people who were unbelted were seriously injured or killed between 2009 and 2013. The Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan has launched an initiative to reduce to zero the number of automobile accident fatalities involving occupants who are [...]
