Jacobs & Dow, LLCJacobs & Dow, LLC2024-03-08T18:05:02Zhttps://www.jacobslaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1101325/2021/05/cropped-site-icon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Jacobs & Dow, LLChttps://www.jacobslaw.com/?p=561932024-03-08T18:05:02Z2024-03-08T18:05:02ZDrivers often claim they didn't see the other party
The motorist accused of causing a motorcycle crash, hitting a pedestrian or striking a cyclist likely wants the police officer responding to the crash to be sympathetic toward them. They may feel as though they were perfectly safe on the road and the crash is not their fault.
Often, the explanation they give for causing the wreck was that they didn't see the motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian. People might jump to the conclusion that someone must have been distracted to fail to notice a person or a vehicle, but that isn't necessarily true. Technically, drivers can look right at a motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian and never notice them.
The phenomenon known as inattentional blindness is a major safety concern on the roads. If the brain has too much visual information to process, it prioritizes some details ahead of others. Safety is always the first concern, and therefore the brain focuses on what it believes might be a threat.
A city bus or dump truck is obviously a threat because it is much bigger than someone's vehicle. People typically can't help but notice larger, more imposing vehicles in traffic. On the other hand, someone could look right at a motorcycle or a pedestrian without ever cognitively becoming aware of their presence.
Drivers are still responsible for failing to notice others
Inattentional blindness does not excuse a driver's mistakes. Intentionally pausing to look for pedestrians and smaller vehicles could prevent the vast majority of these crashes. Those affected by collisions need to understand the factors that contribute to their risk in order to bring an effective compensation claim and hold the right party accountable for their losses. At the end of the day, filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit could be a reasonable reaction to a car accident caused by a driver who doesn't properly monitor their surroundings.]]>On Behalf of Jacobs & Dow, LLChttps://www.jacobslaw.com/?p=561912024-02-28T15:34:02Z2024-02-28T15:34:02ZHow a same-level fall can lead to serious injury
People often assume that falls are only a safety concern if they involve a significant elevation. Someone who tumbles down a flight of stairs or falls from scaffolding while doing a job could suffer major medical consequences because of that incident.
A fall that only involves someone dropping a few feet to the floor could also lead to major medical challenges. Same-level falls like slip-and-falls send roughly a million people every year to the emergency room. People get hurt in several different ways in slip-and-fall scenarios.
Frequently, someone's attempt to avoid injury is what puts them at risk. People try to grab items nearby to stop themselves from falling or try to brace themselves on their way down. Those efforts could lead to broken arms, broken shoulders and serious soft tissue injuries.
Depending on the timing and nature of a slip-and-fall, people may not have an opportunity to slow themselves or brace for impact. If someone strikes their head during a slip-and-fall, they could potentially acquire a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Brain injuries related to slip-and-fall incidents can cause symptoms ranging from changes in sensory perception, such as blurry vision, to changes in mood and personality.
People injured in slip-and-fall incidents often need to report what happened to management at a store or other business where they sustained harm and then see a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis of their symptoms. Depending on the extent of their harm, they may also need to seek legal guidance to better understand their rights and options. Understanding that a slip-and-fall could lead to major injuries may help people better respond to what may at first seem like a minor inconvenience.]]>On Behalf of Jacobs & Dow, LLChttps://www.jacobslaw.com/?p=561892024-02-20T01:59:46Z2024-02-21T01:58:33ZCircular logic
With their circular design, roundabouts are notable for reducing the severity of accidents. Unlike traditional intersections controlled by traffic signals, roundabouts eliminate the potential for high-speed, right-angle collisions. Vehicles circulating in a roundabout move at lower speeds, creating a safer environment for all road users.
The Federal Highway Administration's proven safety countermeasures include roundabouts because they significantly reduce the number of fatal crashes. The continuous flow of traffic in a roundabout minimizes the risk of head-on collisions, which are often more severe at intersections governed by signals. This circular logic in road design proves effective in mitigating the severity of accidents and enhancing overall safety.
Efficient motion
Another factor contributing to the safety of roundabouts is the continuous flow of traffic. Unlike signals, which enforce stops and starts, traffic circles allow for a smoother and more constant movement of vehicles. This uninterrupted flow reduces the likelihood of rear-end collisions, a common occurrence at signals when drivers accelerate abruptly after a red light.
The improved efficiency of roundabouts also decreases the chances of gridlock and congestion. With vehicles moving in a single direction within the circular structure, traffic keeps flowing, minimizing the probability of pile-ups and long queues commonly associated with signals during peak hours.
Pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly
Beyond vehicle safety, roundabouts also provide a less risky environment for those on foot or bikes. Signals often create complex crossing scenarios with multiple directions to monitor. In contrast, traffic circles simplify pedestrian crossings by providing designated crosswalks and refuge islands. This streamlined approach enhances safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The challenge of unfamiliarity
It is important to recognize that some people are not used to roundabouts. In places where they are uncommon, drivers might feel confused or intimidated at first. Teaching and spreading the word through campaigns are key to helping drivers understand how to use traffic circles. This way, they can stay safe and get the most out of the benefits of roundabouts.
There are clearly many benefits to transitioning more intersections to roundabouts. As they become more common, driver familiarity is likely to increase, further solidifying their reputation as a safer alternative to traditional traffic signals.]]>On Behalf of Jacobs & Dow, LLChttps://www.jacobslaw.com/?p=561872023-12-28T21:22:12Z2023-12-28T21:22:12ZClose quarters
Unlike open roads, parking lots often have limited space, and cars are in close quarters. Maneuvering in and out of parking spaces becomes a delicate dance. The tight spaces leave little room for error, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Chaotic environment
Shoppers walking to and from stores, children darting between cars and drivers searching for parking spaces create a chaotic environment. With multiple elements in play, it becomes essential for drivers to remain vigilant and exercise caution to avoid accidents.
Visibility challenges
Many lots lack proper lighting, and blind spots are common due to the arrangement of vehicles. Drivers may struggle to see pedestrians, oncoming traffic or obstacles, which increases the risk of collisions. Heightened awareness and the use of mirrors can help mitigate these visibility challenges.
Distractions
Drivers often multitask while navigating parking lots. Whether it is checking their phones, adjusting the radio or engaging in conversations, distractions can lead to accidents. Drivers have compromised reaction times and decision-making abilities in these situations.
Lack of rules
Unlike roads with clear traffic signals and signage, parking lots often lack consistent guidelines. This ambiguity can lead to confusion among drivers, resulting in misinterpretations and accidents.
Parking lots harbor a surprisingly high percentage of car accidents. Acknowledging the factors that contribute to crashes and adopting vigilant driving habits can contribute to a safer environment in these spaces.]]>On Behalf of Jacobs & Dow, LLChttps://www.jacobslaw.com/?p=561852023-12-27T20:23:29Z2023-12-27T20:23:29ZWhat is distracted driving?
Distracted driving happens when a driver diverts their attention away from driving. It’s not just about texting, although that is certainly a common way of becoming distracted.
Types of distractions
Generally, driving distractions fall into three categories:
Visual
Manual
Cognitive
There are many scenarios that reflect the above categories. For example, texting and driving takes your eyes off the road, resulting in a visual distraction. Other examples include:
Talking on the phone, even using hands-free devices, can lead to cognitive distraction, reducing your focus on the road.
Eating and drinking while driving can lead to both manual and visual distractions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Passenger distractions, which can involve engaging in conversations or activities with other passengers, can divert your attention from driving safely and risk your life and the life of other people.
The risks involved
The risks associated with distracted driving are many, and doing so increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries. The consequences extend beyond the distracted driver, affecting passengers, pedestrians and other motorists on the road.
If you cause an accident because of distracted driving, you may face legal consequences resulting in hefty fines, license points, potential lawsuits for personal injury or wrongful death, and even imprisonment.
In today’s busy world, it is critical to remember the responsibility that comes with the privilege of driving. By understanding the dangers of distracted driving and attempting to stay focused, we can contribute to a safer road for everyone.]]>On Behalf of Jacobs & Dow, LLChttps://www.jacobslaw.com/?p=561622023-10-23T19:56:53Z2023-10-23T19:56:53ZLack of protection
One reason for a higher injury and death rate in motorcycle accidents is the lack of protection for motorcyclists. While car occupants are inside a metal shell with airbags and other safety features, motorcyclists have complete exposure to the outside elements, making them more vulnerable. In the event of a collision, the risk of ejection is high for motorcyclists, which can lead to serious injuries like head trauma, spinal cord damage and road rash.
Head injuries are particularly common in motorcycle accidents. The absence of a helmet or inadequate helmet use can lead to traumatic brain injuries. Car accidents are less likely to result in head injuries of the same severity, thanks to the protection provided by seatbelts and airbags.
Modern cars have crumple zones that absorb the force of impact. Additionally, seatbelts play a significant role in preventing occupants from colliding with the interior of the car. These factors contribute to a lower rate of severe injuries in car accidents.
The lack of protection for motorcyclists, along with the higher risk of severe injuries, means that a significant proportion of motorcycle accidents result in death.
Reduced visibility
The smaller size of motorcycles makes them less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents. This inherent size disparity means that motorcycles occupy a smaller portion of the road, where they can easily slip into a driver's blind spot.
The narrow profile of motorcycles, particularly from head-on or behind, can make them difficult to notice in traffic. The slender silhouette of a motorcycle can blend into the background, especially in busy urban environments where there is a multitude of visual distractions.
When a crash occurs due to visibility issues, it may not give drivers time to react. This can mean higher speeds involved and more intense collisions between vehicles.
Motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe and result in higher chances of injury or death than car accidents. The lack of protection and reduced visibility of motorcycles are the main reasons for these disparities.]]>On Behalf of Jacobs & Dow, LLChttps://www.jacobslaw.com/?p=561602023-09-24T23:45:37Z2023-09-24T23:45:37ZWhen negligence or misconduct played a role in the crash
A wrongful death lawsuit could name either an individual or a business as the defendant. The party at fault for the crash will need to have done something illegal or negligent for a lawsuit to occur. A business may have caused the crash through negligence by hiring an unsafe driver or putting out a vehicle that catastrophically failed in traffic. An individual may have engaged in negligent behaviors, like texting at the wheel, or may have openly violated traffic statutes by driving while drunk. Provided that the plaintiffs can establish that the defendant was either negligent or that they broke the law and caused the crash as a result, a wrongful death lawsuit may be an option according to Connecticut state statutes.
When there are losses beyond what insurance covers
Pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit does not just require wrongful acts on the part of the party who caused the crash. There is also a need to prove that there was financial harm generated by the collision. The amount of insurance that someone carries will directly influence whether or not a wrongful death lawsuit is necessary. Individuals with low coverage or no insurance are more susceptible to wrongful death lawsuits than people or businesses with relatively robust coverage.
Provided that there is evidence of both financial harm and an actionable situation, those impacted by a fatal Connecticut collision may have grounds to initiate litigation. Pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit is a primary means of securing legal and financial justice after a tragic collision in Connecticut.]]>On Behalf of Jacobs & Dow, LLChttps://www.jacobslaw.com/?p=561582023-09-19T15:35:49Z2023-09-19T15:35:49ZWet pavement and falling leaves
Drivers in the autumn may need to maintain lower overall speeds because of the safety and traction issues caused by colder, wet weather. Wet pavement in general tends to increase someone's stopping distance and the likelihood that they might cause a wreck. Fallen leaves on the road exacerbate such issues by both creating a loose layer of debris that could affect traction and also hiding other dangers in the road, such as potholes or sharp objects.
Changing light levels
The sun sets earlier and earlier throughout the fall, which can have several different safety consequences on the road. Changing light levels tend to affect people's biometric rhythms, meaning that they might find themselves feeling more fatigued in later afternoon. Additionally, low light levels also correlate with increased visibility issues, possibly during the afternoon drive home from work. Finally, the seasonal change can prompt more animal activity. Deer and other animals are more likely to end up on the road during transitional times of day and could potentially cause a preventable collision.
The average motorist likely won't do much to adjust their driving behaviors in the autumn even if they are aware that the winter requires a change in habits. People may also encounter tourists who drive particularly poorly while staring at the trees around the state. Therefore, even those Connecticut drivers who are aware of the risks may need to pay very close attention on the road to protect themselves and others from the possibility of a crash.]]>On Behalf of Jacobs & Dow, LLChttps://www.jacobslaw.com/?p=561472023-08-30T00:33:58Z2023-08-30T00:33:58ZToyota
Toyota has consistently been a leader in developing cutting-edge safety technology. Some have features such as pre-collision systems, lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control.
These technologies work together to notice potential collisions and help the driver avoid them. Toyota's commitment to safety has earned them a reputation as one of the most reliable brands for accident prevention.
Volvo
Volvo's cars have a reputation for being some of the safest on the road. Not only are they a safe brand, but they also sold 122,173 cars in America in 2021.
Volvo was one of the first brands to introduce features like side-impact airbags and curtain airbags, which protect passengers in case of a collision. Their City Safety technology is particularly important, as it can automatically apply the brakes to prevent collisions with pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
Honda
Honda has invested heavily in research and development to create vehicles that focus on safety. Their Honda Sensing suite offers many features, such as collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control. These features work to help driver awareness and responsiveness, reducing accidents caused by human error.
These car brands have made great progress in accident prevention through advanced safety technologies. Learning about these kinds of cars may help you understand more about road safety.]]>On Behalf of Jacobs & Dow, LLChttps://www.jacobslaw.com/?p=561452023-08-05T01:24:55Z2023-08-05T01:24:55ZConnecticut law requires that those turning or merging into another lane of traffic use the illuminated signals on their vehicle to clearly communicate their intentions to others in traffic. Despite the law, many people consistently fail to use their turn signals. Do these drivers cause more crashes than those who typically use turn signals?
Yes, failing to communicate increases crash risk
One of the reasons that turn signals are a mandatory feature in all vehicles and that state law requires their use is that motorists need to know what others near them intend to do if they are to make safety-conscious choices. One of the leading causes of collisions at major intersections is a failure to properly monitor one's surroundings.
Left-hand turns often contribute to crashes, particularly when others nearby don't realize someone intends to turn. Turning either way without a signal could also potentially result in a rear-end collision, as others in traffic may get too close to someone who needs to slow down in order to turn. Often, police officers responding to a collision will inquire about the use of turn signals and someone's adherence to other traffic laws when attempting to establish fault.
Those who believe that someone's failure to indicate a turn directly contributed to a collision should disclose that information to police officers after a crash so that the officers can reach the appropriate determination when investigating the cause of the wreck. Evidence ranging from witness statements to traffic camera footage could potentially help a Connecticut driver prove that someone else failed to use a turn signal and cause to crash through their failure to adhere to state statutes.
Understanding the traffic laws in Connecticut and following them can reduce someone's chance of a crash and/or the likelihood that an officer will declare them at fault for a collision.]]>