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Recent Blog Posts
Smartphones Suspected in Massive Spike of Motor Vehicle Fatalities
Experts believe that the recent spike in motor vehicle accidents and fatalities goes beyond what would be reasonable if it were simply a matter of more drivers on the road; they say smartphones may be largely responsible.
Road Fatalities More than Double the Expected Increase
According to preliminary government statistics, national motor vehicle death rates rose to 16,225 from January 2015 to June 2015. Experts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say this is more than double the increase expected from the variables of falling gas prices and a growing, improving economy. It is also the biggest six-month jump in reported traffic deaths since 1977.
Officials Examining Possible Causes
While officials say it is too early to identify the true causes behind the spike in motor vehicle fatalities, they are investigating some possibilities. For example, they say that teen drivers (and other risky drivers) may be on the road more often because of lower gas prices, which could be at least partially responsible for the increase in fatalities. But distracted driving — or the use of electronics devices such as smartphones — is the most suspected cause.
Safe Winter Weather Driving and Wildlife-Related Accidents
In winter, deer and other types of wildlife become more prominent on the roads. As a result, wildlife-related accidents increase. One recent case, which involved two vehicles and a deer in Georgia, caused the death of an 11-year-old child. Sadly, it is far too common of an issue.
Wildlife-Related Accident Statistics
According to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), one in 17 cars is involved in an accident with wandering wildlife — about one every 39 minutes. The majority of those collisions occur on two lane roads, much like the one that recently took place in Georgia. Approximately 200 motorists are killed each year because of an accident involving wandering wildlife.
Reducing Your Risk
While not every wildlife-related accident can be prevented, the following tips can help you reduce your overall risk:
Wisconsin’s DOT Releases 2015 Accident Statistics
Each November, the Department of Transportation releases preliminary information on the state’s automobile accidents and fatalities. Sadly, it appears that there were more injuries and fatalities in 2015 than 2013 and 2014. This was also an increase in alcohol-related injuries and fatalities, which were both higher than the previous four years.
General 2015 Accident and Collision Statistics
According to preliminary results, there were 111,791 total accidents and collisions in 2015. Of those, 82,191 resulted in property damage and 29,036 resulted in injury. There were also 509 total fatalities. These death and injury rates are higher than both 2014, in which there 451 fatalities and 28,801 injuries, and 2013, in which there were 491 fatalities and 28,474 injuries. Overall fatality rate increased by .11 percent from the previous year (0.89 percent in 2014 compared to 1 percent in 2015).
Alcohol-Related Crashes
With a total of 5,491 crashes in 2015, drunk driving accidents were significantly higher in 2015 than in the previous four years (4,932 in 2014; 4,954 in 2013; 5,024 in 2012; and 5,297 in 2011).
A total of 218 fatalities and 3,171 injuries occurred because of drunk driving accidents in 2015. These, too, were higher than in previous years (162 fatalities and 2,694 injuries in 2014; 185 fatalities and 2,660 injuries in 2013; 2,907 injuries in 2012, and 2,984 injuries in 2011). However, the fatalities from drunk driving accidents in 2011 and 2012 were higher than in 2015 (225 and 223, respectively).
Speed-Related Crashes
In all, Wisconsin saw 18,389 speed-related accidents, which caused 7,828 injuries and 167 fatalities. Overall, there were fewer crashes than in the previous two years (20,887 in 2014 and 21,290 in 2013). However, more fatalities were attributed to speed-related crashes in 2015 (163 in 2014 and 156 in 2013).
Motorcycle Crashes
For motorcyclists, 2015 proved to be a more dangerous than the previous two years, with 2,376 total crashes, 91 fatalities, and 2,161 injuries. These rates are compared to 2,101 accidents, 67 fatalities, and 1,914 injuries in 2014, and 2,150 crashes, 83 fatalities, and 1,927 injuries in 2013.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrians were involved in more crashes in 2015 than in 2014 (1,244 versus 1,183). They also experienced more injuries (1,244 in 2015 compared to 1,119 in 2014) and fatalities (45 in 2015 compared to 42 in 2014) than in the previous year.
Bicycle accidents were also higher for 2015 than the year, with 1,055 accidents in 2015 (compared to 925 in 2014). Fatalities (10 versus 4) and injuries (976 versus 844) were also higher for 2015 when compared to 2014 bicycle accident rates.
Involved in an Accident? Seek Representation with a Skilled Accident Attorney
There are likely a number of factors have contributed to the overall increase in accidents during 2015, however, regular, everyday, working individuals are still in pain, receiving medical care, missing work, or no longer alive because of these accidents. If you or someone you love happened to be one of them, you may be entitled to compensation.
The skilled Milwaukee automobile accident attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, can help. Dedicated to serving the needs and best interest of automobile accident victims, they can ensure your rights are protected and will thoroughly investigate your situation to build a strong case. To find out more, call 414-271-1440 and schedule your consultation today.
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Accident Liability: Case Highlights What Not to Do after an Auto Accident
Automobile accidents happen every day, and every day, well-meaning individuals make poor decisions that could cost them in their case. An argument between a North Carolina senator and another driver highlights some of the biggest — and the most common—mistakes.
Apologizing and Accepting Blame
Immediately after the accident, the senator allegedly apologized to the other driver, saying he did not see her as he was pulling out of a parking space. Afterwards, he attempted to retract his apology in an email to the local news company. In it, he expressed that he had only wished to resolve the matter, but that he had always felt as though the other driver had been at fault for the accident. Unfortunately, the damage to his reputation had already been done.
Lesson: Don’t focus on “blame” after an accident. Make sure all parties are physically okay, including yourself.
Accepting a Good Faith Arrangement
Because he allegedly wanted to resolve the matter quickly and easily, the senator reportedly gave a good faith statement to the other driver, offering to pay for the damages to her vehicle. As a result, the responding officer did not investigate the accident any further. This created a problem for the other driver when, after being denied payment from the senator, she attempted to file a claim against his insurance. The entire incident became a matter of her word against his.
Lesson: Do not enter a good faith arrangement with a complete stranger, regardless of the situation.
Failing to File a Claim
Because they had entered into a good faith arrangement, the other driver agreed not to file a claim with the senator’s insurance. Unfortunately, he never held up his end of the deal, and by the time she went to file the claim, it had been nearly a month since the accident. There was no real evidence, outside of the photos the senator allegedly took, and the police did not investigate blame. The other driver now only had the choice of paying out of pocket to cover the damages, or filing against her own insurance. Thankfully, it does not appear that she suffered any accident-related injuries.
Lesson: If you are in an accident, contact both insurance companies immediately, or contact a personal injury attorney to advise you.
Injured in an Automobile Accident? Hire a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney
You may be entitled to compensation if you or someone you love has been injured in an accident. However, because these cases are often complex, it is crucial that you contact a skilled Milwaukee automobile accident attorney as soon as possible. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, we are dedicated to providing aggressive and compassionate representation for accident victims. Contact our offices at 414-271-1440 today to schedule your consultation.
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The Dangers of Distracted Driving Takes a Turn for the Worse
It appears that the dangers of distracted driving have fallen on deaf ears. Not only are drivers placing calls, tweeting and exchanging texts but they are now risking an even higher rate of personal injury by adding surfing the internet to the list of distracted driving practices.
State Farm Insurance recently revealed the results of a seven-year study that concluded that 29 percent of drivers have admitted to surfing the web while behind the wheel, representing a 13 percent increase since 2009.
Additional evidence also revealed that 21 percent of drivers still admit to checking Facebook and Twitter, while one third of drivers polled, openly admit to still texting while driving.
Chris Mullen, director of technology research for State Farm, attributes this latest distracted driving trend to the increased prevalence of smartphones. Mullen noted that a healthy 88 percent of the 1,000 survey participants involved were smartphone users.
Advanced smart phone technology has opened a Pandora’s Box of wider communication features and increased functionality.
These advances have made it much easier to check internet activity rather than just giving in to the urge to send a quick text here and there.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, established under the Highway Safety Act of 1970 and dedicated to achieving the highest standard of excellence in motor vehicle and highway safety, reports that although there had been a 0.1 percent decline in highway fatalities during 2014, they now report a 8.1 increase for the same reporting period of 2015. The NHTSA sees this as a troubling departure from the 2014 general downward trend.
The NHTSA and other concerned state and federal agencies strongly urge our nation’s drivers to just say no to electronically communicating while driving. Various states are currently pushing to make it illegal to even hold a smartphone or electronic device while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, drivers have not been able to break these potentially deadly habits and are pushing the limits as they take a wrong turn down a very dangerous road.
If you have been involved in a car accident due to the distracted driving habits of another driver, the Milwaukee personal injury attorneys of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP have an experienced team of professionals on hand to assess the damages. Our seasoned legal team has experience working with accident investigators, medical professionals and other personal injury experts to ensure our clients receive just compensation. To discuss your case, contact us for an initial consultation at 414-271-1440 today.
Sources:
http://kttc.com/story/30700337/2015/12/08/state-farm-report-finds-more-people-surf-the-web-while-they-drive
http://nbc15.com/home/headlines/More-people-are-surfing-the-web-behind-the-wheel-360935901.html
http://nhtsa.gov/About
http://nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2015/2014-traffic-deaths-drop-but-2015-trending-higher
More than 90 Percent of Automobile Accidents Caused by Human Error
Automobile accidents can be caused by almost anything — nature, weather, poor road conditions, vehicle failure — but according to experts, human error accounts for more than 90 percent of them. This information clearly communicates that drivers hold the key when it comes to reducing the number of accidents (and the resulting injuries and fatalities), and that the key is improved driver safety.
Basic Driver Safety
Each time you get behind the wheel, it is important to remember that, while vehicles provide us with easy transportation, they also have the potential to kill. Reckless driving, such as speeding or failing to follow traffic signs and signals, drunk driving, distracted driving, and other poor driving choices can cost you or someone else their lives. As such, each driver should work extra hard at:
- Avoiding distractions (such as cell phones or other electronics) while driving;
Winter Tires versus Snow Chains: Determining the Best Option for Your Car
Wisconsin has seen dozen of automobile crashes and a handful of fatalities already this year. Most have been due to poor road conditions, thanks to the blanket of snow throughout much of the state. But are tire chains really the answer for Wisconsinites hoping to reduce their risk of an accident? Experts say probably not.
Tire Chains: Winterization’s Dinosaur
While tire chains can provide added traction on slushy or snowy surfaces, they are considered an ancient and ineffective way to improve maneuverability in the winter. Not only are they difficult to install, driving on them is often a hassle, especially since it is recommended that motorists drive at a very slow speed while they have them on. Chain breaks that can damage the vehicle or become a hazard, rutting of tires, and damage to highway surfaces are some of the other potential risks of using these antiquated devices.
Moreover, experts say that, unless they are driving on mountain roads or roads that are not serviced by city or state officials, drivers really do not need to use tire chains. Instead, they can gain the traction they need through a newer, more modern solution — one that is actually safer and less damaging to their vehicle and the roads.
Winter Tires – What They Are and Why They Work
At first glance, winter tires look a lot like summer tires, but there is some serious technology and innovation at work — well beyond what can actually be seen. First, winter tires are made of softer more flexible materials, which helps them bend and grip the snow. And they have special tread and siping designs that help grip and dispel water, snow, and ice. Some even have studding that can improve the tire’s grip on slick roads; however, it should be noted that stud tires do have some restrictions on city and state roads, due to their propensity to cause road damage over time.
In an Accident? Seek Legal Help
Even with the help of chains or winter tires, poor road conditions can cause accidents. Those that suffer personal injury because of those accidents may be able to receive compensation. Of course, insurance companies do not want you to know this, so it is important to seek qualified legal assistance if you believe you have a claim. The experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP can help. To find out how, call 414-271-1440 and schedule a consultation today.
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U.S. Government’s $4 Billion Investment Could Make Self-Driving Cars on the Road a Reality
Intended to improve road safety, self-driving cars may be one step closer to becoming a reality after the U.S. government pledged to invest $4 billion into advancing their testing and development. Unfortunately, there are still a number of hurdles to overcome before these high-tech vehicles become mainstream, particularly in terms of overall safety.
Autonomous Cars – the New American Dream
Each year, nearly 1.3 million people die on American roadways, and another 20-50 million are injured in automobile accidents. But what would life be like if we could completely eradicate these deaths? And how much easier would life be if we could drive to work while reading, using our devices, or enjoying the scenery without compromising safety? This is the idea behind autonomous cars — transportation that is both safer and more enjoyable. But is this technology truly a reality?
Driver Disengagement Still Needed
A handful of companies already have autonomous cars on the road, but they are still in the testing phase. Unfortunately, recent data released by the California Department of Motor Vehicles suggests that they are not performing quite as well as developers may have hoped.
Frequent driver disengagements - moments that drivers had to take manual control of the cars - were noted by test drivers. Google performed the best, with 272 incidents total, and a rate of about one incident every 1,244 miles. Nissan, whose cars had a problem about once every 14 miles, fell at the other end of the spectrum, as did Bosch and Mercedes whose cars had disengagements that sometimes occurred as often as every one or two miles.
Overall, these driver disengagements highlight a serious need for improvement in both safety and mobility. But some autonomous car skeptics say that these disengagements are the very least of concerns for the manufacturers hoping to get their self-driving cars on the road.
Infrastructure, Communication, Acceptance, and Liability
Developing technology that reduces or eliminates driver disengagement is only the beginning, experts say. Roads will need higher detail mapping, an infrastructure that will ensure the cars are going exactly where they are supposed to. Cars will also need to be able to communicate effectively with one another if there is any real hope for preventing accidents. Liability - determining who would be considered at fault if an autonomous car causes an accident - is also an issue. Finally, there is the matter of convincing drivers that it is safe for them to let go of the wheel.
Get Help with Your Auto Accident Injury Case
Overall, the evidence suggests that we are still a long way from having self-driving cars on the road; until they are, accidents and injuries will continue. If an accident has happened to you or someone you love, seek skilled and professional help from the Milwaukee automobile accident attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP. Dedicated determined, respected, and resourceful, they can handle the details of your case, protect your rights, and give you the time and energy you need to heal. To schedule your consultation, call 414-271-1440 today.
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Volvo Vows Death and Serious Injury-Free Vehicles by 2020
Shortly after the announcement of the long road ahead for automated cars and a pledge from the U.S. government into developing the technology to make them better, Volvo has promised to make all of their new cars death and serious injury free by 2020. But can they really do it? Experts believe it is possible.
Technology Already Exists
The technology is already in place, in fact, newer, high-end luxury cars already have the advanced technological features needed to create a zero death and serious injury car. Adaptive cruise control uses radar and other sensors to detect other cars up ahead. All the driver has to do is set their maximum speed and the car will maintain a safe following distance, sans driver engagement.
Auto lane keeping assist uses cameras to detect road edges and line lanes and keep the car in its lane. Collision avoidance works with the help of radar and sensors that detect obstacles and warn the driver; if the driver does not react, the car can apply automatic brakes to reduce the impact of (or even completely avoid) a crash. Pedestrian detection and large animal detection sensors are also being used to alert and even brake in the event an unexpected person or animal wanders into the car’s path.
Decrease in Injuries and Fatalities for Cars with Technology
Many of these technologies have improved driver safety. In fact, there are a few models that have not seen a single death from 2009 to 2012. Volvo’s XC90 is on that short list. But the real key, Volvo says, is to perfect the technology already being used and to combine it all into a single car, and to do it in a way that is cost effective so that all of their cars can be equipped with the advanced technology.
Of course, automated cars already have all the technology components; they are just still in the testing phase and still need human interaction to ensure they are operating as they should (and human engagement when they fail). Some believe it will take more than just technology, especially when many of the autonomous cars being tested still require a great deal of human engagement. But the promise is there, as is the potential.
Waiting for the Future
Until these cars are perfected and made available to the general public, accidents can and will still happen. Know how to best protect yourself, drive safely, and if you are involved in an accident, be certain to employ the assistance of a skilled and experienced Milwaukee automobile accident attorney. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, we offer more than 40 years of experience, and we provide aggressive representation that ensures your rights and best interest are protected. Ask how we may be able to help you by calling 414-271-1440 and scheduling your consultation.
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Even a Minor Car Crash Can Trigger CRPS
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a condition which is marked by chronic pain, mild or dramatic changes in temperature and skin color, as well as swelling in a patient’s limb(s). It is estimated that anywhere from 20,000 to 200,000 people suffer with CRPS.
The cause of the syndrome is unknown. The condition is usually triggered by some kind of trauma or injury to the limb – frequently as a result of a car accident. Often, the initial injury is minor, but can quickly escalate into excruciating pain. The experience that one car crash victim experienced is common. A 45-year-old woman was driving her vehicle when it was bumped from behind by another driver. There was no damage to either vehicle and neither driver appeared injured.
However, approximately 12 hours after the accident, the woman developed severe back and neck pain. Over the next couple of months, that chronic pain spread throughout her entire body. The victim had been completely healthy before the incident, and it took months before doctors were finally able to come up with the diagnosis to her severe pain – CRPS caused by the minor fender bender she was in. The woman was eventually awarded $3 million in a personal injury lawsuit.
CRPS is often missed by physicians, who often think patients are exaggerating their symptoms, given no serious injury has occurred. One young victim, who developed CRPS after spraining his ankle, described the pain as feeling as if “a boa constrictor tightening around your foot while it is being stabbed with a knife from the inside and simultaneously set on fire.”
Symptoms for CRPS include:
