How Speeding Is Related to Auto Accidents
The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton have helped countless injury victims throughout Provo in their time of legal need. We fight diligently for your legal entitlements every step of the way, holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. When it comes to serious and fatal auto accidents, excessive speed is one of the most common causes of these collisions. Let’s look into the issue of speeding right now and how you can keep safe while on the road. Why Do Motorists Speed? Motorists may speed for a whole host of reasons. Some drivers may be in a hurry to get to their destination. If they’re running behind, they may be rushing to make up for lost time, even though speeding may not save them that much time overall. Other drivers may speed because they enjoy driving fast and the thrill it all entails, particularly since they are breaking the law. This is particularly true of young motorists who get to experience their first taste of adult freedom by being behind the wheel. Sometimes the speeding is accidental and the result of inattention. For instance, some drivers may not be paying proper attention to posted speed limits and traffic signs, causing them to inadvertently drive faster than they should. Regardless the reason behind exceeding the speed limit, excessive speed is a leading cause of auto accidents, particularly fatal collisions. How Serious Is Speeding with Regard to Auto Accidents? Studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Safety Council have found that speeding is the third leading cause of all traffic collisions behind drunk/impaired driving and distracted driving. In addition, it’s estimated that speeding is the main factor in 33 percent of fatal collisions each year. These numbers tend to bear out with annual statistic, demonstrating the constant dangers of excessive speed on our roads and highways. Speeding and Age of Motorists We noted above that young motorists often speed, excited by the rush of adult freedom behind the wheel. Unfortunately, young motorists are the most at risk of dying in a speed related motor vehicle collision. One study by the NHTSA estimates that 39 percent of male motorists between the ages of 15 and 20 will lose their lives in a speeding-related collision. Given these statistics, parents should stress safety and responsibility to their sons and daughters when their teenage children first get behind the wheel. How to Stay Safe on the Road Given the dangers of excessive speed, the best thing that you can do to be safe on the road is to abide by all speed limits and traffic signs that are posted. When there are poor road or weather conditions present, be sure to slow down so that you can safely maneuver the road and maintain full control of your vehicle at all times. What to Do When a Nearby Motorist Is Speeding If there is a motorist nearby who is speeding or engaging in any sort of reckless behavior, do not attempt to race or overtake the other driver. Simply let the other motorist be as you continue to drive safely. If the driver attempts to egg you on or antagonize you behind the wheel, just let it go and drive safely. It’s better to be safe and sorry. Keep in mind that if that motorist seems to be posing a major danger to others, you should report the vehicle to the authorities when you are away from traffic and your vehicle is safely parked and stopped. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton To learn more about your legal options following a serious auto accident, it’s important that you contact our team of personal injury lawyers today. The legal team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will help you make sound legal decisions and fight diligently on your behalf.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
At Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, we take great pride in helping the injured through every phase of the legal process. By working with a skilled injury attorney at our Provo law firm, clients will find the counsel they need to ensure positive outcomes in the litigation process. Legal assistance is especially important when it comes to major accidents, such as spinal cord injuries. We’d like to look at these kinds of injuries in basic terms and discuss legal options for victims and their loved ones. Why Spinal Cord Injuries Need to Be Taken Seriously Any kind of injury to the back or spinal cord can have serious repercussions. Even if a spinal cord injury does not result in permanent paralysis, the damage done can cause issues with flexibility, mobility, and overall wellness for years to come. Back injuries can lead to a greater likelihood of future injury or mobility issues later in life. Spinal cord injuries may occur as a result of traffic collisions, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, sports injuries, physical assault and altercations, and major falls. Repetitive motions at a job can contribute to spinal cord injuries as well, which is important to keep in mind. Common Spinal Cord Injuries Some common spinal cord injuries that people experience but are not catastrophic in nature include: Herniated Disc – Also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc, this injury occurs when the spongy discs between the vertebrae are injured and bulge outward, resulting in serious pain. Pinched Nerve – Sometimes a nerve can become pinched by the vertebrae and other structures of the spinal cord, resulting in serious pain and potential problems with feeling and strength in the extremities. Spinal Fractures – This refers to fracture or dislocations of vertebrae, leading to pinched nerves or potential damage to the spinal cord itself. Catastrophic Injury – Paraplegia Paraplegia is a severe spinal cord injury that results in the loss of movement and sensation of the lower extremities. This typically involves serious spinal cord damage in the mid to lower portions of the spine. When paraplegia occurs, a person is wheelchair-bound for the rest of his or her life, resulting in serious changes to daily life from career prospects to basic tasks around the home. Catastrophic Injury – Quadriplegia Also known as tetraplegia, quadriplegia is a severe injury to the upper portions of the spinal cord, particularly the neck area. This form of catastrophic spinal cord injury results in total paralysis, meaning the loss of use and sensation in all extremities. In some cases, a quadriplegic will require a ventilator just in order to breathe. As with paraplegia, quadriplegia will lead to significant changes in a person’s life. He or she will be wheelchair-bound and will require constant medical attention and assistance for the rest of his or her life. Your Legal Rights Following a Spinal Cord Injury Following a spinal cord injury, you can fight to receive both compensatory damages and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are intended to cover medical expenses, physical rehabilitation, lost wages, emotional pain and suffering, and other losses directly related to the spinal cord injury. Punitive damages will punish the negligent party for causing the injury. How Our Attorneys Can Help You Both compensatory damages and punitive damages can help you on the road ahead, particularly if you have suffered a catastrophic injury that results in partial or total paralysis. The legal system is complicated, so our attorneys will strive to provide you with peace of mind. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton For more information about your legal rights following a serious spinal cord injury, be sure to contact our team of personal injury lawyers today. The attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will help you every step of the way.