How Many People Die From Being Hit By A Car?
Driving is an inherently dangerous activity, and it comes with more risks than flying on an airplane or hopping on a long train ride. Despite the overwhelming amount of information available about careless driving, some drivers refuse to change their reckless habits. Learn more about fatalities related to car accidents. United States Road Crash Statistics Here are some car accident statistics by the Association for Safe International Road Travel: Over 37,000 people die in car collisions every year An additional 2.35 million end up with injuries or permanently disabled Over 1,600 children under age 15 die each year Nearly 8,000 people are killed in crashes involving drivers ages 16-20 Car collisions cost the U.S. $240 billion per year, which is an average of $820 per person Road crashes are the leading cause of death among healthy U.S. citizens traveling abroad Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of negligent driving. The Main Causes of Fatal Car Accidents Unfortunately, car collisions are a common occurrence. Your commute home from work probably consists of listening to traffic reports on the radio where the announcer lists the number of accidents that have occurred in the past hour. Car accidents happen every minute of the day, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration. Common causes of deadly car accidents include: Texting and driving Driving under the influence, which includes prescription drugs and alcohol Poor weather conditions Reckless driving, which includes speeding and ignoring stop signs Street and highway construction defects Fatigue Car manufacturing defects Inexperienced drivers, such as teenagers Elderly drivers with poor eyesight The Legal Consequences of Deadly Car Accidents It’s in your best interest to abide by road rules if you want to avoid hefty fines, guilt, and a lengthy prison sentence. Here are some of the ramifications of fatal car collisions: Hit and run charges: When a driver inadvertently hits a pedestrian, but they remain at the scene and follow proper protocol, the worst consequence they may face is a higher car insurance premium. However, if a driver strikes and kills a pedestrian and they flee the scene, they will face criminal charges, which includes a felony arrest for hit and run. DUI arrest: After a car accident in which the driver is under the influence, the driver faces a DUI arrest and conviction. If they strike and kill a pedestrian while drunk, their potential prison sentence may increase due to aggravating circumstances. Additionally, they face higher fines and harsher driver’s license penalties once they’re out of prison, such as a longer license suspension. Vehicular manslaughter: If the driver was carelessly operating the vehicle before the accident, such as by driving at 100 mph in a school zone, then a pedestrian death resulting from the collision can trigger vehicular manslaughter charges. If the pedestrian’s death was indeed an accident, and there are no aggravating factors, then criminal charges are unlikely, but the driver may still face a wrongful death lawsuit. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Is Here for You If you have lost a family member due to a negligent driver’s actions, you may be eligible for compensation. The personal representative of the estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased victim’s family members. For more information on how this type of lawsuit works, be sure to consult with a wrongful death attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton. We’re here to help you heal and hold the negligent person accountable. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, our law firm is still operating. Please reach out to us today with any questions you may have.
Common Causes of Dog Bites in the U.S.
Dogs are everywhere, and chances are, you have a furry friend of your own. Although dogs are adorable, all of them are capable of biting, regardless of their breed or size. Even the cutest pup might snap when it’s injured or scared. All adults and children must learn to keep themselves safe around dogs. Continue reading to learn about the dangers of dog bites. The Dangers of a Dog Bite Many people don’t believe dog bites constitute a severe injury because of how commonplace they are. However, these bites can result in several health problems, such as infection, rabies, nerve or muscle damage, and more. Moreover, dog bites can crack through your skin and bones, leading to permanent injury. In today’s blog, we will discuss the most common causes of dog bites. Why Do Dogs Bite? Dogs usually bite people when they feel threatened because it’s a survival instinct. The following may provoke this aggressive behavior: Startling a dog by suddenly approaching it from behind or waking it up from sleep A dog may bite to defend itself, its territory, or a member of its pack A mom might be fiercely protecting her pups Running away from a dog can trigger herding behavior A dog that’s in a fearful situation may bite anyone who approaches it, especially if it hears a loud noise. Watch Out for Warning Signs Dogs always give warning signs before they bite, but they’re usually subtle. A dog might tolerate being repeatedly disturbed by a baby, only to lash out suddenly. Sometimes, they showcase these warning signs for months or years before it loses its tolerance and snaps. Look out for the following distress signals: The dog gets up and moves away when you approach it The dog turns its head away from you The dog stares at you with a pleading expression You can see the white part of your dog’s eyes in a half-moon shape The dog yawns when you try interacting with it The dog scratches, bites or licks itself to avoid interaction You may be under the false impression that your dog loves roughhousing, but if it shows warning signs, it’s time to leave it alone. Can I Stop My Dog from Biting People? If you’re a dog owner, you’re responsible for training your dog and keeping it under control in public spaces. It’s important to protect everyone who comes in contact with it, so consider doing the following: Enroll your dog in a basic training program Socialize your dog, preferably as a pup. Allow your pooch to interact with all types of people, including children, the disabled, and the elderly. Learn your dog’s body language and identify your dog’s warning signs Never discipline your dog by using aggressive punishment. Instead, stick to positive reinforcement, such as praise, pets, and treats. Consistently rewarding your dog for acceptable behavior is more effective because they’re people-pleasers. Expose your furry friend to a variety of situations, such as other dogs, loud noises, big machines, vacuums, bicycles, and anything else that scares it. Exposure works best when a dog is still young, but an old dog can learn new tricks! If you take your dog out for a walk, keep it leashed at all times. If you know your dog is aggressive, you must warn others. Don’t allow it to approach other people or animals unless it’s muzzled. Visit the vet routinely for wellness checkups. Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date, especially the rabies prevention one. Steps to Take After a Dog Bite If a dog bites you, follow these steps: Step 1: Identify the dog’s owner. Ask for their name and address and request proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination. Step 2: Depending on the severity of the bite, you should contact 9-1-1 for immediate medical attention. Step 3: File a dog bite report at the police station to legally document your case. Step 4: Find out more about the dog. Obtain its dog license information. Has it bitten or attacked someone else in the past? Step 5: Take pictures of your injuries, torn clothing, and the location where the incident occurred. Step 6: Contact a dog bite attorney immediately because the legal issues regarding dog bites are difficult to navigate. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Is Here for You Dog bites can leave devastating physical injuries and psychological scars. If you have experienced trauma from a dog bite, you should work with an experienced dog bite injury attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton to receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
Surprising Facts About Car Accidents
Car accidents are a traumatizing experience that can lead to severe injuries, long-term emotional instability, and expensive medical bills. Moreover, car accidents claim approximately 100 lives every day, according to Driver Knowledge. Continue reading to learn more about car accident statistics. Car Collision Statistics Here are a few car accident facts provided by Driver Knowledge: There are over six million car accidents in the U.S. each year Three million people in the U.S. are severely injured every year in car accidents One in seven drivers don’t wear a seatbelt Seatbelts reduce the risk of death by around 45 percent Drivers who refuse to wear a seatbelt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from their car during a crash Crashes typically result in six percent fatality, 27 percent non-fatal injuries, and 72 percent property damage Read on to discover more surprising facts about car accidents and how you can stay safe. Most Car Collisions Occur Close to Home Many drivers mistakenly believe they can recklessly drive to nearby locations because they won’t be on the road for long. For example, if you live across the street from a grocery store, you may be tempted to drive at maximum speed without a seatbelt because you think your drive isn’t a big deal. However, this puts you and others at risk of an accident. Most car accidents occur close to a driver’s place of residence. A survey conducted by Progressive Insurance found that half of all accidents occur within five miles from a driver’s home, and about a third of them are within 15 miles from their home. Thirty-One Percent of Collisions Involve Alcohol Thirty-one percent of all traffic-related fatalities in the U.S. involve a drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Each year, there are over 10,400 fatalities in the U.S. that involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Even if you’ve only had one drink, it’s best not to go behind the wheel. Ask a loved one for a ride or take public transportation. Rollovers Accidents Are Lethal Rollover accidents are the most dangerous type of accident due to the high number of occupant ejections and head injuries. Furthermore, rollover accidents only account for three percent of all crashes, yet are responsible for over 30 percent of all motor vehicle occupant deaths, according to Safe Roads. How Can I Stay Safe on the Road? Follow these measures to maximize your safety: Never reply to a text while you’re driving. It can wait. Ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition and inspect your tires once a month. Always wear a seatbelt, even if your destination is one minute away. Avoid speeding as much as possible Only take your baby or toddler for a ride if you have a high-quality car seat; make sure you install it correctly. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Is Here to Help Unfortunately, even if you abide by road safety practices, other drivers may not be as careful as you. If you were recently involved in a collision that left you injured or traumatized, you might be eligible for compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you attain the damages you deserve. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What Happens If I Never Report an Accident to the Police?
The average American will experience at least four car accidents in their lifetime, according to Forbes. Thankfully, the probability of severely injuring yourself or others is low; however, costly repairs are an unfortunate reality in several cases. Regardless, it’s essential to contact the authorities after a car wreck. Discover why it’s crucial to report a car accident to the police. What Does the Law Say? In most states, you’re required by law to contact the police and file a report after a collision. Even if your state doesn’t require submitting a police report, we recommend you do so regardless of damages. Moreover, your insurance policy may also require you to contact the police within a specific timeframe. Read on to learn about why it’s in your best interest to file a police report. What’s the Issue With Not Filing a Police Report? Some people make the mistake of not filing a police report because their damages aren’t severe. Perhaps both parties believe that involving the police will only prolong the recovery process. Here are a few reasons why you should file a police report: Car accident injuries may take weeks to show up. If you plan on seeking compensation for medical bills, you will need to have a police report on file for proof. You may have a different recollection of the situation months later. A police report will shine a light on the truth if the other party files a claim or lawsuit against you. Your insurance company will need a police report to verify you were driving responsibly when the accident occurred. Without one, your insurance rates can skyrocket. What Can I Do If I Don’t Have a Police Report? If you don’t have a police report, you can still file a claim; however, it will be more difficult for your insurance company to prove your case without one. Fortunately, you can work with the following: Third-party witness statements: These are statements you can collect from eyewitnesses who were present at the site of the accident. They can help clear up confusion and disagreements between you and the other party. Footage from surveillance cameras: Perhaps your car accident was caught on video by security, traffic, or personal dash cameras. Using video footage can backup witness statements, and they’re an unbiased, concrete source of proof. Accident scene recreation: Depending on the severity of the accident and what stage of your lawsuit you’re in, a judge may order you to attain an accident scene recreation drawing, which is a visual recreation or sketch of an accident. Typically, they depict the accident, surrounding area, vehicles, and people involved. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help If you were recently involved in a car accident and didn’t file a police report, you will need to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. At Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, we understand car accidents can cause significant physical injury or property damage, so we’re here to help you attain the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free case evaluation today.
What’s an Example of Contributory Negligence?
When an event results in injury, one of the first questions on people’s minds is, “Whose fault was it?” When multiple parties may be at fault, it’s up to the jury to split the responsibility between all parties involved. So, how does the victim collect compensation? Continue reading to find out. Understanding Negligence A judge may find a party negligent if their behavior causes an unnecessary risk of injury to another party. Every state abides by a set of rules known as joint and several liabilities, which helps determine the compensation (amount) of damages (if any) the defendant must pay the plaintiff (victim). Furthermore, each state either follows contributory negligence or comparative negligence. In today’s blog, we’re going to focus on contributory negligence. What Is Contributory Negligence? Contributory negligence characterizes conduct that creates an unreasonable risk to one’s self. The idea is that an individual has a duty of care to act reasonably. When a person fails to act reasonably, and an injury occurs, they’re entirely or partially responsible for said injury—even if there’s another party involved. Examples of Contributory Negligence Example 1: Bob, a motorist, strikes Jennifer, a pedestrian. Jennifer crossed the street without looking both ways, and she also ignored a “Do Not Cross” sign standing by the streetlight. Who do you think is at fault in this situation? Once the injured party (plaintiff) files a negligence claim, the defendant can file a contributory negligence claim against the plaintiff. This document states the injury occurred partially as a result of the plaintiff’s actions. If the defendant proves the contributory negligence claim, the plaintiff might be ineligible to receive damages. However, if the judge believes the plaintiff should still receive compensation, they may reduce the amount to reflect the plaintiff’s role in the resulting injury. In this example, a judge would find Jennifer partially at fault for recklessly crossing the street; therefore, Jennifer is liable for contributory negligence. Example 2: Martha is driving when suddenly, she’s cut off by a reckless driver named Patrick, resulting in an accident. Unfortunately, Martha ends up with a neck injury. At the time of the accident, Martha drove at 80 mph, even though the posted speed limit is 60 mph. Under contributory negligence, Martha may not be able to collect damages from Patrick for her injury or car. A judge might rule her negligence contributed to the collision because she was speeding. The extent of Martha’s injuries and Patrick’s recklessness don’t matter under contributory negligence. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help With Your Claim If someone sues you for negligence, but you believe the plaintiff is partially at fault, you might be able to file a counterclaim for contributory negligence. One of the experienced personal injury attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you hold the other party accountable in court. Schedule a free case evaluation today.
What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
Over three million people are injured each year in car accidents in the U.S. alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some injuries don’t require medical attention, but severe ones can result in a permanent disability. In today’s blog, we will discuss the two categories of car accident injuries. The Two Categories of Car Accident Injuries There are two broad categories of injuries caused by car collisions, which are impact injuries and penetrating injuries. Impact injuries usually occur when someone’s body hits a part of the car’s interior, such as when a person’s knees hit the dashboard during a crash. On the other hand, penetrating injuries are typically cuts and scratches, usually as a result of shattered windows. Below are the five most common car accident injuries. Number One: Whiplash Whiplash is the common name for ligament, muscle, and tendon injuries that can result from a car collision. When you’re involved in a car accident, your body jolts suddenly, resulting in bodily trauma. Typically, a person experiencing whiplash may strain their muscles and soft tissues without fracturing their bones. Furthermore, this sensation is painful, and in severe cases, it can take months to heal. Number Two: Traumatic Brain Injury Unfortunately, traumatic brain injury is difficult to diagnose. Worst of all, it’s usually permanent. If you experience this injury, you may lose brain functionality, suffer daily headaches, and have difficulty sleeping. Number Three: Broken Ribs Ribs are fragile, and even light or moderate impact can fracture them. You may suffer from fractured ribs in a car accident when you’re pushed forwards, backwards, or sideways as a result of the impact. Sadly, if you break your ribs, you may have to spend months at the hospital. Number Four: Internal Bleeding After a crash, you may experience internal bleeding, which is difficult to diagnose. Because you can’t see the internal bleeding, it can take a few days to realize you have it. If you suspect you’re going through this, you should go to the hospital immediately. If left untreated, you might experience chronic gastrointestinal problems and high blood pressure. Number Five: Knee Trauma If your knees strike your dashboard during a collision, you may develop knee trauma due to strained ligaments and fractured kneecaps. If this occurs, you may need braces, crutches, or surgery to reconstruct your knee. Unfortunately, you may have difficulty walking for the rest of your life. How Can I Prevent Car Accident Injuries? Although you can’t control other drivers on the road, there are a few measures you can take to protect yourself: Always wear your seatbelt Abide by speed limits Inspect your car once a month to make sure everything is in working order Never text and drive Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Is Here for You Car crashes can result in a lifetime of trauma, injury, and medical expenses. If you were recently struck by a negligent driver, a personal injury attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free case evaluation today.