Greene & Schultz Trial LawyersBloomington Personal Injury Attorney | Indianapolis Trial Lawyer | Indianapolis, IN2024-03-14T14:05:00Zhttps://www.greeneschultz.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1401202/2020/05/cropped-favicon512-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyershttps://www.greeneschultz.com/?p=503692024-03-14T13:39:22Z2023-11-30T15:24:45ZWhat streets see the most crashes and the worst collisions?
According to recent statements from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, 146th Street is the origin of more calls than any other specific road in the region. Many of these crashes occur at busy intersections. In fact, seven of the eight most common locations for crashes in the county were on 146th Street.
Another dangerous road is 38th Street. West 38th Street between Moller Road and I-465 has a high number of collisions. So does West 38th Street between Meridian Street and Boulevard Place. East 38th Street also makes the list, between Sherman Avenue and the State Fairgrounds.
Emerson Avenue is a high-risk thoroughfare. Its intersection with Thompson Road is problematic. Thompson Road also has several other intersections that have an elevated number of crashes. East Southport Road, I-465, including some of its ramps, and Allisonville Road are also among the most dangerous roads in the greater Indianapolis area.
Many of these streets are incredibly busy. Traffic congestion, driver distraction and visibility issues all contribute to the level of risk on specific roads. Certain maneuvers, like left-hand turns, can increase someone's chances of a major wreck on these streets.
Obviously, it is not practical for Indianapolis drivers to simply avoid every street with a high speed limit or a high density of traffic. However, those who are aware of factors that contribute to their overall crash risk, including the frequency of severe collisions in an area, may be able to make safer choices.]]>On Behalf of Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyershttps://www.greeneschultz.com/?p=503522024-03-14T13:41:03Z2023-10-11T13:59:46ZWrecks can affect the people involved for years
A car crash can be a traumatizing experience for many different people, particularly those in the vehicles when the crash occurs. Someone involved in a wreck that left them severely injured or claimed someone else's life may have severe emotional trauma resulting from the collision.
The trauma of experience may cause anxiety or depression symptoms. It may lead to an aversion to common activities, like riding in a motor vehicle. They may have intrusive memories, including debilitating flashbacks where they feel like they experience the crash all over again. They may have sleep disruptions or traumatic nightmares. Car accident trauma is one of the many life experiences that could lead to diagnosable PTSD. Those with PTSD from a car wreck may feel uncomfortable driving or even traveling in a motor vehicle.
Can people treat PTSD?
Researchers are only now beginning to understand PTSD and how to help people cope with or overcome it. There is an assortment of different treatments available, including therapeutic modules that focus on desensitization. Depending on the severity of someone's PTSD, they may require months or even years of treatment to reduce their symptoms, which can prove very expensive. In some cases, those diagnosed with PTSD may be able to include treatment costs in their car insurance claim. They may also need to consider civil litigation as a way to demand compensation from the driver who caused the wreck.
Acknowledging that a collision could be the source of severe mental health issues and massive expenses might help people better respond to both their medical and legal needs following a recent car wreck.]]>On Behalf of Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyershttps://www.greeneschultz.com/?p=503502024-03-14T13:45:39Z2023-10-09T11:11:09ZAvoid making eye contact
One of the ways that people escalate a road rage scenario is by directly engaging the other driver. Someone tailgating in a fit of road rage will likely stare into the rearview mirror of the person they follow. Road rage drivers may also enter the lane next to a motorist and try to catch their eye. Someone should avoid making eye contact and also avoid direct communication by yelling back and forth between vehicles, both of which may intensify the situation.
Slow down and back off
Drivers often feel a sense of urgency about where they want to be and could become angry at perceived inconveniences caused by other motorists. If a driver continues to stay at the front of a block of traffic, they may continue butting heads with the angry motorist. Slowing down, allowing other vehicles ahead and even moving onto another road as soon as possible are always to diffuse or end a road rage scenario.
Go somewhere safe other than home
Sometimes, road rage incidents culminate with one driver following the other somewhere and assaulting or threatening them. Heading directly home with an angry driver following is probably not a safe choice. Going to a public, well-lit area where someone can exit their vehicle and seek out other people will be the best way to avoid an escalation of the incident into physical violence.
Drivers may also want to use hands-free systems to call a non-emergency line for assistance if they feel directly threatened by another driver and worried about how the situation may escalate, or even lead to a car crash. Ultimately, knowing what steps to take to counter someone's road rage could make a major difference to someone's safety in traffic when they cross paths with an emotional driver.]]>On Behalf of Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyershttps://www.greeneschultz.com/?p=503152024-03-14T13:47:51Z2023-06-22T16:19:04ZSemi-trucks are crucial in the transportation industry, delivering goods across vast distances. But while these trucks are designed to handle substantial cargo, certain loads can pose significant risks and present major challenges for drivers.
Understanding the most dangerous loads for semi trucks can help ensure road safety and prevent truck accidents. Read on to discover high-risk loads that truck drivers encounter and the precautions and regulations associated with each.
Heavy machinery and equipment
Transporting heavy machinery and equipment is a common task for semi trucks. However, these loads can be extremely hazardous due to their immense size, weight and complexity. Construction equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers and cranes, often require specialized trailers and securing techniques to maintain stability during transport.Trucking companies must adhere to strict loading and securing guidelines to help mitigate the risks associated with hauling heavy machinery. This includes using appropriate tie-downs, chains and straps to help prevent the equipment from shifting or falling off the trailer. Furthermore, drivers must undergo specialized training to handle these loads safely and navigate potentially challenging road conditions.
Hazardous materials
Transporting hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids, corrosive substances or explosive materials, is another high-risk aspect of the trucking industry. The potential for accidents involving hazardous materials necessitates stringent safety protocols and compliance with regulations set by organizations like the Department of Transportation (DOT).Trucks carrying hazardous materials must display appropriate placards, signaling the nature of the cargo to other motorists and emergency responders. Additionally, drivers must possess specialized certifications, such as a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME), to handle and transport these substances safely. And most importantly, drivers need to be aware of the specific hazards associated with the materials they transport and be prepared to respond to emergencies effectively.
Oversized loads
Transporting oversized loads presents unique challenges for semi trucks. These loads often exceed the standard size limits and require special permits and escorts to help ensure safe passage. Oversized loads include items such as prefabricated buildings, wind turbine components or exceptionally long vehicles.Due to their dimensions, oversized loads can obstruct the driver's view and affect the truck's maneuverability. To mitigate these risks, drivers must carefully plan their routes to avoid low bridges, narrow roads or areas with weight restrictions. Escort vehicles may also be necessary to warn other drivers and provide assistance during challenging maneuvers.If you’ve been injured in a wreck with a semi or your loved one was killed, find out more about your legal options.]]>On Behalf of Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyershttps://www.greeneschultz.com/?p=503122024-03-14T13:50:20Z2023-06-21T13:41:27ZWhat do recent crash statistics show?
Cyclists don't have much protection when crashes occur. Their bicycles won't do much to absorb the force of impact, and helmets can only do so much to reduce someone's risk of severe injury and death. Unfortunately, even though many motor vehicles have become safer in recent years, they have also become quite a bit bigger in general, which might be one of the reasons why more cycling fatalities have occurred in recent years.
According to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 966 cyclist deaths in traffic collisions in 2021, which was a significant increase from 2019, when 858 cyclists died. The 2021 fatalities were the highest reported since 1975.
How can cyclists protect themselves?
Careful adherence to traffic laws is crucial for the safety of cyclists, as is using a dedicated lane whenever one is available. Although cyclists do not have to wear helmets, purchasing safety gear and also visibility gear may decrease their risk on the road. Cyclists may also want to consider adding extra insurance to their motor vehicle insurance policy. Although people don't always realize it, their policy can provide supplemental coverage after a cycling crash, which can be invaluable given the extent of the injuries possible.
Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit may be a necessary step for those involved in a bicycle-car collision and worried about covering medical expenses and recouping their lost income. Seeking legal guidance is a good place to start.]]>On Behalf of Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyershttps://www.greeneschultz.com/?p=503032024-03-14T13:52:54Z2023-04-11T09:05:35Zcollisions can occur anywhere, they seem to be a bigger concern in Indianapolis than elsewhere in the state in recent years. In fact, according to a review of the most dangerous roads in the state, half of the deadliest streets in Indiana are right here in Indianapolis.
What streets are the most dangerous?
Evaluating where drivers have the most crash risk can be a challenge. Looking at home many people have died in collisions is one way to determine how dangerous specific roads actually are.
The deadliest road in the state is in Indianapolis. 38th Street between North Hawthorne Lane and Cornelius Avenue saw 10 fatal crashes and 11 deaths between 2018 and 2020. Four other dangerous roads in the top 10 deadliest in the state are also here in Indianapolis.
Madison Avenue between East Murry Street and Lisa Walk Drive had seven traffic fatalities during the same time, while Shadeland Avenue between East 21st Street and Mill View Drive had six traffic deaths in those three years. East 21st Street also had six deaths reported. The last Indianapolis street in the top 10 deadliest is East 30th Street between Bavarian Drive and North Bolton Avenue, where five people lost their lives in traffic collisions.
Motorists won't necessarily be able to avoid traveling on the roads with the highest number of fatal crashes, but they can at least be a little more cautious when on those riskier stretches of street. Although local authorities may take steps to improve safety in areas where crashes frequently occur, the drivers on the Indianapolis streets are the only ones who can truly prevent collisions.
Learning more about where vehicle crash risk is the highest can help people in Indianapolis stay a bit safer when they are navigating traffic.]]>On Behalf of Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyershttps://www.greeneschultz.com/?p=502242024-03-14T13:55:16Z2023-04-07T12:57:15ZWhat is comparative negligence?
Comparative negligence is the legal concept that each party involved in a situation could potentially have contributed to its outcome. A crash caused by a drunk driver involving someone without their headlights on after dusk is a prime example.
The drunk driver should not have gotten behind the wheel while in a chemically-impaired state, but the person that they hit also should have had their headlights on and should have used a turn signal because they intended to turn left at a major intersection. The fault for the crash may ultimately still fall to the person who was drunk, but the courts may agree that the driver who did not use their lights and turn signals has some fault.
The courts will assign a specific percentage of fault under the Indiana comparative negligence statute. The modified comparative negligent law means that as long as that percentage is under 51%, the person pursuing the claim can still take the other party to court. However, the courts will reduce the compensation awarded to the plaintiff by the percentage of fault assigned to them for the incident.
Comparative negligence often comes into play in car crash scenarios, but it can also influence the outcome of premises liability claims and numerous other personal injury issues.
The burden of proof is on the defendant
If one party involved in an incident files a lawsuit against another, the party trying to lay the blame on the plaintiff will have to provide evidence for their claims. While the standard of proof is lower in civil court than in criminal court, there will need to be some kind of documentation affirming a defendant's claim that the plaintiff contributed to the situation and is partially responsible for the outcome.
Learning more about Indiana's personal injury laws can help people assert their rights in civil court with the assistance of a legal professional after car accidents or other fault-based incidents that result in physical harm.
]]>On Behalf of Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyershttps://www.greeneschultz.com/?p=499182024-03-14T13:57:02Z2023-03-27T16:31:36Zcrashes on highways. At least, to an extent.
Technology at on-ramps can identify wrong-way traffic
The state can install systems that detect vehicles entering the highway in the wrong direction. Sensors and cameras can help automated systems identify when someone goes the wrong way on a freeway ramp.
Although it can be quite expensive to install these systems, when fully operational, they could help deter wrong-way collisions in two ways. The system warns drivers by flashing lights, illuminating warning signs and possibly using an audible alarm to warn the person going the wrong way and others. If the driver doesn't turn around, the system notifies state police so that they can potentially intervene and prevent a crash.
Both the visual warning and the potential deployment of police officers could make all the difference and prevent a wrong-way crash from occurring because someone turned the wrong way.
Human error is a leading cause of collisions
The vast majority of crashes that occur are the fault of one or more of the drivers involved. It is also possible for one driver to do something so dangerous that they are the only one to blame for the wreck.
A wrong-way crash on a freeway is a perfect example of a scenario in which one driver's mistake is undoubtedly the underlying cause of a wreck. Those hurt in such scenarios may have grounds for an insurance claim or even a lawsuit against the driver who got on the highway going the wrong direction.
Learning about traffic risks can do more to protect people from motor vehicle collisions than waiting for technology to eliminate those risks. Similarly, speaking with an attorney about one’s rights and options can empower people more than simply hoping that the aftermath of a crash will be resolved favorably.]]>On Behalf of Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyershttps://www.greeneschultz.com/?p=499142024-03-14T13:59:37Z2023-02-25T01:47:27ZSleep apnea is common among truckers
Sleep apnea is a condition that affects respiration when someone is unconscious, and it has a strong association with loud snoring and disrupted sleep. When someone doesn't get sufficient sleep, they may notice a drop in their driving skill.
However, despite the known correlation between poor sleep and diminished driving ability, the FMCSA allows those with sleep apnea to operate commercial vehicles. In fact, the organization reports that almost one in three professionals with a commercial license currently have sleep apnea. These drivers are at risk of falling asleep at the wheel, succumbing to distraction in an effort to stay awake or failing to take appropriate actions to prevent a crash because of increased reaction times.
Who is to blame when a health issue causes a crash?
If someone has an issue at work because of a pre-existing medical condition, their liability is not the same as it might be if they did something obviously negligent, like choosing to drive after drinking. Still, when health issues cause performance issues and lead to crashes, commercial drivers may end up responsible for any harm that they cause.
Those affected by a collision could potentially file an insurance claim or take a drowsy driver or their employer to civil court. Understanding how a business may have contributed to a recent commercial vehicle crash can help the people affected pursue justice and financial compensation. Although sleep apnea isn’t a deterrent to obtaining a CDL, a crash investigation could reveal that a trucking company regularly allows drivers who fall asleep at the wheel to keep operating their trucks, which could absolutely affect the outcome of a victim’s case.]]>On Behalf of Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyershttps://www.greeneschultz.com/?p=499092024-03-14T14:01:16Z2023-02-23T17:02:58Zcollision. In other words, keeping your tires in good condition is crucial for your own protection both in a physical and a legal sense. So, when exactly do you need to make plans to replace the tires on your vehicle?
When the tread has worn a noticeable amount
What matters the most for safety is how much depth still exists in the tire tread. Experts recommend using a quarter and inserting it into one of the main grooves in the tire with the top of the quarter touching the surface of the tire. If you can see the space above George Washington's head, then that is an indication that the tires need replacements right away.
If the tread on your vehicle covers that space and some of his forehead, then you likely still have plenty of good miles left on those tires. When the treat aligns with the top of his head, it's likely time to think about new tires.
Maintenance is only one safety concern
Keeping your vehicle in good condition is always a smart move. Drivers also improve their own protections by frequently reviewing their insurance coverage, refreshing their safety knowledge concerning traffic hazards and reviewing unique traffic laws so that they can safely comply while driving.
Investing in your vehicle is one of your ways to avoid being named responsible for a motor vehicle crash and one of the best ways to keep yourself and your passengers as safe as you can be.]]>