Reno Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Safety attitudes can impact risk of Reno car accidents this holiday season

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:04:26 -0800

The AAA Foundation for Highway Safety has released its 2010 Traffic Safety Cultural Index, which continues to show that motorists largely ignore the dangers associated with text messaging or using a cell phone while driving.

Our Reno, Nevada car accident lawyers understand the risks associated with distracted driving. Few car accidents are accidents in the strictest sense of the word. The federal government reports that one-third of the nation's fatal car accidents involve a drunk driver, leading to 11,000 deaths nationwide each year. Speeding contributes to an equal number. Distracted driving ranks third, causing an estimated 5,000 deaths and nearly 500,000 injuries each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. When someone is victimized in an accident caused by the negligence of another motorist, he or she can and should be compensated for injuries, including pain and suffering, and past present and future medical expenses.

Consulting an experienced injury attorney in Nevada can help protect your rights and the financial well-being of you and your family.

This is the third year the foundation has gauged public sentiment regarding some of the leading threats to motorist safety. "In some regards our society does appear to value safety or at least is concerned about certain safety issues," the foundation reports. "On the other hand, this survey also highlights some aspects of the current traffic safety culture that might be characterized most appropriately as a culture of indifference."

Among the most pressing concerns is the fact that many drivers acknowledge that it is completely unacceptable to text and drive, yet large numbers admit to doing so anyway.

The attorneys and staff at Joey Gilbert & Associates, Ltd wish each of you a safe and enjoyable holiday. In reviewing attitudes toward safety, perhaps you and your family can vow to make some changes in 2011 or otherwise work to keep yourselves safe through the holiday travel season.

Results of the study include:

Crash experience: Half of Americans have been involved in a serious crash or have a friend or relative who has been seriously injured or killed in a traffic accident.

Safety Perception: The number of people who feel safe on the road dropped a staggering 17 percent last year. More than half feel less safe than 5 years ago. Driver distraction is the leading cause.

Drinking and Driving: Drunk driving is seen as a serious threat. Less than 2 percent of drivers admit to drinking and driving in the last month. There is near-universal support for requiring ignition interlock devices for repeat DUI offenders.

Cell phones and text messaging: Two-thirds of drivers admit to talking on the phone and driving in the last month. One-third admit to doing so regularly. There is only moderate disapproval for the behavior.
-Most view texting and driving as a serious safety threat. Yet one-quarter admit to doing so.
-Two-thirds of Americans support restricting hand-held cell phone use by drivers.

Speeding: Nearly half of drivers admit to driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway in the last month. One-third consider it acceptable. Far fewer would driver that far over the limit on a residential street.

Red Light Running: One-third admit to running a red light in the last month. Most drivers report it is unacceptable to do so.

Drowsy Driving: Most acknowledge that it is an extreme hazard. One-fourth admit to driving while so tired they could hardly keep their eyes open at some point during the last month.

Seat Belt Use: Most drivers say it is unacceptable to not wear a seat belt. Three-quarters report always wearing their seat belt. Two-thirds support primary seat belt enforcement laws, which permit offices to stop and ticket motorists for not buckling up.

Pedestrian accidents, parking lot accidents, a holiday danger in Reno

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:35:13 -0800

Reno pedestrian accidents and parking lot accidents are a danger during the busy holiday shopping season. In some cases, premise liability issues can result in dangerous conditions. In other cases, motorists in a hurry can be at-fault in backover accidents.

The Reno personal injury lawyers and the staff at Joey Gilbert & Associates, Ltd wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Please look twice in parking lots and keep a hand on small children.

The federal government reports the elderly are also at increased risk of pedestrian accidents and backover accidents. In fact, the issue has prompted the U.S. Department of Transportation to propose tough new standards for the design of passenger vehicles.

"There is no more tragic accident than for a parent or caregiver to back out of a garage or driveway and kill or injure an undetected child playing behind the vehicle," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "The changes we are proposing today will help drivers see into those blind zones directly behind vehicles to make sure it is safe to back up."

The new rules require an expanded field of vision for all passenger vehicles. The government believes the auto industry will most likely comply by installing rearview cameras and dash monitors in all new cars by 2014.

"The steps we are taking today will help reduce back-over fatalities and injuries not only to children, but to the elderly, and other pedestrians," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "And while these changes will make a difference, drivers must remember that no technology can, or should, replace full attention and vigilance when backing up. Always know where your children are before you start your car and make sure you check that there is no one behind you before you back up."

The government estimates nearly 300 fatalities and 18,000 injuries occur each year as a result of backover accidents. Nearly half of all victims are children under the age of 5. One-third of such crashes involve the elderly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 56 people were killed in Nevada pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Weather, traffic, drunk driving, increase risks of Reno car accidents through Thanksgiving

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:01:34 -0800

The Reno personal injuryattorneys and staff at Joey Gilbert & Associates, Ltd know that this week’s winter storm - complete with whiteout conditions that led law enforcement to close portions of U.S. 395, I-80 and Mount Rose Highway and left 3,330 Reno residents without power - offered residents and visitors alike a refresher course on driving in inclement weather.

But fresh snow, sleet and rain paired with the busiest travel holiday of the year makes for hazardous road conditions, and leaves Reno and Tahoe drivers open to an increased risk of a Nevada car accident.

For winter sports enthusiasts, of course, a continued dumping of fresh powder is a recipe for a perfect skiing weekend, the Sierra Sun reports. Although the storm will have passed by the time most families are sitting down for a Thanksgiving feast and weekend plans that include plenty of football and shopping, more than six feet of snow at upper-elevations of Boreal Mountain Resort and a clear, crispy cool extended forecast is great news for area resorts.

Less thrilled with the weather, road and traffic conditions are holiday drivers and members of the Nevada Highway Patrol, the Reno Gazette-Journal reports. NHP spent much of the earlier half of Thanksgiving week helping nearly 80 stranded motorists, 51 drivers who had slid off the road, and handling 69 non-injury and 12 injury car accidents.

With that said, the NHP is asking that motorists follow a few guidelines before hitting the road this holiday season:

~ Make a travel plan that includes alternative routes, regular rest breaks and plenty of time to reach your destination. Share your travel itinerary with a friend or family member and be sure to include departure and arrival times and anticipated routes of travel.

~ Pack an emergency kit that includes: a cell phone (that you refrain from using while driving) with a charged battery, a flashlight, a blanket, a change of clothes, water, non-perishable food and a shovel.

~ Obey traffic signals and laws, particularly speed limits. NHP reports that nearly all accidents this week were caused by drivers traveling too fast for weather and road conditions.

~ On Black Friday - pay as much attention to the roads and parking lot surroundings as you do to advertisements.

Reno work accidents best handled by experienced Nevada workers' compensation lawyers

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:55:08 -0800

The U.S. Department of Labor announced this month that more than 1.2 million work injury or accident cases resulted in time away from work in 2009.

Sprains, strains and tears were the most commonly reported injury. Nationwide, work-related motor vehicle accidents continue to account for nearly half of all work injuries. So far this month, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration has also issued warnings about the safety of retail employees during Black Friday shopping events, the dangers of falls in the workplace, and the hazards associated with chemical exposure.

Reno work accidents are complex cases and require the knowledge of a Nevada workers' compensation lawyer and personal injury attorney who can protect your rights and the future financial well-being of you and your family.

Despite an overall decrease in the number of work accidents, which is attributable to the economic downturn, a number of professions reported an increase in on-the-job injuries last year, including delivery drivers (up 24 percent), landscapers (up 10 percent), cooks (up 20 percent) and nurses (up 5 percent).

Tragically, people who would not dream of doing their own taxes, decide that negotiating the bureaucracy and competing interests of a work-accident claim is something they can handle on their own. Failure to properly report or pursue a claim can impact your ability to collect damages and get back on your feet. It may even prevent you from seeking disability compensation should you be unable to return to work or should your condition worsen in the future.

Unfortunately, in today's uncertain economic environment, employees are being asked to do more than ever before. And many may be hesitant about reporting a work accident, particularly if they don't believe the injury is serious. Laws are in place to prevent injured employees from being retaliated against for reporting a work accident. And many types of injuries can worsen over time.

Once you are injured, you and your employer have conflicting interests. Consulting an experienced Reno workers' compensation lawyer can prevent the kind of unnecessary stress that results when a claim turns complicated or contentious, which is frequently the case. Permitted treatment options, your disability ratings under Nevada law and the timeliness of payments are all issues with which a Nevada work-accident lawyer can assist you.

When you or a loved one is injured in a work accident, you need an advocate whose focus is on fighting for the resources necessary to restore your health.

Nevada workers' compensation payments can:

-Pay for necessary medical treatment to help you recover to the greatest extend possible.

-Pay partial compensation for lost wages.

-Compensates dependents for work-related death.

-Compensates for permanent loss of use or body function.

Steps to take following a work accident in Reno

-Report the injury to your employer. Make the report in writing and keep a copy for yourself. The law gives you 7 days.

-Seek medical treatment. Don't wait. The law permits 90 days but long delays in seeking medical treatment can make it more difficult to prove the injury resulted from a work accident.

-The insurance company must notify you within 30 days about the acceptance or denial of your claim. Again, you should have a Reno injury lawyer help prepare and review your claim. Omitted body parts or injuries on a claim form are as good as a denial.

-Denied claims must be challenged within 70 days. If you have had an experienced law firm represent you thus far, it will be much easier to prepare the necessary challenges.

Halloween safety in Reno means avoiding car accidents, pedestrian accidents and premise liability issues

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:09:17 -0800

Never mind the ghosts and goblins, keep on the lookout for Reno car accidents, pedestrian accidents and other mishaps thorough the Halloween weekend.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that about 500 motorists a year are killed during Halloween week, making it among the deadliest weeks on the nation's roads. Nationwide, authorities will be conduct a "Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest" campaign through the weekend.

And, while night driving always carries its own risk, driving at night through the weekend comes with a substantial increase in the risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident in Reno -- children are at the highest risk.

And the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that Halloween is among the busiest holidays in the nation's emergency rooms. Injuries to the hands are the most common; children ages 10-14 are most likely to be hurt.

The Reno Police Department is encouraging parents to take an active role in keeping children safe; slip and fall accidents, dog attacks and swimming pool accidents are just a few of the ways children or other revelers can be injured or killed on Halloween. Property owners and party hosts have an obligation to ensure safe passage of passers-by and the safety of invited guests.

The City of Reno provides the following safety tips:

-Ensure costumes are fire resistant and fit well. Props, such as swords, should be soft and flexible so as not to result in injury in the event of a fall.

-Toy guns are not recommended.

-Instruct children to never enter a stranger's home or car.

-Make sure children carry a flashlight and use reflective tape on their clothing.

-Do not permit younger children to wander alone. They should be accompanied by adults or teenagers.

-Parents should plan a safe trick-or-treat route.

-Stay in well-lit and populated areas.

-Family members should all have a set time for returning home.

-Treats should be inspected by an adult before being eaten.

Talk to your teenager about the risk of Reno car accidents during Teen Driver Safety Week

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:37:30 -0800

Our Reno, Nevada car accident attorneys encourage parents to speak with their teenagers about the dangers of poor driving decisions during National Teen Driver Safety Week (Oct. 17-24).

Here you can find a driving contract for Nevada teens that covers distracted driving, alcohol use, seatbelts, nighttime driving and issues involving passengers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers ages 15 to 20. Nationwide, 2,739 teen drivers were killed and 228,000 were injured in car accidents in 2008. Nearly one-third of them had been drinking.

A total of 6,428 motorists were killed in accidents with young drivers that year. Nevada car accidents involving young drivers claimed 54 lives. Boys are at greatest risk. A recent government survey found that one-fourth of all male teenagers had either driven drunk in the last year or ridden in a vehicle with a driver who had too much to drink.

The start of the school year, homecoming season, and the upcoming holiday season are among the most dangerous times of the year for young drivers. Aside from drinking and driving, teenagers are among those at the highest risk of having a serious or fatal accident caused by distracted driving.

The U.S. Department of Transportation blames about 5,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries each year on accidents caused by distracted driving. Only drunk driving and speeding are blamed for more fatalities.

Sixteen percent of all accidents involving those under the age of 20 were blamed on distracted driving, the highest of any age group. Teen drivers are also the most likely to text message or talk on a cell phone while driving.

A recent study found that teenagers understand the risks associated with distracted driving -- they just ignore them. However, a separate study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that teens limit risky behavior if they know parents are watching.

Distracted Driving a leading cause of Reno car accidents, traffic crashes nationwide

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 07:49:03 -0800

A Las Vegas family participated in last week's Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C., highlighting the risk of Nevada car accidents caused by distracted driving, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Richard and Jenifer Watkins were newlyweds when they attempted to help a friend who was stranded on northbound Highway 95 in Jan. 2004. As they pulled onto the shoulder, the were slammed into by a half-ton pickup driven by a 17-year-old girl who was doing 75 mph, talking on a cell phone and adjusting the radio.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported this month that the percentage of accidents caused by distracted driving has increased nationwide in the last five years, from 10 percent in 2005 to 16 percent last year.

Nationwide, a total of 5,474 motorists were killed and 448,000 were seriously injured in accidents caused by distracted driving. The nations chief transportation official called it an "epidemic."

“These numbers show that distracted driving remains an epidemic in America, and they are just the tip of the iceberg,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

At least 63 fatalities in Nevada have been attributed to distracted driving in recent years -- a number that is likely conservative because of uneven reporting about whether cell phone use, text messaging or other forms of distracted driving contributed to car accidents in the state.

While traffic accidents are in decline nationwide --- we reported recently on our Reno Personal Injury Lawyer Blog that Nevada recorded the largest percentage decline in the nation -- distracted driving, speeding and drunk driving continue to be responsible for the most serious and fatal accidents nationwide.

The Governor's Highway Safety Association reports that 30 states ban text messaging by drivers -- of those, 11 have passed laws this year. Eight other state ban the use of all hand-held cell phones by drivers.

Nevada has no law aimed at the dangers of distracted driving.

Nevada reports largest percentage decline in car accidents nationwide in 2009

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:24:05 -0800

Fewer fatal car accidents were recorded last year in the United States than at anytime since 1950, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Fatal traffic accidents in Nevada declined by 25 percent, the largest decline reported in the nation.

Our Reno, Nevada car accident lawyers continue to believe the waning economy has been responsible for the majority of the decline in serious and fatal car accidents seen across the country, but particularly in vacation and destination states like Nevada, Arizona and Florida. Still, the government's announcement this week that accidents decline almost 10 percent puts fatal accidents at a level not seen in almost 60 years.

In all, 33,808 people were killed and about 2.217 million were injured in traffic accidents in 2009, compared to 37,423 deaths and 2.346 million injuries reported in 2008. Forty-one states reported a reduction in fatalities, led by Florida (422 fewer) and Texas (405 fewer).

“Today’s announcement shows that America’s roads are the safest they’ve ever been," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. "But they must be safer. And we will not rest until they are.”

Fatal Nevada traffic accidents declined from 324 in 2008 to 243 in 2009.

Nationwide, alcohol-related traffic accidents still account for about one-third of all traffic fatalities. Fatal drunk driving accidents in Nevada declined from 33 percent to 28 percent; a total of 106 motorists were killed in drunk driving accidents in Nevada in 2008, compared to 68 in 2009.

"We are still losing more than 30,000 lives a year on our highways, and about a third of these involve drunk driving," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland "We will continue to work with our state partners to strictly enforce both seat belt use and anti-drunk driving laws across this nation."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that traffic accidents continue to be the leading cause of death for those ages 3 to 34.

Reduction in Reno car accidents could result from text messaging ban

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:26:28 -0800

Nevada's lack of movement on outlawing text messaging or other dangerous driving behavior is likely to be a topic of conversation at the upcoming national Distracted Driving Summit, scheduled for Sept. 21 in Washington, D.C.

Advocates say banning text messaging, and/or hand-held cell phone use while driving, could reduce the number of serious and fatal Reno car accidents and accidents elsewhere in Nevada. Nationwide, an estimated 6,000 people are killed and 500,000 are injured each year in accidents caused by distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported in 2008 that the state estimates up to 30 percent of fatal accidents are caused by distracted driving. That article was in regards to a possible text messaging ban that never materialized.

The Governor's Highway Safety Association reports that Nevada is one of only a few states who have done nothing about the issue. Others include Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota, Ohio and South Carolina. Thirty states now ban text messaging by all drivers --11 of those states have enacted laws this year.

The government hopes the upcoming summit can be used as a tool to induce states to enact tougher safety measures.

“Working together, we can put an end to the thousands of needless deaths and injuries caused by distracted driving each year,” said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “By getting the best minds together, I believe we can figure out how to get people to put down their phones and pay attention to the road.”

If asking nicely doesn't work, all signs point to the use of the stick; withholding federal highway dollars was the primary means used to get states to fall in line when it comes to speed limits and a uniform standard for drunk driving offenses.

Media reports indicate that Congress is already considering the use of highway funding as a motivator for states that have been slow to act.

Road worker severely burned in traffic accident; car accidents a leading cause of Reno work accidents

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:48:11 -0800

A hit-and-run Reno car accident has left a road worker critically burned and suffering life-threatening injuries, the Gazette-Journal reported.

A Reno injury lawyer should always be called to represent anyone who is seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident. In this case, a Nevada workers' compensation claim may also be filed since the victim was injured while on the job.

The Reno Police Department is searching for a gray vehicle, possibly a Toyota or Scion, that was involved in the accident at Double R Boulevard and Prototype Drive in South Reno. The accident happened about 12:40 a.m. Thursday. Police said two men, who were working either for the City of Reno or the Regional Transportation Commission, were re-striping Prototype Drive. The operator of the re-striping machine saw a vehicle run over several lane-closure cones as the vehicle veered toward the machine. The operator jumped out of the way but the car hit the machine and the other road worker. In addition to blunt-force trauma, he was splashed with plastic heated to 400 degrees.

The victim was transported to Renown Regional Medical Center with severe injuries, including broken ribs and extensive burn injuries. He has since been transported to the UC Davis Burn Center in Sacramento, where he is listed in critical condition.

The suspect vehicle is missing its front bumper and should have white plastic spray on it. Anyone with information is asked to call the police department's traffic division at 334-2141 or Secret Witness at 322-4900.

The NBC4 report is available here.

The CBS2 report is available here.

Reno car accidents can result in Nevada work injury or personal injury claim

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:55:29 -0800

The driver who caused a Reno semi accident has been cited for driving too fast for conditions, KOLOTV reported.

The crash happened on Mount Rose Highway on Monday. The driver was headed downhill toward Reno with a truckload of debris from the Tannenbaum Event Center -- formerly the Christmas Tree Restaurant. The driver of the truck was not hurt in this case but the road was closed for several hours.

Our Reno car accident lawyers urge motorists to use extra caution when traveling around large semis or dump trucks. Their extreme weight and unsecured loads pose a significant threat to other motorists on the road. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 1 in 9 fatal accidents in the United States involves a large truck or commercial vehicle.

Nationwide, 380,000 crashes involving semis and other large commercial vehicles killed 4,229 motorists and injured more than 90,000 in 2008.

Traffic accidents are also a significant cause of Nevada work accidents for truckers, law enforcement officers, postal workers, delivery drivers and other employees who drive as a part of their job. Speaking with a Reno work accident attorney or Nevada workers' compensation lawyer is critical to protecting your rights and the future financial well-being of you and your family in the wake of a serious or fatal work accident.

In 2008, nearly 1 in 4 fatal work accidents in the private sector involved a highway accident, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reported that 1,044 of 4,670 fatal work accidents involved traffic fatalities.

It is important for employees to understand that car insurance is not the only means of available recovery following a Nevada car accident while on the job. However, attempting to handle an accident or workers' compensation case yourself is not the best course of action for protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation necessary to pay for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitative care and other expenses resulting from the accident.

Reno injury attorneys wish you a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:46:07 -0800

The Reno Injury Lawyers at Joey Gilbert & Associates, Ltd wish each of you a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July and encourage you to celebrate responsibly and leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Authorities will be out in force looking for speeders, drunk drivers, and other unsafe motorists. While New Year's gets top billing when it comes to the risk of a serious or fatal accident, the fact is that Thanksgiving and Fourth of July have been the deadliest holidays on our nation's roads in recent years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Nationwide holiday traffic fatalities in 2008:

New Year's: 104

Memorial Day: 370

Fourth of July: 437

Labor Day: 423

Thanksgiving: 439

Christmas: 364

New Year's Eve: 37

AAA expects 35 million motorists to hit the road over the long holiday weekend, up almost 20 percent from the 30 million travelers last Fourth of July.

Another primary concern will be fireworks injuries in Nevada. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 200 people a day are treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries in the month surrounding the Fourth of July. Nationwide, more than 8,000 people will be treated for fireworks injuries, with injuries to the hands and face being the most common.

Many fireworks are illegal in some areas of Nevada, and are always best left to the professionals. Even at a professional fireworks display, it is not uncommon for guests to be injured by falling debris or other causes. Those injured by fireworks, whether at a private display on someone's property, or a professional fireworks show, should consult a Reno injury attorney to discuss their rights.

The CPSC offers the following safety tips:

-Only use fireworks legally approved in your area.

-Never allow children to use fireworks.

-Avoid buying fireworks in brown paper packaging, this is often a sign they are professional-grade fireworks meant only for professional use.

-Never allow any portion of your body to be directly over fireworks when lighting. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.

-Never try to re-light a malfunctioning fireworks.

-Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

-Keep water handy in case of a fire or mishap.

-Light one item at a time and move away quickly.

-Douse spent or malfunctioning devices in water.

Reno trucking accident kills driver, destroys home

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:34:57 -0800

A Reno trucking accident has claimed the life of a driver after a semi crashed into a two story home near the Mount Rose Highway runaway truck ramps, the Sierra Sun reported.

The semi accident killed the 41-year-old San Diego trucker and destroyed the home near the intersection of State Routes 431 and 28. Initial reports indicate the driver lost control of his lumber-hauling semi and was catapulted off the runaway truck ramp. The truck flew through the air and landed on the home at 645 Woodridge Circle. A 19-year-old resident was the only one home at the time of the accident and escaped without injuries. Four cats died in the subsequent fire.

The owner of the trucking company said the driver had no previous accidents on his driving record and the truck had undergone consistent maintenance. It was last inspected on June 1 and the semi trailer hauling the lumber was inspected on June 7. Overheated brakes are one possible explanation.

The Nevada Department of Transportation and the Nevada Highway Patrol are investigating the accident and will take a look at the ramp to see if improvements can be made.

Semi accidents are a leading cause of serious and fatal accidents. More than 380,000 commercial trucking accidents occur each year in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One out of every nine traffic fatalities involves a large truck. In 2008, a total of 4,229 people were killed and more than 90,000 injured in trucking accidents.

Nevada semi accidents claimed 21 lives that year.

Summer riding season a dangerous time for Nevada motorcycle accidents

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:54:37 -0800

A Reno man has died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Highway 20 near Sutter, the Appeal-Democrat reported.

The 54-year-old was riding with a passenger, westbound on Highway 20, when a 39-year-old motorist made a left turn in front of him, according to authorities. The motorcycle crashed into the side of the Chevy Tahoe, killing the biker. His 49-year-old passenger was transported to the hospital by medical helicopter.

The Tahoe driver could face manslaughter charges, depending on the outcome of the investigation. A 48-year-old rider was killed in a motorcycle accident at the same intersection last spring.

Nationwide, 5,290 riders were killed and more than 96,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Fifty-nine riders were killed in Nevada motorcycle accidents, while California led the nation with 537 fatalities.

The summer months are the deadliest time of year for motorcycle accidents; the majority of serious and fatal riding accidents occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The following information is adapted from the Motorcycle safety Foundation's 10 things every car and truck driver should know about motorcycles:

Look for motorcycles: There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road and riders are easy to miss. Check carefully, especially at intersections.

Appearances can be deceiving: A motorcycle's small size often makes it appear farther away than it is and can make judging speed difficult. Predict a motorcycle is closer than it appears. And, if in doubt, wait for it to pass.

Beware of blind spots: Motorcycles can be easily hidden by a vehicle's blind spots or masked by outside obstacles, such as trees, vegetation, traffic or parked cars. Check thoroughly before proceeding.

Speed: Because of their small size, motorcycles often appear to be traveling fast. Don't assume a motorcycle is speeding.

Brake lights: Riders often slow down by rolling out of the throttle -- not by using the brake. So brake lights are a poor indication of a rider's intentions. Allow extra room when following a motorcycle and predict that it may slow without warning.

Turn signals: Turn signals on motorcycles often do not shut off on their own. Don't rely on a turn signal to determine a rider's intentions.

No crowding: Motorcycles often adjust positions within a lane to obtain a better view of the road or to avoid small road defects that would not bother a passenger car. Motorcycles are entitled to their own lane. Do not crowd them.

Maneuverability: Is one of a motorcycle's best characteristics. But don't expect it to always be able to dodge out of the way.

Stopping distance: Motorcycles require about the same distance for stopping as cars -- slippery roads can make stopping especially difficult. Allow more room when following a motorcycle and don't assume it can always stop on a dime.

Vulnerability: View a motorcycle in motion as a person on the road. They are just as vulnerable.

Nevada Senator's Wife Recovering after Car Accident that Caused Serious Injuries

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:01:43 -0800

Last month, the wife and daughter of Nevada Senator Harry Reid were injured in a major car accident involving a tractor-trailer in Virginia. The minivan in which they were driving was rear-ended by the tractor-trailer, and Mrs. Reid suffered severe injuries, including a broken back and broken neck.

Car accidents that cause serious injuries generally require lengthier investigations than the typical automobile crash. In addition, victims of serious injuries (such as any kind of broken bones, as opposed to soft tissue damage) face a longer period of recovery and medical treatment. As a result, claims for compensation for such injuries may take longer to settle. In addition, because they are faced with more severe consequences, the parties at fault in a major accident may be more inclined to contest liability.

Tractor-trailer accidents are also somewhat different than the typical car accidents. The trucking industry is heavily regulated, and truck drivers and trucking companies are expected to follow particular procedures in order to avoid accidents. For example, truck drivers must perform a safety inspection before they start their drive; they must repeatedly check their breaks; they must properly secure the load that they carry, and they are required by law to get a certain amount of sleep and rest in order to ensure that they drive safely. Failure to follow any of those rules may be considered negligence on the part of the driver and would therefore impact the outcome of any trial related to a tractor-trailer accident.

If you have been involved in a major car accident or in a collision with a tractor-trailer in the Reno area, you should contact an experienced Reno attorney who would be best able to help you protect yourself.