Lancaster Taylor Lancaster | Taylor 2025-03-31T13:33:34Z https://www.lancastertaylor.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1404609/2020/04/cropped-favicon-final-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Lancaster | Taylor <![CDATA[6 Challenges In Truck Accident Cases]]> https://www.lancastertaylor.com/?p=49914 2024-08-27T07:26:29Z 2024-08-30T07:26:03Z Why Truck Accident Claims Are Complicated? Truck accidents are fatal. They often result in painful injuries and, in the worst cases, death. Receiving compensation in a truck accident case is more complicated than other car crashes. Here are some reasons why truck accident claims are complex:
  • Severe injuries: Due to their weight, load, size and power, truck accidents often leave catastrophic and permanent wounds. As a result, the injured victim must face the legal process while trying to recover.
  • Third parties: Besides the driver, the trucking company and the insurer are involved. Each of these parties can have its legal defense team.
  • Regulations: There are many federal and state regulations. They can make all the difference in a claim. For example, load weights, driver training and proper permits for the trucking company.
  • Fault and responsibility: Mississippi works with an at-fault system. This means the individual at fault must pay for property and medical damages. Also, Mississippi has a pure comparative negligence doctrine. The victim's percentage of responsibility determines the amount they can receive.
  • Evidence: Collecting evidence is a complicated task. How do you prove the truck was overweight or that the driver was unqualified?
  • Damages: Attorneys for the trucking company and insurers will fight to reduce your compensation.
Faced with these challenges, victims often feel frustrated and distressed. However, all is not lost for them and their families.

What To Do?

If you are a truck accident victim, the most important thing is to get medical attention. If you have been injured as a result of trucking accident you should consult with an experienced attorney who handles these specific types of cases.]]> On Behalf of Lancaster | Taylor <![CDATA[Don’t get wrecked by these trucker myths]]> https://www.lancastertaylor.com/?p=49909 2024-05-23T06:27:04Z 2024-05-24T06:26:23Z Myth #1: All truck accidents are caused by driver error While driver fatigue, distraction and speeding are certainly dangers, accidents can also stem from:
  • Improperly loaded cargo: An unbalanced or unsecured load can cause a truck to roll over or lose control.
  • Mechanical failure: Faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems can lead to catastrophic accidents.
  • Negligent maintenance: Trucking companies have a legal responsibility to maintain their vehicles, and failure to do so can have deadly consequences.
Knowing the cause of the accident can be essential when seeking compensation for your injuries.

Myth #2: Trucking companies always take care of their drivers

While reputable companies prioritize safety, some prioritize profit. This can lead to:
  • Pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines: Drivers may feel pressure from their company to drive for extended periods without breaks, which can increase fatigue.
  • Cutting corners on maintenance: Essential repairs may be delayed to save costs, putting everyone at risk.
  • Inadequate driver training: New drivers may need more preparation for the demands of handling massive trucks on busy roads.
When drivers do not have the support they need, it can create dangerous situations for you and others on the road.

Myth #3: Truck accidents are "Just part of sharing the road"

Trucking accidents are often far more severe than car accidents due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. The injuries can be life-altering, and the financial burden can be overwhelming.

Myth #4: You don't need a lawyer for a minor trucking accident

Even seemingly minor accidents can result in hidden injuries. A lawyer can:
  • Investigate the cause of the accident: Uncover crucial evidence that an insurance company may overlook.
  • Negotiate for fair compensation: Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements. A lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Handle complexities of trucking law: Trucking accidents often involve multiple parties and federal regulations. A lawyer experienced in Mississippi trucking law can navigate the legal landscape effectively.
Truck accidents can be terrifying and leave you feeling helpless. Don't be a victim of myths and misinformation. Understanding the truth and your rights allows you to take control and seek the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured as a result of a trucking accident you should consult with an experienced attorney who handles these specific types of cases.]]> On Behalf of Lancaster | Taylor <![CDATA[The resulting dangers when truck drivers get tired while driving]]> https://www.lancastertaylor.com/?p=49906 2024-03-05T09:38:32Z 2024-03-08T09:38:19Z Difficulty paying attention Paying attention is a vital life skill, especially while operating a large commercial vehicle. A trucker dealing with driver fatigue could make mistakes merging, changing lanes safely or applying braking pressure in time to avoid an accident.

Slower reflex times

As you may know, driving while tired can be comparable to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Whether due to intoxication or tiredness, either option slows a driver's reflexes and reactions. When a commercial vehicle driver doesn't have fast reflexes, they can end up running red lights, rear-ending other vehicles or failing to make safe turns. As you can imagine, slow driver reflexes can often result in multi-car collisions.

Falling asleep behind the wheel

In more fortunate situations, a driver can notice this situation happening and quickly wake themselves up. During worst-case scenarios, truck drivers dealing with excessive tiredness fall asleep at the wheel and sometimes never wake up. When a commercial vehicle operator grows tired, they could end up unknowingly colliding with other vehicles, pedestrians or guardrails in truck accidents. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you should consult with an experienced attorney who handles these specific types of cases. The aftermath of a trucking accident is often complex, especially considering the involvement of multiple parties, including a truck driver, the company they work for and insurance providers.]]> On Behalf of Lancaster | Taylor <![CDATA[Roundabouts are safer, but these factors could lead to a crash]]> https://www.lancastertaylor.com/?p=49903 2023-12-05T09:21:59Z 2023-12-08T09:21:44Z Understanding roundabouts Roundabouts are traffic circles designed to help the flow of traffic without frequent stops that could lead to car accidents. These roadways are common in Europe but are gaining ground in Mississippi and other parts of the United States to increase traffic capacity and ease other roads. Often, they are considered safer due to the lack of intersections and traffic lights, but factors like driver inexperience, distraction and intoxication can make the opposite true. At the same time, roundabouts help prevent certain types of accidents from happening. For example, head-on collisions or T-bone accidents are less likely to occur.

Causes of accidents in roundabouts

Although roundabouts are considered safer, accidents may still occur. Drivers must yield to traffic already in a roundabout when attempting to enter; if someone is unsure when to proceed, it could cause a car accident with oncoming traffic. Speeding or reckless driving can also create a dangerous situation and lead to a crash. Often, there is more traffic in a roundabout. This creates too many merge points, which could confuse some drivers and lane changes that increase the risk of accidents. If bicyclists and pedestrians are in the area, it could further exacerbate the risk of them being struck by a motor vehicle. Sometimes, a driver might try to cut off another vehicle to save time in a roundabout. They turn left in front of another car or even a bicycle to do this. This maneuver can put everyone else in danger of a collision. Bicyclists and pedestrians may also be at a higher risk of accidents and injuries because their designated areas, if there are any, are narrower. If you have been injured in a car accident, consult an experienced attorney who handles these specific types of cases.]]> On Behalf of Lancaster | Taylor <![CDATA[Femur fractures: Impact and recovery after a car accident]]> https://www.lancastertaylor.com/?p=49708 2023-09-01T05:30:52Z 2023-09-06T05:30:33Z About femur fractures A femur fracture can happen due to the immense force that a collision exerts on the leg during car crashes. The collision impact and severity directly influence the type and extent of the fracture. Femur fractures fall into into several categories, including transverse, oblique, spiral and comminuted fractures, each requiring specific approaches to treatment.

Consequences

Not only does a femur fracture cause immediate pain and immobilization, but it can also lead to complications such as blood loss, nerve damage and the risk of infection. In some cases, other bones and organs might suffer as well. Due to how important the femur is to walking and weight-bearing, the fracture can severely limit mobility, leading to a decreased quality of life during the recovery period.

Treatment

Femur fracture treatment usually involves surgical intervention. Orthopedic surgeons employ techniques like intramedullary nailing (using a nail or rod to stabilize the bone), external fixation or plates and screws to align and stabilize the fractured bone. The treatment choice depends on the fracture type and the patient's overall health. Physical therapy and rehabilitation follow the surgery, aiming to restore strength, flexibility and function to the affected leg. This process can be lengthy and requires a great deal of patience and effort from both the patient and their medical team.

Recovery

The recovery journey after a femur fracture is a long one, often involving physical, emotional and psychological distress. Patients may experience fear of reinjury, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to recovery should address both the physical and emotional aspects of healing, keeping the sufferer mentally strong in the long road ahead. If you have been injured in a car accident, you should consult with an experienced attorney who handles these specific types of cases.]]> On Behalf of Lancaster | Taylor <![CDATA[Stay clear of summer driving hazards]]> https://www.lancastertaylor.com/?p=49684 2023-05-30T09:17:36Z 2023-06-02T09:16:56Z Watch out for road construction Road construction is one of the biggest summer hazards to avoid. It's a good idea to plan for an alternate route to avoid an area where work is taking place. Doing so will keep you well away from any hazards that may present themselves. It will also save you a great deal of energy and time. Look for cones, barriers, and other obstructions on the road. Other vehicles may be driving more slowly than usual because of them. Follow all of the posted road signs and keep to a safe speed. Watch out for sudden merges and other temporary conditions that can cause accidents.

Look out for motorcycles and pedestrians

Car accidents can occur in any place and at any time of the day. These can sometimes involve other vehicles, such as motorcycles and bicycles. They can also lead to fatal collisions with pedestrians. This is a bigger hazard during the summer since these types of vehicles will be more prevalent. Keep on the lookout for motorcycles. These are vehicles that can very quickly move into your blind spot. Avoid motorcycle riders engaging in unsafe practices such as lane splitting. Bicycle riders can be hard to spot. This is particularly true at night if they are not wearing reflective safety gear. Stay away from the shoulder of the road where bike riders are most likely to congregate. Summertime accidents present more than their share of unexpected consequences. If you have been injured in a car accident, you should consult an experienced attorney who handles these specific types of cases.]]> On Behalf of Lancaster | Taylor <![CDATA[Driving with ADHD]]> https://www.lancastertaylor.com/?p=49682 2023-04-27T09:21:11Z 2023-05-09T09:20:08Z Driving with ADHD New drivers with ADHD can work with a driver rehabilitation specialist to improve their driving skills. People with ADHD can also benefit from practicing active scanning. This involves drivers staying aware of what's happening on the rear and side of the vehicle, not just the front. Active scanning includes looking out for cars in side streets, road signs, turn signals and crosswalks. Drivers with ADHD should also pay close attention to Intersections. ADHD drivers should understand concepts like yielding, right of way and turning lanes.

More on driving with ADHD

New drivers with ADHD may benefit from stickers on the steering wheel to remember hand positions and directions. Motorists with ADHD may also benefit from developing familiar driving routes around town. Ultimately, drivers with ADHD should work to minimize distractions inside the vehicle as much as possible. Even without ADHD, an increasing number of motor vehicle accidents are being caused by distracted drivers. Motorists with ADHD should also be cognizant of how their medication impacts driving. People with ADHD who are new to driving should rely on practicing and being over-prepared for the road. There are also several specialized programs designed to help drivers with ADHD.]]> On Behalf of Lancaster | Taylor <![CDATA[What you should know about motor vehicle accidents in Mississippi]]> https://www.lancastertaylor.com/?p=49680 2023-04-12T09:24:24Z 2023-04-17T09:23:53Z How do motorcycle accidents happen? Car crashes affect motorcyclists when they have to share the road with other motorists. In fact, one of the major causes of motorcycle accidents is other motorists not sharing the road with them. Unsafe lane changes and failure to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists are some examples where car drivers lack the awareness to drive safely around motorcyclists, either by not acknowledging the biker's presence or understimating how far a biker is at an intersection. Other causes of motorcycle accidents are:
  • Speeding
  • Lane-splitting
  • Riding under the influence
  • Hazardous road conditions
  • Hazardous weather

Motorcycle accident statistics

Here are some facts about motorcycle accidents in Mississippi:
  • In 2019, there were 40 motorcycle accident fatalities.
  • In 2021, that number increased to 62.
  • According to the NHTSA, there was a 55% increase in motorcycle deaths between 2019 and 2020.

Where are motorcycle accidents most likely to happen?

According to the NHTSA, 70% of motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. Left-hand turns by cars are especially dangerous for motorcyclists and can result in head-on collisions and other types of accidents. A left-turn accident at an intersection is also the most common type of motorcycle accident.

How safe are motorcycles?

Motorcycle accidents result in higher chances of serious injuries and death than car accidents. The fact that motorcyclists do not have body armor and cars are far larger and heavier in comparison to motorcycles are some reasons why a similar collision is much more serious when on a motorcycle than in a car. If you've experienced injuries from a motorcycle accident, the most important thing to do is to seek medical attention immediately. You can consult a personal injury lawyer to find out about your legal options and get help in filing a claim.]]> On Behalf of Lancaster | Taylor <![CDATA[What age dies the most in car wrecks?]]> https://www.lancastertaylor.com/?p=49676 2023-03-30T17:57:29Z 2023-04-03T17:55:15Z Drivers with the highest death rate Drivers between the age of 20 and 24 have the highest death rate from motor vehicle accidents. They are followed by those between the ages of 25 and 29. Then, the number of deaths per 100,000 people continues to decline until people turn 50, and there is a minor spike until people turn 60. After another decline, the number of people between 70 and 75 who die in motor vehicle accidents is the second highest, surpassing teen drivers.

Older drivers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more people in the United States continue to drive for longer. From 2010 to 2020, the number of licensed drivers over 65 rose by 38%. Meanwhile, the number of licensed drivers in the United States rose only by 3%. About 76% of fatalities involving an older driver occurred during daylight, compared to 46% for all age groups. Furthermore, 69% of the accidents with older drivers occurred on weekdays compared to 59% for all age groups. Finally, 66% of accidents involving older drivers involved more than one vehicle, compared to 44% for all age groups.

Initial contact point

Regardless of age, about 60% of all drivers dying in motor vehicle accidents had the front of their car hit first. About 10% of drivers under 65 who died in car accidents had the left side of their vehicle hit first; that number increased to 16% for drivers over 65. Drivers between 20 and 29 are most likely to die in car wrecks, followed by drivers between 70 and 75.]]> On Behalf of Lancaster | Taylor <![CDATA[What should you know about truck accidents in Mississippi?]]> https://www.lancastertaylor.com/?p=49673 2023-03-21T02:14:41Z 2023-03-25T02:14:00Z Role of commercial trucks Commercial trucks play a significant role in trucking accidents. Commercial trucks refer to vehicles used to deliver commercial products. Examples of commercial trucks include: • Eighteen-wheelers • Tankers • Delivery vehicles • Freight trucks

Commercial trucks vs. passenger vehicles

Typically, a commercial truck can weigh at least 80,000 lbs. In contrast, a passenger vehicle may weigh as little as 3,000 lbs. the significant difference in size often results in more severe injuries. The state of Mississippi experiences more than 600 fatal commercial truck accidents every year.

Causes of trucking accidents

Victims of commercial truck accidents often need to prove that they did not cause the accident. Courts may often find truck drivers, transport companies or manufacturers responsible for the accident. During the trial, the court will examine the causes of the accident. Common causes of truck accidents may include the following: • Distracted drivers • Fatigued drivers • Poor weather conditions • Reckless driving • Poorly trained truck drivers • Inadequate maintenance

Monetary compensation for truck accident victims

Victims of trucking accidents may recover compensation through personal injury lawsuits. The amount may depend upon the severity of your injury and the cause of the accident. If you sustain an injury in a truck driving accident, your first step should involve getting medical treatment. Your medical treatment protects both your health and provides proof of your injuries that you may need if you seek compensation.]]>