Kentucky Injury Attorney Blog

The Courier Journal reported that a bicyclist was killed after he was hit by a truck. The accident occurred on Poplar Level Road near Bishop Lane on October 1, 2009. The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene as he suffered severe head injuries.

Accidents like the one that occurred on Poplar Level Road are extremely unfortunate but common. 1932 was the first year bicycle accidents were recorded and since then more than 51,000 bicyclists have died in traffic accidents. You can take precautions to ensure that you are not injured in a similar accident.

Wearing a helmet while riding your bike is the best way to protect yourself from head injuries. In addition, while riding your bike remember that you are expected to obey traffic laws just as any motor vehicle must. Bicyclists should always travel with traffic, never against it. Finally, wearing fluorescent or bright colors will help motorists see you while you ride your bike. For additional safety tips please see the National Highway and Traffic Administration's website.

Continue reading "Louisville Bicyclist Dies From Injuries Suffered In Accident with Truck" »

Driving in the rain can be very dangerous. For example, during rush hour on the rainy morning of Friday, September 25, there were numerous accidents reported. At least four of those accidents resulted in injuries. Most of these accidents were caused because motorists were driving too fast in the slick conditions.

Wet roads are particularly dangerous because water brings dirt and oil set in the pavement up to the surface. The combination of oil, dirt, and water make the roads slick and tires have a harder time getting traction. The most effective way to ensure safety on wet roads is to drive slower. Slowing down allows more of your tire to grip the roadway and increases your traction. Avoiding sudden stopping and turning will also ensure you get the best traction possible.

Wet roadways also increases the chance that you may hydroplane on the road. Hydroplaning is when your tires skid across the water surface on the road causing you to lose control of your vehicle. Driving slowly can reduce your risk of hydroplaning.

Unfortunately, many drivers on Kentucky and Indiana roadways do not practice safe driving in wet conditions and accidents result.

Continue reading "Wet Road Conditions Cause Several Car Accidents in Louisville" »

At about 10:00 A.M. on Monday, September 14, 2009, a tow truck ran off of the road on I-71 and crashed into a stone wall. The southbound lanes of the interstate were closed for several hours. Sadly, the driver of the tow truck, which was hauling two cars, was killed in the accident.

Although there have been no reports as to what caused this particular accident, it is important that commercial drivers take precautions when driving to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely. Proper rest is important for any job, but especially for a trucker. Driving long distances can be exhausting to your body so truck drivers need to take care of yourself by eating well, taking breaks, and getting enough rest.

It is also important for drivers to keep their distance from other vehicles, especially commerical trucks, and to be aware of a commercial truck's blind spots. Approximately 33% of all accidents between cars and commercial vehicles take place in the blind spot. In addition, and as with any vehicle, always wear your seatbelt. A seatbelt can save your life and prevent you from being thrown from a vehicle if an accident does occur.

For more information on truck safety please visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website.

Continue reading "Fatal Trucking Accident Closes Interstate I-71" »

At about 4:00 p.m. on September 1, 2009, there was an accident involving a pickup truck and a motorcyclist in Henry County, Kentucky. The accident occurred when the driver of the pickup truck crossed the center line and struck an embankment in the road. The impact caused the pickup truck to flip over and spin around, hitting the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and, sadly, was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Unfortunately, while motorcyclists only make up 3% of vehicles on the road, motorcycle accidents make up approximately 11% of highway fatalities each year. For motorcyclists, the risk of serious injury or death from an accident is much greater than for a automobile driver. It is therefore crucial for motorcyclists to take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves from negligent drivers. Practicing safe driving habits, attending motorcycle training classes, and wearing a helmet are just a few ways you can lessen your chances of being involved in and injured in an accident.

Although Kentucky does not require motorcyclist to wear helmets, many states do require helmets to be worn. A helmet can save your life and prevent brain damage in the event of an accident. When buying a helmet, make sure it fits comfortably and always fasten it while you ride. It is also important to be sure that the helmet conforms to Federal standards. And remember, helmets are for passengers too!

For more safety information, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration .

For many parents, the bright and colorful playground at many fast food restaurants all over Kentucky and Indiana can be as alluring if not more alluring than the fast food itself.  However, as an article from MSN points out, there are many potential dangers in these fast food playgrounds that result in serious injury to a child. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that emergency rooms treat more than 200,000 children every year for playground-related injuries. These playgrounds found at fast food restaurants like McDonalds and Burger King are referred to as "soft-contained playgrounds."  While the restaurants are the ones that will profit from the playgrounds as they attract customers, restaurants argue that since they hire independent contractors to build the play structures, they are not responsible for their customers' safety.    

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets the national standard for soft-contained playgrounds.  However, even if a restaurant complies with these standards, each chain is responsible for self-policing its playground for safety compliance.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets guidelines and regulations but does not have the staff to enforce its rules.  They have created a Soft-Contained Play Equipment Safety Checklist which parents can use to help determine if playgrounds are safe for their children's use. 

In some cases action has been taken by CPSC against fast food restaurants for safety code violations.  The agency fined McDonald's $4 million in 1999 regarding its soft playgrounds. 

Continue reading "Kentucky and Indiana Restaurant Playgrounds Create Hidden Dangers" »