Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Why Electric Vehicles Survive Crashes So Well

In addition to saving gasoline, lowering carbon emissions, and generally being friendlier to the environment, electric vehicles are also showing promise in crash tests. The Tesla Model S recently passed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s five-star crash test safety rating with flying colors, and other electric vehicles have also done well in crash testing.

Because experienced Missouri and Illinois car accident attorneys have seen the devastation a poorly-designed vehicle can cause during a crash, many are interested in what makes electric vehicles safer. Additionally, how these safety features can be expanded upon to cover vehicles without electric or hybrid motors as well can safe countless lives.

Does Your Teen Understand Driving Safety? Ask!

Teens all over Missouri will be heading back to school this fall, and many will be driving their own vehicles to school and other activities. Double-check your teen’s knowledge of driving safety by asking him or her the following questions.

If your teen doesn’t know the answers, work together to set the “ground rules” for safe driving, and give your teen the information he or she needs to make safe decisions.

• What “safety steps” should you take before starting the car? Checking for flat tires, leaks, or other damages before getting in a vehicle is wise, as is making sure there are no people or pets in the immediate area that might be hit. And never forget to buckle your seat belt!
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Stay Awake, Stay Safe: Tips to Avoid Drowsy Driving

Fatigue and sleepiness behind the wheel are major causes of car, truck, and bus accidents, as every aggressive Missouri accident attorney knows.  Rest is a major factor in human health and it is also a major factor in driving safety.

You can help protect yourself and others on the road by keeping in mind these tips for avoiding drowsy driving, courtesy of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

During Pregnancy, Protect Two Lives by Wearing a Seat Belt

Pregnancy brings with it the anticipation of many changes, but some things stay the same including the need to wear a seat belt to protect both yourself and your growing child.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts remain the best protection in case of a car accident, even during pregnancy.

To wear a seat belt properly while you are pregnant:

Conversation May Be As Dangerous As Texting for Drivers, Say Studies

Texting and driving poses a known risk of distracted driver accidents that many states, including Missouri, have attempted to curb with laws prohibiting some or all drivers from texting while behind the wheel.  However, talking on a cell phone may cause nearly as many car crashes as texting, according to a study by the National Safety Council (NSC).

Tips for Protecting Teen Drivers from Missouri Car Accidents

Receiving a driver’s license and the keys to the family or a personal vehicle are milestones in the lives of nearly all Missouri teens. While being able to drive is a big step toward independence, teens must also be aware of the significant responsibilities that come with getting behind the wheel.

Prevent Missouri Car Crashes: When In Doubt, Yield the Right-of-Way

“Failure to yield the right of way” occurs when one driver doesn’t stop, slow down, or move over when road signs or road rules call for that driver to do so.

Failing to yield the right of way leads to hundreds of Missouri car crashes each year, including accidents with pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road.

Doctors Can Help Reduce Elderly Car Crashes, Says Study

A study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that doctors may have more power to prevent elderly patients from causing car crashes than they think.

The study found that when doctors warned elderly patients and their families of the patient’s decreased ability to drive and also warned local authorities, the number of overall crashes among elderly drivers in the area dropped. It tracked over 100,000 elderly drivers in Canada, which requires health conditions to be reported to driver licensing authorities.

Can I Re-Use a Child Seat After A Minor Missouri Car Crash?

Child seats are increasingly sophisticated – and expensive – pieces of safety equipment. Children need proper car seats from their first-ever ride in a vehicle until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall, weigh at least 90 pounds, or are 12-years-old. The type of seat a child needs changes as he or she grows.

Not Sure What To Do After a Missouri Car Crash? There’s an App for That!

The Missouri Department of Insurance has released a smartphone app for iPhone and Android users that walks them through the steps to take after a car accident, according to the Department of Insurance website.

The app is free and can be downloaded from the Department of Insurance website.