Carolina Accident Attorney Blog

Tractor-Trailer Accident in Greensboro, North Carolina Leaves Two Dead

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, a tractor-trailer is to blame for the two deaths that occurred on I-85 in Guliford County outside of Greensboro, North Carolina (NC).

A woman traveling with her daughter pulled her car in to the right travel lane of I-85 near Rock Creek Dairy Road; likely having car trouble. While the woman was parked in the right lane, a tractor-trailer hit her car from behind; killing her and her daughter. The North Carolina Highway Patrol has not yet filed charges in the tractor-trailer accident.

Highways like I-85 can be extremely dangerous for drivers who are forced to pull off the roadway. The North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety offers these tips on handling a car break down and avoiding a car accident while you are driving: First, pull your car as far off the roadway as possible. Once you have pulled your car off the road, exit the car through the passenger side and have everyone exit the vehicle. Do not leave any passengers in the car. Once everyone has exited the vehicle, stand away from the roadway. Do not stand near your vehicle. Finally, if it is dark outside, be sure to use your emergency flashers. It is difficult for other drivers, especially drivers traveling at high speeds, to see parked vehicles. Using your emergency flashers will help others see you.

Tragically, not all accidents like the one that happened on I-85 can be avoided. If you have been involved in a car accident after a break down, it is likely that car accident is not your fault. A personal injury attorney may be able to help you.

Verizon Wireless Supports the Ban on Texting and Driving in North Carolina

Texting and driving has been discussed a lot lately with the new North Carolina (NC) law coming in to effect on December 1^st  that prohibits any driver from texting or emailing while they are driving. Several advocacy groups have spoken out about the dangers of distracted driving, the North Carolina Highway Patrol started the Don’t Text and Drive campaign geared at North Carolina (NC) high school students, and now even Verizon Wireless is on board.

According to Verizon Wireless vice president and general counsel, Steven E. Zipperstein, “We support federal legislation to ban texting and e-mailing while driving.  This approach is a logical extension of our previous breaks with other wireless companies to support state-wide legislation banning texting and e-mailing while driving.” This is why the wireless giant created the “Don’t Text and Drive” ad campaign. The campaign includes television commercials, billboards, and radio ads all geared towards the importance of distracted driving. The ads are set to run through the holiday season, a time when the importance of keeping family safe is on everyone’s mind.

We at Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton agree with Verizon’s simple message, don’t text and drive. If you are texting you are 23 times more likely to be involved in a car accident. My colleague, Jim Lewis, wrote an article about a man who lost both of his legs after being hit by a driver who was texting. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of fatal car accidents and one of the easiest to prevent. Pay attention behind the wheel, no text message is worth your life.

You can obtain our free report on the dangerous of distracted driving and the steps you can take to avoid being in a car accident on our website.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled thousands of automobile negligence cases involving cars, trucks, trains, and motorcycles. We would be pleased to send you one of our FREE reports about car accident cases, including our special report on distracted driving or our Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in North Carolina. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube .  In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

AC

Pedestrian Killed by SUV in Red Springs, North Carolina

A pedestrian from Red Springs, North Carolina (NC) was struck and killed by an SUV while she was out walking on N.C. 71.

Angela Ross, was walking southbound on N.C. 71 around 7 p.m. when she was struck by a 1993 GMC SUV. According to a report filed by the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the GMC was driven by a teenager from Shannon, North Carolina (NC). Tragically, Angela Ross died from injuries she sustained in the crash.

Pedestrian accidents are far too common in North Carolina. Some advocacy groups blame the road systems for the high number of pedestrian fatalities that occur in the state each year. These groups are working with state officials to make the roadways friendlier for pedestrians and bicyclists alike. The hope is that by adding sidewalks, decreasing the distance between crosswalks, and installing better lighting less pedestrians and bicyclists will be on the roadways where they are likely to be struck by a car.

However, that process could take years. In the meantime lives are being lost on Carolina roads. As drivers there are actions we can all take to reduce the likelihood of striking a pedestrian. Most importantly, drivers should exercise caution on any roadway, especially ones located in residential areas or after nightfall when it can be difficult to spot a pedestrian. When driving, remember that pedestrians can appear quickly. Look to both sides of a crosswalk before passing and keep an eye out for pedestrians coming around parked cars or other obstacles.

By simply slowing down and paying more attention to the road we can stop needless deaths like Angela Ross.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled thousands of automobile negligence cases involving cars, trucks, trains, and motorcycles. We would be pleased to send you one of our FREE reports about car accident cases, including our special report on distracted driving or our Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in North Carolina. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

AC

Teenager Killed While Riding Bicycle in Dunn, North Carolina

Two teens were involved in a bicycle accident that tragically claimed the life of a young man in Dunn, North Carolina (NC).

The teenager was traveling south on his bicycle on Bud Hawkins Road shortly after nightfall when another teen driving a truck struck him from behind. The bicyclist was taken to Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The North Carolina Highway Patrol investigated the accident and does not feel drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.

Any car or bicycle accident that claims a life is devastating, especially when that life is a young teenager. Sadly, teenagers often do not have enough experience driving around bicycles. When you factor in road systems inadequately designed for bicycle travel accidents can happen.

If you have a young driver on the road urge them to use caution around bicycles. Teenagers have not been driving long enough to always be able to accurately gauge a safe distance from bicycles, pedestrians, or even other vehicles. Practice driving around bicycles with your teenager and show them exactly what a safe distance would be. Practice goes a long way in preventing future car accidents.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled thousands of automobile negligence cases involving cars, trucks, trains, and motorcycles. We would be pleased to send you one of our FREE reports about car accident cases, including our special report on distracted driving or our Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in North Carolina. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube .  In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

AC

Man Killed While Changing Flat Tire in Charlotte, North Carolina

The pedestrian, Arthur Bankhead, pulled over on Interstate 85 in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) to assist a woman who had pulled over to the left shoulder of the interstate with a flat tire. Three IMAP workers also pulled over to assist the woman. The IMAP workers set up emergency cones and flashers around the vehicle to indicate other drivers to move over to the other lane before passing by.

According to North Carolina State Troopers, Arthur Bankhead was inside of the coned off area of interstate 85 changing the tire when Sandra Krasen drove through the cones and struck and killed Bankhead. Sandra Krasen did not flee the scene. State troopers have opened an investigation on the car accident and Krasen may be charged with violating North Carolina’s move over safety law.

The move over safety law requires any vehicle to move a minimum of one lane over from any stalled vehicle or other emergency. So far the North Carolina Highway Patrol has issued 88 citations for violating the law. These citations have a $380 fine.

Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injury law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library with over 50 videos covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

AC

Wrong Way Driver Causes Fatality in a Car Accident on a Highway in Hickory, North Carolina

A car accident on Highway 321 in Hickory, North Carolina (NC) led to one fatality, two serious injuries, and a highway closure.

Witnesses say an elderly couple driving a white sedan were traveling north on the southbound lanes of Highway 321. The driver of the white sedan was traveling in two lanes and hit a truck head on.

The driver of the truck who was struck, Howard Helton’s wife was also on Highway 321 and witnessed the accident. She was able to contact emergency crews to respond. Howard Helton and the driver of the white sedan were taken to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) where they are both being treated for injuries caused in the car accident. Sadly, the passenger of the white sedan, an elderly woman, died on impact.

The North Carolina Highway patrols shut off parts of Highway 321 and have conducted an investigation of the crash scene. They were able to verify witness statements that the driver of the white sedan was driving the wrong way at the time of the car accident, but they are not sure at what point the driver entered Highway 321 or why he was traveling in the wrong direction.

Driver’s going the wrong way are more common then you might think, especially on highways. Drivers can confuse the off ramp for the on ramp when entering the highway and travel for along periods of time before they are able to correct themselves. If you see headlights coming in the wrong direction it is best to pull over to the side of the road. Trying to swerve around the oncoming car may panic you or the other driver and cause an accident.

AC

Teenage Driving Deaths are on the Rise in North Carolina

The North Carolina Highway Patrol told reporters that teen deaths related to car accidents are on the rise this year.

According to the highway patrol, North Carolina (NC) as a whole has seen a 22% increase in teen deaths from last year. Since January, 49 teens have been killed in car accidents. The rise in deaths occurred after a low period in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol says the simplest and best way to cut down on these staggering number of car accident related deaths is to teach new drivers better driving techniques. The highway patrol and UNC Highway Safety Research Center developed a parent/teen driver agreement. The agreement is a signed promise by teenagers to drive safer behind the wheel.

If you have a teen driver at home, take in to consideration that speed is often the leading factor in teenage car accidents. Speeding is always dangerous, but for newly taught teenagers it can be even worse. Teens are not yet equipped to handle roadways at increased speeds and should be reminded to slow down whenever possible.

Another cause of car accidents is distractions inside the car; cell phones, Ipods, and passengers create a distracting environment for newly learned drivers. Several accidents are reported in North Carolina that resulted from teenagers and adults texting on their cell phones while driving. Consider taking these distractions away from your teen when they are behind the wheel. Also, limiting the amount of passengers that can ride with your teenager may help cut down on some of the in car distractions.

AC

Car Accident in Carteret County, North Carolina Leads to one Fatality

A car accident in Carteret County, North Carolina (NC) Monday left one person dead and another injured.

The car accident occurred on Highway 24 in Carteret County, North Carolina (NC) near Broad Creek Loop Road early Monday morning. The driver of a truck crossed the center lane on Highway 24 and collided head on with a large commercial truck.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol the vehicle burst into flames and the damage from the car accident was spread over the highway, causing a portion of Highway 24 in Carteret County, North Carolina (NC) to be closed Monday morning while crews worked to clean the scene.

The driver of the commercial truck was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Sadly, the driver of the other vehicle that originally caused the car accident was found dead on the scene.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol did not release the name of the deceased or the initial reason for the car accident. It is not known if drugs or alcohol were a factor.

Head on collisions happen suddenly and often result in serious injury or even fatalities. Not all head on collisions can be avoided, but a few extra precautions may help you prevent a car accident. When you are driving be sure to pay attention to both your side of the roadway and the oncoming traffic. If you see a driver swerve into your roadway, try to steer your vehicle into a farther lane to avoid hitting them head on.

AC

Princeton, North Carolina Teen Dies in Motorcycle Accident

Tyler Dean Smith, an 18 year old from Princeton, North Carolina (NC) died Saturday from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident.

North Carolina (NC) highway patrol trooper D.T. Sharte told reporters on Saturday that Tyler Dean Smith took his stepfather’s motorcycle out for a ride after having an argument with a friend in Princeton.

According to witness accounts, Smith was on Rains Mill Road at the time of the motorcycle accident. Highway patrol trooper D.T. Sharte has been able to determine that Smith was traveling 45 miles an hour when he went in to the oncoming lane and hit a minivan. No one in the minivan was injured but Smith died on the scene from the injuries he sustained in the motorcycle accident.

Tyler Dean Smith did not have a motorcycle license at the time of the accident and had not completed any motorcycle training courses required by the state of North Carolina (NC).

Sadly, motorcycle accidents have been on the rise in recent years, and accidents like the tragic one on Saturday that claimed a young life happen more then they should. A few drivers, especially teen drivers, take motorcycles out on the road without the proper state approved training. Unfortunately, this can end in disaster for the driver or other drivers on the road.

If you are thinking of purchasing a motorcycle, or currently own a motorcycle with a new driver in the house, it is extremely important that you get the required operating license through state training, even if you already know how to operate a motorcycle. Not only will the state training help you be better on the road and reduce your chance of accidents, but a motorcycle license is required by law. If you get stopped, you could be risking large fines and loss of vehicle.

AC

Multi-Car Accident Shuts Down I-40 for Hours in Durham County, North Carolina

The Wake County Sheriff Office still isn’t sure what was to blame for the multi-car accident that involved over 50 vehicles and closed down much of I-40 through Durham County, North Carolina (NC).

Rain may have been a major factor. John Hughes, a driver involved in the multi-car accident said, “I think the rain was probably the biggest cause. A lot of people were not able to see it was a hard rain, a misty. Their vision was impaired.” The Wake County Sheriff Office also reported that a driver of a tractor-trailer may have lost control of the truck and sideswiped a number of cars. However, most drivers reported that the car accidents seemed to be a chain reaction.

Whatever the cause of the pile up clean up still took hours, emergency crews were dispatch to treat minor injuries on the scene. The Wake County Sheriff Office directed drivers involved in the car accidents to go to a local hotel off I-40 to give statements. Meanwhile, police officers were able to finally open one lane. Amazingly, no one sustained major injuries in the car accidents.

Now that I-40 has been cleared and all lanes are open, and no major injuries have been reported in the multiple car crashes all seems well again, but the driver’s involved in the accidents still have their concerns. Most drivers fear an insurance nightmare, with so many cars being involved and no clear cause for most of the car accidents, many drivers are afraid they will be facing a long battle with their insurance companies.

As a personal injury attorney I know how physically and emotionally taxing being involved in a complicated car accident like the pile up in Durham County, North Carolina (NC) can be. Often, the real headaches come after the accident when you are left to deal with the insurance company. If you have been involved in a car accident and are having difficulty with your insurance company, a personal injury attorney can help. By working as a middle man for you they can take the stress out of the process and get you back on the road.

AC

Car Accident in Gastonia, North Carolina Leaves One Dead, One Injured

A car accident in Gastonia, North Carolina (NC) Wednesday night left one person dead and another injured.

According to the North Carolina (NC) highway Patrol, a woman was driving a Honda Civic on highway 321 in Gaston County, North Carolina (NC) when she went off the road. She over corrected her vehicle, went under the cable links in the median, crossed to the southbound side of the road, and hit a tractor-trailer and another vehicle.

The car accident sent the driver of the tractor-trailer to a local Gaston County hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle struck in the accident was unhurt. Sadly, the driver of the Honda Civic died in the crash.

Over correcting is a major cause of car accidents. This is especially true with young drivers who have not experienced off roadway correction techniques first hand, but over correcting can affect any driver. All it can take is a small error or a distraction and the results can be tragic, such as the car accident that took place Wednesday evening in Gastonia.

If you find yourself in an off roadway situation there is a technique you can employ to avoid being the victim of another over correcting car accident. First, do not panic. Panic can lead to errors while operating a vehicle. Simply stop accelerating, do not break your vehicle. Once you have slowed to a lesser speed, gently ease the vehicle back on to the roadway, being careful not to jerk the wheel too suddenly or too far towards the roadway.

Since the risk of off roadway accidents is much greater in younger drivers, some local North Carolina (NC) driving schools have begun teaching techniques to avoid over correcting. They stimulate the situation in a controlled area at a much slower speed to give the learner practice.

Over correcting can happen in an instant and the results can be tragic. As long as you remain calm in the situation you will greatly reduce your chances of being in a collision.

AC

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