North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Blog

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to remind US motorists to drive safely during the summer driving season. Millions of Americans are expected to take to the roads over the next few months. To prevent these excursions or vacations from turning tragic, the NHTSA wants to remind motorists to:

• Avoid distracted driving, including texting or talking on a cell phone while behind a steering wheel.
• Stay up-to-date on auto maintenance.
• Make sure to inspect your tires and ensure that they are properly inflated.
• Obey the speed limit.
• Make sure everyone in the car is wearing an appropriate seat belt or child safety seat.
• Don’t leave children unattended near or in a vehicle.
• Don’t drive while exhausted or drowsy.
• Don’t drink and drive.

The NHTSA is reminding parents of teen drivers that there are preventive measures that they can take to prevent their teenagers from becoming involved in a deadly traffic crash this summer. Because many of them have more free time now that school is out, drivers in the 15 to 20 age group are at higher risk of being involved in an auto collision—already the leading cause of teenager deaths. The number of teen drunk driving fatalities are also known to go up during the summer months.

Our Charlotte, North Carolina car accident lawyers are committed to discouraging teens from driving drunk. Every year, we select a number of high school students as winners of the Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship Program. The recipients are selected based on their SAT scores, grades, community involvement, and original presentations that teach other kids about how dangerous it is to drive while under the influence. This year, winners each won a $2,500 college scholarship.

Teen driver risks in high gear over summer, USA Today, June 21, 2010

Consumer Advisory: Make Safety Your Constant Companion This Summer Driving Season, NHTSA, June 22, 2010

Related Web Resources:
North Carolina Department of Transportation

70 Rules of Defensive Driving, Road Trip America

Continue reading "Avoid Charlotte, North Carolina Car Accidents By Adhering to NHTSA Advisory on Safe Summer Driving " »

A Rockwell who turned himself in after he struck a group of bicyclists with his SUV and then fled the Cabarrus County bicycle accident site faces six felony counts of hit and run. The North Carolina bicycle accident occurred on the evening of May 19 when Daniel Burton Wilson crossed the the double line on the road and hit the riders.

Although six cyclists were reportedly hit during the North Carolina motor vehicle accident, only four of them were taken to the hospital. Two of them were treated at the accident site. Their injuries ranged from a broken collarbone to a concussion. Among the injury victims, Concord bicyclist Tim Sigmon had to undergo three leg surgeries, while Mt. Pleasant bicyclist Jack King will have to undergo surgery on his collarbone.

The group of cyclists that Wilson struck belong to the Subaru-Gary Fisher Cycling Team. They were reportedly riding in a single-file line at about 30 mph when the SUV hit them.

It was just last month that the team’s manager, Adam Little, died when he was hit by a car. The Charlotte, North Carolina man was riding his bike along the NC Highway 49 shoulder close to the intersection of US Highway 601 when a car drove onto to the shoulder striking him from behind. According to a police report, the 35-year-old bicyclist was thrown into the air before landing on the grass.

Stacy Renee Shaw, the driver of the vehicle that struck Little, is charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, failure to notify the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles of an address change, and a child restraint violations. The 24-year-old driver says she did not see Little on his bike.

Little leaves behind his wife Melissa and their two daughters.

Man in cyclists' incident pleaded guilty earlier, Salisbury Post, June 3, 2010

SUV driver charged with ramming into elite cycling team, WFAE.org, May 21, 2010

Funeral details for cyclist struck and killed, March 17, 2010

Continue reading "Rockwell Man Struck Six Bicyclists in Cabarrus County Hit-and-Run Accident" »

Two 12-year-old boys who were riding go-karts sustained serious injuries earlier this month during a hit-and-run Kannapolis car accident. The boys, Kyle Graham and Weston Edwards got hurt when they were hit by a van that then left the North Carolina car crash site.

The van’s driver, James Ray Johnson, was apprehended and charged with felony hit and run and for driving without a driver’s license. Neighbors say that the 60-year-old, who has been experiencing medical issues, should not have behind the wheel of any vehicle.

Injuries sustained during a car crash may require costly medical care and rehabilitation services. Depending on the seriousness of your North Carolina car crash injuries, the victim may require long-term, specialized care and other costly services.

Examples of serious car crash injuries:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severed limbs
• Burn injuries
• Internal injuries
• Cuts
• Contusions
• Lacerations
• Facial injuries
• Disfigurement

Kids are especially prone to serious injuries that can cause disability and disfigurement. Our Charlotte, North Carolina injuries to minor lawyers know how upsetting it can be to see your child in pain. We help many our clients navigate the tough road they must go through to get their son or daughter what they need to recover or live as normal a life as possible following a catastrophic traffic accident.

North Carolina Car Accident Lawsuits Involving Hit and Run Accidents
It is a motorist’s responsibility to report an injury accident that he/she was involved in. Doing so can save lives when there are serious injuries involved. Not only is hit and run driving against the law, but it can also be grounds for a North Carolina injury lawsuit. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of people are the victims of hit and run car crashes each year.

Go Kart Hit & Run, FoxCharlotte.com, April 7, 2010

Boy in go-kart accident goes home, 1 still hospitalized, WAFB, April 7, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Children, 2008 Traffic Safety Facts, NHTSA (PDF)

North Carolina Department of Transportation

Continue reading "Hit and Run North Carolina Car Crash Injures Two 12-Year-Old Go-Kart Riders in Kannapolis" »

Betty Fay Adams is suing Charla Dean Davis, Tony’s Bar, its owners Emma Ruth Simonds and Anthony Ruth Simonds, and vehicle owners Rex Earl Berglund and Detlef Grohs for her North Carolina car crash injuries. Adams sustained critical injuries during a deadly hit-and-run collision involving Davis, who was driving while intoxicated.

On August 7, 2008, Davis was driving on the Wilkinson Boulevard Bridge when she struck Adams, another person, and Charlotte tractor-trailer Ronnie Gene Eudy. The trucker had gotten out of his vehicle to assist the driver of the Ford Exhibition who was experiencing a medical emergency. Adams and the other car crash victim had been riding in the SUV. The impact of the collision killed Eudy and caused serious injury to Adams, who shattered bones in her legs, fractured her pelvis, bled profusely, and sustained permanent disability.

According to Adam’s Gaston County car accident complaint, Tony’s bar and its owners acted negligently when they kept serving Davis alcohol until she was visibly drunk and then let her drive off. Adams is accusing Grohs and Berglund of negligence for lending Davis a vehicle despite her bad driving record.

Davis, 46, has been convicted of numerous charges related to the North Carolina car accident, including second-degree murder, reckless driving, and drunken driving. She is sentenced to serve at least 27 years in prison, but her ruling is currently on appeal. Prior to the crash, she had previous DWI convictions on her record.

Meantime, Adams can now walk again but she is unable to bend her torso or run. Doctors had to insert rods in her body.

Driving While Intoxicated
Drunk driving can kill people. There is no question about it. Unfortunately, there are many motorists that disregard this warning or are unable to control their addictions and continue to drink and drive. There are also the motorists who imbibe too much on the rare occasion and make the mistake of getting in the driver's seat.

Woman injured in fatal DWI wreck in Belmont files lawsuit against driver, bar, Gaston Gazette, March 5, 2010

Woman faces second-degree murder charge, Charlotte Observer, September 5, 2008

Related Web Resources:
Mothers Against Drunk Driving

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles

Continue reading "Woman Injured in Fatal Belmont, North Carolina Car Crash Sues Charlotte Bar and Hit-and-Run Driver " »

A number of people were injured on Thursday when their vehicles were struck by a driver who trying to avoid getting a citation for a traffic violation. Now, Christopher Cyr, 20, faces charges of careless and reckless driving, felony hit-and-run, driving without a license, felony fleeing to elude officers, possession of drug paraphernalia, and running a red light while allegedly causing several North Carolina car crashes.

At around 12:45pm yesterday, Durham Police Officer R. L. Green reportedly tried to stop Cyr, who was driving a 1996 Chevrolet pickup truck. The Raleigh resident drove into a Hog Heaven parking lot but then left as Green exited his police car.

Cyr then drove onto an Interstate 85 South entrance ramp where he hit a Toyota Camry. Police were not chasing Cyr when the Durham car crash happened. The Toyota’s driver sustained minor injuries.

Cyr entered the freeway, exiting through the Hillandale Road exit where he is accused of running a red light and crashing into a work van driven by Durham resident Matthew Furtick. The van then crashed into a 2001 Toyota Tacoma, driven by 63-year-old Burlington resident David Donovan, before going across the median and rolling over a Durham police car driven by Officer B. T. Francis.

Francis, Furtick, and Donovan were treated for injuries.

North Carolina Car Accidents
If you were injured in a North Carolina motor vehicle crash, it is important that you document as much as you can about what happened, including when and where the collision happened and who was involved. You should also obtain the contact information of the other motorists, as well as any witnesses.

Do NOT speak with the other party’s insurer without consulting with a Durham car accident law firm first. Many times, a negligent motorist’s insurance company will try to get you to settle your North Carolina motor vehicle claim before you even have an opportunity to find out about the extent of your injuries and damages, as well as how much your medical expenses, rehabilitation services, and lost wages will cost.

Man Fleeing From Traffic Stop Causes Five Accidents, DurhamCountyMyNC.com, January 14, 2010

Durham officer injured in chase, WRAL.com, January 14, 2010

Related Web Resources:
What to do after a car accident, MSN

NCDOT Division of Motor Vehicles

Continue reading "Several People Injured in Durham Car Crashes Involving Driver Who Was Fleeing From Police " »

Following Friday’s winter storm, it is important that South Carolina and North Carolina motorists be extra careful when driving in such dangerous road conditions. Black ice can be found on city and county roads, as well as overpasses and bridges, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation and State Highway Patrol doesn’t expected the treacherous conditions to disappear.

Motorists cannot do anything to improve the road conditions or the weather, but they are still responsible for driving safely to and from their destinations. With such hazardous road conditions to contend with, drivers cannot afford to drive drunk, text while driving, talk on a handheld cellular device, speed, or engage in any other form of distracted driving or careless motor vehicle operation. One reckless or careless act can lead to a North Carolina car crash that can cause serious injury, perhaps even destroying someone’s life.

In the event that you or someone you love is seriously injured in a North Carolina car accident or a South Carolina motor vehicle collision, do not hesitate to contact our Charlotte, North Carolina auto crash lawyers to schedule your free consultation.

Driving Safely in Snow and Ice:

• Winterize your auto.
• When necessary, use tire chains or winter tires.
• Drive slower than you usually would and adjust your speed to the road conditions.
• Pay attention.
• When slowing down to stop or turn, do so three times earlier than your normal routine.
• Keep a safe distance with the vehicle in front of you.
• Make sure your windows are clean and clear.
• Be on the lookout for extra wet or icy patches on the road.

Snowstorm cleanup in the Carolinas, Count on News2, December 21, 2009

Icy roads, closed schools in western N.C., Charlotte Observer, December 20, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Preparing for Winter Driving – How to Drive in Snow and Ice, SafeMotorist

Winter Driving Tips, AAA Exchange

On December 4, the Governor's Highway Safety Program presented the “Tree of Life,” which is dedicated to the people that were killed in North Carolina car accidents in 2008. The tree stands on the State Capitol lawn in Raleigh and is decorated with 1,453 lights. 440 of the lights are red to note the people that were killed by drunk drivers.

Friday also marked the beginning of North Carolina's “Booze It & Lose It” campaign, which runs until January 3, 2010 and targets drunk drivers. Throughout the US this holiday season, federal and local safety and enforcement officials will be participating in similar initiatives to prevent drunk driving accidents.

On Monday, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood reminded drivers that there is nothing wrong with having fun as long as you don’t drive when you are drunk. While the national drunken driving rate dropped 7% between 2007 and 2008, too many people are still getting killed in drunk driving accidents.

Drunk driving accidents are preventable.

Nationwide, the drunk driving campaign "Over the Limit. Under Arrest” began yesterday and runs through the holiday season. Some $7 million in national radio and TV ads will air from December 16, 2009 – January 7, 2010 to remind people not to drive while impaired.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were:

• Out of the 1,231 North Carolina motor vehicle deaths in 2008, 423 of the North Carolina car accident victims died in collisions involving alcohol-impaired motorists.
• 1,676 North Carolina traffic deaths in 2007.
• 497 2007 North Carolina car accidents deaths involving drunk drivers.
• 403 South Carolina drunk driving fatalities in 2008.
• 920 2008 South Carolina car accident deaths.
• 403 South Carolina drunk driving fatalities in 2008.
• 464 South Carolina drunk driving fatalities in 2007.
• 1,077 2007 South Carolina car accident deaths.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces Intensive Holiday Drunk & Impaired Driving Crackdown & Advertising Blitz, NHTSA, December 7, 2009

Drunken driving fatalities down 7% in USA, USA Today, December 7, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Fatalities and Fatality Rates in Alcohol- Impaired-Driving Crashes by State, 2007-2008, NHTSA (PDF)

Governor's Highway Safety Program

Continue reading "“Tree of Life” Remembers 1,453 North Carolina Car Accident Victims that Died in 2008 as State Troopers Get Ready for "Booze It & Lose It” Campaign" »

A Summerfield, North Carolina bicyclist is dead after he was struck by a sport utility vehicle in a Guilford County car accident. The driver of the vehicle fled the crash site and police have been looking for the motorist.

On Monday, North Carolina Highway Patrol investigators found a Dodge Durango they believe was involved in the deadly North Carolina car crash. Police say the SUV hit David Sherman from behind and did not stop. Charges have yet to be filed in the hit and run car crash.

Sherman, 55, was a Sealy Corp. vice president. He also was a violinist for the Greensboro Philharmonia. He leaves behind his wife and two kids.

According to the state’s Department of Transportation, 268 people died in North Carolina bicycle accidents between 1997 and 2007.

2008 Pedalcyclist Accident Facts (NHTSA):

• 52,000 pedalcyclists injured
• 716 others killed
• 41 was the average age of pedalcyclists killed; age 31 was the average age for those injured.
• There were more male pedalcyclist accident victims than women victims.

Bicyclists tend to be at a disadvantage when they are involved in a traffic crash with a motor vehicle. Injuries sustained can be catastrophic, which is why it is important that the victim get medical help as soon as possible.

Leaving a North Carolina car accident site is against the law if you were involved in the collision. This is known as hit and run driving. A hit and run motorist may contribute to the injury victim’s death if he or she doesn’t try to get help as soon as possible.

If you or your loved one was injured by a hit and run driver and authorities are still looking for the suspect, you still have legal options.

Highway Patrol: Vehicle in Fatal Hit-and-Run Located, Fox 8, October 25, 2009

Update: Charges Pending In Fatal Hit And Run Of A Triad Cyclist, Digitriad, October 26, 2009

Related Web Resources:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Continue reading "Bicyclist Killed in Hit and Run North Carolina Car Accident " »

Hickory police have arrested two people in connection with the North Carolina hit-and-run car crash that killed Charlaine Taylor Sybrant and injured Joshua Keith Gajus on October 18. The North Carolina pedestrians were walking on the side of Highway 321 after their vehicle ran out of gas when they were hit by an auto that did not stay at the crash site.

Sybrant, a 22-year-old Appalachian State student, died at the Hickory car accident site. Gas, 24, injured his leg.

About an hour after the accident, Valdese police stopped a vehicle that was heavily damaged. Daniel Thomas Whisnant, 18, was arrested for driving while impaired, two counts of felony hit and run, felony serious injury by motor vehicle, and felony death by motor vehicle.

A few days after the Hickory drunk driving accident, police arrested Joey Lee Durham, 20, and charged him with one count of felony accessory after the fact. Police believe that Durham was riding in the car driven by Whisnant when he allegedly struck the two pedestrians. They are charging him for not telling police about the Hickory, North Carolina motor vehicle accident.

North Carolina Car Accidents
Even if the driver you believe caused the North Carolina car crash fled the traffic accident site, you should still contact a Hickory car crash lawyer to explore your legal options for recovery. Injuries from an auto accident can be more serious than they at first appear and you may need all the help you can get to cover medical and recovery costs if you want to recover.

Drunk driving, distracted driving, careless driving, driver error, and driver recklessness are among the most common causes of car crashes and negligent motorists can be held liable for personal injury or wrongful death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,733 people died in drunk driving accidents in 2008. That’s 32% of all traffic deaths for the year—that’s nearly 12,000 people who might still be alive today if only certain motorists had not been driving drunk.

Student gets $37,500 after door crushed finger, OC Register, October 27, 2009

Hickory Officials Make Second Arrest in Sunday Morning Deadly Hit-and-Run, GoBlueRidgeNet, October 22, 2009

Alcohol-Impaired Driving, NHTSA 2008 Traffic Safety Facts (PDF)

Related Web Resources:
The Heavy Cost Of Drunk Driving, DrunkDriving.org

Motor Vehicle Safety, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

A 33-year-old Louisburg driver has been charged with felony death by vehicle, driving while impaired (DWI), two counts of serious injury by vehicle, resisting arrest, hit and run resulting in serious injury or death, and driving with a revoked license. Cory Lamar Henderson was trying to pass a vehicle driven by John Edward “Eddie” Ogburn on Saturday when he allegedly caused the fatal Raleigh car accident.

Henderson is accused of fleeing the Raleigh crash site on Old Wake Forest Road but was apprehended soon after. Police say that prior to the traffic accident, they saw Henderson driving recklessly. They say that they were going to pull him over only the accident happened before they could catch him.

Ogburn was transported to a North Carolina hospital where he was pronounced dead. The deadly accident took place just one block from his home. The two women riding in the vehicle with him, 29-year-old Raleigh resident Kristen Knutson and 27-year-old Southern Pines resident Jennifer Ragone, sustained injuries.

Prosecutors upgraded one of the charges to second-degree murder because they say that there is evidence of malice. Henderson has a prior DWI conviction in Wake County that occurred in 2004. Following Saturday’s North Carolina car accident, he fled from police and attempted to avoid getting arrested.

This Raleigh car crash took place during the NHTSA’s safety efforts with local enforcement to apprehend anyone driving under the influence. During the 15 years that the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program has participated in this campaign, local law enforcement officials have issued some 2,900,000 criminal and traffic citations. 103, 000 of these citations were for people who were driving while impaired.

Despite efforts by the federal and local governments, law enforcement officers, and safety advocates to stop drunken motorists from driving, too many North Carolina drunk driving crashes continue to happen. An experienced Raleigh car accident lawyer can help you determine whether you and your family have grounds for pursing a North Carolina personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death case.

1 dead, 3 hurt in wreck; DWI charged, The News & Observer, August 30, 2009

Man charged with murder in fatal Raleigh wreck, WRAL, September 2, 2009

Related Web Resources:
2009 Labor Day Crackdown Activities, GHSA

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

A Charlotte hit-and-run accident right before 1am on Sunday claimed the life of a former North Carolina State University football player. Edrick Smith was riding in the back of a Honda Accord that was hit by a Camaro, which was speeding at about 80 - 100 mph. The deadly car crash happened at the intersection of Salome Church Road and North Tryon Street.

The driver of the Honda, 30-year-old Hakeem Ward Holloway, and 31-year-old Barry Tyrone Pace, who was also a passenger in the Accord, were hospitalized.

The impact of the North Carolina car accident split the Accord in two. The Camaro’s driver, Hugo Fernando Rosillo, fled the crash site on foot but police later found him. The 30-year-old motorist was taken to the hospital and arrested. He is charged with felony hit-and-run, second-degree murder, and driving while impaired.

Smith, 29, leaves behind his wife, Karisa, and their three children. The former NCSU football player set the record for tackles by a freshman in 1998. He was a possible NFL contender when he got hurt.

Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication is dangerous and places the lives of the impaired driver and others on the road at stake. On August 21, 2009, police officers in cities throughout North Carolina and other US States will begin their Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown in an effort to save lives as we wind our way toward the end of the summer holidays and Labor Day on September 7.

While 6,159 of the almost 13,000 people killed in drunk driving crashes 2007 were drivers between the ages 21 – 34 with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater, a new study shows that older adults are not exempt for binge drinking. Duke University researchers are reporting that out of 11,000 survey participants, 22% of the men and 9% of the women binge drink (consume 5 drinks or more). The findings from this new survey can be found in the latest issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry.

Former N.C. State football player killed in hit-and-run, Charlotte.com, August 17, 2009

Former NC State Football Player Edrick Smith Killed in Charlotte Car Crash, MyFox8, August 16, 2009

Survey Finds Binge Drinking Among Older People, Too, US News & World Report, August 17, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Drunk Driving. Over the LImit. Under Arrest, NHTSA

Binge Drinking, CDC

The American Journal of Psychiatry

Continue reading "Charlotte, North Carolina Car Accident Kills Former NCSU Football Player" »