Huntsville Personal Injury Attorney Blog | Alabama Car Accident Lawyer | Madison County Brain Injury Law Firm

Crash test dummies have a long history of vehicle safety improvements

2012-05-18T20:40:20Z

In the last few decades passenger vehicles have become a great deal safer due to technological safety improvements. Many of these safety improvements are a direct result of crash test research designed to learn more about how occupants of a vehicle are injured during a car accident. This data combined with information from real life car accidents allows manufacturers to design better and safer cars.

While data from actual crashes is important, those crashes do not occur in environments in which researchers can control the variables and accurately measure impact forces during a crash. This measurement can be accomplished during impact tests using crash test dummies. Interestingly the first life-like crash test dummies used to study impacts were not used in connection with cars and trucks.

]]> In 1949, an Air Force doctor testing the impacts that pilots undergoes in a plane crash, asked to have a dummy made that would better simulate a pilot. Prior to this dummy, researchers were using sandbags or even animals to carry out these tests. The new dummy was modeled on plaster molds made of actual Air Force pilots.

Crash test dummies have been used to facilitate the development of many safety improvements including better crumple zones, air bags, and even seat belt placement. But dummies are obviously not a perfect replacement for human drivers. They cannot replicate the way that a driver is likely to swerve or brake just before a crash. For that, some tests still use human drivers.

Source: New York Times, "Who Made That Crash-Test Dummy?," Hilary Greenbaum, May 18, 2012

Country singer's bus involved in crash in Alabama

2012-05-15T13:47:12Z

Two of the biggest vehicles that use out highways in Alabama are commercial trucks and busses. Accidents involving either of these types of vehicles tend to be serious due to the size and weight of the vehicles. Of course when a bus is involved there is a heightened risk for a large number of injuries if the bus is full of passengers.

Recently a tour bus use by country musician Bucky Covington was involved in a crash with a commercial truck. There were no reports of serious injuries to anyone on the bus, the singer himself had apparently already been dropped off to conduct a radio interview. The driver of the truck was injured and was taken to a regional hospital for treatment.

]]> While the details of the crash have not yet been made public, the tour bus was apparently totaled in the wreck. Images from the crash show significant damage to the front of the bus. The entire right side of the front end of the bus is completely caved in. The commercial truck also sustained significant damage, and law enforcement and clean up crews had to collect spilled cargo from the road before the highway could be reopened to traffic.

Trucks and busses both involve trusting our safety to a licensed commercial driver. This relationship is more direct when we are passengers on a bus. But for either a bus or commercial truck, occupants of passenger vehicles must still rely on the skill and experience of those piloting these large vehicles down the highway right next to our own sedans, minivans and SUVs.

Source: The Boot, "Bucky Covington Bus Crashes in Alabama, Singer Not on Board," Stephen Betts, May, 10, 2012

Alabama woman struck head-on by drunk driver

2012-05-10T18:40:48Z

Earlier this week we posed the question of whether drunk driving laws in Alabama are sufficient to curb drivers from getting behind the wheel after they have been drinking. A recent accident puts this question into sharper focus as the man responsible for the accident, and who according to the police report was driving under the influence, is not yet facing any criminal charges.

Even more shockingly, the man was charged with manslaughter last year after an accident in which he struck and killed a motorcyclist while allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. He is awaiting trial in that matter.

]]> In the recent accident a woman was driving westbound down the interstate when she saw the man's car, traveling the wrong way, heading right for her. Before she could take any evasive action, his car struck hers head-on. The woman was taken to the hospital after the accident, but fortunately escaped the crash without serious injuries.

For someone injured by a drunk driver in a situation like this one, the anger and sense of injustice is likely extreme. While the investigation into this recent accident hopefully remains ongoing, the criminal justice system often does not provide a full measure of justice in drunk driving crashes. A civil action is required for victims or their families to recover for the injuries they suffer.

Source: WKRG Channel 5 news, "No Arrest For DUI," Blake Brown, may, 5, 2012

Alabama DUI laws may be insufficient to stop accidents

2012-05-08T19:39:44Z

As you know, drunk driving accidents can cause very serious injuries and fatal accidents. Fortunately, great strides have been made in informing the public about the dangers of driving under the influence. While the public awareness campaign has certainly been useful, it is reasonable to wonder if we are nearing, or have surpassed a saturation point. Doesn't everyone now know that drinking and driving is extremely dangerous. Those individuals most likely to be influenced by these public service announcements have likely already stopped drinking and driving.

Having already picked this low-hanging-fruit, it appears that there is still a long way to go in reducing the total number lives lost or destroyed due to drunk driving. Some are questioning whether it is time to increase the penalties for those convicted of drunk driving. For the victims of drunk driving accidents, it is hard to understand why the state of Alabama has not already taken all potentially effective steps to reduce this completely avoidable source of injury and death.

]]> These questions about the efficacy of Alabama's drunk driving laws have been revisited recently due to a fatal drunk driving accident in which the driver had a prior DUI arrest. Many people feel that more must be done to reduce the instances of repeat drunk driving offenders. While one option may be to increase sentences, it could be that those who still get behind the wheel while intoxicated would not be deterred by harsher sentences. It seems as though the threat of both civil and criminal consequences would be no surprise to anyone. Hopefully the state can find solutions, whether it is ignition locks or something else, that will help decrease the danger posed to us all by drunk drivers.

Source: Fox 10 TV, "DUI laws questioned after deadly crash," Derica Williams, May 4, 2012

Blown red light leads to serious injuries in crash

2012-05-04T17:02:19Z

Safety on our roadways depends on each driver following the rules of the road and taking seriously their responsibility to drive in a safe manner than does not endanger others. There are those times when even if a driver is technically following the rules, they may cause a car accident due to a negligent act or lack in judgment. While a driver is still responsible for the consequences of their actions, these lapses in judgment may sometimes be understandable. What is more striking is when a driver causes a serious accident because they have violated one of the most basic of traffic laws.

A serious car accident in Alabama earlier this week was apparently the result of one driver simply failing to stop at a controlled intersection. It was just after noon when the driver of Chevrolet sedan drove into the intersection without stopping. The sedan crashed into a cargo van that was passing through the intersection. The cargo van rolled, finally coming to rest on top of an Acura SUV.

]]> Emergency personnel had to extricated the driver of the SUV from her vehicle before should be taken by an helicopter to a regional medical center. The driver of the Chevrolet was also taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the cargo van was not injured.

While an investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding this crash are still under investigation, it is troubling when a serious injuries result from a driver failing to follow basic traffic rules that are established to promote the safety of everyone who uses Alabama roads.

Source: OANOW.com, "3-vehicle crash in Auburn sends 2 to hospitals," May 2, 2012

Texting while driving ban for Alabama?

2012-05-01T17:49:23Z

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious car accidents in Huntsville and across the country. Thirty-seven states have already imposed some legal limits on drivers' use of their mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle. Last week, the Alabama legislature passed a bill that would ban texting while driving. It now awaits a signature from the Governor.

There are already Alabama municipalities that have enacted city ordinances that ban texting while driving. Anecdotal evidence from law enforcement officers in those cities suggests that enforcement of these ordinances is not yet sufficient to effectively end the dangerous practice. A statewide ban may be more effective in getting through to drivers who do not yet appreciate the dangers of distracted driving.

]]> The legislation comes in the wake of new research suggesting that newer drivers, particularly teenagers, do not appreciate the danger caused to themselves and everyone else on the road when they decide to use their phone to send a text message while they are driving. Almost 60 percent of teenage drivers admit to texting while driving.

Not surprisingly, the research indicated that those young drivers who had frequent conversations regarding the dangers of texting while driving were less likely to text while on the road. Interestingly, the researchers also discovered that while parents were often diligent about warning teens about this danger before the teen received their license, the frequency of the conversations dropped off once the teen was actually a licensed driver.

Source: WHNT Channel 19 News, "Texting Ban in Alabama? Researchers say Teen Drivers Aren't Getting the Message of Danger," Beth Jett, April 30, 2012

Risk of teen accidents increases as summer approaches

2012-04-27T20:33:16Z

It is almost a teenage right of passage in Alabama. As school winds towards a close for the academic year, teenagers find themselves with time on their hands and a desire to get out of their parents' house. Since the days of the drive in restaurant in the 1950s teens have enjoyed just getting in a car and going cruising on a summer evening. But this time of year can be one of the most dangerous for teenagers as the risk of a fatal car accident increases.

Each year, more than 350,000 teens are injured in automobile accidents. The 100 days between prom and Labor Day represent the peak for teenage car crashes. There are a variety of causes leading to teenage crashes, top among those are distractions and driving under the influence.

]]> Texting while driving has received an increased amount of scrutiny recently, and teenage drivers seem to have the most trouble keeping their hands off their phones while they are driving. But texting is not the only distraction that can steal attention from the road, where it should be. Having passengers in the car can also be a distraction. The risk of a fatal accident increases by 39 percent when there is one passenger in the car and increases even more with additional passengers.

Drinking and driving is also a serious problem among teenage drivers. Teenagers are not legally allowed to drink alcohol, but obviously, teenagers are not always in compliance with this law. When teenagers do drink they are more likely than adult to do it while driving around in their car or at some location to which they have snuck out. This means that in many cases they end up behind the wheel after having drank illegally.

Source: Bloomington Community News, "Bloomington students learn about the 100 deadliest days," Mike Hanks, April 25, 2012

Alabama car crash result in severe head injuries for school principal

2012-04-25T15:40:55Z

In any motor vehicle accident there exists the potential for severe and life altering injuries. The forces involved when two cars are traveling even at relatively moderate speeds, is sufficient to break bones, cause serious internal injuries, and severe lacerations. But it is often not the broken bones or injuries to internal organs that have the greatest long term impact on an accident victim's quality of life. Head injuries can cause serious, and often times, permanent impairment.

The devastating potential of traumatic brain injuries caused by car accidents was illustrated this weekend, when a recently retired Alabama high school principle was involved in a car accident that resulted in serious head injuries. The former principal is currently listed in critical condition at the Huntsville Hospital.

]]> In this tragic accident, it seems that the scope of the head injuries was immediately. But in many cases it may not be as obvious that a brain injury has even occurred. This can be seen in the increased scrutiny placed on the identification of concussions for football players at all levels from the professionals down to the pee-wee leagues. Too many times individuals were suffering brain injuries without anyone ever noticing. This was happening even when there was trained medical staff on the sidelines.

In the aftermath of a car accident a traumatic brain injury may go unnoticed, or may not present obvious symptoms immediately. It is important for those who could have potentially suffered a brain injury, even in a relatively minor accident, to be on the lookout for any indications of trouble. These can include grogginess, loss of memory, and changes in personality. When these symptoms appear it is imperative that the victim seeks appropriate medical attention.

Source: WHNT Channel 19 News, "Former Morgan County Principal Critically Injured in Huntsville Wreck," Carson Clark, April 21, 2012

Are Huntsville highways especially dangerous?

2012-04-19T19:18:53Z

It seems like every city and town has at least one stretch of roadway that is well known by everyone who lives there as being particularly dangerous. It is those places that always seem to be the most likely spot for car accidents. Sometimes they have catchy names like Dead Man's Curve or Roller Coaster Road. One of those places in Huntsville is the stretch of 255 also known as Research Park Boulevard.

There is often heavy traffic as Research Park Boulevard and Interstate 565. Lots of cars are trying to quickly get up to speed to merge and suddenly slowing down to exit. The high rate of accident on this stretch of highway prompted some drivers to ask the Alabama Department of Transportation whether the speed limit on this stretch could be reduced.

]]> A spokeswoman for the Department of Transportation explained that a speed study was conducted which indicated that the speed limit should stay at its current level of 55 miles per hour. She further explained the DOT decision by noting that this is a four lane divided highway and that access is limited.

The methodology of speed studies like the one conducted in this case, measure the various speeds travelled by motorists on the highway and then determines that speed at which at least 85 percent of drivers choose to drive when traffic is free flowing. Of course the upper limit for a posted speed limit in this highway is 65 mph. According to traffic studies reducing speed limits below the average speed of 85 percent of drivers is largely ineffective.

Source: The Huntsville Times, "Research Park Boulevard speed limit needs to be reduced, reader says," Keith Clines, April 17, 2012

Motorcyclist injured in crash with suspected drunk driver

2012-04-17T17:27:39Z

Most motorcycle riders would likely say that they are more acutely in tune with their surroundings on the road than their car driving counterparts. Piloting a motorcycle is an active experience with a greatly reduced risk of simply not paying attention to the traffic flow around you. Without the passenger cabin of car or truck, a motorcycle rider's body is much more a direct part of the experience.

There is of course a flip side to the great experience of traveling down the highway with nothing between yourself and the rest of the world. In the event of an accident the absence of a passenger cabin means the full force of a motorcycle accident is absorbed directly by the rider's body. This fact lead to a motorcycle rider being taken to the Huntsville Hospital after he was struck by a driver whom law enforcement authorities suspect of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

]]> According to a local news report, law enforcement authorities suspect that the driver of a Chrysler sedan veered into the westbound lane striking the motorcyclists. The car slid another 50 to 75 feet after the impact. Officials say that the crash resulted in a serious injury to the motorcycle rider's left leg. The driver of the car was not seriously injured in the crash and was arrested at the scene after failing a field sobriety test.

While motorcycle riders may be more aware of their surroundings, there is little that they can be expected to do when a drunk driver swerves into their lane.

Source: The Times Daily, "1 hurt, 1 arrested in wreck," Tom Smith, April 14, 2012

Tax filers beware, more car accidents on tax day

2012-04-13T17:39:13Z

According to a study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, there are significantly more serious car accidents on the day that taxes are due than there are on an average day. The study looked at thirty years worth of crash data and compared the number of accidents on tax day to the number on otherwise statistically similar days.

They found that they are about 13 more fatal accidents on tax than they would have otherwise expected. This is similar to the increase in accidents that can be seen on Super Bowl Sunday, though likely not for all of the same reasons.

]]> New Year's Eve, Super Bowl Sunday, and even St. Patrick's Day are occasions on which more people than usual are out celebrating and drinking alcohol. It is not surprising that on these days the rate of serious accidents may increase. Though it is possible that some people celebrate finishing their taxes with an adult beverage, it is likely not the cause of the increase.

While researchers are not certain exactly what caused the increase on tax day there are likely several factors. Many who are filing their taxes at the post office at the last minute may be less well rested after spending a night going over receipts and forms. They may also jus tbe under more stress generally as they try to get their taxes filed on the last day. Both of these factors can lead to an increased risk of causing a serious car accident.

Source: Forbes, "Death and Taxes: Fatal Road Crashes Increase on Tax Day," Kelly Phillips Erb, April 12, 2012

Two injured in suspected drunk driving crash in Alabama

2012-04-11T13:08:03Z

Being struck from behind is one of the most common types of car accidents. While these rear end car accidents may not always create the same type of catastrophic forces involved in a head-on collision, they are often a source of serious head and neck injuries. Depending on the speed involved in the crash it can also result in other serious injuries.

One reason that struck from behind accidents are so common is that they can be caused by almost any one of the usual factors that often lead to car accidents. Obviously inattentive driving can lead directly to a rear end collision if a driver is looking at their phone or something else when the car in front of them slows down or stops. Unsafe speeds and tail gaiting can also be culprits in this situation, even if the following driver sees the car in front slow, it may be futile if they have not left themselves enough room to stop. Finally, driving under the influence can also lead to rear end accidents, as an accident recently in Alabama demonstrates.

]]> All of the factors involved above, distraction, unsafe speed, and following too closely are all common manifestations of driving under the influence of alcohol. Drunk drivers also suffer from a decrease in judgment, motor control, and most other skills necessary to drive a car or truck. It is not, therefore that surprising that the driver who collided into the rear of another car in Alabama recently is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.

Source: The Anniston Star, "Two injured in Monday accident in Munford," Brian Anderson, April 3, 2012

Fatal Alabama car accident caused by drunk driver

2012-04-06T17:42:08Z

An Alabama mother and her two children, a 7-year-old girl and a 2-year-old child, were enjoying what they thought would be a fun way to spend the afternoon, at the Tuscaloosa Regional Air Show. When the show was over, the three left walking.

Unfortunately, at the same time, another spectator, who had obviously been drinking, also was leaving the event. However, he was behind the wheel of his car, a 2008 GMC Sierra pickup truck.

]]> He struck the young family with his vehicle, but then kept on driving another 100 to 200 yards. He then stopped and walked back to the scene of the car accident, viewed the injured victims but then went back to his car. Before the driver had a chance to leave the scene of the accident for a second time, police officers arrived and stopped him.

All three of the victims were transported to DCH Regional Medical Center to be treated for the serious personal injuries they sustained in the pedestrian accident. Sadly, the 7-year-old girl did not survive. The mother remains in intensive care, and the extent of her injuries is yet unknown. The 2-year-old was transported to Children's Hospital to receive appropriate care.

The driver was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, DUI, leaving the scene of an accident with injuries and first-degree assault.

Victims of drunk driving accidents in Alabama, such as this family of victims, may have recourse not only to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and wrongful death, but may also be able to claim punitive damages meant to punish as well as discourage drinking and driving.

Source: al.com, "Man charged with vehicular homicide in Northport car accident that kills child after Air Show," Ben Flanagan, April 1, 2012

Teenage truck driver involved in fatal accident

2012-04-04T19:28:54Z

New drivers in Alabama are simply inexperienced when it comes to driving. This is the reason that they are the cause of many fatal car accidents each year. As a result, teenage driver's licenses often come with restrictions as to how many people can be in the vehicle and what hours the teen drivers are legally allowed to drive.

In addition, it would be against the law for a new teenage driver to drive a commercial truck. A truck driver's license is a special license that would require additional driver training regarding trucks and would also include education as to stopping distances, following distances, blind spots and the physics of driving and maneuvering such a large vehicle.

]]> Because of a loophole, a 17-year-old driver was behind the wheel of a big rig. This was because the heavy commercial vehicle was transformed into a recreational vehicle for his family's use. This family travelled with their motorcycles to races across the country and used part of the converted trailer to haul their bikes and equipment. The other part of the trailer was transformed into a living space for family and friends.

The family was headed back home from a race when the teen driver was behind the wheel of the RV. He lost control of the big rig, sending it plummeting into a ravine after breaking through a guard rail.

Five of the 18 occupants inside the RV lost their lives as a result of the crash. The RV was practically demolished in the accident. Many other occupants of the RV also suffered personal injuries and were transported to the hospital.

Though this truck accident did not take place in Alabama, it is a sad reminder of the dangers involved whenever an inexperienced driver gets behind the wheel of a powerful vehicle.

Source: Pioneer Press, "Loophole allowed Jordan teen to drive big RV involved in deadly Kansas wreck," Steve Karnowski, March 4, 2012

NHTSA adds crash test data for female passengers

2012-03-30T13:33:08Z

Prior to 2003, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration had conducted vehicle crash safety tests using only dummies that approximated the body type and size of an average full sized man. In that year it began using crash test dummies which replicated the size and shape of an average woman.

Differences in size and body shape can have a significant impact on the nature and severity of injuries resulting from a car crash. The new results demonstrate that for many different vehicles and types of crashes woman are at a higher risk of sustaining a severe injury than men.

]]> Part of this disparity is likely due simply to the fact that men, on average, are simply larger and have larger bones and higher bone density. Differences such as the amount of musculature in the neck can result in increased instances of neck and head injuries.

Some of the discrepancy however, appears to be a result of the actual design of the vehicle. For instance, in a vehicle which a shorter driver has to move the seat significantly closer to the driving wheel, this driver's head is in the middle of the window less protected than it would be if the seat were further back where the head might be protected by the center pillar.

Hopefully this new data will help auto manufacturers design vehicles that provide the best possible protection for all body types.

Source: ABC News, "Female Crash Dummies Injured More: What Car Should Women Buy?" Alan Farnham, March 29, 2012