Teen Drivers

A 16-year-old Newport, Tennessee teen pickup driver was injured and his passenger was killed Tuesday afternoon when they slammed into a tractor-trailer in Jefferson County.

The tractor-trailer was making a left turn onto Highway 25/70, when the pickup hit it. A 65-year-old passenger in the pickup was killed and the driver injured. Local media reports quote the investigating Trooper as saying that the pickup driver and the passenger  were drinking, using drugs and driving and that neither he, nor the deceased were wearing their seat belts, and that had they been using them, the outcome would have been different.

Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. In Tennessee in 2008, 327 people were killed in crashes where the driver or motorcyclist had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. That is down from 377 people killed in 2007 with a BAC of .08 or higher. Over the 2008 Labor Day holiday, 12 people were killed in 10 fatal crashes on Tennessee roadways, down from 17 people killed on Tennessee roadways in 2007.

A recent report estimated that seat belts are preventing 15,700 fatalities, 350,000 serious injuries, and in excess of $67 billion in economic losses related to traffic injuries and deaths every year. I have repeatedly said, over the years, that seat belts are absolutely unless drivers and passengers take a few seconds to use them.

The lesson for Tennessee drivers is to stop before you turn the ignition key and make sure that you and your passengers are buckled up. The lesson for state highway safety authorities is that education and enforcement work and save lives. If each one of us would stay alert and endeavor to create a culture of safety we can reduce traffic fatalities.

If you are the victim of a Nashville or Tennessee automobile accident we urge you to contact our Nashville car accident attorneys today for a free consultation. When you hire an auto accident attorney from Phillip Miller & Associates, you’re getting a qualified and dedicated lawyer. Details about our attorneys and staff can be found by viewing our website at www.seriousinjury.com where you can get to know the men and women who will be looking out for your best interest.

Don't Mess With A Tractor-Trailer

I-24 on the north side of Nashville is a busy interstate highway that forms a crossroad of I-65 and I-40. Early morning rush hour is an interesting mix of local and national travelers, but no matter what category they fall into, the speeds are high and the Aggressive driving is just part of everyday business.

This interstate was backed up for thirty miles following a fiery crash between an SUV and a tractor-trailer, that left the SUV driver dead. Local media reports said a 36-year-old man from Benton, Kentucky was killed around 2:30 p.m. Monday. The crash occurred at mile marker 35, just before the Whites Creek Pike exit.

Media reports said the man was driving eastbound down I-24 when he lost control of his vehicle, traveled off the road and became stuck on the mud facing the westbound lanes. As the man attempted to free his car from the mud, he entered oncoming traffic and collided with a tractor-trailer. Following the crash both vehicles caught fire. The truck driver was not injured in the crash.

Police investigators found evidence of alcohol in the man’s car and toxicology tests will be conducted to determine whether alcohol played a role in this fatal crash. My prayers go out to the family and friends of this unfortunate man.

Busy interstates are dangerous places, and I’m familiar with the area around this exit. The lesson we can learn from this crash are twofold; If the police are correct about the alcohol this is just another incident that reinforces the idea that alcohol consumption clouds our judgment and a bad decision can end our lives. Secondly, we earn that when you breakdown on an interstate, especially when we are mired in mud and have no traction, we should rely on emergency responders to help us.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed by a negligent Tennessee driver, contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident lawyers at Phillip Miller & Associates and take advantage of a free consultation.

Deer Related Fatality

A local media report came across my desk that tells of a family highway tragedy. Seven people in a minivan full of relatives were killed, and four were injured when their vehicle hit a deer on an Indiana highway and slowed down or stopped just before a Tractor-trailer slammed into them from behind, this past Friday.

Several things came to mind. The first is that all drivers are required to maintain a safe distance while following so that if something happens that cause the vehicle ahead to slow, that there is plenty of time and space for the following vehicle to respond.  From what I’ve read, the cause of the fatalities is the truck driver’s failure to follow at a safe distance and maintain control of his/her vehicle.

As an experienced Tennessee automobile accident attorney, I want to take this opportunity to once again remind you all of you to pay particular attention, especially in the morning and at dusk, for deer. The Tennessee Department of Safety cautions motorists to watch out for deer, especially during the months prone to deer-related crashes, October through December.

Deer-related crashes are on the rise in Tennessee as urban growth encroaches into rural areas. In 2006, there were 5,884 deer-related crashes, including 289 that involved injuries and two that were fatal. That was up 19 percent from 4,942 in 2005. Since 2003, deer-related crashes in Tennessee have risen over 33 percent.

In the month of November Tennessee recorded 1,334 deer-related crashes, by far the highest month for such crashes. December and October were the second and third highest months, which saw double the average number of deer-related crashes throughout the year.

A couple of suggestions:

If you see one deer there will probably be several more

If you happen to collide with a deer, never approach it, an injured deer can prove very dangerous.

Do not try to swerve around an animal.

If you swerve you could lose control of your vehicle and hit a tree or another vehicle, both potentially much worse than hitting a deer. If you swerve, there’s also a chance that the animal will panic and run into your path. Instead, keep your lane position and sound your horn while braking in a controlled manner.

What does this mean to you if you or a family member are the victim of a Tennessee tractor-trailer accident and suffer a serious or life threatening injury?  It means that the trucking company has a huge advantage in investigating the cause of the accident and developing a strategy for its defense to any claim that arises. During one of these situations evidence can disappear and negligent drivers can be coached on what to say to police investigators. The trucking company has the benefit of an expert that was actually at the accident scene. This may not be possible for the victim since injuries are usually severe in nature. Needless to say it is important to act quickly so that an expert can examine the evidence on your behalf.

Time is of the essence in these kind of  cases. Although most cases can be reconstructed at a later time it is important to have someone looking out for your best interests as soon as possible. That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced Tennessee tractor-trailer accident lawyer like those you will find at Phillip Miller & Associates. If you or a loved one is injured in a car tractor-trailer accident act quickly and take advantage of a no-cost no-obligation consultation and learn about your rights and put our crack team of lawyers and investigators on the case.

Speed Related Tractor-Trailer Crash

Local East Tennessee media reported that investigators believe that a 58-year-old South Carolina tractor-trailer driver was traveling in excess of the speed limit when he came to a curve on I-26 near Flag Pond, Tennessee when we was unable to negotiate the curve, left the road and overturned. The posted speed limit for trucks is 50 MPH.

According to police reports skid marks were visible on the asphalt hundreds of feet before the point where the truck hit the guardrail. The report went on to say that the cab and trailer rolled several times, knocking down about 350 feet of the guardrail. The cab and trailer landed at least 50 feet apart. Although the accident occurred at 10 AM, it was about noon before emergency personnel could get to the drivers body to remove it from the destroyed cab..

Speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes. The economic cost of speeding-related crashes is estimated to be in excess of 40.4 billion dollars per year. In 2007, speeding was a contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes, and 13,040 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes. The total economic cost of crashes is estimated at $230.6 billion or more last year.

If you are involved in a Tennessee accident with a tractor-trailer contact an experienced Tennessee tractor-trailer accident lawyer like those you will find at Phillip Miller & Associates. If you or a loved one is injured in a car tractor-trailer accident act quickly and take advantage of a no-cost no-obligation consultation and learn about your rights and put our crack team of lawyers and investigators on the case.

Act Fast Following Truck Accident

A tractor trailer accident can leave a victim and their family facing experienced legal teams from a large trucking company working hard against them in order to pay out as little as possible. A trucking company has a lot of financial resources at stake, due to the fact that injuries that result in an accident involving a large commercial truck are often serious or even fatal.

Immediately following a wreck, the truck company most likely will send out a team of investigators to the accident scene as often payouts for a tractor trailer accident can run into the millions. They will work to gather key evidence that supports their employer and may mitigate critical evidence that would work against the trucking company in a trial.

It is important, even critical, for a victim and their family to contact experienced Nashville truck accident lawyers who will carefully explain all legal options, answer questions and chart a course for pursuing monetary compensation for your injuries, damages and pain and suffering.  There are several acts of negligence that can contribute to or cause a tractor trailer accident.

In regards to driver negligence, the driver may be operating the large piece of machinery while overly fatigued. In fact many drivers will cheat on their driving logs in order to make more money per day. They drive more than the federal law legally allows. Also, they may make improper lane changes, drive too fast for current conditions, tailgate, drive while distracted and more. Sometimes is actually trucking company negligence that contributes to the wreck. This may be in the form of improper maintenance of the truck, trailer, cables, and any other equipment that might affect the operation of the truck. They may utilize negligent hiring practices or fail to properly train the operators of their commercial trucks.

Quite obviously the driver of a car and their passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists are at a huge disadvantage when they are in an accident with a big rig, semi-truck, 18-wheeler, delivery truck or any commercial truck for that matter. A tractor trailer can weigh up to 40 tons, literally crushing a smaller vehicle in its path.  Injuries sustained can include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, crushing injuries, broken bones, chest and abdominal trauma, paralysis, coma, severe burns and wrongful death. Nashville truck accident lawyers can help the victims of a tractor trailer accident and their families recover financial compensation for the injuries or wrongful death of their family member. They have helped others in a similar situation and they can help you. Call our Nashville truck accident lawyers for a free case

Head-On Collision

In a largely rural state like Tennessee, a driver is likely to find themselves on 2-lane highways with narrow shoulders. The reason why I am constantly harping on avoiding distractions is directly related highways like this. These secondary roads are very unforgiving.

Unforgiving is right. If you are distracted or driving too fast, it takes only a second or two and you are face to face with a tree, a whole bunch of trees or a ditch, or in the case of a Lincoln County, Tennessee man, a tractor-trailer truck. Rural roads are hazardous, they are narrow, windy and for the most part, without a shoulder.

The accident took place this past Friday on Highway 110. According to local media reports, an SUV and a tractor-trailer collided head-on in a curve. The SUV driver was killed. The media reports didn’t say who was at fault but observing the speed limit, paying attention to the road conditions and signs and avoiding any kind of distraction is the key to arriving alive. My prayers go out to the family and friends of the victim of this tragic Tennessee head-on collision.

The lesson here is that no matter where you are, the interstate highway or the rural roads that wind through this beautiful state of ours, you have to be alert and mindful of your task. If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee car crash, whether on a highway or a byway, contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident lawyers at Phillip Miller & Associates and let us help you recover damages for your injuries and loss.

Drive To Road Conditions

A tractor-trailer overturned in Claiborne County Tennessee when he failed to negotiate a curve on State Highway 33. A driver is responsible for maintaining control of his/her vehicle. This is especially true on hilly windy rural highways. Fortunately there were no other vehicles involved and no one lost their life.

Thousands of drivers every year are injured and killed because of commercial truck accidents. One of the main causes of these accidents is driver fatigue. Commercial trucking is a vital component to our economy and every year it seems to this experienced Nashville tractor-trailer lawyer that this commercial pressure causes more and more commercial drivers to violate the law by driving longer and further to make an extra buck.

What does this mean to you if you or a family member are the victim of a Tennessee tractor-trailer accident and suffer a serious or life threatening injury?  It means that the trucking company has a huge advantage in investigating the cause of the accident and developing a strategy for its defense to any claim that arises. During one of these situations evidence can disappear and negligent drivers can be coached on what to say to police investigators. The trucking company has the benefit of an expert that was actually at the accident scene. This may not be possible for the victim since injuries are usually severe in nature. Needless to say it is important to act quickly so that an expert can examine the evidence on your behalf.

Time is of the essence in these kind of  cases. Although most cases can be reconstructed at a later time it is important to have someone looking out for your best interests as soon as possible. That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced Tennessee tractor-trailer accident lawyer like those you will find at Phillip Miller & Associates. If you or a loved one is injured in a car tractor-trailer accident act quickly and take advantage of a no-cost no-obligation consultation and learn about your rights and put our crack team of lawyers and investigators on the case.

If you are involved in a Tennessee accident with a tractor-trailer contact an experienced Tennessee tractor-trailer accident lawyer like those you will find at Phillip Miller & Associates. If you or a loved one is injured in a car tractor-trailer accident act quickly and take advantage of a no-cost no-obligation consultation and learn about your rights and put our crack team of lawyers and investigators on the case.

Tennessee Truck Fatality

A Tennessee man was killed early Tuesday morning after his tractor trailer overturned in Marysville, Ohio. According to local media reports the Lobelville, Tennessee man was driving a tractor-trailer along U.S. Highway 33 near milepost 18 when his vehicle drove off the North side of the road, went through a fence before rolling over in a ditch. He ws dead at the scene. My prayers go out to his family and friends.

Local police investigators don’t believe that alcohol was a factor in the crash, but what could have caused such an accident? At first several things come to mind; the man could have fallen asleep at the wheel. Investigators will surely look to hi log book and other electronic device to determine how long he had been driving.

He might have had a medical emergency and this would be determined by an autopsy, but the most probable reason is that the tractor-trailer driver was somehow distracted in the moments before he left the road. Driver distraction comes in all forms, cell phones, radios, CDs, MP3 players, eating etc. I am aware of dozens of distracted driver accidents caused by women drivers applying their makeup while driving down the interstate at 55 MPH.

Distraction from the primary task of driving could present a serious and potentially deadly danger. In 2008, 5,870 people lost their lives and an estimated 515,000 people were injured in police-reported crashes in which at least one form of driver distraction was reported on the crash report. The lesson for Tennessee drivers is to remember that when you are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, especially on the interstate highways, you are piloting a deadly weapon.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Nashville tractor-trailer accident caused by a distracted driver you owe it to yourself to contact the experienced Nashville tractor-trailer accident lawyers at Phillip Miller & Associates and take advantage of a free consultation to find out about your rights and remedies. Call 615-356-2000.

Secure Your Child

A 6-year-old boy died from injuries he received when a tractor-trailer ran his mother off I-40 and caused her to flip. Unfortunately the mother failed to make sure that her child was properly buckled into his child safety seat. He was ejected and killed in the rollover.

Child safety seats reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants (less than 1 year old) and by 54 percent for toddlers (1 to 4 years old) in passenger cars. Young children restrained in child safety seats have an 80 percent lower risk of fatal injury than those who are unrestrained.

Tennessee was the first state in the country to pass a Child Passenger Protection Law requiring children to be restrained in child safety seats (car seats and booster seats).

A.  A child under one year old, or any child weighing less than 20 pounds, must be in a child passenger restraint system (car seat) that is facing the rear of the car.

B. Children who are one through three years old, and who weigh more than 20 pounds, must be in a child passenger restraint system that is facing forward.

C. Children who are four through eight years old and whose height is under four feet, nine inches, must be in a belt positioning booster seat system (child booster car seat) and wearing a seatbelt.

These seats should be in the rear seat of the car, if possible. The children can’t make the decision to protect themselves, this is the legal responsibility of the parents. It is also the responsibility of the parents to teach by example.  If you are driving and witness a parent driving without having their child properly restrained it is your duty to notify the authorities. Call 911 is you are in an urban area and *847 in a rural area. Make the call and save a child’s life.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee highway automobile accident contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident law firm of Phillip Miller & Associates and take advantage of a free consultation to determine your rights and remedies

Avoid Distractions

A wreck Saturday afternoon on Highway 28 in Anderson County killed two people. State Troopers said a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu was trying to cross Highway 28 at the Hayes road intersection and pulled out in front of a tractor-trailer. Investigators will have to try to figure out what so distracted the driver of the car, that he didn’t see the oncoming tractor-trailer.

More crashes happen at intersections than at any other place. Intersections constitute a very small part of rural and urban street/highway systems, yet they are implicated in 31.9 percent of all motor vehicle crashes and 15.5 percent of all fatal crashes (2004 NHTSA data). Be very careful when approaching any intersection or driveway. Never assume another driver will yield the right-of-way to you. Wait until the coast is clear and always be prepared to stop.

The Tennessee Rules of the Road suggest that when you approach an intersection you should use a technique called “Traffic Checks”. “Traffic checks” is the process of looking frequently and carefully for vehicle traffic approaching from each direction. “Traffic checks” is especially important when merging or changing lanes AND when approaching and crossing intersections.

Preventing injuries and deaths at intersections should be a high priority for towns and cities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2005 alone, nearly 9,200 people died and approximately one million people were injured in intersection-related crashes which account for approximately 40-45 percent of all crashes.

If you or a loved one is junjured or killed in a Nashville intersection collision contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.