Fessler, Schneider & Grimme LLPFindLaw IM Template2024-03-06T21:43:29Zhttps://www.fsgattorneys.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1301756/2020/02/cropped-FSG-siteicon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Fessler, Schneider & Grimme LLPhttps://www.fsgattorneys.com/?p=499902024-01-03T17:03:00Z2024-01-03T17:03:00Zinvestigated a multi-vehicular collision that took place in North Las Vegas, Nevada, in January of 2022. The devastating six-vehicle crash resulted in nine fatalities, including four young boys no older than 18 years old.
Minimizing speeding incidents is important
When it comes to road safety, one cannot overemphasize the significance of adhering to speed limits. That’s why, in every locale, road authorities have meticulously determined speed limits based on various factors, such as:
Road design
Traffic density
Environmental conditions
These limits are not arbitrary but are calculated to help ensure the optimal balance between efficient travel and safety. Disregarding these limits can put a driver at risk and endanger everyone sharing the road.
One key factor contributing to the peril of speeding is a significant reduction in reaction time. At higher speeds, the ability to perceive and respond to sudden changes in the road environment diminishes. This compromised reaction time can be a recipe for disaster, especially in situations that demand quick decision-making.
How intelligent speed assistance can minimize car crashes
Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) is a sophisticated system designed to assist drivers in adhering to speed limits by leveraging advanced technologies. It provides drivers with accurate speed recommendations by combining the following:
GPS data
Road sign recognition
Real-time traffic information
ISA relies on GPS technology to pinpoint a vehicle’s location precisely. By cross-referencing this data with digital maps, the system gains insights into the speed limits of the current road. This helps ensure real-time accuracy.
Equipped with optical recognition capabilities, ISA can also identify road signs indicating speed limits. This visual input supplements GPS data, offering an additional layer of precision to the speed recommendations provided.
Lastly, ISA goes beyond static speed limits by incorporating real-time traffic data. This dynamic element allows the system to adjust speed recommendations based on the current traffic conditions, promoting optimal safety and efficiency.
Since technology will continue to advance, the call for artificially slowing down car speeds isn’t an impossible petition. With the help of intelligent speed assistance, automakers can give drivers the power to regulate their speed in real-time. This way, the frequency of car crashes can be reduced, and the roads can be safer for all users.]]>On Behalf of Fessler, Schneider & Grimme LLPhttps://www.fsgattorneys.com/?p=499692024-02-21T00:07:22Z2023-07-25T13:11:41ZWhat does the research show about pedestrian collisions?
According to a review of crash data by the Governors Highway Safety Association, 2022 saw the most pedestrian deaths in 40 years. The more than 7,500 pedestrian fatalities recorded in 2022 topped every other year since 1981. Researchers noted that the issue may be even worse than it initially appears because the national figures for 2022 don't include data from Oklahoma.
The real question is not exactly how many pedestrians died but rather what has caused this alarming uptick in fatal collisions. There has been an overall increase in traffic fatalities in many different areas since 2020, with many motorists reporting a marked increase in unsafe driving habits like rolling through four-way stops and red lights or exceeding the speed limit. The increased size of popular vehicles may also be a factor, as SUVs, crossovers, trucks and vans dominate many roads.
Even though pedestrians may not be the ones who cause these crashes, they are almost always the ones to bear the worst of the consequences. Pedestrians, therefore, need to know that whenever they are in close proximity to vehicles, they are at elevated risk. They also need to know about the systems in place for their protection.
Dealing with the aftermath
Those injured in a pedestrian crash caused by a motor vehicle often have the option of filing an insurance claim. Those who find that the coverage available isn't enough because of the scope of their injuries may also have the option of pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
Recognizing the increased risk that comes with walking on roads in recent years may help pedestrians make more safety-conscious decisions about their personal habits and seek legal guidance to hold people accountable for their unsafe actions in the event that an accident does occur.]]>On Behalf of Fessler, Schneider & Grimme LLPhttps://www.fsgattorneys.com/?p=499672024-02-21T00:12:35Z2023-06-30T12:39:36ZRemain at the scene, and call for help.
Especially if the crash only resulted in mild injuries or primarily caused vehicle damage, a driver might tell themselves that there's no point in making a police report if the other motorist fled the scene. However, having a record of the crash is of the utmost importance. At the very least, it keeps the motorist compliant with state law. Reporting the collision and providing any details that one has available, like part of the other driver's license plate, will lead to an investigation that could potentially track down the other driver.
Review insurance options
Every driver in Kentucky can add no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to their insurance policies. Someone with PIP coverage could make a claim against their policy after a hit-and-run crash even if the police never locate the other driver. Those who invest in uninsured motorist coverage could also use their personal policies after hit-and-run collisions. If law enforcement officers identify the other motorist involved, the person not at fault for the crash can potentially make a claim against the other party's coverage. If they do not have insurance, a personal injury lawsuit could be an option.
Know when medical treatment is necessary
If the crash involved high speeds, seeing a medical professional is essential. A timely diagnosis will give someone the best chance at a full recovery and will also make it easier for them to file an insurance claim related to their injuries.
Knowing what steps to take after a hit-and-run crash can be very important for someone navigating a surprising and injurious situation.]]>On Behalf of Fessler, Schneider & Grimme LLPhttps://www.fsgattorneys.com/?p=499652023-05-22T15:18:08Z2023-05-22T06:41:00ZThere were almost 400 automation-related wrecks in under a year
A few years ago, there were only a few thousand vehicles with autonomous driving software on the roads, but now there are hundreds of thousands. When looking at the collisions between July 2022 and May 2023, many crashes involved vehicles with autonomous driving systems.
There were almost 400 collisions during that time involving self-driving software. 273 of those crashes specifically involved Tesla vehicles. There are hundreds of thousands of these vehicles on the road capable of driving themselves, but at least a few hundred of them ended up in crashes while in their autonomous mode.
This surprisingly high crash rate has prompted more discussion about developing safe autonomous software and what happens with financial liability in those crashes. Typically, any driver choosing to flip their vehicle over into autonomous driving mode will likely be responsible for any crash that results. However, eventually, that may change. In some cases, a claim against the manufacturer could be responsible if it is clear that a defect in the software directly caused a crash.
Motorists, for now, need to continue to make decisions on a case-by-case basis about what would be safest for them and their passengers. Tracking the safety implications of technological advances may help those who want to avoid collisions to the best of their ability.]]>On Behalf of Fessler, Schneider & Grimme LLPhttps://www.fsgattorneys.com/?p=499632023-04-21T18:19:44Z2023-04-20T22:32:30ZWhat does the data say?
Someone's chance of getting hurt on their motorcycle is higher now than just a few years ago. According to the National Safety Council, the risk of a deadly motorcycle crash has risen significantly in recent years. Between 2019 to 2020, national motorcycle fatalities increased by 11%. Data from 2021 and 2022 shows a continuation of that upward trend.
Those in Kentucky about to get their motorcycle out for the season must refresh themselves on significant safety concerns. They also need to be proactive about maintenance so that they can trust in their bike to safely maneuver and stop when they need to move quickly to avoid a crash.
Why are crash rates increasing?
Researchers have had difficulty pinpointing one reason crashes and traffic fatalities have increased recently. Overall, the main issue seems to be increased unsafe traffic behaviors. There seem to be more people choosing to do things they know are hazardous, such as drinking before driving, texting at the wheel and driving at dangerous speeds.
Those unsafe behaviors align with some of the top causes of motorcycle crashes. Many involve a driver or rider with an elevated blood alcohol concentration or speeds over the posted limit. Inattentive drivers are also a known safety concern for riders.
Motorcycle riders who follow the speed limit, avoid intoxicants and focus on their visibility can minimize their risk of contributing to future motorcycle crash statistics. Additionally, making a direct effort to reduce personal motorcycle crash risk often requires careful vehicle maintenance and awareness of evolving safety concerns.]]>On Behalf of Fessler, Schneider & Grimme LLPhttps://www.fsgattorneys.com/?p=499622023-03-28T20:33:32Z2023-03-27T18:40:00ZEVs are often very heavy compared to similarly-sized vehicles
When someone has a compact car, the battery bank required to run an EV doesn’t make it prohibitively heavy. However, when looking at SUVs and trucks, EVS can be incredibly heavy even when compared with other vehicles of a similar size.
The issue with that extra weight should be obvious. In the event of a crash, a heavier vehicle causes far worse damage to the lighter vehicle involved in the wreck. The more people that upgrade to electric trucks and SUVs, the worse the outcome of the crashes involving those vehicles, especially if the other car is a more compact, lighter model.
Despite research connecting bigger and heavier vehicles to worse damage in crashes, no rules require additional insurance from those driving vehicles that will cause worse damage.
Those harmed in a significant wreck may need to go to court
Often, the drivers who cause catastrophic collisions simply do not have adequate insurance. In some cases, they may not have any insurance coverage whatsoever. Those affected by a crash will typically try to file an insurance claim, but sometimes they may need to go to court to pursue any compensation they’re rightfully owed.
Learning more about the factors that increase the severity of motor vehicle collisions can help people to make more informed decisions as they drive. Additionally, this knowledge can be beneficial when working with a legal professional to navigate the legal and financial aftermath of a wreck.
]]>On Behalf of Fessler, Schneider & Grimme LLPhttps://www.fsgattorneys.com/?p=499602023-02-27T15:06:02Z2023-02-27T01:26:41ZDrowsy drivers are everywhere, according to self-reported data
Those who collect self-reported data to analyze human behavior expect that people will under-report certain actions perceived in a negative light even when the reporting process is anonymous. As such, the number of people willing to admit to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that they have fallen asleep at the wheel in the last month is horrifying.
One in 25 drivers has likely dozed off at the wheel in the last month at least once. Many people drive fatigued habitually and will have numerous instances of dozing off within 30 days. When someone falls asleep at the wheel, they can cause a crash that kills them or someone else. Drowsy drivers don't need to drift off to sleep to cause a crash.
The longer someone goes without deep sleep, the more their fatigue affects their ability to drive. Increased reaction times, difficulty staying focused and poor decision-making are all consequences of fatigue at the wheel.
Tired drivers bring added risks
Unlike other dangerous driving habits, drowsy driving can be difficult to prove. However, some drivers will admit to it. Although drivers can't prevent other people from driving while exhausted, they can recognize that getting behind the wheel when they can barely stay awake is a safety hazard and ask someone else to drive.
Learning more about the choices that can lead to a motor vehicle collision will help people avoid causing one and help victims of crashes better understand what happened to them. In the event that another’s negligence, recklessness or intentionally dangerous conduct caused their harm, they may be entitled to pursue compensation from that at-fault party.]]>On Behalf of Fessler, Schneider & Grimme LLPhttps://www.fsgattorneys.com/?p=499592023-01-09T22:22:56Z2023-01-09T22:22:56ZDavid Fessler was selected for inclusion in Super Lawyer's personal injury list, while Timothy Schneider was awarded in the criminal defense category. Both have been named Super Lawyers before, but it is always an honor every year that it happens. That is because nominations come from our peers in the Kentucky legal community. Being listed among the commonwealth's Super Lawyers is a result of the respect a lawyer has earned from their peers.
Skilled legal representation with a personal touch
We are honored to receive this recognition because it validates our determination to provide each client with the best results possible. Whether you were injured in an auto accident, suffered the consequences of nursing home negligence, are facing serious criminal charges, or need legal assistance related to probating an estate, we have the skill and experience to provide you effective representation. And the personal touch we apply to each case means our strategy is always tailored to the client's individual priorities.]]>On Behalf of Fessler, Schneider & Grimme LLPhttps://www.fsgattorneys.com/?p=499562022-12-13T20:21:40Z2022-12-12T22:16:38ZHow the Texas Turnaround works
Drivers on I-75 entering the Fourth Street ramp typically have to drive quickly and rapidly cross multiple lanes of traffic. The need for aggressive maneuvers while crossing a bridge drastically increases the likelihood of a crash and causes traffic issues near this on-ramp.
Now, drivers will travel south briefly and loop back around, hence the name “Texas Turnaround.” This multi-million dollar infrastructure project aims to ease traffic congestion and the consequences of aggressive driving.
Kentucky transportation officials aim to facilitate a smoother flow of traffic and a lower rate of wrecks by identifying this particular on-ramp as a source of congestion and collisions.
With traffic transitions come short-term increased risks
During the first few weeks with the new Texas Turnaround open at Pike Street, many drivers will likely struggle with this change. Especially if you are not a particularly confident driver, you may want to avoid the Pike Street on-ramp while other drivers acclimate to it. Planning to take the ramp when traffic density is lower could also help those concerned about the changes this will create for their driving habits.
Tracking major changes to infrastructure can help those hoping to avoid a motor vehicle collision on Kentucky roads.]]>On Behalf of Fessler, Schneider & Grimme LLPhttps://www.fsgattorneys.com/?p=499542022-12-13T19:32:36Z2022-12-08T23:03:51ZKentucky state law does allow for wrongful death lawsuits in certain scenarios. Provided your situation includes the four elements below, you may be in a position to take a person or business to civil court and seek financial compensation for the recent loss of the loved one.
What are the four main elements of a Kentucky wrongful death lawsuit?
1) Someone must die
The first and most basic requirement for a wrongful death claim is that another human must have lost their life. Wrongful death claims are not possible if some kind of tragedy claims the life of a pet, as the Kentucky courts would treat that as property damage. People will need a death certificate, if not medical reports affirming the cause of death.
2) An individual or business caused the death
To bring a wrongful death claim, there has to be a specific party that you want to hold accountable. An individual or a business could face a wrongful death lawsuit if they cause the death of a person through negligence or misconduct.
3) Surviving family members must suffer monetary injury
There are many financial consequences that come from a sudden loss. Frequently, families will ask the courts to award them lost future wages. However, the unpaid services that someone performs around the house could also contribute to the total value of the monetary losses claimed. Families hoping to pursue a wrongful death claim will usually need documentation supporting the specific losses they request in the lawsuit.
4) There must be a personal representative appointed to the estate
Kentucky does not typically allow family members to directly file a wrongful death lawsuit on their own. Instead, the personal representative of the deceased party's estate will file the lawsuit and then distribute the funds in an appropriate manner given the circumstances. Families usually may need to wait until the initiation of probate proceedings to push for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Understanding the requirements for a Kentucky wrongful death claim can help your family determine if the civil courts can offer a path toward justice.
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