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3 reasons broken bones are not always “simple” injuries
Different people may use their own system of judgment to evaluate car crash injuries. For some people, the permanence of an injury may be their main concern. For others, the total cost involved in treating the injury might be the most important thing on their mind.
Using either approach, a broken bone probably doesn't seem like a particularly serious crash injury. Modern medical science has the ability to set and treat all kinds of fractures. Additionally, the treatment costs for a fracture are often reasonable when compared with the lifetime care costs of a brain injury or spinal cord injury. However, fractures can be very serious injuries that require significant financial compensation after a car crash. The three considerations below contribute to the long-term impacts a broken bone can result in.
Fractures can be quite severe
A simple, stable fracture is easy to treat. It hurts, but doctors don't need to do much to diagnose and set the fracture. Other types of broken bones can be far more traumatic and difficult to treat. An open fracture can lead to serious blood loss and infection risk. Along with comminuted fractures, like spiral fractures, open or compound fractures frequently require surgical intervention to properly address.
Long shifts can contribute to semi-truck crash risk
Many of the factors that contribute to semi-truck collisions are unique to the commercial transportation industry. For example, maintenance issues can play a significant role in collisions involving semi-trucks. It is also far easier for those operating 18-wheelers to lose control of their vehicles when compared with those driving standard four-wheel passenger vehicles.
The intense demands associated with a commercial transportation career can also create collision risk. Semi-truck drivers often work longer shifts than the average professional. They may be on the road for 10 hours or more on any given day. The need to get loads in on time puts a lot of pressure on commercial drivers and may result in extreme fatigue. Driver fatigue can significantly increase the chances of a major motor vehicle collision.
How fatigue affects driving safety
There are two main ways in which a commercial driver's exhaustion can contribute to crash risk. The first is the possibility of them falling asleep at the wheel. A combination of feeling tired and driving on a monotonous road can lead to them dozing off at the wheel. Even a few seconds of unconsciousness can be enough for them to lose control of the commercial truck and cause a crash that could affect multiple other vehicles.
IV drug administration is more dangerous than many people think
People with major medical challenges and older adults may need to take multiple different prescription medications to treat a condition or control their symptoms. Particularly in cases where patients require multiple medications or medications administered via injection, they may have a hard time handling their medication regimen independently.
Patients frequently assume that having medications administered by medical professionals is a safer option than administering the medications to themselves. Those in hospitals and other inpatient facilities may feel safer when they receive medications through intravenous (IV) drug administration. However, quite a few medication errors involve IV drugs, rather than pills that patients take on their own.
What types of IV errors occur?
There are many different types of IV drug mistakes that can occur in a hospital setting. Researchers identify timing errors as the most common. A timing error might involve a nurse or other medical professional failing to switch out IV bags promptly after the completion of the first infusion.
Top driving safety tip for avoiding semi-truck crashes
Crashes with commercial trucks can lead to life-altering injuries or a tragedy that forever changes a family. Commercial vehicle collisions can produce catastrophic injuries and can also sometimes result in people dying.
A significant portion of those crashes occur because of something a commercial driver did or failed to do in traffic. The average motorist in a passenger vehicle cannot control what a professional driver does in a semi-truck. However, they can control their own habits to reduce their chances of contributing to their crash risk. One particular safety tip can help significantly reduce the likelihood of a passenger vehicle being at fault for a collision with a semi-truck.
Big rigs need plenty of space
The one mistake with the strongest association with semi-truck collisions involves getting too close to commercial vehicles in traffic. Semi-trucks are large, awkward vehicles. They are difficult to slow down and maneuver.
Drivers can expose themselves to unnecessary risk by driving in their blind spots. A commercial driver may not notice them before causing a preventable crash when they are directly next to or behind the trailer. Passing when behind a semi-truck can be dangerous as well, as the passenger vehicle driver is in a blind spot where they cannot see around the commercial truck.
Pursuing compensation after a city bus accident in Virginia
The sheer size of a city bus can make being hit by one a frightening experience. Suppose you've been injured in such a disorienting accident; one of your immediate concerns may be to pursue compensation.
In the unfortunate event that a city bus hits you in Virginia, sufficient compensation can potentially help to alleviate some of the out-of-pocket medical expenses you'll incur during recovery.
Liability in city bus accidents
Accidents involving public transportation, such as city buses, can lead to severe injuries and significant financial burdens. The procedure for seeking compensation may differ from typical car accidents due to the potential for multiple liable parties.
First of all, the driver of the city bus may be at fault if they were engaging in reckless driving behavior, such as:
- Exceeding the allowed speed limit
Why insurance claims after semi-truck crashes are hard to handle
Usually, insurance is the first option available for those negatively affected by a car crash. The policy of the driver at fault for the collision can pay the costs generated by their regulatory violations or negligence.
In crashes between two passenger vehicles, the coverage available could end up being far too low given the overall expenses generated. When crashes involve a passenger vehicle struck by a semi-truck, there may be better coverage available. However, the claims process is likely to be far more challenging.
Insurance companies have more to lose with more coverage
Insurance companies are notoriously aggressive negotiators. They often try to trick and manipulate people into making mistakes that limit how much compensation they receive. Such tactics are common even in standard car insurance claims.
When there is a commercial policy involved, there is that much more incentive for the insurance company to try to avoid financial responsibility. Even the most generous insurance policy carried by an individual probably offers only a fraction of the coverage available through a commercial policy.
Where are drivers at risk in Virginia?
Virginia's roads offer stunning views and attractions for both locals and tourists. However, some of these roads are quite hazardous. Knowing which roads pose the greatest danger can help you stay safe while driving. What should you know about the dangers you might face behind the wheel?
Interstate 64 (I-64)
Interstate 64, a major east-west route in Virginia, experiences heavy traffic. This heavy usage leads to many accidents. Notably, a short 3.3-mile segment between exits 258B and 264 witnessed 11 deaths in a single year.
Interstate 95 (I-95)
Interstate 95 is one of Virginia's busiest highways, crucial for local commuters and long-distance travelers. The dense traffic on this road increases the likelihood of accidents.
Interstate 295 (I-295)
Interstate 295 acts as a bypass for travelers wanting to avoid downtown Richmond. This road is known for heavy congestion and features several complex interchanges, making it a common site for vehicle crashes.
What if a rideshare driver is to blame for a crash?
When rideshare apps first started marketing to consumers, they made claims about how they could improve road safety. The idea was that rideshare drivers could keep drunk motorists and those unfamiliar with local streets off the road. The average person, who may not be as aggressive on the road as a seasoned taxi driver, could provide rideshare transportation as a part-time second job.
Unfortunately, rideshare drivers are often relatively aggressive. They drive fast and brake aggressively. They can also act in ways that endanger their passengers. There have been a host of safety incidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles. Some passengers have experienced assaults committed by drivers. Others have ended up in collisions that leave them with serious injuries.
Who covers the cost generated by a rideshare-related crash?
There may be special insurance available
As is true with most other types of collisions, one of the main considerations in a rideshare collision scenario is who was at fault for the incident. If the other driver was to blame for the crash, then they, not the rideshare driver or company, may be liable for a passenger's injuries. When the rideshare driver caused or contributed to the crash, that can affect financial responsibility for the incident.
3 reasons delivery vehicles are so dangerous for other drivers
Delivery vehicles were once relatively rare, but they are now everywhere. The rise of online retail has altered the way that consumers shop and the way that businesses get products to customers.
In addition to delivery drivers operating their own vehicles to bring meals, groceries and other small purchases to customers, there are countless drivers working for delivery companies, including massive online retailers with their own delivery fleets and companies that specialize in package delivery. The presence of all of those delivery vehicles on the road affects the safety of everyone else. The following are some of the ways that delivery vehicles increase the likelihood of other people being involved in serious collisions.
Vehicle limitations
Fleet vehicles belonging to massive corporate delivery companies aren't necessarily as large as standard semi-trucks, but they are bigger and heavier than the average passenger vehicle. They have larger blind spots because of their size and can be difficult to safely maneuver in traffic. Especially when a delivery driver has recently changed professions, they may struggle to properly control and maneuver a large delivery vehicle.
Common causes of semitruck crashes
Truckers provide a vital service to this country, but it comes at a cost. These professionals must operate their vehicles with safety in mind. Any errors they make can have catastrophic results for those who are traveling in front, behind, next to or otherwise around them.
Victims of semitruck crashes may opt to pursue a compensation claim if they have suffered harm as a result of another's negligence. In order to do this, they must know the cause of the crash so they can name the appropriate party or parties as defendants in the matter. There are several causes that are particularly common in these cases.
Trucker's actions
The trucker's actions may play a primary role in a crash. Distractions, impairment or fatigue can all have a negative impact on the trucker's ability to operate the rig safely. Aggressive driving, such as speeding or weaving between lanes, can result in the semitruck slamming into another vehicle.
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From our office in Fairfax, Shevlin Smith, P.C. serves clients throughout Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., including Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Centreville, Dale City, Fair Oaks, Leesburg, Manassas, McLean, Oakton, Reston, Springfield, and Woodbridge, as well as Fairfax County, Arlington County, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County.
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