Edwards & Kautz Law FirmPaducah Personal Injury Lawyers | Criminal Defense | Workers' Comp2024-03-15T14:00:34Zhttps://www.edwardsandkautz.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1403880/2022/02/cropped-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Edwards & Kautz Law Firmhttps://www.edwardsandkautz.com/?p=538362024-03-04T21:12:39Z2024-03-15T14:00:34ZLost income and productivity
One often overlooked cost of accidents is the impact on income and productivity. Injuries sustained in an accident may require time away from work for recovery, leading to a loss of wages. Additionally, the mental and emotional toll of an accident can hurt your ability to focus, affecting job performance and overall productivity.
Increased insurance premiums
While insurance can cover immediate costs, many forget that filing a claim can increase insurance premiums. Even if you are not at fault, your insurance rates may rise, potentially affecting your budget for years to come. It is essential to factor in these long-term financial consequences when assessing the actual cost of an accident.
Property value and resale issues
For those whose accidents involve property damage, there may be a lasting impact on the value of their assets. For example, a car with a significant accident history may be worth less when sold or traded. Homeowners may face challenges when selling a property with a history of accidents or insurance claims.
The emotional and psychological toll
Accidents can leave lasting emotional scars, impacting mental well-being in ways that are not immediately apparent. The stress, anxiety and trauma associated with an accident can lead to ongoing counseling or therapy costs. Mental health is a massive aspect of overall well-being, and addressing these aspects of recovery is essential for a full and healthy recovery.
Future medical expenses
Some injuries may not fully show up right after an accident, and ongoing medical issues may arise. About 1 out of 4 adults with health care debt in America state that they owe over $5,000, which may partially happen after the initial health problem. Future medical expenses, including rehabilitation, medications and follow-up treatments, can add up long after the incident.
Accidents often bring long-term stress to you. It is essential to recognize and plan for these hidden costs and worries when navigating the aftermath of an accident. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand what's at stake after an accident.]]>On Behalf of Edwards & Kautz Law Firmhttps://www.edwardsandkautz.com/?p=538522024-03-04T20:56:18Z2024-03-11T19:54:58ZLeft turn accidents
Left turns are a common cause of motorcycle wrecks for several reasons:
Visibility and depth perception: It is more difficult to see motorcycles and judge their speed
Distraction: Phone calls, texts and other distractions are a growing concern
Negligence: Some drivers fail to adequately check the intersection or corner before turning
These crossing-path accidents can result in severe injuries or death due to the exposed nature of motorcycle riders.
Kentucky laws
Drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming traffic. According to Kentucky Revised Statutes §189.340, the driver can only turn left when it does not interfere with the approaching traffic. Understanding these laws is crucial for drivers and motorcyclists, as adherence to these rules can prevent devastating accidents.
Legal compensation
If you have injuries from your crash, seeking reimbursement for medical expenses and other damages is vital. Contact your insurance company promptly, providing all necessary documentation. Your insurance may cover the costs if the at-fault driver does not have adequate coverage.
In the aftermath of your accident, you must determine fault. Strengthen your case by collecting evidence such as witness statements, photos and police reports.
Kentucky follows a comparative negligence system. Compensation amounts correlate to the degree of fault of each party. You may receive reduced compensation if you are partially at fault for the accident.
Navigating the roads on your motorcycle requires a heightened sense of awareness. Understanding Kentucky's traffic laws and talking to a personal injury lawyer about your rights can help you get the compensation you deserve.]]>On Behalf of Edwards & Kautz Law Firmhttps://www.edwardsandkautz.com/?p=538382024-03-04T20:54:17Z2024-03-07T15:00:54ZHigh-speed collisions
Car accidents often involve high-speed collisions. These wrecks increase the risk of traumatic brain injuries. The force generated during a crash can cause the brain to strike against the skull, resulting in bruising, swelling or tearing of brain tissue. The severity of these injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe, life-altering traumatic brain injuries.
Impact forces and head injuries
The forces in a car accident can lead to various head injuries, contributing to the occurrence of traumatic brain injuries. Even when individuals wear seat belts, the sudden impact of a collision can cause the head to strike against the steering wheel, dashboard or windows. Unrestrained occupants may experience more forceful impacts. These impacts can heighten the risk of head injuries and subsequent traumatic brain injuries.
Whiplash and rotational forces
Car accidents often result in whiplash. Whiplash is a sudden and forceful back-and-forth motion of the head and neck. This movement can contribute to rotational forces on the brain, causing internal injuries that may lead to TBIs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there were 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021. Prioritizing road safety is a collective responsibility that helps safeguard lives and prevent the devastating consequences of TBIs. Talking to a personal injury attorney can be an important step in recovery after you've experienced an accident.]]>On Behalf of Edwards & Kautz Law Firmhttps://www.edwardsandkautz.com/?p=538322024-03-04T20:45:00Z2024-01-04T20:44:03Zin a car accident.
1. The force of the impact
The human body cannot easily withstand the forces generated during a car crash. High-impact collisions can stretch, compress or even sever your spinal cord, leading to paralysis.
2. Rollover incidents
Although rollover accidents are not as common, they carry an increased risk of paralysis. The violent motion and impacts caused by a rollover can result in significant trauma to your spinal cord. Depending on the nature and location of that trauma, you might experience varying degrees of paralysis as a result.
3. Ejection
When a passenger gets ejected from a vehicle during a collision, this increases the risk of severe injuries. The impact of landing or striking another object can cause traumatic spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis. Wearing a seatbelt can mitigate this risk by keeping you secured in your seat.
4. Side-impact collisions
Side-impact collisions result in abrupt force from the side, which can traumatize your spinal cord. In many cases, the force of a side-impact crash can lead to long-term spinal cord damage and complications, including paralysis.
An estimated 90% of serious spinal cord injuries result from traumatic events, including car accidents. Understanding the most common types of incidents that can cause spinal cord injuries and potential paralysis will help make you more aware as a passenger and driver.]]>On Behalf of Edwards & Kautz Law Firmhttps://www.edwardsandkautz.com/?p=538292024-01-31T14:55:37Z2023-12-28T14:54:45ZHow road rash occurs
Road rash refers to severe abrasions of the skin caused by sliding across pavement after falling off a motorcycle. It often occurs after a crash throws a motorcyclist from a bike during an accident. The friction between the road and unprotected skin scrapes away layers of skin, resulting in painful and disfiguring wounds.
How road rash can manifest
Road rash wounds are complex injuries involving damage to the epidermis, dermis and even subcutaneous fat layers. Debris such as dirt, gravel and asphalt tend to contaminate the wound. Road rash can range from mild scrapes covering a small surface area to severe abrasions extending across large portions of the body. Treatment depends on the severity, location and depth of the abrasions.
When wound debridement is necessary
Sometimes, a road rash wound requires debridement. This involves the medical removal of dead, damaged or infected tissue to improve wound healing. For road rash injuries, surgically debriding embedded debris can be necessary.
Depending on the severity of the contamination, doctors may perform debridement in the emergency department or during follow-up wound care. The goal is to fully clean out the wound by removing all foreign matter and nonviable tissue. This creates a fresh wound base that can heal more effectively. Debridement also reduces bacterial counts and infection risk.
Given that 5,932 fatalities from motorcycle accidents took place in 2021 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, avoiding becoming another statistic is a concern for any motorcyclist. While road rash represents a common but serious abrasion injury for motorcyclists, you should pursue possible treatment options if your situation calls for it.]]>On Behalf of Edwards & Kautz Law Firmhttps://www.edwardsandkautz.com/?p=538342024-01-31T20:59:38Z2023-12-20T14:51:40ZMedical expenses
One of the primary costs you can recoup is medical expenses. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation and any ongoing medical care related to your paralysis. These expenses can be substantial, especially considering the long-term care often required in paralysis cases. In fact, research indicates that the average first-year cost for someone with a spinal cord injury is a staggering $198,000.
Lost wages and earning capacity
You can also seek compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity. If your injury prevents you from returning to your job, or if you need to work fewer hours or take a lower-paying job, you can claim these lost earnings.
Home modification and special equipment
Paralysis often requires modifications to your living space, like wheelchair ramps, special bathrooms or lifts. You can include the costs of these modifications in your claim. Similarly, expenses for special equipment like wheelchairs or adapted vehicles are also recoverable.
Pain and suffering
In addition to tangible expenses, you can claim compensation for pain and suffering. This acknowledges the emotional and physical distress caused by your injury.
Such compensation can help you manage the financial burden of your injury and support your journey to adapting to new life circumstances. Remember, while monetary compensation cannot undo the trauma of the accident, it can provide essential support for your ongoing needs and recovery.]]>On Behalf of Edwards & Kautz Law Firmhttps://www.edwardsandkautz.com/?p=538252023-12-11T21:56:21Z2023-12-18T15:00:22ZLimited visibility
One primary reason tailgating a semi is dangerous is the limited visibility it creates. Semi-trucks have larger blind spots than regular vehicles, particularly behind and on the sides. When a driver tailgates a semi, they significantly reduce their visibility to the truck driver. This lack of visibility increases the likelihood of accidents, as the semi-driver may not be aware of the vehicle closely following behind.
Stopping distance
Another factor contributing to the danger of tailgating a semi is the longer stopping distance larger trucks require. Semis have a greater mass, and their momentum makes it harder for them to come to a sudden stop. If a driver tailgates a semi, they reduce the available stopping distance, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions, especially in emergencies.
Underride dangers
The potential for underride accidents adds another layer of danger to tailgating semis. An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle goes beneath the rear or side of a semi-truck. Due to the height difference, a smaller vehicle can easily end up in this position. It can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Maintaining a safe following distance helps mitigate the risk of underride accidents.
Wind turbulence
Wind turbulence from semis is another safety concern when tailgating. Large trucks generate significant air turbulence as they move, creating a strong draft that can entrap smaller vehicles. Driving too closely behind a semi exposes a vehicle to this turbulence, causing instability and making it challenging to maintain control.
Anticipating issues
Tailgating a semi also reduces a driver's ability to anticipate and react to changing road conditions. Trucks often encounter obstacles or hazards that may not be immediately visible to a closely following vehicle. Maintaining a safe distance allows drivers to better anticipate road conditions and respond appropriately.
Tailgating a semi-truck poses serious safety risks. By understanding these dangers, drivers can make informed choices on the road, prioritize safety and contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone.]]>On Behalf of Edwards & Kautz Law Firmhttps://www.edwardsandkautz.com/?p=538272023-12-11T21:55:13Z2023-12-14T15:00:41ZHeavy eyes and persistent yawning
Excessive yawning and trouble keeping your eyes open are common signs of fatigue. If you find yourself yawning or struggling to stay alert, you should know that these symptoms can impair your reaction time and increase your risk of accidents.
Difficulty focusing
Safe driving requires full attention to the road, and any lapse in concentration can have serious consequences. Fatigue can compromise your ability to concentrate on the road. If you notice a lack of focus, frequent daydreaming or an inability to maintain a steady gaze, those challenges show that your mind is not in optimal condition for driving.
Impaired reaction time
Fatigue can significantly slow down your body’s reaction time. This puts you at risk of an accident if you cannot react to hazards quickly enough when you are behind the wheel. If your body feels fatigued enough that you are slow to respond to things around you, that indicates you are too fatigued for safe driving.
Recognizing the signs of fatigue can help you ensure your safety on the road. According to the CDC, an estimated 1 in 25 adults admit to falling asleep at the wheel in the last 30 days. Recognize when you are too tired to drive and stay off the road for your own well-being.]]>On Behalf of Edwards & Kautz Law Firmhttps://www.edwardsandkautz.com/?p=538202023-11-06T16:15:32Z2023-11-13T15:00:28ZMedical expenses
One of the most substantial financial burdens that follows a car accident is the cost of medical treatment. Extensive injuries may require hospitalization, surgeries and ongoing medical care. These expenses can quickly escalate, overwhelming even those with comprehensive health insurance. Co-pays, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs can strain an individual's finances, potentially leading to significant debt.
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Recovery from a car accident often involves rehabilitation and physical therapy. These services help individuals regain mobility and independence, but they come with their own financial demands. The cost of sessions, equipment and transportation to and from therapy facilities can accumulate, creating additional financial stress.
Prescription medications
Many car accident survivors require prescription medications to manage pain, prevent infections and address other medical issues. The long-term use of these medications can result in substantial pharmaceutical costs, which can be challenging to bear, especially if individuals do not have comprehensive prescription drug coverage.
Home modifications
In some cases, the accident may leave an individual with permanent disabilities, necessitating modifications to their home for accessibility. Ramps, handrails, wider doorways, walk-in tubs and other adjustments can be costly but are necessary for quality of life and independence. The costs can be steep, going to $15,000 or even higher in some cases.
Lost income
Long-term care often means time away from work. The loss of income during recovery can compound the financial burden, affecting not only the individual but also their family members who depend on that income. While some individuals may have access to disability benefits, these may not fully replace their lost income.
Emotional and psychological costs
The stress of dealing with mounting medical bills and navigating complex healthcare systems can lead to anxiety and depression. That may necessitate additional mental health support and expenses.
The financial challenges after a car accident can be overwhelming. Looking at the long term is important, especially for injuries likely to worsen over time.]]>On Behalf of Edwards & Kautz Law Firmhttps://www.edwardsandkautz.com/?p=538082023-11-06T15:22:41Z2023-11-10T18:00:51ZWhy large vehicle sales are rising
Large trucks and SUVs have become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. Their spacious interiors, perceived safety and ability to navigate diverse terrains have made them a popular choice for many. Consequently, sales of these vehicles continue to climb, with more people opting for them over smaller, more compact cars.
How large vehicles threaten pedestrian safety
The proliferation of large trucks and SUVs has detrimental consequences for pedestrian safety. These vehicles are often larger, taller and heavier than traditional cars, which can make accidents involving pedestrians more lethal. The high front end of SUVs and trucks also poses a greater risk to pedestrians in a collision, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities.
Large trucks and SUVs also lead to reduced visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. The height and bulk of these vehicles obstruct sightlines. Moreover, due to their greater mass, large trucks and SUVs require longer braking distances to come to a complete stop. This extended stopping distance can make it difficult for drivers to react quickly to sudden pedestrian movements, increasing the risk of accidents.
These days, four out of every five new vehicles sold in the United States is an SUV or large truck. Large vehicle sales first began outselling smaller cars back in 2002 and pedestrian deaths have risen steadily since as a result.]]>