Archive for June, 2012

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25
Jun

Distracted Driving Responsible For Fatal Arkansas Car Accident

June 25, 2012

Distracted driving is thought to be responsible for an Arkansas car accident that claimed the life of a 23-year-old North Little Rock man last week. Reports from KTHV News indicate that that the crash happened on rural Batesville Pike on Tuesday evening.

Police say that the young man was driving down the road when his vehicle suddenly veered off of the highway and crashed into a tree, killing him almost instantly. Officers who responded to the scene found the young man’s cellphone with an incomplete message that had been typed on the screen, giving them evidence that texting was a contributing factor to the fatal accident.

Thousands of similar Arkansas Car Accidents occur yearly. Arkansas State Police say that roughly 5,600 crashes in 2008 could be associated with distracted driving and the problem is growing annually.

The costs associated with this growing problem are huge. Coca-Cola recently settled a lawsuit for $21 million with a 37-year-old woman who suffered nerve damage after a company employee crashed into her car while using a cellphone. Locally, an Arkansas lumber company was required to pay $18 million to a crippled 78-year old woman who survived injuries from an accident caused by a company employee who was driving and talking on a cellphone while on the clock.

The Little Rock Personal Injury Lawyers with Rainwater, Holt and Sexton ask that drivers keep Arkansas Highways safe by putting their phones down until the car is parked.

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18
Jun

Swimming Safety a Concern after Arkansas Drowning

June 18, 2012

The recent drowning of a 19-year-old man at Indian Head Lake in Lonoke County has proven to be a tragic reminder of the dangers of swimming unattended. Reports from FOX 16 News indicate that the man drowned Saturday evening.

Friends and family of the victim say that he had gotten extremely hot while changing two tires on his car and had gotten into the water to cool off. He began swimming out to several rafts tethered together at the center of the lake, but only made it about halfway across before going below the water. Rescue crews recovered the body of the young man approximately two hours later.

Authorities believe that the man’s high body temperature combined with the cold temperature of the water may have sent him into shock.

The Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton would like to send their condolences to the family of the victim, and remind citizens of the importance of swimming safely this summer. Swim with a friend and never lose sight of that person. Remember to always be within reach of help. Also, if you or someone you know is not a strong swimmer, never get near water above head-level without a life preserver on.

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11
Jun

Parents Say New Soccer Goal Law Not Enough To Protect Children

June 11, 2012

Playing soccer can be a fun way to help keep your kids fit and healthy. However, moveable goals that some organizations and parks use for their soccer fields have been associated with numerous instances of injury and death when proper precautions are not followed.

According to FOX 16 News, the organization “Anchored For Safety” says that records show an estimated 59 people killed by falling soccer goals over the past 30 years. Last year, here in Arkansas, a 9-year-old boy was killed after an unanchored goal tipped over and fell on the victim. His death prompted his parents to push legislators to create a law that protects others from a similar scenario.

The result was Jonathon’s Law, a recently passed law requiring soccer goals to follow Consumer Product Safety Commission recommendations for set up and safety. Similar laws have been passed in Illinois following a child’s death while playing on an unanchored goal. The Arkansas victim’s parents say that getting the law passed is the first step, since there is no one to enforce the new rule and infractions carry no penalty.

The Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers with Rainwater, Holt, and Sexton say that the firm hopes that the new laws can be improved in order to prevent future wrongful deaths from occurring. In the meantime, the firm says it is important to never let your child swing or hang from the crossbar of a soccer goal.

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4
Jun

Arkansas Bus Driver Indicted For Death Of A Pedestrian

June 4, 2012

A Central Arkansas Transit Authority bus driver is facing charges for his part in a crash that killed a 57-year-old man in Little Rock, Arkansas late last year. According to FOX 16 News, the accident occurred on November 17 around 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Capital and Louisiana Streets.

Officers with the Little Rock Police Department say that the bus driver was traveling west on Capital Street when he attempted to make a left turn onto Louisiana. The driver did not see the pedestrian, who was on his way to a meeting, crossing the street in a marked crosswalk and ran him over. The victim was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for his injuries, but died a short time after arrival.

Now, more than six months after the accident initially occurred, police have charged the driver of the bus with one misdemeanor count of negligent homicide. He was arrested and booked into the Pulaski County jail and was released on bond pending his next court date. If convicted of the crime, the bus driver could face up to one year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.

The Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton encourage pedestrians to stay safe and avoid being involved in a Arkansas Car Accident by being vigilant, always using a marked crosswalk, and checking for traffic in both directions before attempting to cross the street.

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