arkansas car accident lawyer « Rainwater, Holt & Sexton

Posts Tagged ‘ arkansas car accident lawyer ’

Apr

Arkansas Car Accident Claims the Lives of Two Construction Workers

April 22, 2013

Two highway workers were killed last week as a result of an Arkansas Car Accident in a construction zone. The crash occurred during a week that had been designated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as “Construction Zone Safety Awareness Week”.

A story from ABC 8 News explained the collision happened Tuesday night, in the southbound lanes of Crittenden County’s I-55. A motorist was traveling along the highway when he mistakenly crossed into lanes where a construction work zone had been set up. The car continued along after striking two workers and finally came to rest after colliding with an asphalt truck.

The two workers were taken to the hospitably rescue crews, but both men died a short time later.

While investigators continue to examine the events that led up to the crash, officials remind motorists to be aware of the increasing number of construction zones. They say that as weather continues to warm, the number of projects the state will be performing will rise.

This means it is vital that motorists eliminate all distractions when driving. A spokesman for the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, Brad Smithee, explained how an “observant” motorist, rather than a distracted driver, is less likely to be involved in an accident.

The Little Rock Personal Injury Attorneys with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton encourage motorists to stay safe by not using handheld electronic devices while driving.

Mar

Arkansas Car Accident Proves New Safety Devices Can Save Lives

March 11, 2013

The number of fatal motor vehicle accidents is reportedly rising across the nation in recent years, and government officials are attempting to implement new technology to improve highway safety. According to an article from KSLA 12 News, one new device being used in Arkansas is the moving safety barrier.

The moving safety barriers are known as attenuators, and are hooked to the rear of a vehicle at the head of a work zone. This is done to prevent a vehicle from entering a work site and to cushion the blow of motor vehicle accidents.

The devices were put to the test on Thursday in Texarkana, Arkansas, when a vehicle plowed into one of the devices protecting workers on I-30. The use of the device was seen as a success following the Arkansas Car Accident, considering only the driver of the car and one worker had to be transported to the hospital in private vehicles with minor injuries.

Arkansas Highway Department spokesperson, Joe Haney, explained the accident would have been much more serious without the safety equipment in place, because the vehicle would have collided with the rear end of a loaded dump truck.

The Little Rock Personal Injury Attorneys with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton applaud the use of this new safety technology. The firm hopes these devices will continue to prove successful in reducing the number of serious auto accidents.

Feb

NHTSA Reports Decrease in Fatal Car Accidents

Feb. 11, 2013

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced their data shows a downward trend in motor vehicle accidents during recent years. An article from the Courier News discussed these findings in detail, reasons the trend is occurring, and what it could mean for motorists in the future.

Data collected by the NHTSA showed that 32,367 people lost their lives to motor vehicle accidents in 2011. This was the lowest number of fatalities the nation has seen since 1949. Totals from Arkansas paralleled these findings, with 549 people dying as a result of Arkansas Car Accidents in 2011, compared to 571 lives lost in 2010.

Experts believe the decline in fatalities can be attributed to safer vehicles being available today. Regulations now require standard seat belts and airbags, not to mention other advanced safety features a vehicle can be optioned out with. Many of these safety options have become available during the last decade.

The findings leave many asking if the downward trend will continue. Experts believe that, as the economy improves, the number of fatalities may once again rise.

The Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton are glad to see less accidents resulting in loss of life here in Arkansas, but would like to remind drivers to always be vigilant in the face of the dangers on the road while behind the wheel of a car.

Dec

Tips to Prevent Accidents on New Year’s Eve

Dec. 31, 2012

Drinking and driving is one of the leading causes of Arkansas Car Accidents, especially on New Year’s Eve. As a result, law enforcement across the state will be cracking down on impaired motorists.

The Helena-Arkansas Daily World reports as many as 40 percent of all motor vehicle accidents are related to alcohol. One-third of all motorists will be involved in an alcohol-related accident at some point in their lives, with many individuals facing possible criminal and civil penalties for their actions.

To combat this problem, the Helena-West Helena Police Department not only stated it will be watching for drunk drivers, but they also offered several tips to ensure everyone has a safe ride home tonight.

The agency says the most important thing to remember is to never get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol and ensuring that friends don’t either. Instead, designate a sober driver before going anywhere or plan to utilize a taxi service. If you are hosting a party, have food and non-alcoholic beverages available to guests, and remember to make accommodations for those unable to make it home.

The Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton recognize the dangers drinking and driving can pose to everyone on the road and hope these tips help ensure everyone has a happy and safe New Year’s Eve!

Dec

Fayetteville Woman Killed and Another Seriously Injured after Arkansas Car Accident

Dec. 17, 2012

A 33-year-old woman from Fayetteville, Arkansas was killed and a man was left seriously injured following a multi-vehicle accident last week. An article from FOX 16 News stated the crash happened around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon along Interstate-40, near Briscoe, Arkansas.

The Arkansas State Police say that the female victim was a passenger in a vehicle that came to a halt behind a tractor-trailer in traffic waiting to pass through a construction zone. A third car plowed into the rear of the victim’s car after it failed to come to a stop for traffic. The impact of the Arkansas Car Accident was forceful enough to crush the victim’s car into the rear of the big rig.

Rescue crews arrived to find the female victim dead at the scene, but worked quickly to transport the driver of the vehicle to a local hospital for treatment to serious injuries.

Estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that each year, roughly 1.8 million rear end collisions occur in the United States. They account for roughly 30 percent of all accidents.

The Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton know the results of this type of accident can be devastating and are here to answer any questions you may have regarding your legal rights if you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident through no fault of your own.

Nov

Following Too Closely May Have Caused Arkansas Car Accident

Nov. 26, 2012

Five people were left seriously injured after an Arkansas Car Accident yesterday. The Baxter Bulletin reports that the crash happened at around 5:15 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, near the corner of Highway 62 and Sixth Street in Yellville, Arkansas.

Cpl. Clinton L. Evans, a spokesperson for the Arkansas State Police, stated the 39-year-old driver of a Dodge SUV, carrying his wife and two children, was stopped in the left lane of the highway as he waited to turn onto Sixth Street.

The 25-year-old driver of a Pontiac Sunfire, carrying a female passenger, was following the Durango too closely and was unable to stop in time to prevent a rear-end collision. The impact of left all four occupants of the Durango with injuries, and they were transported to a hospital for further evaluation. The Pontiac’s passenger also sustained injuries as a result of the crash.

Investigators believe the driver of the Pontiac’s failure to safely follow the SUV caused the accident.

The Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton understand the dangers that drivers face on the open road. Drivers should never follow a vehicle so closely that they cannot see beneath the rear bumper of the car in front of them. When following a tractor-trailer, follow at a distance that lets you see the truck’s side view mirrors.

Nov

Arkansas Car Accident Victim’s Family Awarded $2.97 Million

Nov. 19, 2012

The family of a 52-year-old Blytheville woman, who was killed in an Arkansas Car Accident involving a speeding state trooper, was recently awarded $2.97 million for their loss. According to an article published by the Insurance Journal, the crash happened in Nov. 2009, along Arkansas Highway 77 in Manila.

Reports show the trooper was traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph while responding to an emergency call without his vehicle’s lights or sirens activated. As the victim attempted to pull onto the highway from the parking lot of a restaurant, she failed to see the oncoming trooper and the two vehicles collided. The victim died at the scene from blunt force trauma sustained in the accident.

The trooper was charged with felony manslaughter, but reached a plea deal with the court when he pleaded guilty to a single count of misdemeanor negligent homicide. He resigned from the force after being arrested on DWI charges this past September in Missouri.

Policy requires law enforcement and emergency vehicles to activate both their lights and sirens when responding to an emergency situation. Failure to do so can be considered negligence in the event of an accident.

That is why the Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers with Rainwater, Holt and Sexton are hopeful the decision in the case will help bring some closure to the friends and family of the victim.

Nov

Little Rock SUV Rollover Accident Ejects Two from Vehicle

Nov. 5, 2012

A single-vehicle accident in Little Rock that killed one woman and seriously injured another has left the Arkansas State Police with more questions than answers. KARK 4 News states the crash happened at approximately 1 a.m. this morning along the westbound lanes of I-630.

Troopers say the 22-year-old driver of a Chevrolet Blazer SUV, from Mabelvale, Arkansas, lost control of the vehicle moments before it rolled twice. The impact of the Arkansas Car Accident caused both the driver and a 22-year-old female passenger to be ejected from the vehicle. The passenger died as a result, while the driver survived and was rushed to a local hospital by rescue crews who responded to the scene.

While troopers were able to determine the passenger was not properly restrained during the accident, they were unable to tell if the driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The cause of an SUV rollover accident can also be difficult to determine as a large number of accidents involving these types of vehicles have been attributed to poor engineering causing SUVs to being susceptible to tipping or rolling over.

The Little Rock Personal Injury Lawyers with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton Injury Lawyers understand the process of filing a claim for injuries following an accident can be difficult and are here to help you through the process if you have been hurt in a crash through no fault of your own.

Oct

Little Rock Residents Organize against Texting and Driving on Halloween

Oct. 29, 2012

A group from Little Rock is doing its part to protect the area’s motorists this Halloween by presenting a program highlighting the dangers of texting and driving.

THV 11 News reports the group set up a mock crash scene outside of Faith Baptist Church where visitors can see the result of an Arkansas Car Accident caused by distracted driving. The program then takes participants inside to witness the “funeral” of two people killed in the accident. The aim of the program is to make people think about the dangers of texting and driving before they get back behind the wheel.

Several applications for Smartphones are available to help with this. Some work by sending calls and texts to an away message when the phone is traveling more than 10 mph, while others send an automatic text response to incoming calls and messages when the phone’s owner is driving.

The Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton say that with Halloween approaching, it is important for motorists to be aware and focused on the road as trick-or-treaters mix with traffic. Motorists should do their part to prevent accidents by putting down the phone while driving.

While you may decide to put your phone down while driving, others may not. That is why the firm is here to answer any questions about your legal rights if you have been hurt in an accident through no fault of your own.

Jul

Free Child Safety Seats Available Across Arkansas

July 23, 2012

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that seven out of ten child safety seats are improperly installed, and roughly one-third of all children who died in Arkansas Car Accidents were completely unrestrained.

In an effort to combat this local issue, the Randolph County Health Department will join other agencies across the state in offering free child safety seat inspections, as well as free car seats to those in need. Kathy Smith, the Randolph County Health Department administrator in charge of the event, says that this year there are 402 child safety seats available for families that need them. According to reports from KAIT 8 News, the program is being made possible by a $23,000 grant from the Arkansas Health Department.

Summer Safety Squad programs are set up so that parents can receive much-needed resources like safety and booster seats, as well as instructions regarding their proper use. Many parents are unaware that safety and booster seats need to be height and weight appropriate for the child using them. Other important safety tips to remember are:

ensure the seat is turned the right way,
check straps and harnesses to ensure they are tight,
and make sure locking clips are properly secured.

The Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyers with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton would like to point out the importance of educating yourself on child safety seats. Doing so may just save your child’s life.