Articles Posted in Car Accidents

It is common knowledge that fatigued or drowsy driving increases the risk of a crash. Unfortunately, drowsiness is a symptom of several medical conditions and a side effect of many prescription medications. For this reason, medications that cause drowsiness typically have a warning label, cautioning patients against driving or operating heavy machinery while on the drug. But what about other medical conditions that increase the risk of having an accident? New studies have revealed that conditions from Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to restless leg syndrome may impact an individual’s ability to drive safely. Contact a Boston Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today.

Medical Conditions That Increase the Risk of a Crash

ADHD: Up until recently, ADHD was not commonly associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle accident. However, new research has shown that the link may be significant. Between 2006 and 2010, a Swedish study examined 17,000 men and women with ADHD, as well as a group without the disorder. The results revealed that approximately 6.5% of male drivers with ADHD and 4% of female drivers with ADHD had been involved in at least one crash, compared to only 2% of those without the disorder. However, it is important to note that the risk of crash is reduced by about 58% when subjects with ADHD take proper medication. As one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in young people, this is of significant concern. Although individuals with ADHD may have a tendency to be impulsive or easily distracted, it is not yet clear if these are the causes of the increased accident risk.

Pregnancy: Being pregnant significantly increases a woman’s risk of being involved in a traffic accident. This risk is especially high during the second trimester. In fact, the risk of a serious accident increases by 42% during the middle months of pregnancy. Although research isn’t entirely clear on why, it is likely due to a combination of factors. During this stage of pregnancy, women may be nauseous, fatigued, and / or distracted. Statistics show that approximately one out of every 50 pregnant women will be involved in a traffic accident during their pregnancy.

Epilepsy: This condition is characterized by different types of seizures, and the increased risk of being involved in an auto accident is largely dependent on the frequency and kind of seizures the patient experiences. If a seizure results in loss of control or awareness while driving, it can be extremely dangerous. For most individuals with epilepsy, driving privileges will be restricted until they have been seizure-free for a minimum amount of time.

Dementia:The most well-known form of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, but there are many types and varying levels of this cognitive disorder. When an individual has dementia, even in the early stages, the risk of having a motor vehicle accident increases substantially. Because dementia is a progressive disease, the risk will only grow as time goes on. This doesn’t necessarily mean that someone in the early stages of dementia cannot drive safely. However, once an individual has been diagnosed with dementia, his or her driving abilities should be closely monitored. Continue reading

A 21-year-old Brockton man was killed early Sunday morning when he was ejected from a car and struck by six passing vehicles. The man, who is not being named until the family has been notified, was thrown from the passenger seat of a 1999 Acura when it crashed northbound near exit 20 at approximately 3:10 in the morning. The Acura’s 20-year-old driver, also from Brockton, was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center. No charges have been filed yet, but according to police, “Charges for the operator are under investigation.” Contact a Boston Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer.

The second car in the initial crash was driven by a 28-year-old Roslindale man who was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center by ambulance.

After being ejected from the car, the 21-year-old victim was struck by six vehicles. The other vehicles and drivers involved were: a 60-year-old Brockton man driving a 2005 Lincoln LS, a 45-year-old Mattapan woman driving a 2009 Audi Q7, a 21-year-old Brockton man driving a 2007 Lexus IS250, a 36-year-old New Hampshire man driving a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, and a 49-year-old Middleborough woman driving a 2009 Toyota Matrix. Police initially responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck. When they arrived, they learned that the victim had actually been ejected from a car.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation. In addition to Massachusetts State Police, first responders included Stoughton Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the state Department of Transportation, and Stoughton Police. The State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, along with their Crime Scene Services Section, the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office are all assisting with the ongoing investigation. Continue reading

On Wednesday, a runaway flatbed truck caused significant damage when it careened down a steep road, hit a utility pole, crashed into two parked cars, and took out a streetlight. The accident, which occurred on Fendale Avenue in Dorchester, caused serious damages but no injuries were suffered.

The outcome could have been much worse. Had the truck not been forced to a stop by its collision with the cars and light pole, the accident may have ended tragically. The truck stopped mere inches before rolling into a busy intersection. In another stroke of luck, on its course down the steep hill, the truck happened to veer right, into a parking lot instead of into the lane of traffic.

According to police reports, the flatbed, which was parked legally on the street, was carrying appliances and scrap metal. After parking, the driver vacated the truck to collect additional items. Within moments, it was sailing down Fendale Avenue.

This situation poses the question – who is at fault when an unoccupied vehicle causes an accident? While the driver in the above case will likely avoid charges, as he was not behind the wheel when the accident occurred, that doesn’t mean he isn’t financially liable. From an insurance standpoint, if an unoccupied vehicle slips out of gear and crashes into another object, the vehicle owner is responsible. Since the driver will generally be at fault in this scenario, any damages to another person’s property will likely be paid under his or her property damage liability insurance. Continue reading

In a strange turn of events, a building has been the victim of a hit-and-run crash in Brockton, Massachusetts that took place in the early morning hours on Tuesday. The Brockton Police Department received an alarm from the main entrance of the Westgate Mall at approximately 2:40 AM. The mall, which is located on 200 Westgate Road in Brockton, suffered extensive damage as a result of the crash. Responding officers have stated that the driver of the vehicle fled on foot sometime after the accident occurred.

Upon their arrival on scene, Brockton Police Officers discovered that the Westgate Mall had sustained various degrees of damage to the entrance located near the Subway restaurant chain. Initial reports have indicated that two glass entryways to the mall had been completely smashed through by the vehicle. As a direct result of this occurrence, broken glass littered the ground surrounding the entryway and the metal frame supporting the doors had been damaged. Responding officers indicated that the metal frames had been bent and twisted as a result of the collision with the suspect’s vehicle. Continue reading

Many people assume that minor injuries from simple fender benders and other minor car accidents are temporary. The misconception that cuts, scrapes, bruises, or pulled muscles will heal fairly quickly keeps people from pursuing preventative legal measures, such as seeking medical attention and documenting symptoms. However, certain types of muscle and joint injuries may not present any symptoms for weeks, months, or even years. One of the most common of these types of injuries is whiplash, which can occur at speeds as low as five miles per hour. Chronic headaches and arthritis can develop over time with cases of whiplash. Understanding the potential for minor injuries to cause serious, long-term health problems is essential if you’ve been injured in any type of accident.

Whiplash

In the mildest of collisions or sudden stops, a passenger’s body can be jolted forward and backward abruptly. The muscles, ligaments, discs, and tissues of the neck become hyperextended, first in one direction then sharply in the other. This can result in misalignment of vertebrae, muscle tears and strains. Subsequent swelling places pressure on nerves, causing potentially chronic symptoms including:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Concentration issues
• Memory loss or difficulty
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability

Whiplash is most often diagnosed using CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment may include a combination of pain relief medications, physical therapy, traction, massage, ice therapy, and injections. Continue reading