by Grayson Law | Jul 6, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents
Being in a car accident can have multiple consequences, and bodily injury and property damage are not the only ones. It is also common for victims of a crash to experience some level of psychological response.
According to Psychology Today, a common response to an accident is psychological shock. This does not happen to everyone, and those who are more prone to have anxiety are at higher risk. Some of the symptoms associated with this type of shock include
- A spike in adrenaline
- Fogginess
- Tightness in the chest
- Intense anger
- Disconnect or out-of-body feeling
- Feelings of physical sickness or nervousness
These are signs of the body’s fight-or-flight response, and it is best to take a moment to settle down before doing anything. The good news is psychological shock is temporary, and symptoms should dissipate within a few hours.
Long-term psychological effects from an accident
While shock wears off for accident victims, overpowering feelings do not always subside after an accident. This can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, and it is not uncommon. Certain people are at higher risk of PTSD. These include those who have another mental disorder, who have been a victim of a previous traumatic incident, who sustain an injury from the crash and who experience a lack of support following the accident.
The symptoms of PTSD can have long-lasting and serious consequences. Victims may have trouble adjusting to daily life, begin to use alcohol or drugs, have difficulty sleeping or have suicidal thoughts. Medication, therapy and behavior modification can help someone with PTSD return to living a normal life.
by Grayson Law | Jul 6, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents
Distracted driving is a growing problem. It has the potential to lead to catastrophic injuries for the responsible party and everyone else on the road.
Distracted driving led to the death of 3,166 people in 2017. If you or someone you know sustained injuries from an auto accident due to a distracted driver, it is crucial to know how to protect your legal rights.
Types of distracted driving
There are generally three types of distracted driving.
- Visual distractions and drivers take their eyes off the road
- Manual distractions and drivers remove their hands from the steering wheel or
- Cognitive distractions and the driver’s mind is elsewhere
Causes of distracted driving
There are several ways a driver may become distracted on the road. Texting or talking on the phone are prevalent issues, especially with younger drivers. For example, in 2017, 42 percent of high school students admitted to texting or emailing while driving. However, these are not the only causes. Other common distractions include feeling tired, eating, talking to a passenger, checking GPS or managing children.
Results of distracted driving
Distracted driving slows peoples’ reaction time on the road, and the repercussions can be devastating. Drivers may not only cause injury to themselves, but also injure or kill others on the road. After an injury from an accident with a distracted driver, you may have injuries, medical bills, car repair bills and an insurance premium increase.
Evidence for your case
Evidence is vital to support your claim for compensation. A police report can provide details on the cause of the accident, a distracted driving ticket and any information from witnesses. Also, any medical records related to injuries you sustain are useful for your case.
As a general rule of thumb, if you were taken from the scene in an ambulance, you or a loved one should contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately.
by Grayson Law | Jul 6, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions have many causes, including reckless driving, speeding and getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. However, improper passing is another serious problem that motorists need to keep in mind.Whether a driver cuts off another vehicle while abruptly switching lanes or someone tries to pass another vehicle in an area where passing is prohibited, this behavior is the root cause of countless accidents.
Examples of improper passing
On its website, the Arizona Department of Public Safety outlines examples of improper passing. The examples include:
- Drivers trying to pass on the shoulder of the road
- Drivers using emergency lanes to pass other vehicles
In addition, failure to use signals properly while passing is a serious concern.When crashes are caused by improper passing, vehicles often collide at a high rate of speed, and the likelihood of a tragic outcome is greater. The risk of head-on collisions is especially high, especially around sharp turns or on hills.Sadly, some drivers continue attempting to pass other vehicles improperly because of impatience and aggressive behavior on the road. This is unacceptable, and negligent drivers should be forced to answer for any hardships brought on by their actions.
Taking action after an accident
Recovering from a wreck is very difficult for many victims. Our website covers many topics related to auto accident injuries and the importance of holding reckless drivers accountable. Victims who stand up for their legal rights often gain access to health and financial benefits that help them move forward with their lives.
by Grayson Law | Jul 6, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents
Road rage is a serious issue in Arizona and across America. The National Safety Council reports that at least 80 percent of U.S. drivers admit they have felt road rage at least once within the last 12 months.
According to AAA, aggressive driving is a contributing factor in 56 percent of fatal car accidents. Dangerous driving behaviors that often accompany road rage can be deadly.
To prevent a tragic accident, drivers should be on the lookout for motorists who are exhibiting signs of road rage.
Road rage “red flags”
Anyone who has been caught in traffic may have felt road rage. Whether late to an important appointment or stuck behind a slow driver on the way to work, it can be frustrating to feel trapped on the road.
The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration reports the following as signs of aggressive driving:
- Swerving in between lanes
- Cutting off or blocking other drivers
- Failing to yield to traffic signs, traffic lights or pedestrian crosswalks
- Excessive horn honking, yelling obscenities or using obscene hand gestures
- Racing or speeding
- Tailgating or following too closely
In some cases, angry drivers may leave their vehicles and approach other drivers with the intent to harm.
Knowing what to do
If you see the signs of a driver with road rage, it is important to refrain from interacting with them. Avoid making eye contact, exchanging words or hand gestures. Instead, if it is safe to do so, it is best to contact law enforcement and alert them.
by Grayson Law | Jul 6, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents were the second-leading cause of traumatic brain damage related hospitalizations in the U.S. More than 2.87 million people were hospitalized, died or visited the emergency room as a result of traumatic brain injuries.
It is important to know how to spot the signs of traumatic brain injury, as immediate medical attention can minimize long-term damage. While there is no way to reverse the damage caused by TBIs, medical professionals can prevent further damage from occurring.
Identifying the signs and symptoms
The signs of TBIs can be difficult to spot because they can be mistaken for other illnesses. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke lists the following as signs of mild TBI:
- Lightheadedness, dizziness and confusion
- Change in sleep patterns
- Trouble concentrating and remembering
- Sensory deficiencies, such as blurred vision, hearing loss
- Headache
With moderate to severe cases of TBI, the symptoms may be similar but with increased intensity. For example, headaches that get worse, repeated nausea and vomiting, trouble swallowing, slurred speech, tingling in the extremities, loss of consciousness or seizures.
Seeking medical attention
TBIs occur when the soft tissue of the brain collides with the skull bone. This can cause bleeding, bruising and inflammation of the brain. What may seem like a mild injury can quickly become a serious problem. That is why it is critical that you seek medical attention right away. Some brain injury symptoms may take a few days to appear.
A doctor can assess your injury and customize a treatment plan based on your injury.
