Maine Injury Lawyer Blog

February 15, 2012

Car Accidents in Portland and Elsewhere Kill Too Many Child Passengers Annually

Experts estimate that about 75 percent of child passengers are improperly restrained in car seats and booster seats. It is critical for parents to know how to properly buckle in child passengers and for them to do so during every car ride. Risk of child injury or death in the event of a car accident in Portland and elsewhere decrease by more than 70 percent if he or she is buckled in correctly.Our Portland car accident attorneys understand that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new recommendations for children and car seats last year. Unfortunately, many parents did not seize these new recommendations and in fact continue to improperly seat their children in motor vehicles. To help to spread the word about child car seats, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) launched a new website to offer parents with access to important child passenger safety (CPS) tips.

The new website, “Car Seat Safety for Kids” offers newly released videos regarding the 2011 child seat recommendations from the AAP. In addition to educating parents about the proper ways to buckle children in, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists car seat inspection locations nationwide. There are 31 child car seat inspection locations in Maine. Parents are urged to visit one of these sites to help ensure that their children are safe when traveling in a motor vehicle.

The new recommendations from the AAP state that children under the age of 4 should remain in rear-facing car seats. Once a child has exceeded their car seat’s height and weight limitations, they should be placed in a forward-facing car safety seat. It is important for children to stay in these rear-facing car seats for as long as possible.

When a child exceeds the size limits of a rear-facing car seat, it’s time for them to move to a forward-facing seat. This seat should have a harness and children should be kept in these seats for as long as possible.

Once your child exceeds the height and weight limits for a forward-facing seat, it’s time for them to move to a booster seat. Booster seats allow a small child to fit correctly with an adult seat belt. When riding in these seats, make sure that the bottom part of the seat belt fits snugly across your child’s upper thighs and that the top part of it fits across the chest and not on the neck. Children riding in booster seats should always ride in the back seat of the car and away from an active air bag.

In Maine, two children under the age of 14-years-old died in car accidents in 2008.

Car accidents continue to be the number of cause of death for individuals aged 3- to 14-years old. Parents are urged to register their child’s car seat and to sign up to receive notifications on car seat defects and recalls.

February 4, 2012

Super Bowl Sunday Increasing Risks for Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Maine

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Get ready!sSuper Bowl Sunday is this weekend!s

With the festivities revolving around the unofficial American holiday and our Patriots, drunk driving car accidents in Portland and elsewhere are sure to happen, unfortunately. That’s why we’re asking all football fans to go out with a plan. Make sure your party activities are planned out before kickoff to help avoid a drunk driving accident or arrest.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there will be more than 150 million football fans sitting in front of a television to catch the big game between the Patriots and the Giants. During this time, fans are expected to consume nearly 350 million gallons of beer. That’s enough to fill about nearly 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Unfortunately, a lot of that booze will be consumed by fans who are planning on hopping behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after the game. And since the Patriots are in the big game, you can expect a lot of Maine residents to be a part of the celebrations.

Our Portland drunk driving accident attorneys understand that there were more than 10,000 people across the county who died in drunk driving-related traffic accidents in 2010. These types of accident fatalities accounted for nearly a third of all traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday — ranked one of the most dangerous days of the year to be on the road — about half of fatal accidents are the result of alcohol-impaired drivers. Football fans are reminded that officers will be out in full force over the weekend, combing the roadways for alcohol-impaired drivers. Do your part to cheer on our team responsibly by joining the 200,000 people who have already pledged to be a designated driver this season. These pledges were all made as a part of the “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” safety Campaign.

The “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” campaign coveys a message that responsibility has its rewards. Through this program, NFL teams constantly recognize those who have pledged to be a designated driver. That includes fans of the Patriots.

The Pledge Includes:

-Vowing to never drive drunk.

-Always find a designated driver when you go out drinking.

-Never offer alcohol to someone who is under the age of 21.

-Wear a seat belt during every car ride.

Maine’s Bureau of Highway Safety encourages all football fans to have a safe and sober way to get home this Sunday. Those who are planning on drinking need to not plan on driving. A designated driver should be a part of everyone’s plans who will be drinking,sIf for some reason a designated driver is not in your plans, we’re hoping that a taxi, hotel or a friend’s house are. We hope that everyone enjoys the big day and that the Patriots bring home a win!

February 1, 2012

Improperly Licensed Drivers Showering Roadways Increasing Risks for Car Accidents in Maine, Nation

by Peter Thompson & Associates

We’d like to believe that everyone behind the wheel of a motor vehicle has the proper knowledge to operate the car, as well as the proper licensing and insurance to back it up. Unfortunately, a recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concludes that’s not always the case.
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In fact, the recent study concluded that about one out of every five drivers who is involved in a fatal car accident in Bangor and elsewhere does not have a proper driver’s license. The new study examined crash stats from 2007 all the way through 2009 to determine just how big of a problem improperly licensed driving is in the U. .

Our Bangor car accident lawyers understand that nearly 90 percent of drivers who were involved in fatal accidents from 2007 to 2009 on U. . roadways had a valid driver’s license. Unfortunately, the rest did not. When the statistics are broken down, more than 6.5 percent of drivers had a driver’s license that was either suspended or was revoked, more than 1 percent of drivers had a driver’s license that was either canceled or denied and a whopping 5 percent of drivers were completely unlicensed. This means that nearly 20 percent of drivers who were involved in a car accident in which a life was lost from 2007 to 2009 were not even allowed to be driving in the first place.

Between 2007 and 2009, nearly 21,100 people died in accidents in which the driver wasn’t properly licensed. Recent statistics illustrate that the number of unlicensed drivers’ involvement has been reducing, if not reversing, since 2007. Researchers don’t know if this is a long-term trend, and will be continuing to keep an eye on the numbers.

Through this study, researchers determined that a driver’s age has to do with his or her licensing, as well as involvement in fatal crashes. As a matter of fact, drivers aged 21 to 34 are more likely than drivers in any other age group to not be legally licensed. Statistics concluded that about half of the fatal accidents with unlicensed drivers, the driver was in that age group.

Unlicensed drivers aren’t only common in fatal accidents, but they pop up quite frequently in alcohol-related and drunk driving car accidents as well.

Unlicensed drivers don’t like to stick around at the scene of an accident either. The AAA study revealed that more than 51 percent of the people who left the scene of a fatal car crash from 2007 to 2009 were unlicensed drivers. When an unlicensed driver leaves the scene of an accident, you can probably assume he or she wasn’t insured either. Drivers who are unlicensed oftentimes lack the proper car insurance.

January 24, 2012

Road Rage Cited as Cause of Car Accident in Bangor

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Officers are attributing road rage to a recent car accident in Bangor. The accident happened on Essex Street after a driver stopped for improperly passing and hitting another vehicle. The driver was cited for not having their current insurance card as well, according to the Bangor Daily News.Officers report the driver said he felt a vehicle was following too closely, so he asked the female passenger to scream out of the window to get the driver to “back off.” She did. The female driver being yelled at reportedly passed the vehicle to get away. As she passed the vehicle, she hit the side-view mirror and driver’s side door.

Our Bangor car accident attorneys understand that we see aggressive and dangerous driving habits on our roadways every day. These incidents often result in road rage. According to recent studies, these occurrences have increased significantly over last year. Avoiding one of these incidents is quite simple if you’re equipped with the proper safe-driving knowledge.

According to 2005 stats from the Status of Transportation Safety in Maine, aggressive driving has increased the total number of accidents and accounts for nearly 40 percent of accidents. These statistics indicate 2005 was the most dangerous year to date. Road rage incidents are often the result of unsafe lane changes, tailgating, traveling at unsafe speeds and improper passing.

According to recent statistics, aggressive driving leads for about 6 million accidents every year. Many of these accidents result in serious injury or even death. Officials believe that these statistics could even be much higher.

More studies on road rage and aggressive driving reveal that road rage accidents are up more than 50 percent in recent years, with nearly 65 percent of people driving less courteously and more dangerously and roughly 80 percent of drivers saying they are angry during most of their time behind the wheel.

Maine’s Bureau of Highway Safety offers you some safety tips to help you avoid road rage. With these incidents so common on our roadways, you’re urged to review the following tips and share them with your friends and family members.

Tips to Help Avoid Road Rage:

-Leave for your destination with plenty of time to spare to avoid rushing.

-Avoid traveling during rush hour and in congested areas.

-Keep an eye on your vehicle. Make sure the air conditioner and radio are working properly and that your seat is comfortable.

-If you’re being hassled by another driver, do your best not to react.

-Keep your driving steady. Avoid braking, swerving or accelerating suddenly.

-If you think an aggressive driver is following you, drive to the closest police station for help.

-Get out of the way of aggressive drivers and allow them plenty of room to get around you. This can help you to avoid a potentially costly accident.

-If you’re being challenged by another vehicle, do not insist on your right-of-way.

-Never tailgate.

-Use your vehicle’s horn sparingly.

-Never block the passing lane.

-Refrain from using obscene gestures or expletives.

-Use your blinker to alert other drivers of your intended maneuvers

January 17, 2012

Bangor Skiing Accident Leads to Death

by Peter Thompson & Associates

A recent skiing accident on Sugarloaf Mountain killed a man as he headed to the hospital in the back of an ambulance, according to Bangor Daily News. The accident happened after the 41-year-old skier hit a tree at roughly 3:30 p.m. as he was making his way down the Lower Timberline Trail. He died just a few hours later.Our Bangor ski accident attorneys understand that skiing is a recreational sport many residents take part in for fun. Unfortunately, there are many serious and fatal injuries sustained in the winter activity, many of them preventable. Take the accident that happened last December, for example. You may remember this incident, when high-speed winds contributed to an accident on a Maine ski chair lift that caused skiers to fall 30 feet after the double-chair lift’s cable derailed. According to CBS News, eight skiers were injured and others were trapped for hours. Inspectors with the Maine Board of Elevator and Tramway Safety said that the lift was in fact up to safety code, but was in line to be replaced and was known to be vulnerable to strong winds.

Skiing and Snowboard Statistics from the National Ski Areas Association:

-Average number of fatalities a year over the last 10 years:s40.6

-In 2009/2010, there were 38 people who died.

-Twenty-five of the deaths were skiers and thirteen were snowboarders.

-There were more than 10 million skiers and snowboarders in 2008.

There are a few simple ways that skiers and snowboarders can help to reduce risks of injury or death while skiing. If you enjoy hitting the snowy, white hills, please review the following safety tips. Consider sharing them with friends and family members to help to increase their safety, too.

Skiing Safety Tips:

-Wear a helmet. It isn’t mandated, but it is recommended by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the National Ski Patrol (NSP).

-Get your exercise. You’ll have more fun and be safer on the slopes if you’re in good physical shape. Exercise before you plan on hitting the hills.

-Make sure you have the proper ski equipment. Get your gear from a ski shop or a ski resort. It’s extra important to make sure that your boots fir properly and that your bindings are properly adjusted.

-You’re urged to wear a helmet.

-Be ready for the weather by wearing layers of clothing. Bring an extra pair or mittens or gloves, in case the first pair gets wet.

-If you’re not a veteran skier, get some ski lessons from a professional before heading out.

-Wear ski goggles.

-If you feel tired, take a break.

-Be sure to eat and drink plenty. Skiing burns a lot of energy.

-Always ski with a buddy so you can look after each other.

-Know your limits. Never try a ski trail that’s above your skill level.

-Always follow the rules of the slope and never go off trail. Trails are marked for a reason and trail closures are to help reduce the risks of injury.

-Remember that skiers who are in front of you, and below you, on the trail have the right-of-way.

January 12, 2012

Wicked Winter Weather Increasing Risks for Car Accidents in Bangor and Elsewhere

by Peter Thompson & Associates

According to WMTW 8, there are 12 counties that, as of Friday the 13th, were under weather advisories, watches or severe weather warnings. During the same time, there were more than a dozen road closings and delays that had already been reported. During these wicked weather conditions, drivers are asked to be cautious and alert behind the wheel to help reduce the risks of a weather-related car accident in Portland and elsewhere.Serious accidents are already plaguing the roadways. In Kennebunk, the Maine Turnpike was closed in the area after a tractor-trailer flipped over on the icy roadway. The tractor-trailer’s fuel tank was ripped open in the accident, causing diesel fuel to pour all over the roadway. The speed limit on that roadway is 55 mph, but was reduced to 45 mph to accommodate snow removal equipment.

Our Maine car accident attorneys understand that the winter weather conditions that we’re enduring are significantly increasing motorists’ risks for traffic accidents. We’re asking all motorists to be safe out there. We would like to remind you that safety doesn’t happen by accident – it’s planned. With the help of safercar.gov, we’re here to offer you some simple winter weather driving tips to help keep you and your family safe out there.

Safe Winter Driving Tips:

-Get your car serviced now. To help to keep your car in good working condition and to help you to stay in control in these dangerous driving conditions, take your vehicle to get serviced. Ask you mechanic to provide your vehicle with a tune-up and other routine maintenance.

-Check the condition of your battery. You don’t want to be left stranded with no power in the middle of a snowy storm.

-Be sure to fill your vehicle with an adequate amount of coolant. When coolant freezes, it expands. Make sure the coolant you use is designed to withstand the winter’s cold temps.

-Make sure that your windshield wiper fluid is also no-freeze, high-quality fluid.

-Make sure your windshield wipers aren’t worn.

-Be sure that your window’s defrosters are working well.

-Check the condition of your tires. Bald, worn tires are a sure way to increase your risks of slipping and skidding around on the slick roadways.

-Make sure that you always have at least half a tank of gas.

-Slow it down. Speed limits are set to be adequate in ideal weather conditions. Slow it down to increase safety.

-Check the weather, road and traffic conditions in Maine before heading out.

-Leave for your destination with plenty of extra time to avoid rushing.

-Always keep a charged cell phone with you.

-Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car, including a first-aid kit, blankets, nonperishable food, bottled water, etc.

January 5, 2012

Tricky Maine Laws Contributing to Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Portland and Elsewhere

by Peter Thompson & Associates

As we recently reported on our Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, the dangers of distracted driving are raising concerns among safe driving advocates around the country. Distracted driving laws vary across the country from state to state. Many state’s distracted driving laws are difficult to enforce, if they’re even enforced at all. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were roughly 3,100 people who died on U. . roadways because of car accidents involving distracted drivers in 2010.To help reduce the risks of distraction-related car accidents in Portland and elsewhere, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recently stepped forward with a proposal for a nationwide ban on all portable electronic devices for drivers, according to My Fox Maine. The NTSB doesn’t have the authority to make these kinds of laws, but previous recommendations from the Board have proven persuasive to lawmakers.

Our Maine car accident lawyers understand that our state has some pretty relaxed distracted driving laws. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, only drivers in the state who are under the age of 18 are prohibited from talking on a hand-held cell phone at the wheel. All drivers are prohibited from text messaging while driving. Current laws state there are 9 states banning all drivers from using hand-held cell phones and another 35 that ban drivers from texting at the wheel. Recent studies conclude that a distraction is a distraction, meaning that hands-free devices are just as dangerous as hand-held devices. The NTSB is looking to ban all of these dangerous activities.

“The data is clear; the time to act is now. How many more lives will be lost before we, as a society, change our attitudes about the deadliness of distractions?” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman.

According to CNN, a nationwide ban may not go over well with lawmakers, drivers and residents of the United States. Experts predict that elected legislators will have a tough time bringing up concerns about this ban in fear of upsetting constituents. Many believe that it would be tough to ban something that is already a part of nearly everyone’s daily routine.

Studies conclude that talking on a cell phone makes someone nearly five times more likely to get into a serious traffic accidents. In fact, talking on a cell phone gives a driver the same reaction time as a driver who is legally drunk. Still, a majority of drivers admit to engaging in the dangerous behavior.

As we head into the New Year, drivers are asked to behave in the spirit of Maine’s distracted driving laws. Although most of the drivers on our roadways aren’t banned from talking on a hand-held phone, we’re still asking driving to curb the distractions to increase road safety for everyone. Hands-free devices are no safer than hand-held devices and nothing is as safe as focused, distraction-free driving.

December 29, 2011

Car Accidents in Portland and Elsewhere Spike through December, MaineDOT Says

by Peter Thompson & Associates

With Maine’s worst storms typically coming our way in December, we usually see a spike in the number of vehicle accidents during this time. This is because even some of our most experienced drivers seem to have “forgotten” how to drive in winter conditions. As the holidays approach, more and more motorists travel through the state to visit with friends and family. This increase in traffic causes a significant increase in your risks for a car accident in Portland.Our Portland car accident lawyers understand that the winter serves as the most dangerous time on our roadways. Motorists are urged to be cautious behind the wheel when navigating through the congested holiday traffic. To help reduce the risks of an accident, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) offers some important driving tips to keep you safe as the slow flies, through the holidays and through the entire winter season.

Safe Driving Tips from MaineDOT:

-Always drive slowly through ice and snow.

-Remember that stopping on ice without skidding takes time and distance. For this reason, you should never follow too closely to the vehicles around you, you should always drive under the posted speed limits and always keep all of your attention on the roadway. Skidding is common near bridges, off ramps and intersections as this is where black ice can form without ever being noticed.

-Don’t turn your four-wheel drive vehicle into a true “off-road” vehicle!

-Keep in mind that four-wheel drive can help you to get going faster, but it really does nothing to help you to stop any faster or help you to keep better control of your vehicle once you’ve lost traction. Yes four-wheel-drive vehicles drivers need to be cautious, too!

-Never tailgate.

-Keep extra distance between you and other vehicles to avoid becoming a part of a chain-reaction accident.

-Don’t take chances and pull out in front of oncoming vehicles.

-Remember that when the roadway is wet that you might not be able to slow down and that you’re probably not able to accelerate as quickly either. Go easy on the pedals.

-Avoid using your cruise control in winter weather.

-Try to avoid any sudden or exaggerated steering, accelerating or braking.

-If you need to stop and you’ve got anti-lock brakes, push the brake pedal down firmly and hold it down. If you don’t have these kinds of brakes, remember to pump the pedal when you need to stop quickly.

-Curb distractions, and stay alert and focused.

-Keep an eye on the vehicles ahead of you. They can help to locate problem spots on the road which may give you the split second you need to avoid an accident.

Motorists are asked to be extremely cautious on our roadways throughout the holiday season, regardless of the weather conditions. Please be safe and enjoy your holiday season.

December 22, 2011

Shoppers Urged to Check CPSC’s Recalls List to Avoid Defective Product-Related Injury in Portland

by Peter Thompson & Associates

It’s that time of year again when shoppers are hitting the stores in full force in search of the perfect holiday gifts for friends, family members, co-workers and others. It’s important for all consumers to look over the U. . Consumer Product Safety Commission‘s (CPSC) recall list during the holidays to help ensure there won’t be a defective product on their gift-giving list. Recalled products can cause serious injury in Portland and elsewhere if not addressed.Our Portland injury attorneys understand that the CPSC reviews thousands of consumer products. Unfortunately, there’s a chance there are defective products in our homes and businesses right now, items that have been deemed dangerous and we don’t even know it. While it’s the CPSC’s responsibility to inform the public of the defects, it’s our responsibility to make sure that if we decide to give gifts, that they are safe and defect-free. Please review this list before bringing any new toys and presents into your household.

Schwinn Elliptical Exercise Equipment Recalled By Nautilus:

Roughly 10,000 Elliptical Exercise Trainers have been recalled because the foot plates on the devices have been found to detach from the machine during use and can pose a fall hazard to users. These products were distributed by Nautilus Inc. of Vancouver, Washington. There have been nearly 10 accident reports filed. These devices were sold under the model name Schwinn 460. They were sold at various sporting goods stores and online sites from July 2008 to May 2011. Consumers who own this product are urged to call Nautilus at 800-259-9019 for a free repair kit.

iPod Touch Rechargeable External Battery Cases Recalled by Mophie

More than 6,000 Rechargeable External Battery Cases have been recalled by Mophie LLC, of Paw Paw, Michigan, because the battery case’s integrated circuit switch can possibly overheat and cause pose a burn hazard. The company has already received more than 100 reports of the battery case becoming warm to the touch. More than 40 reports have been filed saying that the product deformed and nearly 10 reports were made of burns. Only battery cases with serial numbers that have the first five characters of TR113 through TR120 are under the recall. The items were sold in stores since April 2011. If you have one of these battery cases, call Morphie at (877) 308-4581 for a replacement product.

KEDS Girls’ Shoes Recalled by Collective Brands:

Nearly 50,000 KEDS “Know It All” Girls’ Shoes have been recalled because the stars on the heel can come loose and pose a laceration hazard. There have already been nearly 30 reports of scratches and cuts from these metal stars. The style number covered under this recall is KY40098A, which can be found on the underside of the tongue. They were sold in department stores from June to October 2011. If your child has a pair of these shoes, you’re urged to contact Collective Brands for a gift card for $30 that can be used at Stride Rite stores or on striderite.com.

As there are new products on the CPSC’s recalls website frequently, parents are urged to look over the list regularly. Many injuries can be prevented by staying informed. Happy Holidays!s

December 8, 2011

Officers Crackdown on Texting Teens to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Maine

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Recently, law enforcement officers in Maine started enforcing a relatively new law – no texting behind the wheel, according to The Maine Public Broadcasting Network. This law was recently enacted as a primary offense, meaning that officers can pull over a driver for texting without witnessing any other traffic infraction first. The law allows officers to hand over a $100 fine for anyone who is writing or reading at the wheel, including texting, using Facebook, sending or reading e-mails and fiddling with music libraries. All of these behaviors greatly increase a driver’s risk for a car accident in Portland.”Really what we’re trying to do here,” said state police Col. Robert Williams, “is get voluntary compliance because in 2010 about 39 percent of the traffic crashes’ … contributed to some type of inattention or distraction.”

Our Portland car accident lawyers understand that texting by teenage drivers in particular has become a problem throughout the U. . To help fight the problem, the U. . Department of Transportation (USDOT) launched a new public service announcement campaign called “OMG” to raise awareness about the dangers of texting behind the wheel. The campaign consists of two PSAs that will be shown at more than 525 Regal Cinema theaters, roughly 12,000 gas station pump-top screens nationwide and on the Distraction.gov website throughout December. The USDOT feels that these mediums will help reach a significant number of teenage drivers throughout the country.

As the holiday season draws near and Portland schools let out for winter break, teenage drivers will be setting out on our roadways to visit with friends and family members to enjoy some time away from class. To help spread the message about the potential consequences of texting while driving to teenagers, the USDOT has included popular texting lingo, like “LOL” and “L8R,” in its “OMG” campaign.

Greg Dunn, the President and COO of Regal Entertainment Group, says that he and Regal Entertainment Group is pleased to join forces with the USDOT for this campaign. He says that the partnership can help to make a difference on roadways nationwide, especially during the busy travel season.

As of right now, there are 35 states have made it illegal for all drivers to text behind the wheel. Nine states, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia have made it illegal for drivers to talk on the phone.

Parents should talk with teenage drivers about the risks, dangers and consequences of distracted driving. You’re talk can help your teen make smart and responsible decisions behind the wheel and to avoid a potentially fatal accident.