If you are behind the wheel and you have been drinking, you are more dangerous than a man with a gun shooting into a crowd of people. The man with the gun has made his presence of danger known and people can attempt to take cover. If you're driving down the road while intoxicated, the innocent people driving around you have no idea you're drunk behind the wheel and coming right at them.
Here are some facts about alcohol:
- Alcohol remains in your system for up to six hours.
- Alcohol is responsible for an estimated 75% of fatal car crashes occurring between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m.
- A driver is considered to be legally intoxicated in Arkansas when his or her blood alcohol content (BAC) level is at or above .08 grams per deciliter.
- To reach a BAC level of .08, a man weighing approximately 170 pounds would need to consume four standard drinks in one hour on an empty stomach. A woman weighing about 140 pounds would need to consume three drinks in one hour.
- In 2007, alcohol-impaired driving caused the deaths of nearly 13,000 Americans.
- On average, someone in the U.S. is killed by a drunk driver every 40 minutes.
- An estimated 3 in every 10 Americans at some point in their lives will be involved in an alcohol-related collision.
- A BAC level as low as .02 can affect a person’s response time and makes driving more dangerous. The probability of having a wreck increases significantly with a BAC level of .05, and even more rapidly after with a BAC level of .08.
- A driver with a BAC of .08 is 11 times more likely to be in a fatal accident than a driver who has consumed no alcohol.
- In 2007, more than half of drivers driving while intoxicated and involved in fatal crashes had a BAC level of .15, nearly twice the legal limit.
- Drivers are far more likely to be driving while intoxicated or under the influence during the night than during the day. A study done in 2007 showed that 36% of drivers involved in nighttime fatal crashes were legally drunk versus just 9% during daytime collisions.
- Motorcycle drivers are at higher risk of being involved in a fatal drunk driving accident, with 27% of such accidents in 2007 involving at least one drunk motorcycle operator.
- A crash involving alcohol is more than twice as likely to occur on a weekend day than a week day. Approximately 31% of drivers involved in fatal car crashes on the weekend are legally drunk, as opposed to just 15% during the week.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), beer is the most common type of alcoholic beverage involved in both DUI arrests and fatal crashes.
- Males are almost twice as likely as females to drink and drive and to be involved in a fatal car crash.
- According to a recent study, a first-time offender of driving while intoxicated has already driven while under the influence more than 80 times before being arrested.
- DUI means driving under the influence of some type drug. DWI means simply driving while intoxicated, and in many states, refers to the use of alcohol.
- A recent study has shown that using a cell phone while driving can be just as dangerous as driving while drunk, causing drivers to run traffic lights and a decreased reaction time to driving conditions.
My wife's aunt was killed by a drunk driver in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was on her way home from work one evening when a drunk driver crossed the center line and hit her head on. Her precious life was cut short because of someone else's decision to take a drink and get behind the wheel. Her family's lives are changed forever.
If you or a family member has been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, please contact a Little Rock Arkansas accident lawyer today to discuss your legal rights.
Wear your seat belt, and make sure all passengers—including children—are buckled up.Remember that ice forms first on bridges, overpasses and shady areas. If you hit a patch of ice, stay off your brakes and decelerate slowly, holding the car steady as you go over the ice.
Speed is the main problem with driving on ice. Adjust your speed to fit the weather conditions. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.
If your car goes into a skid, take your foot off the gas pedal but don’t hit the brake. Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. As the car straightens out, you will be able to regain traction and control.
Check your car battery before cold weather sets in. Battery power dips in cold weather.
Keep blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, jumper cables, tire chains, a flashlight, ice scraper and gloves in your car. Take a food supply of candy bars or dried fruit in case you become stranded.
Keep the gasoline level as high as possible to prevent water condensation in the tank.
Check the automobile’s motor oil, transmission fluid, ignition system, lights, heater, cooling system and wipers
Arkansas motorists must also be aware that we must follow Arkansas traffic laws during winter weather. It is not an excuse for a driver to blame bad road conditions for running a stop sign, red light, or violating any other traffic law. In Arkansas, violations of Arkansas traffic laws can be used as evidence of negligence in a lawsuit or insurance claim. If you or a family member has been injured due to the negligence of another driver, please contact a Little Rock Arkansas accident lawyer today to discuss your legal rights.
]]>Unfortunately, similar bicycle incidents occur in Arkansas. I have heard from clients who were yelled at while riding a bicycle on an Arkansas road and cyclists who were run off the road by cars as they passed. This conduct is dangerous and should be reported to local Arkansas law enforcement. Bicycle accidents can lead to life-threatening or serious personal injuries.
It should be remembered by bicyclists and car drivers that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Cyclists can increase the safety for themselves and for fellow motorists by riding in a predictable pattern, using hand signals for turns, merges, and stops, and by making sure they are visible through the use of bicycle lights, reflectors, and avoiding dark-colored clothing. Motorists should not pass a bicycle when it’s not safe and should allow plenty of space to safely pass. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration lists the following facts regarding bicycle crashes:
* More than one-fifth of all bicyclist deaths occur among school age youth ages 5 to 15.
* More children go to hospital emergency departments for bicycle-related crashes than for any other sport.
* Although most deaths occur as a result of bicycle and motor vehicle crashes, crashes can happen anywhere— in parks, on bicycle paths, and in driveways. Many crashes do not involve motor vehicles.
* Head injuries are the most serious type of injury and the most common cause of death for bicyclists. Bicycle helmets have been proven to reduce the risk of head and brain injury when a crash occurs by as much as 85 to 88 percent.
Arkansas bike accidents that result in personal injuries happen more often than most people think. Arkansas law allows an injured bike rider to recover for their medical bills, pain, suffering, and other compensatory damages from the insurance company for the driver of the car that caused the bike accident. If you or a loved one is involved in a bike accident caused by a vehicle or another cyclist on a bike, please contact an Arkansas bike accident lawyer.
Blood samples were taken from the negligent driver. The test results showed that the driver of the vehicle had marijuana and Xanax in his system at the time of the accident.
Most people associate driving under the influence with alcohol. However, this accident is a vivid reminder that altering drugs can, and often do, lead to serious car and truck accidents. I recently handled a case where an elderly woman and her grandchildren were struck head-on by a car driven by a man that had taken narcotic prescription medication earlier in the day. The investigation showed that his intoxication at the time of the wreck led to his inattention and carelessness. Fortunately my client was not killed, but she was seriously injured and required an air lift to an Arkansas hospital. Although she was able to receive a monetary settlement, she will suffer a lifetime of pain, suffering, and disability. Please be careful and do not take medicine or other drugs that could alter your ability to drive. If you need to speak with an attorney regarding a car or truck accident, please contact the Pfeifer Law Firm today.
]]>Arkansas law states that if an injured victim makes a settlement demand on their insurance company that is refused and they are awarded damages within 20% of the demanded amount, 12% damages and attorney fees will be awarded by the Court. This law is meant to punish insurance companies when they delay payment of a meritorious claim.
The Pfeifer Law Firm routinely handles insurance claims for injured accident victims in Arkansas. If you or a family member has been injured in an accident and would like to speak with an Arkansas accident lawyer, please contact us today.
]]>The car accident happened when cars began to slow down due to the rainy weather conditions. It appears that the cars behind were following too close and started a chain of rear-end collisions.
This Arkansas car accident acts as a reminder that drivers need to stay a safe distance behind forward vehicles. My Arkansas personal injury law firm handles car accident cases that all too often involve rear-end collisions. The problem with drivers following too close and driving too fast for road conditions is very common on Arkansas highways. Injuries from car accidents cause great hardship to the victims and their families. If you have any questions concerning an Arkansas car accident, please contact the Pfeifer Law Firm, an experienced Arkansas car accident law firm.
]]>This truck accident has all the signs of being caused by truck driver fatigue. The Federal Government has established regulations that are designed to remedy driver fatigue. However, statistics show that between 20 - 40 percent of 18-wheeler truck accidents are caused by fatigue. A review of driving logs, cell records, fuel receipts, and other trucking documents will often show if truck driver fatigue was a cause of the Arkansas truck accident. A truck accident lawyer can help the accident victims and their families through difficult circumstances after an accident.
]]>Paul’s Law bans drivers of all ages from sending text messages while driving, except in emergencies. This Arkansas motor vehicle law was named after Paul Davidson of Jonesboro, Arkansas who was killed in an accident with a vehicle whose driver admitted he was sending a text message.
Another new driving law, Act 197 of 2009, bans the use of cell phones by drivers under age 18, except in emergencies. This Arkansas law prohibits anyone age 18-20 from using a cell phone while driving unless the person is using a hands free device or in an emergency.
As texting has become more popular, accidents blamed on texting has increased dramatically. Recent studies have shown that 26% of people text while driving. Studies suggest that the danger of texting while driving exceeds the danger of simply talking on your cell phone. A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study estimates that 515,000 people were injured in traffic accident due to a distracted driver. According to Arkansas State Police, at least 787 crashes in Arkansas in 2008 involved drivers who were distracted by electronic communication devices.
If you or a family member has suffered a personal injury in an Arkansas accident, please contact an Arkansas car accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights. The Pfeifer Law firm provides free initial consultations for Arkansas car accident injury victims.
]]>Courses will be led by certified Goldwing Road Riders Association Leadership Training Instructors and Rider Education Instructors. According to the seminar information,
the training is designed to encourage safe and enjoyable motorcycling for all riders. The seminar information quotes the instructor as saying:
“When motorcycles are involved in an accident, it doesn’t matter much what kind of bike one is riding,” she said. “Serious injury or death is a real possibility. Making the roads safer for all motorcycle enthusiasts through training is one of GWRRA’s primary goals.”
Information concerning this seminar can be found on the UA-Fort Smith website.
Motorcycle safety has become more and more important. The number of people injured in motorcycle accidents has increased for over a decade. In 2007, approximately 103,000 people were injured in motorcycle accidents. Arkansas has some great roads to ride and we all need to be mindful that an Arkansas motorcycle accident can be very serious. Usually, inattention by the driver of the automobile is the reason why motorcycle accidents happen in Arkansas. If you or a family member suffers injuries in an Arkansas motorcycle accident, it is important that you contact an experienced Arkansas motorcycle lawyer to make sure your medical bills get paid and your rights are fully protected.
]]>The comparison is even greater regarding Arkansas traffic accidents. Seventy-four percent of car accident and truck accident deaths were on county or rural roads in Arkansas. Although Arkansas is a rural state, I was surprised by the statistic concerning Arkansas vehicle accident fatalities. From experience representing victims of Arkansas car accidents, I find that people usually drive faster on rural Arkansas roads than the conditions allow. Another possible reason for fatalities in rural areas is the slower delivery of acute medical care for injuries from the accident.
If you or a family member has suffered injuries from an accident, please contact an experienced Arkansas personal injury lawyer. It is important to know your rights and make sure that your damages are fully compensated.
]]>As someone who deals with Arkansas accident victims, this finding is quite troubling. Arkansas accident injuries include car accident injury, on the job injury, slip and fall injury, motorcycle accident injury, truck accident injury, dog bite injury, medical injury, and nursing home abuse injury. Arkansas personal injury victims have a right to have their medical bills paid, lost wages paid, pain and suffering fairly compensated and be fully compensated for their damages.
If you or a family member has suffered a personal injury in Arkansas, please contact an experienced Arkansas personal injury lawyer to make sure your injuries are fully and fairly compensated.
]]>In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
The article points out that angry jurors are a concern for plaintiffs in civil suits because the plaintiff brought the suit and is more likely to be blamed by the jurors for any inconvenience that jury duty caused them. I often remind jurors about their civic duty and thank them for their service. The right to a jury trial should always be cherished.
Jurors are paid a small daily stipend in Arkansas. It may be time to pay them more in accordance with the value of their civic duty. Although most personal injury lawsuits and car accident claims settle before trial, it is necessary to prepare and have the option of trial to keep insurance companies honest. The jury system is used to offer justice to victims of personal injury and negligence claims in Arkansas. If you or a family member has suffered an injury in a car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, or other type of personal injury, please contact an Arkansas personal injury attorney to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
]]>For drivers under 18:
-No using cell phones while driving.
-Only one minor may be in the vehicle with you unless they are siblings or live with in the same house.
-Driving between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. is prohibited, unless driving to or from a school, work or church related activity.
For drivers age 18-21:
-Talking on a cell phone is allowed if a hands-free device is used.
For drivers over 21:
-Using a cell phone to talk is unrestricted.
The laws setting these new restrictions say the first offense will result in a warning, with a possible fine after that.
Arkansas car accidents and truck accidents often occur because drivers are inattentive and careless. These laws are designed to limit traffic accidents caused by teenagers. It is important that teenagers and their parents understand these new laws and the reason for their passage.
Arkansas car accidents take a heavy toll on families and any law designed to lessen the frequency of traffic accidents is important. In the last few years, my law practice has represented many people who were the victim of inattention caused by cell phone use while driving. I work hard making sure victims of Arkansas car accidents receive full compensation for their injuries. If you or a family member has been involved in an Arkansas car accident, please contact an aggressive and experienced Arkansas personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
]]>A Government Accountability Office report which found that unsafe bus companies did not even bother to change their business addresses or phone numbers when they submitted new paperwork to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
On August 8, 2008, a bus carrying a group of people crashed in Sherman, Texas, killing 17 people and injuring 15 others. Investigators concluded that the company that operated the bus was the reincarnation of a motor coach company that had been deemed unsafe and ordered out of service by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration two months before the accident.
Arkansas State and federal laws concerning bus operators need to be fully complied with by bus companies. These companies take church and community groups within and out of Arkansas on various trips. It is important that these groups and their members trust the bus companies to transport them safely. If you or a family member has been injured in a bus accident please contact an experienced Arkansas accident lawyer so your rights are fully protected. It is important to contact an Arkansas attorney as soon as possible so a full and complete investigation occurs.
To operate any motorboat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more (including a personal watercraft):
A person under 12 years of age:
o Must satisfy the boating education requirement, and
o If operating a motorboat, must be under the direct visible and audible supervision of a parent, guardian or person over 17 years old.
o If operating a PWC, must have a person at least 21 on board and in a position to take immediate control of the PWC. That person must hold a boating education card if he or she was born after 1985.
A person 12 - 15 years of age:
o Must satisfy the boating education requirement, and
o If operating a PWC, must have a person at least 18 on board the PWC. That person must hold a boating education card if he or she was born after 1985.
A person 16 years of age or older must satisfy the boating education requirement if born after 1985..
Furthermore, it is illegal for the owner or person in control of a motorboat to allow someone who does not meet the age or boating education requirements to operate the vessel.
These Arkansas boating laws are meant to reduce personal injuries associated with boat and personal watercraft accidents in Arkansas. The law also makes the insurance company of the parents or other responsible parties potentially liable for the operation of the boat or personal watercraft. If you have been injured in an Arkansas boat accident or Arkansas personal watercraft accident, please contact the Pfeifer Law Firm to make sure your rights are protected.
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