How can I drive safely during the winter in North Carolina?

When getting ready to welcome a new child, one of the parent’s primary worries is finding a safe car seat. It is indeed critical for families to find the right car seat and make sure it is installed properly to keep their children safe. Aside from this, North Carolina drivers and passengers rarely consider their own seats inside the vehicle. However, a recent report indicates that the safety of the seats already within our vehicles might require more attention than many previously thought. Seatback failure: What is the risk? For decades now, CBS has investigated safety issues and concerns regarding vehicle seats. The investigation found that, in some cases, seats could break in a rear-end accident and lead to even more severe injuries. Essentially, if hit from behind, the front seats could collapse and propel backward – directly into the back passenger seats. How serious is this risk? CBS reports that in the last 30 years: More than 100 people suffered serious or fatal injuries as a result of this issue Most of them were children sitting in the backseats However, individuals in the collapsed seats can also suffer severe injuries It is important to note that the risk of seatback collapses is rare. However, it is still something of which all drivers should be mindful. Especially since lawmakers are taking action in response to these findings. Recently, federal lawmakers introduced The Modernizing Seatback Safety Act to update seat safety standards and mitigate this risk. While it is unclear if the act will become law, this issue is receiving more attention. What should drivers do? Being aware of issues like this is often the first step to combat risks. That is one of the reasons why federal lawmakers are now taking action to increase safety standards. However, North Carolina drivers might worry about what they can do in the meantime. It can help if drivers: Get information about potential risks regarding the manufacturer of their vehicle, or the type of car they have Check consumer reports and research safety issues if purchasing a new or used vehicle Keep children in rear-facing car seats for as long as is safe Drivers cannot control how other motorists act on the road. They can only control their own driving habits and behaviors. Therefore, it is always critical for drivers to stay focused and drive defensively, to reduce the risks they face on the road and in their own vehicle.

Even the most experienced motorcycle riders face heightened risks when they take to North Carolina roads. They might take all the necessary precautions, but it is all too common that other drivers will not look for or see motorcycles, putting them in danger of serious injuries. The injuries that are visible after a motorcycle accident, such as road rash and leg injuries, are scary for both the rider and their loved ones. However, it is important to look out for internal injuries as well. Internal injuries are too common in motorcycle accidents Since bikers do not drive in closed vehicles, they face a significant risk of injury in the event of an accident. And internal injuries are one of the biggest dangers. Some of the most common internal injuries that result from motorcycle accidents include: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) Abdominal trauma, often involving internal bleeding Collapsed lungs Spinal cord injuries Loved ones and riders alike should watch out for the signs and symptoms of these internal injuries, so they can make sure these injuries are attended to. This is also why it is so critical to seek medical attention and care as soon as possible. Mental health is another internal risk after a crash People do not usually classify effects on one’s emotional or mental health as internal injuries. However, these invisible effects are serious. Motorcycle accidents are traumatic events. They can often lead injured motorcyclists to experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including: Extreme anxiety surrounding motorcycling or even driving again Distressing and intrusive memories of the accident Symptoms of depression and withdrawal Mental and emotional recovery after an accident is important too. Families should be aware of these risk factors to ensure injured motorcyclists get the full care they need.

Most attorneys who practice law charge the client a fee based on the time spent on the case. This includes time litigating in court, talking to the client, preparing the case, negotiating with the other side’s attorney, and other details related to the case. There is often a retainer required to get the ball rolling. Personal injury attorneys, on the other hand, are paid a contingency fee, which means their pay is contingent on winning the case in court or securing compensation for the victim in an out of court settlement. They will receive a percentage of the final amount, which averages about one-third but will depend on the case. This arrangement is understood by the judge and the defendant's legal team. The plaintiff's attorney charges no legal fees if they lose the case. Why is it set up this way? There are a few good reasons why the legal system uses this approach for personal injury, all of which benefit the client: It levels the legal playing field: The defendant is likely an insurance company who does not want to pay damages, but they keep lawyers on retainer. Contingency ensures that the plaintiff has capable legal counsel in their corner as well. Many cannot afford the fees: Attorneys often costs hundreds of dollars an hour, which is more than many victims can afford, particularly if they are out of work due to their injuries. Avoids predatory representation: Attorneys are not tempted to take a case (or stretch one out to increase fees) that they know they will lose just because they need the money. There are still some expenses While there is no out of pocket legal fees, there may still be related expenses tied to court fees and administrative fees. The victim may also wish to hire expert witnesses like a doctor who can explain spinal cord injuries or an expert in motor vehicle crash reconstructions. These people help strengthen a case but are paid a fee regardless of the case’s outcome -- this includes their time and possibly travel and lodging. An initial consultation starts the process Attorneys and potential clients start their working relationship with an initial consultation. This is when the victim explains the case's circumstances, and the attorney can decide whether they want to take the case. They will answer other questions as well, including how they calculate fees.