Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney Blog

FOG & SMOKE: A DEADLY COMBINATION – HOW TO STAY SAFE

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

In recent news is the story of a major pile up on I-75 in Gainesville, FL that claimed 11 lives and left 21 people injured. The pile up occurred following a string of accidents caused by significant fog combined with smoke. This combination of fog and smoke is sometimes referred to as “Super-Fog.” In 2008, a similar incident occurred on I-4 in Polk County, FL when smoke combined with fog caused a massive pile up that claimed 4 lives and left numerous people injured. A similar accident occurred closer to Kansas City in 2010. Although there was no fog to blame, there was a thick, black smoke from a brush fire that significantly reduced visibility on the road resulting in a 20-car pile-up that occurred in southeast Missouri along U.S. 60 and injured 33 people.
These unfortunate, heart breaking stories have prompted us to provide a little advice and some tips for driving in fog, smoke and super-fog. Fog is considered one of the most dangerous driving hazards, and we all need to proceed cautiously while traveling in foggy/smoky conditions.

TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING IN FOG AND/OR SMOKE:

If You Can Avoid Driving, You Should. This is not always a possibility but if you can put off your trip until the fog lifts, this would be the safest course of action.
Use Low Beam Lights. Using high beams will actually reduce visibility further because they reflect off the fog.
Make Sure Your Windshield And Headlights Are Clean. This will reduce glare and improve visibility.
Slow Down. Fog can give you the illusion that you are driving slower than you actually are so keep an eye on your speed.
Be Patient. Wait to pass other vehicles and/or change lanes until the fog or smoke clears.
Eliminate Distractions. Turn off your cell phone and radio, so you can hear other vehicles that may be around you that you cannot see.
Use windshield Wipers. When fog is heavy, using windshield wipers can improve visibility because fog can cause moisture on the windshield. You should also try turning on the defrost.
Use Your Turn Signals. Turn on your blinkers well in advance and brake early to give sufficient notice to other cars traveling near you.
If The Fog Or Smoke Is So Dense That You Cannot See At All, Pull All The Way Over But Do Not Stop On A Freeway Or Busy Road. Stopping directly in the roadway could lead to the beginning of a chain-reaction crash. Be sure to use your signal if you are pulling off the road because other drivers tend to follow tail lights in the fog. Pull over as far as possible to avoid obstructing traffic and turn on your hazard lights/emergency flashers.
Maintain a safe driving distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This is a good tip even in good weather to avoid rear-end collisions.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or lost a life due to another party's negligent driving in the fog and/or smoke, and you need advice, don't hesitate to contact the Missouri and Kansas car accident lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys.

Brain-Injury Survivor Uses His New Given Life to Talk About Traffic Safety

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Fifteen years ago, Anthony Aquan-Assee was in an accident that left him in a coma for two weeks. Doctors predicted he’d be a vegetable for the rest of this life. But today he’s a living, breathing, outspoken advocate on the importance of traffic safety – a topic he’s devoted much of his post-recovery life to.
In September of 1997, the Canadian Olympic judo team hopeful and eight grade teacher, was riding his motorcycle to work when he was struck by a driver who failed to check for oncoming traffic.
After numerous surgeries and two weeks in a coma, he woke up confused and battered. What followed was a full year of hospitalization and painful rehabilitation.
"I came back, and I came back to give people a message," said Aquan-Assee, who's since written two books about being a brain injury survivor. "My message is that you have to stay safe, and that means to be visible.”
Visibility is key in avoiding most pedestrian collisions - especially with the dark winter season upon us. Experts suggest wearing bright clothing and only cross streets at signals and well-lit intersections.
Winter provides dark roads and hazardous road conditions. A driver’s visibility is reduced up to 50-60% at night while it’s snowing. When pedestrians are covered up with hoods and ear muffs, they are reducing their senses and the miscommunication at an intersection is what causes 85 % of the traffic accidents.
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a pedestrian accident as a result of the negligence of another, please contact our attorneys for legal assistance immediately. Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys is experienced in helping those who have been hurt as a result of others. We will aggressively seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future wages, pain and suffering, disability and other damages.
We even offer a free initial consultation. If you cannot make it to our office, we will come to you at the hospital or at your home. Contact the attorneys of Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys today by calling 816-471-5111.

Drivers and Pedestrians Need to be More Aware to Avoid Accidents

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Negligent driving left Anthony Aquan-Assee in a coma for two weeks fifteen years ago. Doctors thought he'd never recover, but he proved them wrong and today he’s an outspoken advocate on the importance of traffic safety and he's devoted much of his post-recovery life to the topic.
In September of 1997, the Canadian Olympic judo team hopeful and eight grade teacher, was riding his motorcycle to work when he was struck by a driver who failed to check for oncoming traffic. After numerous surgeries and two weeks in a coma, he woke up confused and battered. What followed was a full year of hospitalization and painful rehabilitation.
But he believes he came back to serve a purpose. "I came back to give people a message," said Aquan-Assee, who's since written two books about being a brain injury survivor. "My message is that you have to stay safe, and that means to be visible.”
Visibility is the number one key in avoiding most pedestrian collisions. Experts suggest wearing bright clothing and only cross streets at signals and well-lit intersections.
The winter months makes pedestrian safety worse. The season provides dark roads and hazardous road conditions. A driver’s visibility is reduced up to 50-60% at night while it’s snowing. When pedestrians are covered up with hoods and ear muffs, they are reducing their senses and the miscommunication at an intersection is what causes 85% of the traffic accidents.
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a pedestrian accident as a result of the negligence of another, please contact our attorneysfor legal assistance immediately. Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys is experienced in helping those who have been hurt as a result of others. We will aggressively seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future wages, pain and suffering, disability and other damages. We even offer a free initial consultation. If you cannot make it to our office, we will come to you at the hospital or at your home. Contact the attorneys of Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys today by calling 816-471-5111.

Winter Weather Reminds Motorists to Drive Carefully

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Thursday’s snow storm, made worse by howling winds, was to blame for hundreds of car accidents in Missouri.
Snow began falling at 4 a.m. Thursday in the St. Louis area. Though not heavy, the snow created a slick sheet of ice on the roads, making for slippery conditions for the morning commute.
By late morning, the police had received nearly 300 calls about accidents and off-road ditches filled with cars.
While the area only got a few inches of snow, winds increased that night, making driving treacherous due to blowing snow.
Winter driving requires quite a bit more patience than other times of the year. Getting safely to your destination should be your number one priority and sometimes that could mean slowing down and taking your time to get where you're going.
If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in a car accident in Missouri or Kansas, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact the Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at 888-348-2616 for a free consultation.

Safe Driving Important During Winter Snow Storms

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

While living in Kansas or Missiouri, snow storms are likely to occur pretty often during the winter months. This week’s latest snow storm resulted in hundreds of car accidents in the St. Louis area alone.
Though not heavy, the snow that began to fall at 4 a.m. Thursday, created slicks roads making the commute especially slippery.
Combined with the snow, cold temperatures and strong winds made the evening rough. The few inches of snow that the area did get was blowing and drifting making driving conditions even worse.
PATIENCE is the biggest requirement when driving during the winter months. Getting to your destination safely should be your biggest concern – not how fast you can get there. Slow down and allow yourself plenty of time.
If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in a car accident in Missouri or Kansas, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact the Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at 888-348-2616 for a free consultation.

Driver Injured when Semi-Truck Over Turns in North Kansas City

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

An accident involving a semi-truck shut down parts of southbound I-435 near Shoal Creek Road in North Kansas City on Thursday January 19, 2012. No other vehicles were involved in the trucking accident, in which the big rig lost control and tipped over on the highway in between 152 and I-35. The truck driver had to be extricated from the cab of the truck. He suffered serious leg injury but his injuries are considered non-life threatening.

Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys if you've been injured in an accident involving a semi truck in KS. or MO. and set up a an appointment to discuss your situation in strict confidence. If you have a case, we'll let you know. We want you to know your rights.

Hearing Impaired Pedestrians Struck by Car in Olathe, Kansas

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Three people were seriously injured in a pedestrian accident that happened late Tuesday evening in Olathe, Kansas. All three of the pedestrian accident victims were hearing impaired. The injury accident happened around the 400 block of Park street in Olathe on Tuesday January 17, 2012. Reports from the scene indicate the victims included an elderly man and two woman. Police say the hearing impaired man was helping the women to their cars after leaving the Deaf Cultural Center in Olathe.

Police have also confirmed the accident did not happen in a pedestrian crossing zone and that it is a simple case of an accident on all parties involved.

If you've been seriously injured in an auto accident in Kansas or Missouri, you may have rights the insurance companies aren't telling you about. Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to set up an appointment to discuss your case in confidence with one of our experienced Personal Injury Lawyers. We want you to know your rights as a victim.

One Injured in Semi-Truck Accident on I-435 in Northland Kansas City

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we know being a truck driver isn't easy. It remains one of the deadliest on the road jobs out there primarily because you have to be highly trained to drive a semi-truck safely. Even then, one slight moment of inattentive-ness can lead to a serious injury accident.

Just this morning in North Kansas City, a truck driver was seriously injured when he lost control of his truck on southbound I-435 and tipped over. The driver suffered a serious leg injury. He was taken to the hospital for treatment after being cut free from the wreckage. Thankfully no other vehicles were involved in this accident. The driver's injuries are not expected to be life threatening.

Our experienced Kansas City Trucking Accident Lawyers want to remind all motorists that proper driving technique affects everyone on the road. If you're driving a car, how you drive is being noticed by truck drivers. If you make a sudden or unexpected move, it is hard for that truck to react and bad things can happen. Likewise, as a truck driver, you need to be paying attention to what other motorists are doing at all times.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Kansas or Missouri, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Call our experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers. With over 15 years of experience in Trucking Injury Accidents, we may be able to help you and your family through this difficult time.

Importance of Using Pedestrian Crosswalks Stressed in Accident Involving Deaf Victims in Kansas City

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Pedestrian accidents are far too common but there are many things that can be done to prevent them from happening.

Three hearing impaired pedestrians were struck by a car and seriously injured in an accident that happened in Olathe, KS. on Tuesday night. The victims were leaving the Olathe Deaf Cultural Center when they tried to cross Park street. The driver of the vehicle did not see them entering the road and the victims were not crossing at a designated pedestrian crossing.

Our experienced Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Attorneys hope the victims in this accident are able to make a full recovery. We also hope that everyone, pedestrians AND motorists, do a better job at watching out for each other. It is easy to place blame on the driver in this situation because the victims were hearing impaired but it also shows what can go wrong when you don't use a pedestrian crossing to get across any street.

Motorists should always slow down and be prepared to stop in any area that is marked as a possible pedestrian hazard area-- including children, as well as blind and deaf pedestrians.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in Kansas or Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation. Call our experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers to set up a free consultation to discuss your injury claim. With over 15 years of experience, we may be able to assist you and your family through this difficult and often stressful time.

Don't delay-- Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys. We want you to know your rights.

Worker Dies after Fall Working to Restore Tornado Damaged House

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A 19 year-old man died from injuries he suffered in an on-the-job accident at a home construction site in West Springfield, MA. The fatal work accident happened as the construction worker was working to help fix a tornado damaged home in the Merrick part of town on January 11, 2012. The young worker fell from the roof of the home and landed in the basement. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in a work related accident in Kansas or Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to set up an appointment to disucss your situation in strict confidence. We want you and your family to know your rights as a victim.

Under 25 Construction Workers Have Compensation Rights Even after Fatal Work Accidents in Kansas City

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we know that construction jobs are terribly dangerous. We also know how very important these high risk jobs are. That's why we are dedicated to helping work injury victims and their families after serious injury accidents and when the worst happens-- a fatal work accident.

Last week in Mass. a 19 year-old worker was killed when he fell from the roof of a tornado damaged home.

As experienced Kansas City Work Injury Lawyers, we know that knowing your rights as a work injury victim can help you stay ahead of your bills. The laws are different on both sides of the Missouri and Kansas state lines. Thankfully we have attorneys working for us who can help you no matter what side of the state line you were injured in.

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in a work related accident in Kansas or Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including but not limited to medical bills, lost wages and even legal expenses. Call our experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys. With over 15 years of experience in work related injury accidents and worker's compensation.

One Adult and a Toddler Suffer Injuries in Kansas City Auto Injury Accident

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Kansas City Police are investigating a crash that sent a 37 year-old woman and her two children to a hospital with serious injuries. The Kansas City auto accident happened as the woman was trying to merge onto I-35 from I-435 near Claycomo, Missouri. She lost control of her vehicle and went off road, roling over into a ditch. The woman was listed in critical condition at nearby hosptial but is expected to survive her injuries. Also on board the car at the time of the crash was the woman's two year-old son. The boy was also hospitalized but his injuries were downgraded to moderate.

Police are not sure why or how the woman lost control but have confirmed she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The 37 year-old crash victim has been identified as Lisa Maher.

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we want you to know your rights after a serious injury car accident. You may have rights the insurance company isn't telling you about. Call today to set up an appointment to discuss your case in confidence with one of our experienced Kansas City Auto Injury Lawyers.

19 Year-Old Woman Seriously Injured in Rollover Crash in Blue Springs, MO.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A 19 year old woman was severely injured after a rollover accident that happened on Monday January 16, 2012. The rollover crash happened around 2 a.m. on U.S. Highway 50 near the 291 Junction in Lee's Summit, Missouri. The near fatal accident is under investigation. Police say the woman lost control of her vehicle, rolled over and hit a median. The woman suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. The extent of her injuries in unknown be she is expected to recover.

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in a car accident in Kansas or Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to set up an appointment to discuss your unique situation in strict confidence. We want you to know your rights as a victim.

Reports Indicate Woman Seriously Injured in Kansas City Crash was Not Wearing a Seat Belt

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we know people generally don't like wearing their seat belts. They can be too tight and in some cases, become more of a distraction they they seem to be helpful. It is important to remember that it is far better to be wearing a seat belt and never need it rather than to have needed it when you weren't wearing one.

Single vehicle accidents happen all the time in the KC Metro area. Just this weekend a 37 year old woman was seriously injured in a rollover car crash that also injured her 2 year old son. According to Kansas City Police, the woman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Thankfully, the baby was properly secured, leading only to moderate injuries.

Our experienced Kansas and Missouri Auto Accident Injury Lawyers would rather see you avoid a crash altogether. One reason we have these blogs is to raise awareness of the pitfalls many drivers fall into that often lead to serious injury accidents. In this case, we want to strongly remind all motorists to please wear your seat belts. It's not just the law, it could save your life.

Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case in privacy. We want you to know your rights as a victim in a car accident in Kansas and Missouri. State laws can be confusing and lead to excess stress. Let us help.

Rollover Accidents Injures 19 year-old Kansas City Motorist, Crash Under Investigation

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Martin Luther King, Jr. day got off to a rough and scary start for a 19 year old Kansas City woman. The woman was involved in a single vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 50 out by Lee's Summit. The rollover crash happened around 2 a.m. Monday morning. Police have not said what caused the woman to lose control of her car.

Our experienced Kansas City Auto Injury Attorneys want you to be safe when driving late at night. It get really easy to take your mind off the road when it gets darker and there is far less traffic. Distracted and inattentive driving is anything that takes your eyes off the road even for a moment. This includes texting and cell phone calls. Texting and driving is now illegal in Kansas and Missouri.

While there is no indication as to what caused this near fatal rollover crash in Kansas City, we know that late night accidents are usually pretty easy to pin point. Drunk driving, inattentive driving and driver fatigue are very common causes of late night single vehicle accidents in the KC metrol area.

Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to set up a free consultation to discuss your situation with one of our experienced Kansas and Missouri Personal Injury Lawyers. The laws can be different on both sides of the state line. Our staff has lawyers who know both sides of the law. Let us help you in this time of need.

Student Athlete Appeals to Committee About Concussion Caused Problems: What That Means for Athletic Youth in KS and MO

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

This particular hearing was mostly about how concussions affect student athletes in the classroom and especially how female student are affected. Studies have shown that female athletes may be affected more easily by concussions and they are “just as likely” as male athletes to lie about their condition so that they can get back to playing sports.
Sarah Rainey was a 14 year-old soccer player when she was knocked unconscious during a game. After regaining consciousness, she took a sip of water and rejoined the game. Rainey has no memory of the rest of the game, which includes two overtimes.
She went before the House Committee on Education and Labor to tell them about how her day to day life has suffered to do a concussion. Sarah explained how she has to use a calculator to do simple mathematical equations when she didn’t have to do that before and how it takes her three times longer to do anything.
Rainey often deals with head aches and, even when that isn’t an issue, has to deal with constant pressure in her head as if she is wearing a compression headband. She has not played since that game and often has to go to the nurse’s office during classes to sleep. Although she knew that she would have to be sidelined for a while, she didn’t expect it to go on for so long.
Sarah Rainey feels that the C.D.C.’s slogan, “It’s better to miss one game than a whole season.”, minimizes the seriousness of the affect that concussions can have on students.
Hearings before this one concentrating on what doctors and coaches had to say about concussions management in football and more concussion education. Some legislation has been passed and some bills are being considered.
Michele Pelton, a former high school student who had suffered a concussion her senior year explained how, instead of enjoying the normal senior activities, she stayed home because of constant pain and depression. Her life became a blur. She suffers from memory loss, difficultly concentrating, slow processing speed, cognitive effects, and depression. For Pelton, every day is a battle. In attending the hearing, she hopes to help keep others from having to live the way she lives.
Before this hearing, most discussion concentrated on keeping athletes safe from suffering a concussion while on the field. This hearing, instead, focused on managing concussions in the classroom. It is important to educate teachers, as well as coaches, about the signs of a concussion; listlessness, headaches, dizziness and being unresponsive. These issues should be noticed and addressed by teachers. Students spend more time in the classroom than they do on the field and how much they can tolerate in the classroom should be respected by teachers.
There are hopes that more money can be given to each state so that they can better educate teachers, coaches, parents, and young athletes about the affects of concussions and what to do.
If your student athlete has suffered from a concussion during a game, the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorney’s experience brain injury and spinal injury lawyers may be able to help. Fill out the “Just Ask” form online for more information or call 816-471-5111 for a free consultation.
The Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys can also be found on twitter and facebook.

Student Athletes Discussing How Concussions Affect Them Can Help Student Athletes in Kansas and Missouri

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

At a hearing, two female students who had suffered from concussions due to school sports went before a committee to tell them how their lives have been affected and in the hopes of helping other athletes avoid suffering as they do.
Sarah Rainey, a soccer player, talked about how she had lost consciousness during a game because of a blow to the head. She took a sip of water after regaining consciousness and went right back to playing the rest of the game. However, she can’t remember the rest of the game, including two overtimes. Rainey hasn’t played a game since because she suffers from headaches, pressure in her head, it takes her three times longer to do anything, and she now has to use a calculator for simple arithmetic. She often has to go to the nurses office to nap during classes because of the concussion.
Michele Pelton, a former student and soccer player, told the panel about how every day has been a struggle since getting a concussion her senior year in high school. She wasn’t able to be a part of normal senior activities and often missed school because of headaches, depression, memory loss, an inability to concentrate, cognitive issues, and slow processing speed. She still suffers from these issues today.
Instead of concentrating on how a concussion affects students on the field and what the coaches should do, this hearing was about the classroom and concentrated on how female students are affected by concussions. Students spend most of their time in the classroom than they do on the field, so teachers need to be educated so that they can recognize the symptoms of a concussion; which include students being unresponsive, listless, dizzy, and suffering from headaches. Teachers should also be more understanding and sympathetic to the needs of a student who has suffered from a concussion.
If you or a student athlete that you know has been the victim of a sports-related concussion, the Kansas City brain and spinal cord injury attorneys may be able to help. For a free consultation call 816-471-5111. You can also, “Just Ask” online.
You can “follow” or “like” the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys on twitter and facebook.

Teen Hit By Car in Johnson County, MO

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early on the morning of December 24^th, 2011, a teenager was hit by a car on U.S. Highway 50. A little after 1 a.m. 17 year old James A. Kelley stepped onto the right lane of the highway. Kelley was then hit by a Chevrolet Impala, driven by 48 year-old Debra F. Schlomer.

The highway patrol was called and told that the accident happened west of M-131, but it actually happened about 2 miles east of M-131, causing the ambulance to be delayed in getting Kelley medical attention.

Kelley was taken to Research Medical Centerin Kansas City,Missouri with serious injuries. No further news has been released about his condition.

As this report may tell you, attempting to cross a highway by foot is an extremely dangerous thing to do. Cars are going at much higher speeds on highways and don’t expect pedestrians to be in the road. The average reaction time for a diver on a highway is .68 seconds, but many different factors can slow down reaction time. If your car has broken down and you need to get out for maintenance or to walk somewhere for help, be sure to stay off the highway. Do not cross the highway.

If you or a loved one has been hit by a car in Missiouri or Kansas, the Kansas City auto accident attorneys may be able to help. Call 815-471-5111 for a free consultation. If you don’t like talking on the phone, you can “Just Ask” on the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorney website.

You can also follow KCAIA on twitter and facebook.

17 Year-old Pedestrian Hit While Crossing Highway in Missouri

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Around 1 a.m. on Saturday, December 24^th, 2011, a 17 year-old teenage boy was hit by a car while attempting to cross U.S. Highway 50. It has not been said why James A. Kelly, of Holden, MO was trying to cross the highway. The vehicle that struck Kelly, after he stepped out into the right lane, was a Chevrolet Impala, driven by Debra F. Schlomer.

A call was made to the Highway Patrol, telling them that the accident happened west of M-131. This caused a delay in getting medical attention to Kelley because it actually happened about 2 miles east of M-131. Even with the delay, Kelly arrived alive at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO, but with serious injuries. As of about noon on December 24^th, 2011, his condition has not yet been reported.

If your vehicle breaks down on a highway and you need to get out of your car to do maintenance or to go for help, always stay out of the highway. Do not try crossing a highway.

A pedestrian attempting to cross a highway is very, very dangerous. The average reaction time of a person driving at the high speeds that are driven on highways is about 0.68 seconds. This may seem quick, but it also takes about that same amount of time for a vehicle to stop. When you factor in the fact that most people driving on a highway do not expect to encounter pedestrians, this makes the odds of being hit even higher. Other factors that might be personal to the driver may factor in and slow their reaction time.

If you or a loved one has been hit by an automobile as a pedestrian, the Kansas City auto accident attorneys may be able to help. For a free consultation, call 816-471-5111. You can also “Just Ask” on the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorney website.

Follow KCAIA on facebook and twitter.

Benedictine College Basketball Player Died in Wreck on Missouri 45

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early on the morning of Wednesday, December 21rst, an accident that occurred on Missouri 45 was reported. It was just before 5 a.m. when the Platte County Sheriff’s Department got the call.

While on their way home for Christmas, Reginald Demps Jr., a sophomore guard for the Benedictine Ravens, and teammate Quaran Johnson were in a one car wreck heading south on Missouri 45.

The cause of the accident is still not clear, but Captain Erik Holland of the Platte County Sheriff’s Department suspects that the slick roads were the reason for the wreck.

Demps was killed in the accident, but his passenger, Johnson, was taken to a hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The Benedictine basketball coach, Ryan Moody, said that Demps was a great teammate with an infectious personality, who “had an impact on his coaches, his teammates, and the entire Benedictine College community.”

Accidents like these are common during the winter months. If you or a loved one have been in a winter weather-related accident, the Kansas City auto accident attorneys may be able to assist you. For a free consultation, call 816-741-5111. You can also go online and fill out the “Just Ask” form on the KCAIA website.

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South Bound Missouri 45 Wreck Cause for Death of Benedictine College Basketball Player

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Platte County Sheriff’s Department got a call about a one-car wreck on Missouri 45 a little bit before 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning, December 21rst, 2011.

Reginald Demps Jr. and his passenger and teammate, Quaran Johnson were heading south on Missouri 45 near Platte City,MO when the accident occurred. The two were headed home for Christmas. The Platte County Sheriff’s Department’s Captain Erik Holland says that they are not yet sure what caused the accident, but that he suspects that the slick road conditions were the culprit.

Tragically, Demps was killed in the wreck, but Johnson was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and should be home for Christmas.

Ryan Moody, the Benedictine Ravens basketball coach, said, “This is a devastating and tragic day for Benedictine College, Benedictine men’s basketball, and most importantly, for the family of R.J. He had an impact on his coaches, his teammates, and the entire Benedictine College community.”

Many accidents like this happen every year during the winter season. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while traveling to visit family for the holidays:

Get plenty rest so that you can stay awake and alert while traveling.
Have your tires, windshield wipers, vehicle fluids, breaks, belts, and lights checked by a professional.
Always have a car emergency kit in your vehicle.
Do not drink and drive.
Always buckle up.
Drive defensively – be aware of the vehicles around you and be ready to react if they make a mistake.
Try to stay calm if someone does something, while on the road, that upsets you. Getting angry will only make things worse.
Know what to expect from the weather so that you can drive accordingly.
If the weather conditions inKansasandMissourisuddenly change and worsen, change your speed to avoid losing control of your vehicle.
Know your route and know what roads to avoid because of construction.
Avoid distractions as you drive; such as texting, eating, or talking on the phone.

Sometimes, even if we do all of this, we still end up in a wreck or with a broken down vehicle. If this happens to you, stay out of the road and dial “47” for the Highway Patrol Dispatcher.

If you or a loved one has been in a winter weather-related accident, the Kansas City Auto Accident Attorneys maybe be able to help. Call 816-471-5111 for a free consultation for “Just Ask”.

You can also follow the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys on twitter and facebook.

Many Crashes in KC Due to Slick Spots

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Although Kansas City didn’t get a blanket of snow like much of the state of Kansas to the west, there have been many wrecks on the morning of December 21rst because of slick spots that could not be detected by commuters. These slick spots contributed to many wrecks all throughout Kansas City during the morning rush hour.

The National Weather Service out of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, sent out a special weather warning on the morning of the 21rst to let drivers know that there might be slick spots; mostly on bridges, overpasses, ramps, and in parking lots, along with some main roads. These slick spots were very difficult or even impossible to see because the roads would only seem to be wet.

These slick spots formed because the skies cleared and allowed enough time for the temperatures to drop and freeze some parts of the roads.

Kansas City commuters were warned to be cautious of these slick spots until the temperatures would raise enough to melt them, which would be around 8 in the morning.

During this winter season, even if it isn’t snowing, people in the Kansas City area should always be cautious of such conditions. Even if there weren’t slick spots due to ice, a wet road can sometimes be just as slick as ice and snow.

If you or a loved one has been in a weather related accident in the Kansas City area, the Kansas City auto accident attorneys may be able to help. Call 816-471-5111 for a free consultation. You can also fill out a form in the “Just Ask” section of our website.

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Kansas City Commuters, Beware of Slick Spots

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

During the rush hour on the morning of December 21rst, 2011, there were many wrecks on Kansas City roads due to slick spot. These slick spots formed when the cloud cover cleared for a long enough amount of time to allow temperatures to drop low enough to freeze parts of the roads.

Mainly bridges, over passes, ramps, and parking lots had slick spots that surprised commuters because they were difficult or impossible to see due to the fact that they simply looked like part of the wet road. Don’t get too comfortable on the main roads though. These also had some slick spots.

A special weather warning was issued by The National Weather Service out of Pleasant Hill, MO, early in the morning on the 21rst to let commuters know to be weary of the slick spots that they may run into. They suggested that everyone simply be cautious as they drive since it would be hard to know where the slick spots would be. The National Weather Service suspected that the slick spots would melt around 8 a.m., when the temperatures would rise enough to melt them.

Although this part of Kansas hasn’t had snow like most of Kansas west of us, we should all be careful as we traverse the roads, especially in the early morning and at night, when the temperatures are lower. Always have a car emergency kit in your vehicle incase you are in a wreck. It would also be a good idea to have your windshield wipers, tires, lights, belts and vehicle fluids checked out by a professional at the beginning of the winter season.

As always, drive defensively. Meaning that you should be attentive of what the people around you are doing and always assume that the other commuters can not see you. Also try getting plenty of sleep so that you can be alert.

If you or someone you care about have been in a weather related accident in or around the Kansas City area, the Kansas City auto accident attorneys may be able to assist you. For a free consultation, call 816-471-5111. If you aren’t big on talking on the telephone, you can fill out the “Just Ask” form on our website.

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Bumbo Baby Seats Causing Accidents Even After Recall

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

With nearly 4 million sold in the U.S. since 2003, the Bumbo Baby Seat is a molded plastic seat which is used to help babies sit up on their own before they’re able to do so. But its safety record is uncertain.

Children are falling out of them and Bumbo had to recall the seat in 2007 after 28 injuries – including many skull fractures.

The company placed warning labels on the seats saying they shouldn’t be used on elevated surfaces.

However, since the recall, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has that there have been more injuries to children. Just this year, there have been more than 300 reported cases of children being injured when the product was both on the ground or elevated.

Lawsuits are flying over the safety of the product. Many are accusing Toys R Us retailers of knowingly selling a product that has caused injuries. One of the buyers at Toys R Us is quoted in the litigation as saying that she had never seen an infant product like that without a safety restraint, such as a seat belt. She went on to say that after learning about the severity of the injuries from the Bumbo seat, she didn't think it was safe.

Bumbo has released a statement saying that they stand by their product and believe it is safe when used correctly. "The Bumbo baby seat is a safe product for infants when it is used as intended: on the floor and never on an elevated surface," the statement says. "Children should always been closely supervised when they are in the Bumbo seat." The company also says it is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to educate parents on the correct use of the seat.

The only Bumbo Seat competitor, bØbØPOD, added a seatbelt after the Bumbo recall.

An attorney in one of the litigations alleges in the Bumbo lawsuit that safer alternative design existed. They are arguing that Bumbo could have made the Bumbo seat wider at the base, raised the side and back of the seat, installed a safety harness or seatbelt, anything to prevent a child from falling out of the seat.

If your child has been injured while in a Bumbo or another baby product, contact a defective products liability attorney at the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys immediately. You may be eligible for compensation, but there is a time limit.

For more information, request our free book, 10 Essential Steps You Must Take to Protect Your Personal Injury Claim – How You Can Escape the Personal Injury Trap, or contact our office to set up a free consultation.

NISSAN Recalls Over 60,000 Vehicles Because of Stall Issues with Batteries

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Nissan Motor Company has recalled over 60,000 vehicles covering two different makes of cars because of similar problems with battery cables that could lead to the cars suddenly stalling. The company has recalled 34,000 Nissan Sentra compact cars because the zinc covering on the battery cables is too thick, which could cause a drop in voltage in the car's computer system, leading to a stall. This recall affects both 2010 and 2011 models.

The other vehicle recalled by Nissan is for 28,000 Juke crossover 2011 SUVs because of a problem with the turbocharger bracket which can lead to engine stalls.

If you have one of these vehicles contact your local Nissan dealer who promises to fix the problem free of charge.

Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys if you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury becuase of a defective product in Kansas or Missouri. We want you to know your rights.