Episode 124: In today’s episode, Calloway County automobile accident attorney Jeff Roberts explains that even as we’re coming out of winter and heading into sprint, automobile accidents can increase as the season changes. There are a variety of reason and issues, which Jeff will explain during this discussion.
Farmers and Farm Implements Are on the Roads
Especially here in rural, Western Kentucky, the coming of spring means farmers are getting the fields ready for planting. It’s time to spray and fertilize agricultural fields, but farmers often have to drive on county highway, roads and other types of roadways to get to their fields. Tractors, sprayers and other types of farm implements will increase the potential risk for car wrecks.
It’s important that you pay attention, especially during this change of seasons. You may encounter a tractor as you crest a hill or come around a curve. They are often travelling at a slower speed the regular cars. Try to keep an eye out for these situations. Farm equipment might be in tow. You may or may not see flashing lights to warn you.
The farmer may need to make a left-hand turn, which means it’ll slow down before turning off of the road. Hopefully, the blinker works, but from time to time, that may not be the case. If you are preparing to pass a tractor or other farm vehicle, exercise caution when passing. The farmer might not see you and could decide to turn in front of you.
Jeff has discussed safe driving around farm implements, tractors and other equipment in previous episodes, such as Episode 79, Summertime Safe Driving Tips.
Safety Tip: Check to Make Sure Your Blinkers and Brake Lights Are Working
For some drivers, they may not be aware their blinker lights or brake lights are not working. This can also apply to someone operating farm equipment on the roadway, people towing boats, campers or other trailers. It can also be a problem with the car, itself. You should periodically check all of your blinkers and taillights to keep you, your family and other travelers safe.
Kentucky Senate Bill Focuses on People Driving in the Left Lane
Jeff discusses there’s currently a senate bill that aims to address people who are driving in the left lane, often at slower speeds. Kentucky already has a law that specifies the far-left lane is for passing, on a limited access highway. You can also use the lane if you are allowing a vehicle to merge into the right lane, or if the right lane is blocked or has debris. The current bill is trying to amend the law to apply to all 4-lane highways. It also specifies that you cannot drive in the far-left lane, below the posted speed limit.
The Sun May Interfere with You Visibility
Automobile accidents can increase as the season changes, in part because the patter of the sun is different. You may find yourself driving into the sun, as the sunrise or sunset gets later in the day. It’s important to be more cautious if you’re driving into the sun in the morning or evening.
Jeff has been involved in cases where the negligent driver attempted to partially blame the sun for accident. There tend to be a lot of collisions in Calloway County on Highway 80 at Airport Road (783) and at another intersection of Kirksey Highway (299) and Highway 80.
Drivers may claim to not have seen the oncoming driver, because of the sun in their eyes. This seems to be a flimsy excuse, because you shouldn’t cross or turn onto a road, when your vision is obstructed. You’re placing yourself at a much higher risk of an automobile accident.
Jeff has also been involved in cases involving people get rear-ended on Highway 121 or Highway 94, while driving into the sun. Jeff advises people to slow down if the sun is blinding you or to take extra time to ensure the cross-traffic is clear when pulling into an intersection. Relying on the lyrics of the Manfred Mann song, Blinded by the Light, isn’t the best line of defense in an auto collision.
Motorcycle Accidents Can Spike in as the Seasons Change
Jeff also mentions that after handling motor vehicle accidents for over 33 years, he hopes that families won’t have to call him to handle a traffic fatality involving one of their loved ones, especially if he/she was involved in a motorcycle accident, because the person driving the car didn’t see them. Jeff has ridden motorcycles since he was 15 years old.
As the weather warms up, more and more motorcyclists are heading out on the roads. Car drivers haven’t had to deal with motorcycles for the past several months, and their smaller, thinner profiles may make it more difficult to see the oncoming motorcycles.
In Jeff’s experience, it’s very rare that the motorcycle accident is the fault of the motorcyclist.
Can I Blame the Sun for Not Seeing the Oncoming Vehicle?
It’s not a good defense, related to the driver’s liability. It often turns out to me more of an excuse. Yes, the sun can block your vision, but it’s your responsibility to shade your eyes or exercise more caution. People may use the excuse in an attempt to avoid admitting their mistake. It’s still negligence.
Insurance Companies Know Jeff Roberts Is Serious
Jeff has a reputation as a very effective trial lawyer. However, in Kentucky, most automobile accident cases are settled, if a fair offer from the insurance company is received. Insurance company adjusters and lawyers also know which attorneys are more likely to prepare the evidence to take the case to trial. This can have an impact on the offers they make to get the cases settled, before risking a jury trial.
Jeff Roberts Also Has a Law Office in Hopkinsville
Jeff’s other office is located at 1910 S. Virginia St, Suite 210. He can meet with you to discuss your specific situation. He offers free consultations.
We hope you found this episode insightful and helpful.
Thank you for listening!
What Do Other Clients Think About Jeff?
We always encourage listeners to read the Google Reviews Jeff Roberts has received from many of his clients. A 5-Star rating and the comments are earned recognition and demonstrate Jeff’s commitment to his clients. As a solo attorney, he has more Google Reviews than some firms with multiple attorneys. Jeff shares the credit with his staff at the Roberts Law Office. Successfully representing injured clients is a team effort. It’s why Jeff likes to say his firm offers “Small Town Service with Big City Results.”
Jeff Roberts Represents Injured Clients Throughout Kentucky
With offices located in Calloway County (Murray) and now in Christian County (Hopkinsville), Jeff has a history of representing personal injury clients, workers’ compensation clients and social security disability clients across the state. He’s represented clients from Paducah, Bowling Green, Louisville, Covington, Whitesville and many other Kentucky locations. He’s not just a Western Kentucky injury attorney.
Is It Time to Speak with an Attorney about Your Automobile Accident Claim?
The office phone number is (270) 753-0053 or toll free at 800-844-5108. For more information, visit www.JeffRobertsLaw.com. This podcast is meant to provide information and is not legal advice. Jeff’s principal office is located at 509 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky. Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson. This is an advertisement.
