Episode 79: Calloway County personal injury attorney Jeff Roberts provides summer driving tips for Western Kentucky.  There’s a lot to do in our region of the state.  The Land Between the Lakes area and other vacation attractions are very busy during the summertime.  However, that means we need to take some precautions on the roads.  Jeff has over 32 years of experience as a personal injury attorney in this part of the state.  He’s seen a lot and has learned a lot about automobile accidents.

Many people come to Western Kentucky to go boating, camping, hiking, etc.  For some, this means pulling a boat or camper, possibly for the first time (or at least the first time this season).  There also tend to be a lot of RVs on the roadways.  Each of these scenarios present opportunities for motor vehicle accidents.

Because vehicles pulling trailers or oversized vehicles (such as an RV) often swerve or cut corners unintentionally, other drivers need to pay particular attention and drive defensively.  The same goes for motorcyclists that may not be seen when one of these vehicles is changing lanes or drifting into the adjacent lane.  Jeff’s represented many motorcycle injury cases across Western Kentucky.  Check out Episode 75 for Motorcycle Safety Tips and Advice.

Underestimating Safe Stopping Distances

This time of the year, Jeff gets calls from people in collisions with another driver who was pulling a boat or camper and underestimated the required stopping distance.  The result is a rear-end collision that often results in serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. It’s much different from simply driving your car or truck.  There’s also the risk of your being involved in a multi-car collision.  Hopefully, you’ll be able to avoid an accident if you remember these summer driving tips for Western Kentucky.

Miscalculating Acceleration Capabilities

This is an issue for other drivers.  We often miscalculate the acceleration capabilities of vehicles pulling trailers and/or RVs.  Much like a tractor trailer, it’s going to take these vehicles much more time to accelerate than the cars and motorcycles around them.  If you’re not careful, you might be the one at fault for a rear-end collision or worse.  Listen to Episode 20 for Jeff’s discussion on Safe Driving Around Tractor Trailers.  Many of the topics are very similar.

Look out for Farm Vehicles on the Road

Western Kentucky is an agricultural region.  Jeff explains that during this time of year, there are a lot of farm vehicles on the roads, some pulling oversized farm implements and equipment.  Most of these don’t travel at normal, highway speed.  A good driver needs to be aware of the environment and be prepared to stop suddenly or to quickly slowdown if they encounter a farm vehicle. 

Jeff has represented a number of farmers who were injured when their tractors or other vehicles were hit by distracted drivers.  Please remember to use your turn signals when switching lanes or passing the farmers.  It’s a good way to ensure both of you arrive home, safely.  Remember, you’re not only trying to avoid an injury, you’re also avoiding property damage to your own vehicle.

For the farmers driving the large vehicles, it’s a good practice to have another driver accompany you by driving ahead of you so others can see what’s coming.  If you’re traveling under the posted speed, have someone behind you with their flashers on.

Beware of Drunk Drivers

This is a wonderful time to be in Western Kentucky.  The area features Lake Barkley, Kentucky Lake, Lake Cumberland and Lake Malone aren’t too far away.  Unfortunately, while everyone’s trying to enjoy the area, some drivers will consume too many alcoholic beverages before heading back out on the roads.  It raises the potential for you and your family to be involved in a car wreck involving a negligent drunk driver.  Jeff covered this topic in Episode 46.

Jeff has handle many motor vehicle accidents in his 30+ years of practice.  He strongly advises that if you’ve had alcoholic beverages, even if you think you’re “safe to drive,” don’t do it.  It’s not worth the risk to yourself and the others on the roads.  Your reaction time is still going to be adversely affected.  This could create a tragic situation, including a potential traffic fatality, especially if your hauling a boat or camper.  Have a designated driver, who complies with his/her responsibility.

If you’ve been out and the designated driver has consumed alcohol, don’t get in the vehicle.  Find another way home.  There’s always someone else you could call.  It’s not worth the risk. 

Don’t Drink if You’re Driving a Boat or Jet Ski

Jeff has represented a number of people who were injured by someone who was operating their craft while drinking.  You can still get a DUI for operating your boat on the water.  These types of boating accidents can easily result in serious injuries or even death.

If you are skiing or pulling a skier, there’s always a risk that an intoxicated boater or someone who drank and jumped on their jet ski might not see the skier in the water.  Again, this can lead to tragic consequences.

To Clarify:  Jeff does not represent DUI cases.  He turns down those inquires.  Jeff will represent someone who was injured by a drunk driver, but he doesn’t defend drunk drivers.  Jeff is still affiliated with the county attorney’s office, so he does not handle any criminal defense matters.

Basic Tips if You’ve Been Involved in a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a collision, remember that the at-fault driver’s insurance company is going to try to shift some or all of the blame onto you.  There are some things you can do to help your case.

If you’re able and it’s safe, take photos of the cars, the surrounding area, including the debris.  Make sure you or someone else calls the police to report the accident.

If you’re injured, let the police officer or trooper know.  Request that an ambulance is called.  You may wish to stay in your vehicle, unless there’s a safety reason to exit it.  Some injuries can be made worse by moving around. 

Seek medical care either immediately, or over the next several days, once the adrenaline has left your system.  You may feel much worse a few days after the accident.  Be sure to have them document the fact that your injuries are a result of a collision.

If the other driver apologizes or makes comments, make note of them so they can be given to the officer who will fill out the police report.

If you don’t have health insurance, it’s okay.  Kentucky law mandates no-fault coverage (“PIP coverage”).  This is usually $10,000 or more for you and each of your passengers.  It’s meant to cover initial, medical expenses and even some lost wages, while your recover from your injuries.  Episode 65 discusses who pays your medical bills after a motor vehicle collision.

Don’t move the debris after a car wreck.  That’s evidence and you want to let the police or state trooper note the position of the debris.  You can take photos for your attorney, but don’t move it.  That information can help to reconstruct what actually happened at the time of the collision.  Even if the debris is blocking the road, you should leave it until the first responders have arrived at the accident scene and preserved the evidence.

Take photos of your bruises and cuts.  These will heal with time, but you want to preserve the evidence of your injuries.  If the case goes to a jury, you may look much better by the time your case get to trial.  Having photos taken at the time of the accident, or a few days afterwards, can be much more convincing.

This is a great time to vacation or at least get outdoors.  Jeff hopes you’ll remember these summer driving tips for Western Kentucky.  Let’s all be safe and enjoy the lakes, the woods and everything our region has to offer.

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 a victim of an automobile accident 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 and now Christian County, 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. 

We hope you found this episode insightful and helpful.  Thank you for listening!                                                                                                     

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.