Greenville Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorney Blog

According to data gathered in 2021 and presented by the North Carolina Department of

Transportation (NCDOT), accidents involving passenger cars and pickup trucks far outnumber

those involving a motorcycle. However, while motorcycle accidents may be relatively

uncommon, it’s important that cyclists know what to do and how to go about doing it, just in

case. The good news is that the process is pretty similar, if not identical, to the process you

would follow after a typical car accident. If you are the proud owner of a motorcycle and want to

be prepared in case of a wreck, read on to learn more about proper procedure and things to keep

in mind.

1. Get To Safety

This advice should be taken in two ways: First, do not try to move your motorcycle, even

if it’s in the flow of traffic. This may disturb the scene and nullify any evidence you gather

regarding the accident. Second, while you shouldn’t move anything from the scene, you should

get yourself to safety as soon as possible. Move to the shoulder of the road and wait for help to

arrive.

2. Call the Authorities

Once you’re safely away from the flow of traffic, call the police and the medics. You’ll

first need to file an accident report with the police in order to file an insurance claim later on.

Furthermore, even if you and the other victims sustained minimal injuries, it’s wise to get a quick

checkup from a trained medical professional on site. You never know what long-term problems

may arise in the days and weeks after an accident.

3. Gather Evidence

Gathering evidence will help support your insurance claim, if and when you decide to

file. But what type of material should you collect? Begin by writing down every detail leading up

to the wreck before it leaves your brain. Then, start taking photos of the scene from all angles,

and collect any insurance and contact information from the other parties.

4. Seek Legal Help

Contacting an attorney after a motorcycle accident is a wise decision. They can guide you

through the process, inform you of your rights, and help with any bits of evidence you may have

missed. Afterward, they can help you file a claim and maximize your compensation.

If you’re looking for legal representation, contact us here at Wayne Hardee Law. Our

team of attorneys look forward to taking on your case. Give us a call, or swing by our offices

today!

For many people, driving is an everyday occurrence. They have lots of practice, and

many even tend to go on autopilot when traveling to familiar places. But with the change of the

seasons comes new and often unpredictable hazards that require laser focus from drivers of all

experience levels. Even as we leave the cold winter weather in our rearview mirrors, the summer

ahead is sure to hold plenty of obstacles. Let’s take a brief look at some of the most common

hazards so you can be more prepared to venture out onto the roads this summer.

• Weather. Summer weather is quite unpredictable, especially due to the infamous North Carolina

heat and humidity. These conditions can easily lead to pop-up thunderstorms that make driving

much more dangerous, even impossible. Be sure to check the weather forecast before leaving

home and heading out on the roads.

• Holiday Traffic. Summer is the time of year when students get a break from school and families

go on road trips or extended vacations. The 4th of July Independence Day holiday also represents

a spike in vehicle activity as friends and family congregate to celebrate. With the sudden influx

of people on the roads, the traffic is likely to be bumper to bumper, especially on the major

highways.

• Equipment Failure. Overheating and tire blowouts are not entirely uncommon when it comes to

taking your vehicle out in the sweltering heat. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to keep

your car from overheating. Moreover, be sure to let some of the air out of your tires as the

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weather gets warmer. This will prevent the warm air from expanding too far and bursting your

tires.

• Construction. Construction is a relatively common occurrence on the highways of North

Carolina. Summer is prime-time for the workers in charge of the renovations. Just be sure to

follow all traffic signs and signals, and watch for any unexpected changes in traffic pattern.

• Pedestrians & Cyclists. The warm weather will encourage more people to get outside and get

some fresh air. Whether that’s walking through the streets of town or cycling down a major road,

their paths are bound to intersect with oncoming traffic at some point. Be on the lookout for

pedestrians and cyclists at all times. Drive slowly through small towns, and make liberal use of

your sideview mirrors.

But no matter how well-prepared you may be for the hazards of summer driving,

accidents happen. If you are the victim of a car accident in which you were not at fault, you may

be entitled to compensation for loss and damages. We encourage you to reach out to our team

here at Wayne Hardee Law for representation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be a tricky business. While a person is

never fully prepared for these types of circumstances, having a general sense of purpose and

order can alleviate any overwhelming feelings of chaos. There’s a lot to be done after a car

wreck, and we’re here to guide you through the steps that should be taken immediately after the

incident. While this list is not entirely comprehensive by any means, it will help victims get a

firm grasp on their situation. Contact an attorney to learn more.

1. Record Notes & Take Pictures. It’s crucial that you do this as soon as possible after the

accident. The longer you wait to record what you remember, the more likely it is that you’ll

become confused and forget important details. Also, before anything else, take pictures of the

scene from every angle. This will be essential for future insurance claims, should you decide to

pursue that course of action.

2. Inform the Authorities. Let the police know that there’s been an accident. An official police

report will further aid in your future insurance claims.

3. Check for Injuries. After an accident, it’s important to check yourself and any other victims for

injuries. You may need to call a medical team and an ambulance if the injuries are severe.

Otherwise, just get yourself checked out by a doctor soon after the incident.

4. Get Off the Road. After you’ve taken plenty of pictures, remove your vehicle from the middle

of the road, if possible. Pull off to the side of the road and safely wait for the authorities to arrive.

If the car is totaled or there are serious injuries and you are unable to move the vehicle, allow the

police to handle the flow of traffic.

5. Exchange Information. This includes other parties involved, as well as potential witnesses to

the event. You should get their name, address, phone numbers, and insurance information.

6. Contact an Attorney. An attorney presence can be a tremendous help, especially for those

who’ve never had to deal with this before. An attorney can ensure that you collect all the

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evidence you need in the form of pictures, notes, and statements to make a solid insurance claim

at a later date.

If you’re in an automobile accident, don’t hesitate to contact our offices here at Wayne

Hardee Law. Our attorneys can negotiate, settle, or even file claims in court on your behalf. We

look forward to fighting for you!

The National Safety Council published the results of an official poll, which states that 37% of adults have fallen asleep behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. According to the same publication, roughly 100,000 reported crashes occurred as a result of driver fatigue. Driving while exhausted is no joke, and it can have serious implications on your safety and the safety of other drivers.

Of course, fatigue is not the only danger of nighttime driving. There are numerous hazards to be aware of, including limited vision, nocturnal animals, and an increase in impaired drivers. Read on for a list of practical tips to avoid a collision while driving at night.

•       Slow Down. With such limited visibility, it’s wise to slow down and drive below the posted speed limit. This will help as you go around curves and approach other cars traveling in the opposite direction.

•       Use High Beams Correctly. The high beams on your vehicle are meant to be used in dark, unlit areas. They’re particularly useful on country roads where there are no streetlights or building lights. Be sure to disengage your high beams when approaching an oncoming car to avoid blinding the driver, and never use your high beams when driving directly behind another vehicle.

•       Fend Off Fatigue. Fatigue happens to everyone, especially at night. If you’re in the car and you don’t feel safe, there’s absolutely no shame in pulling off the road and taking a quick stretch break. You may even decide to call it quits for the night. But if you choose to stay in the car, it may help to turn on the radio, open the windows, or even talk to yourself to keep your mind engaged.

•       Drive Defensively. Defensive driving is important all the time, but it’s especially critical at night. Observe all traffic signs, be very cautious when approaching intersections, and keep an eye out for other drivers in your rearview and sideview mirrors.

•       Look Out for Animals. Some animals are out and active at night. Watch for animals crossing the road, and be on the lookout for those hovering near the edge. You never know when a deer may dart out in front of your car.

Driving at night can be hazardous, even for more experienced drivers. If you’re the victim of a collision that was not your fault, then you may be entitled to compensation for loss and damage. Contact our team of attorneys here at Wayne Hardee Law to help you determine your next steps. We look forward to working for you!

It’s not uncommon for people to consider winter to be the most dangerous time of the year when it comes to driving, especially for those that get snow or icy precipitation. But as the weather gets warmer and winter turns to spring, there are numerous hazards that drivers need to be aware of before venturing out onto the roads. Read on for a closer look at some of these new, and perhaps unexpected, hazards and how to avoid them.

•       Pedestrians & Cyclists. With warm weather comes people who want to get out and stretch their legs a bit. Some towns and cities are well-equipped for pedestrians and cyclists to safely share the roads: bike lanes, sidewalks, roadside greenways, etc. Others lack the infrastructure to accommodate everyone. It’s in these areas that it’s most important to stay alert and keep an eye on your surroundings as a driver.

•       Construction. Spring and summer are peak construction seasons. Orange traffic cones and high-visibility safety vests will become a more common sight as you travel, especially on the highways. Be sure to pay close attention to the flow of traffic, and watch out for workers moving in and around the site.

•       Tire Blowouts. Warm temperatures cause air to expand. So if your tires were well-inflated during the cool seasons, then they may just reach a bursting point as the weather gets warmer. Avoid sudden blowouts by releasing some of the air from your tires and relieving the pressure.

•       Heavy Rain. Frequent rain showers are not uncommon in the spring and the summer. But rain showers can turn into full-blown thunderstorms in the blink of an eye. If you’re on the road when a storm pops up, use your windshield wipers and drive well below the speed limit. Stop and move off the side of the road if it’s too dangerous.

•       Wild Animals. With the onset of spring, you’re likely to see more wild animals. Be careful with larger animals like deer, as they may cross the road with very little warning.

•       Traffic. Summer is a time for many folks to get out of their house and go on vacation. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, roughly 91% of summer trips are in personal vehicles such as a car. This sudden influx of travel can make traffic even more congested than usual. Be careful on the roads with so many other drivers out and about.

If you ever find yourself in an automobile accident involving one of these hazards, contact an attorney as soon as possible. Our team here at Wayne Hardee Law can help you sort through the details of the case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

 Driving can be a risky business. Every time you sit behind the wheel of your vehicle, you are committing to obey the rules of the road, and you must rely on other drivers to do the same. Unfortunately, accidents happen every day. It’s worth noting that there are certain parts of the road that cause more confusion and lead to more problems than others. Let’s analyze the data collected by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles’ Traffic Records Unit and Traffic Safety Unit in 2021. The document outlines extenuating circumstances leading to a collision, as well as providing statistics for each.

1.      Intersections. Intersections can be tricky, even for experienced drivers. 22,578 collisions were reported with extenuating circumstances that revolved around the mechanics of an intersection: disregard for stop sign, disregard for stoplight, right turn on red, and improper turning.

2.      Lane Change. The highway is known for its increased speeds and multiple traffic lanes. Drivers sometimes weave between lanes in an effort to find the fastest and most efficient route forward. But lane changes require a driver to engage their blinker, look in their sideview mirror, and then slowly maneuver their vehicle to the side. 14,941 collisions occurred as a result of improper lane change etiquette.

3.      Center Line. The center line on a road separates the traffic going in two separate directions. Whether it’s dangerous and improper passing or simply driving over the center line, collisions can happen on almost any road. There were 12,582 crashes that centered around a disregard or misuse of the center line.

Now that we’ve covered the three most dangerous areas and conditions for collisions to occur, let’s discuss how to avoid them. The last thing you want is to become the next victim. Here are some tips to keep you and your passengers safe.

•       Intersections

•     Come to a complete stop at every stop sign.

•     Don’t rush to make a yellow light.

•     Wait a few seconds to accelerate after the light has turned green.

•     Take your time and look before turning on red.

•       Lane Changes

•     Stay in one lane as much as possible.

•     Practice defensive driving.

•     Make liberal use of your blinker and sideview mirrors.

•       Center Line

•     Never pass while on hills or going around cars.

•     Keep yourself center-right in your lane.

•     Observe solid/dotted center lines.

But even the most prepared drivers can fall victim to an automobile accident. If you were not at fault, then you may be entitled to compensation for loss and damage. Contact our team here at Wayne Hardee Law to receive the guidance and representation that you need. We’re ready to help!

When it comes to automobile accidents, authorities and insurance agents traditionally have to rely on witness statements and photos of the scene after the incident. In other words, the responsibility for proving or disproving a claim falls to the driver, whether they were the victim or not. Fortunately, thanks to modern audiovisual recording technology, drivers now have a safety net to fall back on.

As the name implies, dashcams are small cameras fixed to the dashboard or interior of the windshield. Their job is to capture front-facing video from inside the vehicle. This allows drivers to constantly monitor their driving and record any mishaps that may occur during filming. The data stored on these devices can be particularly useful after a car accident.

How can a dashcam help after a car accident? Well, consider the sheer objectivity of film. Witnesses may be pretty shaken up after a wreck, and this can often lead to confusion of facts. Authorities recommend that a victim immediately record everything they remember for future reference. This includes written facts and statistics, as well as photos. But nobody is perfect, and car accidents typically occur in the blink of an eye.

With a dashcam, much of the details (including first-hand footage of the wreck itself) are already recorded automatically. This is crucial when it comes to backing your insurance claims. If you claim that you were not at fault and your dashcam footage substantiates your testimony, then you have solid proof in your favor. Listed below are some of the most basic facts that can be proven using a dashcam:

•       You were driving in the center of your lane.

•       You were driving at or below the speed limit.

•       Another vehicle swerved into your lane.

•       Another vehicle hit yours from the side.

•       The driver apologized or threatened you.

Dashcams typically record the date and timestamp as well, so you can verify the authenticity of any footage captured. If you present a claim to your insurance provider, they will ask for physical evidence and documentation. All of this information is essential to proving that you were not at fault. Here at Wayne Hardee Law, we have plenty of experience in guiding victims of car accidents. We want to see you get the compensation you deserve. If you’re the victim of an automobile accident, reach out to discuss a personal injury case. Contact us today and schedule a consultation!

Semi-trucks are on the roads all the time, delivering and transporting large amounts of goods across the country. When there’s an accident involving a semi-truck, it’s unfortunately very easy to blame the operator of such a large vehicle. The trucking company might argue that the driver didn’t slow down or that they were traveling above the speed limit, and therefore the accident was their fault.

It’s the potential for these exact circumstances, along with a litany of other general safety and function purposes, that the electronic control unit (ECU) is installed in semi-trucks. What is an electronic control unit? It’s been called many things, including the “black box” and the “brain” of the truck’s engine. One of its sub-functions is event data recorder (EDR), which may give you a clue to its purpose. The ECU, or black box, observes and records an enormous amount of data on the truck: speed, throttle, brake activity, and revolutions per minute. Black boxes are often used to monitor commercial drivers, making sure that they are not spending more than their allotted time behind the wheel of the truck.

As you can probably imagine, the ECU black box can be extremely useful in the event of an accident. Typical car crashes must typically rely solely on testimony from victims and witnesses to determine the exact circumstances of the wreck. But thanks to the black box, police and highway officials will have access to all the data they could ever need. The authorities will be able to tell if the truck was speeding, if they accelerated or decelerated in the moments leading up to the crash, and whether they had cruise control turned on. They will even be able to tell if the truck malfunctioned, in which case the driver would not be held responsible. Even these small variables can make or break a case against a trucker in an accident.

As a truck driver, should you ever find yourself the victim of an accident, it’s crucial that you contact an attorney immediately. Trucking companies own the data that’s been recorded on each black box, and they could potentially erase the data to protect themselves. You certainly don’t want to have the accident pinned entirely on you. An experienced attorney will see that your data is preserved, ensuring that you are fairly compensated for any damages and acquitted of any unfair charges.

Contact us here at Wayne Hardee Law. Our team of skilled attorneys will fight for you and the protection of your rights. Don’t hesitate, call us today!