How In-Car Technology Can Affect Your Personal Injury claim

The use of in-car technology has exploded in recent years, with mixed outcomes for motorist safety. Some tech advances make travel safer. But other features ― like infotainment systems ― could be dangerous distractions on the road. And distractions can easily cause deadly traffic accidents and injuries. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show distractions were responsible for nearly 3,200 fatalities on the road in a recent year.

If you suffered injuries in an Alabama car accident, in-car technology may play an important role in your personal injury claim. An experienced car accident attorney from Stokes Stemle, LLC will investigate your case to determine every factor that may have contributed to the wreck. You can count on us to pursue compensation from every liable party so that you get the money you deserve when you need it most. 

Whether you need help negotiating for the best possible settlement or dealing with pressing concerns like finding a doctor, Stokes Stemle, LLC is here for you. Because at our law firm, we always put you first.

Call or reach out to us online today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable car accident attorney.

What Is In-Car Technology?

In-car technology can take many forms, from camera systems designed to make backing up safer to distance monitors and automated braking technology to protect you on the road. But it can also include Bluetooth-enabled phone systems, in-car entertainment, and integration with smartphone apps. The best technology can save lives. The worst could create deadly distractions at just the wrong time.

Does In-Car Technology Make Driving Safer?

Some in-car technology can help with safe driving. Automatic braking systems, lane guidance, and blind-spot detection can provide drivers with important information to make good decisions on the road. 

But not all in-car technology makes the road a safer place. In particular, infotainment systems can demand driver attention and take their eyes off the road. Large screens with multiple menus can allow drivers to customize their radio selections, control movies playing in the backseat, make phone calls, and listen to podcasts. Drivers who spend more time fiddling with the infotainment system can easily cause a distracted driving accident. 

Who Is Liable for an Accident?

Determining liability for a car accident requires a close investigation of the facts. Because of its benefits and shortcomings, in-car driving technology could affect a personal injury case for the better or worse. If a driver is distracted by in-car technology and causes an accident, they may be liable for any resulting injuries. 

But let’s say your backup camera failed to detect a cyclist in your path due to a manufacturing flaw. In that case, the in-car technology’s defect contributed to the crash. The designers or manufacturers of the product could be held liable. 

Do I Have a Personal Injury or Product Liability Claim?

The type of claim you can file will depend on the nature of the accident and what caused it. If someone injured you because they were distracted, you may have a personal injury claim. But suppose you were injured because of an in-car technology failure. In that case, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim.

How Can an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Help?

After a crash, the prospect of filing an insurance claim can understandably feel overwhelming. 

A top car accident lawyer can help by:

• Answering your questions clearly 
• Explaining your rights under Alabama personal injury law
• Identifying who should be held liable for your injuries
• Advocating for you and your recovery
• Negotiating for the compensation you deserve
• Filing a lawsuit, if that’s what it takes to pursue the best possible outcome for you

Contact a Car Accident Law Firm Today

If you suffered injuries in an Alabama car accident, contact Stokes Stemle, LLC now. We believe in delivering the highest level of service possible to our clients, no matter how big or small the case. Call or contact us today for a free case review.

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Number of Accidents Always Increase When Daylight Saving Time Ends

The end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) is upon us. On November 7, we’ll let our clocks “fall back” an hour, giving us the blessed extra hour of rest we all crave. But beware ― data shows that an increase in car accidents accompanies both the fall and spring time changes.

Causes of Car Accidents During Daylight Saving Time

In general, the autumn switch is the least problematic for drivers. But it does create legitimate risks. It gets dark an hour earlier, limiting visibility during the busy afternoon and evening commute. Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are at an increased risk of being involved in a crash after DST ends. According to a study from Carnegie Mellon University, pedestrians are three times as likely to get hit by a car in the time just after the fall switch. And according to AAA, the most dangerous hour is from 5 to 6 p.m.

Furthermore, studies show the fall time change affects driver behavior, especially on the Sunday night before the shift. Researchers believe people stay up later and may engage in late-night behaviors that increase the threat of car accidents, such as drinking while driving. Staying up late, in turn, results in sleep deprivation that can contribute to drowsy driving accidents the next day. According to an article in the journal Nature and Science of Sleep, around 20 percent of serious injuries from car accidents are linked to driver sleepiness.

How Fatigue Affects Your Driving

Nobody complains about an extra hour of sleep. But even though it’s a favorable gain in the fall, the sudden change still offsets the body’s natural sleep/wake cycle, affecting both the quantity and quality of sleep you get. Poor sleep can affect the body as badly as alcohol can when it comes to driving. A report from the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety found that driving on 4 to 5 hours of sleep is comparable to driving with a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit.

For this reason, many legislatures ― including Alabama’s ― have pushed to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. Alabama adopted permanent DST in 2021, and the bill was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey. But Congress would still have to approve the change before it could take effect.

How to Avoid a Car Accident During Daylight Saving Time

The best way to prevent a car accident during Daylight Saving Time is to do your part to reduce its adverse effects on your body. This means:

• Getting enough sleep: Don’t stay up late on the night of the fall change in anticipation of being able to “make it up” the next day. You can’t bank sleep.
• Going to bed and waking up at the same time: Maintain consistent sleeping habits year-round to combat the feelings of sluggishness that accompany a time change.
• Paying extra attention: It’s going to get darker earlier. You’ll need to be prepared to pay close attention to the road for children, bicyclists, other pedestrians, and wildlife as you adjust to the autumn switch.

Get Help from a Car Accident Attorney in Montgomery, LA

If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident, talk to a Montgomery car accident attorney at Stokes Stemle, LLC today. Call or contact us for a free consultation.

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National Teen Driver Safety Week

Many of us remember the thrills of learning to drive as a teenager, but teen drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents than drivers in other age groups. That’s why road safety advocates created National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs from Oct. 17 to 23. The goal of the program is to educate teenage drivers about road safety.

Teen Driving Accident Statistics

Statistics show that car accidents involving teen drivers occur all too frequently in Alabama and across the United States:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens nationwide.
• Data also shows drivers ages 16 to 20 lead all other age groups when it comes to car crashes.
• In addition, federal crash statistics report that 2,042 people died in crashes involving teen drivers in a recent year.
• In those fatal accidents, 45 percent of teenagers were not wearing seat belts.
• Speeding is a top cause of fatal teen driving accidents.
• Males are more likely to be involved in teen accidents than females.
• Talking on the phone increases a teen’s risk of crashing by six times. Texting is worse, increasing the likelihood of a car accident by 23 times.

Alabama’s teen driving accident statistics are disturbing, too.

• The Alabama Department of Transportation reports that there were 28,545 crashes involving teen drivers in a single year, including 97 fatal crashes.
• Accidents involving teenagers for about 9.6 percent of all traffic crashes that same year.

Why Are Teen Driving Accidents So Common?

Several factors make accidents more common among teenagers, such as:

• Inexperience — Teenage drivers haven’t been behind the wheel for very long, making them more prone to mistakes.
• Distracted driving — Teens are more susceptible to distractions such as talking on the phone, texting while driving, adjusting the music, and eating.
• Impaired driving — Many teenagers underestimate the dangers of drinking or using drugs before driving. This can lead teen drivers to get behind the wheel while they’re impaired, greatly increasing the chances of an accident.

How Can Parents Help Prevent Teen Driving Accidents?

Here’s how parents can help their teen driver stay safe on the road:

• Set clear ground rules for allowing your teen driver behind the wheel.
• Determine consequences and stick to them.
• Set a good example for your teen driver.
• Make sure your teenager has enough driving experience before hitting the roads alone.
• Talk to your teen driver about the dangers of distracted driving and impaired driving.
• Spend time in the car with your teen driver even after they’ve gotten their license

Hurt in a Teen Driving Accident in Alabama? Contact Our Montgomery Teen Driving Accident Lawyers Today

The Montgomery teen driving accident lawyers at Stokes Stemle, LLC have many years off experience dealing with teen driving accident cases. Let us help you pursue the compensation you’re owed after a collision. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation.

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Child Passenger Safety Week

The third week of September is Child Passenger Safety Week.  Its purpose is critical: to spread awareness of the importance of children’s safety and provide a necessary reminder about some of the most vulnerable people on the road.

At Stokes Stemle, LLC, we work every day to help both children and adults who have been injured in motor vehicle collisions. We understand the serious long-term consequences of traffic accidents, particularly for those who are still growing — and we’re here to stand up for their rights when they’ve been injured. From finding a doctor to handling the day-to-day stresses of a personal injury claim, we’re ready to help you and your child however we can.

Our car accident lawyers work to make getting legal help as stress-free as possible. Get answers to all of your questions in a free consultation. Call or use our online form to find out what we can do for you.

Alabama Child Passenger Safety Laws

Like all states, Alabama has clear child safety seat laws. TheAlabama Child Restraint Law sets clear guidelines for both children’s seats and seatbelts for older kids. The following are some of the central parts of the law by order of age and weight:

• Infants and toddlers should be put in rear-facing seats until they weigh at least 20 pounds or are one year old.
  
• Children under the age of five and under 40 pounds should ride in forward-facing seats and be secured with harnesses.
  
• Children under the age of six should ride in the back seat but use booster seats that face forward.
  
• Children under 13 but large enough to use seatbelts alone should ride in the back seat but aren’t required to.

These car seat rules also establish a system of compounding fines. And in cases where drivers habitually violate the law, the Department of Public Safety can assess points against the offending driver’s license.

Child Passenger Safety Tips

According to Stanford’s Children Health, there are several steps you can take to safeguard your children on the road. Some car seat rules for child safety include:

• Ensure that a child safety seat is installed correctly. Most people don’t install seats as instructed, and the result can be an increased risk of injury for children.
  
• Use a booster seat when your child is the right size. Booster seats help seatbelts work for small bodies, which can save children’s lives in an accident.
  
• Check that the seat is positioned correctly and in the back seat. In most situations, the rear center seat of the vehicle is considered the safest.

Although these tips are simple, following them can greatly reduce the risk of a child’s injury in an accident.

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today 

If your child has been injured in a car accident in Alabama, contact a Montgomery injury attorney at Stokes Stemle, LLC now. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call and help you understand your legal options. For your free consultation, contact us now.

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I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver. Can I Sue Them?

Even with strong laws and severe punishments in place, some Alabama drivers still get on the road when they’ve had too much to drink. And these intoxicated drivers put you in harm’s way every time they do.

At Stokes Stemle, LLC, we know how quickly your life can change when you’re hit by a drunk driver. That’s why we offer a full-service practice committed to helping you. From finding the medical care you deserve and explaining your legal rights to building a solid drunk driving claim on your behalf, we’re always here when you need us.

If an impaired driver in Montgomery has hurt you, get experience on your side. Contact a skilled car accident lawyer at Stokes Stemle, LLC for a free consultation. Call, text, or reach out online to get started. We’re here 24/7 for you.

When to Sue a Drunk Driver

After an accident with an intoxicated driver, it may be necessary to file a drunk driving lawsuit for the compensation you deserve. Drunk driving injuries are often severe and can prevent you from working and earning the income you rely on for a living.

While insurance companies may try to settle your case for less than it’s worth, a car accident lawyer can review the circumstances of your case, explain the scope of the compensation you may be due, and determine whether a lawsuit is a right option for you.

Civil vs. Criminal Drunk Driving Case

If a drunk driver hits you, two different types of cases may arise from the accident ― a criminal suit brought by the state and a drunk driving personal injury lawsuit brought by you.

Here’s how they differ:

• Criminal suits are brought by the authorities when they believe someone has broken the law. A conviction can result in license suspension, fines, and jail time. Criminal cases typically have to clear a higher standard of proof than civil cases.
• Drunk driver lawsuits are brought by the individuals who impaired drivers harmed. These cases focus on recovering compensation for the injured party. For example, if you suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a drunk driving accident, then you could file a civil claim for the compensation you need to pay your medical bills and cover lost wages.

Evidence in Drunk Driving Accident Claims

When you’re suing a drunk driver for an accident, you and your lawyer will need strong evidence to prove liability. Examples of potential evidence include:

• Blood or breath alcohol test results
• Any convictions from a criminal drunk-driving case
• Accident scene photos and videos
• Video footage from dashcams or surveillance cameras
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Opinions from expert witnesses

Contact our Car Accident Lawyers Today

Deciding whether to sue a drunk driver is not something you have to do alone. Get in touch with Stokes Stemle, LLC now. Our Alabama car accident lawyers can represent you and pursue maximum compensation for your losses through the entire claims process.

When you work with us, you get a full-service law firm committed to assisting with all of your legal and personal needs. You can count on us to be with you from case open to case closed. Call or contact us today for a free initial consultation.

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Alabama Drowsy Driving Accidents

Drowsy driving accident statistics are harrowing: Drowsy driving is responsible for approximately 100,000 crashes annually, leading to 71,000 injuries, and more than 1,500 fatalities each year. Drowsy driving is responsible for roughly 10 percent of all accidents. A person who drives while drowsy mimics someone who is impaired by alcohol.

Below, our car accident lawyers address this pandemic and how to prevent yourself from becoming part of one of these grisly statistics.

Common Causes of Drowsy Driving 

Drowsy driving accidents are completely preventable. They are caused when a person is tired due to exertion or lack of sleep but still decides to drive.

Drowsiness has a significant impact on a person’s ability to drive safely. Drowsiness can cause a person to:

• Be less alert
• Be unable to focus
• Be uncoordinated
• Lose good judgment
• Fall asleep at the wheel
• Have slower reaction times
• Be less aware of road hazards
• Have difficulty maintaining attention
• Have difficulty judging distance and speed

Drivers are three times more likely to be in a car crash if they are drowsy.

Groups at particular risk for drowsy driving include:

• Young and inexperienced drivers not accustomed to the effects of fatigue on their driving
• Commercial truck drivers who drive long distances without many breaks
• Shift workers
• Drivers who do not get enough sleep
• Drivers with sleep disorders
• Drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medicines that make them sleepy

What to Know About Drowsy Driving 

Increase your safety by knowing the following preventative tips and information about drowsy driving accidents:

Warning signs of drowsy driving

A driver near you may be affected by drowsiness if they:

• Frequently yawn
• Do not keep their head up
• Miss road signs or turns
• Drive on a rumble strip
• Are frequently changing speeds
• Drift out of their lane

When do most drowsy driving accidents occur? 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most drowsy driving crashes occur between midnight and 6 a.m. or in the late afternoon when the body regulates sleep. Most of these crashes occur when the driver is alone in the vehicle.

Where do most drowsy driving accidents occur?

The NHTSA reports that most drowsy driving accidents happen on highways and rural roads.

How can I prevent drowsy driving accidents?

While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, you can regulate your own habits and those of your teen drivers by:

• Practice healthy sleep habits. Follow the same sleep schedule every day. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep a day.
• Don’t drink. Even a small amount of alcohol can cause drowsiness.
• Ask for help driving. Fewer drowsy driving accidents happen when drivers can take turns or keep each other alert.
• Try a new medicine safely at home before using it before driving.
• Plan driving times so that you are driving during times you are typically awake and active.

Contact an Experienced Alabama Car Accident Lawyer for Help

If you believe a drowsy driver caused your accident, do not hesitate to reach out for legal help. The compassionate Alabama car accident lawyers at Stokes Stemle, LLC are here to help.  Contact us today for your free case review.

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2021 Scholarship Winner Announcement

Stokes Stemle is thrilled to announce the winners of its 2021 scholarship campaign. This year’s contest focused on looking for solutions to prevent drunk driving.

Despite reaching record lows in recent years, alcohol use remains a leading cause of crashes and traffic deaths in the United States. Nearly a third of all fatalities are the result of driving while intoxicated. Around 28 people die in drunk-driving accidents every year.

Our scholarship winners proposed unique approaches to stopping impaired driving that could make a powerful difference and save lives. Thank you to all who participated and submitted entries!

Meet the Winners of the 2021 Stokes Stemle Scholarship Video Contest

Congratulations to Ted Sullivan, a graduate student at Elmhurst College, and undergrad Kalycia Haynes from the University of South Alabama. Both will receive a $1,000 prize for their compelling videos, which were posted publicly on social media.

Sullivan’s video explored how parents can help reduce drunk-driving crashes by building a trusting and open relationship with their children. Rather than shaming them or punishing them for their mistakes, Sullivan shows how nurturing communication and discussing “what-if” scenarios with their teens can prepare them for situations they may encounter with friends.

The video also offers practical, real-world solutions such as providing teens with a pre-paid rideshare card so that they are always equipped with an alternative way to get home if someone’s been drinking.

We thought that Ted’s video and pledge demonstrated signs of a true leader. His creative solution to provide teens with pre-paid rideshare cards shows that he is serious about finding solutions to the drinking and driving problems in the United States. Congratulations on your scholarship award, Ted!

In her video, Haynes discussed various ways for the criminal justice system to continue cracking down on drunk driving. Proposed solutions included continuing the use of sobriety checkpoints, automatic license revocation, jail time, ignition interlock devices, and DUI courts to work towards rehabilitating repeat offenders. Finally, she reminds us that we all have a legal and moral duty to prevent drunk driving.

Kalycia’s video and pledge submitted for the scholarship received a lot of visibility on her profile! We are impressed by her transparency with her peers regarding drinking and driving and her practical solutions to make the punishment for DUI offenders more severe. We wish you all the best in your endeavors and hope the scholarship award helps.

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