When we think about crash-related injuries, we often think about broken bones, head injuries, and spinal injuries. It’s also very common for people involved in serious crashes to develop a mental health condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition can be just as bad as a debilitating physical injury and last for several months or years.

PTSD is often associated with military veterans and police officers, but it can occur to anyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.

Symptoms of PTSD

There are four categories of PTSD symptoms:

1. Reliving a traumatic event — This includes having flashbacks, nightmares and repeated thoughts about a crash.
2. Avoiding stimuli that invokes memories of an event — This includes having a difficult time talking about a crash, revisiting the scene of a crash, or driving.
3. Stress and anxiety — This includes having panic attacks, always feeling on edge, sleep disturbances, and having negative thoughts.
4. Physical symptoms — This includes headaches, rapid heart rate, migraines, nausea, muscle spasms, and body aches.

Risk factors

PTSD can happen to anyone under certain conditions. For example:

• A person experiences dissociation after a crash. This is losing touch with sense of time, place, identity and reality.
• There is lack of immediate support from medical and emergency personnel and lack of long-term support from friends and relatives.

Some people are more susceptible to it than others. These include people who:

• Have a family history of mental health conditions or trauma
• Have had prior trauma before the crash occurred

PTSD diagnosis and treatment

It can take several days and generally up to six months for PTSD symptoms to fully manifest. There is a burden of proof when it comes to getting diagnosed. For example, the following criteria must be proven:

• You must have experienced, witnessed or had been exposed to the traumatic crash;
• Experienced flashbacks, nightmares, recurring thoughts, emotional anguish or physical symptoms;
• Avoided any kind of stimuli that reminded you of the traumatic crash.
• Experienced negative thoughts and feelings that got worse over time.
• PTSD symptoms got worse instead of better;
• Symptoms lasted for more than a month;
• Symptoms were not brought on by drugs, alcohol, prescription meds or other illnesses; and
• Symptoms made it difficult to work or function in daily life.

Once you receive an official diagnosis, you may undergo treatment to help you recover from your crash-related PTSD. These treatments may include:

• Cognitive processing therapy. A therapist evaluates your perception and coping mechanisms. You and your therapist identify “stuck points” that prevent recovery and work to overcome them.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy — Thoughts and feelings surrounding the traumatic crash are addressed through an individual or group therapy session.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors — You may be prescribed any of the following medications: Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), or Fluoxetine (Prozac).
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Using side-to-side eye movements to help process traumatic memories, thoughts and emotions.

Getting compensation for crash-related PTSD

It’s critical that you see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis if you think you have developed symptoms for PTSD. This type of injury can be difficult to prove to the other driver’s insurance company. With documentation of your diagnosis and evidence that the driver who hit you acted negligently, an experienced Buffalo car accident attorney can help you build a strong legal claim.

The Law Offices of James Morris will investigate your crash, gather the facts, and fight to maximize your compensation. We serve clients in Buffalo and throughout western New York. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.

Attorney James Morris explains what you need to know

An accident report that’s generated by the police is often a powerful piece of evidence when pursuing an injury claim. Along with important details about your car accident, the report will include a determination by the investigating officer of who is at fault for the collision, which is something that can have a huge influence on your case.

Since the accident report can be used to impact the amount of financial compensation that you’re able to recover for your damages, it’s common for insurance companies and attorneys to dissect the report piece by piece and scrutinize every detail.

While getting a copy of the report is an important step to take in the aftermath of a crash, knowing how to read your accident report and understanding what the all codes, diagrams, and symbols on each page mean is just as critical.

When do you need to file an accident report in New York?

According to the New York State DMV, motorists must file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) within 10 days of any accident that results in more than $1,000 worth of property damage. Motorists are required to stop and exchange insurance, registration and driver’s license information with everyone involved in the crash. Drivers are also required to:

• Locate the owner or contact police if a parked vehicle or other property is damaged.
• Locate the owner or contact police if a domestic animal is injured.
• Remain on scene and notify the police immediately if someone is injured or killed.

If you are involved in a car accident that results in injury or death, you and the police will both be required to file an accident report with the DMV. Once the law enforcement officer’s report has been processed by the DMV, you can order a copy online for a fee. You may also be able to obtain a copy of the report for a fee by contacting the local precinct or police agency where your accident took place.

Reading your accident report

Now that you’ve gotten a copy of the official police accident report, what does it all mean? While it may look confusing, much of what’s in the report is easy to digest once you understand what to look for. Your New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Police Accident Report breaks down as follows:

Page 1

The first page of the report will include basic information, such as your name, address, driver’s license number and the date/time of your car accident. It will also include information about the other drivers involved in your crash. Be sure to verify that all of your information is correct.

Vehicle Damage Codes

On this part of the report, you’ll notice which areas the investigating officer marked on the diagrams and what vehicle damage codes were used to describe the collision.

All Involved

Pay special attention to this part of the accident report, as this is the area where the investigating officer will have entered different codes to indicate the physical location of injuries (Row 14), the type of injuries (Row 15), and the severity of injuries (Row 16). Make sure this section is accurate. You can learn more about each code on Page 2 of the report.

Boxes 19-24

Located on the right side of Page 1, boxes 19-24 will list codes for any contributing factors to your accident. These codes represent the investigating officer’s assessment of what caused the crash. For example, 31 is the code for “texting” and 2 is the code for “alcohol involvement.” When reading this section, make sure it’s factual. This part of the accident report can be used to help prove negligence and determine who’s at fault for the crash. All of the codes for boxes 19-24 can be found on Page 2 of the accident report.

Page 3

Many of the codes that are used on Page 1 are listed on Page 3. This page is often the source of a lot of confusion due to all of the arrows and boxes, but if you look carefully you should be able to find the code you’re looking for.

Page 4

This part of the accident report contains codes for Columns 14, 15, and 16 on Page 1. Most of the page is dedicated to codes for various types of injuries marked in Column 15 in the “Types of Physical Complaint” section. The codes cover injuries that range from mild to severe. Again, it’s important to make sure the information you’re looking at is correct. If you were seriously injured and the officer listed your injury as minor, it could affect the amount of compensation you’re able to recover.

Pages 5 and 6

Both of these pages have 4-digit numeric codes for different hospitals located in the state, outside of New York City. Look over this information and be sure to verify that the code entered here is the same as the code that was entered in Boxes 17 and 18 on Page 1 of the report.

Page 7

Page 7 concerns accidents with buses and commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and delivery trucks. In New York, different types of trucks have different codes. The codes can be found on this page and on Page 1 of your report in the box labeled “Vehicle Type.”

Contact our law firm if you need help with your report

Once you’ve obtained and reviewed your accident report, you might find that the investigating police officer’s assessments aren’t an accurate representation of the facts. If that happens, an attorney can help you by presenting evidence that tells the true story of what really happened in your crash.

At the Law Offices of James Morris, we know exactly what to look for in your accident report and can build a strong legal case on your behalf that gets results. Attorney James Morris is a car accident lawyer in Buffalo who has won millions for injured clients in New York State, including $775,000 for a passenger who sustained neck injuries in a crash caused by a drunk driver. Legal Advertising – past results do not determine future outcomes

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Buffalo, NY pedestrian accident attorneys explain what you need to know

Pedestrian accident fatalities nationwide reached a 30-year high last year, according to the latest statistics compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Association. It wasn’t just 2019 that saw a sharp increase in the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities. The number of pedestrian fatalities has increased by more than 60 percent since 2009.

Why are there so many more pedestrian fatalities? How many pedestrians were killed in accidents in 2019? What are common causes of pedestrian accidents? You can find the answers to these questions and more in this month’s blog, as well as tips to avoid a pedestrian accident and how much pedestrian accident claims may be worth.

How many pedestrian fatalities were there in 2019?

The Governors Highway Safety Administration recently released the estimated pedestrian fatality statistics for 2019. Last year, the GHSA estimates that 6,590 people died in pedestrian accidents. That figure represents a 4.8 percent increase or 307 more deaths compared to 2018, when there were 6,283 pedestrian fatalities.

These increases are small compared to what has happened in the past decade. Since 2009, pedestrian fatalities have increased by 60.3 percent or 2,481 fatalities since 2009, when there were just 4,109 pedestrian fatalities nationwide. In contrast, all other traffic fatalities have increased by only 2 percent nationwide during the same time period.

Which states have the most pedestrian fatalities?

As part of the GHSA study about pedestrian fatalities, the organization released a state-by-state comparison for pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018 and the first half of 2019. Based on those statistics, the 5 states with the most pedestrian fatalities were:

• California – 519 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2019, compared to 454 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018.
• Florida – 368 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2019, compared to 359 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018.
• Texas – 313 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2019, compared to 297 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018.
• New York – 120 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2019, compared to 112 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018.
• Georgia – 116 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2019, compared to 137 pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2018.

What are common causes of pedestrian accidents?

The GHSA cites several reasons why pedestrian accidents continue to increase at an alarming rate. Part of it has to do with the increased sales of SUVs and other light trucks instead of passenger vehicles. These larger vehicles weigh more and often cause more serious injuries and fatalities. Warmer weather in 2018 and 2019 may have also been a factor. The GHSA also cited other reasons for the number of pedestrian accidents:

• Distracted driving, especially due to cellphones
• Texting while driving
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving

What are some safety tips to avoid a pedestrian accident?

If you are crossing the street or walking along a road, there are several things you can do to stay safe and hopefully avoid a pedestrian accident, including:

• Try to walk in areas with sidewalks and good lighting.
• Be alert at all times while walking along a road.
• Avoid looking at a cellphone while walking.
• Avoid walking after dark along a road, especially if it’s not well-lit.
• Wear bright clothing so drivers can see you while walking along a road.
• Always look both ways before crossing the street.

Even some of the safest pedestrians sometimes become victims of pedestrian accidents. When that happens, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, then talk to an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.

How much is a pedestrian accident claim worth?

There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to pedestrian accident claims. Each case is different. Some are worth a few thousand dollars. Others are worth a few million. The bottom line is you or your family should be financially compensated for all your pedestrian accident-related expenses, now and in the future. These expenses may include:

• Emergency medical care
• Ambulance fees
• Surgical procedures
• Follow-up medical care
• Physical therapy
• Replacement income if you cannot work during your recovery
• Lost future income if you cannot return to work due to your pedestrian accident injury
• Funeral expenses in cases of fatal pedestrian accidents
• Pain and suffering in certain circumstances

To learn more about pedestrian accidents and how an attorney can help you, contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced New York pedestrian accident lawyer at the Law Offices of James Morris in Buffalo, New York. We have decades of experience handling complex cases.

Drowsy driving is more than just a moment of shut-eye behind the wheel. It is a form of impairment that can impact drivers’ performance on the road. Drowsy driving was responsible for an estimated 91,000 crashes and 795 road deaths across the United States in 2017, according to the NHTSA.

While this year’s crash data has not yet been reported, there could be an increase in drowsy driving due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if there hasn’t been a significant spike in drowsy driving crashes, the conditions are ripe for them to occur. That’s because healthy sleep patterns are often disrupted by certain stressors and changes in sleeping schedules.

Poor sleep quality during the pandemic

According to a recent study published in Cell Press, there has been an upward trend in people receiving poor quality of sleep since the beginning of the pandemic in mid-March to the end of April.

The study was conducted in Europe and was led by Christine Blume, who is a sleep researcher and cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Basel’s Centre for Chronobiology in Switzerland.

On a positive note, Blume’s research concludes that people have generally received more sleep than usual due to being out of work or school or working from home. In addition, there has been a reduction in “social jetlag,” which is something people often experience on weekends when they stay up late and sleep in later than usual.

On a not-so-positive note, Blume has found that sleep quality during the pandemic has been generally poor.

“We think that the self-perceived burden, which substantially increased during this unprecedented COVID-19 lockdown, may have outweighed the otherwise beneficial effects of a reduced social jetlag,” said Blume.

What’s causing poor quality of sleep?

Stress and issues revolving around mental health are big factors in poor sleep quality and insomnia, according to SleepFoundation.org.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, stress, depression and other mental health issues could be linked to challenges with work and finances, lack of face-to-face contact with friends and family, worries regarding health and safety, and fear about the future.

Contact a Buffalo car accident attorney if you’re hurt in a drowsy driving accident

If you were injured or lost a loved one due to a drowsy driving crash, you have the right to take legal action and pursue economic and non-economic damages. To learn how, speak to an experienced Buffalo car accident attorney at the Law Offices of James Morris.

Our legal team is dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and fighting for fair compensation for crash victims. To get started on your claim, contact our law firm online. We offer free and confidential case evaluations.

A single car accident can turn your life upside down for a very long time. You may sustain serious injuries that can require months or years of medical care. The thought of pursuing a personal injury claim may not be the first thing on your mind while you’re shaken up by a crash and being treated for injuries.

It’s important to understand that there are time limits on pursuing a personal injury claim in New York State. This is called the statute of limitations. In New York, it’s three years from the date of your car accident.

Are there any exceptions?

Exceptions to the three-year limit on personal injury claims are very rare and only apply in very specific situations, including:

• The injured person is under a legal disability, such a severe brain injury, that affects his or her ability to pursue a claim.
• The person who caused the crash leaves New York State before the claim can be filed, and is gone for four months or longer. The amount of time the defendant is gone will not count during the three-year period.

If these criteria don’t apply and you miss the three-year deadline to file, your claim can be dismissed and you may lose your right to pursue crash-related damages.

How can I get started on my claim?

While you have up to three years to file your claim, the sooner you take action, the better. When filing a car accident claim, it’s important that you first discuss the details of your crash and injuries sustained with an experienced attorney.

Your attorney can investigate your crash and collect evidence showing how it occurred. This may include:

• Investigating the crash scene
• Obtaining surveillance camera footage (if available)
• Speaking to witnesses
• Obtaining an unbiased police report of the crash
• Obtaining documentation of your medical evaluation

Your attorney can also:

• Accurately tally up the cost of damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering
• Negotiate with insurance companies for fair and complete compensation, and take them to trial if they can’t come to an agreement

Claims for no fault insurance coverage should be filed within 30 days of the accident. Shorter time periods may apply to bring claims against certain defendants. If the defendant is a municipality, a notice of claim may have to be filed within 90 days. Claims against the State of New York or the United States Government also require an earlier filing period.

The Law Offices of James Morris would be pleased to review the applicable filing limitations on your case. To get started on your car accident claim, contact us online or call our Buffalo office at 716-855-1118. We offer free and confidential case evaluations.

For many people, riding in a limousine is part of a special occasion, but a car accident in these large luxury vehicles can turn a celebration into a tragedy.

That’s what happened in 2018, when a group of friends hired a limo to travel to a brewery in upstate New York. What was supposed to be a fun birthday celebration ended in tragedy when the limo sustained a catastrophic brake failure and crashed. Twenty people died.

New York safety laws for limousines

In the wake of the tragedy, New York adopted safety measures, as reported by the Democrat & Chronicle:

• Seatbelt requirements for passengers
• Commercial driver’s licenses for drivers
• New drug and alcohol testing for drivers
• Impoundment of defective limousines
• Tougher penalties for illegal turns with limos
• GPS requirements
• New resources for consumers

Deadly accident spurs calls for safety

In October 2018, a Ford Excursion stretch limousine carrying 18, including the driver, crashed, killing all on board and two pedestrians in a nearby parking lot in Schoharie. According to The Post Star, seatbelts in the Excursion were not accessible to passengers.

In a report, the National Transportation Safety Board suggested some passengers might have survived the crash if they were wearing seatbelts. The NHTSA, a separate agency, did not agree. The agency said seatbelts would not have made a difference due to the severe nature of the crash. The impact caused seats to become detached from the bottom of the vehicle.

Steps to protect you and your party

Seatbelt usage might reduce the risk of injury in some crashes, but might not make a difference in other crashes. Passengers can choose to use them or not. Under the new law, limousine companies must have seatbelts available for passengers.

If you are considering hiring a limousine, follow these tips to ensure you and everyone in the limo are safe:

• Make sure the limo company is insured.
• Ask the company questions, such as how it screens drivers and what type of experience the drivers have.
• Look for a valid inspection sticker on the limo.
• Count the seatbelts to make sure there are enough for everyone in your group.
• Find out about the company’s reputation by checking the Better Business Bureau

What to do after a limo accident?

An accident can happen in a split second for any number of reasons. The driver might have been distracted. The vehicle might have been poorly maintained. Regardless of how the accident happened, you should not have to pay for someone else’s mistake. As the Schoharie tragedy illustrates, a limo crash can have devastating consequences.

When victims survive accidents, they often sustain serious injuries that can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

The limousine company and its insurer may try to downplay the impact of the crash. That’s why you need an experienced attorney on your side. Contact the Law Offices of James Morris today for a free consultation. We can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Head-on collisions are typically rare, but are among the most devastating types of car accident. The combined speed of two cars traveling in opposite directions significantly increases the impact of a crash. For example, a frontal collision at 50 mph would cause a significant amount of damage. Now, imagine that speed doubled.

It’s very rare for someone to walk away from a major head-on collision with only minor injuries. These crashes are often fatal, and even those who survive end up with debilitating injuries. Some of the most common injuries caused by head-on collisions include:

• Head injuries
• Injuries to the spine
• Crushed limbs
• Soft tissue damage
• Bone fractures
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Mental and emotional trauma

The aftermath of a head-on collision can be equally as devastating when you’re trying to pursue compensation and dealing with insurance companies. An experienced car accident attorney can help with that.

What conditions contribute to head-on collisions?

Environmental and roadway conditions can be contributing factors in head-on collisions, including:

• Slippery roads
• Frequent curves in the road
• Visibility issues caused by fog, rain, snow, and poor lighting
• Potholes and road debris

How does human error lead to head-on collisions?

We can’t always blame the weather and road conditions for head-on collisions. Even when the roadway conditions are unfavorable, drives are still expected to slow down and stay attentive.

Head-on collisions are not caused by environmental factors. Instead, they are caused by human error, such as:

• Distracted driving — Any activity that causes drivers to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and attention off the task of driving. Cellphones and other electronic devices are the primary causes of distracted driving.
• Drowsy driving — Drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel are at risk of crossing a center line and into oncoming traffic.
• Speeding — When handling curvy roads and environmental factors, drivers must maintain a safe and reasonable speed.
• Drunk driving — Alcohol impairment has a negative effect on judgment, response time, and motor coordination.
• Ignoring signs and signals — Head-on collisions can be caused by drivers who run red lights or fail to acknowledge signs warning of hazardous road conditions.

How can I recover damages after a head-on collision?

If you were involved in a head-on collision, you’re likely dealing with medical bills and other economic damages accrued from your crash. You can’t count on the at-fault driver’s insurance company to gladly compensate you. They care more about cutting their own costs than paying you the damages you’re entitled to.

That’s where an experienced Buffalo car accident attorney at The Law Offices of James Morris can help you. Our legal team can act as a buffer between you and the insurance company and fight for a fair settlement. Contact us online or call 1-800-477-9044 to get started.

We often hear about pedestrians being struck by negligent drivers in the greater Buffalo area while crossing the street or walking along the side of the road. Buildings offer a false sense of security to pedestrians, however.

While we rarely hear about cars crashing into buildings, this does happen. Sadly, these types of crashes aren’t talked about enough by safety advocates. A driver in Tonawanda recently crashed into an apartment building in the early morning hours, according to The Buffalo News. Imagine waking up to that? Luckily, nobody was hurt in the incident.

In 2019, a 94-year-old Erie County woman was killed after a driver crashed his SUV into the apartment building where she lived. The driver was reportedly under the influence of marijuana at the time of the incident. He was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter.

How often do car vs. building accidents occur and what causes them?

According to the safety advocacy group the Storefront Safety Council (SSC), drivers crash into buildings roughly 60 times per day. What’s even more shocking, up to 500 people die each year, and 4,000 more sustain injuries due to car-building crashes. The most common causes of these types of crashes include:

• Impaired driving
• Drowsy driving
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving and speeding
• Vehicle defects, such as tire blowouts, wheel detachments, steering wheel problems, and brake failure
• Drivers pushing the gas pedal instead of the brakes, or accidentally putting their cars in reverse
• Slippery road conditions
• Medical events, such a heart attack, stroke, seizure, or loss of consciousness

Safety advocates don’t only blame car-building crashes on driver error, however. Car-building crashes were a prevalent safety concern after 9/11. Many people feared that cars would be used as weapons against large companies and even power plants. According to Rob Reiter, co-founder of the SSC, unintentional car-building crashes occur on a much larger scale. Additionally, many buildings lack structural protection from cars.

“We were worried about power plants, international embassies, truck bombs outside of dignitaries’ homes, stuff like that,” said Reiter. “But meanwhile, vehicle-into-building crashes that were unintentional — along with crashes caused by anger, and by drunkenness — were killing way more people with cars than terrorists were.”

In which building are pedestrians most at risk of being hit by a car?

About 87 percent of car-building crashes occur in stores, restaurants, and other commercial spaces. In addition, Reiter found that:

• An average of 20 people are struck by cars while standing in ATMs.
• Forty percent of incidents involve drivers over the age of 60. The rest involve young drivers.
• Many car-building crashes occur in parking lots where cars are parked directly in front of the building.

Should you be injured while inside of a building in the Buffalo area, consult with an experienced attorney who will demand justice. The Law Offices of James Morris will investigate the cause of the car-building crash that resulted in your injury. We will also devise a legal strategy to help you recover all damages owed to you. Contact us online to find out how. We serve clients in Buffalo and across western New York.

The lake-snow effect drops more than 90 inches of snow on Buffalo each year. Anyone who lives and works in this area knows how much of a burden winter can be. Clearing snow and ice from vehicles is one of the winter-time burdens that many people dislike. Failure to take the time to do so can endanger other drivers, however.

When snow or ice suddenly flies off the surface of a car or truck, it can crash through someone’s windshield and cause serious injuries. These incidents are referred to as “ice missiles,” When they occur, drivers often have little time to get out of the way. Even when drivers avoid getting hit, ice missiles create swerve risks on the road.

An Inside Edition report shows just how unpredictable these ice missiles can be. Large sheets of snow and ice fly off the tops of cars, semi-trucks, and vans. Drivers are blindsided by bursts of snow and windshields are smashed on highways.

One driver from Illinois was rushed to a nearby hospital after a chunk of ice fell from a semi-trailer and crashed through his windshield. He suffered severe facial injuries from the impact and shards of glass.

Are Buffalo drivers required to clear snow and ice off their cars?

In New York State, the law requiring drivers to clear snow off their cars is strict. Drivers could be stopped and cited for failure to clear snow from the vehicle roofs, windows, headlights, brake lights, and everything in between. That means, absolutely nothing should be obstructed. Fines aren’t the only thing drivers should be worried about.

If someone is injured or killed after being struck by dislodged snow or ice, the driver could face criminal charges.

New York State law (§1229-e) prohibits drivers from operating vehicles with accumulated surface snow and ice. This doesn’t apply during snowfall, however.

The penalties for violating this law include fines between:

• $150 and $800 for noncommercial drivers
• $400 and $1,200 for commercial drivers

What do I do if I’m hit by an ice missile?

When sharing the road with drivers who have failed to clear off their vehicles, it’s best to keep a safe distance from them. In the event you are hurt by an ice missile, you should seek immediate medical help. Other drivers may stop to help and call 911 if your injuries are severe. Those who stop and help will likely have witnessed the incident or possibly have captured the license plate of the at-fault driver (in case the driver takes off).

Injuries caused by ice missiles are often serious enough to require extensive medical treatment, as well as time away from work and daily activities. The Law Offices of James Morris have seen how financially and emotionally devastating this can be. We have been fighting for the rights of injured motorists in Buffalo and throughout western New York for decades.

Contact us online today to schedule your free case evaluation or simply call us toll-free at 1-800-477-9044.

There’s a common misconception that parking lots are generally safer than major roadways. Rarely do you ever see cars zipping through plaza parking lots at 50 mph.

Two-car crashes in parking lots are generally minor. Pedestrians, however, are at the greatest risk of being struck. Earlier in 2019, a pedestrian was killed in a mall parking lot in Hamburg, NY, according to WKBW. The driver, who was reportedly having a medical emergency, rear-ended an SUV, which then struck a pedestrian.

Recently, in Monroe County, a pedestrian was struck by a car in a Wegman’s parking lot. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.

When pedestrians are struck in parking lots, it often happens unpredictably.

Distracted driving

Distraction is very common in parking lots. Some drivers feel that it’s safer to use cellphones behind the wheel while traveling at a low speed.

In 2016, the National Safety Council conducted a survey on how often drivers use cellphones and other electronic devices. Approximately 66 percent of adult and teen drivers admitted to making phone calls while driving through parking lots. In addition:

• 63 percent programmed a GPS
• 56 percent sent a text
• 52 percent used social media
• 50 percent sent or received an email
• 49 percent took photos or watched videos

Distraction doesn’t always involve cellphones, however. Some drivers could be distracted by taking their eyes off the road to look for parking spots, check store hours, or search for a specific building.

Speeding and limited visibility

In busy parking lots, pedestrians are everywhere. Drivers must be extra cautious and be prepared to stop at any given time.

Visibility is often a problem in congested parking lots. Here’s why:

• Difficulty backing out of a parking spot: When backing out of a parking space, drivers must check their rearview mirrors and look both ways (sometimes multiple times) before backing up. When backing out of a parking space between two other vehicles, it can be difficult to see if a pedestrian is about to walk by.
• Difficulty seeing around corners: A line of parked cars can be blinding when navigating turns. When approaching the end of a row, drivers should stop and look both ways before making a turn. The same applies when turning into a row.

What can I do if I’m hit in a parking lot?

If you were struck by an inattentive driver while walking in a parking lot, it’s critical that you first start gathering as much evidence as you can (if you’re able to). You may do this by taking photos of the crash scene and speaking to witnesses. If the incident happened in a commercial parking lot, a surveillance camera may have captured it. The footage may be subpoenaed by police or the attorney handling your case.

You should then seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t feel hurt. Sometimes, the adrenaline and shock experienced after an incident can mask the pain of an injury. A medical evaluation can identify any underlying injuries that need to be addressed and provide your attorney with solid evidence to help you build a strong legal claim.

To find out which legal options are available to you, contact The Law Offices of James Morris and schedule your free case evaluation. We serve clients in Buffalo and across western New York.