Many people who haven’t previously experienced a break or fracture are unfamiliar with what to expect. We have all the details below so Eastern Washington drivers know what to expect if they ever find themselves injured after a crash. 

Break vs Fracture

Many people think a bone fracture is a less severe break. The truth is both words mean the same thing. Fractures are categorized by different factors such as:  

How many places on the bone that it is broken:  

• Simple fractures: one place 
• Comminuted fractures: 3 or more places 

If the bone is exposed:  

• Closed fractures: the skin isn’t punctured 
• Open/compound fractures: the bone has pierced through the skin 

Alignment of the broken bone pieces:  

• Undisplaced/stable fractures: aligned 
• Displaced fractures: unaligned 

Where the break appears:  

• Oblique fractures: across the long axis 
• Transverse fractures: at a right angle to the long axis 
• Greenstick fractures: on one side of the bone causing the other side to bend

How breaks are treated

If you think your bone is fractured after an accident, you should immediately seek medical care to alleviate pain and stabilize the bone. Your body will begin to immediately heal itself, but a doctor will need to put the pieces of the bone back in place to ensure it heals correctly. To do this, a doctor could use one of these methods: 

• Casting: A fiberglass or plaster cast can be used to keep the broken bone in place while it heals. 
• Traction: For unaligned broken bones, this system applies a steady and gentle pulling action so the bone is aligned while it heals. 
• External fixation: This method temporarily uses pins or wires that are connected to a ring or bar that is out of the body. The pins or wires are put into the bone and removed after the break has healed.  
• Internal fixation: This method is for serious breaks and requires surgery to insert metal rods, wires or screws into the bone fragments. 

Long road to recovery

Ideally, a fracture will heal in four to six weeks, but depending on the severity, it can take several months. Once the break is healed, it often takes a long time until things are back to normal. A newly healed bone will be very weak and stiff from lack of use. It can take months of rehabilitation and physical therapy before you can use that body part the same way you did before a car accident. 

Don’t let a fracture break your spirit 

A fracture from a car accident can turn your world upside down. Often, there’s pain, long recovery times and complicated treatment can include surgery. It can be months before you return to your normal life. If you are unable to work, this is simply unacceptable. Additionally, the physical therapy and rehab necessary for your recover might not even be covered by insurance. 

If someone’s reckless driving caused your broken bone, don’t take it lying down. Call Attorney Richard E. Lewis. Our law office is experienced in getting justice for Spokane car accident victims. We know how severe these accidents are and how long the road to recovery can be. Let us deal with the insurance companies while you focus on getting better. Call us or fill out a consultation form for a free case evaluation. 

During nighttime hours, visibility is a serious problem. On average, drivers may only see 250 feet in front of them while using regular headlights. When drivers switch on their high-beams, they may see up to 500 feet. However, drivers age 60 and older may have a harder time seeing due to diminished eyesight. 

Another contributing factor in nighttime accidents is poor headlight quality, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). 

An often overlooked factor

Problems with headlights can happen in as little as three to five months of sunlight exposure. The protective plastic layer in headlights start to decompose, resulting in yellowing and clouding. When this happens, the lights may only be able to emit around 20 percent of headlight capacity. 

This can be especially problematic when driving on rural roads that lack adequate lighting. When drivers have less time to react, head-on collisions can occur when navigating curves. A T-bone accident can occur if a driver is unable to see a stop sign. Pedestrians and bicyclists can also be struck. 

Statistically, poor headlight quality is a factor in nearly 50 percent of auto accidents that occur at night. 

Injured in a crash? Don’t hesitate to consult with an attorney

While headlight quality may be the last thing on drivers’ minds, it is an absolute must that vehicles be equipped with adequate lighting. Failing to do so puts drivers’ and other road users’ lives at risk. 

Attorney Richard Lewis has seen the devastation a nighttime crash can cause for victims. If you or a loved one was injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. If the at-fault driver didn’t maintain his or her headlights – or if there’s a manufacturing defect – that could be used as a crucial piece of evidence when putting together a solid claim.  

Worried about dealing with the other driver’s insurance company? Worry no more. Attorney Lewis has more than three decades of experienced fighting for the rights of injured motorists. Don’t worry about the cost to hire an attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means no cost or obligation unless you win. Contact Richard E. Lewis, P.S. today to find out how we can help you.

An article by Student Edge breaks down the mechanics of what happens to your body in a car accident. It’s far worse than you might think.

Surviving a crash with severe injuries

The front-end structure of your vehicle, as well as your seatbelt and airbag, might save your life in a crash. However, the impact while wearing a seatbelt may cause serious injuries. These include:

• Broken collarbone: As the impact of a frontal collision propels you forward, your seatbelt will prevent you from making head contact with your steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, or airbag. However, if you’re a driver, you may sustain a broken collarbone on your right side. If you’re on the passenger side, your broken collarbone will more likely occur on your left side.
• Broken ribs: If you break a collarbone due to your seatbelt, you’re likely to break a rib as well.
• Damage to lungs: A broken rib can puncture the protective layer surrounding your lungs, resulting in pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
• Damage to organ: If your seatbelt is positioned across your abdomen, the impact of a collision can cause damage to your spleen, stomach, liver, and bowel.

Frontal collisions are often survivable at low or moderate speeds. However, when you are struck in a side-impact accident (or T-bone accident), the sturdy front-end frame, seatbelt, and airbag are taken out of the equation. Unless your vehicle is equipped with side airbags, the only thing protecting you is your door.

This can result in injuries that are far more severe:

• Broken bones
• Severed limbs
• Permanent nerve damage
• Severe spinal injuries
• Head injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Paralysis
• Death

When you’re injured in a crash, Richard Lewis makes things right

The recovery process after a car accident can take a financial and emotional toll on your life. You may not be able to work and collect a paycheck. You may have to refrain from activities you enjoy. The medical procedures – X-rays, surgery, medication, physical therapy – can be expensive.

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you deserve to be compensated to the fullest extent. That’s where an experienced Spokane car accident attorney comes in. Attorney Richard Lewis can investigate the cause of your crash and fight to hold the negligent driver accountable. Contact us today to learn more.

Shorter days, limited vision, & increased drowsiness

One drastic change brought about by the autumn season is the end of daylight savings time. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), shorter days means more time spent driving with limited visibility. On average, drivers can only see up to 250 feet without high-beams. That distance doubles with the use of high-beams. Age can also be a factor in limited visibility, as drivers around the age of 50 may require twice as much light as someone around age 30.

The glaring headlights of other vehicles can obstruct drivers’ visibility. Environmental conditions such as rain and fog can also be a factor in limited visibility.

Drivers’ circadian rhythms, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, can be affected by the longer nights. The lack of daylight can induce the production of melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, which can put drivers at risk of falling asleep while driving.

Fall road conditions

Esurance identifies four key factors that can affect road conditions during the autumn season. These include:

• Rain and wet, damp roads: The temperature may remain above freezing this time of year, but wet roads can be slippery to drive on.
• Fallen leaves: Some roads may become covered with dead leaves. When coupled with damp conditions, this can create slick roads that are difficult to drive on.
• Frost and icy spots: The temperature often falls below freezing during the early morning hours. This can result in frost and icy spots, especially on bridges, underpasses, and shaded areas.
• Occasional snow or sleet: Winter hasn’t officially arrived yet, but wintery weather can and often does occur early in Spokane and Eastern Washington. Drivers should be prepared to slow down and plan ahead.

More startling statistics

According to a 2015 annual collision summary (the latest one to be released) by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), out of 117,053 statewide traffic accidents:

• 29,432 of them happened on wet road surfaces, resulting in 107 fatalities and 323 serious injuries
• 2,413 happened on icy roads, resulting in nine fatalities and 31 serious injuries
• Another 412 accidents happen on standing water, resulting in two fatalities and three serious injuries
• 22,909 happened in the dark with street lights on, resulting in 94 fatalities and 415 serious injuries
• 9,428 happened in the dark without street lights, resulting in 116 fatalities and 234 serious injuries

Should you be injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important to speak to an experienced Spokane auto accident attorney as soon as possible.

Contact Richard E. Lewis, PS today for a free case evaluation.

Pedestrian deaths have been consistently rising in the past decade. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) estimates, nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in 2017. Additionally, pedestrian deaths increased by 27 percent from 2007 to 2016.   

Debunking the myth of distracted walking

Some safety advocacy groups attribute the rise in pedestrian deaths to distracted walking. However, a recent study conducted by a group of Northern Arizona University engineering professors, which was published in Transportation Research Records, shows that pedestrians may not be as distracted as we think.  

The study was conducted in New York City and Flagstaff, Arizona, where the habits of approximately 3,038 pedestrians were observed at various crosswalks. The study found that 86.5 percent didn’t display any kind of distracted behavior. Additionally, the majority of pedestrians observed didn’t violate any traffic laws or place themselves in harm’s way.  

Those who did appear to be distracted were found to be: 

• Talking on their cellphones – 2.9 percent 
• Texting while walking – 5.7 percent 
• Wearing headphones – 3.7 percent 
• Engaging in some other form of distracted behavior – 1.2 percent 

The study also found that only 16 percent of pedestrians failed to stay within the crosswalk lines, and 23 percent crossed the street without the walk signal. 

Don’t let insurance companies place the blame on you

So why are there so many pedestrian accidents? In Spokane, distracted driving seems to be a greater threat. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an average of nine people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured daily by distracted drivers across the United States.  

While the study conducted by the Northern Arizona University engineering professors may debunk the myth of distracted walking, that won’t stop insurance companies from attempting to place the blame on injured pedestrians.  

Don’t let them push you around. If you or a loved one sustained an injury in a pedestrian accident, it’s important that you take your claim seriously right from the start. An experienced attorney at Richard E. Lewis, PS can fight to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.  

Contact attorney Richard E. Lewis today to schedule a free case evaluation.

The trucker shortage is not only a serious problem for the trucking industry as it strives to meet economic demands; it's also a serious safety concern for others who share the road with big rigs.

Fewer drivers mean longer hours for all truckers

With more goods to deliver and little time, trucking companies must ask more from their drivers. This means more time spent on the road, which could result in tired truckers. Additionally, trucking companies may hire drivers with little experience or poor driving records in order to meet their demand. The trucking industry has also experienced a high turnover rate, prompting them to hire an influx of teenage drivers.

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s about 20 times the size of an average passenger car. When an accident occurs, passenger vehicle drivers can suffer severe, even life-threatening injuries. That's why anyone operating a big rig should be well-trained and experienced. Additionally, when trucking companies cut corners by skipping background and reference checks, or hire drivers with questionable driving histories, their drivers potentially threaten public safety.

That's why it is expected that trucking companies give their drivers extensive training to mitigate the likelihood of a truck accident occurring.

Holding negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable

Trucking companies and their drivers are obliged to uphold a duty of care. When they fail to do so, they should be held accountable - but doing so isn't easy. Truck accidents can be complex. They often involve multiple parties and separate insurance companies for the truck cab, trailer, and cargo. Moreover, trucking companies are very quick to launch an investigation using their own team of adjusters and attorneys.

As an attorney who represents truck accident victims, I’ve seen just how devastating crashes involving big rigs can be. A single crash can result in millions of dollars in damages and forever change the lives of those affected. That's why if you or a loved one was injured in a crash with a big rig, you shouldn't hesitate to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney who can gather crucial facts and help you build a solid claim.

It's a serious issue. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that in 2016, approximately 723 child passengers under the age of 13 died in crashes.

Installation and use of a car seat

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car seats can reduce fatalities by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers in passenger cars. In light trucks, car seats can reduce fatalities by 58 percent for infants and 59 percent for toddlers.

The NHTSA recommends that parents place infants in rear-facing car seats. Once a child turns two years old, most rear-facing car seats can be turned to face forward. Additionally, until the child is 40 pounds, it’s best to use a full harness car seat. After that, the child can be placed in a booster seat until he or she reaches 4’9” tall or up to 12 years old.

When a child is seated in a car, here is the best possible posture for safety:

• Sitting up straight without slouching
• Knees bent near the edge of the seat
• Feet dangling toward floorboard
• Seat belt comes over the shoulder of the seat and across the chest.

When installing a car seat, it’s crucial that you read the manual and follow the exact instructions. Once installed, the seat should be fastened tightly with no wiggle room to move. If you’re unsure if your car seat was installed correctly, you can schedule a car seat inspection appointment with a Child Passenger Safety Technician in Spokane.

Air bag safety

Until your child reaches the age of 13, he or she will be required to remain in the back seat. Once your child is big enough to fit in an adult seat belt, he or she can ride in the front passenger seat. The child should always be seated as far away from the dashboard as possible and be fastened with a seat belt. This can reduce the chances of a serious injury occurring in a collision, especially if the airbag is deployed.

If a child is riding in a small truck that has no back seat, you may place the car seat in the front passenger side, as long as the airbag is turned off.

What to do if you’re involved in an accident

In order to prepare yourself and your child in the event of an accident, you can enroll in The W.H.A.L.E ™ Program (We Have a Little Emergency), which can help identify your child in an emergency rescue situation. You will be provided with an information card, which you fill out with the child’s name, allergies, special needs, etc. and place in a plastic holder.

If you have been involved in an auto accident, and your child was in your vehicle, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Don’t hesitate to speak to an experienced Spokane auto accident attorney who can help you and your family obtain the compensation you deserve.

These systems are also equipped with different safety features such as back-up cameras and lane departure warning systems.

However, all of this advanced technology may not be an improvement. According to a report recently published by AAA, all of the features in these infotainment systems demand so much of our attention that, by using them, we place ourselves and others in harm’s way. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, and these system features take so much of our time and attention to operate that they are dangerous to use.

Just because we can doesn’t mean we should

Jake Nelson is the director of traffic safety and advocacy with AAA. He feels that technology companies should work together to combat this problem. “Just because it is available, doesn’t make it safe to use… Smartphone companies and automakers must collaborate to reduce the potential for distraction that technology places on drivers.”

Smartphones such as Android and iPhone offer many of the same infotainment

systems in app form. While they also take a great deal of time and attention off the road, overall, they are a few seconds faster than the in-vehicle models.

Smartphones are 5 seconds faster at making phone calls and 15 seconds faster at programming navigation than their in-vehicle counterparts. Those few seconds are crucial on the road. Five seconds can mean the difference between an accident and a safe drive home.

Take a minute. Save a life.

Spokane car accident lawyer Richard E. Lewis has seen what happens when drivers spend more time focusing on finding the next song or searching for locations on a navigation app than on the road ahead. However, there are ways to lower your risk of an accident.

Pull your car over before you search for a song. Plug in your destination before you start your engine. These apps are only a hazard if they’re used while your car is moving. Taking two minutes to get settled and get all the apps up and running before you start driving will make all the difference on the road.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s distracted behavior, contact Richard E. Lewis today.

Every summer in Washington and across the US, we drive more miles and longer hours, which increases the risk of an accident. The summer also shows a rise in drunk driving accidents, especially around the holidays. The experts behind

1. Buckle up. Your seat belt is the first line of defense in an accident. The risk of severe injury or fatality is much lower if your seat belt is properly fastened. Without a seat belt, you are far more likely to be ejected from your car after an accident.
2. Keep your distance. The closer you are traveling to the car in front of you, the less time you have to react to sudden hazards. Keep at least a few car lengths of space between you and the car you’re following. This will give you time to react should that driver suddenly swerve, drive erratically, or slam on the brakes.
3. Use caution in intersections. Accidents happen in intersections more often than anywhere else. This is especially true if a drunk driver runs a red light or blows past a stop sign. Whenever you approach an intersection, take your time. Look both ways before proceeding. When the light changes green, wait for one second before crossing, in the event a drunk driver speeds through a red light.  
4. Avoid driving late at night. Far too often, drivers decide to get behind the wheel late at night after drinking too much at a party or an event. When possible, avoid driving in the middle of the night, as you are more likely to encounter a drunk driver. If you have to be out at night, stay alert and drive defensively.
   
5. Holidays can be hazardous. Holidays show an increase in DUIs and drunk driving accidents. Take extra caution on summer holidays as well as New Years’ Eve.
6. Be a designated driver. Drinking with your friends is fun. Ensuring your friends get home safe means you will both be there for the next party.
7. Support law enforcement. Police set up checkpoints to keep our roads safer. The drunk driver who gets arrested at a checkpoint is a drunk driver who isn’t responsible for a devastating accident. We need to support our police officers in their efforts to keep our roads safer.

When a driver decides to get behind the wheel after a few drinks, they are recklessly putting their own lives and the lives of everyone they meet at risk. We fully support measures that will decrease the risk of a devastating drunk driving accident.

If your life or a loved one’s life has been impacted by a drunk driver, contact Spokane car accident lawyer Richard E. Lewis today. Our team will fight to get you the care and compensation you deserve.

In 2008, Congress passed a law that required all new cars sold in the US to come equipped with backup cameras. After a few years and more than a few setbacks, the Department of Transportation set the effective date: May 2018, a full decade after the law was initially passed. This means that, from here on out, every new car sold in America will come with a backup camera, something that was once considered a luxury item.

Backup cameras allow drivers to better check their blind spots whenever the car shifts into reverse. Even when the rear-view and side mirrors are correctly positioned, a driver might not be aware of something sitting in the large blind spot at the direct rear of the vehicle, which could lead to disaster.

In 2007, as many as 221 people were killed and 14,000 people were injured in non-traffic backover crashes. The NHTSA report also said that 78 percent of backover fatalities and 95 percent of backover injuries involved passenger cars. Children under 5 years old and adults over the age of 70 had an elevated risk of injury as a result of a backover in comparison with other age groups.

Don’t assume the driver can see you

Attorney Richard E. Lewis fully supports any measure that can help prevent backover accidents. However, even though all new cars will have backup cameras, the overwhelming majority of cars on the road still do not have this feature. Therefore, you can't assume that the driver of any vehicle can see directly behind the vehicle. Do not assume that the driver knows you are there, especially if you are in a place that is not directly visible to the driver. Spokane car accident attorneys have seen what can happen when drivers are unaware of something or someone in their blind spot.

Before you get in your car, check to ensure that the area behind it is clear. Rear- and side-view mirrors don’t catch everything. Taking a couple of extra seconds to check could save a life. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, contact Richard E. Lewis today. We will fight to get you the care and compensation you deserve after an accident.