• Do not cut in front of trucks. Specifically, trucks, due to their size and weight, require more time to slow down and stop than their smaller counterparts.  Hence, it is highly recommended that you not pass in front of a truck until you can see it in your rearview mirror.
• Use your turn signal to allow for the trucker to understand your intentions.  Oftentimes, truckers are less likely to notice other drivers in their vicinity.  If you take the time to alert him or her as to your existence as well as your intended direction, it could avoid a serious crash.
• Avoid a truck’s blind spots.   Trucks are replete with blind spots, making it difficult for them to see smaller vehicles.  The general rule is that if you cannot see the truck driver in his rearview mirror, then he cannot see you.
• Give trucks room to maneuver.  Trucks tend to make wide right turns, so avoid trying to squeeze your vehicle into the space between the truck and the curb, as it could have devastating consequences.

Motorcycles and cars can also be a deadly combination. Between 600 and 800 bikers are killed each year in accidents involving motor vehicles and tens of thousands more are seriously injured.  Accordingly, the following are some safety tips for you to consider when sharing the road with motorcyclists:

• Allow extra room when driving behind a motorcycle.  Motorcyclists are not as protected as car and truck drivers, so should you rear end them, it can cause more damage than just a simple scratch on a bumper.
• Always check your blind spots before changing lanes. The number one reason for motorcycle crashes is due to the failure of automobiles to notice motorcyclists in their direct vicinity.
• Pass a motorcycle as you would pass a car – not too close or too fast – as the push of air could cause the motorcycle to lose control.
• Compensate for difficult driving conditions.  Rain, snow, and fog can impair a motorcyclist’s ability to see the road and deal with road hazards. Steer clear of them on a road, especially when conditions are less than ideal.
• Be particularly careful at night, as it can be more difficult to see motorcyclists on the road.  Therefore, make sure to use your side view mirrors and also, check the area before changing lanes.
• Always use your turn signal to allow the motorcyclist to understand your intentions and to respond accordingly.

For more information on my personal injury services, call my office today at 913-281-3221 for a free confidential consultation.  For three decades, I have represented thousands of accident victims located throughout Kansas City obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries.  I look forward to providing you with superior legal representation.

1. Follow the laws of the road.  Despite the temptation of trying to see how fast your new Porsche Cayenne can go on Kansas’ long and seemingly endless roads, follow the speed limit and don’t drive recklessly.  This is a simple, yet important way to avoid being in an accident.
2. Keep your car in good repair.  During the summer months, thousands of tires blow out in Kansas due to periods of extreme summer heat, which can have devastating, if not fatal, consequences.  Also, make sure to regularly check your air filters, which if overloaded, can cause your car to overheat and possibly, break down.  You certainly don’t want this to happen in the middle of a busy road or Kansas City highway.
3. Don’t become distracted.  In other words, the phone call or text message can wait.  Specifically, there is no need to have to respond immediately to text messages or emails, no matter what the situation is.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver distraction is involved in at least a quarter of all crashes, with nearly 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries each year caused by cell phone use/distracted driving in the U.S.   If you must respond to a text, email or phone call, pull over or use your hands-free device, if applicable.
4. Look out for pedestrians, especially in high density areas.  Anyone who has ever driven through the streets of Kansas City knows that there are a lot of people walking around at all hours of the day and night.  Be sure to pay special attention for pedestrians in these types of areas, especially people who have been out drinking late at night.  If you think about it, they don’t exactly have traffic safety on their minds leaving it up to you to play it safe.

For more information on my personal injury services, call my office today at 913-281-3221 for a free confidential consultation.  For three decades, I have represented thousands of accident victims located throughout Kansas City obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries.  I look forward to providing you with superior legal representation.

It goes without saying that motorcycles and cars can be a deadly combination on the road. Thousands of bikers are killed and injured every year in accidents with cars.      A few sensible precautions can help prevent a tragedy.

Tips for Car Drivers

• Allow extra room when driving behind a motorcycle.  Motorcyclists have a much shorter slowing and stopping distance than cars.  That is simple physics.  Also, even a slight collision from behind can have devastating results for the biker because two wheels are less stable than four, and the rider is entirely exposed, i.e. no bumpers or fenders to protect him;
• During this season especially, check your blind spots before changing lanes, and then check them again! The number one reason for motorcycle crashes is a car changing lanes or turning into the motorcycle.
• Before continuing into an intersection from a stop, check for oncoming traffic, and then check again!  Obviously, motorcycles are harder to see than cars.  But, as responsible drivers, it is our responsibility to see what is there to be seen;
• Always use your turn signal so the motorcyclist (and anyone else, for that matter) can understand your intentions and respond accordingly.

Tips for Motorcyclists

• WEAR A HELMET!  WEAR A HELMET!  WEAR A HELMET!  I don’t care what your state law says.  Wear a damn helmet!  I know you like that wind rushing through your hair.  But the #1 cause of death and serious injury in motorcycle crashes is head injuries.  Protect yourself.  Wear a helmet.
• Ride like you’re invisible to other drivers.  While tooling down the road, have you ever looked a stopped driver dead in the eye; then watched as they pulled right out in front of you?  I hope it was just a near miss, because otherwise it was a disaster.  I know they should see you.  But, always assume they don’t.
• Don’t ride between lines of slow cars and don’t linger beside them when you pass.  Remember, you’re invisible to them.

I’d love to hear your tips for keeping us all safer.  Have a safe motorcycle season.  If you need information on my personal injury services, call my office today at 913-281-3221 for a free confidential consultation.  For more than three decades I have helped accident victims throughoutKansas City receive fair compensation for their injuries.  I would be happy to provide you with personalized, superior legal representation.

Some accidents are bound to happen no matter how carefully you drive, because you can’t control what the other guy is going to do.  There are, however, some special precautions you can take around large trucks to reduce the chance of a tragic collision.

• Keep a good safe distance between you and the semi-trailer when following.  Some people think “drafting” behind a truck, that is using it to cut wind resistance is a neat way to improve fuel economy.  Not so neat.  Have you ever noticed those large hunks of tire tread along the interstates?  Those probably flew off of one of those 18-wheeler’s tires.  If one of those flies off into your windshield, it won’t be pretty.  It’s dangerous to “draft.”  Don’t do it.
• When passing a truck, use your signals when you go around; and most definitely when you pull back in front after you’ve passed.  Those signals are there for a reason.  They let your fellow travelers know your intentions and adjust their driving accordingly.  It is never more important to let the other guy know what your about to do than when his vehicle outweighs yours by a few tons.  That is one collision you really, really do not want.
• Also, when passing a semi-tractor trailer truck, pass on the left if at all possible, and don’t dally.  The trucker has much less of a blind spot to his left than to his right.  Getting around the trucker quickly will reduce the time you may be in a blind spot.
• Do not cut in front of semi-trucks. As the country song says, “those big trucks don’t stop on a dime.”  Their size and weight give them much greater momentum than a car, making their slowing and stopping distance much greater.  That’s physics!

Be extra cautious and vigilant around semi-trucks.  Be aware that they have limitations in visibility and

maneuverability that you do not have.  If you can think of other tips to help us all share the road with semi-trucks more safely, I’d love to hear them.

If you need further information on my personal injury services, call my office today at 913-281-3221 for a free confidential consultation.  For more than three decades I have helped accident victims throughoutKansas Cityreceive fair compensation for their injuries.  I would be happy to provide you with personalized, superior legal representation.

Not only can poor roadway design be hazardous, the failure to properly maintain a road can also be a major factor in causing an accident.  Have you ever driven on a road that has more holes on it than a piece of Swiss cheese wondering for years why it has never been repaired?  Or, have you ever been involved in an accident because the state transportation department failed to properly clear ice and snow on the roadways in your town?  Whether it be the existence of potholes, poorly maintained trees and bushes that obstruct driver visibility, or areas – due to disrepair – that are susceptible to flooding, these conditions can lead to serious, and fatal, car accidents.

It may be difficult to pursue a claim for poorly designed and/or inadequately maintained roads, given that most roads are public.  As such, a defense of “governmental immunity”, defined as an exemption to liability when a suit is brought against a government without their consent, may be available when claims arise due to the government’s failure to take action to either prevent or address the alleged hazardous condition. Issues of improper notice may also be raised, given that the governmental entity may claim that they are either unaware of the dangerous condition, or have not had adequate time to respond to address the safety concerns.

In dealing with car accident claims against local and/or state governments, it is crucial to speak with aKansas Citypersonal injury attorney who is familiar with the defense of sovereign immunity and how to properly challenge it.  At the Law Offices of Roger W. Mclean, our skilled auto accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle any case, no matter how challenging or complex.  When facing personal injuries, don’t take chances with attorneys who promise results yet lack the skills necessary to deliver them. Call our office now at (913) 281-3221 to schedule your free confidential case evaluation.

1. Most motorcycle accidents occur at busy or heavily trafficked intersections, especially ones that contain multiple lanes.
2. Wearing a helmet is over 35% effective at preventing life threatening head and brain injuries to motorcyclists and over 40% effective for motorcycle passengers.
3. Nearly 30% of motorcyclists who are involved in fatal accidents were intoxicated with a BAL of 0.08% or more.
4. As noted above, most motorcycle accidents occur due to the fact that other drivers fail to notice motorcyclists.
5. Motorcyclists are much more likely to be ejected from their bikes given that unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles do not have safety features such as seatbelts and airbags.

So how then can you increase your chances of having a safe and enjoyable motorcycling experience?  Consider the following safety tips:

1. Always wear a helmet and protective gear to minimize injury in the event that you fall off your bike.
2. Wear reflective gear so that you are visible to other drivers, especially at night and during incidences of bad weather.
3. Follow the rules of the road at all times and avoid weaving in and out of lanes to get ahead of other drivers and heavy traffic.
4. If you are a novice biker or have never ridden a bike before, be sure to take a motorcycle training course so that you become familiar with your bike and also, how to safely maneuver in different driving conditions.

In the event that you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Kansas City, contact my office now at 913-281-3221.  For nearly 30 years, I have been helping motorcycle accident victims located throughout the Greater Kansas City area fight for the compensation they deserve for their injuries.  Don’t wait until it is too late to obtain the representation you need to hold those accountable for causing your injuries.

With the above in mind, computer and cell phone giant “Apple” created a new application called the Car Accident Sidekick, which is extremely useful should you be involved in a crash.  Essentially, it provides you with the tools necessary to remain in control in the aftermath of your accident by keeping you calm, organized and extremely focused.  To illustrate, the application contains the following life saving features:

1. It provides a detailed checklist of the steps that an accident victim should take, including to remain calm, turn on one’s hazard lights, and call 911.
2. It allows you to store a list of your emergency contacts, including family members, taxi companies and towing companies.
3. It allows you to call 911 with the click of a button.
4. It helps locate you on a map using GPS technology.
5. It can help you find a personal injury attorney.
6. It provides you with the tools necessary to file an insurance claim.
7. It lets you recount the details of your accident using a voice recorder and an electronic note pad.
8. It contains a flash light should it be dark at the time of your accident.
9. It can assist you in filing an insurance claim.

As an experiencedKanasCityauto accident attorney, I urge you to download this application or similar ones that provide the essential tools listed above.  The stress and confusion of being involved in a car accident can lead to poor decision making that may end up negatively affecting your case.  Having this application can help save time, keep you calm, and guide you through the steps necessary to save your life and ultimately prove your case.

In the event that you have been injured in an automobile accident inKansas City, contact my office today at 913-281-3221 for a free confidential consultation.  For nearly 30 years, I have helped countless personal injury victims located throughout the Greater Kansas City area fight for the compensation they deserve.  Don’t wait to get the legal representation you need to hold those accountable for causing your injuries.

In most cases, other drivers are to blame for causing serious motorcycle crashes, especially in high density areas in theUnited States.  Many times, drivers fail to notice motorcyclists in their vicinity and as a result, do not give them the space necessary for them to safety maneuver.  While motorcyclists cannot always avoid accidents, they unequivocally can take control of their safety by wearing a motorcycle helmet.

It goes without saying that motorcycle helmets offer the most effective form of protection, in that they can prevent serious head and brain injuries from occurring as a result of an accident. Understandably, motorcyclists involved in accidents are at a greater disadvantage than other drivers given that they have little to no defense from another vehicle that can weigh several thousand pounds.  At least a motorcycle helmet can cushion a motorcyclist’s head in the event that he or she strikes the pavement or other hard surface, such as a car, truck or guardrail.

The NHTSA has compiled some important statistics demonstrating the effectiveness of wearing a motorcycle helmet.  These are as follows:

• Head injuries are the most common form of death for motorcyclists involved in accidents.
• A biker who chooses not to wear a helmet is at a forty percent greater risk of suffering from a life threatening head trauma and fifteen percent more likely to suffer nonfatal injuries than a biker who wears a helmet during a crash.
• Motorcyclists that wear a helmet have a 35% lesser chance of being killed in an accident.
• Helmets are more than 65% effective in helping bikers avoid serious injuries to the head and brain.
• Bikers that do not wear helmets have a much greater risk of suffering from serious and life threatening brain injuries.
• In a major study analyzing 3,600 motorcycle accidents, helmets were the leading cause of why people survived.

If you were involved in any type of car, truck or motorcycle accident, it is crucial to speak with aKansas Citypersonal injury attorney to help protect your legal interests and fight for your rights.  At the Law Offices of Roger W. Mclean, our skilled accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle any case, no matter how challenging or complex.  When facing personal injuries, don’t take chances with attorneys who promise results but do not have the skills necessary to deliver them. Call our office today at (913) 281-3221 to schedule your free confidential case evaluation.

Although most people equate driving while impaired as resulting from alcohol consumption, drivers who are under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications, can nonetheless face severe penalties if they cause a car accident.  For example, in Missouri, intoxicated driving includes driving while under the influence of drugs, or “DUID”, which carries with it no legal limit.  Meaning, any amount of drugs that impair your ability to drive is sufficient for a DUID conviction.  Drivers under the influence of drugs who cause an accident, especially an accident involving injury or death, could face stiff penalties, including felony manslaughter charges. Otherwise stated, drug impaired driving in Kansas is an offense as serious as a DWI charge and brings with it the same criminal and administrative penalties, which may include jail time and having your license revoked.  In light of Kansas’s “Implied Consent” law, police officers do not need your permission to test your breath, blood, urine or, saliva for traces of drugs and/or alcohol.  Just as with a DWI offense, if you refuse to be tested, your driver’s license will be revoked for 1 year.  Moreover, these charges, depending upon several factors, may even permanently stay on your driving record, which can have serious consequences for those that are seeking to go to college or even to pursue a professional career.

  If you have been involved in a car accident involving a DUID charge in Kansas, it is essential to speak with an attorney who can advise you further as to what your rights and responsibilities are and also, what the next steps are in either bringing forth or defending against a DUID charge. 

            First and foremost, it is crucial that a police report be taken at the scene of an accident and that it accurately state the facts giving rise to the crash. Moreover, you should also seek medical treatment at the onset of physical symptoms, which may take several hours or even days to manifest.  The fact that you did not experience any pain at the scene of the accident does not mean that you have not been injured.  When you wake up the next day feeling like you have been run over by a bus, don’t ignore these symptoms, as they can be serious.  The longer you wait to seek medical treatment from the onset of your symptoms, the more suspect that insurance companies and defense lawyers will be regarding the credibility of your injury claims.  Additionally, it is also important to seek treatment from a doctor, whether it be a chiropractor or orthopedic specialist, who is in the best position to determine how seriously you have been injured, and to prescribe the best course of treatment. Make sure to keep going for treatment, even if you feel better, as your doctor is the only one who is qualified to determine whether your condition is fully healed or not. In essence, you do not want to suddenly stop going for treatment against your doctor’s advice or because you think you have been healed.   If you do and your symptoms start reappearing, you may not be entitled to additional compensation.  Keep in mind that your doctor’s medical records of your injuries and subsequent treatment are the best way to keep track of your progress and to verify the nature and extent of your injuries, which is crucial if you later wish to pursue a car accident claim. 

            In light of the above, if you are unclear as to how to pursue a car accident claim and also, the amount of damages to which you may be entitled, then you should definitely consult with an attorney experienced in car accidents and soft tissue injury claims.  An accident attorney is in the best position to advise you as to what your rights and responsibilities are and also, to assist you in determining whether a settlement of your claim is possible.  Moreover, attorneys are trained in being able to determine what documentation is necessary to support your claim, in light of the injuries that you sustained, expenses that you have accumulated for treatment, and lost wages, if applicable.