Evansville Legal Issues Blog

Many of our readers in Indiana have probably seen news reports in recent years that state that the divorce rate in America is dropping. Such a blanket statement may seem like cause for celebration, but, as one recent article noted, there may be more to this statistic than can be discerned at first blush.

According to the recent report, the drop in the divorce rate may have less to do with any increase in marital bliss and more to do with the fact that people are waiting longer to get married, or not getting married at all. For so many years the common refrain was that half of all marriages end in divorce. This statistic was somewhat misleading. In fact, there was a large increase in the divorce rate in the 1970s and '80s, but it began to fall after that. The increase was probably largely due to new laws that made it easier to end a marriage, as well as a general increase in women entering the workforce full-time, and therefore able to earn a living without a spouse.

Our readers may remember that last year a limousine accident near Albany, New York, caused the deaths of 17 passengers, its driver and two pedestrians. Recent investigations on the cause of this fatal accident revealed problems that disclose risks of commercial vehicle accidents across the country.

The limousine, a modified and enlarged 2001 Ford Excursion, sped down a hill in Schoharie last fall as it was going to a brewery for a birthday party. It sped through an intersection, crashed into a car and then struck two bystanders.

Many Evansville area residents have had the unfortunate experience of being in a car accident. Luckily, most of these accidents do not result in serious injuries. But, occasionally a serious accident occurs in which a person suffers a traumatic injury that can impact them for months or even years. A brain injury is one such injury that can turn a person's life upside down.

There are many types of brain injuries a person can suffer. When a person is involved in a car accident, they typically suffer from the type of brain injury called a "traumatic brain injury." A traumatic brain injury is caused by an external force. There are four types of traumatic brain injuries, including: concussions; contusions; penetration; and diffuse axonal injuries. A concussion is caused by direct impact to the head, such as whiplash in a car accident, hitting a head against the windshield or hitting a head on the ground, for example. A severe concussion can result in permanent brain damage. A contusion is also caused by direct impact and is bleeding in the brain. A contusion may need to be surgically removed, if possible. A diffuse axonal injury is caused by shaking of the brain, which can result in tears in the brain structure and can result in permanent damage, a coma or death. And finally, penetration injuries are caused by a sharp object entering the brain. This can result in long-term effects or even death.

Motor vehicle accidents happen often on Indiana roads and some are unfortunately serious. When individuals suffer life-threatening harm due to the negligent actions of others, they can find themselves fighting for their health and at the mercy of those who are caring for them. These individuals may be considered lucky, though, since some vehicle accident victims do not survive their ordeals.

This was the result of a dangerous motorcycle accident earlier in the week. The incident involved a motorcycle and a sport utility vehicle and the collision occurred close to 8 o'clock in the evening. When first responders arrived at the scene of the crash they discovered the motorcyclist lying on the ground. That victim did not survive his injuries.