How Wheelchair Ramps Can Be Dangerous

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Accessibility means providing those with disabilities access to the same venues, attractions, and opportunities as those without disabilities. However, not all accessibility features are created equal. Wheelchair ramps, one of the most widely available adaptive tools, can make life considerably harder or more dangerous for people in wheelchairs.

Have you been injured due to a faulty wheelchair ramp? You may be entitled to compensation via a personal injury claim. Call Reeves & Mestayer at 228-374-5151 to set up a free consultation now.

Weak or Nonexistent Guardrails

Ramp designers and builders can’t expect people in wheelchairs to stay on the path at all times—mistakes happen, and a well-designed ramp should be able to withstand them. A ramp without guardrails is a huge safety risk, as a wheelchair user could easily fall off the side. If one or two wheels go off the ramp, the wheelchair user could even get stuck and require emergency rescue. The same is true for weak guardrails, but in this case, people may be misled by the presence of guardrails and be less careful. Again, this may lead to disaster.

Wooden Ramps

Wooden ramps are extremely difficult to maintain, since wood is prone to warping, rotting, and caving in. Repairing and maintaining these ramps often requires the replacement of entire planks of wood, which can be time-consuming and expensive. As a result, many homeowners and business owners simply do not maintain them. It’s generally recommended that those interested in adding a ramp to their property either research what it takes to make a wooden ramp safe or choose a different material entirely.

Ramp Surface Too Smooth or Too Textured

Ramps have to have the proper amount of grip to work well. A ramp that is too slick is a fall risk, as people pushing wheelchairs can slip and take the wheelchair with them. The wheels of a slightly older wheelchair may even struggle to grip a too-slippery surface. On the flip side, a ramp with too much grip makes it difficult for wheelchair users to keep moving. In some cases, a wheelchair user may even get stuck and require assistance to get off of the ramp.

Steep Ramps

If you’ve ever seen a property with a stairway and a ramp next to it with the same slope and angle, you know that good intent isn’t always enough. Ramps that are as steep as stairs are generally very dangerous for wheelchair users, as they need to use an enormous amount of strength to propel themselves up a steep ramp in a manual chair. Even those in power wheelchairs may struggle to get their chair up this type of ramp. When this happens, wheelchair users can slip backward. This could send them into other people or even into the road, posing a massive safety risk to themselves and those around them.

Sharp Turns and Angles

While this isn’t as widely known as the dangers of steep ramps, ramps with sharp turns can be hazardous for wheelchair users. To start, many of today’s power wheelchairs are extremely large and bulky, especially for users that have bags and other items hanging on the back. Trying to navigate a tight turn in a chair like that can leave a user stuck or forced to go back down the ramp backward. Even if the chair is technically slim enough to fit in the turns, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be an easy ride. Wheelchair users may bump their knees or elbows as they attempt to navigate a tight turn.

Ramps installed with good intention but minimal research can frustrate wheelchair users and leave them in the same place they started—unable to participate in an event or activity they were looking forward to. It’s crucial that wheelchair users and advocates speak out about these situations and ensure that injured people get the help they need.

Explore Your Legal Options After an Accident—Call Reeves & Mestayer Now

If you have been left injured by an unsafe wheelchair ramp, don’t wait any longer to pursue the compensation you are owed. Call Reeves & Mestayer at 228-374-5151 or contact us online to find out how we can help you.

Apps You Should Always Have on Your Phone in Case of an Accident

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When you misjudge that turn or a driver coming from your right side runs their red light, everything can change in a moment. When you are involved in a car crash, emotion takes over and it’s hard enough just to get through each minute. That’s why having the right apps on your phone is so important. If you can’t remember the information you need to gather and the evidence you need to collect, let an app guide you through it. It can help you get the right information to your insurance company and pursue a personal injury claim.

Wondering what your next step is after a car crash? The team at Reeves & Mestayer is here to help you. Give us a call at 228-374-5151 to set up a consultation.

Life360

While Life360 isn’t known as a driving app, the safe driving features it offers makes it worth a subscription. The crash detection feature notices when you’ve been in a collision and contacts you immediately for further information. If the driver doesn’t respond, the app will notify people listed in your Circle and your emergency contacts. Through the app, you can also request emergency assistance and get help with towing.

Your Insurance Company’s App

If a crash happens, you may not always have access to your paper insurance card. You’ll still need to exchange that information with the other driver, so keeping it handy on your phone is a good idea. You may also be able to use your insurance app to report a crash, take pictures of the crash scene, submit photos of your vehicle’s damage, and add any other relevant information for your insurance agent to review.

Openroad

When you crash, you can’t always call for help. This is usually fine in busier urban areas, as you can trust that someone will call the police—but what happens if you’re in a more remote area and you don’t expect to be found for several hours? With Openroad, no matter where you crash, you can rest easy knowing that the proper authorities will be notified.

When Openroad detects a collision, it automatically notifies your loved ones, has a trained responder call you, and pinpoints your location for emergency services. The in-app crash guide walks you through what you need to do after a crash and helps you get your vehicle towed to a nearby repair shop.

AAA

Triple A members can access a variety of benefits with the Auto Club app. Get access to your free roadside assistance benefits, get information on vehicle rental options, and get back on the road again after a crash. In addition to the services that it offers after a car crash, you can also use it for fuel delivery when you run out of gas, tire repair services, and locksmith assistance.

WreckCheck

Available on both Android and Apple devices, WreckCheck streamlines your post-accident tasks to keep you on track. This app is especially helpful if you want to gather as much evidence as possible, since it includes a built-in audio recorder, location tracker, and camera. You can get all the evidence you need for your claim and keep it all in one place.

If you’ve never filed an insurance claim, WreckCheck will help you share the appropriate information with your insurance provider to submit a complete and comprehensive report.

WKW Auto Accident App

Much like several of the other apps on this list, WKW Auto Accident App is an all-in-one solution when you are involved in a collision. It’s user-friendly and simple, making it an excellent option for new drivers. Tools for gathering evidence include a voice memo recorder, drawing pad, camera, and memo pad.

You can use the included forms to get necessary information from the other driver, your passengers, and any witnesses. The GPS function makes it easy to track where the accident occurred for insurance purposes.

Get Help with Your Accident Claim Now—Call Reeves & Mestayer

After a car accident, you should act quickly to pursue compensation with a personal injury claim. Evidence starts deteriorating immediately and starting your claim right away may help you get the compensation you deserve. Call Reeves & Mestayer at 228-374-5151 or reach out online to set up your initial consultation now.