Articles Posted in Personal Injury

The Government Accountability Office recently concluded that only 70 percent of cars and trucks that were recalled ever got repaired within 18 months. If you’re not notified in a timely manner of these recalls, then your risks of being involved in a car accident in Massachusetts quickly increase.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand how common these vehicle recalls are nowadays. It’s important that there’s an effective system in place to make sure that consumers are being notified as quick as possible about these dangerous defects. The Government Accountability Office says that the NHTSA needs to step up their efforts in doing so. They suggest that the Administration improves their recall database website and provides notifications to used car buyers more quickly.

Some recalled vehicles are never even repaired. These vehicles are all over our roadways. When a car switches owners, it may be difficult for the car manufacturer to contact the new owners. When a manufacturer isn’t able to contact an owner, the job falls into the lap of the NHTSA.

The NHTSA currently has a database, safecar.gov, which allows motorists to look up their vehicle’s investigations and recalls. Drivers can even sign up to receive e-mail alerts for their specific vehicle. Another perk of the website is that it will provide you with a list of dealers that will perform recall repairs to your car even if the vehicle’s warranty has expired. Many times these repairs will cost you nothing.

It all started after a recent string of Toyota recalls. It wasn’t until then that Congress started to question the effectiveness of the auto safety defect recall process.

In response to these investigations, the GOA reviewed current laws and documents and interviewed the NHTSA and stakeholders about:

– The extent of NHTSA’s role in the recall process. They inquired about how its authorities compare to selected federal and foreign agencies that may also oversee recalls.

-The benefits and challenges of the current recall process for NHTSA and affected manufacturers.

-Some of the possible options for improving the recall process.

Through this investigation, the GOA came up with some recommendation to improve the system. They concluded that in order to encourage vehicle owners to comply with vehicle recalls, they would have to ensure that these owners would be provided with relevant information pertaining to their vehicle. They also concluded that the Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator of NHTSA to modify the requirements for defect notification letters to include information that would include the word “urgent” and the VIN number of the recalled vehicle so that the owner recognizes that this recall is specific to their vehicle.

We understand that it is extremely important to stay on top of the recalled vehicle’s list. If you’re vehicle has been recalled and you’ve not been notified, then you face an increased risk of being involved in an accident that could have been avoided if there would have been an effective notification system in place.
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Technology is forever advancing, and some would argue that these through these technologies we continue to put our lives in danger for a car accident in Boston and elsewhere in the United States. A recent conference, Telematics Detroit 2011, met to celebrate and to share these new advancements in vehicle technology, according to Government Computer News. But everyone in attendance wasn’t supporting these new features, as David Strickland of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed up to rain on their parade.

“I’m just putting everyone on notice, a car is not a mobile device,” said Strickland. “I’m not in the business of helping people tweet better. I’m not in the business of helping people post on Facebook better.”

Our Boston personal injury attorneys recognize that many of these new car features have proven to be extremely beneficial to drivers, such as useful IT-based functions, such as Global Positioning System navigation, automated emergency notification and internal diagnostics. There are other features that safety advocates would say do nothing to help increase the safety of drivers on our roadways, like hands-free web surfing apps that allow you to check your Facebook or make a tweet.

Strickland attended, and spoke at this conference, to warn attendees that he and the U.S. Department of Transportation plan on fighting these unsafe technologies. He and the DOT believe that is it these types of advancements that are largely contributing to distracted driving, which oftentimes results in deadly accidents. He continued on by declaring vehicles as mere modes of transportation and not personal infotainment centers.

Participants of the Telematics Detroit 2011 may have not of been the best audience for Strickland to speak to about his anti-entertainment vehicle theory because as their website states, “Telematics is Here to Stay! Take Note of Consumer Demands As the Car Becomes the Ultimate Mobile Device.”

Safe driving advocates clearly oppose these features that the attendees of this conference stand for. Advocates oftentimes point to the Chevy Cruze ad as an example of unnecessary vehicle technology. This was the vehicle ad that aired during the Super Bowl that showed a driver using a built-in car app to read his Facebook updates. Users of this device would say that they’re actually increasing driver’s attention because had their not of been a hands-free device for this function, a driver would have probably used their smart-phone to thumb through the site which would have taken real attention off the roadway.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, hands-free may eliminate some of the physical distraction but does nothing to eliminate any amount of cognitive distraction. Using a phone, or app, of any type greatly increases a driver’s risk of being involved in a motor-vehicle accident.

As the intention of some of these features seem genuine, many believe the only way to increase safety on our roadways is to eliminate these habits altogether. Strickland, with the help to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, plans on taking on this market in an attempt to save motorists nationwide.
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Safety advocates used to frown upon sport utility vehicles because of their high rollover rate, but not anymore, according to USA Today. Now, SUV drivers are among the safest motorists on our roadways, as they are least likely to die in a car accident in Massachusetts or elsewhere throughout the United States. Research shows that SUV drivers are more safe in an accident than occupants of smaller cars. This newly released information has been put out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

One of the main factors that safety advocates point to for the increased safety of the large vehicle type is the installation of electronic stability control. This new technology uses the vehicle’s engine power and brake system to keep the vehicle level on the road It reduces skidding and rollover incidents. Of course, this technology has been introduced quicker on SUVs than in normal sized passenger cars.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that the type of vehicle you choose could possible mean the difference between life and death in the event of a traffic accident. For this reason, drivers and parents are urged to take the time to investigate the characteristics of each vehicle before making a purchase.

“The rollover risk in SUVs used to outweigh their size/weight advantage, but that’s no longer the case,” Anne McCartt, the Arlington, Va.-based group’s senior vice president for research, said in the report.

As a matter of fact, the death rate for drivers of SUVs has seen a 66 percent drop. The death rate used to be 82 deaths per million registered vehicles for the 1999 to 2002 models, where it is now only 28 deaths per million for the 2005 to 2008 vehicles.

“It’s not just weight that gives SUVs an advantage. It’s also their height and other factors. When cars and SUVs of similar weight are compared, the SUVs have lower death rates,” says McCartt.

Drivers of smaller passenger cars weren’t as thrilled about the news as SUV drivers were. Smaller vehicles have become much more popular on our roadways ever since years of extreme increases in gas prices over the past few years. This only means that more motorists on our roadways are at an increased risk for car accident that results in serious injury or death.

The death rate of cars has decreased slightly. The death rate for these smaller vehicles was 110 deaths per million registered vehicles for the 1999 to 2002 models while the newer cars, the 2005 to 2008 models, have a death rate of 72 deaths per million vehicles.

“For years, small cars have represented the low end of the economic spectrum and received fewer safety and enhanced design features,” says Sean Kane of Safety Research & Strategies, which advises plaintiff lawyers, government and auto suppliers. “Undoubtedly, that has an effect.”

In 2010, there were roughly 11.5 million vehicles sold in the United states, 5.6 being cars and 5.9 million being vans, SUVs or pickup trucks.

If you were to compare death rates among current models of vehicles, minivans would rank as the number one safest vehicle type with a death rate of 25 driver deaths per million registered vehicles. SUVs would rank right behind the minivan with a death rate of 28, followed by pickup trucks with a death rate of 52 per million vehicles. In last place is the death rate of cars with an average of 56 deaths per million, but cars are separated into two categories. Larger four-door cars have a death rate of 46 while the smaller four-door cars have a death rate of roughly 72 deaths per million registered vehicles.

Top 10 safest ranked vehicles with the lowest driver death rate:

-Audi

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Toyota Sienna
• Ford Edge
• Nissan Armada
• Land Rover Range Rover Sport
• Land Rover LR3
• Honda CR-V
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Acura MDX

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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is now urging that all motorists inspect their tires to help prevent a car accident in Massachusetts and elsewhere during the hot summer months. Motorists are urged to check that their tires are properly inflated and to make sure that there are no signs of tread wear or damage. This information was recently released in a consumer advisory from the DOT.

In an additional attempt to increase the awareness of proper vehicle safety measures, the Department has kicked off their National Tire Safety Week campaign. This campaign aims to spread the word of these precautionary steps as the summer travel season begins and resident driving increases.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys urge that all motorists regularly check their vehicles as the safe upkeep of your car can help to keep you safe from potentially fatal car accidents. It is encouraged that motorists always keep an eye on tire pressure, oil levels, oil pressure and other important details of your vehicles performance, not only for safety but to help you save money and avoid a costly mishap.

“As the weather warms up, it’s especially important for drivers to ensure their tires are properly inflated,” Secretary Ray LaHood said. “For your safety and the safety of others on the road, inspect your tires regularly and maintain the proper inflation.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently released new data that showed nearly 3,500 people died from tire-related accidents between 2005 and 2009. The data also concluded that roughly 116,000 people suffered injuries from these preventable accidents.

“While it’s true improperly maintained tires can contribute to a crash at any time of year, it is particularly critical for motorists to check tires during hot weather, when families and luggage often overload vehicles for long vacation trips,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland warned. “Underinflated tires spinning on hot asphalt for extended periods of time can be a recipe for disaster.”

This newly released consumer report suggests that motorists check their tire pressure before venturing out on long trips and to check it periodically. Aging tires and hot weather can be a recipe for disaster as older, more worn tires are more susceptible to heat stress. They’re even more susceptible if they’re not properly inflated or taken care of.

Vehicle owners are urged to check the sidewall to see how old their tires are. They’re also urged to check with the vehicle’s manual or tire manufacturer for the recommendations on how often to change the tires.

Properly inflates tires will not only help to keep you safe during your summer travel, but will help you to save a little money too. The Department of Energy reports that under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by nearly 0.5 percent for every 1 PSI (pound per square inch) drop in pressure of all four tires.

This means that a typical fuel-economy rating of 30 MPG and a 35 PSI tire pressure recommendation, a drop of 25 percent in tire pressure would mean that you’re losing out on nearly 9 percent in fuel economy. This means a drop of 2.6 MPG. That’s a big loss!
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Massachusetts saw at least two tornadoes this week — the first tornado experience since 2008, according to CNN. Wednesday our state was hit with chaotic weather conditions that took the lives of at least 4 residents. Commonwealth has only reported 55 tornadoes since 1950, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

A pack of wild storms rolled through the Springfield area yesterday and caused some serious damage and the aftermath poses some real threats of storm damage and injuries in Massachusetts.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys urge residents to be extra careful before, during and after these storm conditions. Some of the most serious risks for injury occur after storms have hit the area. Residents are urged to be alert for fallen power poles, loose debris in the area and flooding that could put your car at risk for submersion.

“It was obviously an incredible surprise … we’d been monitoring the weather all day and by early afternoon nobody was overly concerned … but by late afternoon some storm clouds started to appear,” spawning tornadoes that battered several towns, said Peter Judge of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

Residents of 19 small communities in Massachusetts that were hit by the tornadoes are left to deal with the catastrophic damage. These two late-afternoon tornadoes shocked residents and emergency officials. Our area is more accustomed to dealing with snow and bone-chilling cold weather than these funnel clouds and tornadoes.

“I can see the plywood of roofs, and see houses where most of the house is gone,” said Marrone, pastor of The First Church of Monson. “The road that runs up in front of my house … There’s so many trees down, it’s completely impassable.”

To make matters worse, the National Weather Service in Taunton, Massachusetts has issued a flood advisory for several counties in the Bay State because of the storms throughout the state, according to the Nashua Telegraph. It is estimated that these storms could produce up to two inches of rain an hour, which could cause flooding in urban areas.

The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a flood precautionary and preparedness advisory: “Do not drive you vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely. Move to higher ground.”

It is important to avoid flood water. If you cannot see the road, it is critical for you to steer clear of that area. Water depths may be unpredictable and could take control of your vehicle. It is also important to remember that all vehicles are vulnerable to submersion, even SUV and trucks.

Safety Issues offers these tips to help residents that get caught up in the dangerous flood water and find themselves in a submerging car:

-Remain calm. It is important to thinking clearly and effectively to escape the vehicle.

-Open a window. You may want to keep your seat belt fastened at this time so that you are able to strike the window with more force if you have to break it open.

-Unfasten your seat belt and prepare to exit.

-If your car is sinking, you are urged to let the some of the water into the cab so that you can stabilize the pressure and open the door more easily.

-Once you’re out, swim with the currently to safety.
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