Articles Posted in Car Accidents

The world isn’t ready for self-driving cars, but it might as well get accustomed to them, because they are coming whether we like it or not. Depending on the automaker, there is likely to be more than 10,000 miles of test driving before a driverless car is sold in the U.S.

But in the midst of this testing, a number of motorists will see them. While they are not necessarily solicited for their opinion of these cars, a few have voiced their opinions. One person who has seen the testing of Google’s vehicles first hand offered his accounts and they were featured in a Time.com article. 

Essentially, he said that the Lexus RX 350’s he’s seen outfitted with Google’s navigational equipment were not dangerous or hazardous. In fact, he described the autonomous driver as one who would drive “like his grandma.” Essentially, the cars were slow to accelerate, drove at or below the speed limit and did not take any chances (with lane changes).

Everyone likes a bargain; especially when it comes to buying a car. So when you see what appears to be a late model car with next to no miles on it for a great price, it certainly may be worth investigating. Not just because a great bargain is to be had, but because you may be unknowingly buying a flood damaged car.

Since the flooding in Texas and much of the southeastern United States has taken place earlier this year, flood damaged cars have made their way onto used car lots across the country; even showing up in New York. Some unscrupulous brokers have taken these cars and cleaned them so that any remnants of flood damage are hidden. While this may seem ingenious, it could be dangerous for the buyer. 

After all, there may be certain components of these vehicles that could be compromised, which would put the driver (and any passengers) at risk. For instance, if the braking components of a flood damaged car malfunction, because of rusted parts, a driver could find him or herself in an accident because of bad brakes. Because used car sales people are not generally obligated to report damage to cars that they know nothing about, an injured car owner may have a difficult time finding recourse.

In a prior post, we noted how comedian Tracy Morgan settled his lawsuit with Wal-Mart stemming from the horrific crash last summer that left him severely injured and killed his best friend. We reported that Morgan was pleased that Wal-Mart “stepped up” and compensated him for his injuries. However, he was still emotionally scarred from losing his friend and the slow recovery process he has endured, even a year after the accident.

Morgan reported having his “good days and bad days.” While he did not address it specifically, these up and down days could be indicative of post traumatic stress syndrome. PTSD can haunt a person long after an accident has occurred; especially if it was particularly traumatic (i.e. there was the possibility that the person would be killed, or if someone else died in the crash). 

Of the more than two million people who are injured in an accident, it is estimated that nearly 30 percent will develop long lasting symptoms of PTSD, including depression and anxiety attacks. Essentially, they could have constant flashbacks of the accident, have specific triggers that brink up anxiety or become hopelessly preoccupied with the preciousness of life.

Although we are weeks away from the big Fourth of July holiday weekend, the summer driving season has already begun in earnest. Between now and the next holiday weekend, tens of thousands of drivers will travel across the state to various vacation spots. One of the perks of getting away these days is knowing that you can still stay connected. This is why cell phone and tablet use has grown over the past few years. 

Nevertheless, there are a number of drivers who insist on staying connected even when they are behind the wheel. According to a State Farm Insurance study, less than 20 percent of drivers surveyed in 2009 indicated that they used the Internet functions on their phones while behind the wheel. Indeed, the technology was different then (no 4G network connections or portable hotspots back then), and phones may not have been so sophisticated.

However, that was then, and this is now. Yes, this is a cliché, but with faster download speeds and higher bandwith with phones, more people are apt to use their phones while driving. As we have noted in a number of our posts, distracted driving can not only be seen as a crime, it can form the basis of liability in the event of an accident.

With the summer driving season in full swing, one of the expectations that drivers must have is that gas prices will be going up. However, they are substantially lower than prices were last year around this time of year. Because of this, it is expected that more people will be on the road; especially when the next holiday weekend (the Fourth of July) comes around.

Indeed, dealing with heavy traffic can fray a person’s nerves. This frustration may lead to aggressive driving and even road rage. Yes, we all get frustrated with other drivers at times, but how do you know when you are the problem? More importantly, how do you know if you are more apt to road rage compared to other drivers?

This post will identify some common factors. 

In a prior post this year, we noted that some safety advocates predicted that there would be more recalls in 2015 than in 2014, despite last year having the most recalls on record. With the continuing expansion of airbag recalls involving those manufactured by Takata, it appears that the prediction may eventually come true.

Another issue helping in that prediction is an investigation launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in to Jeep, the Fiat-Chrysler automaker known for its off-road vehicles. 

Essentially, the NHTSA has received several complaints about the adaptive cruise control module in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This module helps moderate cruise control and will slow the car down automatically if it discovers hazards on the road. This is done through tiny cameras that scan the area in front of the vehicle to discover any hazards (and other stopped or slowed vehicles) so that a driver can avoid a crash.

If you see commercials for personal injury attorneys, it is common for them to advertise how much they have been able to recover for their clients. We think this is fair (obviously) because the recoveries are a vehicle for accident victims to understand that they do have rights and that they can move on from horrific accidents.

So when you hear about multi-million dollar personal injury awards, it is important to understand that these are not necessarily windfalls similar to hitting the lottery. There are a number of costs associated with getting the victim back to where they were physically and mentally. This means that there are additional costs for rehabilitation and physical therapy.

A prime example is how Tracy Morgan is still in the midst of his recovery, even a year after the horrific accident that changed his life. During a recent interview with Matt Lauer of the Today show, the comedian explained how he had his good days and bad days; especially when he was hospitalized. (Long story short, he was not so nice to medical staff).

We hope our readers had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. With the holiday passing, many people are going back to work, but with the unofficial start of summer already past, summer vacation is approaching for many teen drivers and college students.

 For young drivers, nothing beats the freedom of the summer. After all, the days are longer, the weather is warmer and there is no school (or at least not through the entire day). With that, there is much more time to hang out with friends and take car rides to places they would not usually go during the school year. 

This is why law enforcement agencies across the state call the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day the 100 deadliest days of summer. Essentially, the number of traffic accidents (and unfortunately) fatalities involving young drivers increases during the summer months. In fact, more than half of the people who lose their lives in auto accidents during this time of year are young people.

If you can’t believe that Memorial Day weekend is upon us…believe it. Yes, 2015 appears to be flying by, and with the unofficial beginning of summer this weekend, the summer driving season also begins with earnest.

Keep in mind that a greater number of people will be on the road this weekend. It is estimated that more than 30 million people will travel at least 50 miles away from their homes. With more people on the road, the greater the potential for accidents. So drivers must beware.  This post will provide some helpful tips as you plan your getaway. 

Stay cool while behind the wheel – With all the cars on the road (especially on Friday), and traffic being heavy, you can expect hot-tempered, ornery drivers who may be ready to take revenge if you upset them.  At the same time, these drivers may get under your skin. Resist the urge to retaliate.  

In prior posts, we have noted that some automakers have made it a goal to introduce a driver-less car by the end of the decade. While we understand that this is a lofty (yet achievable ) goal, there is still a great deal of research and development to do before we see these cars on the road. After all, these goals were part hypothetical and part hype that went with auto show displays.

However, one automaker has stepped forward and has announced definite plans to have a car ready by 2020. Nissan Motor Corp announced that it will have cars “packed” with autonomous driving technologies that year; but whether consumers will be able to take advantage of them depends largely upon whether government regulations will allow them. 

Regulatory guidelines will undoubtedly be a huge part of whether driverless cars will be on the road at the end of the decade, since there must be rules governing whether there must be a human behind the wheel should the autonomous technology fail. In a prior post, we noted the danger of such technology being hacked and how it could lead to vital functions being compromised. Imagine what could happen if a remote hacker took control of a car’s acceleration or braking systems?