Syracuse Personal Injury Law Blog

Hackers take control of Jeep, expose software defect

Published on: July 28, 2015 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

If it seems like we are picking on Fiat Chrysler in our last few posts, we certainly are not. However, the embattled automaker has been in the news for its many failures to correct mechanical and structural issues that have led the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to levy a record fine against the company.

But that is not the only thing keeping Fiat Chrysler in the news. In a prior post we highlighted the potential danger of automobiles being hacked by unauthorized users. While this may seem highly unlikely and more like science fiction, a recent article published by tech magazine Wired, suggests that being hacked could actually happen.

Essentially, the article highlighted how hackers took control of a Jeep Cherokee while a person was driving. They were able to slow the car down and bring it to a stop, and then sending it into a ravine despite the driver’s pleas and attempts to prevent it.

NHTSA issues record fine against Fiat Chrysler over Jeep issues

Published on: July 27, 2015 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

While it may seem like there are fewer recalls this year compared to 2014, it is arguable that the final number will eclipse last year’s record. Part of this may be attributable to new technology that is being introduced, and not necessarily perfected for many uses. Also, the number of fines levied against automakers for failing to issue recalls could be a strong deterrent against complacency in correcting defects.

For those unfamiliar with the new trend of assessing fines against automakers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued some of its heaviest fines over the last year. For example, General Motors was forced to pay a $35 million fine for its failure to address the ignition switch problem that led to millions of vehicles being recalled. Similarly, Honda was assessed a $70 million fine for its failure to inform consumers about the dangers of airbags manufactured by Takata.

The latest fine assessed to Fiat Chrysler is the largest by far; $105 million. The announcement comes on the heels of a rare public hearing where the NHTSA detailed a litany of the company’s shortfalls in alerting consumers of recalls, failing to correct mechanical hazards in a timely manner and even failing to find solutions for existing problems; often leaving consumers left with no answers and no options.

The numbers say it. Distracted driving is still a problem

Published on: July 24, 2015 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

It appears that if a dangerous epidemic is not in the major news headlines, people tend to forget about it. An example of this could be seen in how distracted driving accidents are treated. Two summers ago, everyone from major celebrities and federal officials were bemoaning the practice of using cell phones while behind the wheel. While the drumbeat of prevention has seemingly died down, the number of distracted driving related accidents have not.

A recent HuffingtonPost.com article highlighted that nearly half of all adults admit to texting and driving, and an investigation into a Tennessee bus accident last winter revealed that it was caused by distracted driving. The driver who caused the fatal crash was later found dead in his home; but authorities have released little information about the death.

Nevertheless, it is a harsh reminder that distracted driving is still a problem on America’s roads. In fact, there are a number of statistics that speak to this issue. This post will highlight a few.

Three tips to make a motorcycle or bicycle commute safe

Published on: July 23, 2015 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

When the weather is this good during the summer time, it may sometimes be difficult to go to work. This is not because traffic is terrible or strangled by snow; it’s because nice days like these shouldn’t be wasted by spending so much time indoors. Some in our region make the most of the weather and their commute time by riding bicycles or motorcycles to work. This way, they get to enjoy the outdoors and get to work in a timely manner.

Nevertheless, riding bikes and motorcycles come with unique dangers. After all, riders don’t have a steel cage to protect them in the event of a crash, so the protection between the asphalt and their person is likely only a helmet. With that said, motorcycle riders and bicyclists must be vigilant while commuting. This post will provide some helpful tips to make the commute safe.

Choose your route carefully – Indeed, the scenic route may provide the most enjoyment, but make sure that it gives you enough room to maneuver, has lighter traffic than main thoroughfares, and does not have any additional hazards (such as potholes) that can lead to an accident.

Could new trucking legislation make it easier for truckers?

Published on: July 23, 2015 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

In many of our posts on the trucking industry, we note that semi-trucks are very dangerous because of their size, and that accidents with passenger vehicles can be deadly. Additionally, we highlight how injury victims face long roads of recovery, and how many are not compensated commensurate with their injuries.

However, we tend not to focus on the problems that lead to these accidents; namely excessive speed and fatigue. These elements are important because they factor into the time frames that truckers have to deal with in order to deliver goods by a certain time. These times may not take into account the wait times that truckers may not have any control over, and the delays caused by traffic and weather.

Because of this, truckers may be forced to work more than what is allowed under federal guidelines, and not receive the proper rest that would keep them sharp while behind the wheel, all the while not getting paid what they deserve.

Concussion symptoms – What to look for in kids who are injured

Published on: July 22, 2015 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

The summertime is naturally a time for increased activity for kids. Whether they are playing on the playground, on jungle gyms or during dance or gymnastics classes, the potential for kids to fall and injure themselves cannot be underestimated. For those kids that suffer head injuries, it is important to take all the precautions necessary to protect them.

While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends calling a child’s pediatrician for injuries greater than a bump on the head, this post will focus on the symptoms parents and caregivers should watch out for.

Physical clues – The most common indicators of a concussion include outward physical clues, including loss of consciousness, appearing dazed, complaining that he or she is seeing stars, and prolonged headaches.

The science behind potential airbag failures

Published on: July 20, 2015 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

Much has been said about the Takata airbag recall. It has been reported that nearly one in seven vehicles on the road in the United States could be potentially affected. This translates into more than 30 million cars, trucks and vans across the country. In light of the debate over who would be responsible for injuries stemming from potentially defective airbags, not much has been said about what makes them dangerous.

A recent article published in The Atlantic does a great job of describing this, and we will highlight it through this post.

Essentially, the danger, and suspected defect can be traced to the chemical compound used to inflate the airbags that are supposed to protect a driver in the event of a crash. Prior to 2001, airbags were inflated by using tetrazole; but in 2002 Takata changed the compound to ammonium nitrate. Takata reportedly defended this change by saying it was “safe and effective for use in airbag inflators when properly engineered and manufactured.”

What insurance company ads won’t tell you about their costs

Published on: July 16, 2015 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

If you watched the Women’s World Cup Final yesterday, you were obviously in for a treat. The 5-2 final score was the largest margin of victory in such finals, and the first World Cup for the United States since 1999. The U.S. also became the first country to win three World Cups.

Also beneficial for soccer fans, no commercials during play. The clock runs continuously, unlike many other spectator sports in the U.S. (e.g. football, basketball, hockey). So commercials must be played before the game, during the halftime break, and after the game. During these breaks, it is likely that you saw commercials for insurance. Indeed, they are catchy and entertaining, but before you purchase a policy, there are a few things that you should know that the companies may not want you to know.

You may save a little money, but we’ll still make money – Keep in mind that you may save a little money compared to your last policy, but the insurance company is set to make money. You should also beware of low premium, high deductible policies.

What to expect with discovery

Published on: July 15, 2015 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

If you have been injured in a car accident, it should be no surprise if the insurance company you are dealing with needs additional information to verify your injuries and the expenses behind them. This part of information gathering is called discovery, and it may be difficult to deal with on your own. This is part of the reason that injury victims hire attorneys.

With that, we offer the following post to give our readers an idea of what discovery is all about.

For the uninitiated, discovery is important for finding and developing evidence to support the basic elements for a negligence claim. These include the duty to use reasonable care, the breach of said duty, proving that the breach was the proximate cause of the injury, and damages. So through the discovery process, your personal injury attorney will seek information such as:

GM SUVs recalled due to power gate issue

Published on: July 13, 2015 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

Having a SUV with an automatic lift gate is a tremendous luxury. Being able to open the back door with just a push of a button is a welcome convenience when you have your hands full. But while we have written in a number of our posts that the recalls will keep coming for automobiles, the latest recall from General Motors is a testament to that foresight.

GM recently announced that it would be recalling more than 700,000 SUVs with power lift gates, citing problems that can lead to the gates falling unexpectedly. According to a recent ABC News.com report, the company indicated that it reported 56 injuries due to this defect.

The problem is ostensibly based on dirt that can get into the gas struts that hold up the rear gates. This could cause the struts to wear down and eventually fail. Apparently there is software that could detect these problems that is prevented from doing so.