Posted by rozeklawoffice on April 29, 2010 under General | 
If you have a young child or a family dog, you probably are aware of the power window lock feature in many automobiles. Many parents (and dog owners) find comfort in knowing that their child (or dog) can not push a button to roll down a window and accidentally fall out. This simple button allows the opportunity for a cautious parent to take control of their child’s safety.
Unfortunately, most vehicles do not come with another type of technology that would provide further protection from automatic car windows- technology known as an automatic reversing system (ARS). A 2007 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 2,000 people are treated annually at emergency rooms for injuries related to power windows, and over 1,000 of them are children. Since 1990, over 50 children have been killed by power windows, with many more that sustained brain injuries and finger amputations. Accoridng to national polls conducted in 2009, over 22 million adults have been personally injured or know someone who has been injured by someone else closing a car window (typically a distracted driver).
Many of these injuries were due to an adult or child getting stuck in the car window as it was closing automatically. The windows involved in these accidents did not have an auto reversing mechanism which would have deterred the injury from occurring.
In 2009, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studied whether or not to require automatic reversing systems, which stops a window if an obstruction is detected, similar to the technology to automatically stop garage door and elevators. ARS technology would cost approximately $6 per car window. Unfortunately, NHTSA has decided not to require ARS in vehicles with power windows. Instead, as of October 2010, all automakers are required by law to manufacture vehicles with “pull up/push down” switches.
Frankly, I do not believe the “pull up/push down” switch is going to fix the problem of children and pets getting stuck in a window that is automatically closing. If an adult is driving, they will not be able to react quick enough to not only stop the window from closing but then have to pull over and pull/push the window to release the child or pet.
As we are told that more and more drivers are being distracted by talking on their call phone or texting, I believe there is an increasing need to require automated reversing systems for all vehicles with power windows. This requirement would help save many lives of children and pets, as well as prevent further brain injuries and finger amputations.
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If you or a loved one has been injured by a faulty auto devise, please contact an experienced product liability attorney.
Posted by rozeklawoffice on April 27, 2010 under Truck Accidents |
Because of their sheer size and resulting force, large commercial trucks involved in accidents frequently result in fatality. Although commercial trucks only make up approximately 3% of all motor vehicle registrations, they make up 12% of all traffic fatalities nationwide every year. Distracted driving and fatigue are the two leading causes of truck accidents.
According to the US Department of Transportation, there are 3 types of distracted driving as follows:
1. Visual: Taking eyes off the road
2. Manual: Taking hands of the wheel
3. Cognitive: Taking mind off of activity
The main reason that cell phone texting by truck drivers is so alarming is that it combines all 3 types of distractions. A Research from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration demonstrates that drivers who text while driving take their eyes off the road almost 5 seconds out of every 6 an average. At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver will travel the length of a football field (including the end zones), without looking at the road. Research shows that truck drivers are 20 times more likely to be involved in an accident if they are texting.
In 2009, the National Transportation Safety Board included a ban on commercial truck driver texting on their most wanted list of transportation safety improvements. They specifically requested that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration prohibit cell phone use by commercial truck and bus drivers.
On March 31, 2010, The Department of Transportation announced its proposal to make its interim ban on texting while driving permanent for commercial truck drivers and bus drivers across the U.S. The ban applies to drivers of interstate commercial trucks and buses over 10,000 pounds and was first put into effect on an interim basis in January, 2010. If a truck driver is caught texting while driving, he will now face up to $2,750 in fines.
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If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck or bus, please contact an experienced Truck Accident Attorney who can help you investigate and prove the cause of the accident and your injuries.
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Posted by rozeklawoffice on April 26, 2010 under Back Injury |
Back injuries are one of the most common types of injury due to car accidents. Back pain is prevalent in the majority of adults over 50 years of age and can be caused by the following injuries: bulging disk, fractured vertabrea, and/or a sprain. Back pain is the most prevalent chronic pain syndrome.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2005, lower back injuries were the leading
occupational injury in the United States. It is estimated that over 140 million days are lost to work because of back pain.
According to the American Chronic Pain Association, the annual total cost for back pain is estimated at over $100 billion a year. Approximately 31,000 lumbar surgeries are performed each year, exceeding $8.6 billion surgery costs annually.
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If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident resulting in back injury and pain, be sure to contact an experienced Back Injury Attorney.
Tags: accident and back injury, Back Injury, back injury attorney, back pain costs, back pain statistics, car accident and back surgery, car accidents and back injury, car accidents and back pain, chronic back pain, lower back injury, lumbar surgery
Posted by rozeklawoffice on under Avoiding Car Accidents, Whiplash Neck Injury |
More than 18% of women suffer from neck pain every year. While many women have suffered injury from an accident that has resulted in neck pain, most of this 18% is made up of women who have not been in an accident. According to researchers at Temple University, women’s chronic neck pain has a lot to do with the texting craze.
Habitually looking down while holding your phone is correlated with neck and shoulder soreness. The more texting you do, the greater chances you are to establish neck and shoulder pain.
To relieve soreness and pressure, the University recommends limiting your texting to no more that 5 minutes at a time, lift head occasionally throughout the 5 minute duration and do some stretching by rolling your head from your left shoulder to the right shoulder.
Most importantly, do not text and drive, even for a second. This activity may not result in simple neck pain, it may cause an accident and cost you your life.
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If you have been injured in an accident in Wisconsin that has resulted in neck or shoulder pain, please be sure to contact an experienced Wisconsin Neck Injury Attorney.
