Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Truck Driver Fatigue is a Factor in 15% of Truck Accidents

Truck driver fatigue is a factor in 15% of truck accidents involving deaths and other injuries, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration -- the government agency generally in charge of promoting trucking safety. Despite that sad reality, in 2004 the federal government catered to the trucking industry and its lobby by changing the rules concerning hours that a trucker may drive, actually increasing the hours and resulting trucker fatigue hazard. Soon, even car accidents and SUV rollovers could be surpassed in frequency in Texas by fatigue-related truck accidents. In fact, I would not be surprised to see an increase in driver fatigue-related wrecks, particularly considering the influx of substandard Mexico trucks and their Mexico-trained (if at all) drivers.

A recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website article (http://www.iihs.org/research/topics/trucks.html -- see Vol. 41, No. 8) points out that since those new hours-in-service rules went into effect, truckers have been driving more hours and falling asleep more frequently. In fact, the IIHS stated that, in 2005, the proportion of truckers who reported falling asleep in the preceding month increased to 21%, from about 13% in 2003.

In a related note, the IIHS also reported that the FMCSA has announced plans to require electronic recorders on trucks. Such a "black box" device will monitor hours that its truck driver is driving, thereby making it much more difficult for the trucker to hide his real driving time by "doctoring" or altering his logbook entries of hours driven, rests taken, and so on. (Ironically, the safety-minded IIHS itself has been pushing the federal government to require recorders in trucks for some 20 years.)

With ever-increasing truck traffic as a result of "just-in-time" inventories, NAFTA rules allowing Mexico-based tractor-trailers onto American roads, and the further decline of the rail industry, I believe that the government should take immediate steps to lower -- and not raise -- the number of hours that a trucker can drive without rest.


Contact Stephen "Bulldog" Daniel


I thought this was interesting. Original post here.

Texas Danger Zones, Why You May Need a Texas Injury Lawyer

Texas is the second largest state in size, trailing only behind Alaska. The two largest metro areas in Texas are Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. With such large masses of people in these cities, there is a lot of congestion on the roads. Texas is a beautiful, diverse state full of opportunity and adventure; however, it can also pose many driving obstacles. Many times large cities are labeled "concrete jungles" because of the massive buildings, roads, and people inhabiting them. It can be a stressful place to operate on a daily basis, since the risk of serious injury or death on Texas roads is higher than most places. The outcomes of these accidents can be shocking.

They say when you're in Texas, that the "Eyes of Texas are upon you." When you are driving on the roads of Texas, that statement couldn't be truer. Rush hour in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth is full of congested highways, interstates, and overpasses. Sometimes the roads look more like a stand-still parade than an expressway. Whoever coined the phrase "rush hour" was spot on. An unfortunate consequence of high traffic areas is high accident potential. Everyone has experienced just such an event where people are rushing from work or home, driving riskier than they should because they are in a hurry. This can lead to accidents with serious injuries and even death. In light of these obvious but often overlooked facts, drivers in Texas should take time to research Texas injury lawyers, so they can be fully prepared in the event of a serious or life altering car accident.

Car accidents involving 18 wheelers or other large vehicles are very visible in metro areas like Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. Both cities have large oil based economies and it shows with all the traffic on the roads. Trucks alone can cause many accidents, but when there are flammable goods on board being transported, that can lead to catastrophic outcomes. In the event of any accident, you may need to hire an 18 wheeler accident attorney to be sure of your rights on the road. All drivers make mistakes, but when you're driving an 18 wheeler, your mistake can mean your life, or someone else's. A University of North Texas student was killed in 2008 when an 18 wheeler fell off an interstate ramp and fell right on top of her car, the driver of the truck was also killed. Additionally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) every sixteen minutes a person is killed or sustains injuries in accidents involving 18 wheelers, tractor trailers or semi trucks. This is a staggering statistic and in Texas, with more trucks on the road and a greater population than most states, there is definitely cause for concern.

This article was not intended to prevent you from entering and enjoying large metro areas in Texas, it was intended to make you more aware of your surroundings. Commuters need to go the speed limit and not tail gate when traveling. Additionally, 18 wheelers need to be extra cautious because if they wreck, their mass alone poses a greater threat to all vehicles that surround them. If everyone makes safety a more important priority, injuries and deaths will hopefully be less frequent.


Contact Stephen "Bulldog" Daniel


I thought this article was interesting. The original article here.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

What NOT To Do After An Accident

The moments after an accident are often overwhelming and confusing. But there are certain key things you should not do that will harm your case.
 
1

Don't Panic

Don't panic. Keep calm.

2

Don't Leave the Scene of the Accident

This is obvious.

3

Don't Discuss the Accident with Anyone.

If you give a statement, it will almost certainly be used against you.

4

Don't Sign Any Papers

Don't sign anything or settle with the insurance company until you get legal advice.

5

Don't Wait

The longer you wait to get legal advice or hire a lawyer, the harder it is to prove your case.

How to Choose a Brain Injury Lawyer

Persons who sustain brain injury resulting from an accident or any other cause often find it beneficial to consider consulting with a lawyer with experience in personal injury cases specifically involving a brain injury.

1. Personal Injury Cases and Brain Injury

Personal injury cases may afford a person whose brain injury resulted from the negligence of others with the financial resources necessary to maximize recovery and provide for long-term care and support needs. Tort law, which includes personal injury cases, is intended to encourage safety and discourage wrongful acts which cause injury. It attempts to provide fair and full compensation for the losses of individuals who have been wrongfully injured or killed. Lost income is an obvious loss. Other damages including pain, suffering, loss of earning capacity and enjoyment of life, as well as the cost of medical and rehabilitation services, also can be awarded as compensation when a judgment is made or a settlement reached.

2. Who’s the Defendant?

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to consider legal representation following a brain injury is the complexity of determining just who may bear some legal responsibility for the injury. For example, in a motor vehicle crash, the driver of an automobile, the automobile manufacturer, the local government and/or its employees and the owner and/or bartender at a local bar all may be liable for the same injury. You should choose a lawyer that can locate and go after large corporations that have access to large resources. Don't get outlawyered.

3. Choose Your Lawyer Carefully

The lawyer can determine the possibilities and recommend actions that should be taken against one or more of the potential defendants. The selection of a lawyer can have significant long-term implications. The lawyer should assist not only in obtaining funds resulting from litigation, but also preserve any entitlement to federal and state benefits. Without planning, valuable benefits may be lost.

If you need a lawyer for help with a brain injury, click here.

What To Do After An Accident

The moments after an accident are often overwhelming and confusing. But there are certain key things you must do in order to protect yourself and help your case. Taking pictures of the accident, noting the time and weather, and not signing your rights away are just a few things you can to do help.

1. Get Help

Call for medical and police immediately. They will document the accident and gather facts for legal purposes. If you don’t call the police, it is your word against them.

2. Get Information From Other Parties

Exchange information with the other parties involved, such as address and phone number. If it’s a car acccident get the license plate number; make, model and year of the vehicle; driver’s insurance information; car registration number; driver’s license number.

3. Collect Evidence

Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses. Keep a disposable camera handy, such as in your glove box, to take pictures of the accident, damage to the vehicle, and the area around the accident. Also, collect any physical evidence that could have caused the accident. Further, gather details from the accident: draw a diagram of the accident; note the date and time; the type of weather; the location of the accident—including any landmarks.

4. Talk to a Lawyer

Even if you decide to do it yourself, call an attorney who offers free consultations and get some advice and perspective on your individual situation.