What New Cars are the Safest in a Crash?
Posted on 25. Jun, 2010 by Admin.
With the astonishing abundance of new cars in every shape and size, it isn’t really any huge mystery why most people are very curious about how each particular car might do in a large automobile accident. In fact, the more important question to ask is which new cars are the safest in a serious vehicular mishap.
According to the monthly periodical U.S. news and World Report, the Hyundai Sonata Is the top safety pick of 2011. The Sonata is fully-loaded with safety features. It comes equipped with six airbags, Anti-lock brakes, and stability control. With roofs that can withstand twice the pressure required by American law and fantastic scores on all of it’s safety tests, the Hyundai Sonata should be the first choice for anyone who is in the market to buy a brand new car and holds safety as the top priority. With a baseline price of only nineteen thousand dollars and a twenty-eight thousand dollar price tag for the version that includes all of the add-on features, the Hyundai Sonata is also a smart choice for people who want a new car but don’t want to spend a fortune on it.
The 2011 Ford Fiesta is another one of the safest new cars on the road and even less expensive with a price tag of only thirteen thousand dollars. Many safety features like t Traction control, anti-lock brakes, an anti-skid system, curtain airbags, and a nice driver side knee airbag are all available.
Although it has yet to receive an American release, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze got fantastic grades on the safety tests it underwent in Europe and Asia.
Finally, the Subaru Legacy is the car that was named Japan’s safest new release. The sedan will have a base price of twenty-one thousand dollars for the 2011model.
Automobile safety has come a long way in the last sixty years. No matter what may be the personal tastes and needs of the consumer, there are many safe, fashiOnable, and affordable choices that will keep the entire family safe in the unfortunate circumstance of being involved in a serious car accident.
This article is not legal advice.
Accidents happen to even the safest drivers on the road. If you need legal help after an accident, contact the car accident attorneys at Wurtzel Law today and get the assistance you need.
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Truck Air Brake Design
Posted on 31. May, 2010 by Admin.
A Compressed Air Brake System is an air brake that is used for trucks with a drum brake or standard disk as part of its design. In this system, compressed air is used instead of hydraulic fluid. Most air brakes, used in truck design, are drum units – though there is an increasing trend in the use of disk brakes. This system draws filtered air from the surrounding atmosphere, compresses it and utilizes reservoirs to hold the air at approximately 120 psi (pounds per square inch). When the pressurized air is needed for braking, it’s routed to operating cylinders, located on the brakes, which initializes the braking hardware, thus slowing the vehicle. In essence, air brakes use compressed air to maximize the braking force.
Large trucks will also have an emergency backup system whereby the compressed air will hold back a mechanical device (usually a spring) that can also engage the brakes. This will immediately trigger the brakes should air pressure become lost, bringing the truck to a stop.
A truck air brake system is divided into a control and a supply system. The supply system will compress, then store and supply the air to the control system. Other systems are supplied, as well, for their functionality (clutch pedal air assistance, gearbox shift control, servo, etc.).
A crankshaft pulley (via a belt) or engine timing gears will be used to drive the air compressor. The compressor is cooled and lubricated by the engine cooling and lubricating systems. In this manner, air is first routed through the cooling coil, then into an air dryer which serves to remove oil and moisture impurities. The system may also include a safety valve, a pressure regulator and a smaller “purge” reservoir. The supply system can be equipped with an oil separator and an anti-freeze device as an alternative to the air dryer. A reservoir (aka “wet tank”) stores the compressed air and then distributes it through a 4-way protection valve into the air reservoirs of the front and rear brake circuit, an auxiliary air supply distribution point and a parking brake reservoir. Also included, in this system, are pressure limiting, check, drain and safety valves.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.
Visit the Weinstein Law Firm for more information on truck accidents in Boca Raton.
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Offenses Related to Vehicle Defects
Posted on 31. May, 2010 by Admin.
The legal system has made provisions for rules that govern the manufacture and utilization of automobiles. This is necessary owing to the safety and environmental hazards that vehicles can present. Most of the regulations are concerned with what goes on during the manufacturing process. Other regulations cover the vehicle when it is being used by the motorist. A motorist can commit an offense without being aware that he or she is doing so. Being unaware of vehicle defects does not protect motorists from the provisions of the law.
Common Vehicle Defects on the Road
A motorist is required to do a thorough check of the vehicle before taking it out on the road. It is an offense to drive a vehicle that has vehicle defects because this not only poses a danger to oneself but to other motorists and pedestrians as well. These defects include aspects such as faulty brakes and lights and tires that are worn out.
Understanding the Consequence of Vehicle Defects
When vehicle defects are considered to be minor, the motorist may get away with a simple warning from a police officer. This is followed by the motorist making a commitment to sort out the defect as soon as possible. After making the necessary changes, the motorist is supposed to avail the vehicle for an official inspection during which the motorist will be informed whether or not the car is fit for the road.
Extreme vehicle defects that render a car unworthy of being driven on public roads are dangerous and can cause the vehicle to be impounded. This is because the defects make the car risky to drive and the consequences could be dire. In cases where the defects are beyond repair, the motorist should be responsible enough to let the car go. Vehicle defect attorneys specialize in helping people who have been injured as a result of vehicle defects. Anyone who is injured as a result of a car whose manufacturer fails to produce a roadworthy automobile can bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer. A vehicle defect lawsuit offers justice to victims of car accidents that result from negligent individuals who fail to rectify auto defects.
This article does not intend to give any legal advice. Vehicle defects attorneys at Searcy Law are available to help drivers in Florida.
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Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Posted on 31. May, 2010 by Admin.
Many of the causative factors that contribute to motor vehicle accidents on the nation’s highways, also contribute to annual boating accidents. Though less people and traffic are involved, lakes, rivers and oceans hold unforeseen dangers to those not operating watercraft safely.
Alcohol Related Accidents
The laws that govern drinking and driving apply to boaters in the same way they apply to those who operate any other motorized vehicle. It is illegal to operate a boat or other watercraft while under the influence of alcohol. Accidents result from recklessness, inattention and the distraction of intoxicated watercraft operators and passengers. Individuals are advised to keep a safe distance from those persons publicly consuming alcohol.
Carelessness or Recklessness
Sober boaters contribute to accidents when behavior turns irresponsible. Any watercraft from jet skis to speed boats, exceeding recommended speed limits or weaving in or around other watercraft or persons on the water, endanger everyone involved. Accidents as a result of this type of behavior bring charges of negligence upon the person or persons responsible. Persons are also advised to steer clear of watercraft exhibiting erratic behavior.
Distractions
Cell phone use while driving is increasingly contributing to accidents on US highways and on the water. Just as laws apply to texting and driving an automobile, laws apply to texting and operating a watercraft. Unusual watercraft movements may signal onlookers that the operator is somehow inattentive or distracted.
Inexperience
Responsible watercraft owners obtain education related to the marine craft that will be operated in addition to the regulations concerning safe boating. Many areas provide training and certification regarding watercraft function, maintenance and safety procedures. Failure to become familiar with the equipment, operating techniques, or safety procedures could result in accident and injury to the operator, passenger or those in close proximity.
Equipment Failure or Improper Use
Watercraft failure resulting from manufacture defect, poor maintenance or improper use contributes to water accidents and injuries annually. Operators are responsible for ensuring equipment is functioning appropriately and is used by passengers safely.
Improper Signs
Waterways lacking proper signs or containing poorly visible signs contribute to watercraft accidents.
If you need legal advice about boating accidents, please visit Justice for All lawyer Kelley Uustal in Fort Lauderdale.
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“Dangerous Dogs” and Florida Law
Posted on 31. May, 2010 by Admin.
- Your dog will be considered dangerous if it has bitten someone or acted aggressively in a public place
- There are legal requirements for keeping a dog labeled as dangerous under Florida Law
Under the Dangerous Dog Statute in Florida Law, a dog is considered dangerous if it has bitten someone aggressively or attacked or severely injured a human being. Under the law a severe injury means that the attack caused bones to be broken, there were multiple bites or lacerations that are disfiguring and required stitches or surgery.
Any dog that is used for dog fighting or trained to fight is considered a dangerous dog under the law.
If your dog has attacked and severely injured or killed another domestic animal on more than one occasion then it will be considered dangerous.
If your dog has chased or acted aggressively towards another person in any public place and the incident was without provocation then your dog will also be labeled as dangerous.
However, the exceptions to the above are if your dog was being provoked, tormented or assaulted in any way or if you as the owner, or a member of your family was being abused and the dog was merely protecting you or your family. Another exception is if the person who was injured was trespassing on your property at the time of the attack.
If your dog is considered dangerous then you must register your dog with the state, confine your dog when at home soi t cannot escape, use a muzzle and keep the dog on a leash when out and post clearly visible signs warning of the dogs danger at entry points to your property.
Dangerous dogs must be micro-chipped or have a tattoo for identification. If you move house or sell your dog you must notify the authorities and if your dog escapes you must also immediately inform them.
Any violations of these requirements can lead to a $500 fine. If your dog bites a person or another domestic animal you face a fine of up to $1000 and a year in prison. For more serious attacks the fine can be up to $5000 and have a jail term of up to five years.
Further legal pages : Jodat Law Group, personal injury lawyers with offices in Bradenton, Florida.
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Qualifications for Eligibility of Social Security Disability Benefits
Posted on 29. May, 2010 by Admin.
According to social security law and disability law, an individual can only be termed as disabled if he/she has a medical, psychiatric or psychological impairment. Essentially, disability, according to social security law and disability law is an impairment that is brutal enough to prevent an individual from working as well as making more than a specified amount for a minimum of twelve months.
Presence of Physical Impairments
Therefore, there are several considerations that determine whether an individual qualifies for Social Security Disability. These include the presence of all physical and mental impairments in an individual’s medical records. Apart from that, the extent of the impairment must be severe such that the individual cannot work. Should the individual be in a position to work, then the severity of the impairment should be such that that person cannot make above a gross amount of $900 per month, commonly known as the substantial gainful activity (SGA) according to the social security administration.
Further still, it is important that the impairment must have lasted for a minimum of twelve months. If not so, then the impairment should be expected to go on for at least twelve months. It is important to note that consideration is based on either one or several impairments for as long the severity has a profound effect on the individual’s ability to work. In most cases, back conditions usually qualify as severe impairments whereas wrist and ankle sprains do not.
Other Conditions
Nevertheless, social security law and disability law allows individuals who are working to apply for SSD, and they are also allowed to continue working even after approval. However, this only applies when the individual’s monthly gross income does not exceed the SGA, which is currently $900. Individuals making more than SGA are usually denied approval regardless of their medical records or impairments. Social security law and disability law refers to such a denial as technical denial. It is therefore important for an individual to pass all the three aforementioned steps in order to get the benefits of SSD or SSI.
This article does not intend to give any legal advice.
For additional reading about eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits, contact the Tampa Law Firm of Mike Murburg, with offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, Florida.
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Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Posted on 29. May, 2010 by Admin.
Car accidents with Commercial Trucks mean severe physical injuries to the victims. Truck accidents are commonly known as fatal accidents. Truck accidents with passenger cars mostly cause casualty which, leads to physical and mental trauma.
We are all familiar with the presence of commercial trucks on the freeway, but we are not all aware of the serious consequences of commercial truck accidents, particularly when they involve passenger vehicles or personal property. You should be prepared and alert to avoid making common mistakes that could easily lead to a dangerous situation.
Most truck accidents occur due to an error by the driver of a passenger vehicle.
Here are some of the most common mistakes that lead to car accidents:
- Driving in the blind spot or “No-Zones” of trucks, where they are unable to see you; the rule of thumb to follow is that if you can’t see a truck’s side-view mirrors, they probably can’t see you.
- Changing lanes or cutting off trucks
- Attempting to pass a truck on the incorrect side
- Maneuvering to the right side of the truck while it is attempting to make a right turn (they require more space than you think to execute a turn, so you need to give them plenty of room)
- Abandoning a stalled vehicle rather than pushing it clear to the shoulder
- Improperly slowing down or accelerating when a truck is attempting to merge or switch lanes
- Not keeping a safe distance away from the truck
While you can do everything in your power to prevent truck accidents, they are not always your fault. As per, New Orleans car accident lawyer, many truck accidents are the fault of the truck driver.
The most common errors made by truck drivers are:
- Poor or insufficient training as to how to operate the truck, drive safely, etc.
- Speeding in order to make deadlines or to increase revenue
- Becoming exhausted and depriving oneself of sleep in order to drive continuous hours and increase pay, thus leading to extremely slowed reaction times or even loss of control of the truck
- Improperly securing the truck’s load
- Overloading the truck beyond its maximum capacity
- Driving a tanker that is less than 3/4 full of liquid – the liquid’s sloshing can upset the balance of the truck
- Taking drugs or alcohol
This article is not legal advice. It is intended for informational and educational purposes. For more information, visit the website of the Lousiana accident attorneys at BloomLegal.com.
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Transocean Rig Explodes for Second Time
Posted on 25. Apr, 2010 by Admin.
As reported over the news and online media, the Transocean rig that employs hundreds of workers exploded in late April, 2010. Sadly, this isn’t the first time that Transocean has had similar safety problems occur. Apparently, according to reports, back in 2004, one of the rigs belonging to Transocean suffered an explosion while situated close to Galveston, Texas and killed one person and injured many others. This time around, it took place off of the coast of Louisiana, injuring many maritime employees and leaving 11 workers missing.
The rig, or semi-submersible vessel, was named the Deepwater Horizon — it exploded around 1000HRS on April 20th. After the explosion took place, it left many rig workers injured. Rescue crews began searching for the 11 missing workers that were reported missing. It continued to burn for two days before sinking into the Gulf of Mexico. With the missing workers still not found, the Coast Guard searched days and nights in the waters to try and find them. When it comes to locating missing persons in the Gulf of Mexico, our United States Coast Guard is the finest and most highly trained rescue force in the world bar none. At the same time, they were trying to control the fire to keep the rig / vessel from sinking.
Some families, including our client, were told by Transocean that the workers that were reported missing didn’t seem likely to have survived the blast. Aircrafts searched the area 12 times, each time with just as much zeal as the previous time because that is the professionalism that we have come to expect from the USCG. On April 23rd, the rig finally sank.
Deepwater Horizon was a 256 foot wide and 396 foot long semi-submersible vessel. It was developed in 2001 by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries Shipyard located. Because it is a vessel, the oil rig workers including the floorhands, drillers, roustabouts, as well as the crew members such as the Captain, engineers, cooks, etc. are all covered by the Jones Act.
Many people are beginning to wonder how two oil rigs from the same company can explode within a six year period. One would think that Transocean would have taken safety measures to increased heights to avoid such a thing from happening again — this doesn’t seem to be the case. The future of this company and their oil rigs will be in question until they can prove that they are serious about upping their security measures to ensure safety of their workers.
If you have been affected by this incident and need a Transocean Deepwater Horizon oil rig lawyer, you can give Gordon, Elias & Seely, L.L.P. f/k/a/ Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. a call today at 1-800-773-6770. We are honored to say, that because of our prior experience successfully suing Transocean in wrongful death matters, our firm was hired before all other maritime law firms to prosecute a lawsuit against Transocean, British Petroleum and others.
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Congenital Heart Defects
Posted on 04. Mar, 2010 by Admin.
Congenital heart defects (CHD) are defects in the heart’s structure and heart vessels that are present from birth. These defects will either cause the blood to flow in an abnormal manner or cause an obstruction to normal blood flow. However, with some defects (as in the case of long QT syndrome), the heart’s rhythm can be affected. Congenital heart defects rank among the most common birth defects and they are the #1 cause of birth-defect related deaths.
The severity of the defect will determine the signs and symptoms of that defect. These can range from no outward signs at all to shortness of breath with related cyanosis, pain, swelling, respiratory infections, sweating, poor growth and build up of fluid and blood in the feet, ankles, legs and lungs. These defects can also create certain audible sounds (heard using a stethoscope) that are known as “heart murmurs”. It should be noted, though, that all heart murmurs are not caused by congenital heart defects. Usually, symptoms of CHD will show up in childhood, however, some CHDs remain undetected throughout the person’s life.
Congenital heart defects, in the form of obstructions, include aortic valve stenosis, pulmonary valve stenosis and coarctation of the aorta. More rare types are subaortic stenosis and bicuspid aortic valve stenosis. These obstruction defects occur when arteries, veins and heart valves are blocked or are abnormally narrow. Hypertension or heart enlargement can occur when there is any blockage or narrowing present.
CHD will sometimes improve with no medical treatment or it may be so slight that no treatment is necessary. Usually, though, CHD is a serious condition requiring surgery and/or medication therapy. These medications can include diuretics, which will aid the infant with water elimination as well as digoxin and salt elimination. This will also strengthen heart contractions and slow the heartbeat while removing some fluid from the tissues.
Surgical procedures to repair the heart and restore normal circulation can also be indicated with multiple surgical procedures that may also be needed while attempting to balance the circulation. Patients also have minimally invasive options to surgery through interventional cardiology. Closures are also able to be treated with a standard transcatheter using closure devices that are mounted on balloon catheters.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.
For assistance with Social Security cases involving congenital heart defects, consult Houston Lawyer Gerard Lynch, servicing clients in Houston, Plano and other Texas cities.
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Driving Under the Influence
Posted on 26. Feb, 2010 by Admin.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a legal term used when a person is intoxicated or impaired after consuming alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle. This greatly increases the risk of car accidents, highway injuries, and vehicular deaths. It is common knowledge that the greater the amount of alcohol consumed by a person will pose a greater likelihood of being involved in a vehicular accident.
Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on average, a police-reported motor vehicle crash occurs every 5 seconds; a person injured every 11 seconds; and a person killed every 12 minutes. In 2006, approximately 17, 600 people died in car accidents that involved alcohol. In that same year, over 1.46 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This accounted for 32 percent of all automobile fatalities for that year alone.
Intoxication Level
A driver’s intoxication level is determined by his or her blood alcohol content (BAC). This measures the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream. In the field of traffic safety, BAC is expressed as the percentage of alcohol in deciliters of blood – for example, 0.08 percent (i.e., 0.08 grams per deciliter). Each state in the United States has its own legal blood alcohol limit for driving. The legal percentages range from as low as 0.02% to as high as 0.08%. It is considered illegal to drive anywhere in the United States with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
DUI Laws in Louisiana and Possible Legal Consequences
Louisiana law states that anyone over 21 years old and with a BAC of .08% is legally drunk. And if under the age of 21 years, you are legally drunk with a BAC of only .02%.
- Driving privileges suspended
- Mandatory jail time
- Fines of up to $1000 or more
- Possible loss of vehicle
- Possible home confinement
- Mandatory substance abuse program
If you or someone you love has been driving under the influence and you need assistance, it is best to seek legal help immediately from a qualified lawyer who can review your case and help determine the course of action to take.
The information found on this site is not intended to replace legal advice.
Additional Legal Resource: For more information on DUI in New Orleans, Louisiana, please visit Bloomlegal.com
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- What New Cars are the Safest in a Crash?
- Handling Will and Trust Disputes
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- What is Accutane?
