Dangers of Fatigued Truck Driving

Tractor trailers are the most dangerous vehicles that regularly travel on our roads. Their immense size and weight are not only intimidating to drivers of smaller vehicles, but increase the risk of serious injury or even death in the case of a truck crash. This risk is heightened when truck drivers are negligent or reckless in their operation of the truck. One of the most common truck accident causes in Massachusetts and across the nation, related to truck operator negligence, is fatigued driving.

Hours-of-Service Regulations

Fatigued driving is dangerous for all drivers, but especially big rig drivers, which is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations to limit the amount of time a truck operator can drive. Every truck driver must log their hours and not exceed the maximum amount without stopping for the appropriate rest breaks. Unfortunately, many drivers falsify their logs and continue driving beyond the allowed number of hours in order to make deliveries faster, which often results in higher pay and/or bonuses.

Effects of Fatigued Driving

Driving while drowsy or tired has a variety of negative consequences, all of which are more dangerous when the vehicle in question is an 80,000 pound semi truck. Fatigued driving can result in all or any combination of the below dangerous actions, though these are only a sample of the things that could go wrong:

• Drifting into other lanes of traffic;
• Failure to brake;
• Improper braking;
• Sudden changes in speed;
• Poorly navigating turns; and
• Losing control of the truck.

It is a truck driver’s duty to operate their big rig according to federal regulations and with the safety of other road users in mind. If they fail to do so and cause a truck accident, they may be held liable for their negligence.

Contacting a Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

At the Kiley Law Group, our experienced truck accident lawyers in Boston are committed to helping truck accident victims in Massachusetts pursue maximum compensation for the losses they’ve suffered as a result of truck driver negligence. To find out more about how we can help you, call us today for a free legal consultation at (888) 208-1695.

Motorcycle Riding Safety: Wear a Helmet!

The official start of summer is near and with it comes the sunny skies and warm temperatures that make riding your motorcycle pure heaven. Even dedicated riders who take their bikes out in the winter months appreciate the added comfort and freedom to not worry about hypothermia that warmer weather brings. But when you hit the road this summer, don’t let your enthusiasm for the ride make you forget about those necessary safety precautions that can save you from serious injury or even death in the event that you are involved in a Massachusetts motorcycle crash; specifically, make sure you wear a helmet!

Massachusetts Helmet Law

Helmet laws vary by state, but in MA, all riders are required to wear a helmet on the motorcycle or in a sidecar, regardless of age or whether you are a driver or passenger. The penalties for not wearing a helmet in Massachusetts include a citation of $35 for the first offense, $75 for the second offense, and $150 for the third offense. But avoiding fines is not the main reason why you should abide by state law and wear a helmet.

The Benefits of Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet

Motorcyclists are afforded little to no protection by their bikes in the event of a crash, which means that they are more likely to suffer serious injury or death should one occur. Wearing a full-face, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet is an important line of defense against suffering serious injuries. It not only protects your head from sustaining the full impact of hitting the ground, car, or other object should you be involved in an accident, but it also protects your eyes and face from road debris that may be kicked up by other vehicles.

When You Need a Massachusetts Motorcycle Lawyer

Even if you take all of the safety precautions available, motorcycle riders are still vulnerable to the negligence or recklessness of other drivers. If you have been injured in a Massachusetts motorcycle crash, the dedicated Methuen motorcycle accident attorneys and motorcycle enthusiasts at the Kiley Law Group can help you hold the at-fault party responsible for your losses.

With Tom Kiley, the Million Dollar Man, and his experienced legal team on your side, you’ll be sure to get the compensation you deserve. To learn more about how we can help, call us today for a free legal consultation at (888) 208-1695.

Teen Auto Accident Statistics

Rhode Island car accident lawyer – d’OLIVEIRA & ASSOCIATES

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, at about 35% of all deaths. Car accident rates for new drivers are higher than for any other age group. Because of this, researchers continue to study the risk factors associated with teenage driving.  

Factors Contributing to RI Car Accidents

 The most common factors that contribute to higher risk of accidents for teenagers include:

• The general propensity of teenagers to take risks
• Poor hazard detection
• Lower risk perception
• Lack of skill
• Use of alcohol and drugs
• Lower rate of seat belt use

Car Crashes – A Reason You May Need a Rhode Island Car Accident Attorney

The following factors contribute to the disturbing statistics on teenagers and car accidents:

• In 2004, auto crashes accounted for 41% of all deaths among teens aged 13–19 years.
• In 2007, motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of death for 13-19 year olds.
• In 2009, 60% of teenage passenger deaths occurred in vehicles driven by another teenager.
• Teenagers are among the least likely age groups to wear their seatbelts.
• Over 9,000 people die in accidents with teen drivers each year.
• Drivers under age 20 have a crash rate about 3.5 times the rate of adult drivers.
• Males have higher rates of fatal and non-fatal crashes.
• 2 out of 3 teenagers who die in motor vehicle accidents are males.
• Teens 16 years old have the highest accident rate in the country for a single age.
• Teens aged 15-20 years have the highest accident rate for a group, causing 59.5% of the total car crashes.

Do You Need a Rhode Island auto accident lawyer?

If you or a loved one has been in an auto accident, you should consider contacting a personal injury lawyer with experience in handling these types of cases. The personal injury attorneys of d'Oliveira & Associates, P.C., would like to meet with you and discuss the investigation of your automobile accident. The firm’s legal team has represented and assisted numerous automobile accident victims in bringing lawsuits against other drivers and insurance companies alike, and there are no fees unless success is acheived.

To have a member of the law office contact you, please fill out a contact form or call (800)992-6878.

d’Oliveira & Associates: 390 Broadway Providence, RI 02909 - (401) 831-8600

Recognizing the Dangers of Fatigued Driving

Any condition or situation that takes a driver’s attention off of the task at hand increases the risk of a traffic accident. Distracted driving is one such situation and a growing safety concern across the nation. Another safety risk is fatigued driving, which is a common problem for big rig operators.

Truckers and Hours-of-Service Rules

Although semi truck drivers are required to abide by Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations with regard to the amount of time they are allowed to drive without any breaks, many violate these rules for the sake of bonuses and/or greater profits. Truck drivers may even receive pressure from the trucking company they work for to meet unreasonable delivery schedules. Nonetheless, continuing to drive for inordinate amounts of time without rest causes fatigue, which can significantly hinder a driver’s ability to operate their truck safely and can even result in a driver falling asleep at the wheel. Consequences of fatigued driving, other than completely falling asleep, include:

• Drifting into other lanes of traffic;
• Abrupt changes in speed;
• Excessively slow speed;
• Over-steering;
• Under-steering;
• Slower reaction times; and
• Improper (or lack of) braking.

Consequences of a Big Rig Crash

Any of the aforementioned fatigued driving issues can cause a truck accident, and the unfortunate reality is that truck crashes have devastating results for other motorists. The immense size and weight of a semi truck makes it a highly dangerous vehicle. Even minor accidents with smaller passenger vehicles can result in serious or even fatal injuries for the occupants of the smaller vehicle while the truck driver survives potentially without any injuries. When a truck driver does not take their required rest breaks, they place the lives of other motorists at risk. Fatigued truck driving is one of the most common causes of truck accidents resulting from driver negligence.

How a Massachusetts Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

It is inexcusable that truck drivers should operate their massive vehicle while fatigued as it is completely preventable. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of truck driver fatigue, you have the right to hold the driver liable for the injuries you’ve suffered. The experienced Boston semi truck accident lawyers with the Kiley Law Group are committed to obtaining maximum compensation for each and every client and can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us today for a free consultation at (888) 208-1695.

NHTSA Announces Chrysler Group Recall of Dodge and Chrysler Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall of 119,072 Chrysler Group, LLC, Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles as the result of a defect in the brake system’s antilock control unit module. The defect may cause the power distribution center to overheat, which can lead to the loss of ABS or ESC function. This can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury auto accident.

What is so Important about ABS/ESC function?

The electronic stability control (ESC) system and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are essential safety features. The ABS system prevents the wheels from locking up during braking so that the driver may still have steering control and the vehicle won’t skid. Similarly, the ESC system, which is completely computerized, detects and compensates for traction loss to prevent skidding by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels in order to resolve issues such as under-steering and over-steering.

The Vehicles and the Remedy

Chrysler is recalling model year 2011 and 2012 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The company will notify owners and dealers, and dealerships will move the ABS/ESC system fuse at no-cost. The recall should begin in May 2012. Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 for additional information.

How a Massachusetts Product Liability Attorney Can Help

If you have been injured in a Massachusetts auto accident caused by a defective auto part, you may be able to hold the auto manufacturer liable for negligence. The experienced auto product liability lawyers in Boston with the Kiley Law Group can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us today to find out more about getting the compensation you deserve at (888) 208-1695.

Teen Passengers Make Teen Driving More Dangerous

As if teenage drivers don’t have enough to worry about, a new study shows that when they have passengers in the car with them, it becomes much more dangerous. The risks of having a fatal accident increase significantly when other teenagers are in the car, and the risks go down when an adult is the passenger. The AAA recently released results from a study they conducted.

It is no secret that when teenagers drive with other teenagers, their chances of getting in a wreck increase, but the previous studies were more than 10 years old, and reflect none of the recent changes in state driving laws. Other teens are a huge distraction to young drivers, this has been known for a long time. The data used for this research was gathered from between 2007 to 2010.

Compared to driving with no passengers, a 16- or 17-year-old driver's risk of death per mile driven increases 44 percent when carrying one passenger younger than 21 (and no older passengers), the study found. The risk is double when carrying two passengers younger than 21, and quadruples when carrying three or more passengers that age.

Conversely, the risk of a teen driver dying in an accident when a passenger aged 35 or older is in the vehicle decreases 62 percent, the study said.

Like cell phones, the presence of other teens can be extremely distracting to young drivers said Jackie Gillan, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

Between 2000 and 2010, the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes each year fell by more than half. Graduated licensing laws -- as well as greater seat belt use, better safety equipment in cars, and anti-drunk-driving campaigns -- have been credited for the decrease.

But 40 percent of the 2,191 younger teen drivers killed during those years had at least one passenger under 21 -- and no older passengers -- in the vehicle, the study said. And preliminary data for the first six months of 2011 show a small uptick in teen driving deaths, another recent study found.

Car Accident Attorney Las Vegas

 

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a car accident, you need experience on your side. Make sure you get an experienced Las Vegas Attorney. Having a teenage driver is enough to worry about, if they are in an accident you need an attorney you can trust, and one that you know will fight for your rights. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas and get a free consultation.

Source: "Teen passengers spell danger for novice drivers”, by Molly Waldron

Are You Protected from an Uninsured Motorist?

Unfortunately, uninsured motorists make up about 50% of drivers in the inner cities of many metropolitan areas, scary, right? So, how can you be sure that you are protected in the event that you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist? The first thing you can do is to closely examine your insurance policy.

Uninsured and underinsured benefits should be shown separately on your declaration sheet. They will show amounts of coverage available per individual and per accident that will be provided should you get into an accident with an uninsured motorist. If you make sure you are covered ahead of time, this will likely save you lots of money and headaches in the long run.

It’s common for people to purchase small amounts of uninsured motorist coverage, Missouri requires $25,000, but this decision may be one they regret. If the damages are more than the amount of coverage, you will only receive the amount of coverage that you have for your losses. This is why a Missouri car accident lawyer recommends that you buy the same amount of uninsured motorist coverage as you do regular coverage.

If you have been involved in an accident with an issue of inadequate insurance coverage, you may not need an attorney. What you do need after any Missouri car accident is helpful and accurate information to keep you from making a mistake that could wreck your claim. Order a FREE copy of the book, The Missouri Accident Book: Dealing with the Aftermath. It will arm you with the information necessary to make all the right moves after your Missouri car accident.