By admin on October 19, 2011 -
Many people are familiar with the “black box” in airplanes that records information about the plane’s speed, direction, and other information that can help investigators determined what happened in case of a crash. However, many passenger cars, trucks, and vans are now being made with a similar “black box” that may someday help investigators unravel what happened in a car crash as well.
Known as event data recorders, or EDRs for short, vehicle “black boxes” are already available in 65 to 90 percent of vehicles manufactured during or after 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). EDRs are expected to become standard on all vehicles created in model year 2011 or later, when federal regulations will also require automakers to explain to vehicle owners that their vehicle contains an EDR and where the device is. Most new cars include this information in the owners’ manual. The EDR itself is frequently installed under the driver’s seat with other computerized safety components, such as the module that operates the air bags.
Currently, EDR information can only be used by insurers with the consent of the vehicle’s owner, but some insurance policies require policy holders to give consent when they accept the policy. Washington is one of only seven states that prohibit insurers from requiring a vehicle owner to consent to EDR information use in order to receive a car insurance policy. In the future, the “black box” information may become key in car accident investigations and even court cases.
When an accident occurs, determining what happened and whether you’re receiving all the benefits your insurance policy is supposed to pay can be overwhelming. At Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., our skilled Washington auto accident lawyers focus on helping accident survivors and their families get the compensation they need to heal after an accident. For a free and confidential consultation, call us today at (888) 228-3860.
By admin on February 27, 2011 -
In February of 2010, 19 year old Heather was killed instantly one month after her birthday, as her car left the roadway south of Tumwater, struck a guardrail and tumbled into a ditch. She was texting a friend in the minutes before the crash. Again in February of this year, a two-year old female passenger was injured during a collision in Thurston County when the 29-year old driver left the roadway, drove into the shoulder and struck a parked pick up head on. This driver was also texting.
These unfortunate drivers were not alone, even with the texting and driving laws, thousands of people are injured or killed every year while texting or being otherwise distracted. That’s why it’s good to remind ourselves and our teenage drivers that when you’re in the car – keep your hands off the phone. Remember, if you’re driving on the freeway, you can travel more than the length of a football field in the time it takes to simply read a short text message or dial a number. Read the rest »
By admin on February 12, 2011 -
Motor vehicle accidents cause all kinds of injuries, possibly the most debilitating and tragic is a spinal cord injury. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42% of all spinal cord injury cases were the result of auto or truck accidents. Tragically, the majority of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) victims are young men between the ages of 16 and 30.
A Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) occurs when a sudden and traumatic blow to a person’s spine fractures, crushes or dislocates a part of his or her vertebrae. The effects of SCI depend on the type of injury and the level of the injury. SCI can be divided into two types of injury - complete and incomplete. A complete injury means that there is no function below the level of the injury, no sensation and no voluntary movement. Read the rest »
By admin on December 30, 2010 -
Thousands of teenagers are killed in drunk-driving accidents every year. The hard truth is that motor vehicle accidents are the number one killer of teenagers, and 28 percent of 15–20-year-old drivers killed in auto crashes in 2005 had been drinking, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Drinking-and-driving accidents may peak during the holidays and school breaks, when teens have a lot of free time while parents are at work or busy with holiday preparations. The question is: How can you, as a parent, prevent what could lead to a personal and family tragedy? Read the rest »
By admin on December 16, 2010 -
Happy Holidays! I hope that you and your family are eagerly anticipating a joyful season with plenty of time together. I also urge you to keep safe during this busy time and thought I’d pass along some important holiday safety tips.
Decorate Safely
- Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains/drapes, or with any potentially flammable item. Read the rest »
By admin on November 29, 2010 -
With the recent automobile recalls by car manufacturers from Toyota to Chrysler to BMW, the safety of the vehicles we depend on is once again called into question.
One of the most interesting realities is that consumer reaction and accident victims litigation following accidents resulting from these safety issues have actually led to key safety innovations. Litigation has played an important role in holding manufacturers accountable and protecting the American public in the future. It may surprise you to learn how many critical safety improvements resulted from litigation: Read the rest »
By admin on November 11, 2010 -
Hardwick and Pendergast, a Washington car accident law firm, points out that motor vehicle crashes is one of the leading causes of death among teens age 16-19 in the State, already causing the deaths of 27 teens this year. A total of 84 teens died in 2008 and 2009 from traffic crashes. During 2009, 16-19 year-olds accounted for 4.2% of all licensed drivers, but 9.1% of all drivers in fatal crashes in Washington.
Here are some of the many ways parents can help their teens become safer drivers: Read the rest »
By admin on October 29, 2010 -
Results from the latest survey of seat belt use in Washington were released recently and they show that the use rate has jumped to 97.6 percent. This is the biggest improvement in years and is expected to be one of the highest in the nation.
The State Patrol cites about 47,000 people annually for failing to buckle up. The “Click it or Ticket Project” which is the primary enforcement seat belt law has resulted in a 21% drop in vehicle occupant deaths, from an average of 518 from 1995 to 2002, to an average of 410 from 2003 to 2009. During those same time periods serious injuries from traffic crashes dropped 25%. Read the rest »
By admin on October 9, 2010 -
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be complicated and confusing.
One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, issues is how to deal with insurance companies after you have been injured in an accident – your company and the defendant’s company. Understand that insurance companies are for-profit corporations. They make money by taking in premiums for their policies and then paying out as little as possible in claims under those policies. Read the rest »
By admin on May 19, 2010 -
Car accidents are one of the most common sources of personal injury. Some involve only minor injuries while others can result in severe injury, permanent disability and even death. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, you will most likely experience pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, medical expenses and property damage. For all of these you should be compensated financially.
Many people think their personal insurance will cover expenses following a car accident. However, this depends on the policy you have purchased. Most likely, you have coverage that insures both you and your property, as well as coverage that covers other people and their property involved in car accidents where you are at fault. Because there are many different types of coverages, each with its own benefits and limitations, you should always consult with an expert before you sign anything or agree to a settlement. Read the rest »
