By admin on February 20, 2012 -
Though movie enthusiasts may associate rollover accidents with an exciting sequence in an action film, these types of auto accidents are more common than some may think and are the deadliest risk for occupants of SUVs (sport utility vehicles), trucks, or minivans. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 280,000 rollover accidents occur each year, resulting in more than 10,000 fatalities. SUVs unfortunately have the highest risk for rollovers as they often carry heavy loads, which may make them more top heavy, increasing the likelihood of the vehicle rolling over in an accident.
As explained by Howstuffworks.com, rollover accidents are directly related to a vehicle’s stability in turns, and this stability is influenced by the relationship between the center of gravity and the distance between the left and right wheels, also known as the track width. A high center of gravity and a narrow track may cause a vehicle to be unstable when there is a turn or sharp change in direction, all of which can increase the odds the vehicle will tip over once it begins to skid sideways. This particular problem is more pronounced in SUVS and pickup trucks with 4-wheel-drive because both have a higher ground clearance for off-road driving.
Presently, cars and trucks are not subject to federal rollover standards despite pressure to do so. However, the NHTSA introduced a rollover rating system in 2001 to help predict which vehicles may have the greatest risk of a rollover. In the rating system, one star indicates a greater than 40 percent risk of a rollover, while five stars is less than a 10 percent risk. The ratings are based on an engineering analysis of each examined vehicle’s center of gravity and the width between the front tires.
A few vehicle models that received a low rollover crash test ratings, with up to a 30 percent risk of a rollover accident, include: Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and a Dodge Dakota. Two cars with less than a 10 percent risk are the Subaru Impreza and the Acura TL.
The main cause of rollover accidents may boil down to science, but a defective car design can absolutely be a factor in a rollover crash as well. If you have been injured in a rollover accident that was caused by a vehicle defect, you may be entitled to compensation. The skilled Maryland vehicle rollover accident lawyer Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is committed to holding any at-fault parties responsible for a rollover crash liable so that you receive the compensation you need to recover. Call (877) 228-4878 for a no-cost consultation.
By admin on February 15, 2012 -
Following Toyota’s acknowledgement that some of its best-selling vehicles have been prone to acceleration even though the driver steps on the brakes, Congress ordered a study last year to investigate the problem, according to The New York Times. The study, conducted by NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration), has now determined that the problems with uncontrolled acceleration were not caused by glitches in its electronic controls.
The study confirms the original determination of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is that the acceleration problems that led to a major recall of more than 8 million Toyota cars and trucks in 2009 and 2010 are caused by a mechanical issue.
Specifically, the problem was caused by either the vehicle’s gas pedals snagging on floor mats or sticky gas pedals that did not retract when drivers released them.
Though the findings of the NASA study may be good news for Toyota, the Times reports that it does nothing to dispel concerns about the weaknesses in the nation’s vehicle safety regulations, which includes a very slow recall process and paltry fines for violations. The NHTSA is considering tightening its safety rules in response to the criticism, including looking into ordering vehicles to have an event recorder to help determine the cause of accidents.
Consumers trust that products, including automobiles, are designed and manufactured with the user in mind and for ultimate safety. However, when a manufacturer takes shortcuts in production or fails to thoroughly test its products for safety, the results can be disastrous. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is an experienced Baltimore defective product lawyer who is committed to helping clients obtain full compensation when injured or harmed by a defective or dangerous product. To see how our legal team can assist you, call (877) 228-4878 for a free consultation.
By admin on February 8, 2012 -
The number of people in Maryland and Pennsylvania who have become ill after drinking raw milk has risen to 23 according to health officials, reports CBS News. The raw milk, which was not pasteurized, was produced from Family Cow, a southern Pennsylvania farm, who says they sell their raw milk at its farm store and at grocery stores and markets in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley and south central Pennsylvania. Nineteen of the 23 people who have reportedly become ill live in Pennsylvania. CBS News says health officials have advised consumers to discard any raw milk purchased from the farm on or after January 1.
Maryland health officials state that tests on two unopened samples purchased from the Family Cow farm in Chambersburg have confirmed the presence of the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, which has caused the illnesses. However, Pennsylvania health officials say their tests have not yet yielded results. On its website, Family Cow claims that their raw milk is third-party tested for Campylobacter and other bacteria. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that consuming raw or unpasteurized milk may be unsafe as it may contain harmful bacteria, and even the state of Maryland prohibits the sale of raw milk. However, dairy farmers say the demand for this product is growing, spurred by the growing “interest in organic foods and concerns about hormones in traditional dairy products.”
People trust that products for sale to the public will be safe and not present any danger to themselves or their families, but when a manufacturer does not conduct proper safety testing or takes shortcuts in producing products, it can cause serious injuries and health problems to unsuspecting consumers. A Baltimore defective product lawyer can help you obtain compensation for your injuries when you have been harmed by a dangerous or defective product. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is dedicated to providing reliable and skilled representation to injured victims. Please call (877) 228-4878 for a free consultation.
By admin on February 1, 2012 -
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a dangerous odorless and colorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death. This gas is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars, gas ranges, heating systems, and stoves. Any person or animal in an enclosed space, or semi-enclosed space, which lacks proper ventilation can be poisoned by breathing CO, as it can build up from any of the aforementioned sources.
CO poisoning can unfortunately be hard to diagnose as the symptoms can be similar to other illnesses, but if you think you may be inhaling this dangerous gas, here are some of the more common symptoms to look out for: headache; dizziness; nausea; chest pain; vomiting; confusion; and loss of consciousness due to high levels of CO.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that annually more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized. These alarming statistics show how common CO poisoning can be, so knowing how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning can save you and your family’s life. The following are tips offered by the CDC to help you and your loved ones avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Install a battery operated CO detector and check or replace the battery every spring and fall.
- Have gas, oil, and coal burning appliances, such as heating systems or water heaters, serviced by a qualified technician every year. Also, have your chimney cleaned every year to prevent CO buildup in your home.
- Any gas appliance must be vented to prevent CO buildup, and never use a gas range or oven for heating.
- Do not use a charcoal grill or a barbecue grill indoors, and never burn charcoal indoors as it gives off CO.
- Have a mechanic check your vehicle’s exhaust system every year; even a small leak can lead to CO buildup in your car or truck.
Following these simple safety tips can help prevent a CO poisoning incident; however, a defective product or the negligence of another party (such as an apartment manager who fails to properly service appliances) may still cause a CO poisoning accident to occur. If you or a loved one has suffered from CO poisoning, an experienced Baltimore carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer can help. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is dedicated to helping CO poisoning victims obtain compensation for their injuries to help them get back on their feet. For a no-cost consultation, call (877) 228-4878.
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