Articles Posted in Car Accidents

According to the US Department of Transportation, there are approximately 33,000 motor vehicle deaths each year in this country. When an accident results in serious injuries, the speed with which emergency responders reach the victim(s) has a direct impact on their chance of recovery and survival. Response time has become much quicker in the last decade, with many people having some type of smartphone or similar device on them at all times. As long as cell reception is strong enough, and someone in the vehicle is conscious and able to reach the device, it is possible to call, text, or email for help.

But what if any of those factors are not present? What if the accident occurs in a rural area with no cell service? What if the victim is unconscious or the cell phone is out of reach? In these situations, an automatic crash notification (ACN) system could save the victim’s life. Contact a Boston Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today.

Advanced Features Provide More Detailed Information

General Motor’s OnStar service was the first ACN to arrive on the market in the late 90s, however, today’s systems are much more sophisticated. Newer ACN systems include advanced features, such as the ability to transmit details specific to the crash and vehicle. For example, information including changes in vehicle speed, the direction of impact, and even whether or not a seatbelt was being used, can all be relayed to the operator. This allows the operator to more accurately assess the situation and determine what kind of emergency services to dispatch. Due to their advanced features, the newer systems are called advanced automatic crash notification (AACN) systems.

The Golden Hour

According to Stephen Ridella, director of the Office of Vehicle Crashworthiness Research for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), up to 300 lives are saved every year due to AACN systems. Time is of the essence following a serious motor vehicle accident. A lot of crash victims die en route to the hospital. “There’s something called a ‘golden hour’ where if you get a person to a physician within one hour [of a serious injury] their chance of survival goes up a lot,” said Ridella. In addition to quicker response time, AACN systems allow emergency workers to arrive at the scene equipped with knowledge and important information about the crash. In some instances, this information can tell responders if an ambulance or a helicopter will reach the victim(s) faster.

There are several types of ACN and AACN systems on the market, and they vary based on the manufacturer. Some systems call a service operator who reaches out to the appropriate emergency responders when necessary, while others use Bluetooth to contact 911 directly. Ridella hopes that more vehicle manufacturers will realize the benefits of ACNs and begin to make this life-saving technology more available. “We won’t rate cars differently for not having it but we want to make the industry aware that we believe this technology can save lives,” said Ridella. Continue reading

More than 100 auto repair shops around the United States are in the midst of fiery lawsuits against a number of insurance companies who are purportedly favoring profit over their clients’ safety.

Massachusetts resident Katherine Spiers is one victim among thousands, according to Watch 5 Investigates, who is speaking out against her insurance company since experiencing numerous issues with her car after she brought it to an insurance-approved body shop to be fixed. According to Watch 5 Investigates, Spiers says she took her Toyota Corolla in for repairs and when she got it back, that’s when the issues unfolded. Mold had developed in the foam of her back seat due to leaks from poor bodywork, and the car’s gas door repeatedly popped open whenever she shut the car door. Spiers learned that her Corolla’s original parts were replaced with cheaper parts that were never crash-tested.

Many repair specialists warn consumers about the dangers of going to an insurance-preferred body shop, with the notion that insurance companies will request these body shops to cut corners and use substandard or dangerous replacement parts in order to save money and increase shareholder profits at the expense of their policy holders. What some Massachusetts drivers do not know though, is that they can bring a car to any registered auto body shop and the shop can guarantee work, with the insurance company footing the bill, Watch 5 says.

According to the Massachusetts State House News Service, it will be prohibited to use a hand-held device while driving under new legislation that was initially approved on Tuesday. Texting while driving has been illegal in the state for five years. When it was initially passed in 2010, the law failed to impose a ban on hand-held cell phone use. For this reason, it has been nearly impossible for authorities to enforce the law.

A second vote in favor of the new bill is required to move it to the Senate, however, it is highly likely that this will happen. Tuesday’s bill was passed with zero discussion. Contact a Boston Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer.

Are Hands-Free Devices Safer?

Although it is widely understood that cell phones and other devices are dangerous while driving, there is some controversy around the use of hands-free devices. If the new bill is passed, it will encourage drivers to use hands-free devices in place of their hand-held counterparts. However, there is some concern that such a law will mislead drivers into thinking that hands-free devices are entirely safe. The reality is, any form of multi-tasking results in a distracted driver. Approximately 26% of Boston auto accidents involve cell phone use, and this includes hands-free. In fact, new studies show that voice-to-text can be more distracting than traditional typing.

The three elements of distraction-free driving are:

Hands on the wheel

Eyes on the road

Mind on driving

Cell phones and other devices are certainly not the only form of distraction while driving. Eating, drinking, talking to passengers, dealing with pets, changing the stereo, and putting on make-up are other common examples. However, cell phone use continues to remain the most dangerous form of distracted driving.

Although hands-free devices still pose a risk, the new law does have some clear benefits. A hands-free law allows police to finally enforce the law that has been on the books for more than five years. The knowledge that a phone in the hand is equal to a fine will likely result in drivers who are more inclined to leave their phone on the passenger seat, or put it in their glove box or handbag. The use of smartphones continues to grow, and they aren’t going away. Currently, 14 states ban the use of hand-held devices while driving. These laws aren’t perfect, and they will certainly continue to evolve right along with technology, but they are a solid effort at making Massachusetts roads safer for everyone. Continue reading

With the warm weather we’ve been having this November, it almost seems as though winter has decided to skip over Boston this year. But love it or hate it, winter is on its way. Getting ready for New England’s harsh and icy winters begins early, and there’s no preparation more important than that of your vehicle. Winterizing your vehicle not only makes you more comfortable and helps your car or truck run more efficiently, it can also save your life. If you’re looking to cut costs on expenses this winter, look somewhere else. Winterizing your vehicle is essential to your safety and that of everyone you share the road with. Contact a Boston Car Accident Lawyer Today.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

• Maintain your tires and get snow tires if possible. Not only is it safest to have tire tread that’s at least 1/16 of an inch, it’s the law. Snow tires are not essential, but they certainly come in handy when conditions are snowy or icy, and even during heavy rainfall.
• Make sure your battery is in good working order. Cold weather can make it extremely difficult for vehicles to start, and this can be especially damaging to batteries. Unfortunately, when a battery fails it can cause damage to the vehicle’s entire system. Buy a good brand of battery and have it checked before winter sets in.
• Keep the gas tank as full as possible at all times.
• Inspect hoses and belts for signs of visible wear and tear, such as cracking.
• Check antifreeze regularly.
• Use a cold weather windshield wiper fluid that contains a deicing solution.
• Use dry gas, a gas line antifreeze that does just what it says. It prevents the moisture in the fuel from freezing which can result in damage to the fuel line.
• Stash an emergency kit in the trunk. If you break down, you may be stuck in the cold for an extended period of time. Having a blanket, an extra hat and gloves, bottled water, snacks, a flashlight, a shovel, road flares, jumper cables, and a bag of cat litter or sand can be more valuable than gold if you have an accident, break down or get stuck in the snow, especially at night. The cat litter or sand can help to provide traction on a slippery surface, and the flares can attract the attention of passing cars.
• Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Car Accident Law Firm

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