San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog

CHP Endorses Plan for Safe Senior Drivers

December 11, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

People are living long, active lives, and are continuing to drive well into their senior years. The CHP, California Highway Patrol, recently announced the recommendation for seniors to plan for driving changes as they age. CHP made the announcement in conjunction with the American Occupational Therapy Association as part of the “Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.”

Driving Safely as We Age

Driving requires the use of many of our senses. When we get behind the wheel we need to have the focus and dexterity necessary to drive in a safe manner. The CHP notes that driving can be impacted by our emotional, physical, and mental health. According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, seniors are the fastest growing segment of drivers. It is estimated that by 2025, one-quarter of all drivers will be over the age of 65.

Insurance Institute Releases New Report on Safest Vehicles

December 9, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Vehicles continue to become safer to drive. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, IIHS HLDI, released its annual report on vehicle safety. The report ranks new vehicles on their overall safety, providing ratings that help consumers purchase vehicles. The ratings are made using a variety of data.

Crashworthiness Tests

In order to qualify for a top safety pick, a vehicle needs to get good ratings in five crashworthiness tests. The tests are used to evaluate structural design and restraints. The tests ensure good structure, which includes a strong compartment for occupants, crumple zones to absorb impact, side structure to protect the compartment, and a roof that will survive a rollover accident. Seat belts and airbags are also tested. These types of tests are performed:

Drowsy Driving is Impaired Driving

December 7, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Most of us have trouble sleeping from time to time. While lack of sleep is somewhat commonplace, a new study indicates that it can be dangerous. The study results, released by the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety, indicate that driving while drowsy may have the same effect as driving while under the influence of alcohol. Drowsy driving is impaired driving, and is the cause of many serious accidents and injuries every year.

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation

The AAA previous issued reports that made clear the relationship of drowsy driving and an increase in vehicle accidents. The new report delves further into the effects of sleep deprivation on drivers. Sleep deprivation greatly decreases a driver’s ability to act and react. Those who are sleep deprived may fall asleep at the wheel. Nodding off while you drive is dangerous. Closing your eyes, even for just a few seconds, means that you have traveled without paying attention to the road, or to other vehicles and pedestrians. When you nod off, you are no longer in control of your car.

Rain-Slick Roads Lead to Accidents and Injuries

December 5, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Rain is a necessary part of life, but it can also be a source of danger on the roads. Rain can cause the roads to become hazardous for drivers, and may be the cause of many accidents, injuries, and property damage. Driving in the rain can be difficult at times, especially when the roads become flooded.

Tips for Safe Driving in Rain

Drivers need to be more careful when it rains. The roads may be slippery,\ or may even be flooded. Traffic may be heavier than usual, and visibility may be low. These factors can lead to a higher incidence of accidents. Here are some tips for safe driving in the rain.

Pressure Ulcers Often a Sign of Nursing Home Neglect

December 4, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

When we leave our loved ones in a nursing home we expect that they will be properly cared for. Sadly, that is not always the case. Sometimes nursing homes fall short of providing the care that is expected. Nursing home residents often suffer injuries due to neglectful care. One common medical problem that happens to elderly people in nursing homes is the appearance of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are often a sign of nursing home neglect.

What Causes Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers are red sores that are caused by something that rubs against the skin on a continuous basis. They most commonly occur in the elderly and those who are bedridden. The sores form on areas of the body that are in contact with the bedding, such as the heels, tailbones, and elbows. The sores are painful, and if allowed to worsen, can be difficult to treat.

When is Accident Reconstruction Necessary?

December 2, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Minor fender benders happen every day across the country with only slight harm caused to the people involved. Sometimes, however, an accident is much more serious. When an accident results in severe injuries or death, there is an urgent need to determine fault, or negligence, in the crash. The responsible party should be required to pay injuries and damages caused by the accident. Sometimes, the cause of the accident is not immediately evident. In complex situations, accident reconstruction may be necessary to determine exactly how the accident happened.

Determining the Cause of an Accident

One of the most important concerns, especially in serious crashes, is finding out precisely how an accident occurred. Sometimes the drivers are severely injured, or have died, and are not able to provide information. When they are able to do so, they may not remember the details of the accident. Furthermore, there may be no witnesses and no surveillance video that shows the impact. For these reasons, a full investigation into the cause of the accident is warranted.

Distracted Driving Causes Accidents and Injuries

November 30, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Distracted driving has changed a lot over the last few decades. Distracted driving used to be mainly people who were eating, applying makeup, or changing the radio station while driving. Today, distracted driving has become a lot more complicated. It can also cause major accidents with serious injuries. The use of cell phones for talking and texting has created a large problem and the need for new legislation. In California, drivers are not allowed to use handheld devices while behind the wheels of their vehicles.

Distracted Driving Statistics

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, DOT, distracted driving has reached epidemic proportions. In 2014, there were 3,179 people who died as a result of distracted driving accidents. Additionally, 431,000 people were injured in 2014 in accidents caused by distracted driving. The problem is so significant that DOT has a website, Distraction.gov, devoted completely to distracted driving. They provide informational materials for teens, parents, educators, employers, and community groups. The information is useful for raising public awareness about distracted driving.

Incidence of Dog Bite Injuries May Increase During Holidays

November 28, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

The holidays are supposed to be a happy time for families and friends. The enjoyment can quickly turn to tragedy if a dog bites someone. Dog bites happen quite often and can cause serious injuries. Dog bites may happen more frequently around the holidays because of the increased number of visitors to one’s home during this time period. Dog owners must be vigilant in making sure that their dogs are kept from harming anyone.

Owners Must Control Their Dogs

Dog owners must keep their dogs under control at all times. Dog bite injuries most often occur when an animal is off-leash or is not being properly supervised. Dogs need to be on leash at all times when they are in public areas. The only exception to this rule may be when dogs and owners visit specified dog parks. These parks allow dogs to run off leash in a controlled environment. Owners are subject to the rules of the specific dog park.

Preventing Deadly School Bus Accidents

November 27, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

School bus accidents are among the most devastating, especially when young children are injured. Recent school bus accidents in the news highlight the importance of school bus riders and drivers taking proper safety precautions. Recently, a school bus in Tennessee careened off the road, flipping before hitting a tree, killing six children and injuring many more. Another bus carrying cheerleaders was involved in a highway accident with an 18-wheeler. These accidents caused serious injuries, and likely could have been prevented.

Seat Belts on School Buses

Most school buses are not equipped with seat belts. There is some disagreement as to whether seat belts help or hurt in school bus accidents. Seat belts can certainly prevent kids from flying out of their seats if the bus flips, or comes to a sudden stop. However, some people think that it may be more difficult to get children out of the vehicle should it be involved in a serious problem, such as a fire. The school bus involved in the Tennessee accident was not equipped with seat belts.

Why Rear-End Accidents are So Dangerous

November 25, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Accidents happen frequently. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, there were more than 6 million reported traffic accidents in 2015. In those accidents, 2,443,000 people were injured and more than 32,000 people died. Accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Rear-end accidents can cause some of the most serious and disabling injuries possible.

Injuries Caused by Rear-End Accidents

One of the most common injuries caused by being rear-ended is whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking motion, like what happens when a vehicle comes to a sudden abrupt stop. Whiplash can be a serious and painful injury that may take months or longer to heal.