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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

How to Become a “Roll” Model and Avoid Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles


safe riding with bike on the road
Image Source: http://enewsnetworks.net/_webimages/newsltr/march_webupdate/safe_bike_riding.jpg
Biking is a good hobby as it provides you with lots of benefits. First, it gives you the capability to go around different places. Biking gives you the mobility at less expense since you won’t have to spend money on fuel, which also makes this hobby environment-friendly. It also lets you go on places less traveled where cars just can’t be driven. Biking also promotes fitness as it helps you exercise different muscle groups, improves your reflexes and cardiovascular system functions.

Responsibility in biking

However, biking is not just all fun. For one, bikers should be responsible enough, not just in ensuring the safety of one’s self but also of the people around them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been encouraging all users of public roads, not just motorists but bicyclists as well, to respect each other. Mutual respect among all road users helps promote a safe transportation environment. Bikers, like all road users, have rights and responsibilities. That is why the NHTSA has been promoting biking safety through continuous research, education, and enforcement of bicyclists’ and motorists’ behavior. This way, safety on the road can be enhanced while lessening instances of biking injuries and fatalities in the country.

How can you be a “Roll Model”

The NHTSA came up with a campaign on how one can be a “Roll” model on the road. This program helps promote biking responsibility, fostering a safer environment on the road. In the campaign, the NHTSA asks every biker to exercise the following:
  • Focused riding and driving. Always remain focused and never give in to distractions.
  • Prepared riding and driving. Make it a point to do the necessary preparations before going and riding your bike. Always be ready for unexpected things.
  • Putting Safety First. In anything that people do, one must make sure that safety is prioritized above everything. Wear a bike helmet whenever you go on a ride.
  • Be a law-abiding citizen. Following traffic laws is critical in ensuring the safety, not just for you but for everybody on the road.
  • Share the road. Roads are not specifically made for bikes. A Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney reminds that roads are for vehicles, motorcyclists, and pedestrians too. Sharing the road by showing respect to others will help prevent accidents from happening.

A Los Angeles lawyer believes that bicyclists’ rights deserve to be observed as well. But he reminds all bikers that one best way to be able to earn the respect of other road users is by following the rules given above and showing respect to others as well. Such good attitude will make others respect you more and your rights as well. Being a “Roll” model may be hard, but it is not at all impossible to do; for exerting extra effort and trying to go the extra mile will do you good.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

What to Do Before and While Driving Your Vehicle on a Summer Road Trip



Planning on a summer getaway trip with your family, friends or colleagues? If so, then preparation and planning should be on the top of your list. As you might already know, highway crashes are on the rise, especially during this time of the year where roads are almost always filled with vehicles. Whether you’re going to the beach, to the campsite near the mountains, or go fishing by the lake, it really helps if you plan ahead. Doing so is much easier than dealing with breakdowns along the way, or worse, a highway crash. 

Before you put your family, friends, or colleagues inside your vehicle, let alone drive it, have your car, SUV, pickup, or RV serviced by a licensed mechanic. It is much better if you do it regularly at any time of the year. If, however, you are not aware of the service history of the vehicle you plan to drive, schedule a preventive maintenance check-up with your mechanic weeks before your scheduled trip.

Make sure that your tires are well-inflated so that you can avoid tire blowups or failure while traveling along the heat-soaked roadway. To prevent your engine from overheating, check carefully your vehicle’s coolant level to make sure it is enough to sustain long hours of driving. More importantly, make sure that your vehicle lights, from headlights, brake lights, turn signals, to your emergency flashers, are all in good working condition.

Before the day of your summer getaway, ensure that you have obtained enough rest, especially if you are the driver of the vehicle. That way, you will not only stay focused on the road ahead of you, but you will also avoid experiencing fatigue. It is much better if one of your family members, friends, or colleagues can also drive the vehicle. You may share your driving duties with him or her along the way; just don’t forget to bring along with them their driver’s license!

Moreover, to avoid experiencing a fender-bender along the road, you must avoid exercising certain bad driver behaviors. One such behavior is distracted driving. As much as possible, drivers must avoid anything that can pull their attention away from their driving. To put it simply, don’t use your mobile phone, eat, drink, or use in-vehicle gadgets while you’re behind the wheel.

Another behavior that you and your passengers need to avoid is the failure to use seatbelts. Before the trip, everyone aboard the vehicle, including you, must agree to wear the seatbelt, especially when they are riding or driving the vehicle. Doing so is the best defense against a highway crash caused by a drunk driver.

By making the necessary preparations before the trip and avoiding risky behaviors behind the wheel, reaching your preferred summer destination will be hassle-free. Expert litigators, including a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, are all wishing all motorists and their families, friends, and colleagues a safe and fun-filled summer.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Summer Safety on the Road: What You Need to Be Aware Of Before Driving Out This Season

 some safety tips on summer driving
Image Source: http://mynorthwest.com/emedia/seattle/10/1033/103396.jpg

Today is the summer season, and it is expected that there will be a massive influx of vehicles going in and out of cities to get to various summer destinations. As it is, this time of the year is the perfect opportunity for a lot of people to go out on road trips to enjoy the great outdoors. However, motorists should be aware of a lot of things before and during trips in order for them to avoid certain inconveniences.

So if you are planning on a road trip going to picnics, beaches, and other destinations with your family and friends, it is important that your whole summer experience should hinge on the concept of safety. Here are some things that you need to be aware of before driving out:

•    Be prepared before and during the trip.

Preparation is always a key component in order to make sure that safety is at the forefront of driving your vehicle. Days before the road trip, you must make sure that your car has undergone maintenance. If your car performs well and every vital part of it is in tiptop condition, then you are good to go. It also helps if you prepared an emergency roadside kit before the trip in case your car breaks down in the middle of the trip.

Moreover, it is important that during the trip, you and your passengers are well-restrained with seatbelts. If you have children with you, they should be seated at the back, with a booster seat if they are of certain age. They must not also be left unattended; heat stroke is a leading cause of death among children, increasing during the summer time. More importantly, you must always follow traffic rules, as well as look out for passing motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians crossing the road.

•    Watch out for car thieves.

It is during the summer months—July and August—where vehicle thefts are on the rise. In fact, in every 44 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, mistakes on the part of drivers make up more than 40 percent of car theft incidents. Certain mistakes include leaving valuables inside the vehicle, failing to lock up all the vehicle windows and doors, and not parking in well-lit areas during the night.

•    Check your vehicle’s tires.

Driving your motor vehicle at highway speeds on hot summer weather may result in tire failure, especially if one or all of your tires are under-inflated. According to the NHTSA, around 11,000 crashes happen every year because of tire failure. To avoid this, it is important that you follow the recommended tire pressure on the front- and back-end of your vehicle, especially before you drive your vehicle on the day of your trip.

Incidentally, expert lawyers, particularly a car accident attorney in los angeles, advise all motorists to be physically and mentally prepared for road trips. Being on the right state of mind, along with the needed preparation, would help make this summer’s experience enjoyable, memorable, and free from hassles.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

New Federal Regulations to Reduce Truck Driver Fatigue, Accidents




A collision between a big-rig and a smaller passenger vehicle would only mean two things; injuries or instant death. Despite the fact that such accidents only account for around 10 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in the United States, most of the recorded deaths in truck mishaps often happen not on truck drivers, but on passenger vehicle occupants.

One of the reasons why truck accidents happen is because of truck driver fatigue. Because driving trucks entails long drives and weekly completion of working hours, most drivers often experience chronic fatigue, therefore increasing their chances of getting involved in crashes. Previous safety regulations imposed by the federal government on trucking companies does not also help, which is why such devastating accidents continue to happen.

Fortunately, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), implemented a new set of federal regulations that would not only reduce the chances of truck drivers to experience fatigue, but also improve the overall safety of motorists.

Fully implemented on the first day of July this year, the said safety regulations were first announced by the FMCSA in December of 2011. According to the DOT division’s press release, it estimated that the safety regulations would save around 20 lives, as well as prevent more or less 1,400 crashes and 560 injuries annually.

Since the FMCSA’s announcement, trucking companies were given 18 months to adopt the changes in the hours-of-service rules for truck drivers. In the new set of rules, truck drivers would now only have to work for an average of 70 hours a week, instead of the previous 82 hours per week.

Also, once they’ve reached the said average maximum hours of driving within a week, they can resume their duties on the next workweek if they rest for 34 consecutive hours, including at least two nights when their body clock demands sleep the most, which is from1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Finally, truck drivers are now required to take a 30-minute break during the first eight hours of a shift. Retained from the previous hours-of-service rules is the 11-hour-per-day driving limit within a 14-hour work day.

Meanwhile, legal experts, including a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, are satisfied with the new changes with regard to the working hours of truck drivers. They believe that this development would lessen incidents of truck collisions, as well as lower the number of injuries and or deaths because of these mishaps.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Car Accidents in Los Angeles, California: Common Causes and What You Need to Do

Car Accient in los angeles california

Auto accidents in Los Angeles are nothing uncommon. Given the fact that this progressive California metropolis is teeming with public and private vehicles, particularly cars, as well as being home to some of the busiest thoroughfares in the United States, it is no surprise that the city is not only known for its traffic jams but also for its incidents of vehicle accidents.

These accidents either result in serious injuries or in tragic deaths. In fact, over 50,000 individuals sustained bodily injuries from such mishaps across Los Angeles County every year. Also, in 2008, a total of 667 car accident-induced deaths were recorded. Around 80,000 car accidents resulted in damages to property.

With these figures, it is easy to point out that motorists, no matter they are driving in Los Angeles or elsewhere in the U.S., are highly at risk of getting involved in either a devastating or fatal car crashes.

Common causes

Auto accidents often happen because of various factors. Some of them are often attributed to the carelessness of other motorists. Tort laws in California, as well as in the whole country, allows victims of such mishaps to file personal injury cases against liable parties who/that negligently caused them injuries and other damages in order for them to be awarded monetary compensation.

As a motorist living in Los Angeles, it is imperative that you are aware of the common causes of vehicle accidents that are attributed to negligence. Here are some of them:
  • Failure to drive within the roadway’s speed limit. Since most roadways in Los Angeles are wide, it is easy for speed freaks to step on their car’s accelerators. Because of this, many of the accidents recorded in L.A. are caused by speeding drivers who go over the speed limit, especially in school zones and pedestrian crossings. Speeding drivers are the ones who cause collisions with other motor vehicles and private property, as well as pedestrian accidents.
  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol. We all know that drinking and driving do not make a perfect pair since alcohol greatly impairs a driver’s capability to make sound decisions while operating a vehicle. This leaves him or her highly vulnerable to driving errors that could result in serious or fatal injuries.
  • Driving while distracted. Los Angeles motorists who got involved in accidents are found to have been using their cell phones to text or call someone while driving, as well as eat or drink while behind the wheel. Such forms of driving distractions often result in serious, if not fatal collisions.

Seeking legal assistance for your personal injury claim

If in case you have been involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you must consider hiring an expert Los Angeles Auto Accident Attorney who can aggressively pursue your interest. Your chosen legal representative will help you collect valuable evidence in order to establish the fault of the liable party, which would also determine the amount of compensation that may be entitled to you to cover your injuries and other damages.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Barn Frame Collapses, Hurting 4 Workers


Image Source: http://media.nbcchicago.com/

Barns are rather easy to make. The design of the structure is quite simple and so building it is less complicated than erecting a building. In College Station though, the construction or a barn frame in an equestrian complex went bad that caused 3 workers to be critically injured.

The frame falls
According to reports, the accident happened in the A&M University equestrian complex, a property that’s a mile away from the main campus. According to fire fighters, police and emergency medical personnel that responded to the accident, twisted metal beams could be seen at the site. They have immediately transported to hospitals for treatment. The emergency workers for a while halted the rescue operations for they fear that the beams left standing could collapse. They first stabilized the structure before proceeding with the search and rescue operations.

What caused the fall?
According to the authorities, they are still trying to find out the real cause of the accident. The officials are talking to the Gamma Construction Company, the contractor of the said structure to shed light about the real cause of the accident. The National Weather Service then divulged that temperatures were in the mid 80s under a cloudy sky and wind gusts of just a little over 10 mph. Up to this very moment, the is still yet to release an official statement about what happened.

Call for safer working conditions for construction workers
A Los Angeles construction accident lawyer believes that measures to ensure the safety of all these construction employees should be put in place in order to stop accidents such as these. According to him, though barns are rather easier to create than tall skyscrapers, contractors and its workers should still exercise practices that enhance the safety of all its workers in all of its projects’ sites. Also, workers should follow safety precautions and wear safety equipment at all times to help lower the risk, if not completely avoid such accidents from happening again.

That is why if you are someone who works in a construction company, you should do your share in promoting safe working conditions by following safety guidelines and promoting it to your peers. Report anything unusual to your supervisors. Should authorities from their respective construction firms fail to act swiftly about the incident, you can submit a report to your local government office or consult a Los Angeles attorney to help you press charges against the construction company. The construction industry is already dangerous as it is. Failing to follow workplace safety requirements can make the situation worse and cause these deadly accidents to happen. That is why everybody should do their share and help promote safety in these construction sites.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Bicycle Accidents: Statistics and Safety Tips on How to Avoid Them

 Image Source: http://www.rueziffra.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Bike_Helmet1.jpg

Bicyclists are considered part of the road, and that they must share the road with other motorists. Since this is so, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as the latter, especially when it comes to following traffic rules. But then, while bicyclists are able to pass through designated bike lanes, they often have to drive alongside larger vehicles.

For the most part, bicycles are just miniscule compared to larger vehicles. Establishing presence on the road is very important, especially for cyclists; without that, an accident involving a car and a bike may possibly occur. Such mishaps often result in injuries and even death, and a common reason for it is distracted driving, particularly on the part of the motorist.

Related statistics on bicycle accidents

Basically, bicycle accident fatalities only account for just about 2 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths. In fact, a total of 675 bicyclists were killed in 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

It is also alarming to know that the said figure was a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Overall, though, bicycle deaths have decreased by 33 percent since 1975, the year the NHTSA first compiled statistical data on motor vehicle accident injuries and deaths.

Safety tips on how to avoid a possible bicycle accident

Meanwhile, if you occasionally ride a bike, either for leisure or for school or work, then you should consider these safety tips so that you can avoid becoming a statistic:

•    Take full control of your bike. Before taking your bike for a ride, it must first be properly-adjusted so that you can fully control it while traveling down the road. Since it is very necessary that you control your bike especially when traveling with other vehicles, you must never attempt to do so while you under the influence.

•     Always wear your helmet. Majority of the injuries and deaths in bicycle accidents involve head trauma, which is why it is very important for you to wear a helmet. It is said that using your helmet reduces the risk of a head injury by about 85 percent. While most bicycle helmet laws in 21 states and Washington, D.C. only apply to young drivers, it is necessary that riders of all ages must wear them.

•    Establish road presence. Drivers are not very much aware of whether or not there are bicycles moving past on either side of their vehicles. This is another reason why car-bicycle collisions happen. To avoid this, it is important for you, the bicyclist, to let your presence known to other motorist through making hand signals and driving on the direction of traffic. When driving at night, you must be able to wear any reflective clothing, as well as lights and reflectors installed on your bike.

What to do in case of an accident

However, if you ever get involved in an accident with a motorist, then it could be grounds for filing a personal injury claim, especially if you believe there was negligence. In this regard, you must not only seek medical attention if you have any minor or major injuries, but should also consider retaining the legal services of a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Accidents Involving Big-rigs: Related Statistics and Why They Happen

Los Angeles Truck Accidents
 Image Source: http://media.nbclosangeles.com/images/654*368/big-rig-monrovia-ground.jpg
Major injuries and even instant death can happen between a collision involving a smaller vehicle and a big-rig. In such an accident, casualties and fatalities mostly happen among occupants of passenger vehicles, as smaller vehicles are vulnerable to collisions with large trucks. As it is, a large vehicle that often weighs 20 to 30 times as much as passenger cars and are taller with greater ground clearance can ram through smaller vehicles in most crashes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,373 people were killed in large truck accidents, accounting for 10 percent of all the motor vehicle crash deaths during that year (32,367). Of the 3,373 people who died in large truck accidents in 2011, about 66 percent of them (2,241) were passenger vehicle occupants, while nearly 16 percent of them (553) were occupants of large trucks. The remaining 16 percent (525) were the unfortunate motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians combined.

Moreover, the number of vehicle occupants killed in two-vehicle crashes between a passenger vehicle and a large truck were 1,889. About 98 percent of them were passenger vehicle occupants (1,842), whereas the remaining 2 percent (47) were large truck occupants.

Meanwhile, a common factor as to why these horrific crashes happen is on the truck’s capability to stop. While cars are able to stop right away after motorists step on the brakes, trucks take much time to do so, particularly loaded tractor-trailers that take a long time to do so. They cover much of the road more if inclement weather conditions (e.g. wet, slippery roads), or poorly-maintained brakes are taken into account.

Another common factor for such an occurrence is fatigue, especially on the part of the truck drivers. While federal hours-of-service regulations allow truck drivers to drive up to 11 hours on a typical work day (77 hours for a seven-day period), many trucking companies have been found to violate these rules in which the drivers work more hours than they are supposed to.

Incidentally, a truck accident victim may seek damages for the injuries he or she incurred, especially if the incident was caused by negligence. Apart from the driver of the truck involved, the trucking company may also be one of the defendants in his or her case. In order to determine which liable party can be sued, and how much he or she is entitled to receive as compensation for the damages, he or she must immediately consult with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Heading Out on Road Trip This Summer? Here’s an NHTSA Safety Advisory

Image Source: http://www.autorepairsmyrna.com/wp-content/uploads/summer-driving.jpg

Summer is the time of the year where a lot of people go out on road trips to enjoy the great outdoors. As such, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a safety advisory last month urging motorists to take necessary precautions to make sure that their vehicles are in their best driving conditions. The traffic safety agency has also reminded motorists to be extra careful when behind the wheel to avoid endangering the lives of not only their passengers but also others.

Here are some of the safety precautions that the NHTSA highlighted in its press release dated June 4, 2013:
  • Motorists must do regular maintenance before taking their vehicles to long trips. Tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks, and tire rotations help avoid any breakdowns that might happen in the middle of trips. A maintenance check-up for the vehicle would suffice if it has not been serviced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, or that the driver is not aware of the vehicle’s service history.
  • Car lights, from headlights, brake lights, turn signals, to emergency lights, must be in good, working condition.
  • Before embarking on a road trip, motorists must make sure that they bring with them their emergency roadside kit, especially if an unfortunate breakdown happens. Things to include in the kit are a fully-charged cell phone, first aid kit, drinking water, medicines, and any lighting device such as a flashlight and flares, among others.

Meanwhile, here are some of the reminders from the NHTSA that drivers and passengers must keep in mind:
  • Use the seatbelt. Do not drink and drive. Avoid getting distracted.
  • Motorists with children must have the latter seated at the back. Younger children must likewise be restrained safely with a booster seat, still at the back of the vehicle. Also, children must not be left unattended; that way, injuries and deaths due to heat stroke are prevented.
  • Always watch out for crossing pedestrians, as well as passing bicyclists and motorcyclists. They often go in large numbers, especially since it is the summer season, so it is imperative for motorists to be extra careful when dealing with them on the road.

Incidentally, expert lawyers such as a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles also advise motorists to be physically and mentally prepared for road trips. Fatigue is one factor as to why road accidents during the summer season happen, which is why it is important to be at the best state of mind before going on a long drive.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Living the Motorcycle Lifestyle

harley davidson bikes
 Image Source: http://www.wallpaper-million.com/Wallpapers/f/Harley%20Davidson/Nice-blonde-girl-on-a-Harley-Davidson-bike-wallpaper_2765.jpg

In this world where comfort is the primary concern of people, you can’t help but be puzzled with people who tag along their bikes and cruisers to go around town. Riding your motorcycle when the sun is scorching hot can get uncomfortable, plus being exposed to the element while riding is not a pleasant experience for everybody.

What makes motorcycle riding click?

You have probably seen a lot of Americans riding their trusty Harley-Davidsons or their big bikes. A lot of people have bikes and take them on leisurely rides at times. So why do people love riding a lot? Here are some of the reasons why motorcycle riding is a good proposition for some:
  • Motorcycle riding offers such a thrilling experience. The feeling of being subjected to the elements makes the experience of traveling more exciting.
  • Bikes are more fuel efficient. With gas prices soaring lately, you’d want to save every penny that you can and motorcycles could really help you with that.
  • With motorcycles, finding a parking space is not a very difficult task. So if you’re the type who don’t want to waste time looking for a place to park your vehicle, riding a motorcycle is a great option.
  • Motorcycle riding promotes brotherhood and camaraderie. One thing with motorbikes is that riders usually travel in groups. More than the interest for bikes, these groups foster good relationships with other riders.
  • Personalization. It is easy and much more affordable to personalize motorbikes. That is why more and more riders are making their bikes their own.
  • In this time of global warming and other environmental issues, the low emissions from motorcycles make it a good alternative for motor vehicles
  • Great performance and easy operation. Most motorcycles can give you the same quarter mile time as a muscle car for just a fraction of the price, it is easier to operate too
  • A cool adventure. Motorcycle riding is cool and being able to go to places is such a great adventure thrill seekers will surely enjoy.

However, when riding a motorcycle, one should also take the necessary precautions to avoid getting involved in accidents. Every year, thousands of people die as a result of motorcycle accidents. A Los Angeles motorcycle lawyer says that there are various motorcycle groups that help promote not just the lifestyle but riding safety as well. These groups help riders know their bikes and the dangers that come with using it. A Los Angeles attorney strongly encourages people to be a part of these organizations or at least make it a point to study their bikes to help them fully understand how it is to use bikes and how one can be safe while using them. This way, accidents can be avoided and injuries, as well as deaths can be avoided.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Giving Meaning to A Life Lost

Motorcycle Accident

Accidents happen because of a lot of reasons. Most of it though happens because of the negligence of one of the parties involved in the accident. However, there are times when external factors that cause these accidents to happen. For example, there are road that are poorly maintained that have blind spots and sharp curves without the proper warning signs for motorists. Such negligence by the government agencies concerned can cause accidents that cause damage to property, injuries, and even death.

Out of sight, out of mind
Laws on the road are put in place to maintain order and safety on the road. However, not everybody’s aware of what these laws are. As one adage says, “out of sight, out of mind”; there should be reminders to help people keep themselves aware of these laws. A group of Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers believe that roads should be equipped with the appropriate signs to help the motorists better follow these laws. However, despite the continuous efforts of the government to put up signs everywhere, there are still some roads that don’t have proper signage.

Another life wasted to some’s negligence
One local U.S. Marine, Lance Corporal Jesse Wilkes, 27, was riding his motorcycle eastbound on Devonshire. The marine serviceman who was able to dodge death during his tours in Afghanistan, ironically lost his life in a deadly crash when a driver on board a Honda Civic made a sudden left-hand turn onto Winnetka Avenue, cuts right in front of him. Due to the dangerous maneuver of the Civic, Wilkes was unable to avoid the car, crashed on the car and skidded. The decorated marine died on impact.

Importance of street signs to motorcycle riders
Motorcycle riders need more time than its four wheel counterparts to be able to react and avoid road hazards. The absence of turn-arrows in intersections is one of the reasons why accidents happen on the roads. That is why Wilkes’ family called for the installation of street signs that will warn riders and drivers to take precautions in intersections to help avoid accidents from further happening.

What can you do as an ordinary citizen?
While the government is trying its best in making sure that the roads are safe and the proper signages are installed at the right places, they wouldn’t be able to cover everything at once. As a concerned citizen, you can inform various agencies of those particular places that you think the government should focus on. This way, the government can better cover all the bases to ensure the safety of everyone on the roads.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Hit-and-run, Literally

 Image Source: http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/images/wabc/cms_exf_2007/_video_wn_images/6929514_600x338.jpg

Accidents are supposed to be gory, and life threatening. As you see on TV news, lots of people get injured and even dead because of such accidents. Over the years, tens of thousands of accidents have been recorded. These have caused simple to grave injuries to some, and death to others. Time and again, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has come up with many programs that are made to promote road safety and prevent such instances of from happening.

Bad case of a hit-and-run
However, there is one reported car crash incident that will make all the other seem normal. An unnamed pedestrian was walking along the road when the Mazda 626 car, driven by a 49-year-old James John Onak. The very strong impact of the crash had caused one le fog the victims to be left on the road where he was struck. What’s more gruesome is that the body of the victim remained in the car’s windshield and the passenger seat.

Ending car accidents is everybody’s job
The government for its part has been doing everything that they can to help ensure that accidents are prevented. That is why the Department of Transportation and the NHTSA has made a plea to millions of American drivers and car owners to help ensure that accidents like these won’t happen again. The authorities pointed out, that car owners should always follow the many traffic laws implemented across the country. Also drivers must make sure that they keep their vehicles in top shape by doing the necessary repairs and preventive maintenance jobs in it to keep it safe to drive. Finally, a driver should exercise defensive and safe driving all the time.

What should victims of car accidents do?
Just like what happened to the victim of the car accident mentioned earlier, thousands of people get hurt, injured, and die because of these accidents. In such cases victims of the families left behind by the victims can file for personal injury and wrongful death claims against the drivers of the vehicle that caused the accident. A Los Angeles auto accident attorney says that victims must prepare and file the necessary complaint to the proper courts.

A Los Angeles lawyer believes that stopping hit-and-run incidents is everybody’s responsibility. From the driver behind the wheel of the car, to the law enforcers, and even simple pedestrians; everybody who’s using or have used roads should work together and do their share to achieve road safety. Through this, he believes that justice can be served for the victims of injuries and deaths brought about by hit-and-runs.