Cars are a staple of the American landscape, and unfortunately, so are vehicular accidents. (more…)

Auto accidents are one of the most common problems that people will encounter in their lives. A quick review of auto accident statistics reveals how often the average driver will experience an accident. According to AllState, the average driver will be involved in an auto accident about once every ten years. However, this is merely a national average. A closer examination of regions around the country reveals that auto accidents are far more prevalent in some areas versus others.

According to AllState, Washington D.C. is the worst city in the country for auto accidents. Survey data suggests that drivers in the District of Columbia have an accident about every five years. This is double the rate for the national average. Sadly, most of the other large cities around the country have similar accident rates. Baltimore, New York and Los Angeles drivers average one accident about every seven years.

The main cause of traffic accidents stems from driver distraction. When a person is dividing their attention between controlling their automobile and any other task, the odds of an avoidable collision dramatically increase. This is particularly true for drivers in large cities. AllState’s survey concludes that large cities experience increased accident rates due to overly aggressive drivers. For this reason, it is vital for drivers to focus all their attention on the cars around them.

Communities are increasingly taking active steps to reduce their accident rates. One of the most common strategies employed is the passage of distracted driver laws. One of the most common provisions in these laws is the outlawing of cell phone use while driving. While this may be a minor annoyance for some people, it has been statistically shown to reduce the likelihood of a driver experiencing an avoidable collision.

A quick look at auto accident statistics reveals that drivers in large cities are far more likely to experience an avoidable collision. However, they must be vigilant, and all of their concentration must be directed at the act of driving if they are to reduce their risk. Fortunately, communities are taking active steps to punish drivers who place others at risk. While this may be a minor inconvenience for some, it has the potential to dramatically reduce the accident rate on some of the country’s most dangerous roads.

After an automobile accident, it is important to consult the specific auto insurance settlement guidelines of the insurance company that is responsible for paying. These guidelines are often available from the company’s website or local agent. In particular, these guidelines detail the process that the individual must follow to ensure that their claim is properly filed. While the exact details of this process will vary from company to company, there are certain aspects that are universal.

The first step in the settlement process is to contact your insurance company. They will require a police accident report. This report will detail the conditions that were present during the accident, and who is responsible for the accident, as determined by the police officer that responded to the scene. This information will be used to determine how the claim should be processed.

If the insurer determines that they are not responsible for the claim, then it will be necessary to contact the other driver’s insurance. The first step in this process is to submit a letter of demand. This letter will detail the damage, expenses and why they are responsible for payment. In particular, the demand letter should provide an extremely detailed accounting of all damages that were incurred. These should be backed up with medical and work records for verification. Often, the police accident report will suffice to prove they are responsible for the claim. Therefore, it is wise to include a copy of this report with the demand letter.

The opposing insurer may claim that they are not responsible for the damages. Unfortunately, this happens more often than it should. When an insurance company refuses to comply with the letter of demand, it is time to contact an experienced attorney. Often, insurance companies will treat private claimants differently than they treat professional attorneys.

When an insurance company is refusing to honor their policy, it is important to contact a professional attorney. An attorney can help a person understand and follow the auto insurance settlement guidelines. This will increase their prospects for achieving a fair settlement. While it is possible for this to be done without the services of an attorney, insurance companies have a reputation for not honoring their policies. At the first sign of trouble, contact an experienced attorney.

Accidents can sometimes be avoided by simple car maintenance. For instance, preventing a tire blowout can prevent an accident. Before it’s too late, learn how to check for tire defects and keep your car rolling safely along.

Check Your Tire Pressure. The leading cause of tire failure is the combination of under-inflated tires and an overloaded vehicle. Make a regular practice of checking your tire pressure by using a calibrated tire gauge. Go by the tire pressure listed in your driver’s manual on your vehicle’s tire pressure information label (usually found somewhere on the driver’s door).

Check Your Tread. Check the tread and sidewalls of your tires at least once a month. Most tires have built-in wear bar indicators to determine when it’s time to replace your tires. Uneven tread wear could be a sign that your tires need to be rotated, or a sign of wheel misalignment. Either way, have your car serviced as soon as possible if you notice uneven tread wear.

Be Aware of Tire Recalls. If you sense that something is wrong with your tires after you’ve ruled out improper inflation or tread wear, check to see if there’s been a recall or investigation.  Tire recalls are listed by the federal government at http://www.safercar.gov/.

Tire defects not caused by wear, age, or improper inflation usually arise during the manufacturing process, which makes the manufacturer liable for accidents arising from tire failure. Design defects may be the problem if the tire design does not correspond to the motor vehicle design. For example, the weight limits for some tires are completely inadequate for some larger vehicles.  Poor labeling and faulty installation, which fall under product liability laws, can also lead to accidents.

To report a tire failure or to file a complaint with the government, go to https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm. If you or a family member was injured as the result of a tire defect, be sure to speak with an experienced San Antonio accident attorney such as Crosley Law Firm.

U.S. truck accident statistics show that injuries and fatalities from large truck accidents are on the rise.  According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2010 over 5,000 people died after crashes involving Large Truck and Commercial Vehicles, which includes semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and buses. Only 3,200 deaths occurred in 2009 from motor vehicle accidents involving these large trucks. About 100,000 people sustained injuries in 2010 in motor vehicle accidents with large trucks and commercial vehicles.

Part of the reason for the rise in truck accidents is that there are more trucks on the road. In fact, some statisticians expect a 20% increase in semi-truck traffic in 2012, because starting in 2012, Mexican commercial trucks will be allowed to travel across the United States. These trucks will be electronically monitored to allow only one trip at a time, directly from Mexico to a single destination and back, and Mexican drivers must have clean driving records and speak English. Still, the mere increase in traffic can be expected to cause more truck accidents.

Cell phones and mp3 players may also be a cause for the rise in commercial truck and bus accidents. In September 2011, a semi-truck driver in Kentucky hit a 15-passenger van immediately after making an outgoing phone call on his cell phone. That accident killed 10 people. The National Transportation Safety Board supports a national regulation prohibiting semi-truck drivers from texting, making phone calls, or using mp3 players while driving.  Creating this law could be an uphill battle, as many people feel that truck transportation companies should self-regulate and set these policies for themselves.

Unfortunately, a large percentage of truck accidents happen in large states where truck accident statistics show the most amount of commercial truck traffic: California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. If you or a family member was involved in a large truck accident where the driver was distracted or overtired, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim against the driver and the transportation company. Talk to a personal injury attorney today to determine if you may have a claim against a negligent truck driver.

SAN ANTONIO — The family of San Antonio police officer Sergio Antillon, who died 15 days after being struck by a drunk driver on October 14, 2010, filed suit today against the drunk driver of the vehicle that struck him, a second drunk driver to whom the officer had stopped to render aid, and the bar and bartender who are accused of over-serving alcoholic drinks to one of the drunk drivers shortly before the fatal accident. (more…)

Tom Crosley gave a presentation in Dallas at a legal seminar yesterday.  The seminar was hosted by the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, (more…)

Attorney Tom Crosley reached a settlement this month on behalf of an 18 year old girl in Scottsdale, AZ.  She was a back seat passenger in a car driven by a teenaged boy.  The driver was not paying attention to the roadway — allegedly due to “texting while driving.” (more…)

As drivers, we risk having a motor vehicle accident. However, when it happens, finding the right San Antonio car accident attorney is key. There are thousands of attorneys around, but here are a few tips when making the decision best for you.

1. Looking at credentials can be extremely important. Nearly anyone can advertise through various venues, such as television or billboards, but not every has the same qualifications. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about an attorney’s experience with your type of case and how he or she will handle the process.

2. Credentials are important, but an attorney’s success rate is even better. The likelihood of success with your own case can somewhat be determined from an attorney’s previous history with such cases. Having a certain educational background is inconsequential if the ability to win a case is not there.

3. Specialized attorneys can be more expensive or harder to find. However, if you have a unique case, then finding someone that focuses on your particular area of need can be helpful. If this is hard to come by, then be sure to ask questions about his or her experience with cases like yours.

4. If an attorney is not answering your questions in a satisfactory manner, then you should keep looking. You are paying for their services and are entitled to information. A good attorney will be able to explain your case and their process for litigation, as well as other information you may want to know.

5. Don’t wait until it’s too late! If you think you are going to need a lawyer, then hire one immediately. It can take time to find the right San Antonio car accident attorney, so giving yourself enough time is important. Also, whomever you choose will need time to prep your case, call for witnesses, etc. in order to increase your chances of success.

The summer heat has topped 100 degrees Fahrenheit in many locations around the country this year. Heat is your tire’s worst enemy, and the hotter a tire gets, the higher the risk of failure. Knowing some common causes of tire blowouts can help ensure that you and your family remain safe as you travel. Extreme temperatures can force tires to building pressure and overheat more readily. Additionally, increased friction, driving at high-speeds, and frequent braking during periods of very high temperatures can cause the tire to heat up beyond their design ratings. This can eventually lead to a tire blowout when you least expect it.

Many newer cars come equipped with tire pressure sensors; however, whether or not you have them, checking to make sure that tires are inflated to manufacturers’ specifications can ensure your safety. Defective sensors may not be noticed until it is too late. Under-inflated tires increase the risk of tire blowouts because they tend to run hotter in general. Also, tires that are worn out, have cracks, or are generally older can fail in hotter weather as well.

An important note is that not all tires are created equal when it comes to temperature ratings. Just like size and weight ratings, temperature ratings show a tire’s resistance to heat and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under controlled laboratory test conditions. If you live in a much warmer climate, choosing tires that specify higher temperature ratings can potentially save you in the long run.

Finally, plastic valve caps are a better choice than metal caps. In severe heat, metal caps can potentially weld to the tire valve itself, making it nearly impossible to refill air pressure. There are many causes of tire blowouts, but with a few simple checks, you can enjoy the summer heat.