Learning how an accident occurred and who caused the wreck is the first step in deciding who to include in a personal injury lawsuit. This is a complicated process that requires an experienced attorney where a truck accident is concerned. The companies and firms involved in the transport of goods via 18-wheeler can be numerous, and often, more than one party may have been negligent in causing or contributing to an 18-wheeler accident. Potentially liable parties can include: Truck Drivers: We have handled cases in which drivers have operated 18 wheeler trucks for long hours and were … [Read more...]
Greyhound Bus Drivers say Company Opposes Safety Reform
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1700, which represents Greyhound bus drivers, has been speaking out against the company's safety record. "Members of the National Association of Bus Crash Families said they recently learned that Greyhound did not support HR7, a bill introduced by Georgia Democrat John Lewis and Texas Republican Ted Poe. The Lewis-Poe Amendment, as it is known, is identical to language in the MESA Bill, and replaces earlier provisions in the House version with a “Greyhound Compromise.” “We negotiated with Greyhound in good faith and gave up important safety priorities … [Read more...]
1/5 of Commercial Vehicles were Found Unsafe
The Texas Department of Public Safety reports that one-fifth of commercial vehicles they inspected in in 2011 were unsafe: "Since the first of the year, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement personnel and specially-trained Highway Patrol troopers have inspected 331,505 commercial vehicles. As a result of these inspections, DPS removed 66,189 unsafe commercial vehicles and 12,301 unsafe commercial vehicle drivers from Texas roads for a variety of safety violations. “Commercial vehicles are responsible for approximately 15 percent of the fatalities in Texas crashes,” said McCraw. “Most … [Read more...]
American Trucking Associations Support Congressional Mandate for Electronic Logging Devices in 18-Wheelers
Many 18-wheeler accidents become more difficult to investigate due to missing or incomplete information concerning hours-of-service compliance. Electronic Logging Devices could assist in safety and compliance with federal laws by more closely tracking hours 0f service and other important metrics. The American Trucking Associations, along with other law enforcement and advocacy groups, recently signaled support for such a measure by sending a letter to members of the House and Senate who are currently negotiating safety regulations. “The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has … [Read more...]
Happy Stop The Texts Day!
Distracted driving is a real scourge in our society. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, has declared today #StopTheTextsDay asking Twitter for ideas on how best to fight this menace and convince people to put down the phone and drive. Celebrities like Kasey Khane have even released public service announcements with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urging drivers to “STOP THE TEXTS STOP THE WRECKS.” Unfortunately, distracted driving isn’t just a problem amongst consumers. Many employers still have policies that allow, or even encourage employees to use their cell … [Read more...]
Chrysler Recalls Three Models of Ram trucks
News Source: The Kansas City Star - July 13, 2011 Chrysler Motor Corporation announces a recall nearly 250,000 Ram pickups because of a faulty part in the steering system which can cause loss of control. This recall affects Chrysler’s top-selling vehicle and covers about 243,000 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups ranging from year models 2008 through 2011. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that a part near the left front wheel can fracture and risk potential crash of the vehicle. … [Read more...]
G.M. Recall for Inaccurate Shift-Lever Reading
Recall of Almost 6,800 Pickups By CHRISTOPHER JENSEN of The New York Times 2011 GMC Canyon, one of the models affected in a recall by General Motors. General Motors is recalling almost 6,800 pickups from the 2011 model year because they might roll away even when the automatic transmission’s selector appears to be in Park. The automaker also said it recalled 739 pickups and sport utility vehicles because of a possible loss of steering. The pickups affected by the shift-lever issue are the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon equipped with the 4-speed automatic and either the … [Read more...]
Ford expands recall of F-150 pickup to nearly 1.2M
from The Houston Chronicle By TOM KRISHER Associated Press April 14, 2011, 9:41AM DETROIT — Under pressure from government safety regulators, Ford Motor Co. is expanding a recall of the popular F-150 pickup truck to include nearly 1.2 million vehicles that may have defective air bags. The additional recall, announced Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, covers trucks from the 2004 through 2006 model years. An electrical short can cause the air bags to deploy unexpectedly, in some cases injuring drivers. In February, Ford agreed to fix 150,000 of the trucks … [Read more...]
Key-Fob Slip Prompts Chrysler Recall
from the New York Times Online Key-Fob Slip Prompts Recall of 248,000 Chryslers Chrysler is recalling about 248,000 vehicles because driving over rough roads can cause the key to move slightly and turn off the engine. In the new filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler said the affected models were the 2010 Dodge Journey and Grand Caravan, as well as the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country. Those vehicles use a key fob that fits into the dash. Chrysler told the safety agency that it began an investigation in September when it observed an uptick in owner … [Read more...]
Ford to recall 150,000 F-150 pickups over air bags
from the Austin American Statesman By KEN THOMAS The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Under government pressure, Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it will recall nearly 150,000 F-150 pickup trucks to fix air bags that could deploy without warning, a fraction of the vehicles the government contends should be called back and repaired. The recall covers trucks from the 2005-2006 model years in the United States and Canada for what the Dearborn, Mich., company calls a "relatively low risk" of the air bag deploying inadvertently. The government, however, has urged Ford to recall 1.3 million … [Read more...]