Last updated 9 months ago
Auto-related injuries remain a leading cause of death for both children and adults nationwide, and crash safety statistics indicate that Florida is still home to some of the most dangerous areas for auto accidents. Fortunately, aesthetics and fuel economy aren’t the only items that are changing in the auto industry; event data recorders (EDRs)—devices which record vehicle information while driving—are becoming increasingly common in newer vehicles. These devices provide investigators and Florida auto accident attorneys important crash information that can help recreate crash patterns and clarify causation.
EDRs are currently not mandatory, but a recent 2005 report estimates that they are present in approximately 64 percent of all passenger vehicles. New NHTSA EDR rules standardize the retrieval and formatting of 15 types of key information for all 2013 and later model year vehicles, including items such as:
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Driver input
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Pre-crash vehicle dynamics and system status
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Vehicle crash signature
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Usage/deployment of safety devices
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Post-crash data and the activation of automatic crash notification systems
More advanced EDRs may also store additional information, such as lateral vehicle movement, engine performance, stability control/antilock braking systems, and even occupant size and position, though this information is not covered by NHTSA data parameters.
EDRs have already been used to reach a legal conviction in Matos v. State, in which a device recorded a vehicle traveling at 114 mph before killing two passengers in an auto accident. NHTSA rules are intended to improve the survivability of data and regulate information retrieval methods. Since EDR data is considered the property of the vehicle owner, the new rules are intended to make the information more easily accessible to the owner and to limit third-party retrieval to normal means of investigation.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury or wrongful death due to an auto accident, then consult with Orlando attorney Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. to determine your options for legal recourse. Visit us online for more information and call (407) 843-6353 today to schedule a consultation.
Last updated 9 months ago
Every time you drive your vehicle, you are at risk of an accident. The best way to lower that risk is to drive prepared with the knowledge on how to avoid an accident. Explore these resources for information on staying safe on Florida’s roadways, and if you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident that was the other driver’s fault, contact Orlando personal injury attorney Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., at (407) 843-6353.
Last updated 9 months ago
Taking the few seconds required to fasten your safety belt can save your life—and spare you a traffic ticket. In the event of a serious car accident, your seat belt will keep you from colliding with other objects in your car or even being thrown from the vehicle. If you’re driving anywhere in Florida, you should be aware of the state’s seat belt laws. Here is a brief overview of what all Florida drivers—and passengers—need to know about seat belts:
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All front-seat passengers must be wearing seat belts at all times whenever a car is in motion. In addition, all passengers under the age of 18 must be wearing a seat belt at all times, no matter where they are seated in the car.
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All children who are age three or younger must be buckled into a federally approved child-restraint seat at all times whenever they are in a moving vehicle. Children who are ages four through five must be secured, either by an age-appropriate child-restraint seat or by a seat belt. The driver of the vehicle is the individual responsible for securing the child.
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If an individual violates the seat belt law, he or she will be fined a penalty of $30. If a child is not wearing a seat belt or an age-appropriate restraint, the individual responsible for securing him or her will be fined a penalty of $60.
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Seat belt laws apply to all cars, vans, and pickup trucks for as long as they are operating on Florida roadways. Buses, farm tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, and trucks that weigh more than 26,000 lbs. are exempt from these laws.
When you need the services of a personal injury attorney, contact the office of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. in Orlando. His areas of practice include car accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. If you would like to set up a free initial consultation to discuss your claim, call (407) 843-6353 today.
Last updated 9 months ago
Every year, thousands of cautious, responsible drivers are drawn into serious car accidents on Florida roadways. Even the most careful and conscientious driver can’t always avoid harm, but knowing what factors most commonly lead to
car accidents can help you keep yourself safe. They include:
Distracted drivers. Drivers who stop paying attention to what they are doing—even for a few seconds—are by far the most widespread cause of car accidents in the United States today. Sending text messages—which means taking your eyes off the road—is particularly dangerous, but talking on a cell phone or applying makeup can be equally distracting. If you see a driver using a cell phone, texting, or who is in some other way distracted, keep well away from that vehicle.
Drunk drivers. In 2010, more than 600 Florida traffic fatalities were attributed to
drunk drivers. Being intoxicated can make a driver behave in reckless ways, such as following other vehicles too closely, drifting from side to side, speeding, or changing lanes without signaling. Keep your distance from drivers who display any of these signs; never try to follow or stop the vehicle. If possible, write down the license number and report the driver to the authorities.
Bad weather. A summer shower may be pleasant, but it can also make it difficult to see the road clearly. Heavy rain can lead to flooding, which can cause drivers to lose control of their steering or braking. When severe storms sweep through Florida, they regularly cause multiple-car accidents. Avoid driving in bad weather if at all possible, particularly on freeways and highways.
When a car accident interrupts your life, it’s important that you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible for legal aid. Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., is an Orlando injury attorney who practices in a variety of
personal injury claims, including car accidents. For more information, call (407) 843-6353.
Last updated 9 months ago
Keeping up with routine maintenance duties is part of the secret of avoiding car accidents. The safety of your vehicle depends on keeping all of its important components operating at full capacity. Pay attention to these parts of your vehicle, repair them when necessary, and replace them when they have outlived their usefulness:
Windshield. Even minor flaws can affect the transparency and usefulness of a windshield. If you notice a crack or a chip in your windshield, it may be possible to have it repaired. If there is a hole three inches or longer or a crack of about 12 inches or longer, however, you will probably need to replace it outright. Be sure to work with a professional installer; an incorrectly installed windshield could cause serious injuries in the event of an accident.
Tires. While a good set of tires will stand you in good stead for years, they still require a conscientious degree of maintenance. Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles to ensure that they wear evenly, and check the air pressure periodically to ensure that your tires are not underinflated. If you notice that your car has trouble staying on course, or that it is shaking, have the wheel alignment inspected by a professional.
Rear-view mirrors. Even though you’re continually using it when you drive, it’s easy to overlook the importance of the rear-view mirror. Unfortunately, most rear-view mirrors are not attached by anything stronger than glue, and a dislodged mirror is a recipe for a serious car accident. Keep an eye on your mirror and be prepared to reattach it in an emergency.
When an automobile accident has left you or a loved one with serious injuries, it’s time to contact the office of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. in Orlando. Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., practices in car accidents, medical malpractice, and other personal injury claims. To set up a free consultation to discuss your case, call (407) 843-6353.
