Risks Involved in Drowsy Driving by Uber and Lyft Drivers
Cabs are the very soul of New York. With the recent advent of ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, a cab is available at the click of a button right at your doorstep. However, if you ask an Uber or Lyft driver about their daily routine, you’d be shocked to know that most of them work for a lot more than an ideal 8 hours a day familiar to us. Many drivers, who often work multiple shifts and even multiple jobs, are trying to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this leaves them fatigued and often sleepy. This makes drowsy driving a very prevalent risk in the ridesharing industry. Moreover, this puts the driver, the passenger, and other people on the road at risk of an accident which could leave them severely injured. What do the numbers say? The data also shows a grim scenario. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shared that 328,000 crashes in the U.S. every year involve a drowsy driver. Of these, 109,000 accidents result in injuries and 6,400 lead to a fatality. Moreover, in 2017, the National Transportation Safety Board included “reduce fatigue-related accidents” in its “most wanted list of the 10 most critical changes needed to reduce transportation accidents and save lives”. What is the stance of ridesharing companies? Even ridesharing companies are making efforts to reduce drowsy driving. In 2018, Uber announced that any driver who has worked for 12 hours needs to go on a six-hour break. At Lyft, a driver needs to take a six-hour break after 14 hours of driving. However, the extent to which these norms are followed is not known. Moreover, despite the break, drivers may end up driving late at night or early in the morning at the end of a long12-to-14-hour shift. This increases the risk of accidents because, at these hours, sleepiness is at its peak. Dangers of drowsy driving Drowsy driving increases the risk of accidents because the driver’s reaction time becomes slow, there is less alertness to look for potential dangers, and the promptness required to decide in case of danger is hampered. How to know if your driver is drowsy? Often a late night with friends or an early meeting in the office may compel you to call an Uber or Lyft. Here’s how you can spot if your driver is drowsy – (1) repeatedly yawning, (2) rubbing their eyes, (3) missing traffic signals/turns, (4) irritating temper/restlessness / rushed to reach the destination, (5) drifting/changing lanes too often. If you think your driver is drowsy, suggest to them to cancel the ride and call it a day. If you’re already in the car and realize the driver is drowsy, ask the driver to pull over at a safe place and take another cab. What to do if you meet with an accident due to a drowsy driver? Despite all measures, if you’ve been in an accident due to a drowsy driver and their negligence, hire a car accident lawyer. However, before you bring the car accident attorney on board, make sure you get the due medical attention. Remember to document all the relevant evidence, such as photographs, medical expenses, booking confirmation, etc. The car accident attorney will represent your case holistically ensuring that the compensation you get is the one you deserve. With powerful organizations, such as Uber and Lyft, leading the market in ride-sharing, it becomes imperative that you get an able car accident lawyer to fight for your case against these multimillion-dollar corporations. If you or someone you know has met with an accident in an Uber or Lyft and need a winning law firm, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Risks Involved in Driving an Automatic Car / Tesla
Tesla’s autopilot is an advanced driver assistance system designed to reduce the overall workload of its driver. Every Tesla car today provides advanced autopilot features and full self-driving capabilities in the future, through a series of software updates. Tesla boldly claims that every one of its cars will have full self-driving capabilities in the future in almost all circumstances and at a safety level that is at least twice as good as the average human driver. Risks involved in Tesla’s autopilot However, Tesla’s autopilot has drawn criticism and has been under federal investigation due to a string of accidents that may have been caused by the system. As of now, the autopilot function can keep a moving car in its lane and can match the speed of surrounding vehicles. Tesla has said that the autopilot system must be used only under certain conditions but some safety experts say the company does not do enough to educate drivers about these limitations or make sure that drivers do not become overly reliant on the system and thus, distracted. Accidents involving Tesla’s autopilot Autopilot is likely to blame for a 2018 crash in California in which the driver died. Findings determine that the system failed to keep the car in its lane and failed to detect a highway barrier while travelling at 71 miles per hour, the speed limit being 65 mph. The driver was playing a game on his phone at the time. The first known fatal crash with autopilot in use occurred in May 2016 in Florida, when a Tesla failed to stop for a truck that was turning in front of it on the highway. The vehicle hit the trailer, continued traveling underneath it and veered off the road. What’s the need of the hour? It is clear that Tesla needs to develop an application that senses the driver’s level of engagement and issues warnings when the driver’s hands are off the wheel. The computer security company McAfee released findings that a Tesla using the intelligent cruise control feature could be tricked into speeding by placing a small strip of electric tape onto speed limit signs. Research has also shown that placing stickers on road signs could coax cars into dangerously switching lanes while the autopilot system is engaged. Drivers misunderstand the capabilities of Tesla’s autopilot system and the Tesla website currently paints a confusing picture of its cars capabilities. In 2018, Elon Musk was widely criticized for taking his hands off the steering wheel while demonstrating the self-driving capabilities of a Tesla Model 3, something the vehicle owner’s manual instructs drivers using autopilot never to do. By calling its system ‘autopilot’ and by using terms like ‘full self-driving,’ Tesla is misleading consumers as to the capabilities of the technology. Unlike autopilot, Super Cruise, a driver-assistance system offered by General Motors, works only on certain highways and tracks drivers’ heads to make sure they are paying attention to the road. What do you do if you’re involved in an accident? If a driver suffered injuries in a crash involving a self-driving Tesla, he is owed compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and funeral expenses. A car accident attorney will be able to help. Car injury law firms have the resources to take on a large company like Tesla and can make difficult legal matters much easier for its clients. The number of self-driving Teslas in New York is growing every day as it is one of the biggest markets in the US. The best car injury attorney at The Law Office of Siler and Ingber is just a phone call away and is experienced in tackling cases involving self-driving cars in New York City. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving Tesla’s autopilot and need a winning law firm, contact Siler &Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Common Risks Involved in Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removals are common in the United States. Data suggests that there are more than 445000 laser hair removal procedures done each year across the country. Moreover, an average American spends about $287 on it. What is laser hair removal? Laser hair removal is a non-invasive technique that uses highly concentrated light (heat) to penetrate hair follicles which restricts hair growth in the future. What are the risks involved in laser hair removal? Since the technology uses heat, it exposes people to the risk of injuries. One of the most common risks involved in a laser hair removal procedure is burns of varying degrees. Most often, a laser hair removal procedure may cause first-degree burns that scar the affected area. In case of a second-degree burn, the top layer of the skin is penetrated which may cause redness or blisters. A third-degree burn is the most severe kind and penetrates through all layers of the skin. But burns of any degree are painful, can leave scars, and even mentally traumatize the victim. What puts you at risk during a laser removal procedure? With the market exploding with demand for laser hair removal in recent years, salons, spas, and spaces are cropping up in every nook and corner of New York to offer laser hair removal at competitive prices. Hence, with increased demand and rush, one of the biggest causes of injury is the lack of a trained professional. Often, people who are not adequately trained or experienced undertake laser hair removal procedures which increase the risk of errors and resultant injuries/burns. What should you do before going for the procedure? Make sure that you go to a reputed center for laser hair removal. Talk to people who have availed these services, check out customer reviews online, and don’t hesitate to ask about the personnel’s qualifications and experience who is supposed to do the procedure for you. What should you do if you suffer a burn injury during the procedure? In a scenario where you end up with a burn injury of any degree due to someone’s negligence during the laser hair removal procedure, it is recommended that you hire a burn injury attorney. Based on the nature of negligence, your burn injury lawyer will help you file a compensation claim. To have a strong claim in place, you must document all your injuries (medical expenses, photographic evidence of scars/blisters) and other important evidence (confirmation of appointment). Consult with your burn injury attorney for more relevant evidence and documentation to strengthen a claim of this nature. If you or someone you know has suffered burns due to a laser hair removal procedure and you need the best burn injury lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced burn injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Preparing Your Car to Prevent Accidents in Winter
As we approach winters, we need to prepare ourselves for snow, icy roads, rain, and fog. These factors contribute to a higher risk while driving. Statistics suggest that about 76,000 people are injured in traffic accidents during snowfall every year in the United States. Moreover, 116800 people get injured in car crashes and more than 1300 people die in car crashes on snowy roads. Here are a few tips to prevent car accidents in winter: Take your car for a winter check – Before you venture out in the winter for a drive, it is important you get a professional perform a winter check on your vehicle and declare it safe. Winter tires – It is recommended that you equip your car with winter tires. Additionally, regularly check tire pressure because, in winters, tires tend to have less pressure as air contracts in this weather. Moreover, make sure your tires have good tread and inflate the tires regularly. Inspect the battery – Make sure that you inspect your battery regularly, especially in winters because the battery’s capacity lessens. It is best if a professional inspect the batteries to make sure that all the fluids and cables are in top-notch shape. Use antifreeze products: We recommend that you use antifreeze washer and wiper fluid, and change your oil as well as the oil filter to prevent any car troubles. Inspect the wiper blades–Ensure that the wiper blades are working properly as they should during rain/snow/storm, and replace them if required. Remove snow– It is pertinent that you remove all the snow from your vehicle before using it, especially the hood, trunk, and roof. Have an emergency kit– Despite preparing for a winter drive, you may end up getting stuck or stranded due to a snow storm. We suggest you keep your trunk equipped with emergency supplies, including a snow shovel and a bag of salt to get your wheels out of a ditch. Also, keep some non-perishable food items handy at all times. Keep your gas tank full – An unexpected storm or a traffic jam can compel you to change your route or head back home, it is always better to have enough gas to prepare for these contingencies. Accident due to someone’s negligence Despite our best efforts to be safe and prepare for all contingencies while driving in the winter, you may end up in an accident due to someone else’s negligence. In such a scenario, we recommend that you hire a vehicle accident law firm with the top lawyers for car accidents. The vehicle accident attorney will undertake a thorough evaluation of the case and file a claim which will get you the compensation you deserve for the physical and mental harm as well as the financial implications of the accident on you. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident and you need a winning law firm, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced top lawyers for car accidents. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Pandemic Related Reckless Driving
Though it may not have seemed possible, New York City roads have turned even more deadly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Rates of fatal motor vehicle accidents citywide continue to surpass last year’s totals. According to The New York Times, the number of NYC drivers and passengers killed in vehicle crashes as of June 2020 increased by 22 percent compared to the same time last summer. These tragic numbers skyrocketed even higher in July 2020, with fatalities reaching up to 300 percent higher than in July 2019. Traffic safety advocates have heavily contributed the ongoing spike in NYC road fatalities to an uptick in reckless drivers on the road. When lockdowns and quarantines emptied the streets of NYC, reckless drivers seized the opportunity to take risks on the roads. But when New Yorkers finally began returning to a sense of normalcy by leaving their homes, the true disasters on the road quickly unfolded. Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration found that approximately 94 percent of motor vehicle accidents are caused by human error, with reckless driving habits highlighted as leading contributors. Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists are all at risk when it comes to encountering reckless drivers in NYC. This article will cover the crucial facts you need to know about this deadly uptick and what you can do to stay safe on the streets. Pandemic-Related Reckless Driving Trends There is no doubt that 2020 has been a disappointing and debilitating year for all New Yorkers. Unfortunately, safety advocates have also described 2020 as the bloodiest year on the road since 2016, despite the driving rates dipping drastically during lockdown periods. According to StreetsBlog, there have been at least 173 road fatalities in NYC as of September 30, 2020. These fatalities included 68 pedestrians, 18 cyclists, 38 motorcyclists, and 49 motor vehicle occupants. There are several pandemic-related factors to consider that are directly influencing the increase in traffic fatality rates citywide: Reckless drivers are still taking advantage of less congested roads by speeding and making aggressive maneuvers; Drivers who would not typically drive recklessly are turning into reckless drivers to keep up with the pace of the roads; Reckless drivers who became used to empty roads are not staying vigilant to the increase of pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles returning to the streets; Drivers who speed have less time to avoid road hazards and other occupants; The implementation of outdoor dining areas has caused some roads to close or become more narrow, leaving reckless drivers even less time to swerve or stop; and The influx of commuters who want to avoid crowded transportation has caused an uptick in New Yorkers driving personal vehicles, biking, or walking around the city. While NYC officials previously hoped that the rate of speeding and driving recklessness would subside as lockdowns lifted, these deadly trends have appeared to stay. Some boroughs are still experiencing areas of less congested roads that allow drivers to pick up speedeasily. Accidents caused by speeding are often more severe and deadly than when cars are traveling at slower speeds. Now, New Yorkers across all five boroughs are begging for the city to step in before more preventable fatalities arise. Creating Safe Post-Pandemic Roads in NYC The possibility of a secondary coronavirus outbreak hitting NYC is not out of the question. According to Gothamist, NYC hospitals have already seen nearly double the amount of COVID hospitalizations since the summer months, with over 551 new cases reported just in the last seven days. With regard to traffic accidents, a future outbreak could lead to an even higher road fatality rate than we see now. If lockdowns start without implementingnew safety measures, more and more reckless drivers will continue to put others at risk. Speeding alone has become the most common reckless driving behavior leading to the recent uptick in NYC road fatalities and is subsequently the most deadly. To combat these fatal speeding trends, city officials are attempting to get ahead of the game by implementing lower speed limits on roadways known for leading to fatalities. On September 1, city officials announced the following speed limit adjustments to nine major roadways across NYC: Brooklyn Flatbush Ave from Grand Army Plaza to Empire Boulevard, .8 mile (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Shore Parkway Service Road from Bay 8th Street to Plumb 3rd Street, 4.8 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Dahlgren Place from 86th Street to 92nd Street, .3 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Manhattan Riverside Drive from 165th Street to 181st Street, .8 mile (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Bronx Bruckner Blvd from East 135th Street to Pelham Bay Park, 6.5 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Webster Ave from East 233 Street to East Gun Hill Road, 1.2 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Queens Rockaway Blvd from 150th Ave to 3rd Street (Nassau County border), 2.5 miles (40 MPH to 35 MPH) Northern Blvd from 114th Street to Glenwood Street (Nassau County border), 7 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Staten Island Targee Street from West Fingerboard Rd to Broad St, 1.8 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Other strategies officials have considered implementing to reduce fatal accidents caused by reckless driving include: Installing more speed cameras citywide; Increasing speed-radar enforcement on highways and high-risk roads; Creating more effective signage to announce a change in traffic patterns; Dedicating certain streets to be used for foot traffic and outdoor dining only; Accelerating more busways and protected bike lanes; and Restricting traffic into Manhattan during rush hour to reduce congestion. How To Stay Safe Motor vehicle accidents involving reckless drivers are 100 percent preventable. Unfortunately, there will always be dangerous drivers on the road who are only thinking about their own agenda. Drivers on the streets of NYC can help protect those around them by slowing down, staying alert, and avoiding the use of aggressive maneuvers. Just because there is a stretch of road with no one around does not mean you should speed
Seat Belt Law to Change in New York State on November 1, 2020
From November 1, 2020, a change in the New York state law mandates all front and back seat car passengers to wear seat belts. The new regulation also requires a properly fitted car seat for all children under the age of eight. The revised law applies to privately-owned cars, cabs, Uber, and Lyft. Here’s why seat belts are important Seat belts save lives, and their importance cannot be overstated. A report by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration suggests that 47% of the 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle accidents were not wearing seat belts. The report also mentioned that wearing seat belts saved the lives of nearly 15000 people. Unfortunately, people often do not wear seat belts, especially those in the back seat, despite known benefits. Even in states where back seat passengers must wear seat belts, only about 81% report they abide by the law. In states where the law does not mandate it, only 67% wear a seat belt in the back seat. Moreover, if you’re in a car accident, not wearing a seat belt can put you at a higher risk of severe injuries, which require long recovery periods. We urge you and your loved ones to wear seat belts and stay safe. Seat belt laws in New York state Interestingly, in 1984, New York became the first state in the country to mandate passengers to wear a seatbelt. Until now, passengers aged 16 years or above were required to wear a seat belt only in the front seat next to the driver. However, as of November 1, 2020, all passengers are required to wear a seat belt, including back seat passengers. How the seat belt law works Violators of the seat belt law can be fined up to $50 per person. Drivers can also be fined $25 to $100 and receive three penalty points on their driver licenses for each violation. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, a car accident lawyer can help you file a claim against the negligent driver and seek compensation for the injuries and other damages caused. However, if you were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, it can substantially impact your claim and compensation. If you were not wearing a seat belt when the accident occurred, three doctrines can be used by the negligent party’s lawyer against you, namely contributory negligence, comparative negligence, and modified comparative negligence. Every state is free to choose the doctrine. In New York State, the comparative negligence doctrine is applied in a case where the victim is also at fault in an accident. Comparative negligence refers to a comparative analysis where the accident victim shares blame for the injuries caused to them. If this doctrine is applied, the victim can recover some amount in the form of compensation. Still, a certain percentage of the amount is reduced to hold the victim accountable for their mistakes in causing the accident or injuries. However, in the case of not wearing a seat belt, comparative negligence will only be applied if the absence of a seat belt either caused the accident or any injury. A car accident lawyer will carefully go through the details of your accident to suggest the best way forward. We urge you to take note of the regulation change and ensure that you wear a seat belt, whether in the front or back seat. We wish you and your loved ones a safe drive.
Relevant Evidence Needed for a Car Accident Case
Car accidents are a common occurrence in America and New York is home to numerous car accidents due a high population of drivers. Reports and data show that nearly 19,000 accidents in New York occur per month, which equals nearly 670 accidents every single day. Accidents are often a result of someone else’s negligence. A motor vehicle collision can cause serious, long lasting, traumatic injuries. Often these injuries lead to numerous challenges including pain, surgeries and medical treatments, high medical bills and other financial liabilities. These challenges can cause great stress and trauma to the victim and their family. In such a case, the victim should be paid the compensation they deserve. A motor vehicle accident law firm can help you through the process to fight for your rights and get the compensation your need and deserve. Once you hire a car accident lawyer, the first thing is to gather the evidence required to file the claim. Evidence is fundamental to your claim as it is used to prove the negligence of the driver who caused the accident. In cases of car accidents, evidence becomes even more important due to sheer number of claims. Such high number of car accidents indicates high number of claims, and supporting your case with comprehensive evidence will not only make your claim stronger, but it will also make the process faster. The best car accident lawyers in New York will help you acquire the necessary evidence you need before proceeding with your claim. What counts as relevant evidence? Even the best car accident attorney is going to need strong evidence to get you the compensation you deserve for all of your physical and mental injuries caused by the accident. In a car accident, some evidence can help more than others. Here’s what you should keep in mind while collecting evidence after a car accident: Witness testimony – A testimony from someone who saw the accident can become one of the strongest pieces of evidence. While it may be difficult to talk to a witness right after the accident, it is best to get the contact information of anyone who was physically present and reach out to them along with the lawyer. A car accident plaintiff lawyer will know the best way to talk to a witness, as they know the relevant information needed for your case. Photos – Photographic evidence can play a pivotal role in your accident claim. It is best to click as many photos as possible right after the accident. The photos should ideally capture the: Internal and external damage caused to the vehicle Exact spot where the accident occurred Injuries sustained Damage caused to anything else around, for instance, if the car also hit a pillar or a post. Debris or skid marks Weather conditions Physical position of both the vehicles after the accident Signage, Traffic Lights and images of the intersection or location of the accident Camera footage – The most helpful evidence in a car accident case is video footage. This could either be from a CCTV installed on the road at the location where the accident occurred or if it was captured by a pedestrian’s smartphone. Be alert and look for cameras around, for instance, if there was a restaurant, hotel, or a store nearby, check to see if there is a camera installed at its entrance. If you think there might be a video, get in touch with your car accident lawyer and seek their help to get the video footage. While the above stated evidence is to show the negligence of the at-fault driver, it is also important gather documentation and evidence related to you. This could include: Police Report Insurance documents of the other driver Medical records supporting the injuries you have sustained Medical bills for treatment of your injuries Documentation or proof of loss or income Any other expense you incurred due to this accident, for example, paying for bus or train fare as your car was damaged due to the accident Relevant evidence will form the basis of your claim and will heavily support the value of your case. If you have been injured in a car accident Get in touch with a car accident attorney today. If you or someone you know has been injured in car accident and you need a winning law firm, contact Siler &Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Can you Sue A Bar for Overserving and Allowing Drunk Driving?
Bars popping up in every nook and corner in New York state has sure given a boost to our social lives, but it has also contributed to instances of drunk driving. Numbers show that in New York state alone about 1.7 million drivers cause nearly 31 million incidents of drinking and driving each year. And shockingly, the probability of getting arrested is only one of out 500, showing that people will continue to take the risk of drunk driving. It is needless to say that drunk driving can cause accidents. These accidents can harm others as well as the person concerned. These can lead to long-term and traumatic injuries, and can even be fatal. But, here’s food for thought – what to do in case you meet with an accident due to a drunk driver? And the answer is simple, get a drunk driving accident lawyer. At the same time, it is important to keep yourself aware of the know and how of accidents caused due to drunk driving. Most often, accidents due to drunk driving are caused when people go out to drink at bars and restaurants and drive back home. In these cases, it is possible to sue the bar for over serving alcohol and aiding drunk driving. A drunk driving accident lawyer will look into this aspect before putting together your financial compensation claim. What do you need to know about suing a bar? Excessive drinking causes loss of inhibitions which may lead to over drinking. In such a case, expectations of personal accountability may go down, hence, some responsibility falls on the owner of the bar to stop serving alcohol and also make efforts to ensure that the drunk person does not drive. If the accident is caused by a drunk driver after leaving the bar, then a drunk driving accident lawyer can sue the bar under “dram shop case”. What is a dram shop law? The law holds businesses liable when they serve or sell alcohol to minors or to clearly drunk people who cause accidents and subsequent injuries or other losses. There are two types of dram shop cases – (1) first-party dram shop case, under which the intoxicated person can hold the bar owner responsible for overserving him or her which led to an accident or injuries, and (2) third-party dram shop case, under which victims of a drunk driving accident can hold the bar responsible for causing the accident. How can a drunk driving accident lawyer help in a dram shop case? While the dram shop law may seem straightforward, proving the accountability of the bar owner may be a challenge, for example, they may easily say that they weren’t able to decipher if the person was drunk or not. A lot of evidence is required to sue the bar effectively so that you can get the compensation you deserve. A drunk driving accident lawyer is the way to go as they have immense experience in handling such cases, by holding the right party responsible as well as seeking claim for all tangible and intangible injuries, losses and other hidden expenses. If you or someone you know has been a victim of an accident due to drunk driving, get a drunk driving accident attorney today. Reach out to Siler &Ingber, LLP, call us on 1-877-529-4343 or contact us via our online form on this page to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a drunk driving accident attorney.
Is Your Child In The Right Car Seat?
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for American children. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.) estimates over 3,300 children under the age of 13 die in car crashes every year. Sadly, approximately 40 percent of these tragic accidents are the result of poorly fit car seats. Securing children in an appropriate car seat for their age and size is a vital step to protecting them in an accident. Hundreds of parents and guardians unknowingly make simple mistakes when fitting, installing, or buckling their children in a car seat. Some adults skip the car seat altogether. These simple errors could lead to life-threatening injuries if an accident occurs, including the onset of traumatic injuries from improperly placed straps or the possibility of ejection from the vehicle. Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week is an annual safety campaign highlighting the importance of making sure children are properly fit and secured whenever in the car. Last month, the N.H.T.S.A., along with countless other local and national safety organizations, focused on educating parents and guardians on the importance of choosing the right car seat and provide resources on how to ensure a child is properly secured on every ride. Car Seat Mistakes To Avoid Car seats will not protect children in an accident if they are being used incorrectly. The N.H.T.S.A. estimates that three out of four car seats are not being used properly. Some of the most common mistakes include: Installation Errors: Common installation mistakes include wrong angles, using the wrong belt, not securing seat correctly, not following the manufacturer’s instructions. Turning Car Seat Too Soon: According to new recommendations released by the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should keep their kids rear-facing as long as possible. Yet, several parents turn their kids around well before just because it’s easier. Not Using the Top Tether: The top tether of the car seat can keep children facing forward from toppling in a car accident. Fatherly reports more than 64% of parents don’t even use the top tether, and 50% aren’t attaching it correctly. Tightening Shoulder Harness Incorrectly: Leaving space in the harness is extremely dangerous and can cause your child to slip out of the seat and be ejected from the car. There should be no slack in the shoulder harness. Letting Kids Wear Winter Coats: Winter coats can cause a child to be loosely secured in a seat, even if it appears the straps are tight. There are an extra four inches of space between the coat and the child that can cause a child to fly out easily. Choosing The Wrong Seat: If children are in a seat that is too big or too small, they can be seriously injured in a car accident without the proper protection for their bodies. Missing Recalls: Not sending in the registration form for your car seat can cause parents to miss important safety recalls for their products that could put your kids in danger. The Worst Car Seats To Use Car seats are expensive. The cost alone of a modern-day car seat is enough to hinder a parent’s choice to purchase a new one. But holding on to an older car seat or choosing a cheaper option may not be a safer alternative. Here are the types of car seats parents should avoid: Expired Seats: Car seats have expiration dates for a reason. According to Consumer Reports, car seat components break down over time. This can lead to safety features failing in the case of a crash. Car seats that are typically over six-years-old should be replaced with newer models. Car Seats That Have Been In Accidents: Car accidents apply a large amount of force on objects inside the car, including the seats. Safety experts recommend replacing car seats after an accident due to the stress placed on the safety components. Keeping seats after an accident could result in life-threatening injuries or the product to fail in a crash. Second-Hand Seats: Parents who buy second-hand seats do not know the history of the product. These models may have been subject to recalls, accidents, and other mistreatment that compromise their integrity and durability. The cost reduction is not worth the risk. Best Car Seats of 2020 How do you know which car seat to choose? Child passenger safety seats should be determined by a child’s height, weight, and age. There are five types of car seats made for children: infant car seats, convertible car seats, booster seats, all-in-one car seats, and toddler booster seats. Each is designed to protect children up to a certain size and should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The number of choices for car seats can be overwhelming for parents, especially if this is their first time purchasing. Consumer Reports provides several resources parents can use to determine which seat is best for their child. Parents can also take advantage of the Find The Right Car Seat tool offered by the N.H.T.S.A.
Accident at a Construction Site – Trends, Causes, and Workers’ Rights
Everywhere we look around, we see buildings and construction. As cities grow, so does the demand for infrastructure. But who builds buildings? It’s people among us who we see every day working hard in the heat and cold to make us dazzling offices and cozy homes. But do you know that the construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries! In the United States, of the 5000 private-sector industry workers who die, 20% are in construction. Among various causes, the four most fatal are falling, being struck by an object, electrocution and being caught in two objects. Combined, these reasons account for nearly 60% of all construction-related deaths. However, many severe non-fatal injuries are also common at a construction site, of which, slips, trips, and falls are the most common. Unfortunately, construction is one the most dangerous professions in New York as workers are at a higher risk as the death rate is more than five times the death rate of other workers in the city. But what is the reason for such high fatalities and severe injuries in New York? Here’s a sneak: A high number of falls -In 2015, the New York Committee for Occupational Health and Safety falls from height accounted 71% of all construction-related injuries. The top reasons for falls were scaffolds, ladder falls and falls from roofs. Not enough inspections – The inspections have not increased in proportion to the construction, rather they have reduced. This has also led to safety violations which puts workers at risk of injuries. Violations of safety protocols–Data on construction inspections by OSHA have shown that 66% sites had safety violations. Unskilled labor – As demand for labor is increasing due to massive construction in the city, the availability of skilled workers is thinning. Hence, contractors higher unskilled labor who are not familiar with the equipment, machinery etc. and become vulnerable to injuries. Moreover, the reasons for such accidents to occur are also fairly common. These are mostly because of improper fall protection, ladder risks, power industrial trucks, hazardous communication standards among others. The above statistics clearly show that owners and contractors are not doing what’s required to ensure that the workers are safe on the job. Moreover, while such risk is a part of the job of a construction worker, if something goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating – physically and mentally. Remember, all workers have rights, including construction workers, especially when they are injured on the work site. These rights go beyond workers compensation and may include other financial compensation. A construction accident attorney can take a worker through them in case of any mishappening. What are the Safety Requirements ? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has clearly laid out the safety regulations for all construction sites. You can have a look at them here. If you think, that your construction site does not follow any of these safety norms, get in touch with our construction accident attorney today! Moreover, New York also passed a construction safety bill in September 2017 which requires all workers and supervisors on building construction sites to get undergo safety training. If you think, your supervisor hasn’t gone through the training, reach out to our construction injury attorney. Lastly, in New York, construction workers are protected under the New York Labor Law: Section 240. It refers to accidents due to falls from high locations, one of the most common causes of accidents on job sites. Section 240 indicates that workers have the right to protection from falls when they are working in high elevation. It also includes protections from injuries related to falls of objects from high locations. If you or someone you know had an accident, reach out to a construction accident attorney so that they can get you the fair compensation you deserve. There’s More to a Construction Accident than Workers’comp ! There are several reasons to seek a settlement beyond what is usually awarded for workers comp. A worker’s comp payment for temporary disability or permanent disability is often very low and does not account for other factors, including pain and suffering or lost quality of life. In addition, workers comp does not hold negligent employers responsible. Some other instances where you need to look beyond the worker’s comp are: If a contractor outside of your employer or a passerby caused the accident, you can hold them responsible. You were injured as a result of an employer’s or coworker’s willful negligence or malice You were injured by a defective product You were injured via exposure to a toxic substance Your employer does not carry workers comp insurance Get what You’re owed To get everything you’re owed – for the tangible and intangible loss caused to you or your loved one – get in touch with our construction injury attorney today. They’ll help you out with your concern— be it against the employer, a product manufacturer, or someone else—so that you get every penny you’re owed. Reach out to Siler & Ingber, LLP, call us on 1-877-529-4343 or contact us via our online form on this page to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a construction accident attorney.
