Dashboard devices increase distracted driving - by Daniel Buttafuoco

A new feature can be found in many vehicles on the market today - dashboard devices. These built-in devices allow drivers to control navigation, music, messaging, phone calls, internet, and more - just like a cell phone. While the goal of allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel is admirable, the evidence shows distraction doesn’t go away just because the device is hands-free. That’s because distraction doesn’t occur in the hands, it occurs in the head!

More than thirty studies have shown that hands-free devices do not make drivers safer because the brain remains distracted.“What we found is that you’re not cognitively focused on driving, but the distraction,” said Beth Mosher, spokeswoman for the American Automobile Association in Chicago. In spite of the evidence, 80% of drivers believe hands-free devices are safer than handheld.

Automakers manufacture vehicles with the features that consumers value. This does not mean these features are safe. “Automakers agree that hands on the wheel and eyes on the road continue to be critical to safe driving,” said Wade Newton, a spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.“ Portable phones and navigation devices are everywhere, and consumers are using these devices in their vehicles. It’s important to discourage drivers from using portable electronics because they were never designed to be used while driving.”

This message isn’t getting out though - 53% of U.S. drivers think a hands-free device must be safe if it is built into the vehicle. These devices are wonderful in many ways and are certainly a convenience, but we must always remember that taking our attention away from the road while driving is incredibly risky.

Choosing an attorney: Know what to expect.

If you are looking to hire an attorney, there must be something important happening in your life. That’s why choosing the right attorney is incredibly important. You must find someone competent, experienced in the area that you need help in, and with whom you can personally connect and build trust

The best way to start your search is to get referrals from friends, Family and personal acquaintances. Once you have a name and number, call to schedule a consultation. Initial consultations are often free. When you meet, the attorney will want to know all about your case. There are also several things you will want to know about the attorney before making a hiring decision. To know what to ask about in your initial consultation, you need to know what to expect from an attorney. You should be able to expect the following if you have a good attorney.

Choosing an attorney. Know what to expect.

• The attorney you will hire to represent you should be experienced and knowledgeable in the area(s) of law relevant to your case

• No attorney can see the future, but they should be able to Estimate, based on experience, potential time frames, possible awards, and the relative Strength of your case

• Your attorney should clearly state their fee structure. Most charge hourly flat or contingency fee. They should also be able to explain other costs that may come up during the process

• If an attorney takes your case, they should be willing to go to trial and have the experience needed to win

• A good attorney will keep you informed about the progress of your case. Ask how they will do this for you.

• You should know who exactly you will be working on your case- the attorney you are meeting with or someone else at the firm. You should meet with whoever will be representing you.

    

• Your attorney should be willing to pay personal attention to your case and respond to any phone calls and e-mails in a timely manner.    

•  Any attorney who wishes to represent you should be willing to promise to  respect your privacy and keep your information confidential.  

•  Every attorney  should be keeping up- to- date with changes in the law by actively continuing their education

• Your attorney isn’t the only one who will have responsibilities, you do too. Your attorney should be able to tell you what these responsibilities may be

Most Common Questions Asked By Car Accident Injured Victims...

What are some of the most common motor vehicle accident questions clients ask an attorney?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AS IT RELATES TO CAR ACCIDENTS...

• Do I have a case?
  Anytime someone suffers serious injuries as a direct result of another persons negligence that injured victim may have a case. Here are a just a few of the factors an attorney may consider when determining if a someone has a case:  1) Who and how many defendants are responsible.  2) Was it work related and was it caused as a result of negligence of your employer. 3) Is it as a result of a manufacturer or road defect? 
  
• Are there any time limits to file a lawsuit?
  Yes. The lawsuit must be filed before the expiration of the Statute of Limitations or the claim may be barred forever.
  
• What is my case worth?
  Each and every case is unique. Before giving an opinion of the value of any particular case, an experienced attorney will spend the time and resources necessary in order to properly conduct a thorough investigation of your case. The lawyer will obtain and review every document and record; and review the law relevant to your case. After careful consideration and evaluation of your case, an experienced attorney should be able to give you a potential range of what your case could be worth.
  
• How much money will I receive?
  The amount of money you may ultimately collect, whether by settlement or verdict, will vary depending upon the following factors: A) Details about the accident...how it happened, documented evidences (photos, witness statements) and expert testimony on liability and damages. B) The nature and extent of your injuries. Did you go to the hospital? Was medical treatment needed for recovery? Were there lost wages? 
  
• What happens if the insurance company says my car is totaled?
  If the cost to repair the vehicle is more than the car is worth, the insurance company will most likely “total” the vehicle and give you a check for what they believe the car is worth.  However, you may still be obligated to pay the car loan if you financed it.
  
  
• What if the person who caused the accident doesn’t have insurance?
  If the person at fault does not have insurance coverage for the damage they are responsible for, you may have to file an injury claim under your own insurance policy. The coverage is referred to as uninsured motorist insurance and is required by law to have in the state of New York.

How to Drive in the Snow and Ice - Driving Safety Tips

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.  Snow, sleet, ice and rain have caused millions of car accidents around the country resulting in serious injuries and even death to passengers, drivers and innocent pedestrians. 

Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions.  There's a higher rate of car accident injuries at the beginning of a snow season...practice caution.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads (help avoid car accident injuries)

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

1. Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
4. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
6. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in an accident caused by inclement weather call the experienced Personal Injury Lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Why should I hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Many people choose to settle minor (no injuries) car incidents claims with their insurance company, but it is a wise idea to hire a lawyer if involved in a major accident such as a fatality or even death. Accident lawyers can help you figure what options are best for your particular case when it comes to settlements.

• Car accident lawyers are able to evaluate car accidents from a legal point-of-view, which means they can help the victims that were involved receive the compensation that they are legally entitled to. Without the help of a car accident lawyer, you could end up paying out thousands of dollars for a claim that you could should receive money for.
• There are several things that you should look for before hiring a car accident lawyer such as years of experience, professionalism, reputation and legal fees. Most of this information can be researched on websites such as Martindale.com or Lawyer.com. Also remember that legitimate attorneys are registered with the American Bar Association.
• Hiring a car accident lawyer decreases your workload since they are the ones capable of negotiating with all parties involved in the accident, including the auto insurance company. The lawyers also deal with important documents like police reports, medical bills and other statements that are needed for the case or settlement.
• There are many insurance companies that try to intimidate or take advantage of the victims that have been involved in a car accident, but a skilled lawyer is able to present the evidence and facts needed to prevent any false claims. It is also the lawyer’s duty to protect the client’s rights.