Tag: driver error

Auto Accidents and Defective Steering Systems

Some of the most dangerous auto accidents occur when a driver is unable to safely control his or her vehicle. While this is often caused by road conditions or the driver’s own errors, a defect within the car can also result in a life-threatening loss of control. We tend to take for granted that a car’s essential systems, such as the steering or brakes, are not prone to sudden malfunction; sadly, this is not necessarily the case.

A variety of major car manufacturers and their models have been known to include defective steering systems, resulting in accidents and injuries. By … Read the rest

The Facts about Truck Accidents and Driver Fatigue

Driving and fatigue can be a deadly combination. For most people, this is simply a fact to bear in mind and avoid when possible. But for many truck drivers, who are expected to drive for consecutive hours on a daily basis, fatigue is nearly unavoidable. Unfortunately, tired motorists do not only put themselves at risk, but also everyone around them. In the event an accident occurs, other innocent parties could be severely injured.

In the event you are involved in an accident with a truck in the Long Island area, do not hesitate to contact our office. Through the guidance … Read the rest

Using Siri to Activate a Call Held Not to Be Same as Making a Phone Call on Cell Phone; Defendant Not Guilty

Section 1225-c(2a) of New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law prohibits operating a motor vehicle upon a public highway while using a mobile telephone to engage in a call while such vehicle is in motion without a hands-free device. In The People v. Andrew Welch, the defendant was charged with violating VTL § 1225-c. At trial, the police officer testified that he observed the defendant behind the wheel of a 2010 Audi that drove past him. Per the officer’s testimony, defendant had a cell phone in his hand which he held close to his chin, and was talking into it. … Read the rest

New York Drivers Dissed in 2010 GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test

New York drivers ranked last in the 2010 GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test. The test found that nearly 1 in 5 licensed drivers roughly 38 million Americans would not pass a written drivers test exam if taken today. Kansas drivers ranked first in the nation (82.3 percent average score); New York drivers ranked last (70 percent average score). The national average score decreased to 76.2 percent from 76.6 percent in 2009.

The results were reported by state, age and sex. Some specific questions involving safe following distances and yellow lights posed particular difficulty. Seventy-three percent of drivers could not properly … Read the rest

Accident Injuring 4 Herricks High School Students Underscores Importance of Having Substantial Uninsured Motorists Coverage

New York State mandates that every policy of liability insurance issued to a motor vehicle provide Supplementary Uninsured Motorists (SUM) coverage. This coverage protects policyholders and residents of their household when a negligent party is either uninsured or has a smaller amount of liability coverage than the amount of SUM coverage.

One of the advantages of SUM coverage is that it affords coverage to the policyholder and his or her household members even if the insured vehicle is not involved in the motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, a prime example of this kind of situation where SUM coverage comes into play … Read the rest

Bill Creating the Offense Careless Driving Introduced in New York to Protect Pedestrians, Bicyclists and Other Vulnerable Road Users

Known as The Hayley Ng and Diego Martinez Law, bills have been introduced in the Assembly (A.7917) and the Senate (S.5292) establishing the offense of careless driving under a new section 1146-b to the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL), and imposing penalties when a violation results in the serious injury or death of a vulnerable user of a public way.

The law defines careless driving as driving without due care or in a manner that endangers or would be likely to endanger any person or property. A vulnerable user is defined as a pedestrian, highway worker, person riding an animal, … Read the rest