Certain driving technology advancements have unquestionably helped keep motorists safer on U.S. roads. For example, backup cameras have helped to minimize the number of children and pets who are hit by vehicles every year in backover accident scenarios. Lane drifting alerts prevent an untold number of crashes as well, now that this technology is used widely. Yet, it is important to remain vigilant about driving safety as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) do not prevent all car accidents.

The Benefits of ADAS

ADAS systems help to prevent collisions by employing either warnings or automatic corrective action in the event that a motorist encounters certain hazards when traveling. For example, if a driver starts to drift out of their lane into an adjacent lane in which another vehicle is traveling in the motorist’s blind spot, an ADAS system may flash a light in the driver’s side mirror and sound an auditory alarm.

ADAS systems have the potential to do so much good that they are becoming widespread, and some are even mandated in new vehicles per federal regulations. The respected AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that these systems could – over the span of the next 30 years – prevent roughly 37 million crashes.  

If you are like most American adults, you log on to at least one social media platform with some regularity. As one of the primary purposes of social media is to share one’s views and experiences with loved ones, colleagues, and the wider world, you may be tempted to discuss your recent car accident on social media. Yet, it is important to understand that car accident victims can unintentionally compromise their ability to pursue rightful compensation simply by posting on social media before their insurance and legal cases are resolved. As a result, you can safeguard your interests by foregoing social media activity at this time. At minimum, you will want to take great care when posting anything at all.

Why Social Media Activity Can Be So Consequential in Civil Cases 

It is not simply discussions of injuries and accident-related details on social media that can land a motor vehicle crash victim in trouble. Even seemingly innocuous content can be misinterpreted or twisted by insurance claims adjusters, opposing counsel, and other interested parties.

For example, say that you have achieved a new goal in physical therapy, which you started as a result of your injuries. To celebrate, you post a picture in which you are raising your arms above your head. Although it still hurts too much to keep them there for more than 10 seconds, you want to celebrate this achievement. That simple act could be used by any party that owes you compensation as evidence that you are not hurt at all.

One of the most pressing questions everyone has after a commercial truck accident is, “Why?” Victims and their families want to understand why the truck accident occurred and who is to blame. The causes of commercial truck accidents are as varied and complex as the individuals harmed in those accidents. However, understanding the cause of the accident is one of the first steps in pursuing compensation for damages.

Many commercial truck accidents are caused by the truck driver. Distracted driving, fatigued driving, speeding, and inattention can all lead to catastrophic truck accidents. However, legal responsibility for a commercial truck accident often falls to the truck company. In this blog, we will discuss some of the ways that negligent hiring practices can lead to avoidable truck crash injuries.

Trucking Companies Need to Vet Applicants Carefully

Operating a large commercial truck is a massive responsibility. Only individuals who are properly trained and qualified should ever be behind the wheel of a semi-truck, flatbed, or other large commercial truck.

Large commercial trucks are one of the primary ways of transporting goods across the Lonestar state. Many semi-trucks carry everyday items such as produce, clothing, furniture, or electronics. However, there are also trucks on the road carrying extremely dangerous materials.

Hazardous materials such as explosives, toxic gases, flammable liquids, and corrosive substances can be incredibly dangerous. In the event of an accident involving a truck carrying hazardous materials, these dangerous chemicals may be released into the air or onto the road. The materials may catch fire, exponentially increasing the severity of the situation.

If you or someone you care about was involved in an accident involving a hazmat truck, reach out to a truck accident injury attorney for help. You will likely face life-changing consequences because of the accident, including substantial financial losses. Your attorney can help you file a claim to pursue compensation for these losses.

Speed limits exist to keep motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians safe. However, traveling faster than the posted speed limit is common. One study found that approximately half of all drivers admit to speeding from time to time.

If you were hurt in a car crash caused by another driver and you were speeding, you may have questions about your right to recover compensation for vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other expenses. You may wonder whether you have the same entitlement to compensation as someone who was obeying the speed limit.

As with many legal matters, the answer to this question depends on several factors. In this blog, we will explore Texas laws regarding comparative negligence in a car accident case as well as what you can do if you were injured in a crash while speeding.