Serving Richmond Va with Personal Injury Law Offices in: Midlothian - 13303 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113 Hopewell - 110 North 2nd Avenue, Hopewell, VA 23860
In nearly two decades of personal injury specialization, Burnett & Williams has achieved notable verdicts, settlements, and appellate results in cases arising from wrongful deaths, medical malpractice, tractor trailer accidents, traumatic brain injuries, defective products, serious orthopaedic injuries,
and other significant injuries. This specialization and the consequent investment in time and resources in each case have been instrumental in our ability to obtain full compensation for our clients.
How the Process Works
One of the most common questions we hear from people interested in pursuing a personal injury case is, “So, how does this whole process work?” Most people are not familiar with how legal claims work, either because they have never been involved in a legal case before or simply because the process and procedure of the law is complicated, to say the least.
We understand that it is important for you to know what to expect when you decide to pursue a personal injury case. Although no two cases are the same, we have outlined a typical case process to guide you through a typical case. We want you to understand what is happening every step of the way.
If You've Been Injured
Choosing a lawyer can be time consuming, stressful, and confusing. If you've been injured, you need compassionate, experienced legal asistance. The attorneys at Burnett & Williams have extensive experience in all types of personal injury law. Contact us for more information and a free consultation. Having difficulty traveling? We will be happy to visit you at home or meet with you in a location that is convenient for you.
Settlement of Mesothelioma Lawsuit Awards $7.5 Million to California Man from Six Companies A California construction worker who developed a highly aggressive form of cancer after exposure to asbestos has received $7.5 million in settlement of legal claims against six companies that manufactured or distributed asbestos-cement pipe, the law firm Weitz & Luxenberg, PC, today announced (docket number 153777, Butte County Superior Court, Chico, Calif.). The man, 57, [...]
Euro Asia Imports Recalls Bicycle Handlebars The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of product: Bicycle Handlebars Units: About 2,000 [...]
Violation of Lead Paint Standard Forces Recall of Mexican Wrestling Action Figures The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of product: Super Luchamania Action Figures Units: About 7,000 packs [...]
Hewlett-Packard Agrees to $425,000 Civil Penalty for Failure to Immediately Report Lithium-Ion Battery Packs The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Hewlett-Packard Company (HP), of Palo Alto, Calif., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $425,000. The settlement agreement (pdf) has been provisionally accepted by the Commission (3-1). The settlement resolves staff allegations that HP knowingly failed to report immediately to CPSC, as required by federal law, that certain [...]
Giant Bicycle Recalls Two Models; Forks Can Break Causing Fall Hazard The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of product: 2012 Model Year Giant Defy Advanced and [...]
CPSC Posts Recall to Web Site The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that the following voluntary recall alert was posted in cooperation with the firm listed below. Recalls can be viewed at www.cpsc.gov. Company Name Product Name Quantity Hazard Steelcase Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich. Amia desk chairs About 11,000 The pivot pins installed in the control mechanism under [...]
New Law Would Require Drug Makers to Disclose Fees to Doctors According to a January 17, 2012 article published in the New York Times, under the new health care law, if a company has just one product covered by Medicare or Medicaid, it will have to report all payments made to doctors other than its own employees. The payment information will be posted by the federal [...]
Top AAA State Legislative Safety Priorities Shifted Towards Distracted Driving and Teen Driver Safety in 2012 Recent public attention to distracted driving will likely spur additional legislative activity as states convene their 2012 sessions, according to AAA. Laws that ban texting while driving and that improve teen driver safety again top AAA’s nationwide legislative agenda to improve highway safety. “Last month’s NTSB recommendation will lead state legislatures to consider a range [...]
19th Annual James River Parade of Lights at Henricus Historical Park CHESTER, Va., Nov. 21, 2011 – The 19th Annual James River Parade of Lights, sponsored by the regional James River Advisory Council, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10. A treasured holiday tradition, the parade features boats decorated with holiday lights and attracts thousands of Richmond-area residents each year. In conjunction with the parade, the [...]
Police Seek Suspect in Keswick Court Shooting Police are searching for a suspect who shot a man in the 3900 block of Keswick Court on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Police responded to the area of Keswick Garden Apartments at about 10 p.m. on Wednesday and found a man who had been shot. The victim, 22, had sought help from a nearby apartment resident, [...]
Townhouse on Brimley Place Damaged by Kitchen Fire The Chesterfield County Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded Saturday, Nov. 5, at 9:30 a.m. to 4703 Brimley Place for a townhouse fire. Fire crews arrived to find smoke showing from the front of the home and located the fire in the kitchen. It took crews approximately 20 minutes to bring the fire [...]
Police Arrest Suspect in Oct. 2nd Double Shooting Police have arrested a man in connection with the Oct. 2 shooting of two men in the 2400 block of Alfalfa Lane. Police responded to Alfalfa Lane at about 6:40 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, and found a man with a gunshot wound to the chest. Another male victim, who had an apparent gunshot wound [...]
Chesterfield Police Arrest Homicide Suspect Police have arrested a man in connection with the Oct. 18 murder of Peter J. Ambrister. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Ambrister’s body was found in a taxi cab in a vacant lot behind the 4800 block of Jefferson Davis Highway near Walmsley Boulevard. Ambrister, 49, was a driver for Boulevard Cab Co. in Petersburg. Chesterfield [...]
Richmond Area Business Snagajob Named No. 1 Small Company to Work For in America Governor Bob McDonnell joined managers and employees at Henrico-based Snagajob, a leading provider of hourly workforce solutions, to celebrate the company being named the No. 1 small company to work for in America on the Great Place to Work annual ranking released today. Snagajob has been named a Top-10 Best Small Company to Work for [...]
VDOE Launches eLearning Backpack Initiative at Powhatan High Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright and state Secretary of Education Laura Fornash visited Powhatan High School this morning to announce the Virginia Department of Education’s eLearning Backpack pilot initiative involving the latest generation of graphing calculators from Texas Instruments. Powhatan County Superintendent Margaret S. Meara, Powhatan High Principal Kris Gwaltney and local school [...]
Police Arrest Suspect in SunTrust Bank Robbery Police have arrested a man in connection with the Oct. 4 robbery of the SunTrust bank branch at 12551 Jefferson Davis Highway. Police said a man approached a teller at about 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4, and passed a note demanding money. The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash and left the [...]
Police Release Identity of Teen Killed in Accident on Qualla Road The Chesterfield County Police Department has released the identity of a teen who died at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Thursday, Oct. 13. The crash occurred in the 6200 block of Qualla Road at about 8:10 p.m. on Oct.13. Police said a 2003 Nissan 350Z was traveling south on Qualla Road when the [...]
Hit and Run Accident Critically Injures Pedestrian on Old Buckingham Road The Chesterfield County Police Department is investigating a hit and run vehicle crash that critically injured a pedestrian. The crash occurred in the 12500 block of Old Buckingham Road at about 9:38 p.m. on October 5, 2011. Police are looking for a light colored or white four door vehicle with front end damage and possibly [...]
Wrongful Death
Under Virginia law, whenever a person dies because of the wrongful act of another, a claim or lawsuit may be brought to recover damages for the benefit of the deceased person's beneficiaries (usually a surviving spouse or children). Lawsuits of this type are referred to as “wrongful death actions” and they arise from many different causes, including auto accidents, medical malpractice, and the use of dangerous products. We have years of experience working on these difficult and important cases. While legal action is not something a grieving family member thinks about in the aftermath of a death, in most cases it is important that an attorney be consulted as soon as possible to avoid compromising the estate’s claim. Many of our clients report a sense of relief in having an attorney handle the legal matters for the family.
Tractor Trailer Accidents Near Midlothian Va
Although we ask the same three questions to victims of tractor trailer accidents as we do to those involved in automobile accidents, the extensive regulation of truckers by the state and federal departments of transportation add a significant layer of complexity to the proper presentation of a tractor trailer claim. Given the size and weight of most tractor trailers, the resultant injuries are frequently much more severe and the issues are often much more technical. We often consult with experienced tractor trailer drivers and accident reconstructionists to assist us in the evaluation and presentation of technically complex evidence. Have you been involved in a accident on the Richmond Beltway (I-295 and VA-288)? Serious injuries can occur that may not be immediately apparent in an auto or truck accident. If you have beeen involved in an accident on the Richmond Beltway (I-295 and VA-288) call us for a free consultation regarding a possible claim. I-95 and 195 pass directly through the Richmond area and have seen many serious accidents over the years. Tractor trailer accidents are common since I-95 is a heavily trafficed north south route. Many accidents also occur on Richmond Avenue.
Jim Williams joined Burnett & Williams in 2006 and operates out of Midlothian and Hopewell, Virginia. Jim has extensive legal experience, both as a plaintiff and defense attorney. His experience as a trial attorney with a large insurance company gives him tremendous expertise in the complexities of Virginia insurance law, which is perhaps the most difficult area of law encountered by personal injury lawyers. Jim began his legal career with a prestigious assignment as a law clerk to a federal trial judge in Roanoke,Virginia. Since then he has had many notable victories, including the leading Virginia Supreme Court decision concerning the admissibility of scientific evidence and a notable decision concerning the law of negligence per se.
Jim is a licensed pilot and lives with his five children in Midlothian, Virginia.
Were you involved in an accident or crash in the Richmond VA 23219 Area? Burnett & Williams can help. Our experienced staff can assist you in understanding your rights. Accidents on I-95 and other Richmond Highways can have tragic consequences. Contact us today. We can help you with insurance claims and representation.
An Effective – but Controversial – Deterrent
Many of us are familiar with the most common speed deterrents, such as a strategically placed police officer with a radar gun. The problem with this approach is that it is fairly random, and only a small percentage of speeders are ticketed. Technology called photo radar had been used with considerable success for more than 20 years in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Greece,
Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and Taiwan. With this technology, cameras placed in undisclosed locations take photos of speeding vehicles as they
pass by. Law enforcement is then provided with photographs along with dates, times, places, and vehicle speeds. Despite these impressive statistics, photo radar has not yet caught on in America. There’s stiff resistance because many Americans believe the cameras represent an invasion of privacy. In Virginia, however, where photo radar is employed, more than 50 percent of motorists support the technology, and 54 percent of all motorists surveyed in a 2004 IIHS report favored this approach to curbing speeding.
It’s Up to You and Me
Whether the deterrent to speeding is hitech photo radar or simply a police car hiding in the bushes, the best measure is selfimposed: choosing to drive responsibly. Don’t get caught up in the “everyone else is doing it” mentality. We have a duty to ourselves, our family, our friends, and to society to drive within the limits of the law. So the next time a glance at your speedometer startles you, ease off the gas. This nugget of common sense will make you even safer and smarter.
For more tips Car Crash Facts from http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov
More than 6.1 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 2005. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (39,189) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 2005]
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2005, with 1,320 and 1,275 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 2005]
Fifty-eight percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 31 percent of injury crashes and 31 percent of property-damage-only crashes. [Crashes : 2005]
More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 23 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. [Crashes : 2005]
Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 19 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 44 percent of fatal crashes. [Crashes : 2005]
Thirty-nine percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 75 percent involved alcohol. [Crashes : 2005]
Nearly 6.2 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 2004. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (38,253) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 2004]
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2004, with 1,174 and 1,277 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 2004]
Fifty-seven percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of injury crashes and 30 percent of property-damage-only crashes. [Crashes : 2004]
More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 24 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. [Crashes : 2004]
Thirty-nine percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 76 percent involved alcohol. [Crashes : 2004]
Personal Injury Lawyers - Specialists in Auto & Truck Accident Cases 6 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219
More than 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 2003. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (38,252) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 2003]
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2003, with 1,228 and 1,208 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 2003]
Fifty-seven percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of injury crashes and 31 percent of property-damage-only crashes. [Crashes : 2003]
More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 25 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. [Crashes : 2003]
Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 19 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 44 percent of fatal crashes.
Forty percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 77 percent involved alcohol. [Crashes : 2003]
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2000, with 1,271 and 1,218 fatal crashes, respectively.
Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.
* More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 22 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads.
Forty percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 77 percent involved alcohol.
Nearly 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1999. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,043) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 1999]
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 1999, with 1,215 and 1,182 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 1999]
Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 28 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.
More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 22 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads.
Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 41 percent of fatal crashes.
1999 Motor Vehicle Crash Data from FARS and GES Thirty-eight percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 75 percent involved alcohol.
More than 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1998. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,081) resulting in a death.
Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 1998, with 1,218 and 1,208 fatal crashes, respectively.
Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 28 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.
More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 23 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads.
Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 40 percent of fatal crashes.
Thirty-nine percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 76 percent involved alcohol.
Were you involved in an accident or crash in the Richmond Virginia Area? Burnett & Williams can help. Our experienced staff can assist you in understanding your rights. Accidents on I-81 can have tragic consequences. Contact us today.
* More than 94 percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 2005 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 2005]
* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 3 percent of the vehicles involved in injury crashes and 5 percent of the vehicles involved in property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,932 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 74 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 2005]
* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (21.1 percent) was 4 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (5.3 percent) and 16 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.3 percent). [Vehicles : 2005]
* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates in fatal crashes (35.4 percent) and in property-damage-only crashes (2.6 percent). Large trucks experienced the highest rollover rate in injury crashes (9.9 percent). [Vehicles : 2005]
* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 2005. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 2005]
* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes, turning left for injury crashes, and stopped in traffic lane for property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 2005]
* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (26.0 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2.2 percent). [Vehicles : 2005]
* Nearly 95 percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 2004 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 2004]
* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 3 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and 4 percent of the vehicles involved in property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,862 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 74 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 2004]
* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (20.5 percent) was 4 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (5.0 percent) and 16 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.3 percent). [Vehicles : 2004]
* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36.2 percent in fatal crashes, 9.6 percent in injury crashes, and 2.4 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 2004]
* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 2004. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 2004]
Personal Injury Lawyers - Specialists in Auto & Truck Accident Cases 6 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219
* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes, turning left for injury crashes, and stopped in traffic lane for property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 2004]
* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (26.4 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2.2 percent). [Vehicles : 2004]
* Nearly 95 percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 2003 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 2003]
* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 3 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and 5 percent of the vehicles involved in property-damageonly crashes. Of the 4,669 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 75 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 2003]
* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (20.0 percent) was 4 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (4.9 percent) and 15 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.3 percent). [Vehicles : 2003]
* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 35.7 percent in fatal crashes, 10.3 percent in injury crashes, and 2.8 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 2003]
* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 2003. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 2003]
* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes, turning left for injury crashes, and stopped in traffic lane for property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 2003]
* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (24.6 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2.1 percent). [Vehicles : 2003]
* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (19.1 percent) was nearly 4 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (4.9 percent) and nearly 14 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.4 percent). [Vehicles : 2000]
* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36.3 percent in fatal crashes, 12.1 percent in injury crashes, and 2.9 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 2000]
* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (27.3 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2.9 percent). [Vehicles : 2000]
* Ninety-four percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1999 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1999]
* Large trucks accounted for 9 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 4 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,898 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 76 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 1999]
* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (19.7 percent) was more than 4 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (4.7 percent) and more than 16 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.2 percent). [Vehicles : 1999]
* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 37.8 percent in fatal crashes, 10.0 percent in injury crashes, and 2.5 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1999]
* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1999. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1999]
* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes, turning left for injury crashes, and stopped in traffic lane for property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1999]
* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (26.7 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2.8 percent). [Vehicles : 1999]
* Ninety-five percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1998 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1998]
* Large trucks accounted for 9 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 4 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,935 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 76 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 1998]
* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (18.8 percent) was almost 5 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (4.1 percent) and nearly 16 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.2 percent). [Vehicles : 1998]
* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36.0 percent in fatal crashes, 10.5 percent in injury crashes, and 2.5 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1998]
* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1998. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1998]
* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. [Vehicles : 1998]
* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (30.1 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (0.4 percent). [Vehicles : 1998]
* Ninety-five percent of the 12 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1997 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1997]
* Large trucks accounted for 9 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 4 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,871 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 76 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 1997]
* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (18.3 percent) was almost 5 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (3.9 percent) and 14 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.3 percent). [Vehicles : 1997]
* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36 percent in fatal crashes, 9 percent in injury crashes, and 3 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1997]
* Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1997. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1997]
* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes and turning left for injury and property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1997]
* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (27.5 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (1.4 percent). [Vehicles : 1997]
* Ninety-six percent of the 12 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1996 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1996]
* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 3 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4,740 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 75 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 1996]
* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (18.3 percent) was almost 5 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (4.0 percent) and 15 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.2 percent). [Vehicles : 1996]
* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 37.0 percent in fatal crashes, 8.7 percent in injury crashes, and 3.0 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1996]
* Fires occurred in less than 1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1996. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in nearly 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1996]
* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes and turning left for injury and property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1996]
* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (26.8 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (1.6 percent). [Vehicles : 1996]
* Ninety-six percent of the 12 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1995 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1995]
* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 3 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4.453 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 74 percent were combination trucks. [Vehicles : 1995]
* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (18.2 percent) was almost 5 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (3.8 percent) and almost 17 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.1 percent). [Vehicles : 1995]
* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36.3 percent in fatal crashes, 9.5 percent in injury crashes, and 2.4 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1995]
* Fires occurred in less than 1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1995. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1995]
* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes, turning left for injury crashes, and stopped in traffic for property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1995]
* Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (27 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2 percent). [Vehicles : 1995]
* Ninety-five percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 1994 were passenger cars or light trucks. [Vehicles : 1994]
Personal Injury Lawyers - Specialists in Auto & Truck Accident Cases 6 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219
* Large trucks accounted for 8 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, but only 4 percent of the vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. Of the 4.615 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 70 percent were truck tractors. [Vehicles : 1994]
* The proportion of vehicles that rolled over in fatal crashes (18.0 percent) was almost 5 times as high as the proportion in injury crashes (3.7 percent) and 15 times as high as the proportion in property-damage-only crashes (1.2 percent). [Vehicles : 1994]
* Compared with other vehicle types, utility vehicles experienced the highest rollover rates: 36.9 percent in fatal crashes, 8.3 percent in injury crashes, and 2.6 percent in property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1994]
* Fires occurred in less than 1 percent of the vehicles involved in all traffic crashes in 1994. For fatal crashes, however, fires occurred in 3 percent of the vehicles involved. [Vehicles : 1994]
* Regardless of crash severity, the majority of vehicles in single- and two-vehicle crashes were going straight prior to the crash. The next most common vehicle maneuver differed by crash severity: negotiating a curve for fatal crashes, turning left for injury crashes, and stopped in traffic for property-damage-only crashes. [Vehicles : 1994]
* Motorcyles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (27 percent), and buses in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion (2 percent). [Vehicles : 1994]
Are your Tires Safe?
info from http://www.safercar.gov/
What is meant by “tire aging”?
The structural integrity of a tire can degrade over an extended period of time. When that occurs, tires are more prone to catastrophic failure, which could, at best, cause an inconvenience, or, at worst, lead to a crash. The degradation of a tire occurs over time, mostly the result of a chemical reaction within the rubber components. That aging process can be accelerated by heat and sunlight.
Does climate have an effect on the aging of tires?
NHTSA research suggests that tires age faster in warmer climates. Exposure to high ambient temperatures can accelerate the tire aging process, which could contribute to tire failures, including tread separations. Environmental conditions like exposure to sunlight and coastal climates, as well as poor storage and infrequent use can hasten the aging process.
Are some vehicles more prone to tire aging problems?
Tire aging is generally not an issue with vehicles that are driven regularly. Tires will wear out and need to be replaced before aging becomes a safety concern. But those with occasional use - like recreational vehicles or collector cars, for example - could be susceptible. The spares on all vehicles also are prone to aging problems because they seldom get used or replaced. In those instances, the structural integrity of the tire may be weakened - and potentially hazardous - even though the tire still has a great deal of remaining tread.
How do you detect when tires have become unsafe?
The effects of aging may not be visibly detectable. Since there is no standard test to assess the serviceability of a tire, even an inspection performed by an expert may not always reveal the extent of tire deterioration. Vehicle owners are therefore encouraged to have their tires checked after five years of use, then annually thereafter.
How do you determine the age of a tire?
The age of the tire can be determined by checking the tire identification number on the sidewall of the tire, which begins with the letters "DOT". The last four digits represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. On newer model tires, the tire identification number is on the outside sidewall; older models will have the identification information on the inner sidewall.
When does NHTSA recommend that tires should be replaced?
While tire life will ultimately depend on the tires’ service conditions and the environment in which they operate, there are some general guidelines. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use. In addition, a number of tire manufacturers cite 10 years as the maximum service life for tires. Check the owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle. Remember, it is always wise to err on the side of caution if you suspect your vehicle has tires that are over six years of age.
Are there other reasons for tire failure?
Yes. Poor maintenance is often cited as a cause of failure. While maintenance is important for good wear and safety performance of tires, many other factors contribute to their failure. Tire failures can be caused by a number of factors such as under- or over-inflation of tires, overloading of vehicles, road hazards, improper maintenance, structural defects, and improper installation, in addition to tire aging.
Is it a significant safety problem?
Most failures result in nothing more serious than minor property damage. For more serious crashes, NHTSA estimates that about 400 fatalities annually may have been attributed to tire failures.
What is a tire “placard?” And where is it usually located?
A tire placard is really just a fancy name for a tire information label. This label contains several key pieces of information: (1) the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended psi (pounds per square inch) or kilopascals (kPa) of air pressure for your vehicle’s tires, (2) the maximum weight (or “load”) you should have in your vehicle. Load or weight limits are usually given in terms of number of occupants or total weight (in pounds or kilograms) and (3) the recommended tire size.
You’ll find the label located inside the driver’s side doorframe or doorpost. It may also be affixed to the edge of the driver’s door or the inside of the glove-box door or trunk lid. Next time you get in your vehicle, take a moment to locate your vehicle’s tire placard and make a note of the correct tire pressure and load limits for your vehicle. The same information is also located in your owner’s manual.
What does the psi number on the tire placard or label have to do with tire safety? What are the risks of underinflating or overinflating?
The psi, or pounds per square inch, number on your tire placard or label represents the pressure you should fill your vehicle’s tires with to ensure tire safety. Under- and overinflating tires can both be safety hazards. Overinflating tires can adversely affect vehicle maneuverability, make the ride harsher, and sometimes lead to loss of control and crashes. Underinflating tires – a potentially more serious problem – can result in tire stress due to overheating, irregular wear of tread, tire failure, and sometimes loss of driver control and crashes. So obviously you’ll want to know the correct psi for your vehicle, check your tire pressure at least once a month with a tire gauge, and adjust tire pressure accordingly.
How often should I check my tire pressure?
Keep in mind that a tire doesn’t have to be punctured by a foreign object, such as a nail, to lose air. All tires will naturally lose some air over time. In fact, underinflation is a leading cause of tire failure. So it’s advisable to check the pressure in all your tires, including the spare, at least once a month. There’s nothing wrong with checking more often. Circumstances may call for more frequent checks. For instance, checking pressure after driving on poor road surfaces or before embarking on a long road trip are good safety practices. Finally, always remember to use a tire gauge: you cannot tell if a tire is underinflated simply by looking at, kicking, or pressing on a tire.
I’ve heard that the best time to get an accurate reading of tire pressure is when tires are “cold.” What is a “cold” tire?
While some people think that the term “cold” tire relates to the outside temperature, it really has nothing to do with the weather. It can be 90 degrees outside and your tires can still be considered cold. Rather, a cold tire is one that hasn’t been driven on for at least 3 hours, which is the optimal time to get an accurate pressure reading. A tire that has been driven on for short distances — even just 1 mile — is no longer considered “cold.”
What about the psi number listed on the side of my tires? Should I fill my tires to that pressure?
Tires are manufactured for many different vehicle makes and models of vehicles. And the psi number on the side of a tire only reflects the “maximum permissible” inflation pressure for that tire — not necessarily the correct psi for your vehicle. When filling your tires, always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s psi recommendations. You’ll find this psi number on your vehicle’s tire information label, as well as in your vehicle owner’s manual.
Do I need to check my tires for anything other than correct pressure?
When you perform your monthly tire pressure check with a gauge, it’s also important to visually inspect your tires. Look for and remove any foreign objects or debris that might have become wedged between the tire treads. Check for irregular wear patterns. Irregular wear patterns may mean your tires need rotating and/or your wheels need to be realigned. Take your vehicle in for servicing to correct these problems. If your tread depth is less than 2/32 (or 1/16) of an inch, it’s time to replace your tires.
How frequently should I rotate my tires? What happens if I don't?
Check your vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations on rotation timelines and patterns. In general, most vehicle manufacturers recommend rotating your vehicle’s tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. If you don’t rotate your vehicle’s tires, the difference is tread wear between the front and rear tires could eventually lead to adverse vehicle handling.
How much wear should I allow on my tires before I replace them? How do I know if they're "bald?"
Be sure to replace your tires when the tread wears down to 2/32 (or 1/16) of an inch. The tire’s built-in tread wear indicators, or “wear bars,” can tell you it’s time to replace your tires. When the tire tread becomes level with the “wear bars,” your tires only have 2/32 (or 1/16) of an inch of tread left and therefore should be replaced.
You can also use a Lincoln penny to determine when it’s time to replace your tires. Turn the penny so that Lincoln’s head is pointing down and insert it into the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. “Bald” tires have a noticeably smooth surface caused by excessive wear beyond the 2/32 (or 1/16) of an inch replacement point. Such tires have reduced traction, which can lead to vehicle loss of control during braking and turning maneuvers.
What’s a tire blowout?
A blowout is a rapid loss of tire air pressure. This sudden loss of air pressure from a tire can cause a vehicle to lose control.
What should I do if I have a tire blowout while driving?
The goal in any rapid loss of tire pressure or “blowout” is to keep the vehicle balanced and controllable. Do not panic. Any over-reaction by the driver – including slamming on the brakes or abruptly removing your foot from the accelerator – can result in a loss of vehicle control.
In any blowout situation, it’s most important to first remember the 2 things you should NOT do:
Do not to step on the brake. As instinctive as it may be, it’s the worst mistake you can make in any tire blowout situation. Applying the brakes will cause an even greater imbalance on the vehicle’s stability.
Do not abruptly release your foot from the accelerator. This is the second worst mistake you can make. Rapidly releasing the accelerator causes the vehicle to transfer more of its weight from the rear tires to the front tires. With a flat tire, this can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
What not to do in a blowout situation.
Instead, in any blowout situation, you should follow these 3 steps:
* Gradually release the accelerator .
* Correct the steering as necessary to stabilize your vehicle and regain control. Look where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction.
* Once your vehicle has stabilized, continue to slow down and pull off the road where and when you judge it’s safe to do so.
What you should do.
Remember, no matter which tire blows out — front or back — the do’s and don’ts for safely maintaining control of your vehicle are exactly the same. The only difference between a front and rear tire blowout is that you will feel the force of a front blowout more in the vehicle’s steering, while you’ll feel a rear blowout more in the seat or body of the vehicle.
Should I lower my tires' pressure to get better traction in the snow or off-road?
You should always keep your tire pressure at the psi level recommended for your vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. Lowering your recommended tire pressure by even a few psi may results in a smoother ride, but it can lead to tire failure. Note: some vehicle manufacturers may provide a lower recommended tire pressure for lower vehicle loading conditions, e.g., if there are only 1-3 occupants in the vehicle. This should not be construed as recommending a lower pressure for use in snow or off-road.
When I get replacement tires, do I still follow the pressure and loading guidance on the vehicle’s tire information label?
Yes. No matter which manufacturer makes your replacement tires, you should always follow the tire pressure and loading guidelines of your vehicle manufacturer. You’ll find these numbers on the tire information label on your vehicle or within the pages of your vehicle owner’s manual.
Do laboratory frontal crash test programs predict driver fatality risk? Evidence from within vehicle line variation in test ratings.
Harless DW, Hoffer GE.
Department of Economics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 844000, Richmond, VA 23284, USA. dwharles@vcu.edu
A number of studies have examined whether the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) frontal crash test results reliably indicate the risk of fatality or injury in serious crashes. The conclusions of these studies are mixed. Generally, studies that examine crashes in the circumstances as close as possible to those of the laboratory test find that crash test results do predict real-world risk, but studies of crashes outside those specific circumstances find either no support for the predictive validity of crash test results or limited support with important inconsistencies. We provide a new test of the predictive validity of the crash test results using information from multiple crash tests within vehicle lines, thus controlling for systematic differences in driver behavior across vehicle lines. Among drivers of passenger cars, we find large, statistically significant differences in fatality risk for vehicles with one- to four-star NHTSA ratings versus a five-star rating. We also examine the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal offset crash test, though our sample of vehicle lines tested twice or more is considerably smaller than for NHTSA ratings. Our results also support the predictive validity of the frontal offset crash test results for passenger cars, but not for trucks.
PMID: 17270135 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] source
