Burnett & Williams - Experienced Accident Lawyers in Winchester Virginia

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. Find out more...

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.

Personal Injury Lawyers in Winchester Va - Specialists in Auto & Truck Accident Cases P.O. Box 3552 Winchester, VA 22604

Auto accident

Every motor vehicle accident case raises at least three questions:

1) Who was at fault?
To be entitled to damages under Virginia law, you must prove that someone else was at fault in causing the accident. Sometimes the question of fault is easily determined, such as when someone for no legitimate reason drives through a red light and collides with someone who is lawfully in the intersection. What, you might ask, could be a legitimate reason for driving through a red light? Well, the answers are endless - mechanical failure, sudden illness, or anything else that the driver is unable to control. Until your opponent concedes liability for the accident, you should take nothing for granted. For example, contrary to popular belief, a driver who drives into the rear of another car is not automatically at fault under the law. Fault is a threshold question without first establishing fault, the case cannot proceed.

2) What are the injuries?
The amount that an injury victim is entitled to recover from a negligent driver is usually determined by the extent of the injuries, although in some cases the defendant’s conduct is so outrageous that the injured victim can also assert a claim for punitive damages. The most common elements of compensatory damages in motor vehicle cases include bodily injuries and their effect, past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, future lessened earning capacity, disfigurement, inconvenience, pain, and suffering. Virginia law sets no limit on the dollar amount an injury victim can recover in compensatory damages.

3) Is there adequate insurance coverage to fully compensate you for your injuries?
There are many potential sources of insurance coverage from which you might receive compensation for your injuries. The insurance coverage types (click here for more info) available to automobile accident victims fall into three categories: liability coverage; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; and medical expense coverage (also known as medical payments coverage or "med pay"). Sources of potential insurance coverage can be found in some unexpected places, so when you meet with us, be sure to provide us with a copy of every policy that might apply. Because Virginia law sets such low limits on the amount of insurance that motor vehicle owners must have, we see too many people who have cases of clear liability, substantial injuries, but grossly inadequate insurance coverage. To ensure that this does not happen to you, please review your own policies and consider increasing the limits on your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

If you have been involved in an auto accident in winchester va or an accident on a WInchester Rd pplease call us for a free consultation. We are specialists in truck accidents, semi truck accidents and auto accidents. Know your options before you speak to an insurance company. If you have accident reports in winchester virginia pertaining to your car accident, make sure you have them available for our discussion. If you or a loved one has susttained a car accident injury in winchester, va call us at 540) 667-3500 or write Burnett & Williams P.O. Box 3552 Winchester, VA 22604

Find a Family Law Professional. Divorce Attorneys in Winchester, VA - Specialists in Alimony, Child Custody and Real Property Law

Tractor Trailer Accidents

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.

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 P.O. Box 3552 Winchester, VA 22604

• 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.

Personal Injury Lawyers - Specialists in Auto & Truck Accident Cases P.O. Box 3552 Winchester, VA 22604

• 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 Winchester VA 22604 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.

Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving

In your circle of friends, name five people who don’t have a cell phone. Name one.
Can’t do it? Not surprising since, for most Americans (224 million in 2006), cell phones
are an indispensable tool for communicating anytime, anywhere.
One place Americans use cell phones is in the car. While driving, you can catch up with
an old friend, conduct business, order a pizza to arrive at home at the same time you do,
among countless other things. Cell phones allowyou to multi­task. But if you are
concentrating on something other than safely operating your vehicle, you are putting
yourself and others at risk. According to a recent study, driver inattention was a factor
in 80% of crashes and 65% of near­crashes. What distracted most drivers: their cell
phones.
A serious personal conversation or a business call shifts concentration away from your
driving. Additionally, the act of dialing a number on your cell phone requires you to
look at the cell phone, taking youreyes off the road. Even more distracting is text
messaging. Thirty­seven percent of teens cite text messaging as their biggest
distraction while driving.
Removing your focus from driving to make a call or read a text message could have
disastrousconsequences. A University of Utah study illustrates the extent of the
danger: it found that driving while using a cell phone(even one that is hands­free)isas
dangerous as drunk driving.
Recognizing the hazardscaused by careless cell phone use by drivers, many states,
including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California (and the District of
Columbia), have institutedlaws banning or restricting the use of hand­held cellular
devices while driving. Businesses are taking notice too. Since 2004, American justice
has seen the emergence of lawsuits against businesses whose employees caused a car
crash due tocell phoneuse while driving. Beers Skanska Inc., a large construction firm,
recently paida $5million settlement to a plaintiff involved insuch an accident with one
of its employees.
Accidents such as these can be avoided if you think of your cell phone as a piece of safety
equipment to be used in the event of an emergency. In the moments following an
accident, youneed your cell phone tocall for help. At all other times while you are
driving, you should pull off the road to a safe location to make or return a call or text
message.

For more tips Car Crash Facts from http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov

• More than 6.7 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1997. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,280) resulting in a death.
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 1997, with 1,190 and 1,196 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 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 18 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., 75 percent involved alcohol.
• More than 6.8 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1996. One-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,351) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 1996]
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour period throughout 1996, with 1,250 fatal crashes. [Crashes : 1996]
• Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 29 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 21 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.
• More than 6.6 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1995. One-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,221) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 1995]
• Fifty-seven percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 28 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.
• Slightly more than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or more, while only 21 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.
• Forty-one percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 78 percent involved alcohol.
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour period throughout 1995, with 1,339 fatal crashes. [Crashes : 1995]
• Almost 6.5 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1994. One-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (36,223) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 1994]
• Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour period throughout 1994, with 1,290 fatal crashes. [Crashes : 1994]
• Fifty-seven percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.
• Slightly 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 39 percent of fatal crashes.
• Forty-one percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 78 percent involved alcohol on safe driving, go to
  www.nsc.org.

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.

Ethnographic analysis of traumatic brain injury patients in the national Model Systems database.
Burnett DM, Kolakowsky-Hayner SA, Slater D, Stringer A, Bushnik T, Zafonte R, Cifu DX.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA, USA. DBurnett@rlshospital.org

OBJECTIVE: To compare demographics, injury characteristics, therapy service and intensity, and outcome in minority versus nonminority patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Twenty medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand twenty patients (men, n=1,518; women, n=502; nonminority, n=1,168; minority, n=852) with TBI enrolled in the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems database. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Age, gender, marital status, education, employment status, injury severity (based on Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] admission score, length of posttraumatic amnesia, duration of unconsciousness), intensity (hours) of therapy rendered, rehabilitation length of stay (LOS), rehabilitation charges, discharge disposition, postinjury employment status, FIM instrument change scores, and FIM efficiency scores. Independent sample t tests were used to analyze continuous variables; chi-square analyses were used to evaluate categorical data. RESULTS: Demographics: overall, minorities were found to be mostly young men who were single, unemployed, and less well educated, with a longer work week if employed when injured. Etiology: motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) predominated as the cause of injury for both groups; however, minorities were more likely to sustain injury from acts of violence and auto-versus-pedestrian crashes. Minorities also had higher GCS scores on admission and shorter LOS. Rehabilitation services: significant differences were found in the types and intensity of rehabilitation services provided; these included physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology, but not psychology. CONCLUSION: Minority patients who sustain TBI generally tend to be young men with less social responsibility. Although MVCs predominate as the primary etiology, acts of violence and auto-versus-pedestrian incidents are more common in the minority population. Minorities tend to have higher GCS scores at admission. Also, the type and intensity of rehabilitation services provided differed significantly for the various interdisciplinary subspecialties. Rehabilitation charges, discharge disposition, and postinjury employment status were similar for the 2 groups, even though LOS is typically 3 to 4 days shorter for the minority group. A more detailed investigation is warranted to explain these findings.

PMID: 12601659 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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