Airborne Tesla

The Tesla Model S Plaid was being operated by a 43-year-old Palm Harbor man at a high rate of speed on Manning Road. It went through a stop sign at Manning’s “T” with Hermosa, hit a curb, traveled up an embankment, and went airborne through a stockade fence before slamming into a house and breaking through both its rear and interior walls where it struck and killed a 69-year-old resident and the family dog.  Another man, also 43-years-old who was a passenger in the car was also killed. The driver and two other passengers in the Tesla all suffered serious injuries. Authorities report that it didn’t appear as if an autopilot option on the electrically powered Tesla was engaged.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Tesla Crash?

Tesla’s autopilot software allows a vehicle to steer, accelerate and brake, but it’s only intended to make driving easier and reduce accidents. The need for a driver isn’t eliminated. Several fatal Tesla accidents have happened as of late when the autopilot system was engaged. What comes to issue in just about any Tesla crash is what went wrong and who was responsible for it.

If there was a technological flaw, the Tesla could be at fault and liable for any injuries, deaths, or other damages. If it was a case of driver carelessness and negligence, he or she could be at fault.

Fault might even be attributable to both Tesla and the driver. For example, the car’s autopilot might not detect a bicyclist in the road ahead but had the driver been paying attention, he or she still might have had time to slow down or otherwise avoid hitting the bicyclist.

Tesla isn’t the only carmaker that has an autopilot feature available on its vehicles. A few others are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac and Toyota. If you were injured in an accident, you’ll need to know whether it was the fault of the driver, the manufacturer both of them or even a third party.

Left-turn collisions are far too common on Tampa streets. They are frequent because so much attention is required of the driver attempting a left turn. Motorists can sometimes take far too short of a look at oncoming traffic and misjudge the distance of approaching vehicles. When it’s dark, headlights can confuse drivers trying to cut across lanes of traffic for a turn.

Left turns also take longer than other traffic maneuvers because the vehicle must make a wide arc and remain in front of opposite traffic longer. These risk factors and others can lead to a frightening impact.

Deadly Two-Vehicle Collision in East Tampa

A man lost his life and a woman suffered major injuries in a collision in the neighborhood of East Tampa early Tuesday morning. The Tampa Bay Times reported the accident took place along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near Riga Road on November 9, 2021.

The Florida Highway Patrol determined that a 55-year-old Riverview man attempted a left turn across the eastbound lanes. His car entered the path of a 54-year-old Tampa woman driving a pickup truck and a collision resulted.

The Riverview man was rushed to the hospital where he died from his injuries. The Tampa woman suffered serious injuries and was also transported to the hospital.

Finding Assistance for Victims and Families After a Tampa Accident

Victims of devastating accidents must often deal with long and expensive recoveries and face many physical and financial challenges.

Surviving victims or their close family members can file a claim for damages against an at-fault driver’s car insurance provider. This civil claim helps victims pay for the costs of recovery. This can include all medical bills and reimbursement for lost wages while the patient misses work.

Families who have lost a loved one will be dealing with immense grief, but they should never have to deal with the financial burdens a terrible accident can bring. According to Rhino Lawyers, the compensation available by a wrongful death action is based on the loss of the deceased to those in his or her family.

This civil lawsuit asks for help in supporting close relatives in the years to come as they deal with the loss of guidance and financial support a beloved family member can no longer provide. Families should also receive full support with the costs of a funeral, emergency response and hospital bills, and estate settlement.

Immediately Recognizable Injuries

Scrapes, Cuts and Soft Tissue Injuries

Scrapes, cuts and soft tissue injuries frequently occur during car accidents. They can happen on the face and anywhere on the body. Cuts and scrapes can be minor or more critical injuries. Cuts become more consequential if they require stitches or cause excessive bleeding. Excessive bleeding requires immediate medical attention.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are a common occurrence in motor vehicle accidents. The most common type of head injury is concussions. A concussion happens when the head is impacted or shook severely. Some symptoms of concussions include dizziness, confusion, double vision, slurred speech, and ringing in the ears.

Broken Bones

Broken bones occur in many motor vehicle accidents. The body parts that break most often are the arms, legs, and pelvis areas. Broken bones are very painful and require a lengthy healing time. A person may need rehabilitation treatment for broken bones.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are common in car accidents as well. Internal injuries are injuries that you can not see but are dangerous. They affect vital internal organs such as the kidneys, spleen, and more. Internal injuries require medical care as soon as possible.

Injuries with Delayed Onset

Whiplash

Whiplash is also a common injury that is associated with car accidents. It affects the muscles in the neck and back when the car stops suddenly. Some people can experience torn muscles in the neck and back. A herniated disc in the back is also a common side effect of whiplash. While neck and spine pain might be immediate, it can also take some time to fully manifest.

Post-Traumatic Stress

Being involved in a car accident is a stressful experience for many people. People may find it challenging to cope with their injuries. Their finances may also suffer as a result of the car accident. Some people can experience post-traumatic stress after a motor vehicle accident. Some symptoms of PTS are anxiety, trouble sleeping, not wanting to drive, and nightmares. It is vital to get treatment for emotional injuries and physical injuries during and after a car accident.

No one plans or wants to get in a car accident. Unfortunately, they can happen anywhere and any time of the day. They can change people’s lives forever. Knowing some of the common injuries in a car accident can be useful when seeking treatment after a car accident, especially when injuries aren’t immediately apparent.

Just How Bad Is A Water Heater Explosion?

There’s no sugar-coating it: a water heater explosion could cost you your life. If you’re lucky enough to survive this intense blast, there’s a high chance you will suffer severe burns from the scalding hot water. At the very least, a water heater explosion will cause incalculable damage to your property.

Of course, since these units are full of water, they will flood your floor and rugs. Nearby furniture and appliances will also likely be destroyed in the event of a water heater explosion.

We should also note that malfunctioning water heaters could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Please ensure you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector close to your water heater.

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Water Heater Damage? 

Unfortunately, most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover water heater explosions. If your plan does have a water heater provision, it will probably only cover water-related damage. Most likely, you will need to pay for a replacement water heater out of pocket.    

That being said, many insurance policies offer add-ons for home appliances. Homeowners could also look into “equipment breakdown coverage” that includes water heaters.      

So, Who is Responsible if I am Injured in a Water Heater Explosion?

If a water heater failure occurs, causing you or a loved one serious injury or death, you are able to pursue a personal injury claim against the manufacturer (if it was a defect) or the installer (if it was improperly installed) or any other party whose negligence caused the malfunction.

How Could I Tell My Water Heater Needs Service? 

There are many potential causes behind a water heater explosion, but most cases result from intense internal pressure. Your water heater should never have a pressure reading above 80 psi. Also, if you notice your heater’s pressure relief valve leaking, that’s a huge red flag something’s going wrong. 

In addition to pressure, excessively high temps could contribute to a water heater explosion. Yes, water heaters are designed to handle hot temps, but there’s always a limit. Please never use a small unit to do a big water heater’s job. When choosing a water heater for your home, carefully evaluate how much each person will use and how much heat that unit could handle.  

As water heaters age, homeowners should also be mindful of issues like rust and sediment. Remember: sediment insulates heat, which means your water heater has to run for longer to reach your desired temp. If you ever hear a “popcorn-like” noise when using your water heater, there’s a good chance you’ve got way too much sediment in your unit. 

Lastly, a water heater could explode due to a gas leak. If this is the case, you’ll probably notice a rotten egg odor in your house. Once you notice this smell, please shut off your water heater and contact a professional for an inspection.   

What Can You Do to Prevent Water Heater Explosions? 

The easiest way to prevent a catastrophic explosion is to inspect your water heater routinely. Be sure to look for any signs of rust, damage, or leakage at least every few months. You could use a pressure reader to ensure your water heater is below 80 psi.

It’s also a good idea to drain your water heater at least once per year. This simple strategy will keep excess sediment from forming on the bottom of your unit. 

Another great safety tip is to lower your water heater’s max temp to 120° F. This is especially important if you have young children at home. Sadly, it’s common for toddlers to suffer accidental burns from hot water temps.  

Lastly, if you have any concerns about your water heater, it’s always best to contact a professional ASAP. Only an accredited water heater expert could figure out what’s going wrong with your unit and explain your repair options. 

You don’t need a Lawyer

When the insurance adjuster tells you that a lawyer is unnecessary, it is in fact a paradoxical statement. The insurance provider knows that a professional attorney is aware of all their tactics, which poses a problem for them. Bear in mind that you should never directly speak to the insurance company. Hire a defendant and let him/her handle the deceitful opponent.

The Insurance Policy does not cover this

This is the oldest trick in the book of an insurance company. They will tell you that the policy has limited coverage, so you cannot get full or even partial reimbursement. These people know that you did not read the fine print, or cannot interpret the lawyer lingo in case you skimmed the contract. Taking advantage of the client’s lack of information is simple and easy.

I’m offering more than you could get ever get out of this

When you file a personal injury claim, you may not be fully aware of the extent of damages; also, how much it will cost to fix the situation. This is why insurance agents are quick to offer a small settlement and create the impression that they are being exceedingly generous.

You’re running out of Time

Insurance agents pressure petitioners into accepting a meager settlement by highlighting the deadline. They bluff that their offer is outstanding and final, so you need to hurry because missing it will be your loss. Remember that their deadlines are arbitrary, so keep calm and figure out the actual worth of your case.

I’m busy right now

If the insurance company keeps putting off your calls and acts as if they have a million claims to work on, understand that it is just another way to frustrate you. Don’t fall for their tantrums and ask your lawyer to take care of it.

Your Claim is in Processing

When the insurance agent tells you that they are investigating your case, it means that they are looking into ways to defy your claim. The prolonged ‘processing’ is a red flag.

You need to provide your Social Security number

Your social security number gives access to all your credit history and can be used for a thorough background check. This is a superficial request, so never abide by it.

We need a Recorded Statement

Whatever you say can be used against you, so beware of giving consent to record a call or conversation. The most trivial dialogues are manipulated to damage your claim; hence, remain silent and let your attorney do the talking.

You have to sign a Release form

Never sign anything in the absence of a lawyer. You are not obliged to provide any personal information, and that includes past medical records. You have no idea how insurers manipulate and exploit data to make the plaintiff look like a fraud.

The man hit a car that was heading down the opposite lane which caused a chain reaction with two other vehicles. The crash killed the Alabama driver.

The other drivers were not fatally harmed.

When a loved one dies in an accident, the legal hassles should be the least of your grievances. However, in the wake of the unforeseen tragic event where a loved one dies, you need an experienced estate planner to help you to navigate the process. If you have recently suffered the loss of a loved one, contact a Fort Lauderdale Estate Planning Attorney.

It happened in the 5000 block of Louetta Road around 10 p.m. Saturday.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says the vehicle was operated by Luke Ford, driving a gray Infiniti on Louetta near Kuykendah. Ford veered into oncoming traffic and slammed into a Ford F-150 with two people inside.

All four people were taken to the hospital where Ford’s brother, Zachary, later died.

If you have been injured in a car accident, call a highly-qualified Houston Personal Injury Lawyer.

California Highway Patrol records indicate that 14,047 pedestrians were injured by motorists in California in 2008. The injuries are often serious, and sometimes deadly, because of the force that a vehicle imparts to an exposed body.

In all pedestrian versus car collisions, witness accounts are essential. However there may be other information that can influence who will be deemed responsible, in whole or in part, for a collision. California Vehicle Code section 21950 says: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection”, and that a driver approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.” Determining who is at fault in a pedestrian versus auto collision usually requires a very fact specific investigation that includes consideration of the speed of the vehicle, the visibility of the pedestrian, road conditions, and whether avoidance measures were taken.

The cause of this fatal Sacramento accident,  which occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m., is still under investigation.

Complete investigation of any Sacramento injury accident is essential to determine which parties are responsible.  In all pedestrian versus car collisions, witness accounts are crucial.  However there may be other information that can influence who will be deemed responsible, in whole or in part, for a pedestrian versus vehicle incident. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states that “the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian” within a crosswalk, and that a driver approaching a pedestrian in a crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”

Nothing is more devastating than losing a loved one, especially if it is unexpected and as the result of someone’s negligence. The law provides that certain family members, usually a spouse, child or parent, have the right to recover compensation for certain losses if someone is liable for causing another person’s death. These losses include both economic and non-economic damages. The most significant economic loss recoverable in a wrongful death claim is typically the loss of financial support and other benefits that the deceased would have provided in his or her lifetime to the person making the claim. Non-economic damages include the loss of love, support and companionship of the deceased person.

Although the official determination of fault is important, a detailed investigation beyond what is contained in the police report is often necessary to determine who is liable for a victim’s injuries or death. In such cases, the family of a deceased accident victim should contact an experienced California Personal Injury Attorney who will hire investigators and accident reconstruction experts to fully evaluate the cause of the collision and explore all available legal options.

Although this California injury accident remains under investigation, the information available indicates that traffic had been backed up as a result of the disabled vehicle, and therefore the driver of the big rig would be primarily at fault for causing this collision by violation Vehicle Code §22350, driving at a speed that was unsafe for traffic conditions.

Big Rigs represent a unique danger on our roadways.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,374 people were killed during 1998 in collisions involving large trucks. In those fatal collisions, 86 percent of the victims were either occupants of another vehicle or not in any vehicle. Because of their size, big-rigs represent an especially dangerous threat on the roadways. In many instances, the conduct of the big-rig driver and/or their employer can greatly increase the risk of the general motoring public. Statistics show that many of the big-rig collisions resulting in injury or fatality are caused in part by the following:

1. Truck driver fatigue caused by driving long hauls while failing to comply with minimum sleep and continuous driving regulations;
2. Use of drugs by drivers to assist in driving long hours and for recreation and failure to maintain an effective drug testing program;
3. Failure to maintain the tires, brakes and other mechanical conditions of the tractors and trailers through minimum required inspections;
4. Trucks with loads that over the weight limit or that are subject to shifting due to improper balance or lack of restraint;
5. Excessive speeding and other driving violations often ignored by the employer;
6. Lack of training and minimum experience requirements.
7. Truck driver fatigue caused by driving long hauls while failing to comply with minimum sleep and continuous driving regulations;
8. Use of drugs by drivers to assist in driving long hours and for recreation and failure to maintain an effective drug testing program;
9. Failure to maintain the tires, brakes and other mechanical conditions of the tractors and trailers through minimum required inspections;
10. Trucks with loads that over the weight limit or that are subject to shifting due to improper balance or lack of restraint;
11. Excessive speeding and other driving violations often ignored by the employer;
12. Lack of training and minimum experience requirements.

Unfortunately, the victims and their families of a big-rig or truck collision often have a difficult time obtaining fair compensation, sometimes because the trucker is from out of state and the insurance company is an obscure commercial carrier with experience in avoiding payment of claims. Injured victims or the family of a deceased victim are urged to obtain the legal assistance of An experienced Personal Injury Attorney, who will investigate the causes of the collision, protect the injured person’s legal rights, and make sure that they receive adequate compensation for all of the consequences of their injuries.