car accidents

A Glaring Problem for Nighttime Drivers: Why Implementing A Solution in U.S. Is So Tough

May 15, 2023 | Kearns Rotolo Law

A combination of new LED lights, taller vehicles and fewer checks for headlight misalignment adds up to a glaring problem for nighttime drivers in the U.S. Although it is difficult to calculate how many motor vehicle accidents can be attributed to headlight glare, statistics do show that the fatality rate for nighttime accidents is three times higher than that of daytime accidents. Improving conditions to help reduce these crashes has long been a goal of safety regulators and the U.S. automobile industry.

Europe has been using adaptive driving beams to combat this problem for over a decade. Why is it taking so long to implement this technology in the U.S.? Read “Blinded by the light: Cars in the U.S. still lack glare-reducing headlights” to learn more.

‘Do Not Drive’ Warning Issued on Certain Popular Vehicles

February 15, 2023 | Kearns Rotolo Law

About 10 years ago, U.S. drivers were hit with the largest automotive recall in this country’s history over defective Takata airbags. Today, those who ignored that recall notice are receiving a “Do Not Drive” warning for certain popular Honda and Acura models.

The warning, which affects millions of vehicles, states that the airbags in certain older model cars, including Honda’s popular CR-V and Civic models, can explode when deployed after long-term exposure to high temperatures and humidity. The inflators in these airbags are at least 20 years old and have a 50-50 chance of erupting in even minor collisions causing serious injury and/or death. To learn more and to see if your car is among the models affected, read “’Do Not Drive’ Recall on 2 of NJ’s Most Popular Vehicles.”

Driving Habits Survey Yields Mixed Results

November 15, 2021 | The Victor Rotolo Law Firm

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s recent survey of driver behaviors yielded mixed results: U.S. drivers appear to recognize the dangers associated with certain risky habits that could increase the likelihood of accidents yet admit there are other unsafe activities they still engage in while behind the wheel.

The survey of self-reported driving behaviors looked at driving habits during the period 2018 to 2020. The results revealed a downward trend in such activities as running red lights and driving while drowsy or under the influence. At the same time, it showed drivers continued to engage in other risky behaviors like using handheld cell phones and driving over the posted speed limits. To see all the numbers, read “Self-Reported Dangerous Driving Habits Revealed In New Survey.”

What You Can Do to Strengthen Your Personal Injury Case

September 15, 2021 | The Victor Rotolo Law Firm

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you might be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. Getting that compensation, however, may require you to file a personal injury lawsuit, a legal process that can be overwhelming for those without experience.

While attorneys who focus on personal injury law are best suited to help guide you through the process, what you do immediately following your accident can help determine how strong of a case you have. To learn what steps you should take to bolster your case, read “How to Build A Strong Personal Injury Case.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid After An Accident

June 15, 2021 | The Victor Rotolo Law Firm

Motor vehicle accidents are traumatic and unsettling for even the most experienced driver. This can make it difficult to assess the full extent of damages and injuries immediately following impact. That’s why it is important to remain as calm as possible and follow procedure no matter how minor or serious the accident appears to be.

Because of the shock and confusion that can typically follow a motor vehicle accident, many drivers overlook some common steps that, if the accident leads to a lawsuit, can hurt their chances of being awarded the compensation they may be entitled to. For a look at what those steps are, read “5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing A Personal Injury Claim after A Motor Vehicle Accident.”

NJ Roads Saw Fewer Cars but More Deaths in 2020

February 15, 2021 | The Victor Rotolo Law Firm

If you thought some of the restrictions put in place to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus – business closures, curfews, remote schooling, work-from-home orders – would mean fewer cars on the road resulting in fewer accidents, you would only be half right.

While it is true there were fewer vehicles on New Jersey roads in 2020, the number of fatalities from motor vehicle accidents was higher than it had been in the two years prior. New Jersey was not the only state to experience an increase in traffic deaths during the early days of the pandemic; similar trends were found throughout the country. Authorities point to more risky behavior by drivers as a leading factor behind these sobering statistics. To learn more, read “Fewer Cars on NJ Roads But Still More Fatal Accidents in 2020.”

Recovering Just Compensation for Your Car Accident Injuries

November 15, 2020 | The Victor Rotolo Law Firm

Motor vehicle accident injuries can be devastating, resulting in extensive medical bills and the potential loss of, or reduction in, income while you are recovering. Because it can be difficult to immediately assess the extent of your injuries, it is important to seek medical attention following the accident. Not only can a medical exam uncover hidden injuries, like broken bones or internal damages, it can help support your claim for just compensation.

It’s common knowledge that certain information needs to be exchanged following an accident — name and contact information, insurance company name and policy number, driver’s license and license plate numbers, make and model of vehicles involved, and a copy of the accident report — but when injuries are involved, more is needed. To improve your chances of recovering compensation for expenses related to your accident injuries, be sure to obtain the proper medical documentation. To learn more, see the Lawyer Monthly article, “Personal Injury Case: The Documents to Secure from Your Attending Physician.”

Safety Tips for Sharing the Road

October 15, 2020 | The Victor Rotolo Law Firm

Walking has become quite the popular activity in 2020, with so many of us looking for an easy alternative to our otherwise restricted exercise routines or simply for a diversion from being cooped up at home. With this increased pedestrian traffic, comes an increased risk for accidents, prompting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to declare October National Pedestrian Safety Month.

Regardless of whether you believe it is the pedestrian’s or the motorist’s responsibility, there are precautions both can take to help avoid accidents. It is especially important now with the end of Daylight Savings Time approaching that both walkers and drivers take steps to stay safe. For some tips, read the NHTSA’s “October is National Pedestrian Safety Month.”

How Branding Terms Can Influence Driver Perception

September 15, 2020 | The Victor Rotolo Law Firm

Each year it seems the automobile industry introduces new technologies designed to make driving easier and safer and to help us avoid accidents and related injuries. But do these technologies help, or do they lead to even more accidents resulting from driver inattention?

A recent study by AAA suggests the answer to that question could depend, at least in part, on the names used when marketing these advanced technology systems. For further details read, “AAA Study: Drivers Too Willing to Abandon Responsibility to Technology.”

Can New Study Help Reduce Teen Drivers’ Crash Risk?

September 15, 2019 | The Victor Rotolo Law Firm

Lack of skill and experience may be partially to blame for the high rate of serious car accidents involving teen drivers, but it doesn’t explain the disparities in risk levels among equally inexperienced drivers. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Centre may have found the answer.

The researchers discovered a link between the rate of development of a teen driver’s ‘working memory’ and his or her crash risk. “Working memory’ is associated with the ability to accurately perform moment-to-moment tasks that are essential to safe driving.

Teen driving statistics are frightening. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers in the 17- to 19-year-old age group are at a higher risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident than drivers in any other age group. In fact, drivers age 16 to 17 are nine times more likely than adult drivers to get into an accident and six times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. Can this new information be used to improve these numbers and keep our teens safe on the road? Read “Study links youths’ slow ‘working memory’ to high crash rates” to find out.