Significance of L.A. Ranking Worst in Traffic

 

By Michael P. Ehline, Esq. - Congratulations, Los Angeles wins again. Well not really. Again this year, Los Angeles has claimed top honors for having the worst traffic in the United States on the annual congested traffic study. The Inrix company data shows that many people in Los Angeles believe that traffic in L.A. is the worst in the country and the freeways are the most crowded.

Significance to Consumers of Bad LA Traffic?

The significance of this, is that there are a lot of violent collisions on the roads here in the City of Angels and greater Los Angeles areas. Even more significant, is that there are bottom feeders like cappers, runners, and ambulance chasing PI attorneys everywhere. Heck, sometimes they even get the addresses of the people who were hurt, and send them letters offering to be their lawyer. This is a turn off to most poor devil's who are down and out from a bad crash. We will discuss methods of locating an excellent car accident attorney later. Right now, we will focus on accident avoidance and things to look out for when cruising the streets and freeways.

Avoiding a Collision in Los Angeles Requires Forethought

There are certain times that it is better to not commute. According to the study, Angelinos claim a bad time to drive home is Friday afternoon. The facts relate that Los Angeles drivers spent approximately 59 hours sitting in traffic during 2012, according to the study data, which equals about two and a half days. Obviously, boredom sets in.

It is tempting for any motorist to use their cell phone, or send a text, or retrieve one. Hands free or not, a distraction is a distraction. While this report is more about Los Aneles, it is clear that population density, jobs, and location are directly connected to number of wrecks and bad traffic. In fact, the city that rated second for the worst traffic is Honolulu, where drivers spent nine hours or less sitting in traffic, the city was also rated bad previously for traffic jams.

 Los Angeles is not the only California city that made the top ten list for traffic congested freeways, San Francisco was took third place and San Jose made seventh place in the study. The Inrix study data showed that it takes Los Angeles commuters over an hour to reach home on a Friday afternoon. Another fact is that Los Angeles has 35 of the 162 most congested sections of highway nationwide. Four of the L.A. freeways made it into the country’s top 10 most congested highways; the southbound 405, northbound 405, southbound 5 and the eastbound 10 Freeways.

For a long time economists have claimed that the state of the economy is linked with the amount of traffic on the road. Their theory is when there are more jobs, there are more people driving. According to Inrix, the traffic in Los Angeles got worse, because approximately 90,000 jobs were created. The study report did have one good change, which is the fact that the 13 mile stretch of highway on the northbound 405 between the 105 and Getty Center Drive went from the most congested freeway nationwide to number 8 for the most congested freeways.

The one change that may have reduced its rating is carpool lanes that have been added. This is a road I drive on all time. I have had so many close calls, and have seen so many accidents, I can see how it would be tempting for an accident attorney to pull over and offer their services. Of course, this is illegal in California and most other states, and is known as "ambulance chasing" in the vernacular. The data company Inrix tracks and analyzes traffic data. The company has a smartphone app that drivers can see where and what caused highways to be congested.

The study report stated that traffic most likely will not improve and in the first months of 2013 traffic congestion increased 6 percent over the same period in 2012. The report also said that after a two-year decline nationwide, traffic has increased. Reasons for the decline were clearly due in part to high fuel costs. But in my opinion, many people elected to bite the bullet and stopped car pooling. It is just too inconvenient. Thus, traffic rates, of course are going ever increase. So in closing, the best way to stay safe, is to telecommute, or stay off the roads during rush hour.

 If you cannot do that, you must be extra attentive, especially during long, boring commutes. Don't put on makeup, text, fidget with the radio, and give your self a nice cushion of space, to enable you to maneuver out of an injurious, or deadly situation. The significance of L.A. Being the worst in traffic is that you have to be on your best lookout and take it upon yourself to make it a true City of Angels.  
Other Sources:
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-la-traffic-20130423,0,7346891.story

Recalls in the News

Honda has issued a recall, due to driver’s airbag module issues, in which the module may be missing rivets. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign Number 13V016000 for the recall of the defective air bags lists the Honda Odyssey 2011 through 2013 and the Honda Pilot 2009 through 2013.

 Honda’s recall number of the vehicles included in the recall is campaign number S75. The potential number off affected vehicles is estimated to be 748,481 that were manufactured between March 13, 2008 and December 21, 2012. Owners of the vehicles can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. The recall was issued due to one or more missing rivets that attach the airbag modules to the airbag cover that may be missing on these vehicles.

The missing rivets can affect the performance of the airbags in the event of an accident, in which they are deployed and could increase the risk of being injured. Owners will be notified by Honda and instructed to take their vehicle to their Honda dealer, where the vehicle’ driver side airbag will be inspected. The airbag module will be replaced if necessary free of charge by the dealer. Honda will begin notifying vehicle owners on or about February 16, 2013.

North American Bus Industries Recall Issued North American Bus Industries has issued a recall of Blue Bird L4RE transit buses that may have a defective steering gear attachment. The cracks may cause a partial separation of the steering gear from the bus frame, causing a loss of steering control. This could increase the risk of the bus being involved in a crash or accident. The number of transit buses involved in the recall issued is 53 buses.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign Number 13V011000 and owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-424-9153 for more information. North American Bus Industries will be notification for owners is expected to begin in March of 2013 and owners can call NABI at 1-256-831-4296. The bus model involved in the recall is Blue Bird L4 RD transit buses manufactured between July 1, 2007 and through October 31, 2009.

Dealers will inspect the transit buses and make the necessary repairs, free of charge. Toyota Recall Issued for Defective Seats and Airbags Toyota Southeast Distributers LLC has issued a recall on 16 models that were manufactured between 2009 and 2013. The recall is due to defects with seats and airbags, the issue can be the front passenger seat occupant sensing system being out of calibration. This may cause the front passenger airbags not to deploy or deploy inappropriately for the position and size of the passenger. This calibration issue can increase the risk of injury if the vehicle is involved in an accident, causing the airbag to be deployed.

Toyota will be notifying owners during the month of January 2013, of the recalled vehicles. The number of vehicles affected are estimate at 3,235. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign Number 13V014000, for the Toyota vehicle recall. Owners of the vehicle may contact the NHTSA for more information. Southeast Toyota Distributors LLC, will be notifying the owners of the vehicles. Dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors and recalibrate them.  

The vehicles include in the recall: 

• Toyota Avalon 209-2010 
• Toyota Camry 2009-2012 
• Toyota Camry Hybrid 2009-2012 
• Toyota Corolla 2010-2013 
• Toyota Prius 2009-2012 
• Toyota Prius V 2012 
• Toyota Venza 2009-2013 
• Toyota Sienna 2010-2013 
• Toyota Sequoia 2010-2012 
• Toyota Highlander 2009-2013 
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2009-2010 
• Toyota FJ Cruiser 2009-2010 
• Toyota RAV4 2009-2012 
• Toyota 4Runner 2009-2012 
• Toyota Tacoma 2009-2012 
• Toyota Tundra 2010-2013

Deaths on SC Highways Higher Over Past Two-Years

 

By Michael P. Ehline, Esq. - California is not the only state to suffer its share of catastrophic accidents. This past year, 2012 more people were fatally injured on South Carolina roadways for the second year in a row. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol recent report, there were 833 deaths on highways and roads in the state. This number is up from the 827 deaths that occurred in 2011, however both recent years are much below the 1,052 people killed on state roadways during 2007.

Failure to Wear Seatbelts

Highway Patrol troopers said that approximately 58 percent, or 554 of the people killed on the highways and roads in the state, were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the incidents. According to Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Brent Kelly, many of these deaths could have been preventable. There were approximately 115 pedestrians struck and fatally injured in 2012, and during 2011 there were 110 pedestrians fatally struck. Two years ago, the number of fatally injured pedestrians was 89. An education campaign is planned to continue throughout 2013, by the highway patrol.

Pedestrian Injuries

They said that in many cases the pedestrians fatally injured were while they were walking at night, either in the roadway or while crossing streets and highways, outside of intersections. Kelly said that pedestrians need to remember that only in a few places on roadways they have the right-of-way. He said they should not assume that drivers are always alert and going to slow down for the pedestrian. In 2010 South Carolina had their lowest amount of fatalities, with 806 in almost 30 years, which is the lowest number, since 1982, when there were 730 people fatalities. One of the reasons troopers attribute to the decrease in fatalities, since 2007, is the fact that people are driving fewer miles. They also believe crackdowns in driving under the influence and seatbelt use are other factors, in lowering the death rate.

Drunk Driving a Culprit

The SC Highway Patrol will not have the statistics on how many of the traffic related deaths in 2012 were due to drunk drivers for months. The county breakdown in South Carolina, is Greenville County with the highest number of deaths, with 65, Richland County with 51 fatalities, and both Spartanburg and Lexington with 48 deaths. Union County had one reported death, Marlboro and Bamberg, each had two reported deaths, and both McCormick and Allendale Counties had three reported deaths. York County had 26 reported deaths, which averaged the lowest fatality rate per capita, with the other 15 counties in the state with over 100,000 residents. Jasper, Calhoun and Colleton, which was adjusted for population, was found to have the most dangerous roadways in the state of South Carolina. So one can clearly see, that Los Angeles is not the only dangerous place to drive. (learn more)

Can I Use My Uninsured Motorist Coverage If I Am The Victim Of A Hit And Run Accident In California?

By Attorney Steven Sweat - As a California personal injury attorney, one of the more common scenarios I see is the “hit and run”. Oftentimes, because a driver does not have insurance, is illegally in the country or for other reasons, they flee the scene of an accident instead of stopping and exchanging information as required by law. If the victim of that accident is injured, what can they do. Well, one option is to submit the claim to his or her own auto insurance carrier under their uninsured motorist coverage.

Definition of Uninsured Vehicle

Under California law, "Uninsured motor vehicle" is defined as a vehicle which is not insured and/or a motor vehicle where the owner or operator is unknown, provided that, with respect to an uninsured motor vehicle whose owner or operator is unknown [Ins. Code § 11580.2(b)]: 

(1) The bodily injury has arisen out of physical contact of that automobile with the insured or with an automobile which the insured is occupying; and (2) The insured or someone on his or her behalf has done the following: Reported the accident within 24 hours to the police department of the city where the accident occurred, or, if the accident occurred in unincorporated territory, then either to the sheriff of the county where the accident occurred or to the local headquarters of the California Highway Patrol, and
  Filed with the insurer within 30 days thereafter a statement under oath that the insured or his or her legal representative has (or the insured's heirs have) a cause of action arising out of the accident for damages against a person or persons whose identity is unascertainable and set forth facts in support thereof.

 The requirements of actual contact between the hit and run vehicle and the insured vehicle and the filing of a police report within 24 hours of the incident were enacted to prevent fraud. Failure to show that these elements have been met may result in a denial of the claim. This makes it crucial to retain an attorney within a very short time frame following the hit and run accident.

Who Can Help?

An experienced car injury lawyer like Steven Sweat can assist the client with complying with all the requirements to submit a claim for medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage and all other claims that the person could have made against the at fault driver to their own insurance company, assuming there is uninsured motorist coverage in the policy. Because California law mandates that such coverage be in every auto insurance policy unless it is waived in writing, this provides a likely avenue of recovery.

Sources:

Treatise on UM UIM

Steps to Take After Being Struck by a Car

By Michael P. Ehline, Esq. - If a pedestrian is struck by an automobile, then the chance of the pedestrian suffering injuries is extremely high. More than likely, when the pedestrian is struck it will put them into shock and not knowing what to do, can make the situation worse. When you do not know what to do, after an accident of this type, it can reduce the outcome.

Purpose of This Guide

This guide presented by the pedestrian injury lawyers and personal injury attorneys at Ehline Law Firm, PC can guide and explain the steps to take, when a pedestrian accident occurs that are crucial actions.

• The first thing that should be done is to call the police. 

This is like any other vehicular accident and it is important to involve the police, if you can. Police reports are a critical part of a pedestrian accident injury claim. The chance of you being injured in this type of accident is high and if possible you need to let the police know immediately. Answer their questions honestly, the best you are able, and if you are in pain or do not feel right, tell the police you require medical assistance.

• In the event you need medical assistance, request it immediately and any questions can be postponed. When the questions are answered at a later time, you can have your personal injury lawyer present. 

Don't Admit Or Confess

Anything that you say to the police can be used against you, so do not admit fault. If you are able to exchange information, it is crucial to do so at the scene, as this will be important in the pedestrian accident case. The insurance and contact information of the driver is necessary, if you are able to get this, at the time of the accident. Witness information is valuable and should be obtained as soon as you are able.

• Staying at the scene of the accident is important, until assistance arrives. Some pedestrian injuries, may not be immediately apparent, and you may feel fine. 

This is normally caused by an adrenaline rush, which can mask some injuries, there are some injuries that cannot be seen without the help of medical treatment and others that do not appear till several hours or even days later. If you do not remain at the scene, make a police report and have yourself checked out, you may discover to late that you have suffered injuries.

• Taking photographs is important, even though it may be difficult. Take as many photos as possible of the accident scene, if you are not able, then have a loved one or friend take these photos. 

They should include where you were walking at the time of the incident, crosswalks, traffic lights and the position of the vehicle that struck you. Take photos of your injuries, immediately after they occur and through the stages of healing. Any kind of photo camera or cell phone camera can be used, which the pictures can be printed out.

• Get medical attention, right away. It is important to seek medical treatment immediately, even if you do not believe you have been injured badly enough to warrant medical care. 

Usually the pedestrian does have injuries, even when they do not think they are injured. Whiplash, neck and back injuries may not have immediate symptoms, they often take time to have signs of injury. When you do not seek medical attention, the injuries can become worse and it can harm your case. You can be faulted during your case, for not seeking medical treatment at the time of the accident. This can reduce the value of your case and in some instances result in the case being thrown out. 


• Watch out for insurance companies! Insurance companies have one agenda, which is to pay out the lowest amount possible for any claims. 
• Do not make any statements for the insurance company agents or representatives, without your lawyer present. 

It is better, if you do not have any contact with the insurance companies, without having a personal injury lawyer that specializes in pedestrian accidents. Hire a personal injury lawyer, who is a pedestrian accident expert. Insurance companies are not on your side, they do not have your best interests in mind, unfortunately. They have highly qualified professionals, who know the tactics to use in reducing the value of injury claims. This is why you require the representation of the seasoned and aggressive pedestrian accident lawyer, who will protect your rights and fight for the greatest amount of compensation or largest possible settlement for your injuries and damages.

Getting Help

Ehline Law Firm PC has the experience, knowledge, litigation skills and resources to handle your claim to obtain a successful outcome. We will fight to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.

Michael Ehline

Ehline Law Firm PC

michael@ehlinelaw.com

633 W 5th St #2890

Los Angeles , CA , 90071 United States

213.596.9642

SUV Rollovers—The Preventable Accident? Southern California Lawyers Question

Reviewing the Facts

The lawyers at Ehline Law Firm, PC review the facts involving SUV rollovers. In every motor vehicle accident, it is impossible to know what the damages will be and the injuries that will be sustained. There are certain factors that can help in preventing accidents, in regards to driver actions and vehicle manufacturers.

NHTSA Rules

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and other agencies outline these factors, including the fact that SUV’s have a higher rollover accident rate, over other vehicle models. The designs of these models of vehicles often have a heavier weight distribution on the top. The manufacturing and design of SUV’s in some instances has failed, even thought there is rollover prevention included, which is not a guarantee in a crash the vehicle will not rollover.
There are some things that can be done to reduce the risks that are associated with these models of motor vehicles:

• Drive at safe speeds—driving at a high rate of speed is one of the related factors in SUV rollovers and accident injuries. 
• Speeding—driving too fast for either road conditions or the roadway, especially maneuvering sharp turns, raises the risk of being involved in a rollover accident. 
• Transporting heavy items—it is important to be careful when transporting heavy items, especially if considering placing them on top of an already top heavy vehicle. This is generally unsafe, since it will create a significant unequal weight distribution and increase the risk of a vehicle rollover. 
• Overcrowding—seating too many passengers, known as overcrowding is another weight distribution issue, with this type of vehicle and can increase the risk of a rollover accident. If the sport utility vehicle is manufactured to hold seven people, then it is not suited to hold more than this amount of passengers and can increase the risks. 
• Maintenance—proper maintenance of vehicles is important and with SUV’s it can reduce risk of crashes. 

Last, the vehicle components should be inspected regularly and the tires should be checked to make sure they are in good condition and have the proper amount of air in them. When an SUV rollover accident occurs, the Ehline Law Firm PC has locations throughout Southern California to assist the individuals, who have been injured. Learn more at 633 W 5th St. #2890 Los Angeles, CA 90071. 213.596.9642.

Cell Phones In An Auto - A Hazard Or Not?

Los Angeles car accident lawyer, Michael P. Ehline, Esq.

By Michael P. Ehline, Esq. - In today's world, especially a crowded place like Northern or Southern California, virtually everyone uses cell phones to stay in touch with work, home and friends. And some people have taken it one step further, and given up their home phone altogether. People can be seen using them in the stores and in their cars, there are cell phones that can be used hands free, and ones that are not.

Cell Phones Can Be a Great Aid to Travel

Cell phones can be a great aid in a car when there is a break down or when there is an accident. However it can also be a device that can take drivers' concentration away from the road. While not paying full attention to the road, anything can happen, from a minor fender bender to a major pile up on the freeway in Santa Ana, Torrance, Long Beach or any other city in Orange County, California, for example. The person talking on a cell phone may not even do anything that would cause an accident, but without full attention on the road they are not driving defensively and this leads to the question cell phones in the auto, a hazard or not? A motorist that is not on a cell phone and instead having full control and concentration on the road, is a much safer driver than one who has partial attention on the road. This fact certainly has come to the attention of many city, county and state officials who had considered passing and ultimately passed laws about using cell phones while driving.

Hands Free Devices

Before it was illegal in the state, some cities had made it illegal to use a hand held cell phone. But it has never deterred the cell phone companies who have now manufactured other cell devices that no longer need be hand held. Although there are products that are even installed in some new models of vehicles that do not make it completely safe, the driver talking on the phone will not always have their full concentration on the road, and can still be a danger to other drivers. But how far do we go? Do we then make radios illegal, as they cause you to listen to music? Do we outlaw children in the car, as they can cry and distract? The answer is emphatically, "no". The solution is personal responsibility.

What California Car Accident Lawyers Say

According to Ehline Law Firm PC, car accident lawyers in Los Angeles, the accident rate is higher for drivers who were on a cell phone or wireless device at the time of an accident, than those who were not and when motorists is involved in an accident with another driver who was using a cell phone at the time they need to contact a professional who is experienced in this type of case and understands cell phones in the auto, a hazard or not can be a deciding factor in an accident case.