It makes no difference whether you are a driver or passenger, any auto accident is a frightening experience. A rollover accident, however, is one of the most dangerous. Why?  Let’s start with the statistics:

• In 2002, there were 11 million crashes involving a passenger car, SUV, or pickup truck, and only 3% of those involved a rollover.
• More than 10,000 people died in those crashes, for a fatality rate of is 33%. Most of those victims (72%) were not wearing safety belts.
• Vehicles with a higher center of gravity, like SUV’s, vans, or pickup trucks, were more prone to rollovers in single vehicle crashes.
• The majority of all fatal rollovers were at speeds higher than 55 MPH, and 40% of those accidents involved speeding.
• 85% of all fatalities from rollover accidents were single vehicle crashes.

So rollovers have a higher fatality rate than other kinds of crashes, and usually involve only one vehicle. How do these terrible accidents happen?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describes two causes for a rollover and divides them into 2 categories; tripped rollovers and un-tripped.  Here’s the difference between the two.

A Tripped Rollover is just what its title describes. The vehicle “trips” or “stumbles” over something and falls over itself. Almost all (95%) of single-vehicle rollovers are tripped. The vehicle may go off the road, slide sideways, and its tires hit something, causing it to stumble and roll. It can be something as simple as soft soil, a change in slope, or even a guard rail.

Sometimes, a vehicle traveling on a highway drifts into another lane, the driver quickly makes a steering correction and over corrects. Then the tires hit the soft soil on the shoulder and  the vehicle trips, causing it to rollover. It’s not just soft soil that can do this; it could be a guardrail, or curb, snow bank or just about any object.

Tripping also can happen on a steep slope. A vehicle may be going down a steep hill and start to pick up speed. The driver misjudges the steepness of the hill, and any turn or correction is too much at the traveling speed. The vehicle rolls over and tumbles down the hill.

An Untripped Rollover is much less common. These type of accidents occur less than 5% of the time, and happen most often in vehicles that are top-heavy. An untripped rollover usually happens when a driver is trying to avoid a crash, and over corrects. Often the vehicle is heavily loaded and the weight of the cargo causes the vehicle to be top heavy and rollover.

Rollovers are violent, tragic crashes. More often than other types of crashes, they are caused by driver behavior, road conditions, and environmental factors. Too often it’s a correction after a brief distraction. Now that you know how how fatal a single car rollover can be, use extra caution to avoid an accident.

For more information about protecting your legal rights in a rollover accident:
http://www.callsam.tv/car-accidents/how-can-you-protect-your-legal-rights-after-a-michigan-auto-accident.html

http://michigan-auto-accident.com/michigan-car-accident-legal-help-center/suv-rollover-accidents.html?task=view

Resources: http://www.safercar.gov

Air bags are an important safety device found in vehicles since 1987. They are only meant to be used with safety belts, to protect a person from hitting the dashboard, side of the car, or other parts of the vehicle’s interior during a crash.

Between 1987 and 2008, frontal air bags saved 25,782 people.  Both front and side-impact air bags are triggered in a moderate to severe crash.

How Do Air Bags Work?

When your vehicle is involved in a crash, a signal is sent  to the air bag module. This triggers a chemical reaction, which produces a harmless gas to inflate the air bag instantly — in less than 1/20th of a second.

Then the air bag quickly deflates, letting the gas out through vents in the fabric so it doesn’t smother anyone, or restrict their movement after a crash.

This entire process of air bag inflation and deflation is very quick and usually happens in less than a second.
In the event of a rollover crash, which lasts longer than an impact event, the side and front air bags are designed to provide rollover protection and remain inflated longer. Side-impact air bags inflate even more rapidly, because there is less space between the person and the interior side of the vehicle.

Air bags are designed to save lives, and they do. However, they deploy so rapidly and with such force that serious, sometimes fatal, injuries happen if the person is too close to the air bag when it begins to deploy.

The force of an inflating air bag can be especially dangerous for children and small adults. Here are a few precautions you should always take to ensure the air bags are saving lives, and not injuring you or your family:

• The back seat is the safest place for children. All children under 13 years always should be in the back seat.
• Read your owner’s manual for specific information about the air bags in your vehicle.
• If your vehicle has an air bag ON-OFF switch, check it whenever you have a passenger. One survey shows that 48% of these switches were incorrectly left ON for child passengers under age 13.
• Air bags are designed to be used only once. If they are deployed they cannot be reused. Used air bags should be replaced immediately, and only by an authorized repair center – before the vehicle is driven again.
• Sit as far back from the steering wheel or dashboard as possible and use seat belts to help keep you a safe distance from a front air bag.

Most newer vehicles have air bag fabrics with a silicone coating, or something similar, to allow the fabric to deploy very quickly. Older models used nontoxic cornstarch or talcum powder to lubricate the fabric. Unfortunately, the powder sometimes looked like it was smoke even though it was actually harmless.

Some heavily coated side curtain air bags developed for rollover crash protection may still be lubricated with talcum powder. Don’t be alarmed if you are in an auto accident and you see the cloud of dust that looks like smoke.

Now you know how air bags work and how to use them safely. Hopefully, you will never need them.

Passenger vans are used to transport people and cargo all over the country. Many organizations, from sports teams to churches, use the 15-passenger van. These vans are longer, higher, and wider, so they handle very differently from smaller passenger vehicles.

They require more space, consistent use of the side mirrors for changing lanes, and additional braking distances. A15-passenger van also has a higher risk of crashes and rollover accidents if not properly driven and maintained correctly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research shows these vehicles have a greater risk of rollover due to:

• Inexperienced drivers
• Improperly sized and/or inflated tires
• Incorrectly loaded cargo and passengers that affect center of gravity

Tire maintenance is of the utmost importance to preventing tragedies, like rollover crashes.  Users of 15-passenger vans must ensure the vehicles have appropriately-sized tires that are properly inflated before every trip.

NHTSA safety tips for traveling in a 15-passenger van:

• Owners should make sure the vehicle is properly maintained.
• Drivers need to be properly licensed, fully trained and experienced in operating 15-passenger vans.
• 15-passenger vans are very sensitive to loading and should not be overloaded under any circumstances. Research shows overloading increases rollover risk and makes the vehicle more unstable in any handling maneuvers.
• Tires must be the proper size for the vehicle. Before every trip, drivers should check the tires for proper inflation, and make sure there are no signs of wear. Correct tire size and inflation pressure information can be found in the owner’s manual.
• If you are a passenger, buckle up for every trip. Unrestrained passengers  are 3 times more likely to die in a single car auto accident then those wearing safety belts.

Resources:  http://www.nhtsa.gov

September is a great month for vehicle safety. This week and next, two important events will be offered to both the public and professionals.

This week, September 11-17, is Brake Safety Week.  During the week, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), will be inspecting brakes and educating professional drivers and mechanics on compliance of commercial vehicle braking systems.

Next week, September 18-24, is National Child Passenger Safety Week. This event wraps up with a national campaign to inspect child car seats on Saturday, September 24th.  The inspections are a free service, offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
To find an inspection station near your home, go to the NHTSA website
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm.

As the holidays approach, the Sam Bernstein Law Firm would like to advise safety tips for travelers making long trips to visit family and friends. Traveling in the snow and other icy conditions can present driving challenges.

According to the National Safety Commission, 90 percent of traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday will be by car. Follow a few tips for safe driving to avoid a car accident this holiday season:

• Slow down more than usual, and leave room between your car and the car in front of you. Your car may need more time to stop completely when suddenly breaking.
• Don’t drink and drive – even buzzed driving can impair your judgment and cause a car accident.
• Fatigued driving is also unsafe. The National Highway Safety Administration says fatigue is a factor in 12.5% of crashes that result in hospitalization. The NSC recommends stopping every 2 hours, or 100 miles.
• Give yourself more time when scheduling trips to avoid speeding – or travel on off-days, such as the Tuesday before Thanksgiving instead of Wednesday. Often traffic may add another hour to the trip. Check road conditions and the traffic report to find the best possible route.

Being prepared in case of an emergency is also key to preventing injuries and death. Pack an emergency snow kit in your car trunk with a snow scraper/brush, flashlight, blankets, booster cables, a shovel, a bag of sand for tire grip, flares and a first aid kit. Remember to bring a cell phone and car charger, but be sure to pull over before using it to avoid distracted driving.

Bring your automobile to a mechanic and have it winterized before traveling. Have a certified mechanic check your oil level, tire pressure, windshield wipers, heater, defroster, antifreeze, and brakes.

Unfortunately, preventive measures may not always prevent a motor vehicle accident. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a Michigan auto accident, talk with an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer.

Michigan winters can be unpredictable, but they usually present major challenges to Michigan drivers as the ice and snow fall and colder temperatures set in. The Sam Bernstein Law Firm recommends the following tips to winterize your vehicle for the upcoming season. Keeping your car maintained can prevent car failure and a Michigan car accident.

Check tire pressure. Due to winter’s low temperatures, the air pressure in a cold tire can easily drop. Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure points. According to Edmunds.com, tire pressure can change by about 1 psi for every 10-degree Fahrenheit change in temperature.

Snow tires can increase traction. A good set of winter tires can increase traction, because they are optimized for snow and ice. Their tread patterns are designed for winter conditions, and they are made from softer rubber compounds that retain flexibility in the winter.

Check your vehicle’s four-wheel drive system. As temperatures get colder, engine oil gets thicker and does not circulate as well as a thinner oil. Without circulating oil, the engine won’t get proper lubrication. Read your owner’s manual to find out the type of engine oil your vehicle takes, and replace the oil, or have a mechanic change it.

Check belts and hoses. Cold temperatures can speed up wear and tear on belts and hoses – have them inspected by a certified mechanic before winter.

Check the battery. Extremely cold temperatures can reduce battery power by up to 50 percent. Clean any corrosion that may have built up on the posts and connections, and test your battery if it is older than three years old at a vehicle repair shop.

Check the antifreeze mixture. If you have a mixture of more water than antifreeze in your radiator, the water can freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an antifreeze tester from an auto parts store to check if the ratio is 50:50.

Replace windshield wipers. Worn or torn wipers will not clear your windshield, and provide enough visibility fro driving through a snow, sleet, or ice storm. Check your washer fluid and add a de-icing solvent.

Check your gas tank frequently. Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times in order to keep your gas lines from freezing. You also may need extra gas, in case you get stranded or lost during bad weather.

Keep an emergency kit in your trunk while you travel, especially before embarking on a road trip. The kit should include: a blanket, extra boots and gloves, extra set of warm clothes, non-perishable food, paper towels, water, an ice scraper, a shovel and a first-aid kit.

To maintain your car, also keep the following items in your trunk: windshield wiper fluid, windshield wipers, flares, jumper cables, a tool kit, tire chains, a tire gauge, a spare tire, tire-changing equipment and sand to provide additional tire traction when needed.

No matter how well you prepare, or how carefully you drive, auto accidents may happen. If you or someone you love was hurt in an auto accident, talk with an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer to protect your legal rights.

In today’s , Detroit Free Press, columnist Ron Dzwonkowski writes about the seemingly random events on our roads lead can lead to tragedy.

In our work at The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, we see the horrific result of these accidents on the accident victim and their family. Every day we receive calls from auto accident victims who were simply driving to work or on their way to pick up a child at school when a drunk driver or careless person causes a life changing accident.

The lesson is two-fold. First, live life to the fullest every day and in every moment because you never know when your life (as you know it) could change forever. Second, and more practically, drive defensively at all times – keep an eye on the road and the drivers around you. Going slower also dramatically reduces the risk of injury in an accident.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently reported that motor vehicle deaths dropped in 2009 to the lowest level since 1950.

A 9.7 percent overall decrease in deaths caused by auto accidents from 2008 to 2009 covered a variety of motor vehicles and related auto accident injuries, including:

• Motorcycle accident fatalities decreased by 24%, breaking an 11-year upwards trend
• Passenger car occupant fatalities declined by 13%
• Truck accident deaths dropped 26%
• Alcohol-impaired driving deaths fell 7.4%

The total number of motor vehicle injuries decreased from 2.35 million in 2008 to 2.2 million in 2009. The U.S. Department of Transportation report suggested several reasons for the overall declines in traffic-related injuries and deaths, including:

• The state of the economy – People may be carpooling, using public transportation or alternative methods of transportation (bicycling) to cut down on motor vehicle costs, such as gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and even parking costs.
• A rise in unemployment – Fewer people overall are commuting or have a need to travel to a job. Additionally, less money earned means less financial ability to go out to restaurants, shopping centers, or entertainment.
• Improvements in vehicle design – Recent vehicle product recalls, stiff fines and close public attention to auto manufacturers may have created safer vehicles.
• Highway safety programs – Awareness of traffic safety may be heightened by increased and improved safety campaigns and programs.

In 2009, Michigan auto accident deaths declined by 11 percent, or 1.3 percent over the national average. The total number of fatalities dropped from 980 to 871, with the greatest decline of 13 percent found in alcohol-impaired driving deaths.

Despite the state and nation-wide decline in auto accident deaths, there are still thousands of Michigan car accident victims suffering from injuries.

The Sam Bernstein Law Firm supports Michigan traffic safety and awareness, and protecting your rights. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a Michigan auto accident, contact an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer for a free, confidential legal consultation immediately.

Farmington Hills, Michigan — Toyota announced they will start fixing car and truck accelerator pedal safety issues this week to address concerns over unintended acceleration events that have resulted in two fatal auto accidents. After the voluntary recall of 2.3 million vehicles, Toyota believes they have a solution for sticking pedal problems.

“We have developed a comprehensive plan to fix the sticking pedal situation in recalled Toyota vehicles,” said Jim Lentz, President of Toyota Motor Sales, USA. “We know what’s causing the sticking accelerator pedals…We also know it is most important to fix this problem in the cars on the road.”

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood went so far as to advise in Congressional testimony today that owners ‘stop driving’ recalled Toyotas. LaHood later changed his recommendation by calling his advice a ‘misstatement’ and suggesting that ‘If you own one of these cars, take it to the dealer. If you are in doubt, take it to the dealer and have them fix it.’

However, the National Highway Safety Administration is instructing owners to pay attention to how their accelerator pedals are working. If the accelerator becomes harder to depress or slower to return than normal, it may be a precursor to a safety issue. Then, NTSA says, “These vehicles should be parked and a dealer immediately notified. Should a pedal become stuck in a partially depressed condition while driving, owners should put their car in neutral, bring it to a stop and call their dealer.” Additionally, owners should remove all floor mats in vehicles associated with the entrapment recall.

Toyota has indicated that they will ship parts to dealers and begin dealer training immediately to fix sticking pedals. Toyota promises customers that dealers will be open extended hours to handle the repairs. Owners of recalled vehicles can expect notifications explaining how to contact dealers for servicing. Toyota and Pontiac vehicles included in the recalls are 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia, 2009-2010 Vibe. Camry, RAV 4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin with ‘J’ are not affected.

Owners who have suffered a car accident injury related to an unintended acceleration event should stop driving their vehicle immediately, get their vehicle towed directly to a Toyota dealership, and contact an auto accident attorney in their state to learn what remedies are available.

“Anyone who has experienced an auto accident due to a manufacturer’s safety defect should contact a qualified lawyer who is experienced handling auto accident cases,” recommends personal injury attorney Mark Bernstein. “If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident and have questions about your legal rights, contact an experienced auto accident lawyer who can advise you of your rights and the legal process for seeking compensation.”

If you were in a motor vehicle accident involving a truck, here are some simple guidelines to protect yourself — and your legal rights:

Stay Calm

Get Help After a Truck Accident

Get All the Facts After Truck Accident

Check Out All the Damages Caused by the Truck Accident

Check Out the Truck Accident Scene

Protect Your Health After a Truck Accident

Report the Truck Accident

File an Insurance Claim After a Truck Accident

Be sure to let your insurance company know if you were in a hit-and-run truck accident. Some insurance policies require notice of a claim involving an unidentified driver within 30 days of the truck accident.

Tell your own insurance company that you claim your right to any uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage, in case the truck that hit you was not covered by motor vehicle insurance. Insurance companies often require prompt notice of these truck accident claims and may deny these benefits to anyone who does not follow the strict requirements in their policies.

Get Help from an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, talk with an experienced truck accident lawyer.

Serious truck accident claims often involved complicated legal issues. The negligent truck driver, the company that owns the truck, and other persons involved in the truck accident may all have attorneys working to protect their interests and to stop you from getting the compensation you deserve, talk with an experienced truck accident lawyer.