Posts Tagged ‘safety’

Safety warning regarding Lexus & Toyota sudden acceleration recalls

Monday, February 28th, 2011
Toyota will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 20,000 2006 and early 2007 Model Year GS 300 and GS 350 vehicles to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver’s side floor carpet due to the potential for interference with the accelerator pedal.   Warning:  The accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.
 
Owners of the involved GS 300 and GS 350 will receive a notification by mail beginning in early March 2011.
 
Toyota will also recall approximately 372,000 2004 through 2006 and early 2007 RX 330, RX 350, and RX 400h vehicles, and approximately 397,000 2004 through 2006 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles to replace the driver’s side floor carpet cover and its two retention clips. 
If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.  If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.
 
Separately, Toyota has amended its recall from November 2009, adding three models to address the potential for unsecured or incompatible floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal.  The models added include:
 
• Approximately 603,000 2003 through 2009 4Runner
• Approximately 17,000 2008 through 2011 Lexus LX 570; and
• Approximately 761,000 2006 through 2010 RAV4
 
 If you own one of these vehicles you likely want to remove the floor mats until you have a fix from Toyota. 
Be careful out there, but if you or a loved on is injured due to an unfortunate defect in your vehicle or that of another person, please contact us to see how we can help.  We can be reached at 310-348-8106 or Click Here.
 
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Distracted Driving Kills or Injures Thousands Each Year!

Friday, February 11th, 2011

The Hundley Law Firm is here to help if you or a loved one has injured in an auto accident caused by another’s negligence.   Unfortunately distracted driving is leading to more and more accidents, injuries, and deaths each year.  We all need to be aware of the risks and do what we can to avoid driving while distracted.  If you or a loved one have been injured because of distracted driver, we are here to help!    Call today — 310-348-8106

There are three main types of distraction:

  • Visual — taking your eyes off the road
  • Manual — taking your hands off the wheel
  • Cognitive — taking your mind off what you’re doing

Distracted driving is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing.

While all distractions can endanger drivers’ safety, texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction.

Other distracting activities include:

  • Using a cell phone
  • Eating and drinking
  • Talking to passengers
  • Grooming
  • Reading, including maps
  • Using a PDA or navigation system
  • Watching a video
  • Changing the radio station, CD, or Mp3 player.

Distracted driving  — surprising facts:

  • 20 percent of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving.
  • Of those killed in distracted-driving-related crashed, 995 involved reports of a cell phone as a distraction (18% of fatalities in distraction-related crashes).
  • In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in U.S. roadways and an estimated additional 448,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes that were reported to have involved distracted driving.
  • The age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers was the under-20 age group – 16 percent of all drivers younger than 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving.
  • Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. 
  • Using a cell phone use while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.

The message is clear, distracted driving injures and kills, so we all need to do our part to minimize it.  Again, call or email us if you have been injured by a distracted driver.  We are here to help.

 

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Warning! It can be dangerous to change a tire.

Monday, November 29th, 2010

On November 27, 2010 two men were killed while they were attempting to change a tire on the side of the 605 freeway.  Pedro Pedrosa, 43, of Azusa, and Ricardo Beltran, 49, of West Covina, were killed in an auto accident that happened at approximately 10 a.m. southbound on the 605 freeway, just south of the Arrow Highway.  The two coworkers were trying to change a flat tire at the side of the freeway when the driver of a Ford Taurus lost control of his vehicle slammed into them.  The driver of the Taurus was exceeding the speed limit and claimed he lost control when another vehicle suddenly changed lanes. 

This appears to have been an avoidable accident that has unfortunately claimed the lives of two people.  The accident shows that changing a tire on the side of the freeway is often a dangerous and sometimes a deadly proposition.  At The Hundley Law Firm we want you to do everything to keep you and your family safe and we are therefore providing you with 15 steps to change a tire safely. 

  1. The things you need to change a tire include: a jack, a lug wrench, and a spare tire.
  2. You should know where these items are located in look it surer vehicles instruction booklet to locate them.
  3. If you’ve got a flat tire you should drive the shortest distance you can to avoid damage to your wheel and your tire, but you must stop in a safe location.  If you need to change the tire on the freeway/highway, you should pull aside only in a flat area. You never want to have to change a tire on gravel, or on an up or down hill.  You also want to avoid changing tires closed curves whenever possible.
  4. After you come to a safe area and stop your vehicle on a flat solid surface, you should put on your emergency brake and emergency flashers.  You should also put out road flares approximately 75 feet behind your car so the people behind you can slow down as they approach.  If you’re changing a tire near a curve, you should put the flares toward the entrance of the curve so that other motorists know they are coming up upon a hazard.  These flares should be used in both the day and nighttime and can be purchased at most automotive stores.
  5. After you’re in a safe area and you’ve put out warning flares, take a look and see which tire needs to be changed and take out your spare tire, your jack, and your lug wrench.  One side of the wrench is used to pry off your hubcap.  Use this small end of the wrench and placed it underneath the back edge of the hubcap and pry it off.  Then with a lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts by using a tower clockwise motion.  This should be done with your tires still on the ground.  You only want to just loosen the nuts at this point.  You do not want to remove them yet.
  6. Ensure that nobody is in your vehicle and don’t let anybody enter the vehicle while you lift the vehicle with your jack. 
  7. Place the jack in the proper location according to your owners manual and start raising your vehicle off the ground.  Please note that if you place the jack in the wrong place you can damage your car or cause it to over.  Once the car is lifted, never put any part of your body underneath a car at any time.
  8. Once the car is lifted, go ahead and remove all the lug nuts using the lug wrench by turning them counterclockwise.  
  9.   Take a flat tire off and set it to the side off the roadway.
  10. Place the spare tire on the up and lined up the lug studs as you push on the spare tire.  Then tighten the lug nuts in the clockwise direction with your fingers as tight as you can.
  11. Then take the lug wrench and tighten the lug nuts as tight as you can while the car is still lifted in the air.
  12. Carefully lower the vehicle using your jack.
  13. When all your wheels are back on the ground, again tighten the lug nuts to make sure that they are as tight as possible.  You should try each lug not three or four times to make sure they are absolutely tight.
  14. There’s no need to replace your hubcap because you will be having a new tire for your old tired repaired shortly.
  15. Before leaving the area make sure that you extinguish the road flares and make sure to enter the roadway only when it is safe.

The Hundley Law Firm is here to help you or a loved one has been  injured in the accident due to the negligence of another.  We want everyone to remain safe, but if despite your best efforts you or a family member has been injured and you need legal representation, please call us at 310-348-8106.  We are here to help and will provide you with a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.

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Protect your children – learn about TBI

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

TBI is a Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI is a serious public health concern in the United States.  Surprizingly, data shows that, on average, approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury annually.

TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. The majority of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild TBI.

Each year, of the 1.7 million people that sustain a TBI:    

  • 52,000 die,
  • 275,000 are hospitalized, and
  • 1.365 million, nearly 80%, are treated and released from an emergency department.
  • TBI is a contributing factor to a third (30.5%) of all injury-related deaths in the United States.
  • Children aged 0 to 4 years, older adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, and adults aged 65 years and older are most likely to sustain a TBI. 
  • Almost half a million (473,947) emergency department visits for TBI are made annually by children aged 0 to 14 years.
  • Males aged 0 to 4 years have the highest rates of TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.
  • More than 75,000 children sustain TBI each year by participating in sports
  • - More than 11,000 TBIs each year in basketball
  • - More than 11,000 TBIs each year in baseball/softball
  • - More than 10,000 TBIs each year in soccer/skateboarding
  • - More than 15,000 TBIs each year in football
  • - More than 30,000 TBIs each year related to cycling 

The clear message is kids are being injured and they should always wear protective gear, including helmets while riding their bikes and skating.  

There is information that parents should know about TBI and we ask that you please look at the CDC information sheets that are listed below.  You owe it to your children to be armed with the information you need to protect them and get them help if they sustain a brain injury.  

Please click on the government links below to get more information.  

www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/TBI_factsheets_PARENTS-508-a.pdf)

www.cdc.gov/concussion/headsup/pdf/Heads_Up_factsheet_spanish-a.pdf   (Spanish – TBI Fact Sheet)

We at The Hundley Law Firm hope your family never has to deal with a TBI, but if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and suffered at TBI and need assistance, we are here to help.  Call us at 310-348-8106 and we will provide you with a free consultation to discuss how we can help.

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Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims the Lives of 5 people and Injures 6.

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

 On Saturday afternoon on state Route 98, about 80 miles east of San Diego, a tragic motorcycle accident occurred on a curvy road which hugs the Mexican border.  At the time of the accident, a group of motorcycle riders were riding to a resort where they intended to celebrate their motorcycle club’s 10th anniversary.  The resort was near the Arizona state line.  They were on a leisurely ride in the desert when tragedy struck.

Prior to the accident a gold Honda Civic pass the motorcyclists going at an extreme rate of speed that was estimated at 90 miles an hour.  An oncoming driver, Carlos Rodriguez Bobadilla,  who was driving a Dodge Avenger, saw the Honda Civic on his side of the roadway.  In response to the gold Honda Civic, Mr. Bobadilla swerved the Dodge Avenger to the right shoulder, but then he over corrected and came back onto the roadway and crossed into oncoming traffic and impacted several motorcycle riders in the group.  It is believed that if Mr. Bobadilla would have simply slowed and stayed off the roadway, his vehicle likely would’ve only been stuck in soft sand.  Mr. Babadilla was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving as alcohol was noted on his breath about five hours after the crash.  Blood results are pending.  The driver of the Honda Civic did not stop at the scene and he is described as a man wearing a baseball cap.  This driver is now wanted for questioning by the CHP and if f you have any information regarding the driver of this gold Honda Civic, please immediately contact the CHP at 1- 800- tell-chp.

 Four motorcycle riders lost their lives in this avoidable accident.  A fifth person riding as a passenger in the Dodge Avenger also lost her life.  Six other motorcycle riders were severely injured.  Their injuries included broken hips, ribs, backs, a jaw, and head injuries.  This human tragedy should have never occurred and our condolences and well wishes go out to the families that lost loved ones or whose loved ones were injured in this accident.  If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, please feel free to contact us at 310-348-8106 for a free consultation to discuss how we might be able to help.   

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Trick or Treater injured in hit and run accident

Monday, November 1st, 2010

A 14-year-old trick or treater was truck by a silver pickup truck on Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of  Jamestown and Lincoln avenues in Riverside, California.  The young girl was crossing the street when hit and  the pickup didn’t slow down before or after the crash.   If you have any information regarding the accident, please contact:  Riverside Police Department 4102 Orange Street, Riverside, California 92501 (951) 787-7911 . 

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence, please call us and see how we can help.  Call us at 310-348-8106.

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School Bus Crash – one dead and several injured

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

 A school bus crash has left one person dead and dozens injured in Los Angeles. Authorities are investigating if drunk driving was involved in the accident, which left the bus overturned, one pedestrian dead, and several on the school bus injured.   Witnesses said that a black BMW ran a red light and collided with the bus.  The car’s driver and two passengers then reportedly fled the scene.  Two construction workers who saw the crash quickly caught the people from the BMW and handed them over to the police.

The Hundley Law Firm knows that such accidents can happen and that we all must do everything to keep ourselves safe, but when injuries happen due to the negligence of another, we are here to help.  If you or a loved one was injured in an accident and you need help, please contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and how we can help.  We can be reached at 310-348-8106

Click on the brouchure below to learn more: 

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We all must do our part to protect the children

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Tragically, according to news reports, an increasing number of children are dying from abuse or neglect after coming under the supervision of the Los Angeles County’s Department of Children and Family Services.   The number of deaths rose from 18 in 2008 to 26 in 2009 and there have been 21 deaths so far in 2010.  It has been reported that the majority of these deaths occurred while county social workers were “actively overseeing” the child’s welfare or shortly after cases where closed.  This department obviously has to do better.   

The death of any child due to abuse or neglect is unacceptable.   Our children are the future and they must be loved, nutured, and most importantly kept safe.  We all have to do what we can to stop such abuse and protect the children.  The Department of Children and Family Services is far from perfect, but failing to report suspected or actual child abuse because the system is imperfect would be  much worse.  The Hundley Law Firm therefore asks that if you suspect or know a child is being abused that you report it immediately.  

To report child abuse in Los Angeles County, California, contact the Child Protection Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Toll-free within California, phone (800) 540-4000

  • From outside of California, phone (213) 639 4500 

  • TDD [Hearing Impaired], phone  (800) 272-6699

If you have lost a loved one or your child has been injured due to the negligence of another, we are here to help.  Click on the brochure below to see our services or contact us at 310-348-8106.  We are here to help! 

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8 fans die and 10 are injured in off-road race accident

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Unfortunately a single off-road racing accident has claimed the lives of eight fans and injured ten others.  Even off-road derby supporters have criticized a lack of safety precautions that led to this tragedy.   Critics blamed the promoter of the 200-mile nighttime race for allowing spectators to get too close to the track.  Others blamed the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for sanctioning such events.   The race was on federal land near the San Bernardino Mountains and was organized by Mojave Desert Racing of South El Monte and was part of a seven-race circuit.

Just this past Saturday, a modified pickup lost control after going over a rocky jump.  The pickup rolled into a crowd of spectators, who reportedly stood close to the track to catch the action.  The crash happened about three miles from the start of the race at the bottom of a slope containing a natural boulder jump.  It is believed the pickup was going about 50 mph.   Mojave Desert Racing that organized Saturday’s event, lists spectator rules on its website, including, “Do not spectate within 100 feet of the course.”   Apparently that rule was not followed or enforced here.   Mojave Desert Racing’s permit required racers to travel 15 mph or less when they were within 50 feet of fans, and again that did not apparently happen here.  The race permit also said no more than 300 people could attend the event, which had an estimated 1,000 spectators. 

When accidents like this happen there is always blame to go around, but all involved must follow safety precuations so as to avoid such accidents whenever possible.  You should know and follow all safety rules and regulations before participating or attending such events to protect yourself and loved ones.  This unfortunate accident looks to have been avoidable or significantly lessened had safety precautions that were suppose to be in place have been observed.  We ask that you always look out for your safety and those of your loved ones and don’t let the excitement of any sporting event let you take unnecessary risks.  

We want everyone to stay safe and to do their best to avoid accidents such as occurred here, but if you or a loved one has been injured in an off-road accident and you need legal assistance,  please feel free to contact us for a free conultation to discuss your legal rights.  We can be reached at 310-348-8106 or at info@HundleyLawFirm.com.

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Keep Children Safe – Properly Use & Replace Child Safety Seats

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

At The Hundley Law Firm we believe nothing is more important than the safety of your children.   We therefore ask that you look at the resources available to educate yourself about what kind of safety seat your child requires.   We have attached an English and Spanish Handout from the California CHP for you reivew. 

Under California law children MUST be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint (safety seat or booster seat) IN THE BACK SEAT OF A VEHICLE until they are at least 6 years old or weigh at least 60 pounds —   See handout on California Vehicle Restraint Laws. 

You should also know the four stages for kids:  (1) when they must be in a rear-facing car seat, (2) when you can turn the car seat around to face forward, (3) when they can be in a booster seat, and (4) when they can get out of the booster seat and simply sit in the back seat — See handout on the 4 stages for kids.

Most car safety seat manufacturers recommend replacement of any safety seat that was in use and  involved in an accident no matter the severity of the accident.  Insurance companies in California are required to replace such safety seats.   Thus, if your child was in a safety seat and you were involved in an accident you should replace your it to ensure your child is safe next time.  —   See Insurance Code 

Stay safe and protect the children.  If you are unfortnately involved in an accident and need help, call us at 310-348-8106 or contact us at info@HundleyLawFirm.com. 

 

Thus,wei

ghs 60 pounds or more

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