Category: Car Accidents

Aug 26, 2016 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Our Tuscaloosa car accident attorneys have touted the importance of airbags for a long time, and we will continue to do so. However, consumers need to know that it has been years since the first reports of defective airbag recalls were announced, and additional recalls make the news with alarming regularity. According to a June 2016 Office of Oversight and Investigations Minority Staff Report, the recall completion rates across automakers are unacceptably low, ranging from .04 percent to 57.1 percent. Just as disturbing is the fact that defective airbags continue to be installed in new vehicles. One Technical Detail Permits Recall Noncompliance A simplified explanation of the general issue behind the defective airbags involves the use of non-desiccated inflators. Due to the use of ammonium nitrate propellants, these airbags can inflate over-aggressively in a crash, exposing vehicle occupants to metal and plastic shrapnel. Even though airbags are intended to make driving safer, these accidents have resulted in at least 10 U.S. fatalities and more than 100 injuries. In fact, it is possible that accident victims might have fared better in accidents without the airbags in some cases. As recently as June 2016, the Minority Staff Report stated that four auto manufacturers acknowledge that they continue to install airbags known to be defective. They explain that this practice is within legal boundaries, however, since the official recall is set for the end of 2018. The reasons for the extended recall date are not clear, but they most likely pertain to supply […]

May 31, 2016 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Our Tuscaloosa car accident attorneys have helped countless victims who suffered serious injuries all because another party failed to exercise due care. Physical injuries can take a long time to heal, and they can also leave victims with permanent disabilities. Regardless of the level of physical injury, however, involvement in a car accident can leave deep emotional scars that can have a profound effect on someone’s ability to live a normal life. Physical Injuries and Psychological Ones Are Not Always Connected Most people who have been in a car while witnessing a vehicle speeding toward them can probably remember the experience with specificity, even if years have passed since the incident. Some people can file the memories away in their minds, but, according to WebMD, car accidents do not have to be fatal or even cause serious physical injury to have profound psychological effects on many accident victims.  Some of the common psychological issues can include: Anxiety symptoms, which are often experienced as panic attacks and can appear for no apparent reason. These attacks can include sudden fear and nervousness, along with physical changes, such as sweating, dizziness and heart rate acceleration. Left untreated, this condition can become debilitating, particularly since fear of the attacks themselves commonly becomes a major source of anxiety. Depression is also a serious disorder. This is not the same as an occasional feeling of sadness; it is a longer-term condition that can affect sleep, appetite and energy levels. Left untreated, some sufferers even have thoughts […]

Apr 22, 2016 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

In a perfect world, all drivers would review the Alabama Driver Manual from cover to cover every year without waiting for the need to study for a written test. In this busy world, however, few individuals have the time to commit to an annual review of 88 pages. All rules of the road are important because they work together to help motorists know how get from Point A to Point B without excessive accidents. Still, in the interest of public safety, our attorneys want to present five important laws that we believe can save many lives. Five Laws That Make a Major Difference in the Safety of Motorists and Their Passengers A review of automotive history indicates that automobiles became relative fixtures in larger U.S. cities early in the 1900s. In fact, 7.5 million cars were registered in the country as early as 1919. Even before that time, however, some municipalities started developing speed limits, as well as other laws. The laws continue to change as needs arise, and these days, the following Alabama laws may be the ones that directly affect the safety of nearly four million motorists in our state: Seatbelt use: All front-seat passengers must wear a seatbelt or face potential fines and points against driving records. Only children under 15 years old are required to wear seatbelts in the back seat. Child car seats: Children younger than one year old or weighing 20 pounds or less must be in rear-facing child restraint seats, with requirements changing […]

Mar 11, 2016 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

When airbags first came into wide use in the 1970s, they took on a very basic design that protected drivers and front-seat passengers by sensing collisions and inflating large bags between occupants and hard objects in front of them. Our Tuscaloosa car accident attorneys are happy to report that the basic concept of inflatable safety devices has exploded. The chances are that an inflatable device now exists to protect many people who are exposed to dangers on the roads, sidewalks or just about anywhere. Still, things can go wrong to prevent airbags from doing their jobs properly — or even causing injuries when they perform as intended. It is important to understand the potential pros and cons of these devices and what to do if they contribute to serious injuries. New Airbag Designs Keep Coming The unfortunate truth is that collisions with trucks and passenger vehicles can cause injuries from all sides. As injury statistics continue to reveal more and more types of injuries are faced by individuals inside and outside of cars, new devices are invented to help mitigate those injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute, airbags now take on many shapes and forms, such as the following: Bags within cars and other enclosed vehicles are standard equipment in front of front-seat passengers and drivers, and side airbags are almost as common. New designs can protect victims of rollovers. Others address the needs of back-seat passengers, such as rear window curtain airbags […]

Dec 25, 2015 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

With typical Alabama winter temperatures ranging between 50 and over 60 degrees, drivers in the state do not experience the extreme holiday weather conditions as those in the northern states. In 2013, Alabama Media Group reported information from a recent study by the University of Alabama’s Center for Advanced Public Safety. It showed that the days immediately prior to Christmas are among the most dangerous times on the road. Just about any Tuscaloosa auto injury lawyer would agree that the study’s findings remain just as true today. A Variety of Different Traffic Patterns Affects Roadway Safety Individuals who make daily commutes to and from work in major metropolitan areas might argue that these traffic conditions are the most congested. However, these drivers know and understand rush hour conditions and generally have the skills and experience to help anticipate and avoid accidents. Holiday drivers do not benefit from long-term experience and can be subject to risks such as the following: Last-minute holiday shopping panic: With just a few days left to complete gift shopping, every minute counts. Rushed drivers are more likely to ignore speed limits and other driving laws. They also have a greater propensity for tailgating when they perceive that the driver in front of them is keeping them from completing their missions. More night-time shoppers are now hitting the roads: From Black Friday and through to Christmas Eve, stores are open for business day and night. Night drivers, in particular, have little experience driving in heavy traffic after […]

Oct 9, 2015 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

It seems as if new safety technologies appear on motor vehicles almost every year. Considering the devastation that our clients experience on the roads on a regular basis, our Tuscaloosa car accident attorneys applaud these developments — especially when they allow small cars to share the roads with big trucks more safely. It may be early in the game, but it is not too early to start thinking about one of the latest developments: the transparent truck. A New Invention That Addresses Visibility Issues for Small Vehicles Anyone who is forced to drive behind a huge semi knows that it is like driving behind a solid wall. Without the ability to catch a glimpse of traffic in front of the truck, it is virtually impossible to safely pass these slow-moving vehicles, much less remain aware of potential hazards on the road ahead. In June 2015, Samsung announced the development of its Safety Truck, which could vastly reduce these visibility issues. The concept behind the Safety Truck is simple: Put wireless cameras on the front of trucks and transmit the images to screens on the back, allowing motorists to see the road almost as if the truck was not in front of them. Early prototype tests in Argentina (which has some of the most dangerous roads in the world) showed positive results. The screen images made passing safer on two-lane roads, while also reducing accidents caused by sudden braking or animals on the road. Samsung is now working with the U.S. […]

Mar 13, 2015 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

More than half of the states in the U.S. have instituted statutes that can assign liability to parties who serve alcohol to intoxicated individuals who then cause car accidents. These are commonly known as dram shop laws. Alabama currently has no such laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislators. Even without dram shop laws in Alabama, however, individuals who provide alcohol illegally can still be held liable for related injuries under state civil law. Anyone who suffers injuries due to incidents like these should seek advice from an experienced Tuscaloosa injury lawyer to take advantage of all legal rights available to them. In Alabama, Drinkers are Considered Negligent When They are Over-served Alabama law holds drinkers of legal age squarely responsible for their own actions, as long as the individuals who supply the alcohol do so legally. With no dram shop laws in place, bartenders do not have to assess the sobriety of their adult patrons. The law does not require them to refuse to serve intoxicated customers or prevent them from getting behind the wheel of a car. This is not to say that Alabama has no laws pertaining to alcoholic beverage sales and consumption. In 1990, the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board implemented a Responsible Vendor Program (RVP). Although the program is largely voluntary, it helps ensure that drinking establishments stay within legal boundaries for serving alcohol. Of course, these laws actually extend beyond drinking establishments to anyone who serve intoxicating beverages. The RVP provides a […]

Dec 12, 2014 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

Between 2003 and 2012, 723 Alabama pedestrians suffered traffic-related fatalities. This number earns the state its high national Pedestrian Danger Index ranking, according to SmartGrowthAmerica.org, Younger and older pedestrians seem most susceptible to danger, with 49 children under 16 and 93 adults making up a significant portion of the statistics. Negligent drivers are at fault for many of these accidents; but they are not necessarily the only cause. Experienced Tuscaloosa car accident attorneys understand the importance of investigating beyond the obvious causes to help protect the rights of injured clients and their families. Common Causes of Clashes between Cars and Pedestrians Establishing all underlying causes is essential to identifying all parties who have liability for any accidental injury legal case. The following are some of the individuals who may share liability in a pedestrian accident: Negligent drivers: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving too fast for conditions or distracted can fail to notice or react to a pedestrian on the road. Dangerous roadways: Curvy roads can reduce the ability to see pedestrians crossing the road. Potholes can send pedestrians and vehicles out of control. Overgrown foliage can also block the vision of drivers and pedestrians. In other words, everyone from municipalities to private property owners can share liability for these devastating accidents. Guardians of the very young and the very old: Some individuals, such as small children or senior citizens require 24-hour care to protect them from any number of daily hazards. Whether they do […]

Nov 28, 2014 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

For most parents, the day their teens get their driver’s licenses is a frightening one. Losing control over their children’s activities means losing the ability to keep them safe. These days, parents typically use mobile phones to regain a degree of control. In fact, teens report that calls from their parents represent a notable contributor to the distractions teens experience while driving. In Tuscaloosa alone, each auto injury lawyer at our firm has seen too many examples of the results of distracted teen driving. We recommend taking a common-sense approach to keeping everyone safe on the road. Many Teens Report Driving While Talking to Parents The American Psychological Association interviewed eight restricted and unrestricted licensed teen drivers, all of whom reported talking to parents while driving. The results from a written survey of nearly 400 teens were not quite as alarming. However, based on license types, 31 to 50 percent of drivers reported talking to parents — more than talking to friends in most cases. Just as disturbing, only 43 percent of drivers with learners’ permits reported no cell phone usage. Unfortunately, that percentage seems to decrease based on license type. Only 10 percent of drivers age 18 with unrestricted licenses report they do not use phones while driving. A Tuscaloosa auto injury lawyer understands that an unrestricted license does not instantly provide the ability to drive effectively while distracted. Most calls can wait until all drivers arrive at their destination safely. Parents Need to Become Part of the Solution […]

Nov 4, 2014 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith

As medical science continues to advance, people are living longer, more active lives. In 2010, the Social Security Administration Period Life Table, predicted life expectancy for males and females at 76.1 and 80.94 years, respectively. In fact, many people are significantly exceeding those expectations. Regrettably, tables cannot predict when seniors need to stop driving since every person is unique. Our Tuscaloosa accident attorneys have seen too many lives cut short by elderly drivers. Family members need to know how and when to take the car keys away. A recent Alabama accident illustrates how a lack of focus or perhaps reduced vision can put seniors and others on the road at risk. According to an October 7 report by Alabama Media Group, a 78-year old man was fatally injured when he pulled out of his retirement community into the path of a school bus. The good news is that no children were on the bus at the time of the collision, but the man’s family lost a valuable member who clearly had good years ahead of him. A Progressive Approach is Essential in Helping Seniors Make the Right Decision Keep in mind that seniors are traditionally the heads of families. Many do not take kindly to edicts from their children. So, rather than taking the keys away suddenly, our Tuscaloosa accident attorneys recommend taking it one step at a time, as follows: Check for medical issues: Anyone, young or old, can experience medical concerns that temporarily affect their driving abilities. Perhaps […]