In 2012, Florida experienced 281,340 traffic accidents involving 468,470 drivers, resulting in 2,430 fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. While some of these accidents were caused by unknown or unpredictable factors, the majority of them were preventable and occurred as a result of driver error. Below are the top…
Get the Car Wreck Settlement You Deserve
Following an accident, figuring out the amount of compensation to which you’re entitled under state law, your policy terms, the other driver’s policy, and from other sources can be frustrating. Many make mistakes when pursuing a claim. If you’ve been in an accident, it’s important that you recover a fair settlement. Having a Fort Lauderdale…
Construction Accident Statistics Keep Workers on High Alert
Construction is one of the most important industries in the U.S. However, construction workers put themselves at a high risk of sustaining an injury from a workplace accident. In fact, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in America. For a look into the construction accident statistics that are keeping construction workers…
Internal Tire Repair Failure Can Cause Casing Separation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approximates that every year, tire failures causes 11,000 motor vehicle crashes. Some of the most common causes of tire failure include the following. tread separation. blowouts. bald tires. and, underinflated tires. When a tire isn’t repaired correctly, it can put you at great risk for accident and injury….
How the TREAD Act is On Your Side
In 2000, Congress responded to the tragic outcome of a major tire recall involving Ford vehicles and Firestone tires. There were many fatalities related to problems with the tires, and the response spurred the creation of the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act. With oversight from the United States National Highway Traffic Safety…
Check the Date: Are your tires too old?
Tires do not come with an expiration date in the way that food does, but they age and can become less effective or more dangerous after a certain number of years. Most manufacturers will tell you that the age of a tire is only one factor in determining its level of safety or usefulness. Other…
Peeled Cap on Radial and Bias Tires May Cause Accidents
Peeled caps on radial and bias tires can cause blowouts and accidents. Often, the cause of a peeled cap is loss of adhesion of the cap from the tire casing during the retreading processes. If all of these terms sound a bit foreign to you, read on for an explanation of what a peeled cap is, why…
Decoding Tire Markings
When it comes to parts of a car, there are few more important to vehicle stability, maneuverability, and safety than a car’s tires. Tires are responsible for carrying the weight of the vehicle, and require routine maintenance and replacement to guarantee that they’re performing at their best. Tire markings, however, remain a mystery to most…
Choosing the Right Rims for Your Vehicle
Tires are one of the most important parts of a vehicle, and greatly contribute to the overall safety of the car while driving. If a tire has a defect, isn’t the proper size, isn’t fitted correctly, or doesn’t receive proper maintenance, it can result in disastrous consequences – such as a tire blowout – that…
New VIN Recall Search Tool from NHTSA
A convenient new online tool to search for vehicle recall information is now available to the public. The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced the release of this new recall search tool on SaferCar.gov. The tool allows vehicle owners or those shopping for a new vehicle to find information quickly and…
Child Passenger Safety Week (9/14-9/20) : How to Tell if Your Child is in the Right Car Seat
Car safety seats for children play a vital role in protecting your kids when driving in the car. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) citing a 2011 study in Pediatrics, car seat use reduces the risk for death to infants by 71 percent, and for toddlers by 54 percent. Sadly though,…
New Tire Tread Separation
When purchasing a new set of tires, consumers typically assume they will get a high-quality product that is free from manufacturing or design defects and that will ensure their safety while driving on the road. And in most cases, the tires perform well and do so without leading to accidents. Unfortunately though, some new tires,…
When to Lubricate a Tire Plus Dos and Don’ts
Tire lubrication is an important step in the tire demounting and mounting process. Professional tire installation technicians are trained to understand the importance of proper lubrication and what substances can be used. Failure to properly lubricate a tire during the demounting and mounting process can lead to improper mounting or corrosion on the rim. This…
Tire Mounting: The Right Way to Mount and Demount Tires
Tire mounting and demounting requires specific knowledge and tools. Only trained professionals should mount and demount tires. The Rubber Manufacturers Association has established guidelines for safe demounting and mounting which are available in manuals and wall charts often displayed in professional garages where these services are provided. Tire technicians are trained to safely demount, mount…
Hauling an extra load? Make sure your tires can handle it!
All tires come with a maximum load capacity that is clearly dictated on the tire itself. When you exceed this capacity by overloading the automobile, you may increase your risk of being involved in an accident caused by premature wear and tear of the tire. Tires can suffer excessive strain when the load capacity is…
Flap Failure: A Tragedy Drivers Don’t Have to Endure
Tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle and can improve or decrease the overall safety of a vehicle. Having tires on a vehicle that are designed and manufactured in an effective, safety-minded manner is paramount in ensuring motorists’ overall security and protection. Unfortunately, there are thousands of tires on the road…
Essential Reading for Florida Drivers: Incorrect Use of Tubes in Tires
While a car may have a variety of features that contribute to its controllability, handling and ultimate safety while driving, if a car’s tires are defective, the vehicle is inherently unsafe. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that tire failures cause approximately 11,000 crashes per year. Defective tires — and ultimately tire…
Tips for Checking Your Tire Pressure
Tires need to be in good repair and properly inflated in order to maintain their durability. Improperly inflated tires – both under- and over-inflated – can cause excess wear, maneuvering issues, and an increased risk of blowouts and crashing. Determining the Proper Pressure for Your Tires Before you check your tires’ pressure, you’ll need to…
National Transportation Safety Board Releases Special Investigation Report on Parasailing Regulation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a 33-page report regarding a special investigation conducted by the board concerning the safety of the parasailing industry. The NTSB conducted eight investigations across the U.S. involving parasailers who were seriously injured or killed. Four of the incidents occurred in Florida, including the accident where our client, Alexis…
Debi Chalik Quoted on Parasailing Regulations
Debi Chalik, founding partner of Chalik & Chalik Law Offices, was featured in the media last month when she publicly urged Gov. Rick Scott to sign new legislation that requires parasailing operators to take safety precautions and carry insurance. She was also quoted in local news coverage about the legislation, which is designed to reduce…