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Kitchen Fires: Leading Cause of Fires in Homes

Kitchen Fires: Leading Cause of Fires in Homes

October 7-13 is Fire Prevention Week, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Fire Administration (USFA) have partnered to provide new statistics on home fires in America in recognition of Fire Prevention Week.  The two organizations are encouraging all Americans to install enough smoke alarms in their home and develop an escape plan as well.  

 
According to a new report released by the CPSC on October 9, 2012, about 366,700 “unintentional residential fires” occurred between 2008 and 2010.  These fires caused 2,310 deaths, 12,550 injuries and over $7 billion in property damage.  The top cause of residential fires: cooking equipment. 
 
Cooking equipment caused about 147,400 fires between 2008 and 2010, roughly 40 percent of all the residential fires.  The most people were injured by fires related to cooking equipment as well.  About 27.4 of all fire injuries were caused by cooking fires.  
 
The CPSC reports that heating and cooling equipment was the leading cause of fire death.  The equipment cause about 210 death between 2008 and 2010, and portable heaters caused 100 of these deaths.  
 
CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum stated, “Six people die every day in home fires.  The early warning provided by smoke alarms can make a big difference.  Consumers who have working smoke alarms in their homes die in fires at about half the rate of those who do not have alarms.” 
 
The CPSC and the USFA recommend that homeowners interconnect all of the smoke alarms in the house.  The alarms speak to each other and all go off if there is a fire in one part of the house.  The two organizations recommend installing an alarm on every level of the house and all sleeping areas.  Make sure the alarms are connected to house wiring but have battery backup as well.  
 
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Traffic Accident

Traffic Accident

What to do in a Traffic Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be a scary and stressful experience. Even minor accidents can cause significant stress and confusion, but it’s essential to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. In this article, we will discuss what to do after a car accident to protect yourself, others involved, and your legal and financial interests.

1. Check for Injuries

The first step after a car accident is to check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If there are any severe injuries, call 911 immediately. Do not move any injured persons unless it is necessary to prevent further harm.

2. Move to a Safe Location

If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic and out of harm’s way. If the accident is minor, and the vehicle is operable, it is best to move it off the road and onto the shoulder or to a nearby parking lot. Leaving the vehicle in the middle of the roadway can cause further accidents and injuries.

3. Call the Police

Even if the accident is minor, it is always a good idea to call the police. The police can help document the scene, gather information, and file a report. The police report is essential when filing insurance claims and determining liability.

4. Exchange Information

Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident, including their name, contact information, insurance information, and vehicle details. If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information as well. Take pictures of the scene, including both vehicles involved, the damage, and the surroundings.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Your insurance company will guide you through the process of filing a claim and can provide you with a list of documents that you will need to submit. Submitting your claim promptly can help speed up the process and allow you to receive compensation quickly.

6. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not think you have been injured, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not show up immediately but can cause severe pain and damage later on. Seeking medical attention can also provide you with documentation of any injuries sustained in the accident, which can be used as evidence when filing an insurance claim or legal case.

7. Document the Accident

Keep a record of everything related to the accident, including medical bills, police reports, repair estimates, and any other documentation. This record can help you negotiate with insurance companies and can also be used as evidence in a legal case.

8. Consult an Attorney

If you have been injured in an accident, it may be necessary to consult an attorney to help protect your legal and financial interests. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, but knowing what to do after an accident can help protect yourself and others involved. Always prioritize safety and call for emergency services if necessary. Take pictures of the scene and document all details related to the accident. Notify your insurance company and seek medical attention, even if you do not think you have been injured. If an attorney is necessary, choose one with experience in personal injury law to give you the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case. By following these steps, you can help protect your legal and financial interests while ensuring that everyone involved in the accident receives the care they need.

Traffic accidents are a leading cause of injury and death around the world. While all vehicle accidents are dangerous, there are different types of car accidents that drivers should be aware of. In this article, we will discuss what traffic accidents are and explore different types of car accidents that drivers should be aware of.

What Are Traffic Accidents?

Traffic accidents occur when vehicles on the road collide with one another, causing damage to the vehicles and potentially injuring or killing the occupants. There are many different factors that can cause traffic accidents, including road conditions, driver error, and vehicle malfunction.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 36,000 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2019. Some of the most common types of accidents that contribute to these fatalities are discussed below.

Different Types of Car Accidents for Drivers

1. Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents, occurring when one vehicle collides with the back of another vehicle. This type of accident can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver distraction, following too closely, or sudden braking.

2. Side-Impact Collisions: Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone crashes, occur when one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. This type of accident can be caused by turning without checking for oncoming traffic, running a red light, or failing to yield the right of way.

3. Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles collide head-on, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. This type of accident can be caused by driver distraction, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or swerving to avoid an object in the road.

4. Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle rolls over onto its roof or side. This type of accident is more common in SUVs and larger vehicles, and can be caused by excessive speeding, tire blowouts, or sudden maneuvers.

5. Single-Vehicle Accidents: Single-vehicle accidents occur when a vehicle collides with an object, such as a tree or guardrail, or overturns without another vehicle being involved. This type of accident can be caused by driver distraction, fatigue, or vehicle malfunction.

6. Multiple-Vehicle Pileups: Multiple-vehicle pileups occur when several vehicles collide with each other, often in a chain reaction. This type of accident can be caused by reduced visibility, bad weather conditions, or sudden stops on a highway.

7. Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents occur when a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, resulting in serious injury or death. This type of accident can be caused by driver distraction, failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Conclusion

Traffic accidents are a serious issue that can result in injuries, death, and property damage. While all accidents are unpredictable, understanding the different types of car accidents and their causes can help drivers stay safe on the road. By following the rules of the road, maintaining their vehicles, and avoiding distractions while driving, drivers can help prevent accidents and keep themselves and others safe. It is also crucial to remember to seek legal and medical assistance in case of a crash.

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A traffic accident is classified as any accident involving motor vehicles, which results in an event that is considered to be in contrast of expected, intended, or routine operation. There exists a flawed definition of traffic accidents as accidents that occur on roadways, yet without the presence of a motor vehicle, these accidents are qualified alternatively – such as pedestrian or bicycle accidents. Although motorcycles and commercial vehicles can be classified within realms of individual legislation, accidents that involve motorized vehicles fall under the scope of traffic accidents.

Types of Traffic Accidents

While traffic accident is a broad term, it allows for the definitive classification of any accident involving a motor vehicle. For example, a car accident involving a driver operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated can be broadly classified as a traffic accident, yet specifically as a DUI accident or car accident.

1. Hit and Run: A hit and run accident is a type of traffic accident that involves contact between a motor vehicle and an additional entity, which can include a motor vehicle, pedestrian, and/or a stationary object. Eponymously, a hit and run traffic accident is classified as being one where any of the motor vehicle operators involved in the accident leaves the scene of the accident prior to legal processing. In the event of a traffic accident, individuals involved can choose to report the accident or handle the matter privately. However, unless the decision for recourse is unanimous, both law enforcement, as well as the insurance companies, will be involved.

Hit and run traffic accidents result in one or more individuals involved in the traffic accident engaging in unlawful conduct. Although the reasons for premature fleeing from the scene of a traffic accident vary, it is considered a serious offense and can render penalties including the loss of driving privileges, heavy fines, or jail time.

2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): DUI or DWI is the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by a substance. This can result in personal injury, property damage, or fatality. Impaired driving is a punishable offense that, unless proven innocent, results in heavy fines and a loss of license. The severity and frequency of the offense can contribute to jail time. Upon conviction, DUIs and DWIs are considered serious offenses that result in a criminal record.

3. Fender-Benders: “Fender-Benders” are considered to be the most common and least severe type of traffic accident. As the name suggests, these types of traffic accidents result in minor damage to one or both vehicles. These types of accidents include vehicle to vehicle contact at slowed or near-stopped speeds.

Traffic Accident Recourse

In the event of involvement in a traffic accident, an individual is encouraged to obtain documentation of all parties involved in the accident, as well as all documentation detailing the traffic accident. If an agreement cannot be made between the parties involved, an attorney specializing in traffic accidents can assist in the process of obtaining police reports, accident reports, witness testimony, and an assessment of damage and/or injury.

Train Accident

Train AccidentA train accident is classified as any accident that takes place involving a train, locomotive, subway, or other regulated vehicle designed to operate on a railway system. The fact that trains are confined to tracks allows for their use to be both some of the most direct means of transport, as well as some of the most complex. Unlike free-wheeled vehicle, such as a car or a bicycle, a train cannot rotate or alter the direction in which it travels. Yet, a train can alter the speed and velocity in which it travels, as well as move backwards or forwards.

Types of Train Accidents

There are two primary types of train accidents: operational train accidents and external train accidents. Furthermore, trains, regardless of function, must possess insurance and liability in the event of an accident and/or malfunction. The possession of insurance is a legal imperative for all trains ranging from commercial trains to commuter trains.

1.Operational Train Accidents are classified as train accidents that occur as a result of negligence on the part of any or all operators of a given train:

Navigational train accidents are the result of negligence and/or malfunction on the part of those employees responsible for guiding the train(s), which includes the failure to switch tracks, alert the conductor of upcoming rail traffic, and flawed routing. Furthermore, the malfunction of bridges, gates, and cautionary measures that alert motorists, pedestrians, and other entities from crossing the train’s path are the responsibility of the train company.

Mechanical train accidents are the result of uninspected machinery, faulty parts, incomplete inspections, and unchecked or unhindered tracks. Employees responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of both the train, as well as the tracks utilized by the train, must adhere to the inspection regulations set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Functional train accidents result from negligent or flawed operation of the train itself, which is most often the responsibility of the train crew. An example of functional train accidents include distracted and/or reckless operation of the train. Train personnel must be trained according to the specifications set forth by the DOT and adhere to the operational protocol set forth.

2.External train accidents are classified by unpreventable and/or anomalous occurrences that are not the liability of the train company. In the event that the train, its mechanics and tracks are in working order, external forces causing or contributing to a train accident can be assessed by investigators and other law enforcement personnel. Examples of external train accidents include the failure of individuals to adhere to train crossing warnings and/or unlawful entry onto railroad tracks.

Recourse for Train Accidents

Train operators must adhere to a strict code of operations. Commercial trains must operate safely within the scope of their surroundings. Commuter trains must operate in a safe manner that protects the health and well-being of its passengers. In the event of a train accident, an attorney specializing in transportation codes, regulations, and operations can assist in the investigation of case details reflecting a train accident.

Trampoline Accidents

Trampoline Accidents

Trampoline accidents are classified as recreational – and at times, sports accidents – that involve one or more individual’s use of a trampoline. A trampoline is one of the primary examples of sports equipment that can result in injury in the event of improper and unsafe usage. Statistics illustrate upwards of 85,000 trampoline accidents occurring per year in the United States, with upwards of 90 percent of those accidents resulting from home trampoline use. 

What is a Trampoline?
Varying in size and shape, a trampoline is a piece of equipment that is used to extend the velocity and height jumps and leaps performed by an individual. A trampoline consists of durable, elastic material pulled taut across the surface area of the trampoline, which is then stabilized by springs. These springs allow for added elasticity. The surface of the trampoline is mounted atop a stand that can vary in height, depending on the size of the trampoline. 


The Danger of Trampolines
Once an individual bounces on the surface of a trampoline, the exaggerated, elasticity maximizes the height, power, velocity, and speed to an individual’s natural jumping ability. Those individuals who are unpracticed or unfamiliar with the mechanics and physics of trampolines run a risk of having a trampoline accicdent.

Preventing Trampoline Accidents
Although trampolines can provide a great deal of fun and enjoyment for those using them, improper trampoline use can have tragic results. Prior to using a trampoline, the owners are encouraged to ensure the integrity of its construct. The following are some precautionary steps that can be taken in order to avoid trampoline accidents:
Ensure that the purchase of a trampoline has been made from a reputable distributor and/or manufacturer that ensures that quality, integrity, and reliability of their products.
Ensure that the trampoline includes notification that it has been tested and inspected in accordance with Federal, legal, and commercial standards.
Ensure that the trampoline possesses a warranty that explains the legal process of its use; this includes liability and user responsibility.
Ensure that the enclosed instructions are read and understood by all individuals using the trampoline; pay close attention to any warnings, suggestions, and tips offered by the manufacturer.
Ensure that a medical professional has confirmed that the individuals using the trampoline are in sound physical condition to safely use a trampoline.
Ensure that there exists regulated and approved padding surrounding the perimeter of the trampoline in order to reduce the risk of trampoline accidents.
Ensure that the proper safety and protective gear is worn by all users.

Trampoline Accident Recourse
If confusion exists regarding the use and/or process of the trampoline in question, an individual is encouraged to consult with an attorney prior to its usage. An attorney specializing in liability, personal injury, accidents, and consumer laws will provide assistance in clarifying the liability of the manufacturer in the event of a trampoline accident. 
However, an attorney should be contacted subsequent to any trampoline accidents in order to assess liability, personal injury, and to provide legal review of the case details.

Skateboarding Accidents

Skateboarding AccidentsSkateboarding Accidents Lawyer

Reasons for Hiring Skateboarding Accidents Lawyers

The personal injury damages which may be due to the victims of skateboarding accidents can be argued for and potentially released based on the advocacy services provided by skateboarding accidents lawyers. A skateboarding accidents lawyer may or may not be a specific practitioner within this sector of personal injury law.

In any event, a skateboarding accident lawyer may be able to provide victims of skateboarding accidents with the ability to recover compensation for the pain and distress they have suffered, as well as the financial recovery to compensate for expenses incurred from receiving medical care and lost wages due to physical injuries.

Civil Actions Transacted by Skateboarding Accidents Lawyers

The particular kind of legal motion allowed for by a skateboarding accidents lawyer unfolds within the larger administrative context of the system of civil law, which involves one of two primary sectors in the U.S. justice system. As such, the field for civil law practitioners can be contrasted with the other area, which is reserved for the criminal justice system.

Difference Between Civil and Criminal Law

Whereas civil law is concerned with the transactions and challenges which occur between individuals or groups considered private entities under the U.S. legal system, criminal law involves the Government bringing complaints for statutory violations against individuals subject to those laws. As a civil law practitioner, a skateboarding accidents lawyer does not have the ability to consign a defendant who is found liable through the persuasive power of his or her argument to a term in prison.

Skateboarding Accidents Lawyers as Trial Lawyers

A skateboarding accidents lawyer might be referred to as a trial lawyer. This term, and the way in which it is used, is fairly unique to the U.S. legal system and may carry loaded connotations and even a tinge of disapproval depending on the particular individual who uses it.

Definition of Trial Lawyers

For one, trial lawyers do not, as defined in this way, include all legal representatives who argue a case before a court of law. Rather, trial lawyers, as understood in this way, are legal professionals who specialize in recovering damages for clients claiming wrongdoing or negligence on another’s part, and who do so through the threat or accomplishment of court proceedings. As this suggests, a trial lawyer may be able to deliver satisfactory results to the plaintiff without the necessity of actually going through an entire trial. Skateboarding accidents lawyers, thus acting in this way as trial lawyers, will commonly secure settlements, rather than court verdicts, for the benefit of their clients.

Factors to be Cited by a Skateboarding Accidents Lawyer

A skateboarding accidents lawyer might press for damages on behalf of the particular client involved in a case on the basis of several varying types of damages. For one, skateboarding accidents lawyers could press for compensation for the pain and distress resulting from the skateboarding accident. Alternately, a skateboarding accidents lawyer could also press the suit on the basis of the medical bill payment required, or the wages denied.

Horse Accidents

Horse AccidentsFactors in Horse Accidents

Horse accidents can readily occur due to the combination of the rider’s high elevation from the ground and the rapid pace of the horse. Riders can fall up to 13 feet in a horse accident, while the speed of their steed can get up to 40 mph. Another factor contributing to horse accidents and the resulting painful and debilitating injuries to the riders is the comparative lack of intelligence on the part of horses compared with other mammals such as dogs, combined with their large size. Horse accidents can cause death or, most seriously among the non-fatal injuries, spinal and brain damage.

Different Types of Horse Accidents

While horse accidents are most commonly associated with fatalities and injuries occurring among riders, other kinds of horse accidents can also occur, which can also result in serious, if not fatal, consequences for the humans involved. A rarer yet still dangerous form of horse accident is one involving the collision of a motor vehicle, such as a car or motorcycle, with a horse, which may be with or without a rider, depending on the case.

Horse accidents of this kind can occur more commonly when horses are being transported by trailer along motorways in active use. Alternately, horse accidents can also occur when people are struck by horses while standing, sitting or lying on the ground. These kinds of horse accidents may involve horses kicking people in the immediate physical vicinity, trampling them, or otherwise coming into violent impact with them.

Danger Posed by Horse Accidents

According to studies, accidents when people are riding horses can occur much more commonly than in the instances of the use of other forms of transportation. For one, horse accidents have been compared to motorcycle accidents, a method of comparison which has shown that people are far more likely to experience accidents and possible resulting injury or fatality when riding horses compared to motorcycles.
A study compiled in the early 2000s found that horse accidents are 20 times more likely to occur than motorcycle accidents. That being said, the rate of danger posed to riders by the likelihood of horse accidents can vary in terms of the specific kind of riding involved.

Horse riding considered to be for “leisure” purposes was found in this study to involve one injury, of any degree of severity, per every 100 hours’ worth of people engaging in such activities. On the other hand, for “amateur racing over jumps”, one horse accident occurred on average for every five hours’ devoted to such activities. “Cross country eventing” activities, meanwhile, posed the risk of one horse accident, and resulting injury to the rider, for every hour of such riding.

According to another study conducted around the same point in time, out of every 10 horse accidents, 6 of these involved head injuries to the riders and, as a result, increased risks for riders.