Toyota Recalls More Vehicles over Floor Mat Entrapment Issues-Texas Personal Injury Lawyers
Houston product liability lawyers have been very frustrated with Toyota’s kneejerk responses to proven episodes of unintended acceleration in several of its vehicles. The company last week announced that it was extending its earlier recall of 4.3 million vehicles by adding another million vehicles to the list.
In October last year, the company had recalled 4.3 million vehicles for what it called “floor mat incompatibility” issues. The company blamed floor mats for a devastating accident in California last August that killed four people. The Toyota Lexus in that crash accelerated to about 120mph, went out of control and crashed. Toyota was quick to blame all-weather floor mats that it said could jam the accelerator pedal, causing the car to rev up to high speeds. A recall followed.
Now, the company has extended that recall by another million vehicles. The vehicles included in the recall are
- 2008-2010 Highlander
- 2009-2010 Corolla
- 2009-2010 Venza
- 2009-2010 Matrix
- 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe
The recall was followed by another shocker this week. The company has announced that it will stop manufacture and sales of 8 of its models. Toyota apparently was asked by the Department of Transportation to take this drastic step. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood confirmed in a radio interview that his department had pressured Toyota to recall the vehicles and temporarily stop production and sales of 8 models, including
- 2009-2010 RAV4 Crossover
- 2009-2010 Corolla
- 2009-2010 Matrix
- 2005-2010 Avalon
- 2007-2010 Camry
- 2010 Highlander
- 2007-2010 Tundra and
- 2008-2010 Sequoia
Millions of Toyota owners in Texas are likely to be stressed and anxious now that their cars’ safety has been called into question. For these people, getting answers to their questions has become a matter of urgency, especially in light of developments over the past week. Judging by the handwringing by which Toyota has handled the entire acceleration-related crisis, it doesn’t seem like Houston product liability attorneys or Toyota owners will be receiving answers anytime soon.
Toyota dealers in Houston say they have been besieged with anxious telephone calls from customers. So far, dealers are asking customers not to panic while Toyota works to develop repairs for the problem. Considering that the acceleration episodes began to emerge in 2002, we would think Toyota has had ample time to identify the problem and develop solutions.
If you have been involved in an accident in one of the vehicles listed on Toyota’s recall list, contact the Texas product liability lawyers at The Kahn Law Firm today for a free consultation at 713-226-9900 or toll free 1-877-226-9940.
How to Drive Safely with Kids in the Car-Texas Child Injury Lawyers
As Houston auto accident lawyers, we know that distracted driving is one of the biggest contributing factors to motor vehicle accidents. But as parents, we also know that our days are filled with some of the noisiest distractions in our cars. You can restrict the use of cell phones and text messaging devices while driving. But how do you deal with the kind of distractions you face every day as you drive your children around?
As parents who struggle with distractions from children ourselves, we were very pleased to see this list of advice and tips for parents driving with kids from Consumer Reports. We’re familiar with a few of these, and know they work. It’s very important for Texas parents to realize that traveling with the kids doesn’t have to be an exercise in frustration, anger and non-stop anxiety. Here are some of the tips from Consumer Report.
- Pack plenty of snacks, drinks and toys for the kids. Make sure you have coloring books, crayons, and games stashed away in easy-to-reach places in the car. Occupied kids are less likely to distract. We like this idea and use it frequently.
- Play little games as you are driving with your kids. Ask them to read cloud formations. Play a game of I- Spy. Play counting games. Kid love games, and the more occupied they are with counting red pickup trucks, the less likely they will be to demand your undivided attention.
- Keep your eyes focused on the road ahead at all times. Houston auto accident lawyers cannot stress enough how important this is.
- If a tantrum is getting out of control, see if you can pull over to comfort your child.
- Tune out noises from the back seat as much as possible. The less attention your child gets from you, the quicker he or she will stop whining.
- Switch off your cell phone while driving. All it takes is a second to look down at the number display panel for an accident to occur.
We don’t stop to think twice about the distractions our kids pose when we drive. But it’s important to realize that the most innocent distractions can be sufficient to cause a serious accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious accident, contact the husband and wife legal team at the Kahn Law Firm today by calling 713-226-9900 or toll free 1-877-226-9940.
Advanced DNA Testing Helping Solve Sexual Assault Cases in Texas-Texas Sexual Assault Lawyers
Texas authorities are seeing more success with solving sexual assault crimes using advanced DNA testing. The testing increases evidence collection time to up to 120 hours from the current 48 hours. It works by separating male DNA profile from the female DNA, and is sophisticated enough to zero in on minute specks of saliva, semen, skin cells and other kinds of evidence. The test works to obscure the female DNA profile, and make the male DNA highly visible. The male DNA that could not have been traced before, will now show up under the new testing. The test can even help identify the number of men involved in a sexual assault in cases like gang rape.
The Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab and the Harris County medical examiner’s office biology lab have been using the new male specific DNA testing since last year. The Harris County lab office has managed to obtain at least 20 positive results in sexual assault cases. Prosecutors are already sounding very encouraged about the test’s potential to identify sex offenders, especially in cases involving children.
The test is not entirely without its shortcomings. It doesn’t seem to identify suspects in same sex assault cases, and also can’t seem to differentiate between two male siblings.
Obviously, the new testing will do nothing to prove consensual sex. It also has far too many shortcomings for us to be hopeful that it will deliver the kind of foolproof results that Houston sexual assault lawyers want to see. Whenever the merits of DNA tests are discussed, it’s very important to understand that a DNA match on its own, is not enough to reach a conclusion. There are other types of evidence that must be in place for a DNA match to hold any weight.
If you need a sexual assault lawyer in Texas, contact The Kahn Law Firm today at 713-226-9900 or toll free 1-877-226-9940 for a free, confidential consultation.
Increase in Motorcycle Accident Fatalities in Texas after Repeal of Helmet Laws-Houston Injury Attorneys
The repeal of a motorcycle helmet law in Texas more than a decade ago, has contributed to a sharp increase in the number of motorcycle accident fatalities in the state. That information comes to us via a study published in Southern Medical Journal.
- The researchers analyzed motorcycle fatality data between 1994 and 2004, and found an increase in motorcycle crash fatalities after the helmet laws changed.
- The study found that the number of motorcycle crash deaths increased by 30 percent after the helmet laws were revoked.
- The number of deaths for every 100,000 registered motorcycles increased from 89 in 1994 to a total of 101 in 2004.
- Besides, motorcycle crash fatalities for vehicle miles traveled also rose by 25 percent.
- Researchers found a sudden spike in motorcycle fatalities in September 1997, which was the month in which laws were changed. That month, helmets were made optional for all motorcyclists.
Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in November found a strong correlation between helmet use in motorcyclists and prevention of Traumatic Brain Injury. The study found that wearing helmets significantly decreases your chances of suffering of moderate to severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in a motorcycle crash.
Helmet use is not the only factor in preventing motorcycle accident fatalities It does not guarantee that the motorcyclist will be not killed or injured in an accident. However, it does increase your chances of avoiding the kind of serious brain injuries that lead to lifelong disability, debilitation or death. Severe traumatic brain injuries can leave a person unable to perform routine tasks, like feeding themselves, or bathing. At its worst, these injuries can prevent persons from being able to work or earn a living. Wearing a helmet can reduce that risk dramatically.
While having laws in place to encourage helmet use would be ideal, as Houston motorcycle accident lawyers, we would encourage riders to contribute to their own well-being by wearing approved helmets. It’s important to remember that in an accident involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, it’s the motorcyclist who has the highest risk of injury or death.
If you or a loved ones has been injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident or 18-wheeler accident, contact the attorneys at The Kahn Law Firm at 713-226-9900 or toll free 1-877-226-9940 today for a free consultation.
Texas Mom Faces Charges of Assault of Under Aged Boy – Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers
Texas sexual assault lawyers often see that sex crime cases are often built on a weak foundation. A mother in Houston has been charged with online solicitation of a minor and enticing a child because she allegedly pursued a sexual relationship with an under-aged boy in Canada.
Lauri Price is a substitute teacher and mother of four. Prosecutors say she met the 15-year-old Canadian boy in 2008 through the online video game, World of Warcraft. Five months later, Price visited the boy’s home in Ontario, Canada and thereafter, continued to maintain an online relationship with the boy. Prosecutors also allege that in December, Price returned to Canada, and lured the boy to a hotel 70 miles away from his home in Barrie.
Price was arrested last week at Houston International Airport. Prosecutors are poring through email and text message communication between the two to develop a case. Interestingly, Price will not face any charges in Canada where the age of consent is 16. In Texas, the age of consent is 17. However state authorities argue that because the solicitation occurred in Texas, Price was charged under Texas laws.
As Texas sexual assault lawyers, we often see misuse of the laws protecting children from solicitation or abuse. Very often, cases are built on a slim foundation, so local prosecutors can make self righteous statements. Unfortunately, the person charged with the sex crime, may find that the jury is out long before charges are even filed. We will be watching this case to see how it will progress.
For Lauri Price, the next few months are going to seem like a witch-hunt. There will be aspersions cast on her character and morals, and anyone with a tongue is likely to jump on to bandwagon with opinions on the case. If convicted of sex crimes such as these charges, Lauri Price may have to be registered as a sex offender for life which would greatly affect her life. It is of utmost importance for individuals charged with sex-related crimes to hire an attorney as soon as possible.
If you are charged with a sex crime, contact the Houston criminal defense lawyers at The Kahn Law Firm at 713-226-9900.
Houston Child Injured in Power Window Accident – Texas Child Injury Lawyers
Accidents involving power windows are much more frequent than people know. However, most of these don’t get reported because they don’t result in serious injuries. One Texas family however, had a rude wake up call to the very real dangers posed by power windows. The family’s two-year-old son was playing in the van when he seems to have switched on the electric window, causing his neck to become entrapped between the glass and the window frame. The child was seriously injured, and was rushed to the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston where he is in a critical condition. Our thoughts are with this little boy and his family, and we pray for a speedy recovery for him.
According to NHTSA data, about 5 children are killed every year in power window accidents. Auto safety experts have recommended that power window switches should be modified from the current easy push-types that children can manipulate, to “pull up” switches. Children are not as likely to be able to pull up a switch to close a window on their own. They are also less likely to accidentally switch on a power window in case of a “pull up” mechanism.
The NHTSA mandates “pull up” switches on all models from October 1st 2010. What would really work to prevent such accidents, however, is an automatic reversal system that causes the window to reverse back into position when it encounters an object, like a child’s head. However, these are present in just about 15 percent of cars sold in the country.
While automakers take their time to make cars that are safer for families, Houston personal injury lawyers would advise Texas parents to monitor their children’s behavior inside the car. Never ever leave your child alone in a car, and keep the windows locked at all times.
If your child has been injured, contact the Texas accident lawyers at The Kahn Law Firm today for a free consultation at 713-226-9900.
Houston Truck-Bus Accident Leaves Three Injured-Texas Accident Lawyers
Harris County officials are investigating the cause of a truck accident last week that involved a school bus and left three people injured.
According to news reports, the school bus had stopped to pick up a student when a freight truck crashed into the back of the bus. At the time of the crash, there was one special needs student of MacArthur High, a bus aide and a driver inside the bus. The bus was severely damaged. The special needs student, the aide, and the driver of the truck were seriously injured.
From all that we know about this accident, it seems that the bus was stopped at 8 am in the morning with its loading lights on, and yet, the truck failed to stop to avoid rear ending the bus. As Houston truck accident lawyers, we see that rear ending accidents are typically caused by
- High speeds that prevent the driver from slowing down in time to avoid the vehicle
- Fatigue that prevents the driver from seeing the vehicle in front of him
- Distractions
- Malfunctioning brakes
- Drunk driving
Out of these, federal regulations do address the issues of drug and alcohol use by truck drivers, maintenance and repairs of trucks and the driver’s experience and driving abilities. Driver fatigue is another issue that has been gathering momentum over the past few months. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is revising the Hours of Service rules for truck drivers, and we could soon be back to the 10-hour rule that was in place earlier. Longer driving hours expose a trucker to the risk of fatigue and related accident risks.
Besides, the FMCSA has already received recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board which call for mandatory sleep apnea screenings for truck drivers. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person suffers from disturbances in breathing during sleep. This causes the person to wake up several times during sleep, leading to feelings of tiredness and drowsiness the next day. Truck drivers because of their lifestyles are more prone to obesity, which is one of the risk factors for sleep apnea. Mandatory screenings and treatment programs would address this issue of driver fatigue and prevent accidents.
If you have been involved in a car accident, truck accident, bus accident or motorcycle accident, contact the accident lawyers at The Kahn Law Firm today at 713-226-9900.
Houston Resident Killed in Motorcycle Accident – Houston Personal Injury Lawyers
A 55-year-old Houston resident was killed last week in a head-on accident involving a motorist who veered into oncoming traffic. According to Waller County police, a Honda Civic crossed into eastbound traffic, colliding head-on with Thomas Meagher who was riding the motorcycle. Meagher was declared dead at the scene.
Our thoughts are with the Meagher family as they try to deal with this tragic loss. From all accounts, it seems like the Meagher was following all traffic rules. He was riding safely, and was wearing a helmet. Motorcycle awareness campaigns in Texas focus strongly on educating motorcyclists about helmet use and safe driving techniques. However, they fail to invest the same kind of effort and time in educating motorists about the need to share roads with all. Often, as Houston motorcycle accident lawyers, we see motorcyclists doing everything right, and still bearing the brunt of motorist’s negligence.
As Houston motorcycle accident attorneys, we also see that motorcyclists unfairly get blamed for every crash. While there are a few motorcyclists who revel in speeding and stunts on the streets, most of them tend to be conscientious riders. Unfortunately, fingers get pointed at the motorcycle rider even before an investigation begins.
Back in the 70s, when motorcycle accident fatalities across the country were at their peak, the government commissioned a study into motorcycle crash causation, headed by Harry Hurt. That investigation culminated in the Hurt’s Report. Two of the biggest findings of the study are valid to this day.
- Most motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent motorists.
- Helmet use is important in preventing fatalities.
Unfortunately, while the victim here did all he could to be safe by wearing a helmet, he could do nothing to protect himself from others’ negligence.
If you or loved one has been injured in a car accident, truck accident or motorcycle accident, contact the injury lawyers at The Kahn Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 713-226-9900 or toll free 1-877-226-9940.
Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Alert – Potential Toy Injuries Lurk in Every Corner of your Home
A report by the CPSC indicates that child injuries from toys don’t necessarily have to involve sharp objects, lead content or choking hazards. There may be more number of ways that your child may be injured through toys, many of these ways that you probably never thought of. This information comes via a study on toy safety in 2008 released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The report includes statistics of injuries related to toy use. Some of these are especially worth noting.
- An estimated 235,300 toy injuries in 2008 were serious enough to rush children to emergency rooms.
- Approximately 47 percent of these injuries consisted of abrasions, lacerations and contusions.
- 73 percent of injuries treated in the last year occurred in children below 15 years of age, while 35 percent occurred in children below the age of 6. As Texas child injury lawyers, we find this very interesting. Safety advocates, parents and caregivers tend to focus their efforts on children below the age of 6, while the CPSC data clearly shows that older children are also very likely to be injured by toys.
- Among children below the age of 15, 25 percent of the injuries were caused by the use of non motorized scooters.
As parents of little ones ourselves, we believe it’s important to highlight some of the unknown dangers that your kids may be exposed to.
- For instance in 2008, a 3-year-old boy drowned after riding his riding toy into a pool.
- A 2-year-old boy died after he fell off a four wheeler riding toy while he was trying to stand on his seat. These are the kind of typical kiddy stunts children try all the time, and it’s important for parents to understand that there may be serious, if rare, consequences of such actions.
- A 5-year-old girl died after she lost control of her wagon, and it rolled out onto the highway where she was struck by a car. Yet another 2-year-old by in 2008 died in a collision with a motor vehicle while riding his toy motorcycle.
- One fatality in 2008 involved the 10-month-old drowning in the bathtub after a ball blocked the drain while the shower was running.
- A 2-year-old died when he fell into water trying to retrieve a toy from the pool.
Some words of advice from Houston personal injury lawyers:
- Supervise your child’s play at all times
- Keep toy chests, cabinets and toy closets locked, to prevent children from becoming entrapped.
- Never leave older children in charge of little infants.
- Never leave toys floating around the pool.. Children may be encouraged to go retrieve these.
If your child has been injured, contact the child injury attorneys at The Kahn Law Firm at 713-226-9900 or toll free 1-877-226-9940
Houston Auto Accident Lawyers Warn of Teen Safety Post Street Racing Accident
An accident earlier this week in West Harris County should be a wake-up call to Houston parents and personal injury lawyers. Two teen motorists were seriously injured in what seems to have been a street racing accident. The two teens both aged 15 years old, were racing a Chevy sedan and a Lincoln Navigator. The sedan crashed into a ditch, while the Navigator hit a telephone pole. The Navigator driver suffered critical injuries, and had to be airlifted to the Memorial Hermann hospital. The Chevy driver was also injured.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Department is confirming that neither driver had a license. It also appears that the two teenagers’ parents were possibly aware that their children were driving their cars. Residents at Keith Harrow Boulevard and Barker’s Cypress where the accident occurred, say that such street racing is common at that location. Most of these races take place at night. Last year, three people were killed during a race in North Harris County. As Houston auto accident lawyers and parents ourselves, we would encourage parents of teenagers to talk to their children about the importance of safe driving practices. Street racing is a complete no-no, and parents must step up to take away the car keys and place restrictions on children who may not be mature enough to practice safe driving.
Teen motorists are at a higher risk of an accident because of a number of factors.
- Lack of experience
- Recklessness
- Love of adventure and thrills
- Peer pressure
- Distractions by fellow teen passengers
- Love of thrills
Any of these factors can cause an accident, and a combination of one or more can be deadly, causing catastrophic injuries. Some automakers have begun to recognize the safety issues that the parents of teen motorists struggle with. Ford has come up with MyKey, a key that allows parents to restrict car speeds and the volume of the music systems in their teenagers’ cars. The system can also be programmed to shut the car down if the driver or front seat passenger is not wearing a seatbelt. While these technologies are very welcome, and help parents keep tabs on their children’s driving, they are no substitutes for parental supervision and guidance.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact the lawyers at The Kahn Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation at 713-226-9900 or toll free 1-877-226-9940.
