Resources

This Sunday, most of us will be “springing forward” one hour.  In the week that follows this change, the loss of an hour due to daylight savings time, has been linked to increases in car accidents, medical errors, hospital admissions and heart attacks. According to a recent study by the University of Colorado, auto accidents increase, due to the fact that it takes about 6-7 days to adjust to the darker morning commutes, coupled with the fact that the loss of an hour of sleep causes drivers to be less alert. According to the study, there is a 6.3% increase in traffic fatalities over the six days following the March time change.

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Recently, it has been reported that certain year, make and models of Hyundai and Kia automobiles are no longer insurable by State Farm or Progressive. The risk of theft of these vehicles is simply too high.

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  Recently we heard that an automobile’s catalytic converter was stolen in broad daylight, in the parking lot of a local pharmacy. According to State Farm, the largest auto insurer in the United States, from June 2021 through June 2022, its insureds had 43,200 catalytic converters stolen from their cars. And that’s just one insurance company.

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      With the news of a major airline cancelling thousands of flights over Christmas week, many have wondered what rights do passengers have when a flight is cancelled or delayed. The short answer is that it depends. However, it may surprise you to know that there are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide meals, accommodations or financial compensation when vacation plans are impacted or cancelled due to delayed or cancelled flights. If you plan a trip and are intending to fly to your destination, it is good to be reminded that airlines are not required to guarantee their schedules. Federal law only requires airlines to compensate passengers when they are “bumped” from a flight due to the airline overselling seats on the plane. While “overbooking” is not illegal, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that airlines first ask passengers to voluntarily give up their seat in exchange for compensation. DOT does not mandate the form or amount of compensation that is to be provided. Accordingly, compensation varies depending on the airline and whether volunteers are eager to give up their seats. If someone must be “bumped” involuntarily, DOT requires that such passengers be given a written statement describing their rights as well as “denied boarding compensation” in the form of a check or cash, if the airline is unable to arrange substitute transportation within one hour or their scheduled arrival time. If the airline arranges substitute transportation between one and two hours of their original arrival time, […]

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  Believe it or not, “Bombogenesis” is a meterological term used to describe a weather event in which a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass to cause a intense drop in atmospheric pressure. This low pressure system is called a bomb cyclone. The rapid drop in air pressure means the storm intensifies very quickly, which can cause heavy snow, rain, high winds and coastal flooding.

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When Purchasing a Car, Safety Should Be A Priority. As Personal Injury Attorneys, at Drake, Hileman & Davis, we often see the difference that the size a vehicle makes in how seriously someone is injured in an accident. Frequently, consumers look at price, style, fuel economy and color when making a car selection, when they really should be looking at vehicle safety.

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  Given the almost daily deluge of rain we have been experiencing, hydroplaning is a very real problem for which all drivers must be prepared. Hydroplaning occurs when the vehicle’s tire-to-road traction becomes separated by water. This grip separation results in a loss of control (braking and steering), which can result in a violent accident.

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A recent snowstorm caused a United States Senator to endure a twenty-seven (27) hour commute from his home in Virginia to the U.S. Capital.  He was one of hundreds of drivers trapped in freezing temperatures on a 50-mile stretch of I-95 following a multi-vehicle crash, which brought traffic to a standstill.  Could you survive such an ordeal?   Here are some simple tips to help you comfortably wait for traffic to start moving again or for help to arrive. Pack a Bag If you must travel during a snowstorm, it is important that you are prepared.  In winter, always keep some snacks, such as granola bars, and bottled water in your car.   If traveling with children or pets, be sure to keep food and supplies for them, too.  Bringing essentials such as food, water, and a charged cell phone can make a huge difference if you find yourself stuck on the road. Beyond these essentials, it would also be helpful to bring survival gear such as blankets, winter garments, boots, sleeping bags, flares, medications, a first-aid kit, a shovel, an ice scraper, jumper cables, and a full tank of gas. Stay Warm If you find yourself stuck on the road during a snowstorm you should not leave your car. Your car is the safest place to be until the storm subsides. It will always be colder outside your car than the air temperature within.  Don’t leave your car unless help or assistance is within a short distanced of your vehicle Focus […]

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  The month of May is both National Water Safety Month and the typical start of pool season. In 2020, installing a swimming pool was a popular home addition, as many families opted for “stay-cations” during these COVID quarantine times. Unfortunately, drowning remains the number one cause of accidental death for children ages 1 -4. Additionally, according to government statistics, there were on average an estimated 6,700 pool or spa-related ER visits for non-fatal injuries from 2015- 2017 for children younger than 15. Listed below are five tips to keep your pool safe.

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When you are hosting a private party, should you have to worry about the amount of alcohol your guests are drinking? Are you required to “cut them off?” Of course nobody ever wants anyone to get hurt, but is it your legal responsibility as a host to pay attention to everyone’s alcohol consumption?

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