Volkswagen recalls 2.6 million cars worldwide

According to a spokesman for Volkswagen Group, the company is recalling around 2.6 million vehicles around the world, including some sold in Dallas, over electronic and drive system problems. The automotive giant fears that these flaws could lead to a car accident that would cause injuries, although there have been no reports so far of accidents related to these recall issues.

Volkswagen has recommended that automotive mechanics substitute mineral oil to lubricate dual-clutch gearboxes in place of synthetic oil. This issue affects about 1.6 million vehicles. The company also stated that 800,000 Tiguan compact SUVs could suffer from lighting defects and another 239,000 Amarok pickup trucks should be checked for leaks of fuel. Volkswagen previous recalled nearly 385,000 vehicles in China earlier this year after claims of sudden acceleration reminiscent of the Toyota problems that resulted in injury for some owners.

The addition of sophisticated technology to new models has led to an increasing number of recalls affecting not only Volkswagen but also Chrysler, Toyota and Mitsubishi. The auto industry blames mass market demands for the frantic pace that drives new developments which may not be fully vetted before releasing vehicles to the public for sale. However, it is still the responsibility of an automaker to ensure that vehicles are safe before putting them on the market.

Those who have suffered an injury in an accident that is related to a recall issue may have a claim against the automobile manufacturer. A personal injury attorney may be able to review the facts of the victim’s case and offer advice on how to collect damages in a recall accident matter.

Accidents show common driving dangers for teens

It’s probably unsurprising that teenagers are accountable for a large amount of car accidents across the U.S. After all, new drivers lack the experience to be able to avoid many crashes, and teenagers can also make unwise driving choices while older drivers know better. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers. Every year, over 2,000 teenagers are killed and more than 200,000 injured in accidents throughout the country, and teen drivers are responsible for about 30 percent of the costs of motor vehicle accident injuries.

While it’s true that many teenage drivers knowingly break driving laws, such as driving while intoxicated, speeding or driving aggressively, the majority of young drivers simply lack the experience and skills to avoid an accident. Driving at night takes time and practice to master, as well as knowing how to recognize hazards and make split-second decisions to keep a crash from occurring. Many teenage drivers also don’t wear their seatbelts, increasing the risk of being hurt or killed in an accident.

Accidents show various risks for teen drivers and passengers
When passengers are in a car, teenage drivers can be encouraged to take risks or they may just want to show off for their friends. This may have been the case for a group of teenagers in an accident in Dumas, Texas, last March, as reported by CNN. When the driver of an SUV failed to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle was hit by an oncoming gas tanker, causing both vehicles to burst into flames. Tragically, all five teenage passengers were killed and the driver was seriously injured.

Distracted driving is another major culprit. In another accident in Allen, Texas, last November, a 17-year-old girl was killed when she crashed while texting her boyfriend and sister, said NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.

Good parental habits can help prevent accidents
When parents choose to drive safely and set a good example, these habits can be passed on to teenage drivers, and possibly save lives. State Farm offers the following tips for parents:

  • Drive safely and courteously.
  • Obey traffic laws.
  • Don’t drive aggressively, and avoid distractions.
  • Buckle seatbelts before driving and ensure passengers do the same.
  • Don’t speed, tailgate or drive while tired.

Unfortunately, even with the best examples it’s not always possible for teenagers to prevent accidents. Medical expenses arising from auto accidents can add up quickly. People who have been injured in an accident caused by an inexperienced, intoxicated or negligent teenage driver should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss their options.

Motorcycle Accidents Attorneys

Motorcycle riders are vulnerable to major injury if they should ever be involved in a motor vehicle accident. Motorcyclists are open to the elements and have far less protection than drivers of cars, trucks or SUVs. They don’t have safety belts or air bags and, most importantly, they don’t have the frame of the vehicle to protect them. A biker has a significantly lower chance of surviving a road accident than does the driver of another type of vehicle.

Most bikers are enthusiastic about riding and love to travel on the open road. Even more importantly, motorcycle riders in Texas have the same right to use the roads as other car or truck drivers. Sadly, many car drivers to not recognize that right and continue to drive recklessly in the presence of the motorcyclists. Drivers often pass too closely or fail to properly yield to motorcycles. As a result, bikers are exposed to a higher risk of accidents.

Possible Causes For Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcycle accidents are simply caused by driver negligence. Road negligence comes in various forms. Here are a few examples:

  • Opening the door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle
  • Not checking blind spots before making a turn or changing lanes
  • Failing to use signals when turning
  • Insufficient space allowed when passing a motorcycle
  • Failing to allow a motorcycle the full width of a traffic lane
  • Speeding in the vicinity of a motorcycle

What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident
In cases where a car accident has injured a motorcycle rider, there are certain things that you should and should not do. You should follow important safety protocol and take the following actions:

  • Call the emergency services as soon as possible.
  • Stay with the injured victim until help arrives.
  • Keep the victim calm and alert by talking to him or her.
  • Do not attempt to move injured riders unless it is unsafe to leave them where they fall.
  • Never remove a rider’s helmet because of the risk of head or neck injury.

Possible Motorcycle Accident Injuries
As is also true with bicycle accidents, there is a greater chance of severe injuries in motorcycle accidents. Some of the injuries possible include:

  • Road rash and skin abrasions
  • Broken bones
  • Internal trauma
  • Brain damage
  • Disfigurement
  • Back and spinal injuries
  • Traumatic fatal injuries

In addition to the physical scarring that can come from an accident, there is an emotional toll that comes from escalating medical expenses, the inability to adjust to crippling injuries or perhaps from mourning the loss of a loved one. The psychological damage from such a horrific event can also be long lasting. Many victims never fully recover. You have the right to explore all of your options and you deserve to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone is working tirelessly on your behalf.

Car Accidents Attorney

Dallas drivers are probably unaware that there are over 3,300 people killed in car accidents in the state of Texas each year. There is a car accident death in Texas every two hours and 35 minutes. Most people don’t get in their cars every morning and then think about the life altering effects of motor vehicle accidents. Regardless of the circumstances of a car accident, those injured in collisions may be eligible for financial compensation, especially if the accident was caused by a negligent third-party.

If you have been involved in a car accident and you were not to blame, you may have a case to recover for your injuries, vehicle damage and even the loss of income you suffered as a result of the accident.

Where And Why Do Car Accidents Happen?
Car accidents occur for many reasons, from road conditions and bad weather to driver negligence and error. Certain areas and places on the highway are especially prone to car accidents. Some common areas with a higher incidence of accidents include:

  • Highways and interstate junctions: Rapid acceleration, dense traffic, driver error or simple distraction can lead to a collision, such a truck accident.
  • Schools: Parents are often in a hurry to get to work or rushing to prevent a child from tardiness, but distraction at or around a school can lead to a serious pedestrian injury or a collision with another vehicle resulting from dense traffic.
  • Traffic lights: Many drivers gamble and speed through yellow lights. Do not assume the person in front has moved on. Stop and go traffic creates accidents every day and is the leading creator of rear end collisions in the United States. It’s just as common for drivers to run red lights. This can lead to horrific, high-speed T-bone accidents.
  • City centers and congested areas: These are natural choke points for traffic. With congestion comes rear-end accidents and other collisions. Overly aggressive driving mixed with timid or hesitant driving can also be a recipe for accidents.
  • Roads with bad lighting or that need repair: Bad roads and poorly visible road signs can lead to accidents.

Common Physical Injuries Suffered In Car Accidents

  • Brain injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Amputation of limbs
  • Major organ injuries
  • Chronic bleeding
  • Broken bones
  • Whiplash
  • Concussion
  • Bruising
  • Death

The body often runs on adrenaline after an accident. You may feel fine immediately after a car accident but days, weeks or months later, the damage sustained in the crash may begin to show itself. Do not wait to get help. Don’t have regrets. Call a Dallas area car accident attorney immediately after your accident. Your attorney will take the burden off your shoulders and will strive to get you a fair settlement that will financially offset the pain and suffering you have endured.