Making All the Stops: Auto Accidents and Defective Brakes
The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are committed to the people of Provo and their families. Our legal team offers strong legal counsel for all kinds of cases, from lawsuits involving serious auto accidents to class action lawsuits against major companies who put out defective products. In some cases, auto accidents may be linked to design flaws and poor manufacturing. With that in mind, let’s consider car accidents that are caused by defective brakes and brake systems. We Expect Our Cars to Be Safe Whenever we get behind the wheel of a car, whether it’s a rental or a vehicle we just purchased, we have certain expectations of safety. We should expect that the steering is fine, for instance, or that the brakes function properly. And yet sometimes this is not the case. Problems with brakes, brake systems, and braking components can occur, resulting in serious accidents and dangerous conditions for drivers and other motorists. Issues with Defective Brakes When he hit the brakes, we should be able to slow down our vehicle in a reasonable distance and amount of time. Suddenly hitting the brakes could also save a life, whether it’s our own, another driver’s, or a pedestrian’s. If brakes do not function properly, it can lead to longer stopping times and distances. In these cases, you may become involved in a collision that should have been avoidable. Rear end collisions and t-bone accidents are more likely, even at slow speeds. In cases of total brake failure, you may wind up running a red light or perhaps driving off the road. Brake Systems Should Function Properly Auto makers should test their vehicles diligently. This means proper crash tests and quality assurance checks at all stages of manufacturing and design. If there are any flaws that could spell danger, they should be taken care of as soon as possible. Certainly these brake system flaws need to be caught and dealt with before a vehicle is made available to consumers. If an auto maker notices problems with brakes and brake systems after a vehicle is on the market, a recall needs to be issued as soon as possible in order to keep others safe. Brake Pads and Components Should Be Safe Sometimes the issue with a vehicle’s brakes don’t have to do with the brake system per se but rather the components of the brake system. In this case we mean the brake pads, the brake fluid, or the connection between the brake pedal and the system itself. If you have had your brakes serviced but they do not function properly, the makers of the brake components may be responsible for the accident. Similarly, the people who serviced the brakes make be responsible for causing this dangerous situation. Holding Negligent Parties Accountable No matter the circumstances of your accident, it’s of the utmost importance that you speak with skilled attorney about your case. Our attorneys will note all the evidence available and fight to hold the negligent party accountable. In the case of auto makers, we will make sure that similar mistakes and acts of carelessness do not lead to injuries in the future. We will seek damages to address vehicle damage, medical bills, and so forth, and will also pursue punitive damages to ensure these kinds of vehicle defects do not happen again. Learn More About Automotive Product Liability For more information about your legal options following a serious motor vehicle accident caused by manufacturer negligence, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will fight for you in your time of legal need.
The Dangers of Defective Airbags
Automobiles offer many conveniences, which is why most people rely on vehicles on a day-to-day basis. Unfortunately, every drive has the potential to result in an auto accident. Auto accidents often result in serious losses, ranging from property damage, to personal injury, and even death. Because the dangers of auto accidents are well documented, automobile manufacturers have increased safety measures over the years to minimize the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Drivers rely on safety measures, such as airbags, to minimize injury in an auto accident. However, if an airbag is defective, not only will it be of no assistance, but it may actually cause additional harm. In these cases, the attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can investigate the cause of the auto accident and defective airbag so that our Provo, UT clients can be justly compensated for damages suffered. Airbag Defects When airbags work properly, they can truly be lifesaving devices. Unfortunately, there are many cases in which airbags fail to provide intended protection. In some cases, a defective airbag may even act as a catalyst for an auto accident or injury. Below are some of the most commonly reported airbag defects: Airbags fail to deploy upon impact Airbags deploy suddenly when there has been no auto accident Airbags explode, sending shrapnel into the vehicle These defects have severe implications and put the drivers and passengers of these vehicles at serious risk for injury. Airbag Injuries Each auto accident is unique and has the potential to cause a wide range of injuries. When a defective airbag is involved, those injuries are likely to be even worse. Some injuries that may be caused, or worsened, by defective airbags include the following: Head trauma Brain injury Cuts or lacerations Eye injuries or loss of vision One of the unfortunate things about defective airbags is that they can lead to these types of injuries in accidents that would have otherwise been unlikely to cause serious harm. Who Is at Fault? Utah is a no-fault state, which means that all drivers are required to carry insurance to cover the costs of property damage and personal injuries stemming from an auto accident. However, this insurance may not be enough to cover the total loss of damages. If an auto accident or injuries are related to defective airbags, a third party may be held liable. Our attorneys can investigate the accident to determine the cause of the defective airbag. In many cases, the defect is due to an error on the part of the manufacturer. However, there are also cases in which fraud is involved. There have been cases documented in which auto repair shops have falsely reported repairing a defective airbag that has been recalled. Our attorneys will work with investigators to gather the evidence that is necessary to determine the cause of the defect and prove liability to the court so that our clients can be justly compensated for the full extent of their damages. Contact Us If you have been involved in an auto accident and you believe that a defective airbag either caused the accident or contributed to injuries, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. The experienced attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton have handled many product liability cases and are ready to fight to ensure that you are justly compensated for your damages. Contact us to discuss the details of your case and find out how we can help.
Danger on Two Wheels: Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
When collisions occur in the greater Provo, accident victims and their loved ones can rely on our team of attorneys. We know that these kinds of accidents can take their toll on people’s lives, which is why we are here to help. Motorcycle accidents can cause serious and even fatal injuries, which is why so many people pursue legal action when negligence contributed or directly caused a collision. With this in mind, we want to consider the types of injuries that may be sustained by motorcyclists. In the end, we’ll offer some brief tips for motorcyclists to protect themselves with proper gear. Head Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Even if you are wearing a helmet, you are potentially vulnerable to serious head trauma and brain injuries. This includes concussions and even much more serious open head/penetrating injuries. These kinds of brain injuries can have lasting effects on your future health and wellness, and sometimes in an unpredictable way. Serious brain injuries can cause long-term issues with memory, motor skills, cognition, mood, speech patterns, and general psychological wellness. Road Rash Road rash occurs when skin is seriously scraped and lacerated after coming into contact with the road. It’s probably one of the most well-known biker injuries. The best way to avoid these kinds of injuries is to wear a proper jacket and pants while you are on your motorcycle. The less exposed skin, the better. Biker’s Arm This kind of motorcyclist injury is also common, but it’s not as widely known as road rash. Whenever you fall, it’s instinctual to reach out with your hands to try to break your fall. When you do this as you fall from a motorcycle, the impact with the ground can result in nerve damage from the wrists up through the elbow and shoulder. This nerve damage is biker’s arm. Broken Bones and Joints Given how exposed motorcyclists are, it should come as no surprise that broken bones and joint problems may arise after a serious collision. Compound fractures or even small hairline fractures of the bone may occur. Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries Again related to the vulnerability and exposure of a motorcyclist, there the potential for major spinal cord injuries following a collision. Sometimes these injuries may involve ruptured discs, whiplash, or fractures of the vertebrae. The most serious kinds of neck and spinal cord injuries, however, and ones that render people paralyzed, namely paraplegia and quadriplegia. Damage to Internal Organs The sever trauma from impacts with another vehicle, another object, or the ground can lead to serious injuries to internal organs. Internal organ injuries may not necessarily be noticeable on the surface, but the harm they can cause you can be devastating. Protective Gear for Motorcyclists Given the risk of injury and the severity of injuries for motorcyclists, it’s of the utmost importance that proper riding gear be worn while operating a vehicle. This means having a helmet, riding jacket, jeans (at the very least), proper boots, and gloves. There is specially made motorcycle gear with underarmor that adds extra protection from impacts and road rash. In addition to getting proper gear, it’s important to consider items that work for daytime and nighttime rides. Getting riding gear with bright colors or reflective surfaces can be helpful when riding at night, allowing you to remain visible to other motorists at all times. In short, be sure to dress smart and drive smart. Contact Our Team of Injury Attorneys To learn more about your legal rights and options following a serious motorcycle accident, be sure to contact our team of injury attorneys today. Our lawyers will work with you and fight diligently during your time of legal need.
Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits: Damages for Birth Injuries
The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton want to help the parents of Provo seek justice. When injuries affect your child, they affect the entire family, which is why our lawyers take great care in handling any cases that involve babies, toddlers, or young children who are injured or harmed in any way. Perhaps the most serious kinds of cases involve injuries sustained at birth. Birth injury lawsuits often feel more urgent since these kinds of incidents have long-term and even lifelong repercussions. Cerebral palsy, for instance, can lead to a great deal of difficulties. In many cases, these kinds of birth injuries are avoidable. About Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy refers to problems with movement, posture, or muscle tone and development. These problems are linked to issues with the brain as a baby is developing or during the childbirth process. Cerebral palsy may be present for some time, but it may not be noticeable until later in infancy or early childhood. The Causes of Cerebral Palsy As noted above, the primary cause of cerebral palsy is issues with brain development. These causes may be linked to any of the following: Infections during pregnancy Infant infections outside of womb Fetal stroke (disruption of blood supply to brain) Asphyxia (disruption of oxygen during labor) Brain and head injuries The risks of cerebral palsy may be increased if the mother suffers from certain medical conditions, such as syphilis, chickenpox, German measles, and other kinds of bacterial or viral infections. Similarly, premature childbirth, low birth weight, and breech births increase the risk of cerebral palsy as well as other problems. Birth Injuries May Be the Result of Medical Negligence There are many different potential causes of cerebral palsy, as you can see above. A doctor or OB/GYN who is to attentive during a woman’s pregnancy or during the childbirth process can potentially cause a child to suffer from cerebral palsy. In these cases, a doctor’s actions may result in conditions that make cerebral palsy more likely. Similarly, the failure to address risk factors for cerebral palsy and other birth injuries needs to be taken seriously. The Challenges Faced By Children with Cerebral Palsy Children with cerebral palsy will face a number of challenges growing up. The condition can lead to a number of physical difficulties, such as stiff muscles, spasticity, poor muscle coordination, impaired motor skills, speech impediments, and difficulty walking. Some people with cerebral palsy also face issues with seizures, mental capacity, mental health issues, and issues with vision and hearing. Not only will these burdens be a hindrance to future growth and development, it can be a source of self-consciousness. Parents will sometimes need to seek the help of various medical professionals and therapists to address these matters in their children. The challenges will be lifelong. Do I Have a Birth Injury or Medical Malpractice Case? If you or your child’s pediatrician notice any signs of developmental problems or other issues, it’s important to speak with a lawyer about these circumstances. Given the many difficulties ahead, we can help hold the doctor or medical facility accountable if they were negligent and caused your child to suffer from cerebral palsy. Contact Our Team of Attorneys For more information about you legal rights following a serious birth injury, it’s of the utmost importance that you contact our team of medical malpractice lawyers today. The attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will stand with you every step of the way.