Federal Government Blocks Sales of "Autopilot Buddy" Systems

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) delivered a cease and desist letter to a company responsible for creating the Autopilot Buddy. Autopilot is a semi-autonomous driving feature that is found in Tesla vehicles. Autopilot Buddy is being sold to Tesla drivers to disable the safety function that recognizes when both hands are on the steering wheel.Tesla’s Autopilot is not a fully autonomous self-driving system, and will alert the driver to return both hands to the wheel. Autopilot Buddy overrides the system by attaching a magnetic piece to one side of the steering wheel, causing it to believe that both hands are in place. The maker of Autopilot Buddy has until June 29, as demanded by NHTSA, to cease all U.S. marketing, selling and distribution of their product. NHTSA says that this product could jeopardize the safety of Tesla customers and other motorists.With recent automobile accidents involving self-driving cars, NHTSA is very careful about what is deemed safe and unsafe. Driver-assistance technology is becoming more complex, but can be dangerous if the driver overestimates the vehicle’s abilities. Tesla agreed with NHTSA’s decision to block the sale of Autopilot Buddy. The company selling the product has complied with NHTSA’s demands by putting on their website that they no longer sell the product in the United States.

Questions About Product Liability?

Defective products are capable of causing injuries and deaths. Consumers who are harmed by these products may be able to recover compensation for injuries or losses by filing product liability lawsuits.The Texas product liability attorneys at Mike Love & Associates LLC can help you determine whether it would be possible to recover compensation for harm caused by a defective product. Contact us for more information about defective products and obtaining compensation for your injuries.

What Are Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident?

Car accidents can cause severe emotional and financial disruption to your life or the lives of loved ones. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes after a car accident that can worsen their situation. Our blog is going to help you identify some of these common mistakes. Some of the most common car accident mistakes include:

1. Not understanding your auto insurance policy. The first common mistake is something that occurs before an accident. Nonetheless, it is a mistake that must be covered. You should understand who and what is covered on your auto insurance policy. Do you have PIP and UM/UIM coverage? These are important factors to determine before you are ever involved in an accident.
2. Failing to seek medical attention. We recently published a blog that discussed delayed injuries after a wreck. Some life-threatening or disabling injuries may not show symptoms right away. You should seek medical attention after an accident to protect your health, but also to establish a record of any injuries you or other passengers sustained.
3. Talking about your case. You should avoid discussing your case on social media or with insurance adjusters working for the other parties involved in the wreck. In fact, you may seriously limit your options for compensation if you make this mistake.
4. Not taking photographs or collecting other evidence. We understand that there are cases where you will be unable to take photos of an accident scene. If you are able and it is safe to do so, photographs could help your case. You could also help your case by writing down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
5. Settling right away. Taking the first settlement offer can be a major mistake. Remember, insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. They are in this business to make a profit, not to ensure that you are well compensated.
6. Admitting fault. Saying “I’m sorry” after an accident could cost you in the long run. Admitting fault after a car accident could jeopardize your ability to recover adequate compensation.
7. Failing to retain an attorney. It is very easy to make mistakes while seeking compensation from a car accident claim. An attorney could recognize these mistakes and help protect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries or loss.

Call Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers with Questions About Insurance

The Texas car accident lawyers at Mike Love & Associates, LLC want to protect your rights. If you have questions about your insurance policy or what to do after an accident, then we are here to help. It costs nothing to speak with one of our attorneys.

What Are Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents?

Warm weather has finally arrived. During this time of year, many of us in Angelina County will take time to enjoy public swimming pools or recreation centers. However, there are common dangers in public swimming pools that could lead to a serious accident. We want you to be aware of these dangers, so you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Be aware of swimming pool accident risks that include:

1. Slip and fall hazards. Swimming pools may be surrounded by wet surfaces that could easily cause a slip and fall accident. In addition, poorly maintained ladders or diving boards could cause an accident. Slip and fall accidents may lead to broken bones, spinal cord injuries or brain injuries.
2. Lack of supervision. Lifeguards have a very important role in preventing and responding to swimming pool accidents. If lifeguards do not have the proper training or if they are distracted, then it could put swimmers at serious risk of injury or death.
3. Electrocution. Broken lights or plugged in electronics near a swimming pool can create an electrocution hazard. Proper maintenance on lights and strict rules on electronics may prevent these types of accidents.
4. Lack of entrapment devices. Federal law requires drains to use entrapment devices, which can keep hair or clothing from becoming stuck to a drain. Swimming pools without these devices pose a drowning risk.
5. Lack of signage. Public pools should contain signs that warn of specific hazards, such as diving. Diving into shallow water could lead to death or a spinal cord injury.
6. Poor security. Public pools should contain working doors and gates that can prevent unauthorized access.

Who is Liable for a Swimming Pool Accident?

The consequences of a swimming pool accident can be devastating. Drowning, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and disembowelment are all possible outcomes of a swimming pool accident. Owners of public pools may be liable for injuries or deaths. Manufacturers of pool equipment or maintenance companies may also be responsible. This is also something to keep in mind. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to recover compensation for an injury or loss.You can speak to a Texas premises liability attorney at Mike Love & Associates, LLC if you have questions about what to do after a swimming pool accident.

Six Types of Truck Accidents in Texas

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) statistics show truck accidents cause more than 3,000 deaths on US roads each year. There are various types of truck accidents that are responsible for deaths and injuries. This is true for truck accidents in Texas and across the US. Possible causes of truck accidents include:

1. Underride accidents: Underride accidents are when smaller passenger vehicles are forced underneath the back or side of tractor trailers. Vehicles can be sheared in half and their occupants may be decapitated.
2. Rollover accidents: Trucks can tip over and slam into other vehicles. Rollover accidents involving commercial trucks can occur for several reasons. For instance, cargo shifts can cause a truck to rollover while making a sharp turn. Taking sharp turns at high speeds could also cause this type of accident. Rollover accidents may happen during severe weather or when trucks slam into other objects.
3. Jackknifing accidents: These types of accidents may occur when truckers hit the brakes and their trailers shift outwards in an “L” or “V” shape. Slippery road conditions may cause jackknifing accidents.
4. Lost load accidents: Motorists could be hit by objects while driving behind trucks. There are a couple of reasons why lost load accidents can happen. One reason is that cargo may not be tied down properly. However, poor maintenance practices could also cause a lost load accident. Equipment from a truck could come loose and hit other drivers.
5. Tire blowout accidents: Poor maintenance practices or objects in the road can blowout truck tires. Truckers may lose control and crash into other vehicles.
6. Head-on collisions: Truck drivers can slam head-on into smaller vehicles. The results are almost always devastating. Drowsy driving can cause this type of accident. Truckers may crash into other vehicles if they are impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Questions About Truck Accidents? Call Our Texas Truck Accident Lawyers

You should speak to an attorney right away if you or a loved one were harmed in one of the types of accidents described above. In some cases, truck accidents are caused by the negligent actions of commercial drivers, their employers or auto parts manufacturers. You could speak with one of the Texas truck accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates LLC to determine whether you would be able to pursue compensation against one or more of these parties.

Should There Be a Ford Explorer Recall?

Do you own a Ford Explorer that was manufactured between 2011 and 2017? You should continue reading this blog. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received almost 1,400 reports of these vehicles leaking exhaust fumes into passenger cabins. Complaints suggest that vehicle owners are being exposed to carbon monoxide. There are also reports of crashes and injuries caused by this possible defect.NHTSA is investigating Ford Explorers affected by the issue and there may be a recall. The Center of Auto Safety (CAS) has called on Ford to recall these vehicles before anyone is killed.Vehicle owners have reported experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning while driving. Symptoms reported by vehicle owners include drowsiness, vomiting and losing consciousness. CAS said it has received reports of children suffering these symptoms and requiring emergency treatment. In one cases, a 70-year-old Explorer owner said he had to pull over and call an ambulance after becoming deathly ill while driving. In another incident, a Lafayette, Louisiana family became very sick while making a trip to Dallas in their 2015 Ford Explorer.Complaints about the issue began with police utility vehicles, which are a modified version of the Ford Explorer. Police officers have reported crashing or almost crashing their vehicles due to symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Last year, seven officers with the Austin Police Department (APD) were reportedly exposed to carbon monoxide while using these vehicles. One APD officer became drowsy while driving and almost crashed into a bus. Another filed a lawsuit after suffering possible nerve damage due to carbon monoxide exposure.

What Do You Think About Ford Explorer Carbon Monoxide Leaks?

Ford claims its vehicles are safe. However, the recent increase in near-misses or accidents involving these vehicles suggests they may contain a deadly safety defect.Will Ford issue a recall before it’s too late? If you have read our prior blogs on auto recalls, then you may already realize that auto manufacturers sometimes conceal dangerous defects. Will the Ford Explorer become another Ford Pinto or General Motors ignition switch scandal? Let us know what you think by connecting with Mike Love & Associates LLC on Facebook and Twitter.