by Staff Blogger | July 29th, 2019
It’s been decades since vehicle manufacturers were first required to equip all of their cars, trucks, SUVs, and other models with standard safety features like airbags and seat belts. Those two safety innovations alone have saved countless lives during road accidents. However, the advancement of technology means that newer vehicles are equipped with even more safety features that can reduce the risk of accidents.
Three new safety features that are already changing the way drivers interact with their vehicles and the road include:
- Automatic emergency braking—Many modern vehicles are now equipped with sensors that detect when they are approaching other vehicles or objects at fast speeds and responding by automatically applying the brakes. This safety feature has reduced the number of rear-end collisions on equipped vehicles by up to 50 percent.
- Blind-spot detection systems—Mirrors can only show drivers so much of what’s going on outside of their vehicles. Checking blind spots requires physically turning and looking to the left or right, and doing so means taking your eyes off the road—and that can result in a crash. Blind spot detection systems make it easy for drivers to know when it’s unsafe to turn or change lanes with lights and audible tones that don’t require taking your eyes off the road.
- Back-up cameras—Back-up cameras can be invaluable when navigating a tight parking garage or when parallel parking, and they became mandatory in all vehicles manufactured in and after May 2018. Although they provide convenience for drivers, their true value is helping avoid collisions with pedestrians or people standing behind backing vehicles, including small children.
Unfortunately, even the safest vehicles aren’t always operated by the safest drivers. If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash caused by a negligent driver, our Nashville car accident lawyers want to help. Contact Ponce Law today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | July 22nd, 2019
In 2013, several automakers began recalling vehicles that were equipped with airbags manufactured by Takata Corporation. The recall has continued to expand since then, and new vehicles are added to the recall every year as the investigation into the defective airbags continues. Virtually all major auto manufacturers have vehicles that are affected by the recall, causing Takata Corporation to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. in mid-2017.
Consumer Reports states that the recall is the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history, and that more than 41.6 million vehicles may ultimately be involved by the time it’s complete. More vehicles are still being added to the recall even now. That means that even if you haven’t received a notice from your vehicle’s manufacturer, it may still be equipped with potentially defective airbags.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website has a search function where you can enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) to find out if it has been affected by the Takata airbag recall or any other potentially dangerous or damaging recall. Due to their potential for causing serious injuries and even death, auto manufacturers are required to fix these defective airbags for free.
At Ponce Law, it’s our goal to help people who were injured through no fault of their own. Whether you were hurt by a defective airbag or by a negligent driver, our Nashville car accident attorneys want to speak with you. Contact us today for a free consultation to get in touch with our legal team.
by Staff Blogger | July 15th, 2019
Summer is in full swing, and that means vacations, trips to the lake, and more traffic on Nashville’s roadways. Although summer is free from hazardous weather-related dangers like snow and ice, there are certain dangers that are more prevalent during warm weather that all drivers should be aware of.
Keep these safety tips in mind this summer to protect yourself, your loved ones, and other people on the road:
- Practice defensive driving—Traffic is often heavier during the summer. That’s because more people take time off to travel and because students are out of school. Heavier traffic volumes can result in a greater chance of accidents, so be careful and drive defensively whether you’re in your neighborhood or on the interstate.
- Prepare your vehicle—When it comes to operating efficiently and reliably, heat is your vehicle’s biggest enemy. Temperatures in Middle Tennessee can soar to the high 90s and beyond during the summer, putting stress on your vehicle’s components. Make sure your vehicle is topped up with coolant, the battery is corrosion-free, and your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
- Don’t leave kids or pets in your car—Hot cars can be deadly in a matter of minutes for pets and small children. Cracking windows isn’t enough to protect vulnerable occupants in a vehicle with no air conditioning. Place items you’ll need, such as your purse, wallet, or cellphone, in the backseat to make sure you never leave your loved ones inside your hot vehicle.
If you or someone you love was injured in a vehicle-related accident, our Nashville auto accident attorneys want to help. Contact Ponce Law today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | July 8th, 2019
If your daily commute involves any of the interstates or highways in and around Nashville, you know that traffic jams—often major ones—are an almost daily occurrence. And if you’ve noticed the problem has gotten worse in recent years with longer commutes and more accidents, there’s data that proves you’re right.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports that there were 33,681 crashes in Nashville in 2017 and 36,537 in 2018 for an increase of 8.5 percent. However, the city’s population only grew from 667,560 in 2017 to 671,374 in 2018—just a 0.6 percent increase. That means the number of accidents is far outpacing the city’s population growth.
In addition, a study by the U.S. Census Bureau found that mean commuting times for people who work in Davidson County increased from just over 23 minutes in 2012 to 24.5 minutes in 2017, with a sharp increase beginning in 2014. While that may not seem like a lot, it can quickly add up, especially since commute times for 2019 are likely to be even longer than they were in 2017, and the trend is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville auto accident lawyers drive on the same interstates and highways everyday that you do, and we know how frustrating and even dangerous they can be. If you were recently injured in an accident in Davidson County, you need a local law firm on your side that knows the area, its history, and how it has changed in recent years. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re here to help.
by Staff Blogger | July 1st, 2019
On July 1, 2019, a new law went into effect in Tennessee that increased restrictions on using cell phones while driving.
The law was passed in response to the growing epidemic of distracted driving that’s often associated with cell phone usage. In 2018 alone, there were nearly 25,000 auto accidents involving distracted drivers in Tennessee. In addition, a recent study found that Tennessee has the highest rate of distracted driving deaths in the nation and nearly five times more distracted driving fatalities than the national average.
This flyer published by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office contains many important facts about the new law, including what drivers can and can’t do with their cell phones while they’re behind the wheel:
The Nashville car accident lawyers at Ponce Law appreciate the efforts of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and the Tennessee Highway Safety Office when it comes to making the state’s streets, highways, and interstates safer for all drivers.
If you or someone you love was injured by a distracted or negligent driver, we want to speak with you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | July 1st, 2019
July Fourth is just around the corner, and in Tennessee, like elsewhere in the U.S., we love to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and get-togethers with friends and family. But it’s important to know the unique risks many common holiday activities can pose to those celebrating. As you plan this year’s festivities, keep the following safety tips in mind for both you and your loved ones so you can enjoy the day safely.
The team at Ponce Law has seen ordinary Tennesseans of all stripes suffer from lasting pain and left unable to work after sudden injury when proper safety precautions aren’t taken. We believe that when your injuries are no fault of your own, you don’t deserve to have to pay the resulting medical bills out-of-pocket. That’s why we help injury victims fight to get compensation from the insurance company of those responsible. Contact our legal team today for a free case review.
by Staff Blogger | June 26th, 2019
Because it’s required by law to carry valid auto insurance in Tennessee, it’s a foregone conclusion that you’ll likely be in contact with one or even two insurance companies after an accident—your own and the other driver’s. Whether speaking to an intake agent or an adjuster, it’s important to remember that both insurance companies are looking to protect their own profits, not to pay you the compensation you deserve.
Even if you weren’t at fault for the auto accident, you’re still required to report it to your own insurance provider—often within a matter of days of the crash occurring. When you report the crash, stick to the facts of what happened and keep the conversation brief. Never admit fault for the crash, as doing so could jeopardize your chances of getting compensation, even if you have a policy that protect you after an accident.
When it comes to speaking with the other driver’s insurance company, letting an experienced Nashville auto accident lawyer handle the interaction can help you maximize your chances of compensation. That’s because adjusters are trained to reduce or deny claims, and they know every trick in the book when it comes to getting victims to accept lowball settlements or even admit fault for crashes that they didn’t cause.
At Ponce Law, we stay one step ahead of insurance companies, and that’s because we know their playbooks. Don’t get caught off-guard by an adjuster who wants to deny you the money you deserve. Get in touch with our legal team, and let us protect your rights to compensation. Call today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | June 24th, 2019
If you were recently injured in an auto accident, getting compensation for your medical bills and lost wages is a major priority for you and your loved ones. You can file a damages claim against the other driver’s insurance company on your own, so why do you need a lawyer?
That’s a common question from accident victims, and they may even be dissuaded from calling a law firm by the insurance company. However, having an experienced Nashville auto accident attorney on your side is essential for most victims for the following reasons:
- A lawyer will negotiate and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf—After an auto accident injury, the last thing you want to do is go back and forth with the insurance company. Your lawyer can handle that while you focus on getting better.
- A lawyer will calculate how much money you’re owed—The insurance company may offer you a settlement soon after your crash. However, unless you know how much the accident will cost you both now and in the future, you may be unable to determine how much you deserve.
You’ve got enough to deal with already. When you call the legal team at Ponce Law, you’ll get an experienced legal advocate who knows how to maximize your chances of getting full compensation while taking the stress of the crash off your shoulders. Contact us today.
by Staff Blogger | June 17th, 2019
After calling 911, the most important thing you can do after an auto accident is go to the hospital or get treated by a doctor right away. Getting medical attention not only treats your immediate injuries and creates an official record linking them to your accident, but it can also rule out internal injuries that may become life-threatening.
Some auto accident victims delay or even forgo medical treatment after crashes because they don’t think they’re hurt enough to require attention. However, it’s common for pain, bruising, and other common symptoms of internal injuries to be masked by adrenaline and pain from other surface injuries. Meanwhile, victims may be experiencing severe internal organ damage or bleeding, putting them at risk of serious complications.
Going to the hospital or seeing a doctor right away after a crash can help rule out the following internal injuries:
- Liver and kidney damage—Both the liver and kidneys can be damaged during auto accidents, especially when the lower back or torso are hurt, but the damage may not be noticed for hours, days, or even weeks.
- Brain bleeding—Victims who suffer life-threatening cerebral hemorrhages may believe their symptoms, which can include nausea and pressure, are due to crash-related headaches and stress.
- Fractured ribs—Broken ribs are common during auto accidents, but the pain may not be noticed for hours or days after they occur. People who suffer broken ribs are at risk for damaged blood vessels and even punctured lungs.
Whether you travel to the hospital in an ambulance after the crash, arrange your own transportation, or see a doctor at a private health clinic, it’s important to get treated immediately.
After you’ve been treated, getting legal representation should be your next priority. The Nashville auto accident lawyers at Ponce Law are here to help. Call us today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | June 10th, 2019
Like many cities, Nashville is home to multiple e-scooter brands. These small transportation devices can be activated via smartphone and driven around the city for a small fee per minute, making them appealing to both residents and tourists who are traveling short distances. However, the safety of these devices has come into question in recent months.
While scooter riders should always be safety-conscious while riding, drivers should also be aware of their presence and always be on the lookout for them—especially near downtown Nashville. The next time you’re driving through a scooter hotspot, keep these tips in mind:
- Scooter riders travel much faster than pedestrians—When driving or turning through an intersection, remember to always look both ways and to check multiple times before proceeding. That’s because scooters are much faster than pedestrians, but can be just as difficult to see.
- Scooter riders don’t always follow the rules of the road—Scooter riders can be erratic. They may ride off of sidewalks and into the street at any time, or they may drive through stop signs and red lights without slowing down or stopping. Driving defensively in areas where scooters are frequently used can help you avoid an accident.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville car accident lawyers know that drivers, pedestrians, and even scooter riders aren’t always focused on safety. That’s why it’s our goal to help victims get compensation after they get hurt by other people’s negligence. If you or someone you love was injured, contact us today for a free consultation.
