Recent Blog Posts
Inaccurate Maps in Self-Driving Cars
Self-driving cars rely heavily on accurate high-definition maps for safety and precise navigation. However, inaccurate or outdated maps can lead to serious safety issues and injuries.
A map that is inaccurate can direct a vehicle onto an unsafe road, construction zone or hazard that is not reflected on the outdated map. When the map does not reflect the reality of the acutual road conditions, confusion can be created in the vehicle's decision processing systems. For…
What Rules Do Electric Scooters Follow in Wisconsin?
Electric scooters continue to gain popularity. In Wisconsin, a law was passed in 2019 that changed the legal classification of electric scooters to permit their use on the road, bicycle lanes and pathways. A rider should check the local rules of the community where they ride to see if use is allowed of electric scooters on the sidewalk.
An electric scooter is defined as a device that weighs less than 100 pounds and has an electric motor and handlebars. The maximum…
The Impact of Speed on Pedestrian Safety
Speed has a significant impact on pedestrian safety. When vehicle speeds are higher, the risk of severe injury and death for pedestrians increases.
Several factors influence the relationship between speed and pedestrian safety. Older pedestrians are at a higher risk. As people age, the speed and which they move and their reaction time slows. The increased speed of a vehicle does not allow as much time for an older person to react or get out of the way of a…
Determining Liability for Self-Driving Cars
Determining liability for self-driving cars involved in collisions is a complex issue that involves several potential parties. The law in this area is developing as more self-driving cars take the road. However, here are some issues to consider with respect to self-driving cars and entities with potential repsonsibility.
Even with the vehicle being controlled automatically, the human driver may still be held responsible if they fail to take control when prompted, neglect…
Dealing with a Lisfranc Injury
A Lisfranc injury involves damage to the midfoot area where the metatarsals connect to the tarsal bones. Such an injury can occur in a car collision resulting from the high-energy forces at impact. This type of injury can include fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears and is often misdiagnosed as a simple sprain due to subtle symptoms.
Common symptoms of a Lisfranc injury include bruising (especially on the bottom of the foot), swelling and pain on the top of the foot…
Why are Lawsuits Necessary?
Lawsuits are are necessary for several reasons. This first reason would be the resolution of disputes. Lawsuits provide a formal mechanism to resolve disputes that cannot be settled by negotiation or other means. When parties cannot reach a solution to a dispute, a lawsuit is the only method to bring the matter to a resolution.
A second reason lawsuits are necessary is the enforcment of legal rights. When a party believes their rights have been violated, a…
Parental Role in Teen Driving
Parents play a crucial role in promoting safe driving habits for teen drivers. Here are some ideas and guidelines for parents:
- Limit nightime driving for teens - Parents can consider a curfew for new drivers as they begin to drive on the roads.
- Passenger restrictions - Parents can consider limiting the number of passengers a new driver may have in the car.
- Cell phones - Recommend to the teen drive to not text and drive.
- …
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are one the most common types of car collisions in the United States. As cities continue to grow and traffic increases, the amount of rear-end crashes can only be expected to grow. A rear-end collision can be deceptively dangerous. Even a low impact rear-end collision can cause injury that can last a lifetime. A person injured in a rear-end collision can still face unreasonable and obstinate resistance from the opposing insurance company even when…
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
A personal injury can result in more than just injury to the body. A person injured in a car collision or a dog bite can have mental trauma as well. A common diagnosis following trauma is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD was officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980. Although first formally recognized at that time, the…
Dangers of Using Driver Assistance Systems
Newer vehicles are designed with features to enhance vehicle safety. One of the features is Driver Assistance Systems. This new feature may introduce new risks and dangers into driving that did not exist prior to the feature.
One new risk is the false sense of security that the system provides. A driver is required to use a proper lookout and the system can lead a driver to pay less attention to the road. The false sense of security can be dangerous and the…