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Software Error Caused Mercedes to Recall Thousands of SUVs

Posted by David Brown 
· March 23, 2021 

A Small Package but a Big Problem

A simple software bug found in several series of Mercedes SUVs has caused a high priority recall. Over 40,000 of the defective SUVs have to be brought back in for repairs that will begin mid April. While at first glance it may seem like a software bug doesn’t constitute a measure so drastic as a recall, it turns out the error could make it more likely for the car to crash. Essentially the software was designed to aid the driver during a maneuver, but an overcorrection from a flaw in the code could increase the likelihood of a driver losing control of the vehicle and crashing. This is not fake news. The company themselves released this statement to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, so it is certainly a recall Mercedes owners should take seriously.

According to their filing with the NHTSA, these are the current 2020 to 2021 models that are using the flawed software:

  • GLE450
  • GLS580
  • GLE350
  • GLS450
  • GLE580

Please note that not every one of these models has the software issue. It is important to look up potential recalls via their VIN number, or to call the manufacturer if you have doubts or are unsure about the process. In this situation it is certainly best to err on the side of caution, especially considering SUVs are typically used by families as a mode of transportation.

The Details

Thankfully, so far Mercedes has not reported any injuries, deaths, or vehicle damage that has occurred as a result of the software bug. It is their hope that they have caught it time. The software in question is called the Electronic Stability Program. Initially created to help maintain control of the vehicle, the design flaw could cause torque to be applied to the front wheels, which could result in the vehicle veering suddenly in an unexpected direction while steering.

The Good News

To be human is to err. Mercedes has done the ethical thing and approached this issue promptly and clearly, immediately admitting the fault. Their prompt and transparent handling of this event sets an ethic standard for the industry, and anyone who needs this repair on their vehicle can have it done free of charge as early as April 13th.

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Trouble in Paradise: Port of Skagit Commissioner Kevin Ware Sued for 2019 Helicopter Crash

Posted by David Brown 
· March 16, 2021 

Tourist Trapped

Cypress Island, a popular tourist and destination wedding spot, has come under scrutiny after a helicopter crash that took place back in August of 2019. The helicopter went down around 7pm after the blades clipped a tree, sending Christopher and his wife, Hannah Neibauer into the water. Ashley Walker, another passenger on the flight provided by Peregrine Air, LLC, are now suing Commissioner Kevin Ware through a personal injury suit for his role in the crash. The lawsuit was officially filed on December 7th of 2020 in the Skagit County Superior Court. Both Ware and Peregrine Air (Ware’s company) are being targeted by the complaint.

So What Happened?

While this story at first glance looks like a classic case of the tourist trap, it is more complicated than the surface value implies. According to the lawsuit affidavit (a legal document you swear contains the truth under penalty of perjury), Commissioner Kevin Ware provided his services as a helicopter pilot to Ashley Walker, Christopher Neibauer, and Hannah Neibauer. Ware was to take the trio to a local boat manufacturer, Aspen Catamarans for an aerial photo shoot session. According to the affidavit, Christopher Neibauer was hired by Aspen Catamarans for his services as a photographer. In the trios court statement they said that the helicopter rotor blades clipped a tree branch around 20 to 30 feet above sea level, causing the helicopter to shift violently to the right and crash into the water.

Ashley Walker goes on to say in the report that she helped Kevin Ware out of the helicopter and led him to shore. When she returned to retrieve Christopher Neibauer, the helicopter was completely submerged underwater. The trio claim that they suffered extensive and permanent physical, mental, and emotional damage from the crash. They are seeking damages for medical bills, as well as pain and suffering.

The Other Side of the Story

Kevin Ware gave his response to this report on January 22nd of 2021. He stated in his report that the crash was not caused by his own negligence, but surprisingly, Ashley Walker. He is requesting the court throw out the case entirely.

The Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board has since investigated the crash, concluding that the most probable cause of the crash was the pilot’s (Kevin Ware) “failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree while hovering at low altitude”.

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Travel Insurance and the COVID Pandemic: What Type of Travel Insurance Covers Quarantine?

Posted by David Brown 
· March 11, 2021 

The coronavirus pandemic is still very much with us. Even though it is good that vaccines are being rolled out, it is still going to be a while before everything goes back to normal. If you decide to go on vacation (or travel for any reason at all), there is a chance that you might be asked to quarantine when you get there. If that is the case, you might incur medical expenses and trip delays as you travel abroad. If you are asked to spend 14 days in a hotel before you get to the rest of your trip, this can get expensive. Can travel insurance help you cover these expenses?

First, you need to know when your travel insurance is going to kick in. For example, there are some insurance policies that will only cover you if you test positive for the virus. Then, with this proof, your travel insurance plan might cover your travel expenses related to the virus. These policies are not necessarily something that will cover all of your expenses. For example, if you travel somewhere and have to quarantine, your travel insurance policy is not going to cover these expenses unless you actually test positive.

If you are looking for a travel insurance policy that is going to cover the costs of your quarantine, then you need to find a travel insurance policy that explicitly lists this in the benefits. Read the fine print closely. If you are worried that you might have to pay for your quarantine, you might be able to find a travel insurance policy that will pay for this before you leave.

What happens if you test positive for your trip and you cannot go? Would you like to get your money back for this trip? If that is the case, this is a different type of travel insurance policy. Again, you need to read the insurance policy carefully. Sometimes, your travel insurance policy will only reimburse the cost of the trip for certain reasons. If you want a travel insurance policy that will explicitly pay for your trip if you have to cancel it, then you need to look for a policy like this in advance.

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Insurance Rates Could Be Going Up: Personal Injury Lawyers Working To Stop Them

Posted by David Brown 
· March 9, 2021 

The Texas state legislature is busy early on in the year. Unfortunately, not every bill is beneficial to people who live in the state. Right now, there are a pair of bills that are working their way through the local legislature that could end up costing people a significant amount of money. In particular, this could cause health insurance and car insurance rates to go up. Specifically, these bills are titled House Bill 19 and Senate Bill 207. If these bills go through, trucking companies may not be held liable in court following crashes. This means that if one of their drivers had a serious accident, the trucking company may not be responsible. As a result, people who are injured in the accident could be on their own.

If this legislation goes through, it is possible that local citizens will have to step up and pay big trucking companies that cause serious accidents. In particular, it is important for people to understand that a lot of the trucking companies that are currently held responsible for accidents located in Texas are not actually headquartered in the state. They are multibillion-dollar companies that are located somewhere else. If these companies are no longer held responsible, local citizens could be asked to fend for themselves.

Even though a lot of accidents that take place do not lead to injuries, accidents that appear small that involve a truck could lead to major medical bills. Furthermore, if people incur major medical expenses, health insurance rates could go up as well. As a result, even people who are not injured in motor vehicle accidents could end up feeling the sting of this legislation.

Right now, these bills have not been passed into law; however, these bills are still working their way through the legislative process. It is important for everyone to keep up with what is going on in their local government. A lot of the bills that passed through their local governments could have a significant impact on their everyday life. It is important for people to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer if they have been involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. That way, they can ensure their rights are defended.

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The Food and Drug Administration Approves the Q Collar for the Prevention of Brain Injuries

Posted by David Brown 
· March 2, 2021 

Traumatic brain injuries are a serious concern in just about every sport. When it comes to contact sports, traumatic brain injuries are even more serious. There has been a significant amount of research performed regarding traumatic brain injuries in an effort to make them less likely. Now, it appears that the FDA has thrown its entire support behind a new device that may reduce the frequency of traumatic brain injuries.

This novel device has been authorized in athletes who are 13 years of age and older. It has already been listed as being useful in soccer, football, and other sports that have high impacts. This is a device that is shaped like a C and is called the Q-collar. It fits around the neck, back, and clamps down on blood vessels in this part of the body. As a result, the device has been designed to increase the amount of blood volume located in the skull. With extra blood, the movement of the brain is limited. Because the brain is unable to strike the side of the skull, it limits the amount of damage that someone can sustain on impact.

Right now, there are still imaging techniques being studied with respect to traumatic brain injuries. There are 300 participants who have been imaged before and after the season. The researchers found that those who wear the Q-collar sustained less damage. The collar has also been worn by famed middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, who played his entire career with the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte; however, he was forced to retire at age 28 due to the multiple traumatic brain injuries that he sustained during the course of his career. He can be seen wearing this novel device during his final few days with the Panthers in the NFL.

Right now, the Q-collar is still being researched; however, it appears to hold a lot of promise for athletes everywhere. It will be interesting to see how research continues to unfold. If the results are consistent, this device could come as a welcome development regarding the prevention of traumatic brain injuries in athletes. It might be worn by athletes in all contact sports.

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Suffering a Construction Accident: What Should You Do Next?

Posted by David Brown 
· February 25, 2021 

Right now, one of the jobs that is in the highest demand is a construction professional. Unfortunately, an accident can happen at any time. When it comes to construction projects, particularly those that involve heavy equipment, accidents can be serious. If you have been involved in a construction accident, you may be wondering what you should do next. There are several important steps that you should take.

The first thing you need to do is seek appropriate medical care. This means going to the emergency room. Even if you feel like you are not experiencing any symptoms, it is still important to go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Sometimes, you may sustain an injury without developing any symptoms. If these symptoms develop down the road, you need to be prepared. Sometimes, visiting a doctor at the outset can prevent the development of these symptoms.

Next, you need to let your supervisor know that the accident happened. Particularly if any further action is required, someone needs to know that the accident has taken place. If you do not let anyone know about the accident, someone may challenge your account of the accident later. Do not let this happen. You also need your supervisor to investigate the circumstances of the accident so that future accidents can be prevented. This is important not only for your well-being but also for the well-being of your co-workers as well.

After this, you need to gather evidence. If there are any documents that support your version of events, you need to collect these documents before they can be altered or destroyed. If you are able to take photographs are videos, this will be even better. This is particularly important if you need to ask for compensation regarding your medical care.

Finally, you also need to reach out to a trained attorney. There is a chance that you may need someone to go to bat for you with insurance companies, supervisors, and other people who may be able to help you recover from your injuries. You need to focus on your medical recovery. Allow a trained, experienced attorney to represent you when it comes to the financial aspects of a construction accident.

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Who Is At Fault in a Car Accident With Multiple Vehicles on the Road?

Posted by David Brown 
· February 23, 2021 

A car accident can happen at just about any time. Therefore, it is important to always place safely at the top of the priority list. Furthermore, accidents come in many shapes and forms. Some accidents only involve a single car. Other accidents may involve multiple cars. In the case of a multi-car pile-up, how does auto insurance work? Unfortunately, it can be difficult to untangle exactly who is a fault.

Insurance companies do not want to pay any more money than they have to. Therefore, they are going to fight tooth and nail to prevent their driver from taking the blame. As a result, it can take significantly longer to untangle exactly who was at fault in motor vehicle accident involving multiple cars. For example, if there is one car that is rear-ended, causing five cars behind that vehicle to sustain impacts, it can take a while to figure out who is at fault. For example, if the first car in the line sustains multiple impact, there could be multiple cars that are responsible for each incident. As a result, it can take a long time for claims to get resolved.

This does not come as good news to the drivers who are involved. There is a chance that these drivers may require their vehicles to get to work. Therefore, they would like to get their cars repaired as quickly as possible. There are also multiple types of insurance policies. For example, some drivers may have liability only insurance policies. Other drivers may have comprehensive coverage. Insurance companies are only going to pay up to the limit of their liability. If there is additional damage on top of this liability coverage, then drivers may need to pursue the other driver directly in order to get compensated appropriately.

In the end, it can take a while to untangle to blame in a multi-car pile-up. If multiple people involved also sustained injuries, this will only complicate the matter further. Because there are so many insurance companies involved, it is a good idea for anyone who is involved in a car accident involving multiple vehicles to reach out to a trained professional through this process.

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The Top Things To Know: How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Evaluate a Potential Case?

Posted by David Brown 
· February 16, 2021 

Unfortunately, an accident can happen at any time. Even if an accident appears minor in the beginning, there are significant injuries and symptoms that can result later. That is where a personal injury lawyer can be helpful. A personal injury lawyer can negotiate for someone who has been hurt in an accident. That way, individuals have the best chance of recovering as much money as possible. Before a case can move forward, a professional personal injury lawyer will have to take a look at all aspects of the case. That way, they can provide the client with realistic expectations. How do personal injury lawyers evaluate a case?

The first step is to take a look at the severity of someone’s injuries. The more severe the entries are, the greater the potential of the case. For example, a broken bone is serious. People may require surgery, overnight hospitalization, and significant rehabilitation. On the other hand, a lot of people recover from broken bones completely. Even though this is not always the case, there may not be ongoing specialty care. On the other hand, someone who suffers a brain injury could be stuck with medical bills for the rest of his or her life. With respect to this injury, the potential for a settlement could be significantly greater.

Next, a personal injury lawyer also has to take a look at the assets of the other party. If the other party doesn’t have a lot of resources, then there aren’t a lot of opportunities available. Even if a judgment goes through for a significant amount of money, the other party may not be able to pay. Therefore, there may not be a lot of point in pursuing a personal injury case in this situation.

Finally, a personal injury lawyer will also have to take a look at the willingness of his or her clients to move forward. A personal injury case can take a long time to be resolved. Therefore, clients have to be patient as a lot of information is gathered. If someone can find the right personal injury lawyer to advocate for his or her needs, there are opportunities to recover significant amounts of money through personal injury litigation.

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Autism and Criminal Justice in Virginia: A Law Attempts To Make Things Better

Posted by David Brown 
· February 11, 2021 

Mental health is something that has been a major topic of discussion during the past few years. There used to be a significant stigma surrounding mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Now, this is largely something is fading Into the rearview mirror. A lot of research has been done regarding mental health illnesses. As a result, there are new diagnostic and treatment options available for conditions that previously did not have any options available. It appears that the criminal justice system in Virginia is starting to pay attention to the impacts of mental health when it comes to defendants.

People with severe mental health issue issues often have trouble controlling their actions. Even though this does not necessarily mean they are innocent, it is something that is often considered at sentencing in the past, certain mental health illnesses, such as autism, we’re not considered carefully during the sentencing phase. Now, it appears that a law in Virginia is going to change that.

There are numerous defendants who have been hurt by this lack of consideration at sentencing. This includes everything from someone who was involved in a motor vehicle accident, leading to serious injuries, to individuals who are convicted of offenses related to sexual assault. This type of record can make it hard for someone to find employment, which only creates another barrier for those who are already facing an uphill battle due to mental health issues.

Now, there is a new law that has been passed that will ask judges to consider someone’s mental health issues, including autism, when they are evaluating sentencing, setting bail, and considering other factors. This law is also going to repeal a specific law that bans certain mental health conditions and disabilities from being considered. It is clear that Virginia did not adequately why someone’s mental health when they were trying to make decisions. This law is an attempt to rectify it.

This is only one of the many areas where people with mental health issues have struggled for a long time. Even though this is not fix everything, it does go a long way toward creating a better situation for people who are suffering from mental health issues.

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Insurance Company Sues Kroger Contending the Grocery Chain Should Not Have Taken the Case To Trial

Posted by David Brown 
· February 9, 2021 

When people think about Kroger, they often think about a grocery store chain just like any other. Now, Kroger is dealing with a significant legal issue on its hands. Not all Kroger stores are created the same and, sadly, a 27-year-old veteran of the Navy was robbed, carjacked, and shot at least a dozen times at a Kroger grocery store in Atlanta. Shockingly, the veteran managed to pull through. He survived to sue Kroger in an effort to recover compensation for his medical expenses, as he alleged Kroger did not have adequate security. While this specific store was not identified, it is known that this store was ranked at the top of the list regarding Kroger stores that needed additional security. A trial was held and the defendant received tens of millions of dollars.

Now, multiple insurance companies are suing Kroger in an effort to recover their own money. While many grocery store chains have insurance policies to cover issues such as this, insurance companies are contending that the decision of Kroger to gamble on a jury verdict is a violation of a specific GA law that prevents stores from needlessly taking cases to trial knowing that they have an insurance policy in their back pocket. The insurance companies contend that the store should have known that it was likely to lose and should not have taken the case to trial.

It will be interesting to see what happens as these insurance companies do battle. For the victim in the case, he spent three weeks in a coma. Then, he spent an entire year in the hospital. He had more than a dozen surgeries. The cost of his medical care totaled millions of dollars. The victim is going to live the rest of his life partially paralyzed due to damage to his spinal cord.

The insurance companies contend that the facts of the case alone should have pushed Kroger to settle the case. They did not, placing the insurance company in the path of a devastating trial that they would have to pay for. It is possible that this case could set an interesting precedent for other cases moving forward.

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