Every day, drivers take to the roads with the intention of getting from Point A to Point B without problems. Most of the time, people are able to do so successfully. Unfortunately, there are always car accidents waiting to happen, and one of the biggest dangers that currently affects people is distracted driving. In 2020, more than 3,000 people were killed in the U.S. as a result of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While those numbers are staggering, they only tell part of the story. For every fatal car accident caused by distracted driving, there are countless other accidents that result in serious injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. 

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the task of driving. Distractions can come in many forms, but they can broadly be divided into three categories: visual distractions, manual distractions, and cognitive distractions. All of these distractions can be dangerous, but in many cases, drivers will engage in multiple types of distractions at the same time, and this can greatly increase the chances that they will become involved in accidents. Car accident victims will need to take steps to make sure a negligent driver who caused an accident due to distracted driving will be held liable for their damages.

Visual Distractions

These distractions cause a driver to take their eyes away from the road. Obviously, this is extremely dangerous, because it means a person is not paying attention to what is happening around them. They may fail to notice important details, such as a vehicle that has slowed down suddenly, a pedestrian who has entered a crosswalk, or an obstacle in the road. This will give them less time to react, and they may be unable to slow down, swerve, or take other actions to avoid an accident. Common examples of visual distractions include reading text messages, looking at a navigation system, paying attention to a billboard near the road, or "rubbernecking" to get a view of the scene of an accident.

Motor vehicle collisions of all types can be very dangerous, and they can lead to severe or fatal injuries for victims. However, commercial truck accidents can be especially devastating, and the large size and massive weight of 18-wheelers and similar vehicles may result in life-changing injuries and other types of damages. Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of issues, but one contributing factor that can sometimes be overlooked is defective equipment. Faulty parts or equipment that has not been properly maintained may cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle and collide with others. In these situations, victims may be able to pursue compensation from the manufacturers of defective parts, a company that did not perform proper maintenance, or other liable parties.

Common Equipment and Maintenance Issues on Commercial Trucks

Multiple types of equipment and components of large trucks may fail to function correctly, leading to dangerous accidents. Defective or faulty parts may include:

• Tires - A truck's tires are crucial to ensure that a driver can maintain control. Tires that are worn, that were installed incorrectly, or that were otherwise defective can cause blowouts, which can lead to a significant loss of control, no matter the truck's speed. However, blowouts that occur when a truck is traveling at highway speeds can have catastrophic results. 

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There are millions of dogs in the United States, and even though most are friendly family pets, some are aggressive and dangerous. Even in situations where dogs have always exhibited calm, non-aggressive behavior, they may act suddenly or unexpectedly and bite or attack someone. While some dog bites are relatively mild, others can be severe, resulting in serious injuries, permanent disability or disfigurement, or even death. In cases where a person has been bitten or attacked by a dog, a personal injury attorney can review the situation and determine the best options for pursuing financial compensation.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites and Attacks

A dog's jaws can be very strong, and their teeth are often very sharp. Dog bites can injure a person in a variety of ways, and depending on the size of the dog and the aggressiveness of the attack, a victim can suffer multiple forms of bodily harm. Some potential injuries in these situations include:

• Puncture wounds - These injuries are caused by a dog's sharp teeth piercing through the skin. Underlying tissues may experience significant damage, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. 

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Originally published: May 19, 2021 -- Updated: September 26, 2022

Update: In addition to understanding the symptoms and treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, it is important for those who suffer from this condition to know their options for receiving workers' compensation benefits. Repetitive stress injuries will qualify for workers' comp as long as they arose out of the work you performed. If, during the course of your employment, you have regularly worked with your hands and completed tasks such as typing or operating tools or machinery, your injury will most likely be work-related, which will allow you to receive the proper benefits.

The benefits you receive may include medical benefits, which will cover the costs of all treatment related to your work injury. This will include doctor visits to diagnose your condition, any surgeries necessary to correct the issue, or ongoing forms of treatment, such as physical therapy.

There are many different types of defective or dangerous products that can potentially cause people to suffer injuries. The risks of injury are a significant concern no matter who is affected, but especially so in cases where products could potentially injure children. When dangerous or defective products cause children to suffer injuries, parents will need to determine their options for addressing these issues, and they may be able to pursue compensation from a negligent manufacturer by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Recently, the recall of a popular brand of jogging stroller has raised concerns about whether these products may put children at risk of harm.

Recall of UPPAbaby Jogging Strollers

On September 1, 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that the manufacturer UPPAbaby is recalling around 14,000 jogging strollers. The RIDGE all-terrain jogging stroller uses disc brakes, and children's fingers may potentially become caught in the openings of these brakes, resulting in serious injuries. The recall is being performed after the company received reports that a child suffered an amputation of their fingertip after their fingers became entangled in a stroller's brakes. The company is providing replacement brake discs for the recalled strollers, and stroller owners are being advised to immediately stop using these products, which have been sold at stores such as BuyBuyBaby, Nieman Marcus, and Pottery Barn Kids, as well as on Amazon.

This is just the latest instance of jogging strollers causing injuries due to defects. These products have been involved in multiple types of injury cases involving both children and adults. These have included fall injuries that have been caused by issues such as faulty brakes or wheels that become detached during use. Since adults using these strollers may be running at relatively high speeds or using strollers on a sloping street, sidewalk, or path, defects may cause parents to fall, or strollers may flip over, leading to injuries to children. Other injuries have occurred because children have become entangled in straps, fallen from strollers due to faulty clasps that failed to keep them secure, or seats that detached from strollers altogether.