COVID 19 – A License to Speed?

One positive side effect of the COVID 19 lockdown is that fewer cars are on the roads, leading to fewer accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, some drivers have decided to take advantage of the newly emptied roadways as an opportunity to ignore safety regulations, such as speed limits. Travelers all over the country have reported more instances of reckless driving by drivers who seem to believe that they have been given a license to speed. Some localities have recognized the problem and are displaying signs warning drivers that less traffic does not turn every roadway into a raceway. Unfortunately, these warnings are often ignored. It is easy to become complacent when the roads are almost empty. You may feel that it is safe to drive a little faster, check your email, send texts, or engage in other risky behaviors that you would not consider trying in heavier traffic.

Empty roads do not, of course, mean that traffic laws have been suspended. If you are speeding, the lack of traffic will make you easier to spot by traffic enforcement officers and easier to track by radar. Even if you escape detection, high speed driving and distracted driving are still dangerous. Although your chances of hitting another vehicle may be reduced, the chance of serious injuries increases in a high-speed crash. High-speed driving also increases the risk of a single vehicle accident. You will have less time to react to debris in the road, for example. If you have to swerve or brake suddenly you are more likely to lose control of your vehicle if you are exceeding the posted speed limit.

As stay-at-home restrictions begin to ease and people get back into their normal routines, it is possible that a few drivers may keep some of the bad driving habits that they acquired during the lockdown. Avoid the temptation to speed and look out for others who believe an open road is an invitation to reckless behavior.

If you are unfortunate enough to encounter one of these drivers, the attorneys at O’Brien & Ford are here for you. You can call us any time, day or night, at 716-907-7777, and arrange a no-obligation, no-cost consultation. For more information about our firm and our staff, please visit our website here: https://obrienandford.com/.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Although we are working from alternate locations, we remain fully functional and look forward to helping you.

COVID-19: Decline in Car Accidents; Increase in Car Problems?

As we deal with COVID-19, we have been staying home to stop the spread and abiding by our states’ regulations. Something that most people may have overlooked or not even considered is the fact that vehicles need to be run from time to time, otherwise risking long-term problems. Although there are inevitably fewer car accidents on the road, there has been an increase in car issues because of the lack of driving.

How to Prevent & Deal with Common Car Problems

  • Dead Battery: If you don’t run your car and simply let it sit out for too long, your battery can drain, die, and possibly even be permanently damaged. To avoid this issue, keep running your car every so often to keep it charged and going.

  • Sun Damage: Interior damage caused by the sun can be prevented if you park your vehicle inside an indoor garage or covered shelter. If you don’t have access to one, you can use a sun shield that will cover the front exposure of your vehicle. You can purchase these affordably

  • Brakes: Brakes can stick and stop working when your car sits idle. Making sure that you move your car around and use your brakes will get your brakes working and prevent them from freezing up.

  • Tires: To prevent having to replace your car tires, make sure you check on them from time to time. If you start seeing them deflate, have them aired up. This quick fix will save you the time and money of having to replace them altogether when they could have lasted longer.

  • Gas: Gas can go bad if it sits in a car for too long. To prevent this, make sure that you continue to refill your gas timely, even if you think you might not need to right away. This will help your car’s longevity and during this time, gas prices are lower, so you may also save money in the long run.

  • Critters: If you have already let your vehicle sit for too long, make sure to check for any critters and animals that may have made it their new home. Proper car maintenance is key to making sure your car will run for a long time.

Contact Us

O’Brien & Ford have continued to remain available to our clients for help in their personal injury case. We have made efforts to remain updated with the latest technology to ensure that our clients will receive the best representation possible, even during this time. Contact us today: 716-907-7777.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Although we are working from alternate locations, we remain fully functional and look forward to helping you.

 

How Will the Coronavirus Affect My Personal Injury Case?

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has disrupted personal lives and businesses all over the world. People are continuing to go to work, study, and live their lives, however, which means that accidents will continue to happen, despite quarantines and travel restrictions. If you are involved in an accident or have a pending personal injury case, here is some information how the coronavirus may affect you.

 

If You Are in An Accident

Anyone who is involved in an accident and suspects that they may be injured should seek medical attention right away. Untreated injuries can become worse and symptoms do not always appear immediately. The stress of an accident can also mask or dull pain, leading you to believe that you are not seriously injured. Failure to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident or injury can hurt your chances of recovering for your damages in the future, as it may be difficult to prove that your injures were actually sustained in the accident, and not at a later time. Naturally, during this current situation, people may be reluctant to go to a hospital or doctor’s office. Your safety and that of your family is very important. Nevertheless, it is also important to receive the medical care you need while still keeping yourself safe.

 

If You Have A Pending Personal Injury Case

The coronavirus outbreak has caused most pending court cases to be postponed. If your case is postponed, it will be rescheduled at a later date. If there is a possibility that witnesses may not be available for a later court date, arrangements can be made to take depositions from those witnesses. Let your attorney know right away if you believe a delay in your case may cause a witness to become unavailable.

 

It is also important to make sure you obtain a note from your treating physician or therapist if you have to miss scheduled doctor or therapy appointments due the coronavirus outbreak. Failing to follow through with scheduled treatments without a valid reason could have a negative impact on your case. Let your attorney know if you have to miss any scheduled appointments.

 

Attorney Consultations

As always, the attorneys at O’Brien & Ford are available for you 24/7. If you have been in an accident, or have questions about your case, you can still call us at 716-907-7777. Our attorneys are available for phone and video consultations if necessary. You may also visit our website at https://obrienandford.com/ for more information.