Goodyear Tires has issued a defective product recall for about 41,000 Wrangler Silent Armor tires over concerns that the tread could separate and cause a car accident. According to an Associated Press news report, the Goodyear tires involved in this recall can be found on trucks, vans, and SUVs, and were made in 2009. About 27,000 of the recalled tires are now in service. In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the tire maker states that the tread separation could occur “under severe usage conditions.” There is also the danger of a separated tread striking the car and damaging it, or worse, causing a tire failure.
When the recall begins on March 22, Goodyear will replace the recalled tires at no cost to consumers. The recall comes after a fatal rollover accident in Texas earlier this year took the lives of two people. Goodyear has apparently known about these problems for more than a year. The tire maker told the NHTSA that it has been looking at an increase in warranty claims relating to this issue since 2010.
It is indeed unfortunate that it took a tragic accident to prompt this much-needed recall. While tire tread separation can be dangerous for any type of vehicle, it can be devastating when it occurs with an SUV or pickup truck. These vehicles, due to their shape and design, have more of a tendency to roll over in case of tire failure. In such cases, it can be very difficult even for an experienced driver to regain control of the vehicle.
Victims of defective products can seek compensation for their losses by filing a products liability claim against the manufacturer of the faulty product. The experienced Oklahoma product defect attorneys at The Maples Law Firm have a long and successful track record of fighting negligent corporations on behalf of injured victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective product, please call our offices at (888) 226-6159 to obtain more information about your legal rights and options.
Two men were injured in a Tulsa car accident involving a wrong-way driver. According to a News On 6 report, the wrong-way collision occurred on Interstate 244 at 17th Street in Tulsa. Officials say a 20-year-old man was driving his Ford the wrong way when it collided with a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo driven by a 26-year-old man. Both men had to be freed from their cars by emergency responders.
The driver of the Ford suffered head, arm, leg, and other injuries. The driver of the Isuzu sustained head, internal, and leg injuries. Both men were wearing seatbelts, and both have been listed in stable condition. It is not clear if alcohol was a factor in the crash or if the wrong-way driver will be cited for the collision.
Under Oklahoma Statute 11-311: “Whenever any highway has been divided into two or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic control devices or peace officers.”
Victims of negligent drivers may pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other related damages by filing a personal injury claim. In such cases, a skilled car accident attorney can make sure the at-fault party is held accountable for the injuries and damages suffered by the victim.
The experienced Oklahoma auto accident lawyers at The Maples Law Firm help injured victims of auto accidents get the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver in Oklahoma, please call our offices at (888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
Ten people on an Oklahoma City bus and two occupants of an SUV were injured in an Oklahoma traffic accident when the two vehicles collided. According to a news report in NewsOK, the bus accident occurred at the intersection of Linwood Avenue and North Indiana Avenue in downtown Oklahoma City. Officials say the driver of the SUV ran a red light before crashing into the bus. The bus then hit a light pole and a tree in the median before striking a business on Linwood Boulevard. The passengers on the bus were thrown around and 10 sustained non-life-threatening injuries, as did the two occupants of the SUV.
Under Oklahoma Statute Title 47, Chapter 11, Article 2, Section 11-201 (a): “The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the provisions of this act, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this act.” Drivers who run through red lights or stop signs may be held liable for the damages they cause.
Victims of Oklahoma car or bus accidents would be well advised to discuss their legal rights and options with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Financial compensation may be available for their medical bills, suffering, lost wages, and other related damages. Victims would also be well advised to get their name in the police report, to collect the contact information from the bus driver and any other drivers involved, and to seek immediate medical attention.
The skilled Oklahoma City traffic accident attorneys at The Maples Law Firm have a long and successful track record of helping auto accident victims obtain fair compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses. To discuss your case, please call our offices at (888) 226-6159 today. We always offer free case evaluations to injured victims and their families.
A bill that would make it mandatory for rear seat passengers in Oklahoma to buckle up is making its way through the state legislature. According to a KJRH news report, lawmakers in Oklahoma have proposed such a bill for the very first time. Under Oklahoma law, people over the age of 12 are not required to wear a seatbelt when they ride in the back seat of a vehicle. Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials say that more than 50 percent of all fatal car accidents in Oklahoma every year involve people who are not buckled up. The State Troopers and AAA of Oklahoma have endorsed the bill. The bill has passed out of the committee and is now on its way for a vote on the house floor.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), someone is killed in a crash every 13 minutes. Seatbelts save more than 11,000 lives each year. In the event of a car accident, the vehicle comes to a sudden stop. But the vehicle’s occupants continue to keep moving until they too are stopped – by the windshield, dashboard, or worse, the pavement, if they get ejected. Wearing a seatbelt stops your body from being thrown around inside or outside the vehicle – regardless of whether you are a front seat or rear seat passenger. A seatbelt decreases the chances you’ll get hurt in a crash by restraining you and firmly holding you in place.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Oklahoma car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, the experienced Oklahoma City auto accident injury attorneys at The Maples Law Firm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please contact us at 1(888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.
A driver was killed in an Oklahoma car accident in Stephens County after he lost control of his vehicle on the ice and snow and ran over the traffic signal control box. According to a news report in The Oklahoman, the accident occurred at the end of the northbound exit ramp from the Lake Hefner Parkway at Hefner Road in Oklahoma City. No other vehicles were involved. An investigation is ongoing.
Snow and sleet wreaked havoc on Oklahoma’s roadways Monday. Several accidents have been reported over the weekend as well. During winter weather, it would be in the best interests of motorists to slow down and take several precautions that might help prevent these tragedies.
Driving on ice can be tricky. Not all cars respond in the same way to icy or slippery roadways. That’s why AAA recommends that motorists practice slow-speed maneuvers on an empty snow or ice covered parking lot. It is also important that you familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s braking system and tire traction.
Also, the distance needed to stop on ice is twice as long as under normal driving conditions. It is recommended that motorists maintain at least a three-car distance from the vehicle in front in icy conditions. Be wary of black ice which is almost always invisible to drivers’ eyes. Be careful when you drive your car into shaded areas, and slow your vehicle down during your approach.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Oklahoma City car accident, the experienced Oklahoma car accident lawyers at The Maples Law Firm can help you obtain the compensation you need and rightfully deserve. Please contact us at 1(888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
A 24-year-old man, a storm chaser who has been featured on the Weather Channel, died in an Oklahoma auto accident after he was hit by a wrong-way driver. According to an Associated Press news report, the man’s vehicle was struck by a driver who was going the wrong direction on the Turner Turnpike in Sapulpa. Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials say alcohol was a factor in this head-on collision. Two other cars were also involved. Those drivers did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under Oklahoma law. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were a total of 738 fatal crashes in Oklahoma in 2009, of which 265 (or 36 percent) involved alcohol. Also, 32 percent of the drunk drivers involved in these fatal car accidents had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Under Oklahoma law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher.
Families of deceased DUI victims can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and other damages. In addition to facing criminal charges, drunk drivers can also be held civilly liable for the injuries, damages, and losses they cause.
If you have lost a loved one in an Oklahoma car accident involving a drunk or negligent driver, the experienced Oklahoma car crash wrongful death lawyers at The Maples Law Firm can help you seek fair compensation for your losses. Please contact us at 1(888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Oklahoma-based Zaloudek Grain Company for four serious safety violations following an injury accident involving two 17-year-olds. According to an OSHA news alert, the teenagers had to have their legs amputated after they became caught in an inadequately guarded conveyor auger. The young workers were cleaning out a grain flat storage structure in late August when the accident occurred.
OSHA investigators concluded that the company failed to attach the machine guard, ensure that the storage structure’s exit was unobstructed, provide exit signs from the structure, and give specific training for workers who are assigned to enter these grain structures. The company faces about $21,500 in OSHA fines.
Under both state and federal law, all employers are required to provide safe working conditions for their employees. In addition to providing job and safety training for workers, Oklahoma employers are also required to provide their workers with safety equipment such as harnesses (to prevent falls), goggles, vests, and hard hats. Failure to follow these safety standards could result in catastrophic personal injuries such as limb amputations, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, loss of eyesight, or hearing. These are just a few examples of how workers’ lives can be turned upside down as the result of the employer’s negligence.
Injured workers can seek workers’ compensation benefits from their employer to help cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other damages. Additional compensation may be available if the worker has suffered catastrophic injuries or lifelong disabilities. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job in Oklahoma, the experienced Oklahoma City workers’ compensation attorneys at The Maples Law Firm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please contact us at 1(888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
California-based Toyo Tires is recalling 66,000 tires that may have been made with a kink in the bead, which could lead to tire failure. According to a news report in Auto Week, the company will recall the P225/60R-16 Extensa A/S tires that were distributed in the United States from Sept. 20, 2009, to Nov. 6, 2010. Company officials say some of these tires have a manufacturing defect where they were made with a kink in the bead. This kink could lead to a crack near the bead, especially when the tire is underinflated. When left unattended, the crack could lead to sudden tire failure. The defective tires involved in this recall were manufactured in a Georgia plant and bear the “Made in the USA” label. Those who own these tires will be notified and will receive free replacement tires.
The statement that your life rides on your tires every time you get on the road is not an exaggeration. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure. Underinflation can also affect vehicle handling and fuel consumption, but most importantly, it has a significant effect on overall safety. Underinflation can also lead to structural failures, such as tire tread separation. That is why it is critical to check and adjust tire pressure at least once a month and before every long trip. You can find your vehicle’s recommended pressures on a label located on the driver’s doorframe or in the glove box.
However, if your tires are inherently defective and you are injured as a result, then the manufacturer of the defective tire can be held liable for your injuries and losses. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, the experienced Oklahoma City dangerous products lawyers at the Maples Law Firm can provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights. Please contact us at 1(888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious health concern in Oklahoma and nationwide. It is highly unfortunate that our elders, who deserve to be treated with the utmost level of care, dignity and respect, are often abused and neglected as the result of profiteering nursing home owners who fail to hire enough staff, fail to hire properly trained staff, and/or fail to provide appropriate supplies for daily living. Ray Maples, an experienced personal injury attorney in Oklahoma, has handled many cases related to nursing home abuse and neglect and finds this lack of duty and care unacceptable.
The mistreatment of elders in Oklahoma nursing homes is a serious cause for concern. In an effort to help Oklahomans better understand the common issues associated with nursing homes and what steps they can take in order to protect their loved ones from harm and neglect, Ray Maples has authored an educational book entitled Restore the Dignity and offers it as a valuable resource in the fight against elder abuse and neglect. Having handled many cases related to the ongoing problems in nursing homes, Mr. Maples has a thorough understanding of how Oklahoma nursing homes operate and considers it his duty to make this knowledge available to his fellow Oklahomans.
Restore the Dignity covers various topics, including: how to choose a nursing home for your loved one; what signs to look for once your loved one is in the nursing home; and, very importantly, what to do if your loved one becomes a victim of nursing home abuse and/or neglect. The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is difficult, but this book can provide you with the answers you need to make the process easier. For a copy of Restore the Dignity, please visit http://www.restorethedignity.com.
If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered illness as the result of nursing home abuse or neglect, you have the right to pursue financial compensation through civil action. The dedicated nursing home abuse neglect attorneys in Oklahoma City at the Maples Law Firm are committed to obtaining maximum compensation for all that you have suffered. To learn more about your legal rights and options, call us today at (888) 226-6159 or (405) 551-8864 for a free consultation.
Britax Child Safety has issued a product defect recall for 14,220 child safety seats because of defective shoulder harnesses that may not hold the child in place in the event of a crash. According to a news report in The New York Times, the recall comes nine months after the company made a change in its manufacturing process to correct the defect. Product manufacturers are required under the law to notify federal safety authorities within five business days of its plan for a recall. Failing to do so can result in civil penalties. Britax sent the letter to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) only on January 26, 2012. Company officials tell the Times that they did not delay notifying the agency.
Britax started to receive complaints about the restraint failure on the Chaperone infant car seats since March. These defective seats were made between September 2010 and May 2011. The model numbers of the affected seats are E9L692J, E9L692K, E9L692L, and E9L692M. Britax traced the problem to a faulty aluminum rivet that is supposed to secure the harness strap adjuster to the seat. If the rivet breaks, the harness adjuster can detach, leaving the child unprotected in the event of a crash. Britax received 57 complaints related to the defect, but has no record of injuries or fatalities.
Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to consumers to manufacture safe products. They also have a duty to inform the appropriate agency as soon as they find out that a product is defective so that consumers can be alerted about those safety issues, especially in this case where infants are involved. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product that was poorly manufactured or defectively designed, the experienced dangerous products attorneys in Oklahoma at the Maples Law Firm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please contact us at 1(888) 226-6159 to find out how we can help you.
