Munley Law Blog

Self-Driving Trucks May Come Before Driverless Cars

Never mind self-driving cars – how do you feel about self-driving trucks?

We’ve been hearing a lot about self-driving cars, and the companies promising to roll them out over the next few years. But, if you can imagine it, self-driving trucks may come first.

If you think that sounds counter-intuitive, you’re not alone. Many in the trucking industry are skeptical, and some drivers are nervous – understandably so. We know as well as anyone that when something goes wrong with a car, it’s bad – but when something goes wrong with a truck, it can be so much worse.

However, advocates for this new technology argue that it could make long-haul trucking safer and more efficient.  Drowsy driving, for instance, poses a major threat to truckers and the driving public.  Autonomous trucks could cut down on the numerous drowsy and distracted driving accidents that occur each year. […]

October is Car Care Month – Give Your Vehicle a Check-Up

Safe driving begins with a well-maintained car. October is Car Care Month at AAA, and the change in seasons is a perfect time to make sure your vehicle is in good shape.

Four Things to Check During Car Care Month

Tires – Worn out or improperly inflated tires can spell danger on the road. The change in temperature that comes with the changing seasons can affect your tire pressure, so make sure all four tires are at the proper level. The roads can also be more slick during the fall; wet leaves on the road can be as bad as ice. Worn tires have less traction, so check your tire tread with a quarter. Hint: If George Washington’s entire head is visible, you should get new tires. Get more tire tips here.

Oil – Your car works hard all summer, […]

Fatal Car Crashes Rise Sharply in 2016

Fatal car crashes are soaring, and the government is scrambling to come up with a way to bring these numbers down.

Nearly 18,000 people have been killed in traffic accidents so far this year, an increase of more than 10% over the same period in 2015. From 2014 to 2015, traffic deaths jumped more than 7%, the largest year-over-year increase since the 1960s. This year’s surge will likely surpass that record.

It’s true that Americans are driving more miles than they did last year (3.3% more), but not enough to account for the increase in crashes.

Road to Zero Fatal Car Crashes

A number of safety groups have come together to form Road to Zero, a coalition aimed at lowering the number of traffic deaths to zero by the year 2046. Their goal is inspired by Swedish policies begun in 1997 that brought crashes down 50% in less than 15 years. […]

Truck Accident Lawyer Dan Munley Speaks at Annual Symposium

Last week, Dan Munley visited Nashville, TN, to speak about one of the most important aspects of a truck accident case: evidence.

Wednesday, September 28 kicked off the 2016 Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Annual Symposium. The top truck accident lawyers in the country assembled to share their expertise and help their peers to best serve their clients.

Evidence in a Truck Accident Case

Drawing on more than 19 years of experience, Dan spoke about the preservation and spoliation of evidence. In any injury case, the evidence is important. In a truck accident case, however, prompt investigation and preservation of evidence are crucial to proving liability. Unlike typical auto accidents, evidence in a truck case will often include not only the vehicles involved but also the truck driver’s electronic log books, motor carrier records, and other vital information. […]

One Killed, More Than 100 Hurt in New Jersey Train Crash in Hoboken

A New Jersey train crash  has left at least one person dead and more than 100 injured.

At the peak of rush hour Thursday morning, New Jersey Transit train no. 1614 on the Pascack Valley line derailed and crashed into the station in Hoboken, NJ. The crash caused massive damage and injured scores of people.  Jersey City Medical Center reports that at least three people are in serious condition. Previous reports said that three people died in the crash, but hospital officials later corrected that number.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Railroad Administration will be investigating.

What We Know About the New Jersey Train Crash

Preliminary investigation suggests that the crash was an accident, caused by operator error, but it is still too early to ascertain a definitive cause.

The train was not equipped with positive train control, […]