New Lights Save Energy, Money but could be Dangerous

Thousands of bulbs in traffic signals on corners throughout Philadelphia have been replaced with energy-saving LEDs.  However, the switch could have some dangerous effects for drivers since the LED lights run cooler than the older ones.  An example of that danger came after last Wednesday night’s snowstorm when traffic lights were still covered the next day since the LED bulbs did not melt the snow.  Inability to see lights left many drivers guessing when to stop or go which could cause an accident or other injury.

City Councilman Frank Rizzo told KYW Newsradio he witnessed drivers running red lights, probably unintentionally, on Thursday morning while he was driving on Broad Street.  “I just think they couldn’t see,” he said.  “And it made it very dangerous for people.”

Running red lights is a leading cause of accidents.  Defective traffic lights, or signals obstructed by snow put both drivers and pedestrians at risk because it leaves them in the position to decide when they should proceed through a light.  However, if another driver thinks it may be their turn, the result could be catastrophic.  

City officials estimate the new lights will save the city between $700,000 and $1 million a year, because the LED bulbs are more efficient and require less maintenance.  A spokesman for the mayor said drivers should use caution when going through a traffic light that is covered.

Messa & Associates has handled all types of motor vehicle accident cases including those caused by defective traffic lights.  Our attorneys are committed to investigating the true cause of your accident.  Let us apply our years of experience, in-depth research skills and through preparation to your case.  For more information or if you have been involved in a vehicle accident caused by defective traffic lights, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.

Injured in the Snow? What You Should Do Next!

Massive snowfall has hit the Philadelphia and surrounding areas over the last few weeks.  Unfortunately in this weather, accidents and injuries are inevitable.  Here’s a quick guide of what to do when you’re not sure what to do next.

Vehicle Accident

1. Call the police and make sure they complete a police report
2. Get the names, insurance and contact information of all parties involved and any witnesses
3. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and your vehicle*
4. Seek medical attention immediately for any injuries
5. Report the accident to your insurance company
6. Write down as many details as you can remember about the accident as soon as possible so you don’t forget them as times passes
7. Call Messa & Associates for help

Slip and Fall

1. Notify the owner of the property that you were injured
2. If applicable, have them complete an injury report
3. Take a picture of where you fell, if possible
4. Seek medical attention for any injuries
5. Call Messa & Associates for assistance

Messa & Associates specializes in handling personal injury matters.  Our attorneys have obtained verdicts and settlements for many weather related cases, including a $954,000 jury verdict for a man who slipped and fell on ice on the sidewalk at a Newtown Square, Pennsylvania condominium.  If you or a loved has been injured in this winter weather, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.

*Caution: If conditions are unsafe and you feel you could be hurt by oncoming traffic or otherwise, do not risk your safety for pictures or other evidence.

Ford Recalling More of its Windstar Minivans

Ford Motor Co. is adding 425,288 Windstar minivans to its recall list.  The brackets and mounts on the minivans, model year 1999-2003, could separate from the subframe and cause drivers to lose control.  The company had previously recalled some of the vehicles after a 28-year-old man was killed last year when the rear axle of his Windstar cracked in half causing him to crash into a building.

The minivans were either sold or registered in 22 cold weather states where salt is used on the road during winter including Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as well as the District of Columbia.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that if the mount separated from the frame, a driver could experience reduced steering control.  Ford said there has been seven crashes and five minor injuries connected to the recall so far.  Windstar owners should contact Ford at (866) 436-7332 for additional information.

 
The attorneys at Messa and Associates have successfully represented many victims of defective automobiles.  If you or a loved one has been injured by one of the recalled vehicles, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.

Prepare, Plan to Help Prevent Fires

Nearly every day, someone is injured or killed in a fire.  Winter months typically increase fire risks as cold weather, storms and holidays bring about the use of additional heat and light sources in the home.  Take these small steps to keep you and your family safe.       

Make smoke alarms a priority.

Every home should have working smoke alarms on every floor.  Check to make sure they have batteries, and that the batteries are in working condition.  Ideally, they should be tested every month.  Also, you should pick certain days like Daylight Savings Time so you remember to change the batteries twice a year.  Smoke alarms are often the difference in being seriously injured or killed in a fire.

Choose your smoke alarms carefully.

You should also know there are different types of smoke detectors available.  Ionization smoke detectors and photoelectric smoke detectors are both sold as smoke alarms, but ionization smoke detectors often fail to detect smoldering fires.  Smoldering fires account for 80 percent of all household fires.  Photoelectric smoke detectors are designed to detect slow-burning fires as well as the flash fires ionization smoke detectors specialize in handling.  According to tests performed by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards, photoelectric smoke detectors provide two to three times more chance of escaping your home in a fire than ionization smoke detectors.  So when choosing smoke detectors, make sure you protect your family by choosing photoelectric and/or dual sensor smoke alarms.

Take precautions to prevent common causes of fires.

Everyday activities and items such as cooking, smoking, candles and space heaters are common causes of fire.  Check to make sure heaters or stoves are turned off and candles are blown out before leaving your home or going to sleep.  Also, you should never smoke in bed or leave matches and lighters in the reach of children.  Be cautious of overloaded sockets and wiring that looks worn or damaged.

Have a safety plan.

Make a fire escape plan for your house.  Involve children in the plan and practice with your entire family so everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

Get out, stay out!  

If your home does catch fire, find a way out immediately.  Once you escape, do not go back inside the house for any reason.  Call for help and let firefighters know if someone is missing.

Messa & Associates has handled many fire and explosion cases over the years throughout the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey which resulted in significant injuries and death.  Our attorneys have been successful in litigating cases and obtaining substantial awards in these matters.  For more information or to speak with us about a case, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.