Bush wins first tort reform bill in Senate

President Bush won his first tort reform victory as the Senate approved a bill that would limit class action lawsuits. more...>

Site of the Day

Drumroll please. The site of the day is Center for Justice and Democracy.

Asylum seekers treated poorly

The New York Times reports in its front page today that thousands of people seeking asylum in the United States are treated poorly. Cuba has the highest precentage of applicants approved for asylum. more...>

Two men are arrested for making lawyer jokes

The New York Times reports on this odd story about two men who were arrested for disorderly conduct for telling lawyer jokes outside the Nassau County courthouse. more...>

Tips for starting up a business

Are you looking to start up a business? Findlaw lists ten suggestions to get your business off to smooth start. more...>

Tort Reform in the States

Blog 702 posts its analysis of Tort Reform in the states.

Budget Rent-A- Car held liable in automobile accident

Manhattan Justice Milton Tingling awarded 29 year old Ethan Ruby a large judgment against Budget Rent-A-Car. The ruling is based on state law that holds rental agencies responsible for the the negligent acts of its customers. more...>

Lawsuit myths propelling tort reform

Insurance companies are the driving force behind tort reform. They have influenced many in the Republican party (including the President), corporations and physicians that the reason for the steady increase in insurance premiums is due to large tort verdicts. Because they do not have facts to back up their assertions, they have relied on myths. more....>

Tort Reform outlook for 2005

Lawyers Weekly takes a look at medical liability reform, class action reform, frivolous lawsuit sanctions, asbestos trust fund and "fast food" lawsuit legislation in Congress for the coming year. more...>

Tort reform bill limiting "frivolous" lawsuits introduced in Congress

A new tort reform bill has been introduced in Congress that would impose sanctions on lawyers for "frivolous" lawsuits. The bill would also attempt to reduce forum shopping. more...>

On the topic of tort reform, New York State should enact a stronger good faith law. If, for example, an insurance company fails to pay a claim in which they do not have a good faith defense, they should be subject to sanctions. For example, one high profile insurance company has an unofficial policy of not offering compensation to plaintiff's who are injured in auto accidents prior to jury selection in New York State. How would you feel if you were a passenger in a car waiting at a traffic light when an Allstate insured vehicle came into contact with your vehicle in the rear and they waited until jury selection (as long as three years) to compensate you for your injuries?

Running red lights cited as a leading cause in car crashes

It may not come as a surpise that a study conducted by the Farmers Insurance Group has found that running a red light is a leading cause of car accidents. A staggering 36% of all drivers admitted to running a red light in the past year. The study also concluded that women are more observant of traffic lights than men. more...>

What is Tort Reform?

I have been blogging about tort reform extensively. However, how many people really know what tort reform is? Check out Whatistortreform, a site billing itself as a user-friendly guide to tort reform.

Immigration is changing the makeup of NY neighborhoods

The New York Times reports that immigation in New York is at record levels. 60% of all babies are born to at least one foreign born parent. What effect does immigation have on NYC's neighborhoods? more...>

Do judges make their decisions in a blink of an eye?

How do judges reach their decisions? Do they use intuition or logic? Judge Posner has written a book on this subject. more...>

Actually, he reviewed the book blink. ... thanks for the comment.

Should orphans from the Tsunami be permitted to immigrate?

The tsunami catastrophe has created thousands of orphans. Should these orphans be allowed to immigate into the United States? The USCIS doesn't think so. more...>

Survey: Malpractice suits are of low priority

The A.P. reports that reducing malpractice awards ranked 11th out of 12 on a list of items people thought should be health care priorities in Congress. President Bush has focused on tort reform as the main priority in reducing health care costs. more...>

New York Daily News weighs in on tort reform

Following President Bush's symbolic appearance in Illinois last week kicking off the tort reform debate for the New Year, there has been much reaction to the issue in the press. The New York Daily News posts this editorial which calls for revoking the licenses of doctor's have lost a substantial number of malpractice verdicts.

New York Times editorial "Tort Mythology"

The New York Times on Sunday, posted this editorial entitled "Tort Mythology," which attacks the Bush administration's view of "tort reform."

Boys fall from chute ruled accidental

Yesterday I blawged about a boy who was killed after he fell down a chute. Newsday reports today that the fall was ruled an accident.

Nevertheless, I still feel strongly that there must be some action against "ambulance chasing" attorneys.

9 year old retarded boy killed in hospital fall

A 9 year old retarded boy was killed yesterday when he fell down a Harlem nursing home chute. The family blames the accident on inadequate supervision. more...>

Has anyone from the press contacted the family regarding the number of law firms that have approached them? I could almost guarantee that 10 runners, (independent contractors who receive a fee upon a personal injury referral) have contacted Azeana Jones, the mother of the boy, in violation of ethics rules. I call on the OCA (Office of Court Administration) to investigate each and every retainer statement filed by law firm's that has been retained following press coverage.

It is my belief that law firms employing runners are a cancer in the legal profession that must be dealt with harshly.

Bush plans to declare war in Madison County

President Bush is planning to fire his first shots in his war to reform tort law in Madison County, Illinois. The county is known for its heavy docket of tort cases. more....>

New York DMV head defends tough rules against immigrants

After 9/11, New York DMV has taken the lead in cracking down on fraudulantly obtained drivers licenses. The Daily News, in a confusingly written article, quotes DMV Commissioner Raymond Martinez, who defends his agency's anti-fraud tactics. Immigrant groups have been opposed to the new measures because they have the effect of harming immigrants who may not have a valid social security number from obtaining a license. more...>

Does legal history affect a country's economy?

Malaysia and Indonisia are two Asian nations that share a common backround. They are similar in terms of geography, religion and they speak the same language. However, the citizens of Malaysia are three times more prosperous. The Malaysian legal system, like the US, is based on English common law. As a Dutch colony, the Indonisian legal system is premised on French civil law. Are countries based on English common law more economically successful than those based on French civil law? more...>

New laws for the new year.

Even though it was one of the least productive years for the New York State legislature, dozens of new laws will take effect on the first day of the new year. Among the new state laws are a hike in the minimum wage and slight cut in the personal income tax. more...>

Manipulators or straight shooters?

According to the blawg Uncivil Litigator, there are two types of lawyers: manipulators and straight shooters. The manipulators, practice their trade with dishonesty and lack of decency. more...>

The best new legal websites of 2004

Robert Ambrogi of Lawsites lists a roundup of the best of 2004 non-blog legal websites.

Legal believe it or not?

The New York Daily News lists a few strange lawsuits brought against the City of New York. Here is their list: "The case of the one eyed driver," "The case of the crooked car buyer," and "The case of the 16-year old shooting." more...>

Profile of Michael Cardozo

After filing a lawsuit against the City of the NewYork, an answer is usually filed on behalf of Michael Cardozo, General Counsel. But who is he and what exactly does he do? more...>

Personal Injury lawsuits against tire makers gaining traction

Auto accidents allegedly caused by tire-separation have been at issue in an increasing number of lawsuits. The suits allege that tires over six years old, even if they have not been used, could cause a fatal accident due to degredation of the treads. more...>

Trial Lawyers battle it out over Fen-Phen lawsuits

The conservative daily, The New York Sun, reports on a fee dispute between two personal injury law firms over referral fees. Following a large Fen-Phen settlement, Parker & Waichman and Napoli Bern are duking it out. It may come as a surprise that the Sun casts the two law firms as greedy trial lawyers. more...>

Drafting Enforceable Sales Commission Plans

Looking to hire an employee on commission? Before drafting a contract, you should be aware of these tips.

City Bar latest to support No-Fault Divorce

The New York Times reported on November 30, 2004 about the effect of New York State's current divorce law, which requires one party to be "at fault" before a divorce may be granted. New York may be the only state that does not allow no-fault divorce.

Today, the Association of the Bar of the City of New York has urged legislators to ammend state law to allow "no fault" divorce. more...>

The Palsgraf family curse

Upon entering law school, one of the first cases taught in torts class is Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad. The case involves an explosion that occurred at the LIRR's Jamaica Station and illustrates the theory of duty and proximate causation. Since the case has been decided in 1924, the Palsgraf family has been subject to numerous accidents. Is the Palsgraf family cursed? more...>

Kosher Party Lawsuit

Thankfully the New York Post, in an exclusive combining the talents of two reporters, tells us that an Orthodox Jew is suing his employer - claiming that he was not fed kosher food at a holiday party. Moshe Marc Cohen, a former supervisor at National Provident, a large finanicial firm, is suing his former employer for discrimination. more...>

New seat belt law to take effect in 2008

The United States will require car manufacturers to provide shoulder and lap belts in the center seat by 2008. more...>

New York State hit with $42 million dollar verdict

The State of New York has been hit with a $42 million dollar verdict in a tragic accident case. The Court of Claims, which usually sides with the State, refused to permit the State to present expert testimony because they neglected to follow the judges scheduling order. more...>

Is following procedure more important than finding the truth or is this proper result because the State blatantly disregarded a judges order?

Automakers lobby for limits on lawsuits

Automakers are the latest group calling for tort reform. Consumer groups, such as Public Citizen, are gearing up for a battle. more...>

Widow faces deportation

Following the New York Time's lead on Monday, the Washington Post places a human face on deportation. The article focuses on a widow who faces deportation after her husband was killed in a car accident. more...>

Tort reform scorecard: both sides claim victory

Another assessment of the tort reform battle in the past election may be found here.
The final score - a virtual tie.

Is it time for no-fault divorce in New York ?

The New York Times reports on its front page today the looming issue of no-fault divorce reform in New York State. New York is one of the few states in the nation that requires one party to be at fault for the breakdown of the marriage before a divorce can be granted.

If you are planning a divorce, would you like one without a fight? How about collaborative law? more...>

Immigration News from the New York Times

The New York Times features 2 op-ed pieces (found here and here), one front page article, and four letters regarding immigration. The front page article reports on the clash between illegal immigrants and suburban residents on Long Island. One author of one op-ed piece argues that current immigration policy has been hurting the US economy by making it difficult for foreign students to study here. The other op-ed piece notes the difficulty of entering the US from Nigeria.

A Child is left behind when a mother is deported

The New York Times reports on its front page the plight of a mother who was deported out of the U.S. to her native Hondorus leaving her American husband and daughter behind. One of the bedrocks of U.S. immigration policy has been to maintain family ties. However, the Department of Homeland Security has all but eliminated discretion on the part of immigration officers before ordering deportations. more...>

Benihana Chef blamed for customer's death

A chef at a Long Island branch of Benihana has been sued for wrongful death due to his antics with a piece of grilled shrimp. The attorney for the plaintiff's estate maintains that the man's reflexive response, to duck away from the food, caused a neck injury. The injury then required surgery. Due to complications from the surgery, Jerry Colaitis, of Old Brookville died. more...>

Lawsuit questions safety of Dodgeball

The New York Appellate Division refused to dismiss a lawsuit that claims that a school was at fault for allowing a child to play dodgeball. Here, a seven year old girl fractured her elbow while playing the sport. more...>

Judge Schmidt rules that Illegal Immigrant's may sue for lost earnings for workplace injuries

Undocumented workers may sue for work related injuries in New York. more...>

Beverly Hills 90210 Star Settles Car Accident Case

In Celebrity car accident news, Tori Spelling, (aka Donna) former star of Beverly Hills 90210 settled a personal injury case yesterday. Ms. Spelling was the defendant in the action. The terms of the settlement are undisclosed. more...>

Why become Chief Justice?

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William Rehnquist is currently ill, and there has been much speculation regarding who will replace him. Why would anyone become Chief Justice? more...>

For a different take, buy this book.

The role of tort reformers on the election

Compared to the war in Iraq and "moral values," tort law may not have seemed to a large role in the election this year. Yet, from a historical perspective, it did: On a national level, voters were asked to think about civil liability to an uprecedented extent. more...>

Lethal accident in Bethpage, Long Island

Newsday reports that 1 teenager was killed and 3 others were injured when a car came into contact with a power pole. more...>

What is the magic word to avoid lawsuits?

It is a lesson that children learn at an early age. Can it help a doctor from being sued? more....>

Is Judge LeVine at "war" against solo lawyers or is there too much pressure from above?

Personal Injury cases often take years before they are ready for trial. In the Supreme Court of Queens County, once the cases are finally ready for trial, they are sent to Judge LeVine's TAP part for trial.

Unfortunately, some sole practicioners have conflicts and are unable to be in two courthouses at once. For instance, yesterday, I covered a case, per diem, that was ready for trial in Queens County. The attorney was engaged in another trial at the same time in Westchester County. Obviously, he cannot be the trial attorney for both cases at once.

As I entered the judges chambers, I handed to the Judge an affidavit of engagement, that stated that the attorney that I was covering for needed an adjournment due to the aforementioned conflict. Opposing counsel did not oppose the application. Upon review of the affidavit, the judge stated that the contents were insufficient, however, he would contact the trial part in Westchester to ascertain its status.

The Judge ruled notwithstanding the conflict, jury selection was ordered to proceed the following day.

It is my view that the Judge's ruling is clearly prejudicial against sole practicioners. The Judge may not be at fault if the pressure to move cases in an expediated fashion comes from above. However, a sole practicioner, does not have the option of sending an associate to try the case.
What do you think?

Have jurors lost faith in corporations, leaders and lawyers?

A recent study by DecionQuest and Reuturs have found that 61 percent of Americans have lost faith in corporations, leaders and lawyers as compared to four years ago. (Is this a poll of likely voters?) It appears that the corporate scandals that have recently received so much press have been taking its toll on the way jurors view corporate cases. more...>

Who won the election: Lawyers or Doctors?

Lawyers and Doctors battled in four states over limiting damage awards and attorney's fees in malpractice cases. The verdict? A split. more...>

Large increase in immigration appeals in NYC

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reports that 44 percent of its docket consist of immigration appeals, up from 9 percent in 2002. There is currently a huge backlog of immigration appeals that show no signs of letting up. more...>

Is Elliot Spitzer overreaching in his suit against the insurance industry?

New York Attorney General Elliot Spitzer recent brought a civil suit against Marsh & McLennan and others for alleged statutory claims for fraud, securities fraud, anti-trust violations and common law fraud and unjust enrichment.

Is the civil suit brought against the insurance industry by Elliot Spitzer a situation where the Attorney General is just doing his job or is he trying to make new laws without the support of the legislature? more...>

Should the Atkin's diet carry a warning label?

In Florida, a judge heard preliminary arguments regaring the country's first Atkins related lawsuit. The plaintiff, Jody Gorran, claims that the anti-carbohydrate diet clogged his arteries. The lawsuit seeks little in terms of monetary damages. (Note... trial lawyers are not always after money.)

The purpose of the lawsuit is to force Atkins Nutritionals, the company behind the diet, to print warning labels. more..>

Perhaps Julia Child was right, the way to a healthy diet is to eat everything in moderation.

Runaway SUV injures mourners

New York Accident News

Both the New York Times and the Daily News report that an out of control driver of a SUV plowed into a crowd of mourners at a funeral in Chinatown. more...>

Can't get a flu shot? It's the trial lawyers fault

The Club for Growth Growth, a group of so called pro-growth conservatives, placed a full page ad in the New York Times today blaming the trial lawyers for the flu shot problem. They neglect to mention that the main cause of the flu vaccine shortage, according to CNN, was due to Chiron Corp. problem in producing the vaccine at its British plant.

What is a tort?

Tort Reform is a highly charged issue in this year's presidential campaign. However, unless you are an attorney, you may not know what constitutes a tort. more...>

Tort lawsuits against the City of New York remain level

The New York Law Journal reports today that New York City's payouts on tort cases have remained steady for the past year. Shoshana Bookson, president of the New York State Trial Lawyers' Association, stated that this demonstrates "that there is no tort crisis in New York and the cries for tort reform are hollow."

Fay Leoussis, Chief of Corporation Counsel (the defense arm for the City of New York), cites that payouts have remained steady because the Law Department is more efficient in covering its caseload. more...>

How do Americans feel about immigration?

What are native-born American's attitudes toward immigration? Suprisingly, American's have been less negative about immigration than they have been in several years. more...>

Election sparks an interest from new citizens

The New York Times reports that the US election is being closely followed by new citizens. A recent voter drive by the New York Immigration Coalition has signed up 225,000 immigrant voters. The city's foreign born citizens are not a homogenus group, however, many are worried about their status in the US since 9/11. more...>

Should New York adopt no-fault divorce?

Currently, to obtain a divorce in New York, a party must either prove that they have a "fault" ground or a "separation" ground. Should there be a "no-fault" ground? more....>

Northport women killed in auto accident

New York Accident News: Johanna Davis, 80 years of age, from Northport, Long Island (where my wife is from) was killed yesterday in a tragic traffic accident. Ms. Davis, a passenger in a car operated by her friend, Francis Oshaughnessy, was killed when the vehicle was struck when it attempted to make a left turn. more...>

Looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer? Contact my law office. more...>

Slow processing times causes denial of vote to immigrants

The New York Immigration Coalition released a study that found that thousands of immigrants have lost their right to vote in the November election because a backlog in processing their applications. more...>

Spitzer's office reveals widespread corruption in the insurance industry

Lucrative payoff agreements. Soliciting rigged bids. Sounds like an episode of the Soprano's. But no, we are discussing your "friendly" insurance broker, Marsh & McLennan Companies.

New York State Attorney General Elliot Spitzer today sued the nation's largest insurance broker, Marsh & McLennan Companies for fraud and anti-competitive practices. The lawsuit implicates other insurance companies. Do you still blame the trial lawyers for your high insurance rates? more...>

American Insurance Reform releases a study finding price-gouging of doctors despite lower medical malpractice payouts

Tort reform has been a hot button issue in this year's presidential election. A group called Americans for Insurance Reform has released a study, based on the insurance industries own data, that there has been no explosion medical malpractice payouts. In fact, these payouts have dropped. The price hikes that doctors have been experiencing in their premiums can be attributed to dropping interest rates and investment losses. more...>

Justice for fixed cases?

A judge arrested on charges that he took bribes. A lawyer, confessing that he wined and dined him and plied him with cigars and cash in return for favorable treatment. What happens if you were on the opposite side of the equation and your court case was fixed. Do you think you would obtain re-trial? more...>

Large jury verdict awarded to a Farmingdale motorcycle victim

Newsday reports that Justin Firmes, a resident of Farmingdale, Long Island, was awarded $13.9 verdict due to injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The accident occurred when Mr. Firmes motorcycle was impacted by a pick-up truck operated by Christopher Tiejen. Mr. Firmes left leg was amputated due to the accident. more...>

The myth of America's lawsuit crisis

What does Newsweek and the Manhattan Institute have in common? Perpetuating the myth of America's lawsuit crisis. more...>

Bush attacks Kerry over tort reform in new ads

President Bush's ongoing war for tort reform continues. As usual, he places the blame regarding the cost of rising health care costs on lawsuits and out of control lawyers. more...>

What is a blawg?

Wondering what a blawg is (this site is one)? If you have powerpoint installed on your computer, check out Mathew Lerner's excellent presentation to law librarians on the subject. (see New York Civil Law, October 3, post)

Is Britney Spears legally married?

Pop diva Britney Spears married her childfriend friend Jason Alexander (not from Seinfeld) last January in Las Vegas. Is the marriage legal? How about the prenuptial agreement? The answer may be found at the end of this article.

USCIS publishes a guide for new immigrants

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services released its guide for new immigrants here. It provides basic information regarding rights and responsiblities of lawful permanent residents, settling in the United States, education and childcare, emergencies and safety, and becoming a US citizen.

Do you have a legal question? Contact my law office: 212-233-0666.

Mandatory fingerprinting for all foreigners entering US airports

There is no more visa free travel into the US. The government has instituted fingerprinting of all foreigners entering the US by air. more...>

Who are small law firms for? Bush or Kerry?

The Association for trial lawyers says that Bush would be extremely adverse to the ability for lawyers to properly pursue a negligence claim. A representative for the American Tort Reform Association claims that there is little difference between the two candidates. more...>

Franklin Square father faces deportation

Marcio Garcia, a resident of Franklin Square, Long Island, faces deportation after he and his wife went to the Immigration Service Offices in Garden City for what they thought was a "routine" matter. The case appears to be typical of the U.S. new "zero-tolerance" policy imposed on immigrants post 9/11. more...>

See my new and somewhat improved website: Law Office of Frederic R. Abramson.

Teenagers are killed by Drunk Driver in Westbury, L.I.

The New York Post and New York Daily News reports that four teens were killed early Saturday morning when the vehicle they were traveling in was involved in an accident with a vehicle operated by Gerrard Ganz. Mr. Ganz was charged with driving while intoxicated. more...>

New York City Transit Authority hit with a large verdict, appeal likely.

The New York City Transit Authority was hit with a $28.5 million dollar verdict yesterday. The jury found the conductor negligent when he hit Alice Huang who was stopped picking up her bible. One of her legs was caught between a car and the platform.

The City is likely to appeal the verdict. Unfortunately,it is unlikely that the final settlement amount, which is usually far smaller, will ever be publicized.

Trial lawyer for V.P. Point. Counterpoint.

Champion of the underdog or shark in a suit? How has Kerry's selection of John Edwards impacted the campaign? more...>

Thanks to Ernie the Attorney.

Site of the day: Corpreform.com

Looking for more information about tort reform? Try www.corpreform.com (thanks to Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyers blog).

Judge Garson's Court Officer convicted

Louis Salerno, court officer to Brooklyn matrimonial Judge Garson, was convicted of bribery. The judge's clerk, however, was acquitted. This is the first trial regarding the corruption scandal involving the Brooklyn Judge. more...>

US Chamber of Commerce targeting trial lawyers

An advertising campaign "educating the voters of the devasting impact" "these people" have on the American way of life has been cosponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce. Who are these people? Al-Quida? more...>

Bumper mismatches between cars and SUV's costly

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released a report entitled "Huge Costs of Mismatched Bumpers: When Bumpers on Cars and SUV's Don't Line Up." The study found that even a small impact from an SUV can cause severe damage to a car. more...>

Is there a threat beneath New York City streets?

In 1999, there were 2,062 "manhole incidents" by 2003, that number was 4,602, a 123% increase. Is ConEd doing all it can to keep our city's streets safe? more...>

House Judiciary Committee approves fines for "frivolous" lawsuits

The Republican controlled House Judiciary Committee approved a bill slapping fines on lawyers who file "frivolous" lawsuits. The Democrats maintain that the bill was a cynical political maneuver intended to highlight lawsuit abuses. The measure would restore mandatory fines for lawsuits deemed frivolous by the judiciary. The cost will probably be the cost of defending the claim.

The bill is unlikely to pass the Senate, however, as many similar measures, such a bill to constrain class action lawsuits, have failed. more...>

Are ads aimed against trial lawyers legal?

The November Fund, run by Republicans, partly funded by the United States Chamber of Commerce, is set to run ads against trial lawyers. However, the ads may run afoul of campain laws because they target John Edwards. more...>

Accident News: Family Killed on Tappan Zee Bridge

The New York Times reports that a Long Island family was killed yesterday on the Tappan Zee Bridge. The family, coming home from their summer house in the Hamptons, was struck by a 18 wheel truck. more...>

If you have been involved in an accident, please contact my law office at 212-233-0666.

The importance of Queens

With Manhattan the center of the universe and Brooklyn suddenly hip, Queens is the borough that is often forgotten. Queens today is often remembered as the home of All in the Family's Archie Bunker. However, in many ways, Queens is New York City's most successful outer borough. more...>

Disgraced lawyer details Judge Garson's "crimes"

Paul Siminovsky, an ex-attorney, testified yesterday that he committed "crimes" in Judge Garson's courtroom. Charges have been recently brought against Brooklyn matrimonial jurist, Judge Garson. The disgraced attorney claims that he paid the judge referral fee's and wined and dined him. The former attorney also contributed thousands of dollars to the judicial election campaign of his wife, Judith Garson. Judge Garson's attorney denies the charges. more....>

The government's "war" against NYC immigrant neighborhoods

The city's population inhabits two parallel universes: one for citizens, one for everyone else. more...>

Blawg of the Day

Drum roll please..... The Blawg of the Day is Lawyernews. It is frequently updated, today with 13 short links (including a link to this site ... thanks), coupled with three or four more more complete posts.

Immigrant Groups to sue New York State over driver licenses

The New York Times reports today that the Puerto Rican Legal and Educational Defense Fund is planning a class action suit against the State of New York over denying driving licenses to immigrants. more...>

H1-B visa's close to cap

In Immigration news, Siskind & Susser report that H1-B visa's for the fiscal year that starts on October 1, 2004 are close to hitting its cap. They report that Congress is unlikely to raise the cap this year, as it is a politically sensitive issue.

GM to recall Aveo vehicles

Do you own a Cheverolet Aveo? General Motors is recalling 32,000 Cheverolet Aveo's because of a potential problem with their rear seat belts. more...>

Second jury finds Ford liable for Explorer rollover

Ford has settled another rollover case involving its SUV Explorer. A federal jury in Forida awarded a victim's family $5.3 million dollars in compensatory damages. However, Ford settled the case for an undisclosed sum before deliberations regarding punative damages. This is the second decision against Ford holding it responsible for the rollover of its Explorer model. more...>

How can one find a listing of Ford Explorer owners in New York State?

Should illegal immigrants be permitted to drive?

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has started to crackdown on illegal immigrant's driving privileges. In January, New York State started issuing notices to drivers whose social security numbers did not match federal records. One of the purposes of the law is public safety. However, the enforcement of the law may have unintended consequences. DMV clerks are inadequately informed of immigration laws. As a result, there is a possibility that immigrants who are legally being processed through the United States Immigration Service could have their licenses suspending. Additionally, many immigrants need to drive to work. Many will continue to drive, possibly without insurance. Should illegal immigrants be permitted to drive? more...>

An overlooked issue regarding tort reform: Abusive litigation by defendants

Conservative politicians and corporate representatives charge that plaintiffs' lawyers--especially plaintiffs' tort lawyers--are abusing the courts by effectively extorting exorbitant awards from the defendants they target. But how about the the problem of defendants wrongfully transferring state cases to federal court? more...>

Did you miss last night's 11:00 News? Try Current Auto Accident News

Did you miss last night's 11:00 news? In need of a fix of auto accident coverage? Try Current Auto Accident News.

Federal Report links injuries to weak motor vehicle roofs

A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concludes that there is a correlation between roof strength and the likelihood of injury and death in rollover accidents, especially in Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV's). Each year, an estimated 7,000 people are killed or severely injured in rollovers in which the roof is crushed, according to federal statistics. According to the Detroit News, Federal regulators plan to propose stiffer roof standards later this year, creating a showdown between automakers, safety advocates and political officials.