DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

Acceleration Problems Not a Toyota-Only Issue

Regan Zambri & Long — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:23:13 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

Although Toyota has been in the spotlight recently, "unintended acceleration has been a problem across the auto industry, according to an NPR analysis of consumer complaints to federal regulators." According to the NPR News investigation, other automakers, including Volkswagen, Volvo and Honda, have had significant complaint rates for some of their models. "The analysis covers about 15,000 complaints filed over the past decade, covering cars back to the 1990 model year. The complaints were filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, which regulates auto safety," states the NRP report.

If you experience any problems with your car, you can register a complaint with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration by clicking here.

Technology is often shared, so it is not surprising to learn that cars from different manufacturers have similar defects. If you are unsure about the safety of your vehicle, please get it inspected immediately. Even minor defects can have devastating consequences.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

Toyota Illegally Withholding Information, Says Cong. Towns

Regan Zambri & Long — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:17:59 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

The Los Angeles Times reports that House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Edolphus Towns said that Toyota "'deliberately withheld' evidence in lawsuits related to vehicle safety, exhibiting a 'systematic disregard for the law.'" According to the report, Towns stated that Toyota created secret "Books of Knowledge" that included information about design defects, but never disclosed their existence in lawsuits, according to internal company documents released by the committee Friday. "We have to get to the bottom of this," Towns said in an interview. 'It is a situation that is just not going to go away if we ignore it.'"

Time magazine reviewed the progress of the congressional hearings concerning Toyota's safety crisis and noted that "the spectacle failed to answer a key question: whether Toyota has pinpointed the problems that caused it to recall more than 8 million cars, including over 6 million in the U.S., since last fall." Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda clearly has a tough road ahead of him in attempting to restore the company's image. Of course, that image was of the company's own doing.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

Sen. Braley, Congress Weigh-In at Toyota Oversight Hearings

Regan Zambri & Long — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:27:16 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

This week Congressman Bruce Braley (Iowa) participated in the Toyota recall Oversight and Investigations Hearing. I think you will find his questioning particularly illuminating. Click here to view his questioning of Toyota's Chief Operating Officer.

What's becoming clearer as the hearings progress is that Toyota's business philosophy must undergo a sea-change. Putting profits over safety, which is what seems to have been its business model, is un-American and dangerous.

To read some of my other blogs about Toyota's recent problems, please clicks the following links:

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

June '09 Metro Crash Potentially Caused By Mixing Equipment Brands

Regan Zambri & Long — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:54:20 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

The Washington Post reports that Metro's "decision to mix different brands of signaling equipment -- despite a warning from one of the manufacturers -- could have caused the June crash that killed nine people, a senior engineer with the company," Alstom, "said Wednesday at a federal safety hearing." Information released by the NTSB "has pointed to possibly faulty and aging equipment in the failure of the automated crash-avoidance system. But the information on the signaling system attempts to shift blame to Metro's maintenance, testing and installation procedures."

As you may know from reading my prior blogs, my firm represents victims of this tragic and avoidable crash.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

Why We Need Trial Lawyers

Regan Zambri & Long — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:11:10 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

I have been blogging a lot about the recent problems facing Toyota. In response to these problems, the Wall Street Journal has published an opinion piece, titled “Why We Need Trial Lawyers.” To better understand the work we do as trial attorneys, please click here to view the full WSJ article.

There are many who wish to strip Americans of their civil rights in order to reap profits. Those greedy folks seem to care little about those that are victims of carelessness and corruption. I am proud to represent Americans every day, helping them to obtain justice following tragedy and wrongdoing.

If you have questions about our civil justice system, don't seek answers from those who spew rhetoric just to pad their profits. Give me a call instead. I'd be happy to share the facts with you.

Be safe.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

Toyota Officials May Have Put Profits Over Safety

Regan Zambri & Long — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:07:31 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

According to several news sources, Toyota officials apparently boasted about becoming subject to merely a limited recall in 2007 concerning defects in its automobiles. Per the CBS Evening News, the AP reported that "Toyota officials boasted last summer they saved $100 million back in 2007 when negotiating a limited recall of certain models with the federal government." The piece notes that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) "has received more than 2,000 complaints of sudden acceleration and 34 deaths have been blamed on Toyota vehicles" over the past decade, "according to the Detroit News, which also says the Administration was investigating Toyota for accelerator problems as early as 2003. Nevertheless, Toyota was never told to fix anything, and the investigation ended."

USA Today reports that "an internal Toyota document" states that the savings came from "getting the government to OK just replacing floor mats in 55,000 vehicles as a solution to sudden acceleration complaints. It's listed under 'wins for Toyota -- safety group' in the report, which is among documents obtained by a subpoena from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. That and other references to saving money on safety issues raise the question of 'whether Toyota was lobbying for less rigid actions from regulators to protect their bottom line,' said Kurt Bardella, spokesman for the committee's ranking Republican, Darrell Issa of California." The document also said that "'NHTSA is more sensitive to public/congressional criticism' and that, combined with changes in regulations, will result in 'more investigations and more forced recalls.'"

The AP says that the documents "could set off alarms in Congress over whether Toyota put profits ahead of customer safety and pushed regulators to narrow the scope of recalls. Two House committees are holding hearings this week on" Toyota's recalls.

I hope Congress presses Toyota officials hard on when they knew of concerns, when they reacted, how they reacted, and whether the company did, indeed, put profits over the safety of Americans. Americans have had enough with corporate greed, which leads to serious injuries and death, while corporations pad their profits. Let's hope Toyota wasn't one of those companies.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

Toyota Acceleration Defect Linked to 34 Fatalities, Says NHTSA

Regan Zambri & Long — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:00:56 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

NBC Nightly News reported that "Federal safety officials said today the number of deaths that could be linked to sudden acceleration of Toyotas is now up to 34, based on consumer complaints they've received. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says it's normal for complaints to increase after people get word of a recall as more people become aware of safety defects that could have contributed to accidents in the past." The CBS Evening News also noted the NHTSA announcement in a similarly brief report.

USA Today reports that NHTSA "has received complaints alleging an additional 21 fatalities linked to Toyota's sudden-acceleration incidents," which "brings to 34 the total number of fatalities in 26 accidents that complaints to NHTSA allege are linked to sudden acceleration by Toyota products." NHTSA "also has seen a jump in brake-related complaints for the 2010 Toyota Prius. When NHTSA began investigating problems with Prius brakes, it had 124 consumer complaints in its database," but "since the investigation was opened Feb. 3 and publicized, nearly 1,000 more complaints have been filed."

The Washington Post adds that Toyota "announced a voluntary safety recall to inspect the front drive shaft on some 2010 Tacoma four-wheel-drive trucks. Officials said the front shaft in about 8,000 vehicles might include a component that has cracks created during the manufacturing process, which could lead to separation of the drive shaft at the joint portion."

If you own a model affected by a recall, please have your vehicle inspected and do not drive it. It could be a matter of life and death.

Travel safely.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

Toyota Recalls 400k Defective Prius and Other Hybrid Cars

Regan Zambri & Long — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:08:58 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

Earlier today Toyota announced a global recall of more than 400,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles due to defects in the braking system of the vehicles. "Toyota President Akio Toyoda used extraordinary language at a press conference here to apologize for quality and safety issues that have led to the recall of more than 7 million vehicles in recent months. He repeated three times that Toyota was neither failure-proof nor 'omnipotent,' and he said that his company would now 'redouble our commitment to quality as the lifeline of our company,'" according to the Washington Post.

The defect causes delays in the braking capacity of the recalled vehicles while on icy or bumpy roads. The recall applies to "223,000 hybrids sold in Japan, along with 133,000 Prius cars and 14,500 Lexus HS250h vehicles in the United States. Nearly 53,000 Priuses are also being recalled in Europe. It begins in Japan on Wednesday and in the United States 'as soon as possible,' the company said, and as reported by the Post.

If you own a Toyota that has been recalled, you should stop driving it and get t to a dealer for repair immediately. To learn more about this recall, visit Toyota's website.

I have blogged about Toyota recalls previously. To read my previous posts, please select the following links:

Again, if you own a model affected by the recalls, please have your vehicle inspected. It could be a matter of life and death.

Travel safely.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

Toyota Suspends Sales of Eight Car Models

Regan Zambri & Long — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:21:41 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

For the first time in American history, a car manufacturer--Toyota--has told its dealers to stop selling eight of its models due to a potentially dangerous defect. The models have potentially defective gas pedals (accelerator pedals) that could get stuck, leading to unavoidable car crashes.

The Washington Post (1/27, Mufson, Haynes) reports, Toyota "told its dealers to temporarily stop selling the RAV4, Highlander and Sequoia sport-utility vehicles; Corolla, Camry and Avalon cars; Matrix hatchbacks; and Tundra pickups." The Post notes, "The standstill is a huge setback for a company that built its business largely on a reputation for reliability and which perennially vies with General Motors and Volkswagen for the number one sales ranking among world auto companies." And "it left many loyal Toyota customers worried about safety and confused about what to do, because Toyota isn't sure how to fix the problem."

The New York Times (1/27, A1, Bunkley) reports on its front page, "Toyota said the move was intended to restore confidence in the automaker, and the safety of its products. One analyst said many consumers might have a different reaction." Toyota's "acknowledgement of problems with acceleration pedals reawakens one of the oldest safety issues in the auto industry. Manufacturers have long dismissed that a vehicle can race forward out of the driver's control, contending that the problem takes place when a driver mistakenly pushes the accelerator while trying to hit the brake pedal." The Wall Street Journal (1/27, Linebaugh) also reports the story.

Here's a list of the recalled models:

2007-2010 Camry
2005-2010 Avalon
2004-2009 Prius
2005-2010 Tacoma
2007-2010 Tundra
2007-2010 ES 350
2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350

I have blogged about Toyota recalls previously. To read my previous posts, please select the following links:

If you own a model affected by the recall, please have your vehicle inspected. It could be a matter of life and death.

Travel safely.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

Texting While Driving Banned for Truck, Bus Drivers

Regan Zambri & Long — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:11:21 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

It's official! It is illegal for commercial drivers, including truck and bus drivers, to operate vehicles while text-messaging. "In 2008, nearly 6,000 people died in accidents related to distracted drivers, and more than half-a-million were injured," according to CBSnews.com. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood previously announced, "We're gonna set the highest bar possible. ... Any distraction that takes two hands off the wheel and eyes off the windshield should not be allowed." The law prohibiting text messaging by commercial drivers took effect today.

I applaud the law, but wonder if it is enough. The penalty for an infraction is a fine up to $2,750. Unfortunately, it is a law difficult to enforce, as it is hard to catch someone driving while texting. Often, whether a driver was texting while driving is not determined until it's too late--after an automobile collision that causes serious injury or death.

Each year I give presentations at local schools to teen drivers and their parents about the dangers of distracted driving. One thing I preach is the need for a cultural change. Too many parents text and use cell phones while driving. Their children see this conduct and accept the behavior as safe. It certainly is not. Parents need to set better examples. Passengers also need to take control of dangerous situations. If you are a passenger and see the driver texting or using a cell phone demand that the driver pull over or stop engaging in distracted driving. It is your life after all. Don't risk it.

Travel safely.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

More Than 1.6 Million Car Crahes Caused By Texting, Cell Use

Regan Zambri & Long — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:16:16 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

The National Safety Council (NSC) announced today least 28% of all traffic crashes (translating into at least 1.6 million crashes per year) are caused by drivers texting or using cell phones. According to its website, "NSC estimates that 1.4 million crashes each year are caused by drivers using cell phones and a minimum of 200,000 additional crashes each year are caused by drivers who are texting. The announcement came on the one-year anniversary of NSC’s call for a ban on all cell phone use and texting while driving."

It is clear that texting while driving is more dangerous than driving while using a cell phone. However, so far, many more people use the cell phone while driving than text while behind teh wheel. That is why there are more crashes caused by cell phone use. However, as the NSC acknowledges, texting while driving has reached crisis levels too.

"This new estimate provides critical data for legislators, business leaders and individuals to evaluate the threat and need for legislation, business policies and personal actions to prevent cell phone use and texting while driving," said Janet Froetscher, president & CEO of the National Safety Council. "There was great progress made in 2009, particularly regarding a broad recognition that texting is dangerous. We now need the same broad consensus that recognizes cell phone use while driving causes even more crashes.”

Support for laws banning cell phone use while driving is gaining momentum. I understand the need to be able to communicate. However, lives are at stake. Never text while driving. If you need to use your phone, pull off the road or be sure to at least use your phone in hands-free mode.

Remember, all it takes is a moment of distracted driving to cause a serious, life-altering collision.

Travel safe.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

Virginia's Highway Safety Ranked Worst

Regan Zambri & Long — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:37:09 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, a nonprofit advocacy group, has rated Virginia one of the worst states in the nation in highway safety, according to the Washington Post. "This year, Maryland and the District were among the dozen 'green' (relatively safe) states. Thirty others were rated yellow (less safe), and Virginia descended into the red (least safe) zone."

According to the article, the group rates states based upon a wide variety of criteria, including the following factors: "mandatory motorcycle helmets, stricter seat-belt enforcement, open container bans, tougher drunken driving laws. But in the upcoming legislative sessions, it also will push for enforceable bans on text messaging and for graduated licensing for teenage drivers." a

Although no state has all of the safety laws the advocacy group recommends, Virginia lacks some crucial ones, including laws requiring blood-alcohol testing in fatal automobile collisions, banning open containers in vehicles, "mandating use of an ignition locking device that keeps people convicted of drunken driving from driving drunk again, and requiring applicants to be 16 before obtaining a learner's permit."

The District was given the highest national rating by the group, and has nearly all of the safety-laws recommended by the group in effect. Maryland fairs well in the ranking system, but needs to focus more on "nighttime restrictions on teen drivers, mandatory use of an ignition interlock for all offenders and blood-alcohol testing for drivers who die in accidents, not just those who survive," according to the Post.

Driving laws should be strong oin every state in our country. The absence of stern laws lead to serious injuries and death. Encourage your legislators to promote sate driving laws to protect all drivers and pedestrians on or around our community roads.

Travel safely.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

Toxic Metal Found in Children's Jewelry

Regan Zambri & Long — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:04:03 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

In a story appearing on at least 143 news websites, the AP (1/11, Pritchard) reports that recent lab tests have shown "eye-popping levels" of cadmium in children's jewelry. The metal, which has been linked to cancer and weakened kidneys, "is particularly dangerous for children, because growing bodies readily absorb substances, and cadmium accumulates in the kidneys for decades." Recent research has also determined that children exposed to cadmium "were more likely to report learning disabilities," and that it "lowers IQ even more than lead."

"Just small amounts of chemicals may radically alter development," said Dr. Robert O. Wright, a professor at Harvard University's medical school and school of public health. "I can't even fathom why anyone would allow for even a small amount to be accessible."

MSNBC, reports, "There is no definitive explanation for why children's jewelry manufacturers, virtually all from China in the items tested, are turning to cadmium. But a reasonable double whammy looms: Cadmium prices have plummeted as factories grasp for substitutes now that lead is heavily regulated under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

That law set a new, stringent standard for lead in children's products: Only the very smallest amount is permissible — no more than 0.0003 percent of the total content. The statute has led manufacturers to drastically reduce lead in toys and jewelry.

The law also contained the first explicit regulation of cadmium, though the standards are significantly less strict than lead and apply only to painted toys, not jewelry."

According to MSNBC, some of the most dangerously toxic items are "charms sold at Walmart, at the jewelry chain Claire's and at a dollar store. High amounts of cadmium also were detected in 'The Princess and The Frog' movie-themed pendants."

Try to conduct some research before purchasing toys for children. Even low toxicity levels can cause significant, permanent developmental problems. Of course, it is difficult, if not impossible at times, to determine how dangerous some products are, so manufacturers need to put people over profits and be sure they products are safe before they enter the marketplace. Lives are at stake.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" whose practice is dedicated to representing people in catastrophic personal injury matters, including product liability, medical malpractice and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

Texting, Drinking and Tragedy: Ranking State Driver-Safety Laws

Regan Zambri & Long — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:25:59 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

PRNewswire-USNewswire reports that "Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (AHAS) will issue its state-by-state ratings of traffic safety laws" later this month. And for the first time, the group will analyze restrictions placed on texting while driving--a problem that has reached a crisis level.

In each year over the last ten years, approximately 40,000 Americans were killed and another 2.5 million were injured as a result of automobile collisions. That translates into about 110 deaths and 7000 injuries every single day. Laws vary from state to state, and some laws are simply too weak.

I represent victims of reckless driving, people who have been tragically injured or killed due to the carelessness of others. State laws need to harshly punish those who intentional drive without due care for others on the road and those in their cars. The consequences of reckless driving can be catastrophic. I see lives and families ruined in a flash because of drunk-driving, texting-while-driving, and other reckless acts behind the wheel.

"The 2010 Roadmap Report on State Highway Safety Laws will grade each state and the District of Columbia on their laws addressing teen driving, distracted driving, drunk driving" and other safety laws, according to the article. I will participate in the webcast of the report, and will inform you of the results of AHAS's Report Card. If your state gets a poor grade, fight for change.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

Car Safety Supplies: What to Have in Case of an Accident or Other Emergency

Regan Zambri & Long — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:30:32 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

Winter is here in full force. Road conditions get particularly dangerous this time of year. Accidents and harsh weather conditions can cause drivers to become stranded. It's a good idea to be sure your car is stocked with supplies that come in handy in emergency situations. Here's a checklist from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that you may find useful.

"Car and Emergency Checklist

Prepare your car with emergency supplies.

Cell phone; portable charger and extra batteries
Shovel
Windshield scraper
Battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
Flashlight (and extra batteries)
Water
Snack food
Extra hats, coats, mittens
Blankets
Chains or rope
Tire chains
Canned compressed air with sealant (emergency tire repair)
Road salt and sand
Booster cables
Emergency flares
Bright colored flag; help signs
First aid kit
Tool kit
Road maps
Compass
Waterproof matches and a can (to melt snow for water)
Paper towels"

Please be careful when you drive, and try to avoid being on the road during extreme weather. If caught in an emergency, be prepared.

Safe travels.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.

BRP U.S. Inc. Recalls All-Terrain Vehicles As Dangerous

Regan Zambri & Long — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:48:30 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

All-terrain vehicle are fun, but they can be very dangerous if defective or misused. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, BRP U.S. Inc has recalled several all-terrain vehicles because the "dynamic power steering can fail, resulting in the sudden loss of steering control. This poses a risk of injury or death to riders."

If you own one of these ATVs, please stop using it immediately, and do not allow anyone access to it.

The following is an itemization of the recalled models:

Model Name	Model Number	Color
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	XT 4X 800EFI	Yellow, Viper Red, Camo
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	MAX XT 4X 800EFI	Yellow, Viper Red, Camo
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	MAX LTD 4X 800EFI	Yellow, Viper Red, Camo
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	MAX XT 4X 650EFI	Yellow, Viper Red, Camo
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	XT 4X 500EFI	Yellow, Viper Red, Camo
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	MAX XT 4X 500EFI	Yellow, Viper Red, Camo
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	XT-P 4X 800EFI	Black
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	MAX XT-P 4X 800EFI	Black
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	XT-P 4X 650EFI	Black
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	MAX XT-P 4X 650EFI	Black
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	XT-P 4X 500EFI	Black
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	MAX XT-P 4X 500EFI	Black
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	MAX LTD 4X 500EFI	Yellow, Viper Red, Camo
Can-Am® OUTLANDER™	XT 4X 650EFI	Yellow, Viper Red, Camo
Can-Am® RENEGADE™	XXC 4X 800EFI	Black

For additonal information, you can contact BRP toll-free at (888) 638-5397 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit their website: www.can-am.brp.com

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" whose practice is dedicated to representing people in catastrophic personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against distracted drivers of buses, tractor-trailers, other trucks, and cars. Mr. Zambri's firm has also obtained the largest settlement ever in a case involving the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009 and 2010)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

Falling TVs Pose Danger For Children

Regan Zambri & Long — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:07:42 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

Protect children from falling televisions. The AP (12/14) reported, "Studies suggest that the number of children killed or injured by falling television has risen even as more consumers replace their clunky old TVs with lighter flat screens." The CPSC "says more than 80 of the 180 furniture-related deaths from 2000 to 2006 involved televisions. And the number rose over the years."

Here's what you can do:

place your TV in a location that children cannot reach
if wall-mounting a TV, have it done professionally, so the TV is secure to the wall
if in a cabinet, be sure the cabinet is sturdy and cannot tip over
if on a stand, secure stand to a wall or the ground, and be sure TV is secured to stand

Read instructions carefully if putting together a stand, wall-mount, cabinet, etc. If parts are missing or damages, don't use product.

Be safe.

About the author:

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

Canned Slim-Fast Ready-To-Drink Products Recalled

Regan Zambri & Long — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:44:11 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

According to the FDA, "Unilever United States, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of all Slim-Fast® ready-to-drink (RTD) products in cans, due to the possibility of contamination with Bacillus cereus, a micro-organism, which may cause diarrhea and possibly nausea and/or vomiting."

"The recall involves all Slim-Fast® RTD products in cans, regardless of flavor, Best-By date, lot code or UPC number." Therefore, please do not use any of these products.

If you have purchased Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products in cans, you are urged to throw them out immediately. You are also encouraged to contact the company at 1-800-896-9479 for a full refund.

About the author:

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

50 Million Blinds Recalled Due To Strangulation Danger

Regan Zambri & Long — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:12:09 -0500

By Catherine Bertram, Partner

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled more than 50 million Roman-style blinds and roll up blinds due to the risk of strangulation. About five million Roman shades and about three million roll-up blinds are sold each year.

According to the recall notice, "Consumers that have Roman or roll-up shades in their homes should contact the WCSC immediately at www.windowcoverings.org or by calling (800) 506-4636 anytime to receive a free repair kit. To help prevent child strangulation in window coverings, CPSC and the WCSC urge parents and caregivers to follow these guidelines:

Examine all shades and blinds in the home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC and the WCSC recommend the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.
Do not place cribs, beds, and furniture close to the windows because children can climb on them and gain access to the cords.
Make loose cords inaccessible.
If the window shade has looped bead chains or nylon cords, install tension devices to keep the cord taut."

NBC Nightly News (12/15, lead story, Williams) reported, "The federal government reached about as far into American homes as they possibly could today and they did it right through the windows. They are also telling all of us it's for our own good. Today they launched one of the largest product recalls in American history."
        CBS Evening News (12/15, story by Couric) reported, "More than 50 million Roman-style shades and rollup blinds are being recalled because their cords can strangle a child. In fact, since 2001, eight children have died after their necks got caught in the cords of these shades and blinds."
        ABC World News (12/15, story by Gibson) reported that the recall "is causing big confusion. Consumers calling the recall hotline today heard an automated message offering repair kits for blinds that are not part of the recall. And the confusion continued at stores."
        In a story appearing on at least 332 news websites, the AP (12/15) reported, "The Consumer Product Safety Commission said five deaths and 16 near-strangulations from Roman shades have been reported since 2006, while three deaths connected to roll-up blinds have been reported since 2001." The commission "and the industry urged parents to examine all shades and blinds in the home and make sure they have no accessible cords." Several major retailers, "including Wal-Mart, JCPenney and Pottery Barn, are also participating in the recall."
        CNNMoney.com (12/15, Yousuf) reported, "CPSC said it is working with the Window Covering Safety Council, an industry trade group, to provide repair kits for Roman shades and roll-up blinds sold at retailers." The repair "will eliminate the cord from the Roman shades and instead provide rings for consumers to install." The Wall Street Journal (12/16, Trottman) also covered the story.

If you or a family member believe that you have a case involving death or injury caused by an unsafe product or the unsafe acts of someone else, please email me or call me directly at 202-822-1875 for a free consultation.

About the author:

Catherine Bertram is board certified in civil trials and was recently nominated as a 2010 Super Lawyer for Washington, D.C. Ms. Bertram has 20 years of trial experience. She is a partner with the firm and devotes her practice to the representation of individuals and the families of loved ones who have been injured or lost due to unsafe devices or the negligence of others. Ms. Bertram lives with her family in Washington, D.C. She can be reached by email at cbertram@reganfirm.com or by phone 202-822-1875 in her D.C. office.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON RECALLING OVER 100,000 MOTORCYCLES

Regan Zambri & Long — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:00:23 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

The Milwaukee Business Journal (12/10) reported, "Harley-Davidson Inc. is recalling 111,569 motorcycles manufactured from June 6, 2008, through Nov. 19, 2009, because of a threat of gasoline leaking in the event of a frontal collision. The recall affects some 2009 and 2010 touring bikes, including CVO Touring and Trike products, according to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration." The federal agency "said the motorcycles' front fuel tank mounts may distort as a result of a front-end crash, creating the potential for fuel to leak and ignite after a crash."

According to the recall, dealers will make repairs to the motorcycles free-of-charge. Consumer can call Harley-Davidson at (414) 343-4056 for more information.

This defect is obviously extremely dangerous. If you own a motorcycle that ha been recalled, please do not use it again until it has been properly repaired or replaced. I represent many victims of automobile defects, and the consequences of those defects can be devastating.

Please be safe.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.