Posts by Michael Phelan
Truck Accidents Are Deadlier for Occupants of Passenger Vehicles
Long haul trucks deliver most of the goods consumers purchase and find in stores. America’s reliance on these trucks means that passenger vehicles share the roads each day with numerous tractor-trailers. While these heavy trucks are critical to commerce and maintaining the supply chain, their enormous size and weight pose an ongoing, potentially fatal danger…
Read MoreThe Dangers of Elevated Train Crossings: What You Should Know
There are some 3,200 miles of active train tracks in Virginia, a combination of freight and passenger lines overlaid on our highway system that most of us never think twice about. This transportation system exists in a sort of parallel state with other forms of transit, but follows different rules, regulations, and timeframes. In late…
Read MoreWhat’s the Most Common Type of Car Accident in Virginia?
Vehicle crashes have been declining across the nation for years thanks to better regulations and improvements in safety technologies. However much the numbers have dropped, the fact remains that the number of accidents each year still remains unacceptably high. Eliminating traffic crashes entirely is still firmly in the realm of a high-technology future; no system…
Read MoreFor Teen Drivers, Distraction Comes in Many Forms
Distracted driving is pervasive and dangerous. A moment’s inattention at highway speeds can have a lifetime of consequences for accident victims, and no one is immune. Legislation to combat this widespread issue went into effect statewide in July 2020, but enforcement efforts began in January of this year. The new law imposes stiff penalties on…
Read MoreSecond Person Killed by ARC Air Bag Inflators, Prompting Recalls
An exploding air bag inflator has killed two people and potentially injured others. According to GM Authority, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and General Motors (GM) have issued recalls for two models already, the Chevy Traverse and the Buick Enclave, citing the risk of explosion. We expect more recalls to follow. The airbag…
Read MoreThe Importance of Full UM/UIM Coverage Following a Truck or Car Accident
Most people expect their auto insurance liability policy to cover them in the event that they are at fault in causing a crash that results in collision damage and/or injuries. What many people do not realize is that if they are injured in an accident and not at fault, they may need to use their…
Read MoreCPSC Recalls Magnetic Ball Toys Due to Ingestion Hazard
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a mandatory recall of two magnet ball and cube products due to ingestion hazards. Because of these high-powered magnets, the risk of ingestion can lead to fatalities. Further, because the company refused to agree to a voluntary recall, the CPSC sued the manufacturer to force a mandatory recall.…
Read MoreMichael Phelan Named to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100
Phelan Petty is pleased to announce that partner Michael Phelan has been selected for inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 list of Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Virginia. This prestigious, invitation-only organization highlights the work of civil plaintiff and criminal defense attorneys across the country who have achieved outstanding results on behalf of…
Read MoreAmazon’s Change of Heart Regarding Defective Products Is Profit-Driven
Retail giant Amazon recently announced an update to its A-to-Z Guarantee, which covers the condition and timeliness of customer deliveries. The Guarantee now covers claims up to $1,000 when a defective product sold under the Amazon umbrella causes personal injury or property damage. Amazon claims this move is to facilitate more trust between Amazon and…
Read MoreTruck Drivers Left Untreated, Unable to Work Due to CPAP Machine Recall
A June product recall of CPAP machines has led to a lawsuit, filed by an Oregon truck driver in an example of how corporate negligence harms working-class citizens every day. After the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced a Class I recall of millions of Philips Respironics CPAP and BiPAP machines, many sleep apnea…
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