Types of Truck Accidents Written by Michael Monheit, Esquire, Monheit Law, PC
Here are most common types of truck accidents:-- Truck Brakes Malfunction Heavy trucks use air brakes exclusively: Most are drum-like units. Air enters chamber when brakes are applied, push rod moves out turning slack adjuster which rotates S-cam and forces shoes into drum. Brakes are a heat engine, they convert kinetic energy or motion into thermal energy or heat. Suppose a 400-horsepower engine grosses out at 80,000 pounds. The engine can probably get up to 40 mph in 1/4 mile or 1,320 feet. The brakes should be able to stop in about 133 feet with this speed and weight. A full stop from 60 mph might raise drum temperatures to 600 degrees F. This is about limit for safe operation. If brakes aren't right or load is not distributed properly, then some drums might go up to 800-1,000 degrees F. The drum will increase in diameter as temperature rises. This is definitely dangerous for truck driver and passenger vehicles around truck. Downhill Break Failure Some truck drivers don't understand severe demands put on brakes by long downhill runs. Brakes had better be right used with correct braking technique for optimum safety to bottom. In recent years there had been erroneous information about how to brake on long down hills. It was wrongly suggested that a continuous application of brakes was preferred method. However, that is incorrect. Intermittent application or what trucking industry refers to as snubbing is preferred method. The key is not speed drop; this will depend on weight, grade, and other factors. The key is air pressure -- application pressure should be high enough to get all truck brakes working. In practice, unless brakes are in good condition, tractor-trailer balance is right, and load is ideally located; continuous application of brakes is likely to result in uneven drum and lining temperatures and problems before you get to bottom of hill. Downhill break failure can be prevented when all brakes are working some of time instead of some of brakes working all time. The application pressure must be high enough to ensure that all brake chambers apply and that all linings make solid contact with drums - about 20 psi or higher.
| | Vioxx Heart Attack and Stroke FAQsWritten by Michael Monheit, Esquire, Monheit Law, PC
== What are grounds for Vioxx stroke or Celebrex litigation? == Vioxx and Celebrex were billed as safe alternatives for people who suffer from chronic pain. In reality, they are expensive drugs that for most people provide no better treatment than older, less expensive medications. Far from having no side effects, these drugs share many of same side effects of older NSAID medications. Despite claims to contrary, new research has shown that patients who use these drugs are at risk of Vioxx heart attacks, stroke problems, liver damage, kidney damage, stomach ulcers, and other serious complications. == What has been done so far with regard to Vioxx heart attack and Celebrex litigation? == One class action suit has already been filed. Others are pending. == What options do I have if I’ve been affected by Vioxx or Celebrex? == You may qualify for future class action litigation against these drug makers. You may also have grounds for an individual suit for specific damages. == What are treatments for disorders caused by Vioxx and Celebrex? == Check with your doctor first. You may be able to use another pain relief medication. Older NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen work well for some patients. Other patients may not be able to use these medications. == What are dangers of Vioxx and Celebrex? Vioxx:Heart Attacks == Stomach ulcers and intestinal bleeding are most common dangers. There is also a risk of Vioxx heart attack and stroke. == Other side effects of these medications include: == Serious stomach problems, such as stomach and intestinal bleeding, can occur with or without warning symptoms. These problems, if severe, could lead to hospitalization or death. Although this happens rarely, you should watch for signs that you may have these serious side effects and tell your doctor immediately. Serious allergic reactions including swelling of face, lips, tongue, and/or throat which may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing occur rarely but may require treatment right away. Serious kidney problems occur rarely, including acute kidney failure and worsening of chronic kidney failure. Severe liver problems occur rarely in patients taking NSAIDs. Tell your doctor if you develop symptoms of liver problems. These include nausea, tiredness, itching, tenderness in right upper abdomen, and flu-like symptoms.
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