Personal Injury Cases – Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli

On June 3, 2010, Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell signed into law a bill that closes a loophole in the state’s regulations regarding cell phone usage while driving. The new law in no uncertain terms bans texting on a cell phone or other hand-held wireless devices while driving. However, “hands free” voice activated texting will still be allowed, along with hands-free cell phone usage in general.

When the new law goes into effect on Oct. 1, it will clear up much confusion about whether or not texting is allowed while driving in Connecticut. The confusion came about because Connecticut is one of eight states nationwide that has already banned the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Drivers must use a hands-free device while talking on a cell phone. But that law doesn’t specifically state that Connecticut drivers are prohibited from texting while driving.

The new law also eliminates the one-time exemption that violators had been able to claim by submitting proof of purchase of a hands-free cell phone. Now, first time violators face a fine of $100. A second offense of texting while driving will cost you $150. All subsequent violations will each result in a $200 fine.

Keeping up with the latest laws can be mind boggling. Knowing what’s legal or not can be confusing. We can help. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli. If you have been involved in a car accident involving a texting driver, we know how to navigate through the complex legal hurdles standing in your way for justice.

Don’t let someone else’s reckless behavior ruin your life. Take action. Contact Mark E. Salomone & Morelli. We’re on your side.

Toyota’s massive recall of vehicles with defective breaks has prompted politicians in Washington to take action. U.S. legislators recently wrote a proposed law aimed at preventing such catastrophic defects in vehicles in the future. The proposed law would require all automakers to install anti-runaway technology. Such improvements include brake override systems, stop-start technology and event data recorders.

The proposed law may also give the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the authority to quickly order recalls of vehicles deemed to be a public danger. The recall measure would give the NHTSA the power to stop to all sales of vehicles deemed to pose an “imminent hazard” to the public, eliminating the current public-hearing process.

Since November, Toyota has recalled more than 9.9 million vehicles worldwide – including 8 million in the U.S. – for defects believed to cause unintended acceleration. Such defects have been blamed for 37 deaths nationwide since 2000.

Accidents are complicated. Laws change quickly. Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident in a Toyota or another vehicle brand, take action. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone and Morelli today. Our knowledgeable, experienced lawyers will vigorously defend your rights and get you the compensation you are entitled to as a victim of an automobile defect or accident. Don’t let someone else’s reckless behavior ruin your life. You deserve justice. We can help.