Item: Flaxman Law Group
Rating: 5
Author: Clara Barman

Best Trucker Don Logan Offers Tips That Could Prevent a Hialeah Truck Accident

Published on: September 21, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Don Logan was named Grand Champion this year at the National Truck Driving Championships. He also has six state championships and has 2,180,000 accident-free miles during over twenty-five years of truck driving experience. In a recent interview, Logan offered drivers some tips on how to prevent a truck accident:

1) Provide extra distance when it comes to trucks. Trucks take longer to stop and may need to make sudden stops, so following a safe distance behind trucks can help prevent a Hialeah truck accident. In addition, trucks have many blind spots, including the area immediately behind a truck. In general, if you cannot see a truck driver in a truck’s mirrors, you are in the truck’s blind spot and the truck driver cannot see you. In many cases, Hialeah car accidents involving trucks occur because a car was in a driver’s blind spot. You can avoid this type of collision by giving trucks plenty of room, especially in bad weather.

2) Never drive distracted. Distracted driving can lead to Hialeah pedestrian accidents as well as many types of traffic accidents. While responsible truck drivers such as Logan keep their focus on the road, some truck drivers and motorists are distracted. Keeping your full focus on the road can mean that you notice these dangerous drivers in time to prevent an accident. Keeping your full focus on your driving also allows you to drive defensively, so that you can avoid Hialeah traffic collisions.

3) Use signal lights correctly. Truck drivers cannot read your mind, and neither can other drivers or pedestrians. Your signal lights help you to communicate with others who share the road with you, allowing you to merge safely and make safe lane changes.

4) Never drive fatigued. Truck drivers need to follow strict federal guidelines to ensure that they get proper rest, but most motorists only rely on themselves to ensure that they are in good condition to drive. It is important to be in good shape to drive, since fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. According to some research studies, fatigued drivers have the same poor response times as drunk drivers. Being well rested, calm, and physically in good shape ensures that you can drive safely, so take care of yourself.

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Drunk Driving Miami Truck Accidents: A Big Concern for Everyone

Published on: September 6, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, three percent of fatal US truck accidents in 2010 involved a drunk truck driver. Of these drivers, 2% had a Blood Alcohol Level of.08 to .14. The legal limit across the US is .08. While the percentage of large truck drivers who were drinking and driving was lower than the levels of drunk drivers among passenger car drivers, motorcyclists, and other motorists, it is still a concern that three percent of drivers in fatal truck accidents had been drinking.

Miami drunk driving accidents are not only entirely preventable, but they can be especially devastating when a large commercial truck is involved. Large commercial trucks can cause incredible devastation, and can collide with numerous trucks, cars, and vehicles on the road, causing multiple injuries and even fatalities. These devastating accidents can even cause secondary accidents, as the initial Miami truck collision could obstruct traffic or damage the road, leading to more accidents. Miami truck accidents routinely result in fatalities, broken bones, amputations, Miami spinal cord injuries, Miami head injuries, and other serious injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a new “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign to reduce the numbers of drunk drivers even further. The agency will be joining with other groups and law enforcement across the country to crack down on drunk driving.

These and other initiatives are designed to help prevent drunk driving, but it is ultimately up to truck drivers and motorists of passenger vehicles to stop drunk driving. It is up to drivers themselves to avoid getting in their car or truck if they have been driving. Whether you drive a truck or car, it is important to always have a “get home safe plan” if you have been drinking. Even if you do not plan on drinking during an evening, it is important to have a plan to get home safely if you do change your mind and consume alcohol. Having a solid plan in place is the best way to ensure that you will not make a poor choice if you have been drinking. Keeping extra money in your glove compartment and the numbers of some taxi companies is a good precaution to take.

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Will Higher Truck Sales Increase the Risk of Miami Gardens Truck Accidents?

Published on: September 4, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to Autodata corp, sales of big pickup trucks rose in August 2012 to become the highest since 2009. At the same time, overall car sales increased 20 percent over last year. The most popular large pickup trucks all increased in sales, including Ford’s F-Series, (which saw sales increase 19 percent), General Motors’ Chevy Silverado (4 %), the GMC Sierra (9%) and Toyota’s Tundra (68%). According to Autodata corp, the increase in car sales and truck sales is caused by an increased confidence in the economy and by business sales. Businesses are replacing older fleets and cars, and this is driving sales up. The interest among the general public for larger pickup trucks is also fueling the sales increases.

Will the increase truck sales also increase the risk of Miami Gardens truck accident? While it is difficult to tell for sure, it is possible that the risk will be greater. Quite simply, with more trucks sharing the road there is a higher risk of Miami Gardens traffic accidents involving tracks. The increase in light truck sales, especially, can be a problem. This is because light trucks can be driven by anyone – not just truck drivers with extensive experience and training. This means that some of the drivers purchasing these trucks may not have the expertise to handle larger vehicles easily without increasing the risk of an accident. Luckily, there are many things that motorists can do to help prevent Miami Gardens car accidents involving light trucks:

1) Buy the smallest car or truck you need. Larger trucks and vans have more blind spots and are more unwieldy to drive. If you do not need a light truck for your job or your hobbies, a smaller car with a good safety record may be a good option. If you do need a truck, carefully compare safety ratings and choose the smallest truck with the best safety rating you can.

2) Keep your truck in good condition. One of the advantages of increased light truck sales is that companies are replacing older fleets. This is actually good news, since older vehicles and poorly maintained vehicles are a hazard on the road. Older vehicles may be more prone to mechanical breakdowns and problems which can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. Replacing trucks with newer models and maintaining those trucks is a step in the right direction. If you do own a truck, maintain it correctly and keep it in good condition so that it performs as expected and helps you avoid a Miami Gardens truck accident.

3) Get comfortable with the truck or get additional training before taking the truck on the road. If you have always driven a passenger car, give yourself some time to get familiar with your new truck, or better yet, get some one-on-one personal training with a driving instructor who has experience with light trucks. Driving a truck – even a light truck – is significantly different than driving a car.

4) Learn to load your truck correctly. Most light truck owners buy a truck because they want to be able to load their truck with various items. However, how you load your truck will determine whether your truck is safe or not when you’re driving. Carefully read the owner’s manual and follow all directions for loading your truck. Never overload your vehicle – this can cause tire blowouts, brake problems, and other mechanical problems that can lead to a Miami Gardens traffic accident.

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Cars, Bicycles, and Trucks Share the Responsibility for Hialeah Traffic Accidents

Published on: August 30, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

In order to prevent Hialeah traffic accidents, bicyclists, motorists, and truck drivers all share the responsibility for safe driving. Pedestrians can help prevent accidents by avoiding jaywalking and distracted driving. Good visibility is also important in preventing Hialeah pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians can help by wearing highly visible clothing and by carrying flashlights at night, so that drivers can see them. In some cases, Hialeah pedestrian accidents are caused when pedestrians walk out in front of cars where motorists are not expecting pedestrians. Trying to cross at intersections and making good eye contact with the motorist before crossing road can help ensure that drivers and pedestrians are working together to prevent accidents.

Truck drivers can help prevent accidents by taking care of themselves and their truck. Ensuring that a truck is in good shape is important, but so is getting adequate rest and care. Truck drivers are subject to many federal regulations designed to help prevent truck accidents. To help prevent more Hialeah truck accidents, drivers can ensure that they follow all federal regulations carefully and report any truck carriers who violate regulations and laws. Statistically, truck drivers are safer than most motorists on the road, simply because they have extensive training and experience. However, additional training and careful adherence to the laws can help make truck drivers even safer.

Motorists can also help prevent Hialeah car accidents by honing their skills and avoiding distracted driving. While Florida does not have any texting bans in place, motorists can help prevent many Hialeah traffic accidents by refusing to drive distracted and by putting away their mobile devices before getting in their car. Although it is not illegal to use a mobile device while driving in Florida, many research studies have proven that distracted driving is a key cause of many traffic accidents. In addition to avoiding distracted driving, Florida motorists can also help prevent Hialeah traffic accidents by avoiding drunk driving and fatigued driving, both of which are also extremely dangerous on the roads.

Bicyclists can also help prevent Hialeah bicycle accidents by obeying traffic laws and by staying visible when riding. Bicyclists can help prevent injuries by wearing a helmet and by riding with their full focus on the road.

Anyone can do their part in preventing Hialeah bicycle accidents and car accidents by ensuring that the roads are as safe as possible. If you notice laws or roadways that could be changed to make the streets safer, contact your elected representative and write a letter to the editor of your newspaper. Seeking to change laws and street design, where needed, can help make the streets safer for everyone.

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Could Communicating Vehicles Help Prevent Miami Truck Accidents and Car Accidents?

Published on: August 21, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, but according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, talking vehicles may not only be the future of transportation, but could also help prevent many traffic accidents. In 2011, 32,310 Americans died in traffic accidents, but LaHood believes that talking vehicles could help prevent or reduce the seriousness of as much as 80% of traffic accidents.

A twelve month trial has just started in Ann Arbor, where 3,000 vehicles will be monitored to see whether the new technology can help prevent accidents. The city will have wi-fi in traffic signs and intersection and the cars will be equipped with wireless devices as well so that they can communicate with each other and with traffic signals and lights. The cars will therefore be able to tell whether a car is approaching too fast or whether there is another sign that a crash is imminent. When this occurs, the cars will communicate with other cars in the area to prevent an accident. According to experts, this will work because the car’s software will be a much better indicator of potential threat than the average driver. The car’s technology will also allow cars to “see” dangers that the average cannot – such as a problem a few cars ahead.

When a problem is found, the cars will use audio and visual warnings to alert the driver so that the driver can take the correct action to prevent an accident. The project in Ann Arbor is a $25 million team effort involving GM, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz as well as parts manufacturers. The project is overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
If the project is successful, it is possible that manufacturers and cities will start collaborating on cars that can communicate with each other as well as on traffic signals and lights that can communicate to cars. There are already cars on the market with sensors and lasers, which are usually part of an advance crash warning system. However, the current Ann Arbor project is more sophisticated because it uses wi-fi, allowing the cars to detect threats that lasers and sensors cannot. The wi-fi is considered more effective because it allows cars to detect danger that is further away.

If the project is successful and the technology is widely adapted, it could mean interesting things for the future of preventing Miami car accidents. Currently, many Miami traffic accidents are caused by driver error, driver inattention, and the inability of drivers to evade a collision in time. The new technology would remove some of the driver error by clearly telling drivers when they are at risk of a Miami truck accident or car accident, giving the driver enough time to avoid the situation. Currently, there is no timeline in place indicating when the technology would be available for the average consumer. For now, Miami drivers will need to avoid car collisions the traditional way: by driving defensively and carefully.

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Obesity and Fort Lauderdale Truck Accidents: Is There a Connection?

Published on: August 16, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Fort Lauderdale truck accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including mechanical problems, driver errors, poor road design, and even the weather. However, there is a growing number of experts who believe that driver health can be a serious risk when it comes to Fort Lauderdale traffic accidents as well. Drivers who are overweight and obese are at an increased risk to develop many types of conditions that can be dangerous behind the wheel:

1) Sleep Apnea. Sleep apnea sufferers stop breathing momentarily in their sleep and may therefore wake up repeatedly throughout the night. Those who have sleep apnea are likely to experience extreme fatigue during the day, even when they do sleep. This makes them extremely dangerous as drivers, as they can drift off or fall asleep behind the wheel.

2) Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes sufferers need to watch what they eat and need to maintain a good blood sugar level, usually by using insulin. Diabetes sufferers are prone to dizziness and other symptoms when their blood sugar is not regulated. For a truck driver, a bout of dizziness or loss of consciousness can cause a devastating Fort Lauderdale traffic accident.

3) Heart problems. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, blocked arteries, heart attacks, heart failure, and other cardiac-related problems. Unfortunately, if someone suffers from a cardiac event while driving, the results can be devastating. In the future, there may be technology in place to prevent this type of situation. Toyota, for example, is designing a steering wheel that has a built-in electrocardiogram (ECG) which will be able to detect arrhythmia and heart attacks in drivers. The steering wheel will have contact sensors that will be in contact with the driver’s hands to detect any abnormal rhythm. The data would be displayed on the navigation screen in the car. Ford is also reportedly working on a car seat with a heart monitor. It is not yet known when either car manufacturer will make these features available in trucks and cars. In the meantime, it is up to drivers to maintain their health and to control any chronic health conditions.

4) Strokes. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn can put a patient at an increased risk of strokes. Even a minor stroke can leave a driver confused and unable to drive a car. A serious stroke will generally affect motor skills and will cause a sufferer to lose consciousness. If this happens on the road, a Fort Lauderdale car accident is the result.

Unfortunately, a truck driver’s job can make them susceptible to obesity and weight gain. Truck drivers lead a sedentary lifestyle, sitting down to drive. In many cases, they work long hours which may not permit them to exercise often. In addition, truck drivers are often on the road, which means they may end up eating fast food and not having access to a gym. Today, many truck drivers are aware of the risks and many are taking steps to lead healthier lifestyles. However, the nature of the job does mean that drivers have to work a little harder to lead healthier lives.

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Common Causes of Miami Beach Truck Accidents

Published on: August 14, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

There are many causes of Miami Beach truck accidents, but the most common ones are:

1) Speeding. When truck drivers speed, they are likely to lose control of their trucks. It is an especial concern with commercial trucks, which take longer to stop than passenger vehicles. A truck driver who is speeding may not leave themselves enough time to stop safely.

2) Overloaded commercial trucks. An over-loaded commercial truck is dangerous since the extra weight places additional pressure on the tires and the brakes, making brake failure and tire blowouts more common.

3) Fatigue or drowsy driving. Fatigued truck drivers may not respond in time to avoid a Miami beach car accident. In some cases, tired drivers may simply fall asleep at the wheel and careen into an oncoming lane or off the road entirely.

4) Violations of safety rules. Commercial truck drivers must obey a range of federal rules which have been designed to keep roads safe. These rules include restrictions on how long drivers can drive without breaks and rules about checking the condition of the truck.

5) Incorrectly maintained trucks. Both truck carriers and truck drivers are responsible for maintenance tasks and for reporting and dealing with any maintenance issues. When a correct maintenance schedule is not adhered to and when trucks are not carefully checked over, it is more likely that major systems such as brakes or the engine will fail, which can lead to a Miami Beach traffic accident. Since commercial trucks are on the road so long, they tend to see more wear and tear than other vehicles, making proper maintenance all the more important.

6) Lack of a rear guard. A rear guard is designed to prevent a common type of Miami Beach car accident known as an underride accident. This type of Miami Beach car accident involves a car sliding underneath the trailer. When this happens, fatalities and serious injuries are sally the result since the smaller car is often crushed or dragged under the larger truck.

7) Incorrectly secured loads. When cargo is not correctly secured, it can cause the cargo to shift or move while a truck is on the road, which can cause the truck driver to lose control.
8) Tire defects and other problems, which can lead to tire blowouts.

9) Drunk driving or driving under the influence. Miami Beach drunk driving accidents are always devastating, but they can be especially likely to lead to serious injuries and fatalities when large trucks are involved.

10) Incorrect stop on the side of the road. When truck drivers pull over to the side of the road, it is important that they do not obstruct traffic and it is important that the truck remains visible, to prevent other vehicles from colliding with the parked truck.

11) Reckless or aggressive driving.

In many cases, a Miami Beach truck accident can be caused by several factors. It is important to work with a Miami Beach personal injury attorney to find the causes behind the accident that has injured you. Finding all possible causes can mean finding multiple liable parties, which can increase the chances of a fair settlement – one that pays for lost income, medical bills, and other costs related to your accident.

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North Miami Truck Accidents: Understanding Underride Accidents

Published on: August 9, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

North Miami truck accidents tend to be devastating, especially when they involve the collision of a larger commercial truck and a smaller passenger vehicle. There are many types of truck accidents, including rear-end accidents, head-on collisions, side-swipe accidents and many others. One of the most devastating types of North Miami traffic accidents, however, is the underride accident. This occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a larger commercial truck. There are many reasons why this happens. It can occur because a car does not stop in time when following behind a truck. It can also occur when a vehicle switches lanes and an error causes the smaller vehicle to end up under the trailer. There are many situations that can lead to this type of accident:

1) Following too closely behind a truck. A common reason for many underride accidents is driver inattention and lack of adequate space. Commercial trucks may take longer to stop than passenger vehicles, but they are also more likely to make unexpected stops. A driver who is following too closely behind a truck and is not paying attention is likely to be in a North Miami car accident if the truck stops suddenly.
2) Incorrect lane changes. If a truck or passenger vehicle change lanes suddenly, without due warning and without checking blind spots, an underride accident can occur quite easily.

3) Failing to see the truck in time. While it seems unlikely that a driver would fail to see a large tractor trailer, it happens all the time. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver expectation is the key reason behind many of these accidents. Quite simply, the driver perceives the truck as moving when it is still or believes that the truck is further than it is, and this causes a collision. Poor visibility, poor lighting on a truck, and a truck pulled over in an emergency lane can all create this type of confusion.

4) Road conditions. Slick roads or poor road construction can make it harder for a smaller vehicle to stop when needed, and this can mean that a vehicle is propelled towards and under a truck in front of them. Speeding can contribute to the problem and can make this type of accident even more likely.

No matter how underride accidents occur, this type of North Miami car accident is always devastating. There is a high fatality rate for this type of accident, as the car under the truck will almost always be severely damaged, causing severe injuries to those inside. The top of the passenger car involved in an underride accident will often be crushed or partially sliced off. Passengers in the car are likely to suffer severe North Miami head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other life-threatening injuries. Removing the victims can be extremely difficult for emergency responders and can cause further injury to the passengers trapped inside the car.

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The Importance of Proper Maintenance in Preventing Miami Truck Accidents

Published on: July 10, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Proper maintenance is essential in preventing Miami truck accidents. Although technology now means that some truck parts can outlast trucks, there is still a need for maintenance to prevent Miami traffic accidents. Maintenance helps carriers and truck drivers notice problems – such as brake issues or tire problems – and fix them before they have a chance to cause a Miami car accident or traffic accident. Frequent maintenance also ensures that trucks are working at their best and respond correctly if a truck driver needs to move suddenly to avoid a collision.

Good truck maintenance includes careful attention to the axles and suspension system of a truck. Both are essential for truck safety and both can fail. Axles need to be checked regularly for lubricant and leaks. Suspensions are susceptible to stress cracks and corrosion. They need to be checked and tuned up regularly, especially the steel-spring types of suspensions on most trucks. In addition to the suspension system and the axles, a proper maintenance inspections takes a look at all major systems of a truck, including tires, steering, braking, and other systems.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires truck carriers to conduct regular inspections, which include inspections of the steering mechanisms, axles, wheels, frame, and other systems in every truck. The FMSCA also requires push-out windows, bus emergency doors and other systems to be checked at least every three months. Carriers are responsible for maintaining inspection records and repair records for all their trucks for at least 18 months after the trucks are no longer part of the company’s fleet. In addition, the FMSCA requires commercial truck drivers to carry out regular visual inspections of their trucks.

If inspections reveal a problem, carriers are responsible for ensuring that the problem is fixed before the truck is placed back on the road. Truck carriers are expected to keep records of the inspections and any repairs to prove that the proper work has been completed. This system can actually serve truck carriers. After all, maintenance and repairs are far less costly than an accident and subsequent legal claim by injured parties. Properly maintained and repaired trucks can also work more efficiently, use less gas, and last longer than incorrectly maintained trucks, which can help save companies money.

Of course, even with proper maintenance, there can be an increased risk of Miami car accidents involving trucks in cases where specific truck systems are defective. In these cases, if a defect causes a Miami truck accident and the accident causes injuries, the injured parties may be able to launch a Miami products liability case against the manufacturers of the defective truck part. In these cases, there are often multiple parties, which can help injury victims get fairer compensation to help pay for lost income, medical bills, and other expenses.

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Early July Storms Highlight the Dangers of Miami Truck Accidents

Published on: July 5, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Summer storms in the Mid-Atlantic region have caused power outages and Florida Power and Light workers as well as workers from other states have been sent to the area to help restore power. The massive amounts of crews and trucks sent to the area, as well as the damage caused by the storms, however, do increase the risk of truck accidents for utility workers. In fact, Florida resident and utility worker Jacqueline Green was killed earlier in the week as part of her job. Summer storms are a reality for the Florida region, but they can lead to an increase in Miami truck accidents in a number of ways:

1) Downed power lines, debris, and fallen trees can create obstacles that can lead to Miami car accidents and truck accidents. Storms create a lot of damage and this can lead to poor road conditions as well as unexpected obstacles. If possible, stay off the roads during a storm, as poor visibility as well as blowing debris can easily result in a Miami traffic accident. If you need to venture out after a storm, make sure that you stay extra alert for possible obstacles on the road. If you see power lines or trees down, wait until you are pulled over or back home before reporting them.

2) Power outages can lead to malfunctioning traffic signs and lights. This can cause traffic congestion as well as accidents if drivers do not treat an intersection with downed traffic lights as a four-way stop. If traffic signs and lights are not working correctly after a storm, make sure that you yield right of way.

3) Serious storms can lead to more utility trucks on the roads – especially utility trucks from other areas. This can mean more traffic on the road but also more truck drivers who may not be familiar with the area. This can easily lead to Miami car accidents involving these trucks. It is especially a problem since utility workers may need to make frequent stops or may need to park in the middle of the street in order to fix power lines and other utilities. After a serious storm, stay alert for extra truck traffic and give utility trucks extra room to work to restore power.

4) Serious storms can lead to utility work on the roads, resulting in road closures and detours. Utility workers often work around the clock after a storm and are under pressure to get services up and running again. This puts utility workers at risk, especially if they need to work on a busy road. Of you see utility workers trying to restore power or working on lines, slow down, give them extra room and follow any signs you see. Utility workers are at risk of Miami pedestrian accidents on the job, and using extra caution can help keep these workers safe as they restore essential services to the city.

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