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

Resources That Can Help You if You Have Been in a Hallandale Beach Truck Accident

Published on: November 1, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have been in a Hallandale Beach truck accident, your injuries may be severe and you may face a lifetime or many months of recovery. Whether you sustain burn injuries, Hallandale Beach head injuries, fractures, spinal cord trauma, or other injuries, you may face financial challenges, pain, lost work time, and many other challenges. As you begin to recover from your injuries, it is important that you have resources on hand to help you through the process. There are many places you can turn if you have been seriously injured in a Hallandale Beach traffic accident:

1) Your doctor. If you have been seriously injured in a Hallandale Beach car accident or truck accident, you will likely be rushed to an emergency room and get an initial evaluation from an emergency room physician. You may also get referrals to specialists for follow-up treatment. Eventually, however, you will want to visit your regular doctor, who can also provide you with additional information about your condition and can provide care based on your medical history as well as your current injuries. In fact, even if you are fortunate and your Hallandale Beach truck accident does not require you to visit the emergency room, you may wish to visit your doctor for a check-up to ensure that there are no injuries. Some injuries – including head injuries and soft tissue injuries – may not present symptoms right away but still require prompt treatment.

2) Your pharmacist. Your pharmacist may be an important resource for you after your accident. If you are given medication after your injury, your pharmacist can ensure that your medication will not interact with other medication you are taking. Your pharmacist may also be able to recommend over-the-counter painkillers as well as other products that can help you as you recover from your accident.

3) Your insurance company. Insurance companies become involved soon after an accident and may make a claim offer to cover your medical costs, car damage, and other expenses related to your Halladale Beach truck accident. When speaking with insurance companies, however, keep in mind that these businesses typically wish to settle claims quickly and inexpensively. If an insurance company makes you an offer, you may wish to have a legal professional look the offer over and you may wish to learn more about how much your case could be worth.

4) A personal injury attorney. Contacting a Hallandale Beach personal injury attorney after your accident can be important. An attorney can do several things. They can help you understand your rights and options and can help you find other resources as you start to recover from your injuries. Attorneys can also investigate the accident and can find all liable parties. Of course, they can also pursue compensation on your behalf and can also review offers made by insurance companies. Basically, attorneys represent you and ensure that your interests are protected. Your initial consultation with a Hallandale Beach personal injury attorney may be free, so you may wish to at least speak with an attorney to find out what any attorney can do in your case.

5) Your elected representative. If your accident was caused by poor road conditions or flawed laws, speaking out against these problems can be an important part of the healing process. You may wish to write to your elected representative to ask for changes to ensure that others are not injured the way you are.

6) Social media and the Internet. There are many online resources, including support groups, available for people who are suffering from specific types of injuries. If you have sustained a burn injury, for example, it can be helpful to speak with others who have dealt with a similar injury and have recovered.

7) Support groups. Support groups as well as friends and family provide an important source of emotional support after your accident. After a serious trauma such as a traffic collision it is normal to be frightened, upset, and anxious. Speaking with others can help.

Continue reading →

Avoiding Coral Gables Truck Accidents Involving Pedestrians

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

When it comes to Coral Gables pedestrian accidents involving trucks, pedestrians have almost no chance. A large commercial truck can easily kill a pedestrian while causing almost no damage to the vehicle itself. To prevent this type of accident from occurring to you, make sure to follow these tips:

1) Use extra caution when approaching a truck on foot. One of the big risks that lead to Coral Gables truck accidents is that trucks have many blind spots. These blind spots prevent a truck driver from seeing a car near the truck – much less a pedestrian. Many trucks also make frequent stops and starts as they make deliveries, so predicting their movements can be more challenging than predicting the movements of cars.

2) Teach children to avoid approaching trucks. Children are naturally curious about large commercial trucks, so it is important to teach children to never approach these vehicles or play near them.

3) If you must approach a truck, make eye contact with the truck driver to ensure that he or she can see you. The driver can only see you if you can see the driver in the mirrors. If you cannot, you are in the driver’s blind spot.

4) Be careful when walking along roads and shoulders of roads with plenty of truck traffic. Trucks may be driving along highways and country roads, and these types of areas tend not to have sidewalks, making them riskier for Coral Gables traffic accidents. If you must walk in these areas, walk towards traffic and use extra caution.

5) Stay visible when taking a walk. Wear clothes with reflective strips and carry a flashlight. You are less at risk of a Coral Gables car accident or truck accident if motorists can see you.

6) Use extra caution in areas with truck traffic. This includes busy streets, garbage days, retail areas, and parking lots. Keep alert for truck traffic and make sure you give trucks extra room. Trucks use alarms and signal lights to communicate with drivers around them – make sure that you stay alert for any signals from trucks around you.

7) Do not walk distracted or drunk. Most drivers are aware of the risks of drunk driving and distracted driving, but distraction and inebriation can also be a risk for pedestrians. If you are under the influence or distracted, you can easily walk into a truck’s path or forget to use extra caution. Only walk when you are physically and mentally fit to do so.

Continue reading →

Now that the Holidays are Nearing, the Risk of Aventura Truck Accidents is on the Rise

Published on: October 25, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

With the holidays approaching, there are more trucks on the road than ever before. They are delivering products to retailers for holiday sales and are delivering purchases and packages to customers. Extra trucks on local roads can mean a greater risk of Aventura truck accidents, so consider these tips for staying safe:

1) Consider doing your holiday shopping early. Not only is it more convenient (and less stressful) but it will prevent you from having to be out as often when there are even more trucks on the road. One of the big risks for seasonal Aventura car accidents is that motorists are stressed out at this time of year, and therefore more likely to make mistakes. Giving yourself more time to run errands and shop may help you reduce the risk of an Aventura traffic accident.

2) Get your car a tune-up. This is especially important if you will be taking a road trip to visit family for the holidays. Keeping your car in good shape means that your car is more likely to respond correctly when you need to make sudden maneuvers to avoid a collision.

3) Take the distraction-free pledge. At this time of year, everyone is busy, but avoiding distraction behind the wheel becomes extra important in order to avoid accidents.

4) Have at least three safe options for getting home if you will be attending holiday events. Prevent Aventura drunk driving accidents by planning ahead now. Tuck extra money into an inner pocket of your wallet, along with the numbers of cab companies. Slip a bus schedule into your glove compartment. Write down the phone numbers of friends who can offer you a safe drive home. Planning ahead and having more options allows you to stay safer during the entire holiday season.

5) Review the basics of driving safely around trucks. A big part of avoiding Aventura truck accidents involves knowing how to share the road. Trucks require more room to stop, so it is important not to follow too closely. Trucks also have more blind spots, which is another reason to give them more room.

6) Review your to-do list and see what can be removed. Stress and rushing are two key causes of many traffic accidents. Having fewer things to do allows you to enjoy more time with your loved ones and may even help to keep you safer.

7) Schedule in some extra sleep. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, according to some research studies, since driving sleepy means you are driving with the same slower response times as an intoxicated driver. Tired drivers are also more apt to fall asleep behind the wheel and lose control of their cars. Shorter days at this time of year can exacerbate the effects of poor sleep, so make sure that you are sleeping well. Speak to your doctor if you feel tired often.

Continue reading →

Common Causes of Tire Problems and Coral Gables Truck Accidents

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

Many Coral Gables truck accidents are caused by tire blow outs and other tire problems. If you have spent any time on highways in the area, you are no doubt familiar with the strips of tire on the road that are often the remaining debris after a truck tire blow out. There are many reasons why tire blow outs happen so often:

1) Tire defects. In some cases, tire manufacturers design a defective tire or the tire is made defective during a faulty manufacturing process. In both cases, if a defective tire causes injuries in a Coral Gables car accident or truck accident, victims may be able to launch a Coral Gables defective product claim against the manufacturer.

2) Recalled tires. In cases where a tire manufacturer notices that there is a problem with a type of tire, they may issue a recall to prevent the issue from causing accidents. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has a website listing recalls at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls. In some cases, truck carriers may not check for recalled tires and may continue to use tires which are known to be defective.

3) Lack of tire maintenance. Truck carriers and drivers have a responsibility for maintaining brakes and other major truck systems. When drivers and carriers are not responsible in doing so, Coral Gables traffic accidents can result.

4) Not using tires which meet basic tread depth regulations. DOT has requirements for minimum tread depth to ensure that tires grip the road correctly. When truck companies do not abide by these regulations, drivers may have a harder time controlling the trucks and avoiding collisions.

5) Mixing tires. For maximum safety, tires need to be the same type, size, and wear. Mixing and matching can result in an imbalance and can increase the risk of a Coral Gables truck collision. Combining radial and bias tires on the same axle can also cause collisions and can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle.

6) Lack of inspections. Drivers are required by law to perform inspections of the tires and major commercial truck systems each day before a trip. They are also mandated to keep a report of their inspections. If a tire shows signs of incorrect inflations, air leakage, excessive tread wear, sidewall damage, or tread damage, drivers are expected to fix the issue or report the issue so that it can be fixed.

Continue reading →

Brake Failure Can Lead to Hollywood Truck Accidents

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

When tire failure occurs on a commercial truck, the truck can drift into traffic or the driver may lose control of the vehicle. It is a common cause of Hollywood truck accidents. In addition, Hollywood tire failure can cause pieces of tire to be left on the road, causing secondary Hollywood car accidents. Commercial trucks are especially susceptible to tire failure for a number of reasons:

1) Tires can get worn or old. Commercial trucks drive over much longer distances than the average passenger car, and tires can become worn with time. In some cases, truck tires also stay in storage for some time until they are needed, and this can cause the rubber to deteriorate, increasing the risk of tire failure. Truck drivers are responsible for ensuring that their truck tires are in good condition.

2) Hollywood trucks can drive in very hot conditions. High temperatures can cause rubber in tires to deteriorate or even start to melt, increasing the risk of a Hollywood tire blow out. While there is nothing that can be done about the weather, drivers of commercial trucks are expected to check the condition of tires and commercial truck carriers are expected to maintain tires correctly, since worn tires and old tires are more likely to fail in high heat.

3) Commercial truck tires are susceptible to tire defects. In some cases, design flaws or manufacturing problems cause defective tires that are susceptible to safety issues. In these cases, if the defective tires cause an accident and injuries, the tire manufacturers may be held liable in a Hollywood defective products legal claim.

4) The heavy weight of trucks can contribute to tire failure. The heavy weight of commercial trucks can place extra pressure on tires. When trucking companies ignore the cargo limits and place extra weight on tires, tire blow outs and Hollywood truck accidents are common.

5) Incorrect tire inflation can cause blow-outs. Truck drivers are responsible for ensuring that a truck’s tires are correctly inflated. When tires are under-inflated they can cause more friction with the road and generate heat that can cause the tire to split. When tires are over-inflated, they may not correctly grip the road surface, making it harder for the truck driver to control the truck.

6) Commercial trucks are difficult to control on hills, leading to potential problems with brake pads. Inexperienced drivers may use brakes too much on hills, overusing brake pads and putting extra pressure on tires. This can cause tire blow outs and accidents.

Continue reading →

Read-End Miami Gardens Truck Accidents: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

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

According to statistics, each year across the country about 400 people are fatally injured in rear-end crashes with commercial trucks. Many more are seriously injured but survive. In about half of all fatal rear-end truck accidents, the smaller passenger car slides under the truck in what is known as an underride. Underride accidents are especially tragic since during this type of accident the passenger vehicle is crushed or the top is sheared off, causing devastating injuries to the passengers inside the car. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), many of these types of accidents are preventable.

There are regulations in place to prevent underride Miami Gardens truck accidents. Since 1998, federal rules have required large commercial trucks to have underride guards. These are bars that are attached to the back of the tractor trailer in order to prevent cars from sliding under the vehicle in the event of a collision. However, underride Miami Gardens car accidents continue to happen. According to the IIHS, in some cases the guard breaks off in the event of an accident. In 2011, the IIHS conducted research on underride guards. The results of the study were surprising: in half of tests, underride guards failed, even at speeds as little as 35mph. Worse, the guards met safety standards, so they were guards considered effective. According to the IIHS, the problem was that in many cases when a car struck the guard at an angle, the attachment holding the guard to the truck gave way.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tests on underride guards have been conducted repeatedly with similar results and the government has been aware of the problems with the guards since at least 2009. The IIHS would like to see government regulators step in to correct the issue. In Canada and Europe, stricter measures have been introduced to prevent underride accidents and experts in Florida feel that more could be done to prevent this devastating type of Miami Gardens traffic accident.

The IIHS is continuing its efforts to change the regulations and has announced new research examining the top tractor trailer manufacturers to see which fare best in rear-end collisions. Results of the studies are expected in early 2013.

In the meantime, accident victims who have been seriously injured in underride Miami Gardens truck accidents are often turning to Miami Gardens personal injury attorneys and legal claims in order to hold manufacturers and drivers responsible. Florida law does allow anyone seriously injured in a truck accident to seek a claim against those liable for the injuries.

Continue reading →

Road Safe America Offers Top Tips for Preventing a Hollywood Truck Accident

Published on: September 25, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Road Safe America is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about road safety. The group offers a number of tips to help drivers prevent truck collisions:

1) Be aware that trucks behave very differently than cars and use extra caution when driving near them on the road. Trucks take longer to brake, for example, and some types of trucks may make frequent or unexpected stops. Be prepared for the unexpected when driving near trucks, and give trucks extra room to maneuver in order to help prevent a Hollywood truck collision.

2) Be aware of the blind spots around trucks and stay out of them. According to Road Safe American, one third of all accidents involving passenger cars and commercial trucks occur because the smaller car is in the truck’s blind spot. A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the truck driver, the driver cannot see you. A commercial truck has large blind spots to either size and behind the truck. To prevent a Hollywood car accident, stay out of these zones.

3) When a truck is turning right, do not pass the truck on the right. The truck can swing wide, causing an underride accident.

4) Do not cut off any truck or bus. If you are passing a large vehicle, make sure that you can see the entire car in your rear-view mirror before you attempt to get in the lane in front of the truck. Trucks and buses take longer to brake and may not be able to stop in time to prevent a Hollywood traffic accident if you cut them off.

5) In bad conditions and on higher-speed roads, give trucks at least seconds of space. Due to the size and force of trucks, slick road conditions can make it even harder for trucks to brake.

6) If you see a truck driver driving dangerously, call the police. Reckless and aggressive truck drivers are a huge danger on the road, as their vehicles can cause devastating damage. Calling in a dangerous driver can help save lives.

7) Be aware of your own blind spots. While the blind spots on a passenger car are much smaller than the blind spots on a truck, they are enough to cause a serious Hollywood bicycle accident, pedestrian accident, or traffic accident. Get into the habit of checking your blind spots regularly, to ensure that you are aware of what is around you.

8) Be in good physical condition for driving. Getting adequate rest and food is important, as is being in good physical and mental condition. While most of us take driving for granted, it is a taxing activity – and one of the most dangerous things we do every day. Driving tired or while in poor health can be as dangerous as driving drunk, so make sure you are fit to drive before you get behind the wheel.

9) Never drive distracted. Distracted driving is the cause of many Hollywood traffic collisions. If you have to make a call, change a CD, or send a text, wait until you get to your destination or pull over first.

10) Slow down when in construction zones. There are usually more pedestrians and trucks in these areas, and construction can create dangerous traffic delays as well. Use extra caution in these areas.

11) Keep your vehicle in good condition. When your car responds as you expect, it is easier for you to drive defensive and to act when needed to prevent a crash.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

Preventing Forklift Truck Accidents in Miami

Published on: September 19, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Forklift trucks are used in a variety of settings, including warehouses, construction, and other sites. Unfortunately, Miami truck accidents involving these types of trucks are quite common, and these Miami workplace accidents can cause devastating injuries. Forklift accidents can lead to Miami head injuries, spinal cord trauma, and even fatalities. According to experts, there are four basic ways to prevent these types of accidents:

1) Risk assessment. Companies using forklift trucks need to carefully investigate the possible dangers of their operations and find ways to reduce the risks of a Miami truck accident. There should be a written plan outlining the possible risks and the steps possible to reduce the risks of a workplace accident.

2) Daily checks by drivers and employees. Employees should check forklifts daily and should be instructed how to perform basic checks. If any employee notices any problems with a forklift, there should be a clear and known system for reporting the problem and there should be a streamlined way for the problem to be handled quickly and effectively. Forklifts with known issues should not be used until they are repaired. Daily checks not only help prevent Miami truck accidents, but they can also help prevent lawsuits against the company.

3) Training. Forklift operators should be carefully screened and trained to operate the trucks correctly. If employees are not correctly trained, the company can be held liable for any Miami traffic accidents that occur due to incorrect education or forklift experience. Employers may wish to provide follow-up or refresher training regularly for employees, especially if newer forklift trucks are purchased or used. Many forklift accidents are caused by operator error or inexperience, so proper training is a must.

4) Correct maintenance. Many forklift accidents are caused by poor forklift maintenance. Like any truck, forklifts need to be carefully maintained by an experienced mechanic so that the machines work correctly. Forklifts in poor condition should be replaced by newer models. Keeping forklifts in good condition can also help save the company money over time, since correctly maintained trucks are more efficient, allow for maximum productivity, and last longer than poorly-maintained machines.

Forklift operators, employees, and the business owning forklifts all have a responsibility to make forklifts a safe part of the workplace. When companies are negligent in providing a safe workplace and a forklift truck accident takes place, injured employees can pursue a Miami personal injury case to seek compensation for lost wages, medical costs, and other expenses related to the injury.

Continue reading →

The FMCSA and Safety Issues That Could Affect the Risk of Fort Lauderdale Truck Accidents

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

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been in the news recently, and news from the agency could affect truck safety and the risk of Fort Lauderdale truck accidents. For instance, a House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee is holding a hearing about issues related to truck safety. Most recently, truck carriers and their representatives have indicated to the committee that the safety-rating system designed by the U.S. Transportation Department and used by the FMCSA has flaws that punish good bus and truck companies for collisions that are not the company’s fault. According to some groups, the FMCSA should use a different system to target unsafe and unreliable truck carriers, not merely those with minor compliance issues. The Compliance, Safety and Accountability system has been used and in development since 2004, but this is the system that carriers want to change.

Adding fuel to the fire is a study conducted by Wells Fargo Securities LLC. That study found that there was no link between the number of crashes a truck carrier had and the scores the carrier got from the FMCSA. In other words, a carrier with bad scores might still have no Fort Lauderdale traffic accidents. According to Wells Fargo, the FMCSA was vulnerable to lawsuits, since the scores hurt a carrier’s business and insurance rates but were not reliable. However, the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found that the FMCSA scores were reliable and validates the ratings systems the agency uses. According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, carriers with the lowest scores have accident rates twice as high as the average carrier.

According to the chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, John Duncan, the Transportation Department must create a system for carriers to question data that might be unreliable. The FMCSA has created its own task force to consider the proposals and possible changes to its ratings system.

The FMCSA has also launched a new initiative as of August 2012 to keep trucks from only reliable carriers on the roads. The “Fit, Willing and Able” initiative will use specific and newly-developed qualifying criteria when determining which carriers should be given operating authority. The FMCSA will consider a number of factors when determining whether to grant operating authority. The agency, for example, will consider how willing a carrier is to comply with requirements and whether any corrective action has been taken for willfulness. The agency will also consider past violations and whether those violations affected operational safety.

Carriers who have had their operating authority suspended or revoked in the past six years will face increased inquiry. Those companies who create new identities to distance themselves from past suspensions of operating authority or past violations will not be granted operating authority. This addresses a common problem in the truck and bus industry, where some companies try to distance themselves from past Fort Lauderdale bus accidents or truck accidents and regulatory violations by simply shutting down and opening with a new name and logo.

Continue reading →