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

Preventing Utility Truck Accidents in Miami Beach

Published on: September 11, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Miami Beach truck accidents claim lives each year. These types of Miami Beach traffic accidents are a concern for everyone, but especially for workers who need to use trucks as part of their work. For utility workers, for example, truck accidents are real concern. Utility companies rely on trucks in order to get to sites where work must be done. Trucks also help utility workers reach telephone wires and other equipment for repairs.

Unfortunately, the trucks also pose a hazard for workers. Workers can easily sustain Miami Beach workplace accidents when working on utility trucks. In some cases, workers are pinned under trucks or are involved in rollover accidents where brakes fail or are not engaged properly. Utility workers are also at risk of Miami Beach pedestrian accidents, since they must often get out of their truck and work nearby to fix telephone lines and other utility equipment near the roads. To prevent these types of accidents in the future, there is much that can be done:

1) Encourage drivers to drive distraction-free. Although texting and driving is not illegal in Florida, employers can ask their employees to not text and drive. Texting and driving increase the risk of Miami Beach car accidents and can be costly to utility companies as well. Educating drivers and workers about the dangers of distracted driving can help utility companies ensure that employees stay safe on the roads.

2) Educate motorists about the importance of giving utility workers room. Many motorists know that when they see emergency personnel or law enforcement authorities stopped on the side of the road, they should provide more room for these workers to get their job done. An education campaign showing the dangers utility workers face could be useful in showing motorists the importance of giving utility trucks and utility workers more room.
3) Offer utility workers additional training, including simulation training. Utility workers get extensive training before being allowed to drive a truck. Ensuring that drivers are routinely given refresher courses is one way to consistently evaluate and upgrade driving skills, reducing the risk of Miami Beach truck accidents. With simulators, it is easier than ever to offer additional training in a hands-on, low-risk way. Today’s HD simulators mimic real-life road conditions in real-time, allowing drivers to learn how to cope with a variety of driving conditions and situations. These systems are especially useful in helping drivers identify – and avoid – hazards and possible collision scenarios safely.

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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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Roadway Work Zone Miami Truck Accidents

Published on: August 28, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Roadway work zones are dangerous sites for both motorists and the workers repairing infrastructure. Roadway work is an important job creator and helps keep streets in good condition, but this type of construction and repair work does mean traffic congestion, traffic diversion, and, all too often, Miami car accidents and truck accidents.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, fatal traffic accidents in construction and roadway work areas declined from 716 to 667 between 2008 and 2009. However, Florida – along with California and Texas – still lead the nation when it comes to traffic accident fatalities in these zones. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 101 workers were killed in work zones in 2008. In 2009, that number was 116 and in 2010 it was 103. Florida ranked second in the nation when it came to workers killed in work zones. Of work zone worker deaths in 2010, traffic and transportation accidents were responsible for 72% of worker fatalities.

Between 2003 and 2007, 639 US workers were killed on roadway construction sites. During the same years, there were 8,103 fatalities in the larger construction industry. About half of the roadway construction worker deaths were caused by a vehicle or construction equipment striking a worker.

Obviously, more needs to be done to prevent these types of Miami workplace accidents. There are many things that drivers can do to prevent accidents in construction and roadwork zones:

1) Listen to traffic reports if you will be driving and try to avoid roadwork zones if it is possible to do so. In many cases, you can avoid the traffic – and the possibility of a collision – simply by avoiding the construction site entirely. You will be more likely to arrive at your destination on time relaxed, too.

2) If you do need to pass through a roadwork zone, slow down and obey all signs. Slowing down is important because it is the only way to ensure that you see visual cues on time and can respond in time to avoid a Miami pedestrian accident or car accident. Keep in mind that there will be obstacles, workers, and traffic in the area, and pedestrians and vehicles may be unpredictable in construction zones. Workers may walk out between cars, for example, or trucks working on site may back up without warning. Slowing down and preparing yourself for the unexpected reduces your risk of an accident.

3) Never driver distracted or under the influence. You need to be able to focus fully on the road in front of you. Any distractions – including passengers, music, or a mobile device – can be deadly in a workplace zone. One of the most common distractions at a roadwork site is the site itself. Try to resist checking out the work, as curiosity and rubbernecking often cause accidents at roadway work sites.

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US and Florida Truck Accident Statistics

Published on: August 23, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), approximately 500 000 trucking accidents occur across the country each year. In addition:

– One out of eight fatal traffic accidents is a truck accident, with about 5000 truck accidents each year resulting in fatalities.

-In trucking accidents (including Miami trucking accidents) involving tractor trailers, 98% of fatal injuries occur to pedestrians or passengers of passenger vehicles – not to the passengers of the trucks.

-68% of fatal truck collisions in 2008 occurred in rural areas. What this means is that while Miami traffic accidents involving trucks are common, truck accidents outside the city limits may be even more deadly.

-In 2003, 78% of all US fatal truck accidents took place during weekends and 66% of all fatal collisions took place during daylight hours, not at night.

According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS):

– There were 3,867 large trucks involved in non-fatal accidents in Florida in 2010.
-In Florida in 2010, there were 2,484 large trucks involved in traffic accidents causing injury.
-In Florida in 2010 there were 3,545 injuries reported in truck accidents.

Miami sees its fair share of truck accidents, and according to the experts there is something that everyone can do to help prevent these types of Miami traffic accidents. For example, many Miami car accidents involving trucks occur due to driver error. To prevent this, drivers can write to their elected representatives to encourage legislation that promotes good training and hiring practices for truck companies. Truck carriers already need to abide by many federal rules and regulations, but when truck carriers take the care to hire the best drivers and to train them properly, the streets are a little safer.

Drivers can also ensure that they do all they can to prevent Miami car accidents and truck accidents. If you drive a passenger car, you can take defensive driving lessons and refresher lessons to ensure that your driving skills are excellent – this can even help you save on insurance. You can also driver sober and un-distracted and take care to check blind spots. If you are following behind a commercial truck, give the truck plenty of room, since trucks take longer to brake than most vehicles. Following too closely is also dangerous because the truck driver cannot see you if you are tailgating.

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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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Miami Truck Accidents Involving Forklift Trucks

Published on: July 31, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Forklift trucks are powered industrial trucks designed to carry pallets and items for loading. They are used in retail spaces, warehouses, during truck loading, in construction, and in many other applications. According to OSHA, forklift truck accidents cause tens of thousands of injuries annually, many of them workplace injuries. Since Miami is a city with many businesses and industries, it sees its share of these types of Miami truck accidents. In fact, forklift injuries contribute to some Miami workers compensation claims each year.

Forklift truck accidents can occur due to driver error. In many cases, these errors may be caused by distraction or poor training. Some forklift truck accidents can be caused by mechanical errors. For example, hitches may fail to work correctly or another key system may malfunction. Environmental or situational issues also account for some of these accidents. For example, forklift accidents may be caused by a slippery driving surface, by an unstable dock, by another vehicle, by narrow aisles or inadequate space, and by many other preventable factors.

These types of Miami truck accidents often lead to serious Miami personal injuries, including spinal cord injuries, broken bones, amputations, and head injuries. These accidents can also cause property damage, lost productivity, and suffering.

OSHA has implemented a program to reduce industrial truck fatalities in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama. Through September 30, 2012, OSHA will be raising awareness about injuries caused by these types of truck accidents and will be encouraging employers to prevent these truck accidents by creating a safer workplace.

There are many things that employers can do to create a safer workplace and to avoid truck accidents at work. OSHA has an informational website (http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/index.html) that can help employers and workers alike prevent accidents. Employers can also help by ensuring that employees have adequate training to operate forklift trucks. The areas where forklift trucks are used should be kept clear and safe, and should have adequate lighting as well as adequate space for forklift truck operators to maneuver the vehicles safely. Employers can also create a work safe policy for forklift truck operation and have this information posted where forklift truck operators can see it. Finally, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that forklift trucks are maintained correctly and are safe to use.

Employees also have a role to play in preventing forklift-related Miami construction accidents and workplace accidents. Employees can ensure that they get adequate training before using a forklift truck. They can also avoid driving distracted and can take steps to ensure that they follow all workplace rules regarding forklift trucks. If employees notice any safety concerns, they should bring them to the immediate attention of a supervisor, manager, or employer so that the issue can be fixed.

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What to Do – And What to Avoid – After a South Miami Truck Accident

Published on: July 24, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

The upset of a South Miami truck accident can be enormous, especially if there is someone injured in the accident. However, the steps you take immediately after an accident can determine your options later on. According to experts, after a South Miami traffic accident, it is important to:

1) Remain calm. While it is normal to panic after a serious South Miami motorcycle accident or truck accidents, you need to focus in order to help others and yourself.

2) If anyone is injured, call for emergency help. Assist others at the scene. If you are trapped in your car, turn on the hazard lights to indicate that you need help.

3) If you are in danger of obstructing traffic and no one has been seriously injured, pull over to the side of the road. Florida law demands it and if your failure to get away from the road causes a secondary South Miami car accident, there could be more injuries.

4) Exchange information with the truck driver involved. Get their license information, address, phone number, name, insurance and truck carrier company name as well as the number of the vehicle. Get the names and contact information of any emergency personnel or witnesses on the scene.

5) Take photos of the accident scene and surrounding area if at all possible – and as soon as possible after the accident. Even photos from a cell phone can be helpful. Photos can help attorneys and insurance carriers determine exactly what happened and what factors – including weather or road conditions – could have contributed to the South Miami traffic collision.
6) Contact your insurance company. If you are injured, contact a personal injury attorney as well. Your insurance company can help you start a claim while a South Miami personal injury attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you get the fairest compensation possible for your injuries. It is important to call soon after your injury, as both insurance carriers and attorneys will want to gather evidence in the case and evidence tends to disappear quickly after the clean up after an accident.

7) Avoid moving anyone at the scene who has been injured. In some cases, South Miami brain injury and spinal injury patients may actually be hurt more if they are moved. Wait for emergency personnel for help.

8) Stay at the scene of the accident until the matter is resolved. If police are on the scene, wait until they tell you to leave. If the accident is relatively minor, stay until you have offered help to anyone who needs it and have exchanged all important license and contact information with the other drivers.

9) Avoid accepting cash from the other driver in lieu of an insurance claim.

10) Avoid signing any documents until you have had them reviewed by a South Miami personal injury attorney. Just sign the police report and wait for legal advice before signing any papers from an attorney, insurance claimant, or the other driver or their employer.

11) Avoid getting your car repaired at once. If you decide to file a claim, your insurance carrier or a personal injury attorney may need to look at the vehicle to assess the damage.

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