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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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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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Can Red Light Cameras Prevent Miami Truck Accidents and Car Accidents?

Published on: July 17, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Some experts believe that installing red light cameras can help prevent serious Miami car accidents and traffic accidents because these cameras push drivers to slow down – even when no police are present. If drivers are caught speeding on camera, they get a traffic ticket. Red light cameras are used around the country and throughout the world. Manufacturers of the cameras claim that they reduce accidents, save lives, and even help communities save money by freeing police up for more important duties. In addition, the revenues from tickets generated from the cameras go towards the city.

The premise behind red light cameras is simple. The cameras are installed above intersections and they are programmed to take photos in situations where a car speeds through an intersection. When this happens, the camera takes a photo of the car’s license plate number and the system sends the owner of the car a ticket. The revenue from the tickets are shared between the makers of the cameras and the city. Today’s red light camera manufacturers can also create cameras that can automatically detect other traffic violations, including illegal turns.

Those who support the use of red light cameras claim that the cameras ensure that drivers are caught when they break the rules and are held accountable – whether or not a police officer is nearby. The idea is that the cameras are always on, ensuring that no one can speed through a designated intersection.

Those who oppose the cameras, however, say that there is evidence that these cameras may not be as useful in preventing accidents as many believe. For example, after red light cameras were installed at intersections in Australia, the number of accidents increased. At one intersection in Windang, average yearly collisions increased by over 200% while at another intersection in Figtree accidents increased by over 100% after red light cameras were installed.

According to experts at the Monash University Accident Research Centre, the increases in accidents may be caused by a number of reasons. First, some drivers may go through the intersection at normal speeds while other drivers may slow down speeds significantly in the presence of a red light camera, and the variance in speeds can lead to accidents. Research has suggested that it is variance in speeds, rather than speeding alone, that is most likely to lead to an accident. Another problem is that drivers may feel additional pressure and stress when entering an intersection with a red light camera, and this can prove distracting, possibly leading to a Miami traffic accident. Drivers may be more focused on the camera and on their speed, for example, rather than on their driving.

There may be other possible problems with the cameras. For example, some drivers have successfully contested their tickets in court and most communities cannot afford to have the cameras at every intersection, so that there are still many areas where drivers can speed and cause a Miami motorcycle accident or car accident. Whether or not cameras are installed, it is ultimately up to drivers to work to prevent Miami truck accidents and car accidents.

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