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

Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents Tend to Be Catastrophic

Published on: November 12, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

While car accidents in Homestead and other communities may result in terrible injuries, including whiplash, fractures, paralysis, and more, commercial truck accidents can be especially deadly and may be more likely to result in serious and permanent injuries. Truck accidents in Homestead are more likely to lead to catastrophic injuries because the size and force of the truck easily outmatches the size and force of a passenger car.

Large trucks that have careened out of control can explode into flames, can plow into multiple vehicles, and can even crash or roll over smaller vehicles. The damage in these accidents is often immense and leads to serious injuries. Quite simply, if you are in a passenger car, you have little chance against a big rig.

If you have been in a truck accident, it is important to keep in mind that your injuries are likely to be severe. You may suffer from:

•Head injuries
•Back injuries
•Paralysis
•Amputation
•Soft tissue injuries
•Spinal cord trauma
•Fractures
•Disfiguration
•Burns
All of these can be immensely expensive, and it is important to act strategically immediately following a traffic collision in Homestead, to ensure that you do not end up paying for the entire cost of these injuries yourself. Keep in mind that a serious head injury or spinal cord injuries could end up costing you more than one million dollars in home care and medical costs over a lifetime. An amputation can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime because you will need to replace your prosthetics, get additional treatment, and so forth. Even car accident leading to a facture can cost tens of thousands of dollars in lost income, property damage, and medical care.

If your injury was caused by no fault of your own, Florida law allows you to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Even if you’re not sure you want to pursue a legal claim, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community to find out how much your injuries may be worth. After all, even if you have excellent health coverage and car accident insurance, how can you know whether your insurance company is offering you a fair amount for your injuries and damages?
The truth is, insurance companies are in the business of resolving claims quickly and for as little money as possible. If your injuries end up costing you much more in the long-term, these costs will come out of pocket. Once you have accepted insurance money, you have often signed away your right to pursue additional claims, which is why speaking to a lawyer before you sign anything is so important. A personal injury attorney can help you find out whether you have a strong case and can help you decide what your options are for covering as much of your injury is possible.

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These Mistakes After a Truck Accident Can Hurt You for Years

Published on: November 7, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have been in a truck accident in Homestead, the clock is ticking. The choices you make immediately following a traffic accident can affect you for years because they can determine how much compensation you ultimately get for your injuries. The personal injury attorneys at Flaxman Law Group have seen the following errors end up costing plaintiffs in the long run:

1) Refusing medical attention. It is important to get checked out quickly after any traffic accident in Homestead – even if you think you may not have been injured. If you find that you were injured but did not notice right away, the motor carrier’s insurance company may claim that your injuries were not serious – or maybe were not caused by the accident. Take your health seriously. Get checked out after the accident and be sure to follow any doctor’s instructions. Attend all doctors’ appointments and any specialist appointments so that you have the best chance of healing.

2) Discussing the accident. Do not discuss the accident with anyone, even at the accident scene. Anything you say can be fuel for the defendant’s attorneys. Since car accidents in Homestead involving trucks usually involve a lot of money, insurance carriers, attorneys, and others may try to contact you or get you to sign something. Always speak to a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community before discussing or signing anything related to the accident or your injuries. In addition, be careful when discussing the accident and injuries with friends or family or on social media. Your conversations may be used against you.

3) Being dishonest. There is no point in exaggerating your injuries or symptoms. Be honest with doctors and your attorney – they are there to help and they can only assist you if you are honest with them.

4) Not expecting surveillance. Insurance companies will sometimes conduct investigations on plaintiffs. While it is possible that you may have good days where you can accomplish more – even if you are seriously injured – keep in mind that it can look very bad in a case if you are caught on tape completing an activity that you claim you are too injured for. The tape will not show that you were in pain after the activity or that you suffered a setback in your recovery because you attempted too much.

5) Not documenting all injuries and keeping all evidence. Keep all doctor’s records, receipts, pill bottles, photos of injuries, casts, braces, and other evidence of your injury. Take photos of video of your injuries and any damages you have suffered. Keep a running total of the costs you have incurred and keep a journal of your injuries and challenges as you recover. The more information you have, the stronger you case may be.

6) Taking too much time to respond. As soon as you have an accident, you will want to get medical help, contact your insurance company, and contact a personal injury attorney. Waiting too long to get medical help or file an accident claim can make it look as though your injuries or the accident were not that serious. There is also a statute of limitations in Florida, so waiting too long to contact an attorney can affect your ability to file a legal claim.

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Options Available For People Who Have Suffered From Emotional Distress After Truck Accident In Homestead

Published on: October 24, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Car and truck accidents in Homestead often lead to devastating injuries and even fatalities. For people who have been seriously or permanently injured in a truck accident or have lost a loved one in a traffic accident, emotional upheaval and even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are the common outcomes.

People who have lost someone in a traffic accident or have been permanently injured may need to deal with financial distress as well as physical injuries. Victims may suffer from head injuries, spinal cord injuries, lacerations, and other injuries. If they have lost someone, they may also face final medical expenses, funeral costs, and other expenses. In addition to all this upheaval, they may also feel depressed, distressed, angry, and grief stricken. They may be unable to return to work for some time and may have a hard time returning to everyday activities due to depression and other serious emotional consequences.

A personal injury attorney in Homestead or another community can help a family seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. However, dealing with the emotional impact of a truck accident is often more far more complex. Securing financial resources can help pay for counseling as well as medical attention. Victims may wish to turn to:

1) Counselors, therapists, and other professionals. In some cases, these professionals can help victims deal with loss, depression, and other serious emotional issues. If you have been in a serious traffic accident in Homestead or another community and are experiencing depression or have trouble returning to your everyday life, speaking to a professional can help. If you have thoughts about self-harm, it is important to get immediate medical assistance from a doctor or qualified mental health practitioner.

2) Support groups. Sometimes, speaking with others who have been through the same experiences as you is helpful. There are many support groups available for people who have suffered specific injuries – such as head injuries in Homestead, for example – and for people who have lost a loved one or who have been in a serious traffic accident. These support groups are often free of charge and may be led by a counselor or other professional. These groups can help provide a sense of support and community, especially if you don’t have family or many friends to help you.

3) Art or music therapy. Many victims who have lost a loved one or who have been permanently injured find it useful to engage in art or music therapy or a similar therapy. These types of therapies rely on creative self-expression to help deal with depression, anger, and other difficult emotions.

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Should You Really Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney In Homestead After Your Truck Accident?

Published on: October 10, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

After a truck accident, too many people believe that they don’t need to consult with a personal injury attorney because they assume that their car insurance will cover the cost of medical care and other expenses related to their injuries. In fact, insurance companies often make a point of promising fast responses after a car accident.

When you contact your insurance company after an accident, you may find that you are quoted a claim amount for your accident very quickly and you may be able to claim your money very quickly. This can be very tempting, especially if you are facing considerable medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial problems as a result of your accident.

If you have been in a truck or car accident in Homestead or any community, however, is important not to accept the first offer you are given without careful consideration. When you get your first insurance offer, you may not even have a full diagnosis for your injuries. Certain types of injuries, including head injuries, back injuries, and soft tissue injuries, can take a while to diagnose correctly. A head injury that seems mild initially may prove to be far more complex than you realize and may require more care than you think. Soft tissue injuries may not start producing symptoms until weeks or days after your accident. You may not realize the full cost of damages until some time has passed.

It is also difficult for the average layperson to know how much a case is worth and how much their injuries will end up costing. Do you know how long you will be unable to return to work after your accident? Do you know how many specialists you will need to see in order to treat your injuries? Will you need surgery? How much will that surgery cost? If you have medical insurance, how much will that insurance not cover?

Often, it is difficult for a layperson to know this information, which is why consulting with a personal injury attorney in Homestead becomes so important. Personal injury attorneys have dealt with thousands personal injury cases if they are experienced, and this experience allows them to quickly evaluate the likely total cost of a specific type of injury. They can help with provide you with information about how much your case may be worth and how much money you may end up having to pay for your injuries. This can help you evaluate insurance offers in a whole new light and can help you decide whether it is worthwhile to pursue a legal claim.

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Do You Need to be in the Trucking Industry to Prevent Trucking Accidents in Hollywood and Other Cities?

Published on: September 17, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many people assume that they need to be in the trucking industry or in politics to make big changes in reducing the number of car and trucking accidents in Hollywood or Florida. Nothing could be further from the truth. Individual people just like you have made big changes that have affected car accident rates in Hollywood and other communities. For example, a group of mothers who lost children to drunk drivers created MADD, an organization that has created changes to reduce the number of drunk driving accidents in Hollywood and across the country.

If you are committed to stopping traffic accidents in Hollywood and your community, you may have more resources than you think, including:

1) Political resources. As a taxpayer, you have elected representatives that are eager to hear from you. If you have concerns, your local elected legislators can take your concerns to the state and local governments and even to the federal governments. Whether you support specific laws that could reduce truck and car accidents in Hollywood or have ideas for new laws, write to your local representatives or attend city meetings to make your voice heard. If you see street designs and poor street maintenance that could lead to car and motorcycle accidents in Hollywood, let the city know and follow up with your request. You can even run for office in your community to make big changes.

2) Advocacy groups. There are a number of groups that advocate for better road safety and for trucking safety. In some cases, these groups are made up of people who have been injured or who have suffered loss due to traffic accidents. Joining can mean that you help to make law changes and raise awareness that can make a big difference. There is power in numbers.

3) The courts. If you have been injured in a traffic accident in Hollywood or any city, you may be able to file a legal claim if your injuries were caused by recklessness or negligence. Filing a legal claim can secure compensation for your injuries, but it can also force important safety changes. Motor carriers tend to take legal claims seriously and will sometimes act to prevent further legal action by making safety improvements.

4) Your own community. Your own community is a great place to start making changes. There are probably others in your city or neighborhood who are concerned about truck or bicycle accidents on their streets and may be willing to work with you to raise awareness or to approach the city about making safety changes to keep residents safe.

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Are Truck Accidents in Hollywood Causing Many Injuries but Fewer Fatalities?

Published on: September 6, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

A recent study by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the number of traffic fatalities across the country has been dropping steadily for the past few years. In fact, the study has found that traffic fatalities across all vehicles dropped 26% between 2005 and 2011. On the surface, this seems like great news. Who can argue with fewer deaths caused by car and truck accidents in Hollywood and other cities?

According to a paper written by Ian Savage of Northwestern University, however, the news may not be all great. According to Savage, part of the reason for the decline in fatalities is because cars and trucks are being made to be more survivable in a crash – more is not necessarily being done to stop crashes in the first place.

In fact, Savage wonders why we place most of the focus on the number of fatalities in vehicle accidents rather than focusing on the number of accidents themselves. There are a number of reasons why we don’t want to get overconfident in the number of truck and car accidents in Hollywood and the US at large:

1) The risk of dying in a traffic collision is 1 in 6,800. According to Savage, bout 43,239 people died annually between 2000 and 2009 due to traffic accidents. While traffic accidents cause less than 2% of all US deaths, it does mean that transportation is the biggest cause of unintended injury fatalities (those fatalities not cause by illness, old age, self-harm, or violence).

2) Trucks and cars are more dangerous than any other mechanical device. In fact, according to Savage, the annual toll in terms of deaths is about 40% higher for vehicles than for the second-most dangerous mechanical device (guns).

3) In traffic collisions, the risk of injury and death for those not in trucks remains very high. When a commercial truck collides with a pedestrian, bicycle, or passenger car, the risk of injury and death for the occupants of the non-truck vehicle are very high. It is unlikely that a pedestrian will survive a pedestrian accident in Hollywood involving a truck, for example. While the current statistics may be encouraging, it does not mean that the average driver is safer from injury or death.

In other words, it’s great that fatalities from traffic collisions are dropping, but that does not mean we don’t have to worry about car and truck accidents — they remain one of the biggest causes of injury and death.

If you have been injured in a truck accident in Hollywood or any South Florida community, the odds are good that you will suffer severe injuries, such as head trauma, amputation, spinal cord trauma, injury, burns, and other injuries. If you have suffered a serious injury, keep in mind that you will likely need medical attention for your injury for many years. You may lose substantial income as you recover and you may never be able to return to your regular job (and the salary you are used to).

For all these reasons, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney before you make any decisions about your case. A personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your community can give you important advice about how to secure compensation so that you do not have to worry about your future.

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Have You Suffered an Amputation After a Truck Accident in Homestead or Another Florida City?

Published on: August 24, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Truck accidents in Homestead and other Florida cities cause a range of serious injuries. One of the most devastating tends to be an amputation. In cases of a serious traffic accident in Homestead or another community, firefighters and other emergency personnel sometimes need to amputate a limb in order to extract a survivor out of the wreckage of a car or truck. In addition, the impact of a car accident in Homestead or another city may simply cause enough damage to limbs that an amputation is needed to save the life of the patient.

Amputations cause devastating and lifelong injury to a patient. Patients who have this procedure may face additional risks and complications, including the risk of infection and other life-threatening conditions. In addition, amputations are expensive and require expense of prosthetics for the patient. Prosthetics often cost more than patients realize. These medical devices are always improving and patients need to update them regularly. In addition, a patient may need multiple prosthetics for different tasks. The cost of replacing multiple prosthetics over a lifetime can be very high, especially considering that newer, better prosthetics will be more expensive.

Amputations can change a patient’s entire life in the blink of an eye. Patients who have undergone amputations in Homestead and other cities often report feeling depressed, angry, and unable to return to life as they knew it before their accident. In some cases, patients are unable to carry on with their regular career or work and face financial devastation as a result.

If you have suffered an amputation as a result of a truck or car accident in Homestead or any Florida city, it is important to get as much support as possible. In addition to getting medical treatment at a hospital and through your physician, you may want to seek out a support group, counselors, or a therapist in order to deal with the devastating emotional loss.

It is also very important to protect your legal and financial rights. An amputation can have a devastating impact on your finances. The initial emergency surgery coupled with the high cost of prosthetics, coupled with income loss and the income devastation that an amputation can cause can all add up to substantial financial pressure. Speak with a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community to find out about your options for pursuing fair compensation. Fair compensation can help pay for quality prosthetics and a lifetime of medical care as well as replacement for lost income.

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The Many Risks of Trucking Accidents in Hollywood and Other Communities

Published on: July 30, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Accidents involving trucks in South Florida range from large crashes involving semis and trailers to smaller fender-benders involving light trucks. All of these collisions can have serious repercussions that affect victims for years or even a lifetime. If you have been in a traffic collision in Hollywood or any Florida community, it is important to keep all the risks and injuries of accidents in mind when speaking with insurance carriers and others.
Truck accidents in Hollywood and other communities pose a few types of risks, including:

1) Injury risks. One of the biggest risks involved in a truck collision is the risk of serious injuries. Injuries that commonly occur with trucking collisions include spinal cord injuries, burns, fractures, soft tissue injuries, and head injuries in Hollywood and other cities. Keep in mind that you do not have to be directly involved in a truck accident to face some of these risks. Even if you are a bystander, you may be injured by flying debris. If a truck is carrying a toxic substance, the resulting spill or fire could affect homes and businesses in the immediate area.
2) Personal risks. The effects of a serious truck accident can sometimes be hard to quantify. In addition to the physical injury, you may suffer from depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other similar issues after an accident. You may face chronic pain and trouble with relationships after a serious accident that has resulted in injury, loss of a loved one, or financial distress.

3) Financial risks. The costs of a truck accident can be substantial. You may need to pay for repairs to your car as well as long-term medical care and treatment. If you have been seriously injured, you may face lost income as well as medical expenses that are not covered by your health insurance. For example, if you are a burn injury patient in Hollywood or another community, you may find that some forms of therapy and treatment are considered “cosmetic” and are not covered. Even if you have good car insurance, you may find that insurance companies are interested in settling the claim quickly, without covering some of the long-term costs of your injuries and income loss.

4) Legal risks. If you are blamed for the accident, you may face substantial legal problems. You may find that your insurance rates are affected or that you have a mark on your driving record. If you did not cause the accident but the police have decided that you were at fault, it is important to consult with an attorney. A personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your community can review your options and can investigate your accident. If you were not at fault, you may qualify for compensation that can pay for medical care, income loss, and other costs associated with your accident.

5) The risk of fatalities. One of the most devastating things that can happen in any truck accident involves fatal injury. If you have lost a loved one in a truck collision, your life will be affected permanently. In some cases, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim in Hollywood or your community to hold liable parties accountable for the accident.

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Where Can You Get Answers After a Trucking Accident in Tamarac or Your Community?

Published on: July 18, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have been in a collision with a commercial truck, the devastation can be immense. This type of truck accident in Tamarac and other communities can cause head injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, soft tissue injuries, and other serious injuries. After your accident, you’ll of course want answers. The problem is that in many cases victims of truck and car accidents in Tamarac and other Florida cities have a difficult time finding the answers they need about their accident. If you’re in this situation, there are several things you can do:

1) Talk to your physician. One of the first people you will want to speak with after a serious traffic accident in Tamarac or any community is a physician or medical professional. If you have been seriously injured, you’ll probably be rushed directly to the emergency room. Even if you are not sure whether you have sustained an injury, it is important to get a full checkup. This is especially true if you think you may have sustained a head injury or a soft tissue injury, both of which may not present symptoms right away. A physician can help you understand what your injuries are and what your likely recovery will be like.

2) Talk to the police. If the accident was serious, it is likely that local police will become involved. Try to get a copy of the police report, as this will help you understand what the initial investigation has concluded about the accident. Keep in mind, however, that the objective of the police is to determine whether laws were broken. You may not agree with the findings of the police report and the investigation may not be thorough enough to find all possible causes of an accident.

3) Gather information and documentation. If you’ve been in a truck or traffic accident in Tamarac or any Florida community, it is important to keep careful records and documentation about the accident. Exchange contact insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident. Get contact information for any bystanders or witnesses. Take photos of any car damage, injuries, and any other evidence you may have. If you do decide to pursue a legal claim, this information will be invaluable. Even if you do not decide to pursue a legal claim, this information can help you piece together what has caused an accident.

4) Talk to your insurance provider. Your insurance provider should be one of the first people you speak with after your car or truck accident. An insurance provider will help you understand what sort of insurance compensation you can expect. However, keep in mind that the insurance claims adjuster’s primary loyalty is to the insurance company. You may not get the fairest compensation possible if you accept the first offer made to you.

5) Talk to a personal injury attorney in Tamarac or your community. If you’ve been seriously injured in a truck crash in Tamarac or any Florida community, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney in Tamarac or your community works on your behalf, and can usually investigate the accident in a much more thorough manner then the police or the insurance company. In addition, the attorney will represent you and your interests, fighting for justice, answers, and fair compensation on your behalf.

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Best Steps to Take if You Are in a Car or Truck Accident in Coral Gables or Any Florida Community

Published on: June 8, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Each year, over 200 000 car accidents occur in Florida, some of them in Coral Gables and surrounding communities. While many are quite minor, some result in serious injuries. Some passengers become life-long spinal cord injury or head injury patients in Coral Gables or their communities, for example, never fully recovering from their injuries. Truck accidents involving passenger cars can be especially devastating. Due to the difference in size between commercial trucks and passenger cars, passenger car occupants involved in this type of crash are more likely to suffer serious or even fatal injuries.

If you have been injured in a truck or car accident in Coral Gables or any city in Florida, there are several steps you will want to take to preserve your rights:

1) Be prepared well before the accident. Well before you are in any accident, it is important to consider the steps you need to take to protect yourself and your family. Buy the safest car you can and keep in good shape – this may reduce your risk of some injuries. Wear a seatbelt each time you drive. Buy the best quality car insurance you can afford. Every few years, review your insurance to make sure your insurance plan still meets your current needs. In addition, have an accident kit in your car. Your kit should contain a blanket, first aid kit, pen and paper, a camera, a list of medical information and emergency contacts, emergency flares or cones, and a flashlight. If you are ever in an accident, this kit can be very useful.

2) If you are in an accident, stick to the facts. If the accident is not life threatening, move your car off to the side of the road. Call for help for anyone who is seriously injured and exchange information with the other driver. Avoid getting into a debate with the driver about what has happened or what has caused the accident.

3) Gather information. In addition to the contact information and vehicle information of anyone else involved in the truck crash, you may want to get contact information from possible witnesses. Get a copy of the police report and any medical records you can about your situation. Take photos of the accident scene if you can as well as photos of your damages and injuries.

4) Get medical attention, even if you do not have symptoms. This is especially important if the accident was serious or if you may have hit your head during the car collision. Some conditions do not present symptoms right away, and if you wait for treatment you may complicate the condition.

5) Call your insurance company soon after the accident. You will want to get the insurance process started.

6) Call a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney in Coral Gables or your community can review the situation with you and can help you understand whether you are entitled to damages from the accident. Many attorneys do not charge for a first consultation so you have nothing to lose from getting some legal advice about your situation.

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