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

Treating a Fort Lauderdale Spinal Cord Injury After a Truck Accident

Published on: August 2, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

One of the most common causes of serious Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injuries is traffic accidents. The impact of a Fort Lauderdale car accident or truck accident is enough to twist the body and cause a severe enough impact to cause a spinal cord injury. In some Fort Lauderdale truck accidents, a person is thrown from a vehicle, pinned under a vehicle, or is injured when an object comes into sharp contact the back. In any of these cases, a serious spinal injury can occur.

If you have been in a Fort Lauderdale traffic accident and you suspect that someone at the scene has sustained a spinal injury, contact 911 immediately. A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency. In some cases, patients are paralyzed in such a way that their hearts stop beating or they stop breathing. Medical help is required right away. Even if a patient is breathing on their own, immediate medical assistance can increase the possibility that the patient will recover some mobility. If you suspect a spinal cord injury, however, it is important not to move the victim at the scene without instructions from medical personnel. Moving someone who has sustained a traumatic spinal injury can make the injury worse.

Once a Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury patient is attended to by emergency medical personnel, the first thing that emergency responders will do is to check the patient’s heart and breathing. If the injury is to the upper neck area, the patient may need a ventilator, breathing tube, or other help to breathe.

Once the patient is breathing normally, emergency responders will immobilize the patient, often by using a backboard or a cervical collar. Since further movement can cause the injury to become worse, these devices ensure that the patient will not move en route to the hospital.

Once in the hospital, doctors will evaluate the injury and offer immediate treatment, which will depend on the severity and type of injury. In many cases, patients will be given steroid-based medications to reduce swelling and inflammation near the spinal cord, both of which can make the injury worse. Usually, steroids need to be administered within eight hours of the injury.
Doctors will also usually decide on surgery and on further immobilization devices to attempt to reduce any risk of further damage to the spinal cord. Patients may be placed in a halo device or in traction, for example. If surgery is needed, it is usually to stabilize the spine and to reduce any pressure on the spinal cord. To this end, surgery for a Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury may involve removing some parts of the vertebrae or anything else that may be compressing the spine. It can also involve placing plates, screws, and rods on the vertebrae to keep them stable while the bones heal.

Once these immediate treatment options are exhausted, most Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury patients can expect a long road to healing. The next steps in treatment usually involve rehabilitation as well as treatment of any complications. Rehabilitation and counseling will help patients recover as much mobility as possible and adjust to life with new mobility issues. Fort Lauderdale spinal cord injury patients are also prone to blood clots, pneumonia, incontinence, urinary tract infections, chronic pain, muscle spasms, depression, sores, and other problems. Part of the treatment, therefore, is to identify and treat these problems as they arise.

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Getting Back Behind the Wheel After a Hollywood Truck Accident

Published on: July 26, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Few Hollywood traffic accidents are as traumatic as a truck accident. Each year, Hollywood truck accidents cause devastating injuries, including Hollywood head injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, broken bones, and even fatal injuries. After a serious Hollywood car accident involving a truck, you may not only have physical injuries, but you may find it difficult to drive again. Many people who are seriously injured in a serious traffic accident have a hard time getting back behind the wheel. There are many things you can do if you are one of them:

1) Take is slow. It is perfectly normal to be anxious about driving again after being involved in a devastating Hollywood truck accident. Give yourself time to recover and give yourself time to get used to the idea of driving again. In the meantime, consider other forms of transportation. Getting behind the wheel before you are ready can be a mistake.

2) Get medical help. If you have suffered serious injuries, make sure that you get the best treatment possible for those injuries and follow doctor’s orders about resuming everyday tasks. If you have suffered a serious injury, it may take weeks or months before you are recovered enough to drive again. Ask your doctor when you can start to drive again.

3) Get answers. In many cases, survivors of a serious Hollywood motorcycle accident or truck accident fear getting back behind the wheel because they worry that they caused an accident. Finding out what exactly caused an accident can be very important for recovery. Speaking with a Hollywood personal injury attorney can help you get answers and may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries, so that you have the financial resources you need to heal as fully as possible.

4) Consider support options. If you are physically well enough to drive but find yourself unduly anxious about driving weeks or months after your accident, consider speaking to a counselor, therapist, or support group. It can help you deal with the many emotions that may still be troubling you after your Hollywood traffic accident.

5) Find ways to drive safer. It can be empowering for you to take charge and find ways to drive safer. If you were in a Hollywood drunk driving accident, for example, you may wish to consider joining an organization that raises awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. You may also wish to consider refreshing your driving skills to feel more confident on the road or you may consider adding safety features to your car to reduce the risk of an accident. While you may not be able to prevent accidents caused by someone’s negligence, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of a car crash and to feel better about driving.

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Ethanol Miami Truck Accidents: Why They are Such a Danger Now

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

Ethanol is an additive for gasoline. It is generally made from a corn sugar that has been distilled into an alcohol. First used in the 1970s, ethanol is now more popular than ever as fuel costs increase and as the country looks for clean-burning fuel. About 70% of all fuel sold in the US is actually E10, a mix of 10% alcohol and 90% gasoline. Most cars today are designed to run optimally on E10.

The popularity of E10 also means that there are many trucks around the country shipping pure ethanol in order to meet the high demand. Unfortunately, an ethanol Miami truck accident can be among the most frightening accidents to witness. Ethanol, when spilled in a Miami traffic accident, is dangerous and highly flammable. Worse, it cannot be fought the way that most fires are fought. In fact, fire departments across the country are getting special training in fighting ethanol fires after an accident, since most firefighting methods are not effective against this type of fire.

Part of the problem with a Miami car accident involving an ethanol truck is that there is a possibility that the ethanol in the truck will leak and catch fire. Unlike gasoline, however, ethanol mixes with water. This means that when water it poured on an ethanol fire, the fire continues to burn. Another major problem with an ethanol fire is that pure ethanol mixtures such as E98 or E95 – the types of mixtures often shipped by truck – produce no flame or smoke when burning. This means that after a Miami truck accident involving an ethanol spill there is a very real possibility of severe Miami burn injuries, as injured parties and even firefighters can walk right into the fire without realizing it, sustaining serious injury.

If a truck accident leads to an ethanol fire, an alcohol resistant foam known as Ar-AFF is the most effective way of putting the fire out. The traditional foam most fire departments use is not enough. Ar-AFF smothers the fire, putting it out. Unfortunately, Ar-AFF is more expensive than the traditional types of foam most fire departments use.

Any time a truck carries a dangerous or flammable substance, a Miami truck crash is potentially more dangerous. When a dangerous substance such as ethanol spills, it can cause severe environmental damage, out of control fires, and severe injury. Even in cases where there is no fire, the cleanup can take many hours. Since ethanol is newly popular, it is a special concern since more training needs to be done about the appropriate firefighting methods.

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What To Do if You are in a Miami Truck Accident When Visiting Florida

Published on: May 8, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you are visiting Florida and find yourself involved in a Miami traffic accident, it can be terribly frightening. You may not be familiar with local laws, you may not know anyone in town, and you may be far from home. A Miami truck accident can be frightening for anyone, but can be more so if you are unfamiliar ground. Here is what to do if the worst happens:

1) Stay calm and get help for anyone who needs it. If anyone is injured in the accident, get them help right away. If someone is seriously injured, do not try to move them. Contact 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions until emergency help arrives. In the meantime, stay calm and avoid making any statements that imply that you accept blame for the accident. When speaking with the other driver, stick to the facts and let the authorities assign fault.
2) Get information from the driver and from any witnesses. Get as much information as you can, including names and contact information.

3) Evaluate the seriousness of the accident. If the accident is serious, wait until help arrives. If the accident is minor and no one is injured, Florida law requires you to remove your vehicle to the side of the road so as not to obstruct traffic.

4) Gather information and evidence. Take photos of the accident scene if you can and take down any pertinent information – such as the location time, date, and other details – as soon as you can, before you forget. This information may be important if you decide to take legal action after the collision.

5) Report the accident. If there are injuries or serious property damage or you believe that the other driver was driving under the influence, contact the police to file a report. In a more minor accident, you may simply choose to inform your insurance carrier.

6) Contact a Miami personal injury attorney. If you have sustained injuries in a Miami truck accident, you will want to contact a Miami personal injury attorney. The liability issues surrounding commercial truck accidents are complex, especially if you are out of state. An experienced attorney can help you protect your rights and can ensure that you don’t have to pay for too many of your injury costs out of pocket. It can also be very important to have someone familiar with Miami law on your side as you determine what to do after an accident. In many cases, a local attorney can even suggest where to go for medical help or car repairs as well, so it can be good to have someone with local expertise on your side.

7) Get a medical evaluation. Even if you show no symptoms after your accident, it can be important to get evaluated by a local clinic as soon as possible. Some serious injuries, including brain injuries, do not show symptoms right away bust can still prove fatal, and Miami brain injury patients who get help immediately have much better recovery rates than injury victims who wait.

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Getting Medical Help After a Miami Gardens Truck Accident

Published on: March 29, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Being in a Miami Gardens traffic accident can be one of the most frightening experiences of your life. A Miami Gardens truck accident, especially, can cause devastating damage as well as serious injury. If you have sustained a serious car accident or truck accident, your first priority should be to get medical assistance in order to increase your chances of recovery. The sooner you can get reliable, targeted medical help, the more likely you are to recover from your injuries. Many types of injuries, such as Miami Gardens brain injuries, can become fatal if you do not get prompt medical attention. This is why it is important to:

1) Offer immediate assistance to anyone who needs it at the scene. If anyone at the scene of the accident seems to have a serious injury, it is best to call for emergency personnel right away. Even if you’re not sure whether an ambulance is strictly required, it is better to err on the side of caution and get help immediately. In many cases, seconds and minutes can make the difference between life and death.

2) Visit an emergency room or clinic if you are injured but do not require an ambulance. Even if you walk away from a Miami Gardens car accident, it is important to visit a walk in clinic or emergency room right away if you have any symptoms. In many cases, even if symptoms seem mild they can indicate a serious injury. For example, some Miami Gardens brain injury victims do not experience any initial symptoms after their injury but eventually sustain permanent or even fatal damage. For this reason, it is important to consult with a medical professional right away if you have any symptoms at all, if you have hit your head, or if you have vision problems or have lost consciousness even temporarily after your accident.

3) Keep track of symptoms. Even if you have no symptoms after a Miami Gardens truck accident and seem fine, it is important to keep track of any potential symptoms or issues for a few weeks after the accident. In some cases, symptoms develop gradually and may not be noticeable. Keeping a written record of any symptoms, no matter how small, can help you notice any potentially serious symptoms so that you can get help in time.

4) Make an appointment with your regular physician. Speaking with your regular physician after a Miami Gardens truck accident is a smart precaution. A physician can give you a general checkup to make sure that there are no problems and can ensure that there is a record of any symptoms you may be experiencing.

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Brain Injuries After a Miami Beach Truck Accident

Published on: March 27, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to Brainline.org, an American suffers a traumatic brain injury every 21 seconds. One-third of these injuries are caused by falls while 17.3% are caused by traffic accidents. Truck accidents are a common cause of Miami Beach brain injuries, since the size and force of a commercial truck can easily cause serious damage to a smaller vehicle, causing serious injuries for everyone inside the vehicle. There are many ways to prevent serious injuries caused by a Miami Beach truck accident:

1) Wear your seat belt. A seatbelt is one of the simplest and best ways to prevent a Miami Beach brain injury after a traffic accident. Your seatbelt keeps you in place and prevents your head from coming into sharp contact with your dashboard or other objects inside the car. A seatbelt also prevents you from being ejected from the vehicle, preventing serious injury. If you’re traveling with a child, make sure that the child is seated in the back and is using an age-appropriate child safety restraint.

2) Keep your car in good condition. Make sure that your car is in good condition so that it responds correctly if you need to move suddenly in order to avoid a Miami Beach traffic accident. Make sure that airbags and other safety systems work correctly. These safety systems are designed to help prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident.

3) Buy the best quality car you can afford, with the best safety features. The safety performance of cars varies widely. Buy the best quality of car that you can afford, and be sure to ask about safety features as well safety performance extensively before making a final purchase. A quality car with good safety features can help keep you a little safer in a car accident.

4) Give trucks more room. Trucks require more room to stop and some types of trucks – including delivery trucks and waste disposal trucks – make frequent stops. Giving trucks additional room ensures that if the truck brakes suddenly you have room to stop. Trucks also take longer to break, which is another reason why you want to give trucks a little more distance. Another important reason for giving trucks more space is because drivers of commercial vehicles often have multiple blind spots. They may simply not be able to see you if you follow too closely.

5) Hone your driving skills. Taking defensive driving classes or refreshing your driving skills periodically helps ensure that you have the best driving skills possible so that you can avert an accident and drive safely in all sorts of conditions. In many cases, additional training may be able to ensure a better insurance rate as well.

6) Drive defensively.

7) Stay focused on driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of Miami Beach car accidents, and is also one of the most preventable reasons for car accidents. Put away mobile devices whenever you step in your car and keep your entire focus on driving. This helps keep everyone on the roads safer.

If you are in a Miami Beach car accident involving a truck, your first priority should be to get medical attention. If you have hit your head, especially, you will want to get prompt medical attention. Even if you have no immediate symptoms, some brain injuries – even serious and fatal injuries – to not immediately manifest symptoms. It is always better to err on the side of caution and get a medical evaluation if you have hit your head. If you have lost consciousness, have a serious headache, or have vision problems, call emergency personnel. The sooner you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment, the better your chances of recovery are.

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Preventing North Miami Truck Accidents Involving Motorcycles

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

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles are among the most dangerous modes of transportation on the roadways, with motorcyclists comprising 13% of all traffic deaths. Since motorcyclists have fewer barriers of protection, they are more vulnerable in a North Miami traffic accident. In fact, according to the NHTSA, motorcyclists are 25 times more likely to die and 5 times more likely to be injured in a car accident than occupants of a passenger vehicle. Motorcyclists involved in a North Miami truck accident are especially vulnerable to injuries and fatalities, as the sheer size and force of a truck can easily crush a motorcycle and motorcyclist. Despite the dangers, motorcyclists still have a passionate love of bikes. In the US, there were 8 million registered motorcycles in 2009, and the number is growing.

Statistics show that in 2009, about one in two motorcycle accidents involved another vehicle. In about 40% of cases, these accidents took place when a vehicle turned left and crashed into a motorcycle that was passing or headed straight. In about 27% of cases, the accidents look place when both the vehicle and motorcycle were traveling straight.

According to experts, the main reason behind motorcycle accidents is related to visibility. In many cases, motorcyclists are not visible to other drivers or other drivers are simply not on the lookout for motorcyclists. While motorcyclists can take steps to be more visible, truck drivers and passenger car drivers also need to be more cautious about keeping an eye out for motorcycles. To encourage this, the NHTSA has teamed up with local law enforcement as part of its “Share the Road” initiative. As part of the program, the NHTSA is reminding all motorcyclists and car and truck drivers that:

1) Motorcycles should be given a full lane at all times. Sharing the lane, even when there seems to be enough room to do so, is extremely dangerous and prevents a motorcyclist from having the room to maneuver safely. Not allowing motorcyclists enough room is a common cause of North Miami motorcycle accidents.

2) Distraction is a danger, whether you are a driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Distracted drivers and riders are less likely to notice motorcyclists and other traffic situations that require attention. Putting mobile devices away and putting all focus on the road is the safest way to share the road.

3) Motorcyclists have the same privileges, rights, and responsibilities as all other vehicles on the road.

4) Use signals. Truck drivers, car drivers, motorcyclists, and bicyclists need to signal when merging or changing lanes to let other vehicles know their intention. Signaling lets other vehicles around you adjust their driving as needed.

5) At intersections and when entering or leaving a lane, check your mirrors and blind spots. Motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists may not be noticeable because they are in a blind spot.

6) Give motorcycles and trucks more room. Trucks make frequent stops while motorcyclists change speeds more often or adjust position in a lane due to weather or road conditions. Motorcycles can also stop more quickly than cars. Giving trucks and motorcycles more room is the safest way to adjust for these differences.

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Hazardous Spills After Hollywood Car Accidents

Published on: February 15, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Florida does not keep records about how many trucks carry dangerous cargo, but does keep track of the chemicals and hazardous materials which are permitted on trucks. These include pesticides, explosives, radioactive materials, fertilizers, toxic gases, rocket fuels, and other hazardous products. The federal government has a number of rules in place designed to make the transport of these types of materials safer.

Under federal rules, drivers carrying dangerous materials in their trucks are subject to many rules and such drivers must have special licenses to haul hazardous materials. Drivers are required to post placards on their trucks, indicating the type of materials they are hauling and the hazards they pose. Drivers must also follow certain guidelines to ensure that dangerous cargo is loaded correctly. Drivers must further carry paperwork detailing their cargo. In the event of an accident, this paperwork is meant to help emergency responders assess the danger and order the correct treatment for anyone affected by the accident.

Across the US, there were 2,518 truck accidents involving hazardous cargo in 2010. These resulted in 34 injuries, nine deaths and almost $80 million in damages. That same year, there were 6800 incidents involving hazardous material that occurred specifically when trucks were loaded or unloaded. These types of truck accidents are devastating and can occur in any community, including Hollywood. Trucks are routinely used to transport hazardous materials and chemicals. Any Hollywood car accident involving a truck can involve a truck carrying a dangerous and even unstable substance. If you are in this type of accident, the injuries that you suffer can be especially severe and even life-threatening.

Hollywood truck accidents involving a truck carrying hazardous materials are considered extremely high risk. In many cases, emergency responders cannot get close enough to a truck to determine what type of hazardous material is inside. Federal regulations also do not require trucks carrying less than 119 gallons or 1,000 pounds to have any special signage, so that in some cases there is the risk for a toxic spill but emergency responders have no way of knowing that.

These types of Hollywood truck accidents are also high risk because they can affect a large area. A truck that spills its hazardous cargo could explode, causing flying debris to injure bystanders far away. Spills can also damage the roads or cause noxious fumes that can harm people living in nearby homes. In some cases, they can cause Hollywood burn injuries and other serious injuries. The number of victims in these types of Hollywood traffic accidents can be substantial, since the area affected by the accident can be quite large. A chemical spill involving a dangerous gas, for example, can affect thousands of people living in the area.

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When North Miami Beach Truck Accidents Harm Bystanders

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

North Miami Beach truck accidents occur every year, and in most cases the principal parties involved are the truck driver and any other motorist involved in the accident. However, in some cases, by standers are injured in this type of North Miami Beach traffic accident. Due to the force involved in a truck accident, debris can travel some distance from the accident, and can injure bystanders. This can happen in a number of ways. A bystander may be injured while walking by the accident scene, or may sustain a serious injury while trying to help those involved in the accident. Some bystanders are seriously injured or even killed due to truck accidents they were not directly involved in.

If you were injured as a bystander in a North Miami Beach truck accident, it is important to contact a qualified North Miami Beach personal injury attorney right away. These cases can be devastating for the victim, but they can also be frustrating. In many cases, bystanders may not be fully covered by car insurance or property insurance for their injuries. Many bystanders also sustain injuries which are not covered by most insurance carriers. For example, someone who witnesses a serious North Miami Beach traffic accident may need counseling to deal with the emotional trauma. However, many insurance carriers may not cover this type of treatment.

For bystanders injured in truck accidents, these cases can also be quite complicated. For example, there may be multiple liable parties. The bystander may have been standing on public or private property and the injuries may actually have been caused by multiple vehicles. In addition, those at the scene may not have secured a scene for safety adequately. While multiple liable parties can improve the chances that an injured victim will secure a fair recovery for medical costs and other damages, investigating the liable parties and securing the recovery often requires an experienced attorney.

Bystanders may sustain serious injuries that cause lost income and incur significant medical costs. A qualified attorney can help ensure that the bystander does not have to pay all these costs out of pocket. A good attorney can pursue all liable parties and can ensure that an injury victim understands all their rights and options. There are Florida laws which protect injured bystanders, but many people are not aware of them. A qualified North Miami personal injury attorney can help a victim understand their rights and can aggressively pursue available options on behalf of the victim.

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The Secondary Dangers of a Miami Truck Accident

Published on: October 20, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Miami truck accidents happen virtually every day, and they range from smaller accidents to the serious truck rollovers that affect traffic for hours. While Miami truck accidents are devastating to everyone involved, they also have many secondary dangers that all pedestrians and motorists need to be aware of:

1) Rubbernecking. Unfortunately, Miami truck accidents usually draw a large crowd. When people stop to take a look at an accident, they may inadvertently contribute to secondary accidents. Drivers who slow down to take a look may also contribute to problems such as fender benders, traffic problems, and other problems. If you see a Miami truck accident, it is best to proceed slowly and to keep your eyes on the road. If there are already emergency personnel on the road, be sure to follow their directions in order to get to your destination safely.

2) Secondary accidents. People who swerve to avoid a Miami truck accident may collide with other objects or motorists, causing additional accidents.

3) Spills and fires. Large commercial trucks often carry flammable or toxic materials. In a truck accident, these can easily spill, causing a blaze or creating a toxic environment for everyone around. A commercial truck that is fully loaded with flammable material and bursts into flames can create an inferno, shooting flames into the air for dozens of feet. If you see a commercial truck accident, it is important to get out of the way as quickly and as safely as you can, in case the truck is carrying something hazardous. If you see a truck on fire, contact emergency personnel and keep your distance.

4) Disabled trucks can block the road or lanes of traffic. Trucks that have flipped on their side or are otherwise un-drivable can block an entire road or several lanes of traffic. Oncoming vehicles that are not aware of this can easily collide with each other or with the truck itself, causing additional accidents. Truck drivers are required to set up warning signs where possible after an accident. However a truck driver may be too injured in order to do this. The hazards are especially pronounced in poor visibility conditions, such as fog or rain. Disabled trucks that are blocking lanes of traffic can also cause congestion throughout an entire area of the city as motorists look for alternate routes to get to their destination.

5) Property damage. The impact of an 80,000 pound commercial truck flipping over or lighting on fire is enough to do serious damage to roads, traffic signs, and other city property. In cases where the roads and traffic systems are not fixed immediately, other motorists may be in danger of Miami car accidents due to the damage.

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