Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Author: Clara Barman

The Dangers of Fuel Truck Accidents in Miami and Other Florida Communities

Published on: May 16, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Fuel trucks carry fuel to homes, businesses, and to and from industrial sites every day. When these trucks are involved in truck accidents in Miami and other communities, however, the results can be catastrophic. Fuel is often highly combustible and unstable, increasing the likelihood of a fire. Tanker trucks containing fuel also more subject to rollovers and other accidents because the cargo is less stable. The devastation of these types of traffic accidents in Miami and other communities can be catastrophic:

1) Fuel truck accidents can lead to fires and explosions. While fuel tanker trucks are especially secured to protect against fires and damage, in a rollover or other type of truck or car accident in Miami, a fuel truck can spill its cargo, can explode, or can cause a serious fire. While a simple leak and spark alone are not usually enough to cause a fuel fire, when fires do occur they can be devastating. Fuel trucks can carry 100 gallons of fuel, and this is enough to cause a serious explosion or serious fire that can cause devastating damage to everyone in the area. The high heat and the extreme nature the fire can make it difficult for firefighting professionals to approach the scene immediately, meaning that it can be hard to extinguish this type of fire right away.

2) Fuel truck accidents often lead to secondary accidents. Truck accidents that result in fires, explosions, or spills can easily lead to a secondary accident. A tanker truck accident in Miami that causes a spill, for example, can lead to additional car accidents if approaching vehicles do not notice the spill in time. If a fuel truck accident results in a fire, other cars may be involved in collisions as they tried to stay away from the flames.

3) Fuel truck accidents can cause devastation and injury to bystanders and can cause damage to people over a wide radius. Fuel truck accidents, especially if they lead to explosions or fires, can affect people over a wide radius. Nearby homes and businesses may be severely damaged by the blaze, for example, and nearby pedestrians may suffer serious burn injuries or other serious injuries. Homes and businesses in the area may need to be evacuated until the situation is under control.

4) Fuel truck accidents can release toxins. Burning fuel can released dangerous toxins in the air, which can lead to severe injury and illness to bystanders in the area. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems may be especially at risk. In some situations, tankers carry hazardous materials. When these hazardous substances spill or ignite, the results can lead to an environment and health disaster.

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Would Mobile Scales and Other Initiatives Prevent Miami Springs Trucking Crashes?

Published on: November 6, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Law enforcement officials in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania have a newly equipped pick-up truck to help track down trucks with safety violations. The pick-up truck can travel to any roads where trucks with safety violations have been spotted. The truck is equipped with mobile scales and other equipment that can help detect trucks that are carrying more than their allowed weight or are guilty of other traffic violations. Could similar devices help prevent Miami Springs truck accidents, too?

The specially-equipped pick-up truck is impressive because it allows law enforcement officials to travel in order to find possible risky drivers and trucks. While there are scales along many roads, these stationary scales only catch those drivers who travel along those roads. If truck drivers take alternate or back roads, they may be able to elude the scales. With the new pick-up truck, law enforcement officials can find possible trucks in violation of safety codes and this makes it harder for trucks to evade the law.

Mobile scales may be important in preventing Miami Springs traffic accidents involving trucks because overweight trucks are a serious concern and a major cause of collisions. Heavier loads can cause extra pressure on brakes and tires, leading to Miami Springs tire blowouts, brake failure, and other incidents that can lead to accidents. Trucks that are over the maximum allowable weight are simply more likely to be in an accident and may cause serious Miami Springs head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities.

While there are laws in place to prevent trucks from carrying more than the maximum allowable weight, enforcing these laws can be challenging. Scales located on highways are designed to help spot trucks who exceed weight limits. However, truck companies may have financial motive to add weight to their trucks – making one large shipment can be less expensive and less time-consuming than making multiple smaller shipments. In addition, sometimes honest mistakes lead to a truck being weighted down past allowed weight limits. Trucks who take back roads or less-used roads rather than highways with scales may not be weighed by traditional scales and their hazard may go by undetected. Mobile scales could help with this problem, some experts believe.

The specially-equipped truck is actually not much different than law enforcement officials having breathalyzer tests in cruisers to prevent Miami Springs drunk driving accidents. Both devices are designed to help ensure that drivers are meeting safety regulations and are taking the steps necessary to stay safe on the roads.

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Cargo Issues That Can Lead to Tamarac Trucking Accidents

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

Each day, trucks in Tamarac carry cargo to and from businesses and homes. Cargo on trucks varies widely, from food products to live animals to tools and cars. Just about every item we buy is likely transported by truck at some point. Although most truck deliveries occur without incidents, some serious Tamarac truck accidents occur each year due to problems with cargo. These problems can include:

1) Incorrectly secured loads. Cargo transported by truck is supposed to be carefully and correctly secured so that it does not shift during transport. When cargo shift occurs, Tamarac traffic accidents are a common result. Determining liability in these cases is often a challenge, since there may be multiple freight handlers tasked with loading, unloading, and securing cargo. In these types of claims, the driver of the truck is also often held party liable, since securing the cargo is the driver’s responsibility. Drivers are expected to check the cargo before each trip and regularly throughout a trip to ensure that cargo is secured correctly.

2) Heavy loads. A common cargo issue with commercial trucks is overloading. Commercial trucks have strict limits about the cargo weight they are allowed to carry. Exceeding the weight places additional pressure on the brakes, tires, and other systems of a truck, leading to Tamarac truck accidents.

3) Shifting loads. Some loads shift more than others, even when securely placed in a truck. Livestock, for example, and liquids in tanker trucks may shift more than many other types of loads. Correctly securing loads can help, but in some cases loads shift unexpectedly.

4) Rollovers. Trucks have higher centers of gravity than passenger cars, which can lead to rollovers, especially when it comes to fully loaded commercial trucks. When cargo is not correctly secured, the possibility of Tamarac rollover accidents is even higher.

5) Driver errors. A driver may make mistakes, such as driving too fast for a specific road or noticing that cargo is incorrectly secured but not asking handlers to rearrange or re-secure the cargo.

6) Falling cargo. In some instances, cargo falls from a truck or spills onto the road. In some cases, this causes secondary Tamarac car accidents. More seriously, in cases where a truck is carrying flammable or toxic chemicals, a spill can cause a fire or serious environmental disaster, threatening homes and businesses over a large area.

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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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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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Light Truck Accidents in Miami

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

Light trucks are often advertised as safe and rugged vehicle options. Many people in Miami like the idea of light trucks, since they can carry quite a bit and some drivers believe that they are safer than smaller passenger vehicles. However, the popularity of light trucks can mean Miami car accidents, since these vehicles have a number of safety hazards associated with them:

1) Many drivers are not trained to drive larger trucks. Most drivers learn to drive in passenger vehicles such as sedans and few drivers take formal driver training in light trucks. While light trucks, such as pickup trucks, are designed to handle similarly to passenger vehicles, the two types of vehicles are not the same. A driver not used to a light truck may be more at risk of a Miami truck accident simply because the vehicles are significantly different and in many cases drivers are not trained for this.

2) Many light trucks have multiple blind spots. Pickup trucks have more blind spots than passenger vehicles and in many cases carrying a larger load in the bed can also obscure visibility further. It becomes more important for the drivers of these vehicles to check blind spots regularly.

3) Light trucks are generally not designed to decelerate or brake rapidly. In other words, these vehicles handle differently than passenger vehicles but many drivers drive them in the same manner, without leaving extra room for stopping. Drivers in other vehicles may also not consider that light trucks and pickup trucks require more room to stop.

4) Light trucks may be designed to carry heavy loads, but drivers may not understand how to secure those loads correctly. Although this information is often contained in driver manuals, not all drivers carefully follow and read the instructions. This can cause drivers to overload their trucks, putting them at risk for tire blowouts. It can also mean that drivers may not correctly secure the cargo in their truck, which can cause a Miami car accident if the cargo spills on the road when the driver is driving.

5) Light trucks may be subject to Miami rollover accidents. Trucks have a higher center of gravity than passenger vehicles. This can make them more subject to rollovers, especially on uneven terrain and at high speeds.

Light truck manufacturers do make concerted efforts to make their vehicles safer. Today’s pickup trucks are designed to handle better and have more safety features than previous models. Nevertheless, there are some issues related to light trucks that drivers need to be aware of.

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Could Truck Industry Changes in Mexico Be Significant in Reducing Miami Trucking Accidents?

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

The government in Mexico has recently announced that it will lower the maximum cargo weight allowed for big rig trucks and will make inspection rules stricter. The move follows a number of high-profile double-trailer truck accidents in that country as well as protests over freight truck weights and regulations.

In Mexico City recently, independent truckers blocked off parts of highways to express their concerns over the very long commercial trucks and very heavy trucks that Mexico has been allowing. The truckers claimed that the larger vehicles are not safe and place independents truckers at risk since the larger trucks pressure independent drivers to overload their own trucks to compete. Independent truckers also allege that the larger trucks displace them and their safer, smaller trucks from business.

While the US allows trucks up to 40 tons (80 000 pounds) when fully loaded, Mexico has permitted commercial trucks of up to 80 metric tons. Some of these trucks are longer than 100 feet, which experts say places undue pressure on loads and creates many more blind spots for truck drivers, creating risks for accidents. The trucks are routinely overloaded, according to some industry experts in Mexico, and are used on secondary loads. The double trailer trucks have been linked to a number of truck crashes, including some collisions that have claimed lives.

The Communications and Transport Department in Mexico has announced that following concerns and a number of fatal accidents it was reducing maximum weights. Double trailer trucks will now be able to only operate on 15.5 mile (25 km) runs on secondary roads and the maximum weight of these trucks will be reduced by 4.5 tons. In addition, double wide trucks will need to be inspected within the next sixty days to ensure that they are safe. To permit better inspection and regulation of the trucks in the country, the Communications and Transport Department will increase the number of weigh-in scales in Mexico to 88 from the current 63 and will increase the number of inspectors by 14%. In addition, new rules will require drivers of double trailers to have documented proof of how much their freight weighs.

The changes in the industry may mean good things for the US. Since there has been some talk about permitting more commercial trucks from Mexico into the US, ensuring that the trucks are safe will go a long way towards ensuring that the trucks are safe when on US streets, as well.

The move may also help prove the claims that experts have been making when trying to reduce the number of Miami trucking accidents as well. Over the years, many experts have claimed that reducing the weight limit of commercial trucks would potentially reduce the number of Miami car accidents involving trucks. However, others have alleged that truck weight will not impact safety. The case in Mexico does give credence to the idea that heavier trucks may be a greater risk for Miami traffic accidents.

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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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Cargo Shifts and Deerfield Beach Truck Accidents

Published on: January 12, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), cargo shifts are one of the most dangerous causes of truck accidents. Although they are not common occurrences, when cargo shifts do occur, they are very likely to cause a serious accident. In Deerfield Beach, traffic accidents caused by cargo shifts are likely to cause fatalities and serious injuries.

To understand why cargo shifts and resulting Deerfield Beach truck accidents take place, it is important to understand tractor-trailers. These larger commercial trucks have very high chassis, making the truck more likely to roll over and making stability essential. The cargo is the heaviest part of the truck, but the ability of the truck to stop, maneuver, and speed up is in the tires. When a truck attempts to move, the force of the move must be transferred through the truck, from the ground to the load. When a load is not carefully balanced, a Deerfield Beach rollover accident or cargo shift is the likely result.

In addition to incorrectly balanced loads, incorrectly secured loads are another common reason for cargo shifts. In a larger commercial truck, cargo needs to be very securely tied down or secured to prevent shifting. In some cases, loads are naturally more difficult to secure. For example, liquid loads naturally shift and move during transport. In these cases, special tanker trucks need to be used to ensure that the load shift does not lead to an accident.

Truck drivers are primarily responsible for a cargo load. They are expected to inspect the cargo during the trip and before the trip to ensure that it is safe. However, in a Deerfield Beach truck accident caused by shifting cargo, there may be multiple liable parties. For example, trucking companies are expected to properly train drivers so that drivers can inspect cargo correctly. In addition, loaders are expected to load and secure cargo correctly.

If you have been in a Deerfield Beach truck accident that you believe may have been caused by a cargo problem, it is important to consult with a qualified Deerfield Beach personal injury attorney. In many cases, where a commercial truck is involved in an accident, truck carriers have access to powerful insurance companies as well as teams of attorneys to represent them. You will need a qualified personal injury attorney who can investigate the accident, find all liable parties, and safeguard your rights.

Even in cases where a Deerfield Beach traffic accident seems fairly straightforward, where commercial entity is involved, the case may be more complex than you realize. Even simply finding all liable parties can be very important. For example, if a Deerfield Beach personal injury attorney is able to find multiple liable parties in your case, you can drastically improve your chances of getting a fair settlement that covers more of your medical costs, lost income, and other expenses. As well, a good attorney can help safeguard your rights and can ensure you do not sign away your rights when making an insurance claim.

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Miami Tanker Trucks Save Lives, But Can Cause Accidents

Published on: November 3, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Miami firefighters and fire departments rely on tanker trucks to save lives and put out fires. While tankers do help Florida fire departments fight blazes, these trucks are also a hazard on the roads and are involved in a disproportionate number of accidents, when one considers how few tankers there are. According to experts, there are a few basic things that make these tankers so likely to contribute to Florida truck accidents:

1) Conversion problems. Many Florida fire departments purchase tankers used. In many cases, departments convert trucks which were originally meant to carry other materials, such as gas. When the tankers are converted for the use of fire departments, however, it can be difficult to determine how much the tankers can carry. The tankers may indicate how much gas they can carry, for example, but water weighs more. With no clear guidelines, it is easy to make a mistake and overload the tankers, which can lead to Miami rollover accidents and other traffic accidents. Converting a tanker can also lead to problems with chassis weight ratings. In addition, some fire departments add a tanker to a flatbed or add a hosebed on a used truck, altering the center of gravity and making the truck more prone to rollovers.

2) Driver issues. Tankers require extensive training, yet in many fire departments are considered merely support vehicles. As a result, in many cases the tanker is the most dangerous vehicle at the average fire department but is often driven by the least experienced driver. Tankers have loads that shift and tend to have higher centers of gravity. These unique conditions mean that any driver who drives a tanker should be given on the road and classroom training before being allowed to drive a tanker.

3) High speed. Fire departments need to limit the speed of tankers, because these vehicles are prone to rollovers. Trying to drive too fast in a tanker truck is likely to result in a Miami truck accident as the tanker driver is likely to lose control of the vehicle at higher speeds. The Insurance Services Office places tanker speed limits at 35 mph.

4) Seatbelt issues. Even if the tanker driver does everything right, other motorists can drive recklessly and cause a Miami car accident. It is important to ensure that everyone on a tanker wears the appropriate safety belts. If a fire department buys a tanker second-hand, the tanker should be equipped with seat belts, preferably, a modern three-point safety restraint.

5) Lack of guides. Side dump valves can ensure that tankers need to back up less often. However, since tankers have so many blind spots, it is imperative to have someone on the ground guiding the tank driver during any attempt at backing up. Failure to do so can easily result in a Miami pedestrian accident.

6) Not following rules. Under NFPA 1901, tankers are subject to many rules concerns the cab, chassis, and all elements of the tanker. It is important for fire departments to study and follow these rules to prevent needless tragedy. Under NFPA 1911, tankers are subject to regular testing. In addition to required testing, fire departments should create and stick to a regular maintenance schedule to keep all tankers safe.

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