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

Staying Organized After a Miami Lakes Truck Accident

Published on: December 18, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have been seriously injured in a Miami Lakes truck accident or have lost someone in a traffic accident, getting organized may be the last thing on your mind. However, after a serious Miami Lakes traffic accident, you will likely be given a barrage of information and will need to keep track of a number of legal and medical processes. Staying organized is essential to ensuring that you get everything done. Keeping organized is also important since you may be upset and grieving, and therefore keeping track of all the information coming your way may be harder than ever. There are a few things that you can do to make the process easier:

1) Create a list of phone numbers you need to call and create a phone log of who you have spoken to and when. You will likely need to phone a number of people after your accident. If you have been in a Miami Lakes car accident involving a commercial truck, you may need to contact a Miami Lakes personal injury attorney, for example, specialists, doctors, your insurance company, a support group, and many other people. Keep a list of all the information and all the phone numbers that you will likely need. Also, keep a notebook by the phone so that you can keep tabs of who calls when and what you discussed.

2) Create a file related to all your accident-related information. One file can contain your insurance policy information, insurance claims, any paperwork from your attorney, any copies of police report and medical files, and any other information that you need related to your case. This way, if your insurance company or attorney requires any information, it is handily in one location.

3) Evaluate your expenses and create a budget. A serious Miami Lakes truck accident that results in injuries or death usually results in financial distress as well. You may require expensive medical care and you may also lose income because you are unable to work. In order to survive financially, it is important to have a budget and to evaluate your assets as well as the expenses coming your way. You also want to keep a list of everything that you are spending that is related to your accident. You want to keep receipts for any medical devices you need, for example, as well as any medical expenses and transportation expenses. This way, your Miami Lakes personal injury attorney can pursue compensation for these costs.

4) Collect the papers you need. This may include medical papers, death certificates, insurance policies, military discharge papers, wills, list of assets, and other documents. You will likely be asked for these papers at some point.

5) Make a list of everything you need to do after your accident and write it in a planner or use your mobile device calendar or planner feature to create reminders. It is easy to lose track of appointments and things to do when you’re distressed. Keeping a list of everything and using an online calendar to remind you of appointments ensures that nothing slips through the cracks.

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Time is Of the Essence After a North Miami Beach Truck Accident: What to Do First

Published on: December 13, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

After a North Miami Beach truck accident, time is of the essence. The things that you do immediately following an accident can determine your ability to claim fair compensation and pursue a legal case. Immediately following a North Miami Beach traffic accident, you will of course want to offer assistance to anyone who is injured at the scene and to get medical help immediately if needed. If the accident is serious, you will generally also need to contact authorities. Beyond that, however, there are several things you want to do in order to preserve your rights:

1) Be wary of what you sign or say. In general, try to say as little as possible and stick to the facts, even if an insurance investigator tells you that your comments will not be “on the record.” If an insurance company investigator contacts you, you have the right to tell them that you cannot speak at the current time and you can ask them to communicate with you via letter. In general, you should say as little as possible and sign nothing until you contact a North Miami Beach attorney. Your attorney can advise you as to what you should not say and what you should not sign in order to safeguard your rights.

2) Contact the investigating authority and get a copy of the police report if you can. Look for any discrepancies between what you remember and what is written down. You can also ask the investigating authority about victim assistance and advocacy programs as well as any criminal charges in the investigation.

3) Preserve as much documented evidence as possible. This may mean taking down information at the scene of the accident or as soon as you are able to. It may mean taking photos at the scene and photos of your injuries or sending the trucking company a registered “spoliation letter” asking them to keep specific evidence – such as the truck’s computer or the log book – related to the crash. Keep receipts of any expenses related to your accident – such as cab fare home from the hospital, a tally of work hours lost, medication or medical expenses, and other costs.

4) Get medical attention – even if you walked away from the crash. Some types of injuries – including potentially fatal North Miami Beach head injuries – may not show symptoms right away. Even if you think you’re fine after an accident, it is important to get medical attention. Go to a walk in clinic or visit your regular physician to get a full checkup. If you have soft tissue injuries or other injuries which are caused by the accident but which may not have produced symptoms immediately, it is important to document this and to get treatment right away. Getting prompt medical attention also allows you to start documenting the evidence of your injuries right away.

5) Hire an experienced personal injury attorney. If you think that your accident and injuries were caused by recklessness or negligence, it is important to consult with a North Miami Beach personal injury attorney as quickly as possible after your accident. Keep in mind that many personal injury attorneys will even visit your hospital room or your home if you are seriously injured and not able to visit a lawyer in person. In truck accidents, trucks are represented by powerful insurance companies. If you wish to pursue a legal claim or compensation, it is important to get legal advice immediately – before you inadvertently sign away any rights. Hiring an attorney immediately also allows your attorney to secure evidence which may be important in your case.

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What to Consider when Choosing a North Miami Truck Accident Attorney

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

If you have been seriously injured in a North Miami trucking accident, consulting with a North Miami personal injury attorney can be one of the smartest things you do. An attorney can help you understand the total costs of your injuries, can help you pursue justice, can investigate your accident, and can pursue a legal claim so that you are not facing financial distress as well as injuries. There are many attorneys for you to choose from. However, when choosing an attorney, make sure that you ask yourself the following questions:

1) How soon will the attorney start investigating the truck accident? The truck accident attorney will need to be retained in order to start an investigation, but the investigation should start as quickly as possible after that. After a North Miami traffic accident, evidence disappears quickly. This is especially true of a truck accident, where the truck company may not feel obligated to hang on to evidence. After a North Miami truck accident, insurance providers working for the truck company will usually arrive at the scene within minutes. To build the strongest possible case your attorney will need to start the investigation as quickly as possible.

2) How many similar cases has the attorney handled? An attorney who has handled multiple North Miami truck accident cases, personal injury cases, traffic accident cases, and North Miami head injury cases likely has the trial experience and legal experience you need to build a strong case.

3) Does the attorney have access to private investigators and expert witnesses? A personal injury attorney who works with a full-service law firm who can quickly find expert witnesses and private investigators to investigate your accident is a huge benefit. An attorney with multiple resources can thoroughly investigate the accident and help build a strong case on your behalf.

4) Is the attorney an expert on issues related to truck accidents? Look for a North Miami truck collision attorney who understands the issues related to truck accidents. An attorney who understands how speeding, driver distraction, and other issues affect truck accidents, for example, is more likely to find multiple liable parties and pursue justice effectively on your behalf.

5) Is the attorney familiar with the rules and laws that affect truck drivers and truck companies? Commercial truck drivers must meet certain state and federal laws in order to operate. If your attorney understands these laws, he or she is better equipped to notice when a truck company or driver violates these laws.

6) Is the attorney familiar with the insurance system? An attorney who is familiar with the insurance system often can better predict the tactics that insurance companies will use in defending their clients. An attorney who is familiar with the insurance system can also better negotiate with insurance carriers on your behalf, so this is an important advantage.

7) Does the attorney have strong referrals or a track record of compensation secured on behalf of victims? It is a good sign when an attorney has a track record of successful and happy clients.

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How to Heal Emotionally After a Miami Beach Trucking Accident

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

If you have been seriously injured in a Miami Beach truck accident or have recently lost someone in a Miami Beach traffic accident, you may be experiencing physical symptoms, financial distress, as well as emotional trauma. Many accident survivors experience great upheaval in their lives, including emotional upheaval. If this is true for you, there are several things you can do:

1) Get professional help. If you are experiencing grief, anger, depression, and other forms of emotional upset which are preventing you from leading a normal life, it is a good idea to get professional help. There are counseling options available as well as support groups and other forms of help. Your regular physician can help direct you to the options available to you.

2) Be aware of troubling symptoms. While everyone who survives a serious Miami Beach car accident or truck accident goes through some form of emotional upheaval, you’ll want to be aware of troubling symptoms which indicate that you need prompt help. For example, if you have thoughts of harming yourself or are depressed after the incident, you will likely want to speak to your regular doctor about these symptoms. Similarly, if you have intense emotional responses to memories of the accident or if you are having trouble resuming your life weeks after the accident, you may need counseling or another form of help in order to get back on track.

3) Take care of yourself physically and mentally. A Miami Beach truck collision and the resulting injuries are traumatic. This is not a time to punish yourself further – it’s a time to take care of yourself mentally and physically. That may mean surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family. It also means eating well, exercising, and visiting the doctor in order to make sure that you are physically as fit as possible.

4) Get answers about the accident. After a serious accident or injury, it is normal to have questions about how the accident occurred. Many survivors find that they are better able to heal and resume their lives if they have answers about what has happened. You can speak with a Miami Beach personal injury attorney in order to get assistance with getting answers about your accident. An attorney can investigate the accident for you and can even pursue a legal claim or compensation for you so that you have money for counseling, medical care, and other expenses related to your accident.

5) Write about your experiences or use another form of self-expression. Keeping a journal or using art or photography can be very helpful in healing after the trauma the serious accident. Talking about your experiences with others can also be helpful.

6) Commemorate your loved one if you have lost someone in the accident. This will allow you to heal and get some closure.

7) Be sensitive about the fact that others may grieve differently. Your friends and family will likely be grieving too. Staying sensitive to how others grieve is important in providing everyone with the support they need.

8 ) Beware of “trigger events.” Birthdays, anniversaries of the accident, and passing the street corner where the accident occurred may all be trigger events that stir up strong emotional reactions. Be aware of what your trigger events may be and prepare yourself in advance so that they do not sneak up on you.

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Dealing With Greif After a Miami Gardens Truck Accident

Published on: December 4, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Losing a loved one in a Miami Gardens trucking accident or sustaining a serious injury in an accident can result in months or even years of grief and recovery. The impact of a serious Miami Gardens traffic accident can be far-reaching and can include:

1) Physical symptoms. The first six to twelve months after losing a loved one in a Miami Gardens car accident or truck accident can include many physical symptoms. The same is true if you yourself have been injured seriously in a traffic accident. The physical symptoms vary widely from person to person but may include insomnia, tension headaches, and other symptoms. Some survivors find themselves more prone to accidents because they are distracted by grief or more prone to physical illness since stress and grief can wear down the immune system. If you have any physical symptoms, it is important to speak with a doctor about them to get the appropriate help.

2) Recovery from injury. If you have been injured in a Miami Gardens truck collision, you may have to endure pain as well as prolonged medical treatment in order to regain mobility and resume your daily life. If you have also lost a loved one in the same accident that injured you, it may be difficult to focus on healing when you are also grieving.

3) Emotional symptoms. Symptoms such as denial, anger, fear, guilt, and depression are common after a serious car accident. They may affect your ability to complete everyday tasks or even work. If you are having trouble emotionally after an accident, it is important to seek counseling or help. In some cases, these symptoms may not go away by themselves and may require medical intervention.

4) Financial impact. The financial impact of a Miami Gardens truck crash can be immense. If you have lost a loved one, the final medical expenses and memorial expenses may add up to tens of thousands of dollars or even more. If you have been seriously or permanently injured, you may face hundreds of thousands of dollars or even more in medical bills. In addition, you may lose income if you cannot work after the accident and you may need to repair or replace the car and property damaged in the accident. In some cases, survivors find that they face bankruptcy due to the cost of their injuries. For this reason, it is important to consult with an experienced Miami Gardens personal injury attorney if you have sustained a loss or injury in a traffic accident. An attorney can tell you whether you are qualified for compensation due to your accident.

5) Stress disorders. Some survivors of Miami Gardens traffic accidents may experience Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), serious illnesses that can mean depression, flashbacks, and other symptoms for sufferers. PTSD and ASD are both treatable, but both require medical help.

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How to Advocate: Things You Can Do to Take a Stand Against Safety Risks that Lead to Homestead Truck Accidents

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

If you have been injured in a Homestead truck accident, you may not only want to focus on healing, but you may also become interested in advocacy. Many survivors of serious Homestead traffic accidents find that advocacy is an important part of the healing process and helps them seek changes that can help prevent similar accidents in the future. Whether you are a Homestead head injury patient, burn patient, or have sustained another type of injury, there are many things you can do:

1) Educate yourself about the issues and safety concerns affecting the risk of traffic accidents. Finding out what caused the Homestead truck accident that caused your injuries can be important, since the same issues may cause multiple Homestead car accidents and truck accidents. Drunk driving, speeding, rule violates, fatigued and distracted driving are all known dangers yet drivers continue to make poor choices when it comes to these hazards. When enough victims step forward about these issues, however, real change is possible.

2) Join and volunteer with an organization dedicated to advocacy and truck safety. Groups such as the Truck Safety Coalition and others aim to raise awareness and change laws so that tragedy can be prevented. These groups are often eager for volunteers and can suggest many things that you can do to help the cause. To find advocacy groups, you may wish to speak to your attorney, support group, or research online.

3) Write to your elected representative. If your accident was caused by a common problem – such as speeding, distracted driving, or other issues – write to your elected representative. Succinctly explain your story and request specific changes to be made that can help prevent similar Homestead truck crashes in the future. For example, if your accident was caused by a distracted driver, considering asking your elected representative to sponsor or support legislation which would ban texting and driving in Florida.
4) Follow up with and meet with your elected representatives. Politicians receive many emails and letters per day. Following up with an appointment or another letter shows that you are serious about the issue. You may also consider setting up a petition about a safety issue. When politicians see that voters are passionate about a topic, they are more likely to pay attention.

5) If you have been injured in a Homestead traffic accident, work with a Homestead personal injury attorney to get answers and to hold responsible parties liable. An experienced attorney can help you find out what caused an accident and can help you determine what steps to take after an accident. Deciding to pursue a legal claim can also help bring about important safety changes. Legal claims shine a spotlight on problem safety measures and in many cases truck companies agree to safety changes as well as compensation as part of out-of-court settlements. Holding a responsible party liable can help that company make changes that can prevent another accident.

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Steps Of The Legal Process After A Miami Lakes Truck Accident

Published on: November 20, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

After a Miami Lakes truck accident, if you decide to pursue a legal claim, there will be many steps to you and your attorney will need to take. The steps can include:

1) Investigation. Even if you decide not to pursue a legal claim, there will be an investigation of the accident. If the Miami Lakes traffic accident caused serious injury or damage, the police may become involved if they believe that the truck driver or truck company violated the law. They may pursue criminal charges against the company or driver. Even if there is no criminal charge and you do not decide to pursue a civil case, within minutes of the accident it is likely that the insurance company representing the truck company will send what is known as a go team or rapid response team to the scene of the accident in order to gather evidence and start an investigation. If you decide to pursue a civil case, your personal injury attorney will send their own private investigators to investigate the accident. Since the insurance carriers usually arrive very quickly, it is important to consult with a Miami Lakes personal injury attorney very soon after the accident, before evidence is lost. The sooner you consult with a Miami Lakes personal injury attorney, the sooner your attorney can document evidence and start an investigation. Even if you decide not to pursue a legal case in the end, consulting with a personal injury attorney promptly after crash helps ensure that you know which steps to take in order to preserve as much evidence as possible.

2) Filing a legal case and discovery. If you decide to pursue a legal claim, your attorney will formally file a legal case against the truck company, driver, or any other liable parties in the case. Once this is done, the discovery process will begin. This involves hiring expert witnesses, making requests for information, subpoenaing witnesses, and so forth. Depositions, or interviews under oath, are also often conducted with those who are relevant to the case. At this stage of the legal process, the Miami Lakes personal injury attorney is generally building up a strong case for their client.

3) Mediation. In many cases, trucking companies wish to reach a settlement rather than allow a case to go to trial. This is because trials usually result in negative publicity and can result in larger jury findings against the company. In order to start the settlement process, attorneys for both sides will usually take part in a mediation process with a third party. These nonbinding proceedings will allow each party to discuss the possibility of settlement. A settlement made in this manner may involve a monetary offer of compensation as well as promises by the truck company to make safety improvements.

4) Trial. If two parties in a lawsuit cannot reach an agreement, the case will usually go to trial. A jury will be selected and a trial date will be set. At any point before the trial date an out-of-court settlement may still be reached and mediation may still continue. In many cases, juries will award only damages or compensation to Miami Lakes truck accident victims. In most cases, juries will not make recommendations to the truck company to make safety changes.

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Understanding the Legal Process After a North Miami Beach Truck Accident

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

If you have been injured in a North Miami Beach truck accident, you may be confused by all the legal processes after the accident. After the accident, there may be two types of legal proceedings in your case: civil and criminal.

Criminal cases

Criminal proceedings in the case will occur if it is determined by authorities that the truck driver violated laws, causing the accident. If found guilty, the truck driver and truck company could face license suspension, jail time, as well as other repercussions. However, not all prosecutors aggressively pursue these types of cases. To ensure that the truck driver and truck company are held responsible for their actions, you may wish to contact the prosecutor yourself and work with an attorney to ensure that those responsible for the accident are held accountable. In some cases, you may be able to write a victim impact statement in order to help the judge determine whether to take action against the truck driver and truck company.

Civil cases

Many victims who have been injured in a North Miami Beach traffic accident also choose to pursue a civil legal case. A civil legal case seeks monetary reward or compensation for the injuries a victim has suffered in a North Miami Beach car accident or truck accident. In this type of case, the truck company, truck drivers, as well as many other liable parties can be held responsible for the costs and injuries incurred an accident. Whether criminal cases ever filed and whether that criminal case is won or lost, victims can pursue a civil case. The case can make it all the way to court, or a truck company and insurance company may decide to seek an out-of-court settlement. A settlement can also involve steps that the truck company or truck driver has to take in order to reduce the risk of future accidents.

If you have been injured in a North Miami Beach truck accident or have lost a loved one in a North Miami Beach truck accident, you may have legal case. You may be able to play a role in the criminal case or you may simply choose to pursue a civil case. Making a decision to pursue a legal claim is significant, and before you decide one way or the other it is a good idea to consult with a North Miami Beach personal injury attorney who is experienced with truck accident cases. An experienced attorney can tell you whether you have a case, can help you understand how much your case could be worth, and can help you understand your rights and options. Based on this information, you can make a decision that is right for you.

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Resources That Can Help You if You Have Been in a Hallandale Beach Truck Accident

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

If you have been in a Hallandale Beach truck accident, your injuries may be severe and you may face a lifetime or many months of recovery. Whether you sustain burn injuries, Hallandale Beach head injuries, fractures, spinal cord trauma, or other injuries, you may face financial challenges, pain, lost work time, and many other challenges. As you begin to recover from your injuries, it is important that you have resources on hand to help you through the process. There are many places you can turn if you have been seriously injured in a Hallandale Beach traffic accident:

1) Your doctor. If you have been seriously injured in a Hallandale Beach car accident or truck accident, you will likely be rushed to an emergency room and get an initial evaluation from an emergency room physician. You may also get referrals to specialists for follow-up treatment. Eventually, however, you will want to visit your regular doctor, who can also provide you with additional information about your condition and can provide care based on your medical history as well as your current injuries. In fact, even if you are fortunate and your Hallandale Beach truck accident does not require you to visit the emergency room, you may wish to visit your doctor for a check-up to ensure that there are no injuries. Some injuries – including head injuries and soft tissue injuries – may not present symptoms right away but still require prompt treatment.

2) Your pharmacist. Your pharmacist may be an important resource for you after your accident. If you are given medication after your injury, your pharmacist can ensure that your medication will not interact with other medication you are taking. Your pharmacist may also be able to recommend over-the-counter painkillers as well as other products that can help you as you recover from your accident.

3) Your insurance company. Insurance companies become involved soon after an accident and may make a claim offer to cover your medical costs, car damage, and other expenses related to your Halladale Beach truck accident. When speaking with insurance companies, however, keep in mind that these businesses typically wish to settle claims quickly and inexpensively. If an insurance company makes you an offer, you may wish to have a legal professional look the offer over and you may wish to learn more about how much your case could be worth.

4) A personal injury attorney. Contacting a Hallandale Beach personal injury attorney after your accident can be important. An attorney can do several things. They can help you understand your rights and options and can help you find other resources as you start to recover from your injuries. Attorneys can also investigate the accident and can find all liable parties. Of course, they can also pursue compensation on your behalf and can also review offers made by insurance companies. Basically, attorneys represent you and ensure that your interests are protected. Your initial consultation with a Hallandale Beach personal injury attorney may be free, so you may wish to at least speak with an attorney to find out what any attorney can do in your case.

5) Your elected representative. If your accident was caused by poor road conditions or flawed laws, speaking out against these problems can be an important part of the healing process. You may wish to write to your elected representative to ask for changes to ensure that others are not injured the way you are.

6) Social media and the Internet. There are many online resources, including support groups, available for people who are suffering from specific types of injuries. If you have sustained a burn injury, for example, it can be helpful to speak with others who have dealt with a similar injury and have recovered.

7) Support groups. Support groups as well as friends and family provide an important source of emotional support after your accident. After a serious trauma such as a traffic collision it is normal to be frightened, upset, and anxious. Speaking with others can help.

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Avoiding Coral Gables Truck Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Published on: October 30, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

When it comes to Coral Gables pedestrian accidents involving trucks, pedestrians have almost no chance. A large commercial truck can easily kill a pedestrian while causing almost no damage to the vehicle itself. To prevent this type of accident from occurring to you, make sure to follow these tips:

1) Use extra caution when approaching a truck on foot. One of the big risks that lead to Coral Gables truck accidents is that trucks have many blind spots. These blind spots prevent a truck driver from seeing a car near the truck – much less a pedestrian. Many trucks also make frequent stops and starts as they make deliveries, so predicting their movements can be more challenging than predicting the movements of cars.

2) Teach children to avoid approaching trucks. Children are naturally curious about large commercial trucks, so it is important to teach children to never approach these vehicles or play near them.

3) If you must approach a truck, make eye contact with the truck driver to ensure that he or she can see you. The driver can only see you if you can see the driver in the mirrors. If you cannot, you are in the driver’s blind spot.

4) Be careful when walking along roads and shoulders of roads with plenty of truck traffic. Trucks may be driving along highways and country roads, and these types of areas tend not to have sidewalks, making them riskier for Coral Gables traffic accidents. If you must walk in these areas, walk towards traffic and use extra caution.

5) Stay visible when taking a walk. Wear clothes with reflective strips and carry a flashlight. You are less at risk of a Coral Gables car accident or truck accident if motorists can see you.

6) Use extra caution in areas with truck traffic. This includes busy streets, garbage days, retail areas, and parking lots. Keep alert for truck traffic and make sure you give trucks extra room. Trucks use alarms and signal lights to communicate with drivers around them – make sure that you stay alert for any signals from trucks around you.

7) Do not walk distracted or drunk. Most drivers are aware of the risks of drunk driving and distracted driving, but distraction and inebriation can also be a risk for pedestrians. If you are under the influence or distracted, you can easily walk into a truck’s path or forget to use extra caution. Only walk when you are physically and mentally fit to do so.

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