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

Why it is Important to Consult with an Attorney After an Aventura Truck Accident

Published on: August 7, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have been in a serious Aventura traffic accident, such as a truck accident, it is a very good idea to speak to an Aventura personal injury attorney who specializes in truck accidents. While it is possible to handle the matter without going to an attorney, there are many reasons why an attorney is important:

1) Insurance companies and truck carriers are often looking for an inexpensive and fast settlement, while an attorney will look for a fair settlement for you. It is often a mistake to settle too quickly and it is certainly a mistake to settle for a compensation or claims amount without speaking to an attorney. An attorney can help you understand the total costs of your injuries and can help you ask the questions you need to ask in order to get fair compensation. In addition, you may not even understand the full extent of your injuries until you have spoken to medical specialists and an attorney can work with you to ensure that you have a very thorough investigation of your injuries.

2) Aventura personal injury attorneys can advise you of your rights. In many cases, you may not know all the Florida laws which protect you after an accident. An experienced attorney can help you understand the law as it applies to your specific case and can help you understand what options you have, so that you can make an informed choice.

3) An Aventura traffic accident attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and find all liable parties. This can be important in clearing your name and ensuring that you are not blamed for an accident that was not your fault. Finding all liable parties is also important in getting a fair settlement – one that covers as many of your costs as possible.

4) An Aventura personal injury attorney has worked with others in your situation and can help advise you about next steps. An attorney may steer you towards the medical help and the resources that are available, since many attorneys have worked with accident victims before and are aware of the options available for injuries.

5) Speaking with an Aventura personal injury attorney does not mean filing a lawsuit. An attorney can advise you of your rights, offer advice about a claims offer, review the terms of your insurance policy, help negotiate with your insurance company, and more. If you do decide to pursue a legal claim, an attorney can also obviously help with that. If you are concerned about costs, keep in mind that many attorneys offer an initial free accident consultation and are even willing to work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not have to pay your legal costs until and unless you win in court or reach an out-of-court settlement.

6) Most truck accidents involve commercial vehicles. This can make Aventura truck accidents more complex than car accidents, since insurance companies working for truck carriers usually have plenty of resources and are looking to resolve claims with as little cost as possible. Working with an attorney ensures that there is someone on your side looking out for your rights.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

What to Do – And What to Avoid – After a South Miami Truck Accident

Published on: July 24, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

The upset of a South Miami truck accident can be enormous, especially if there is someone injured in the accident. However, the steps you take immediately after an accident can determine your options later on. According to experts, after a South Miami traffic accident, it is important to:

1) Remain calm. While it is normal to panic after a serious South Miami motorcycle accident or truck accidents, you need to focus in order to help others and yourself.

2) If anyone is injured, call for emergency help. Assist others at the scene. If you are trapped in your car, turn on the hazard lights to indicate that you need help.

3) If you are in danger of obstructing traffic and no one has been seriously injured, pull over to the side of the road. Florida law demands it and if your failure to get away from the road causes a secondary South Miami car accident, there could be more injuries.

4) Exchange information with the truck driver involved. Get their license information, address, phone number, name, insurance and truck carrier company name as well as the number of the vehicle. Get the names and contact information of any emergency personnel or witnesses on the scene.

5) Take photos of the accident scene and surrounding area if at all possible – and as soon as possible after the accident. Even photos from a cell phone can be helpful. Photos can help attorneys and insurance carriers determine exactly what happened and what factors – including weather or road conditions – could have contributed to the South Miami traffic collision.
6) Contact your insurance company. If you are injured, contact a personal injury attorney as well. Your insurance company can help you start a claim while a South Miami personal injury attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you get the fairest compensation possible for your injuries. It is important to call soon after your injury, as both insurance carriers and attorneys will want to gather evidence in the case and evidence tends to disappear quickly after the clean up after an accident.

7) Avoid moving anyone at the scene who has been injured. In some cases, South Miami brain injury and spinal injury patients may actually be hurt more if they are moved. Wait for emergency personnel for help.

8) Stay at the scene of the accident until the matter is resolved. If police are on the scene, wait until they tell you to leave. If the accident is relatively minor, stay until you have offered help to anyone who needs it and have exchanged all important license and contact information with the other drivers.

9) Avoid accepting cash from the other driver in lieu of an insurance claim.

10) Avoid signing any documents until you have had them reviewed by a South Miami personal injury attorney. Just sign the police report and wait for legal advice before signing any papers from an attorney, insurance claimant, or the other driver or their employer.

11) Avoid getting your car repaired at once. If you decide to file a claim, your insurance carrier or a personal injury attorney may need to look at the vehicle to assess the damage.

Continue reading →

Common Mistakes After a Hollywood Truck Accident

Published on: July 19, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Being in a serious Hollywood traffic accident can be frightening and upsetting, and this is even more so if you are involved in a Hollywood truck accident. The accident generally will take place in just a few seconds and while you are still reeling you may need to deal with the other driver, witnesses, police, insurance company employees, emergency personnel, and others, all asking you questions. Many people injured in Hollywood car accidents and truck accidents make a few key mistakes immediately after the accident, and these mistakes can adversely affect the chances of recovering fair compensation for any injuries:

1) Saying “I am sorry” or making any simple admission of fault. It may feel natural to apologize after an accident, but this simple statement can adversely affect your claim. It may be seen as an admission of fault by the other driver and by the insurance company. These simple words may be held against you, so after a Hollywood truck accident, stick to the facts and exchange information. Keep in mind that immediately after an accident is may be impossible to determine fault. It can take professional investigators some time to determine what caused an accident, so avoid jumping to conclusions.

2) Not contacting police and insurance carriers right away. If anyone is seriously injured or you believe that the other driver may be under the influence, it is important to contact the police and file a report. Failure to do so can create problems down the line if you decide to file a claim. In addition, many people assume that if they contact their insurance company, their rates will increase. However, contacting your insurance company to ask for advice does not mean that you have to file a claim.

3) Signing documents too quickly. After a Hollywood motorcycle accident or car accident involving a truck, it is common to get a claim offer quite quickly. The insurance companies working for truck carriers and truck driver unions are quite powerful and often want to resolve claims quickly. However, it is important to avoid signing anything until you have had a chance to discuss the document with an attorney, or you may end up signing away some of your rights to fair compensation. After a Hollywood truck accident, the only thing you should be signing is a police report.

4) Failing to speak with a personal injury attorney if a serious injury has occurred. If your injury is serious and will result in medical costs and lost income, it is important to speak to an experienced Hollywood personal injury attorney. An attorney with experience in truck accident claims can help you understand your rights and the likely total costs of your injuries, which can make it easier for you to understand how much your claim may be worth. This can be substantially higher than the claim amount being offered to you. An experienced attorney can launch a claim for you or can negotiate with insurance carriers on your behalf so that you get fairer compensation to help pay for your injuries.

5) Failing to document. After an accident, it is vital to exchange as much information as possible with the other driver or drivers involved. It is also important to take photos of the accident scene and surrounding areas and to get contact information for witnesses. Getting copies of medical reports is also helpful. The more information you gather, the easier it can be for an attorney to help you find all liable parties and the answers you need.

Continue reading →

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading →

PTSD and Miami Truck Accidents and Car Accidents

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

Does PTSD play a role in Miami truck accidents and traffic accidents? The USAA, an insurance carrier for military families, has a new study which suggests it does. According to the USAA study, which examined the car accident rates after 171,000 deployments over a period of three years, US military personnel have 13% more at-fault car accidents in the six months after coming home when compared with the six months before deployment.

According to the USAA, one reason may be because military personnel require a different style of driving in Kabul and other deployment areas to stay alive. When they return home after duty, they may be used to this style of driving and may struggle to adjust to driving at home. Many members of the military, for example, need to drive heavy vehicles during combat situations and need to drive in order to deal with the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as well as other road hazards. As a result, perhaps, the USAA found that most car accidents found to be caused by military personnel after deployment were caused by objects in the road.
Some members of the military have higher rates of accidents than others. Members of the military had 23% more at-fault car accidents within the first six months of coming home, while members of the Marines had 12.5% more accidents. Members of the Navy and the Air Force had rates of 3% and 2%, respectively. Those who were deployed at least three times had 36% more accidents than those deployed less often while those who were deployed twice has 27% more car accidents and traffic accidents when compared with those who had been deployed just once. The same study found that seniors who were over 29 years of age and who had more seniority when compared with those who were younger and with less training.

The study adds to a growing number of studies showing the effects of war trauma on returning soldiers. Other studies have shown that brain injuries and chronic headaches, among other issues, are becoming more common with soldiers and members of the military.

The USAA study is significant in that it sheds some important insight on Miami traffic accidents and some of their causes. Members of the military clearly sacrifice a great deal to protect their homes, and knowing that these issues exist will hopefully ensure that members of the military get more support after deployment. The study also suggests that more can be done to prevent Miami car accidents and truck accidents.

Continue reading →

What Seeking Justice in Miami Beach Truck Accidents Can Do

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

After a Miami Beach truck accident, it is common to feel upset and confused. In addition to trying to process complex information about claims and insurance laws, you may be recovering from a painful or long-term injury while also trying to get your life back on track. In many cases, where a serious injury has occurred, it can be helpful to speak with a Miami Beach personal injury attorney after your accident. While you may not be sure whether you want to pursue a legal claim following your accident, pursuing justice can do many things:

1) Get answers about the cause of the accident. In many cases, if you have been in a Miami Beach car accident with a truck, you may have many questions about what has caused the accident. You may even be accused of contributing to the accident. A good Miami Beach personal injury attorney can investigate the cause of the accident – most attorneys work with private investigators who have extensive experience with accident reconstruction and other investigative techniques. Getting the facts about your accident can ensure that you are not held responsible for something that way not your fault. Getting the facts can also help you move on and can ensure that if the accident was preventable, steps are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.

2) Hold parties accountable for their actions. In many cases, truck carriers, truck manufacturers, and others in the truck industry are concerned about cost effectiveness. When cost effectiveness causes safety problems, however, it can be dangerous. Holding companies liable when they are reckless with safety can spur companies and even entire industries into taking steps to ensure safety for everyone. Unfortunately, in some cases it takes legal action to push a company into becoming more aware of safety and being more responsible.

3) Get fair compensation for your injuries. If you have been in a Miami Beach traffic collision involving a truck, you can often get your car insurance carrier to cover some of the costs of your injuries. Unfortunately, if you have serious injuries, your insurance may not cover all the costs related to the car crash. In many cases, victims are surprised to find out how high the costs of a car collision really are. Miami Beach spinal cord injury patients, for example, may have medical costs exceeding one hundred thousand dollars in the first year after the accident alone, and this figure does not cover lost income, property damage, and other costs related to the accident. In many cases, it may take legal action and close work with an experienced Miami Beach personal injury attorney to recover fair compensation for the injuries sustained in a serious accident.

4) Make a difference in the community and in others’ lives. When someone pursues justice through the legal system, changes are often made. In many cases, when legal action leads to a settlement or court win, companies make changes that ensure that they will not get sued. Over time, this leads to better safety practices. Pursuing legal action can draw attention to a problem and can make important changes, ensuring that others are not injured in a similar way.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →