Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Author: Clara Barman

Truck Driver Tips For Renters: Preventing Miami Springs Truck Accidents If You Have To Rent A Truck

Published on: November 22, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Most motorists who drive passenger vehicles may need to rent a truck or van at some point in their lives in order to complete home renovations or for a move. If you need to rent a truck, you will want to keep several safety tips in mind in order to help prevent a Miami Springs traffic accident:

1) Rent the right truck and check it out before you drive. Choose the smallest truck you need for your needs without having to overburden the truck. The larger the truck you rent, the more blind spots you will have and the more difficult it will be for you to drive the truck, especially if you’re used to smaller vehicles. If you need a very large truck for your task, consider hiring a moving service or truck driver to prevent having to drive the truck yourself. If you do rent a light truck, make sure that you test the truck out before you load it up and drive it anywhere. Consider taking it to a mechanic for quick once over. Unfortunately, the safety records and standards of rental companies very widely. There many horror stories of customers renting trucks that are not fit for the road or that prove to have safety issues.

2) Go for a test drive. If you rent a truck, consider taking it out on back roads and quiet streets to familiarize yourself with the vehicle before you load it up and take it for a drive in busy areas. Gaining a little bit of experience and confidence with the truck is important in helping you reduce the risk of a Miami Springs truck accident.

3) Get lots of rest. Fatigued driving is a leading cause of Miami Springs car accidents and truck accidents. If you are moving or doing something strenuous, especially, get plenty of rest so that you are alert on the road.

4) Make sure you know the responsibilities of the truck. If you are renting a very large truck, you may need to keep a log of driving hours and rest hours and you may need to make stops at scales along the way. Make sure you have this information before you take the truck out of the rental company’s parking lot.

5) Drive defensively.

6) Become aware of your truck’s no zones. Trucks have more blind spots and much larger blind spots than the average car. Become familiar with the truck’s blind spots and make sure to give yourself extra room in order to account for them. Use your mirrors and turn around physically to check blind spots when backing up, turning, and driving. Up to one third of car accidents involving trucks and passenger vehicles occur because of a vehicle in the truck’s no zone.

7) Use extra caution in construction zones. Construction zones are danger zones for all drivers, especially trucks. Construction zones usually involve a number of pedestrian construction workers as well as larger vehicles and unpredictable vehicle movements. When in a construction zone, slow down and follow directions and signs carefully.

8) Give yourself extra space. Trucks take more time to slow down. With the larger blind spots, as well, it becomes more important to keep a larger distance between yourself and other vehicles. When in doubt, leave more room.

9) Report problems. If you notice unsafe conditions on a highway or other safety dangers, you can contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Driver Hotline (1-800-DOT-SAFT) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Hotline (1-888-327-4236) in order to report the problems.

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Could Miami Gardens Truck Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving Be on the Increase at This Time of Year?

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

At this time of year, distracted driving can be a cause of concern — after all, at this time of year many people are especially busy trying to shop, visit family and friends, and take part in all the holiday festivities. Many workplaces are also extra busy during the holiday season, creating extra stress for employees. However, could the extra holiday rush mean more Miami Gardens truck accidents? It is possible for a couple of reasons:

1) The holiday season means more traffic – especially more truck traffic. During the holiday season, stores ramp up their retailing efforts, and this often means more inventory and more trucks required to bring holiday sale items or holiday decor items to stores. At the same time, there’s more traffic on the roads as holiday shoppers travel to stores and travel to holiday parties and events. The increase in traffic can mean more Miami Gardens car accidents and truck accidents on the roads.

2) Truck companies and truck drivers feel the pressure of the holidays too. The holiday season is a busy one for the trucking industry, as more stores demand more inventory in their stores and as more deliveries need to be made as customers order products and mail them to friends and family. The additional busyness can mean that truckers feel more pressure to deliver more products and more deliveries on time. Deadlines can be tighter at this time of year and drivers may feel more pressure to check their messages and work-related phones frequently. They may also feel more pressure to drive quickly and to deliver more in a shorter period of time in order to meet demand. This extra pressure can easily lead to a truck accident in cases where drivers are distracted from driving by the extra holiday rush.

3) The holiday season coincides with the flu season. Unfortunately, this time of year is not only the holiday season but also the flu season. When truck drivers get sick, they may feel pressured to keep driving and keep working in order to meet holiday demand. Having the flu or being sick can be extremely distracting, however, and can easily lead to Miami Gardens traffic accidents.

4) The holiday season can mean new routes for truck drivers. Truck drivers may need to deviate from regular routes during the holiday season in order to deal with new customers, new holiday demands, and new deliveries during the holiday season. Unfamiliar routes can be distracting for truck drivers, as they try to navigate unfamiliar streets and try to keep track of their routes and maps.

5) The holiday season can mean temporary or replacement truck drivers. Many trucking companies hire temporary drivers or seasonal drivers or take on new workers in order to meet holiday demand and in order to replace any drivers who are sick or unable to work due to family responsibilities. Unfortunately, replacement truck drivers may not be familiar with established routes. In addition, truck companies may feel pressure to hire and may do less screening of truck drivers if they feel pressure to hire more drivers during the holiday rush.

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Laws Aiming to Prevent Davie Trucking Accidents

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

Truck drivers and truck companies all have to abide by laws and regulations established by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In addition to following the basic rules of the road that all motorists must abide by, commercial truck drivers must follow federal and state rules which govern:

1) Service hours. Laws require truck drivers to drive a limited time before resting. These laws are designed to help prevent Davie traffic accidents and Florida accidents caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. Unfortunately, truck drivers and companies often have a financial interest in driving further in a shorter period of time without breaks in order to meet deadlines. Truck drivers are expected to keep a log of their driving hours so that they can prove that they have taken adequate rest stops.

2) Rest hours. To prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving, truck drivers are expected to rest for specific periods of time between drives. They are also expected to get regular longer rests to stay alert. As with service hours, drivers must keep a log of their rest periods.

3) Load weights. There are weight limits of trucks for a number of reasons. Trucks that exceed certain weight limits can cause damage to roads and other infrastructure, making roadways less safe for other vehicles. In addition, trucks that are over their weight limit are harder for the driver to control and more likely to be an accident. Trucks with exceeded load limits also put extra pressure on brake systems, tires, and other systems, possibly leading to a Davie tire blowout or other incident that can lead to an accident.

4) Truck maintenance. Truck companies are responsible for ensuring that their fleet of trucks is regularly maintained. In addition, truck drivers are expected to check their trucks daily and before each trip, reporting or fixing any issues and keeping a log of the inspections. In some cases, drivers and companies may neglect maintenance due to time issues or in order to save money. When this happens and poor maintenance leads to an accident, the driver and company may be held liable.

5) Distracted and impaired driving. Florida laws do not currently ban motorists from texting and driving, but commercial truck drivers are not allowed to text and drive or to drive distracted. In addition, truck drivers are subject to drug and alcohol testing and face very strict rules about recklessness behind the wheel. If a truck driver causes a Davie car accident due to distracted or impaired driving, they may face stiffer penalties since the rules for commercial drivers are stricter.

6) Speed limits. Just like all motorists, truck drivers are expected to follow the speed limit. This is very important, since commercial truck drivers usually need to make deadlines and may have a financial incentive to speed and deliver a shipment by a specific date or time. When commercial truck drivers are caught exceeding the speed limit or cause an accident by speeding, they may face legal claims as well as loss of their license.

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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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Driving with a Chronic Illness: How to Avoid Getting Into a Miami Truck Accident or Car Accident Due to a Medical Condition

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

Medical conditions are a serious hazard on the road. Each year, people are injured and killed because motorists fall ill behind the wheel. Heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and other medical emergencies cause Miami pedestrian accidents and car accidents each year. Even milder conditions, such as sleep apnea, cause serious Miami truck accidents. To avoid this type of tragedy from happening to you:

1) Get regular checkups and get symptoms checked out promptly. Not knowing that you have a medical condition can be one of the most dangerous situations. Some conditions – including high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and cardiac disease – are very dangerous for motorists but may not have obvious symptoms. Getting regular checkups and checks of your vitals is an important part of staying proactive about your health and safety.

2) Get treatment and follow doctor directions carefully to manage your condition. If you do have a condition that can affect your driving ability, it is important to manage your condition as well as possible. Consult with your doctor as needed and follow the treatment plan as prescribed.

3) Do not get back on the road until you are ready. Ask your doctor about your driving skills and how they may be affected. If you are diagnosed with an illness that affects your coordination, cognitive skills, vision, or mobility you may wish to ask your doctor how it will affect your driving ability. You may need some accessibility features for your car or you may need to get the condition under control before you get back to driving.

4) Talk to your pharmacist about any medications you may be taking. Medications that make you sleepy or drowsy can be dangerous. Even over the counter medications can affect your ability to drive, so read labels carefully and ask if you have any questions.

5) Take driving slow. Avoid higher-risk driving. If you have a medical condition that you are getting used to, ease back into driving as you learn to cope with your health. Avoid longer drives, night driving, and riskier driving situations until you are sure that you can handle them.

6) Take driving refresher courses or an evaluation of your driving skills. If your health concern affects your mobility, vision, cognitive skills, or response times, consider getting your driving evaluated by a driving instruction or expert. Discussing your concerns and addressing your problems can help you to drive safely.

7) Get the technology you need for your car to make driving easier. New safety and accessibility tools are developed every day and can help make driving easier and safer for you, helping you avoid Miami car collisions. Consider some of these features for your car to make you a safer – and more confident – driver.

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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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Defensive Driving Can Prevent a Miami Gardens Truck Accident

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

In 2011, 9 out of 13 accidents involved a truck. No matter where you drive and how often you drive, the reality is that you need to be able to share the road safely with trucks if you hope to avoid a Miami Gardens traffic accident. According to experts, defensive driving – or driving with an eye to noticing hazards and preventing accidents – is the best way to prevent a Miami Gardens truck accident. There are many ways that you can drive defensively on the roads:

1) Pay attention. The first step of defensive driving is awareness. When approaching a truck, you need to be aware of it and its limitations. Trucks are much larger and drive differently when compared with passenger cars. They have more blind spots and take longer to brake, for example, making it very dangerous to drive right behind a truck.

2) Stay visible and let trucks pass you. To avoid a Miami Gardens car accident, keep in mind that truck drivers can only see you when you can see the driver. Stay out of trucks’ blind spots and let trucks pass you rather than driving near or immediately behind trucks.

3) If you have a car emergency or cannot put your full focus on the road, pull over and put your flashers on. Most truck drivers are responsible and careful on the roads, but each year Miami Gardens traffic accidents are caused by distracted truck drivers and car drivers. If you need to make a phone call or if your tire suddenly blows, pull over as much as you can to get out of the way of traffic. To make yourself visible to oncoming traffic, use your flashers or other signals.

4) Stay calm and focused. When driving, make sure that there are no distractions and try to avoid driving when you are upset. Driving is emotionally draining and can even be physically tiring. It is an activity that requires all of your attention. If you are upset or distracted, let someone else drive you.

5) Prepare for the unexpected when sharing the road with trucks. Delivery trucks may need to stop suddenly and commercial trucks sometimes blow a tire or experience brake failure. In many cases, truck drivers are making deliveries to areas they may not be familiar with, and this may mean that they are looking for street signs and numbers, possibly slowing down unexpectedly. When driving near trucks, keep in mind that they may do something you don’t expect – and it is up to you to respond quickly to avoid a Miami Gardens truck collision.

6) Brush up your driver skills with a defensive driving class. If it has been some time since you took a driver’s training class, especially, brushing up on your skills can help you correct any bad habits and learn new skills to stay safe on the roads.

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Road Safe America Offers Top Tips for Preventing a Hollywood Truck Accident

Published on: September 25, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Road Safe America is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about road safety. The group offers a number of tips to help drivers prevent truck collisions:

1) Be aware that trucks behave very differently than cars and use extra caution when driving near them on the road. Trucks take longer to brake, for example, and some types of trucks may make frequent or unexpected stops. Be prepared for the unexpected when driving near trucks, and give trucks extra room to maneuver in order to help prevent a Hollywood truck collision.

2) Be aware of the blind spots around trucks and stay out of them. According to Road Safe American, one third of all accidents involving passenger cars and commercial trucks occur because the smaller car is in the truck’s blind spot. A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the truck driver, the driver cannot see you. A commercial truck has large blind spots to either size and behind the truck. To prevent a Hollywood car accident, stay out of these zones.

3) When a truck is turning right, do not pass the truck on the right. The truck can swing wide, causing an underride accident.

4) Do not cut off any truck or bus. If you are passing a large vehicle, make sure that you can see the entire car in your rear-view mirror before you attempt to get in the lane in front of the truck. Trucks and buses take longer to brake and may not be able to stop in time to prevent a Hollywood traffic accident if you cut them off.

5) In bad conditions and on higher-speed roads, give trucks at least seconds of space. Due to the size and force of trucks, slick road conditions can make it even harder for trucks to brake.

6) If you see a truck driver driving dangerously, call the police. Reckless and aggressive truck drivers are a huge danger on the road, as their vehicles can cause devastating damage. Calling in a dangerous driver can help save lives.

7) Be aware of your own blind spots. While the blind spots on a passenger car are much smaller than the blind spots on a truck, they are enough to cause a serious Hollywood bicycle accident, pedestrian accident, or traffic accident. Get into the habit of checking your blind spots regularly, to ensure that you are aware of what is around you.

8) Be in good physical condition for driving. Getting adequate rest and food is important, as is being in good physical and mental condition. While most of us take driving for granted, it is a taxing activity – and one of the most dangerous things we do every day. Driving tired or while in poor health can be as dangerous as driving drunk, so make sure you are fit to drive before you get behind the wheel.

9) Never drive distracted. Distracted driving is the cause of many Hollywood traffic collisions. If you have to make a call, change a CD, or send a text, wait until you get to your destination or pull over first.

10) Slow down when in construction zones. There are usually more pedestrians and trucks in these areas, and construction can create dangerous traffic delays as well. Use extra caution in these areas.

11) Keep your vehicle in good condition. When your car responds as you expect, it is easier for you to drive defensive and to act when needed to prevent a crash.

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Preventing Forklift Truck Accidents in Miami

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

Forklift trucks are used in a variety of settings, including warehouses, construction, and other sites. Unfortunately, Miami truck accidents involving these types of trucks are quite common, and these Miami workplace accidents can cause devastating injuries. Forklift accidents can lead to Miami head injuries, spinal cord trauma, and even fatalities. According to experts, there are four basic ways to prevent these types of accidents:

1) Risk assessment. Companies using forklift trucks need to carefully investigate the possible dangers of their operations and find ways to reduce the risks of a Miami truck accident. There should be a written plan outlining the possible risks and the steps possible to reduce the risks of a workplace accident.

2) Daily checks by drivers and employees. Employees should check forklifts daily and should be instructed how to perform basic checks. If any employee notices any problems with a forklift, there should be a clear and known system for reporting the problem and there should be a streamlined way for the problem to be handled quickly and effectively. Forklifts with known issues should not be used until they are repaired. Daily checks not only help prevent Miami truck accidents, but they can also help prevent lawsuits against the company.

3) Training. Forklift operators should be carefully screened and trained to operate the trucks correctly. If employees are not correctly trained, the company can be held liable for any Miami traffic accidents that occur due to incorrect education or forklift experience. Employers may wish to provide follow-up or refresher training regularly for employees, especially if newer forklift trucks are purchased or used. Many forklift accidents are caused by operator error or inexperience, so proper training is a must.

4) Correct maintenance. Many forklift accidents are caused by poor forklift maintenance. Like any truck, forklifts need to be carefully maintained by an experienced mechanic so that the machines work correctly. Forklifts in poor condition should be replaced by newer models. Keeping forklifts in good condition can also help save the company money over time, since correctly maintained trucks are more efficient, allow for maximum productivity, and last longer than poorly-maintained machines.

Forklift operators, employees, and the business owning forklifts all have a responsibility to make forklifts a safe part of the workplace. When companies are negligent in providing a safe workplace and a forklift truck accident takes place, injured employees can pursue a Miami personal injury case to seek compensation for lost wages, medical costs, and other expenses related to the injury.

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Preventing Utility Truck Accidents in Miami Beach

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

Miami Beach truck accidents claim lives each year. These types of Miami Beach traffic accidents are a concern for everyone, but especially for workers who need to use trucks as part of their work. For utility workers, for example, truck accidents are real concern. Utility companies rely on trucks in order to get to sites where work must be done. Trucks also help utility workers reach telephone wires and other equipment for repairs.

Unfortunately, the trucks also pose a hazard for workers. Workers can easily sustain Miami Beach workplace accidents when working on utility trucks. In some cases, workers are pinned under trucks or are involved in rollover accidents where brakes fail or are not engaged properly. Utility workers are also at risk of Miami Beach pedestrian accidents, since they must often get out of their truck and work nearby to fix telephone lines and other utility equipment near the roads. To prevent these types of accidents in the future, there is much that can be done:

1) Encourage drivers to drive distraction-free. Although texting and driving is not illegal in Florida, employers can ask their employees to not text and drive. Texting and driving increase the risk of Miami Beach car accidents and can be costly to utility companies as well. Educating drivers and workers about the dangers of distracted driving can help utility companies ensure that employees stay safe on the roads.

2) Educate motorists about the importance of giving utility workers room. Many motorists know that when they see emergency personnel or law enforcement authorities stopped on the side of the road, they should provide more room for these workers to get their job done. An education campaign showing the dangers utility workers face could be useful in showing motorists the importance of giving utility trucks and utility workers more room.
3) Offer utility workers additional training, including simulation training. Utility workers get extensive training before being allowed to drive a truck. Ensuring that drivers are routinely given refresher courses is one way to consistently evaluate and upgrade driving skills, reducing the risk of Miami Beach truck accidents. With simulators, it is easier than ever to offer additional training in a hands-on, low-risk way. Today’s HD simulators mimic real-life road conditions in real-time, allowing drivers to learn how to cope with a variety of driving conditions and situations. These systems are especially useful in helping drivers identify – and avoid – hazards and possible collision scenarios safely.

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