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

Cars, Bicycles, and Trucks Share the Responsibility for Hialeah Traffic Accidents

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

In order to prevent Hialeah traffic accidents, bicyclists, motorists, and truck drivers all share the responsibility for safe driving. Pedestrians can help prevent accidents by avoiding jaywalking and distracted driving. Good visibility is also important in preventing Hialeah pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians can help by wearing highly visible clothing and by carrying flashlights at night, so that drivers can see them. In some cases, Hialeah pedestrian accidents are caused when pedestrians walk out in front of cars where motorists are not expecting pedestrians. Trying to cross at intersections and making good eye contact with the motorist before crossing road can help ensure that drivers and pedestrians are working together to prevent accidents.

Truck drivers can help prevent accidents by taking care of themselves and their truck. Ensuring that a truck is in good shape is important, but so is getting adequate rest and care. Truck drivers are subject to many federal regulations designed to help prevent truck accidents. To help prevent more Hialeah truck accidents, drivers can ensure that they follow all federal regulations carefully and report any truck carriers who violate regulations and laws. Statistically, truck drivers are safer than most motorists on the road, simply because they have extensive training and experience. However, additional training and careful adherence to the laws can help make truck drivers even safer.

Motorists can also help prevent Hialeah car accidents by honing their skills and avoiding distracted driving. While Florida does not have any texting bans in place, motorists can help prevent many Hialeah traffic accidents by refusing to drive distracted and by putting away their mobile devices before getting in their car. Although it is not illegal to use a mobile device while driving in Florida, many research studies have proven that distracted driving is a key cause of many traffic accidents. In addition to avoiding distracted driving, Florida motorists can also help prevent Hialeah traffic accidents by avoiding drunk driving and fatigued driving, both of which are also extremely dangerous on the roads.

Bicyclists can also help prevent Hialeah bicycle accidents by obeying traffic laws and by staying visible when riding. Bicyclists can help prevent injuries by wearing a helmet and by riding with their full focus on the road.

Anyone can do their part in preventing Hialeah bicycle accidents and car accidents by ensuring that the roads are as safe as possible. If you notice laws or roadways that could be changed to make the streets safer, contact your elected representative and write a letter to the editor of your newspaper. Seeking to change laws and street design, where needed, can help make the streets safer for everyone.

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Roadway Work Zone Miami Truck Accidents

Published on: August 28, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Roadway work zones are dangerous sites for both motorists and the workers repairing infrastructure. Roadway work is an important job creator and helps keep streets in good condition, but this type of construction and repair work does mean traffic congestion, traffic diversion, and, all too often, Miami car accidents and truck accidents.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, fatal traffic accidents in construction and roadway work areas declined from 716 to 667 between 2008 and 2009. However, Florida – along with California and Texas – still lead the nation when it comes to traffic accident fatalities in these zones. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 101 workers were killed in work zones in 2008. In 2009, that number was 116 and in 2010 it was 103. Florida ranked second in the nation when it came to workers killed in work zones. Of work zone worker deaths in 2010, traffic and transportation accidents were responsible for 72% of worker fatalities.

Between 2003 and 2007, 639 US workers were killed on roadway construction sites. During the same years, there were 8,103 fatalities in the larger construction industry. About half of the roadway construction worker deaths were caused by a vehicle or construction equipment striking a worker.

Obviously, more needs to be done to prevent these types of Miami workplace accidents. There are many things that drivers can do to prevent accidents in construction and roadwork zones:

1) Listen to traffic reports if you will be driving and try to avoid roadwork zones if it is possible to do so. In many cases, you can avoid the traffic – and the possibility of a collision – simply by avoiding the construction site entirely. You will be more likely to arrive at your destination on time relaxed, too.

2) If you do need to pass through a roadwork zone, slow down and obey all signs. Slowing down is important because it is the only way to ensure that you see visual cues on time and can respond in time to avoid a Miami pedestrian accident or car accident. Keep in mind that there will be obstacles, workers, and traffic in the area, and pedestrians and vehicles may be unpredictable in construction zones. Workers may walk out between cars, for example, or trucks working on site may back up without warning. Slowing down and preparing yourself for the unexpected reduces your risk of an accident.

3) Never driver distracted or under the influence. You need to be able to focus fully on the road in front of you. Any distractions – including passengers, music, or a mobile device – can be deadly in a workplace zone. One of the most common distractions at a roadwork site is the site itself. Try to resist checking out the work, as curiosity and rubbernecking often cause accidents at roadway work sites.

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US and Florida Truck Accident Statistics

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

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), approximately 500 000 trucking accidents occur across the country each year. In addition:

– One out of eight fatal traffic accidents is a truck accident, with about 5000 truck accidents each year resulting in fatalities.

-In trucking accidents (including Miami trucking accidents) involving tractor trailers, 98% of fatal injuries occur to pedestrians or passengers of passenger vehicles – not to the passengers of the trucks.

-68% of fatal truck collisions in 2008 occurred in rural areas. What this means is that while Miami traffic accidents involving trucks are common, truck accidents outside the city limits may be even more deadly.

-In 2003, 78% of all US fatal truck accidents took place during weekends and 66% of all fatal collisions took place during daylight hours, not at night.

According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS):

– There were 3,867 large trucks involved in non-fatal accidents in Florida in 2010.
-In Florida in 2010, there were 2,484 large trucks involved in traffic accidents causing injury.
-In Florida in 2010 there were 3,545 injuries reported in truck accidents.

Miami sees its fair share of truck accidents, and according to the experts there is something that everyone can do to help prevent these types of Miami traffic accidents. For example, many Miami car accidents involving trucks occur due to driver error. To prevent this, drivers can write to their elected representatives to encourage legislation that promotes good training and hiring practices for truck companies. Truck carriers already need to abide by many federal rules and regulations, but when truck carriers take the care to hire the best drivers and to train them properly, the streets are a little safer.

Drivers can also ensure that they do all they can to prevent Miami car accidents and truck accidents. If you drive a passenger car, you can take defensive driving lessons and refresher lessons to ensure that your driving skills are excellent – this can even help you save on insurance. You can also driver sober and un-distracted and take care to check blind spots. If you are following behind a commercial truck, give the truck plenty of room, since trucks take longer to brake than most vehicles. Following too closely is also dangerous because the truck driver cannot see you if you are tailgating.

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Obesity and Fort Lauderdale Truck Accidents: Is There a Connection?

Published on: August 16, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Fort Lauderdale truck accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including mechanical problems, driver errors, poor road design, and even the weather. However, there is a growing number of experts who believe that driver health can be a serious risk when it comes to Fort Lauderdale traffic accidents as well. Drivers who are overweight and obese are at an increased risk to develop many types of conditions that can be dangerous behind the wheel:

1) Sleep Apnea. Sleep apnea sufferers stop breathing momentarily in their sleep and may therefore wake up repeatedly throughout the night. Those who have sleep apnea are likely to experience extreme fatigue during the day, even when they do sleep. This makes them extremely dangerous as drivers, as they can drift off or fall asleep behind the wheel.

2) Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes sufferers need to watch what they eat and need to maintain a good blood sugar level, usually by using insulin. Diabetes sufferers are prone to dizziness and other symptoms when their blood sugar is not regulated. For a truck driver, a bout of dizziness or loss of consciousness can cause a devastating Fort Lauderdale traffic accident.

3) Heart problems. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, blocked arteries, heart attacks, heart failure, and other cardiac-related problems. Unfortunately, if someone suffers from a cardiac event while driving, the results can be devastating. In the future, there may be technology in place to prevent this type of situation. Toyota, for example, is designing a steering wheel that has a built-in electrocardiogram (ECG) which will be able to detect arrhythmia and heart attacks in drivers. The steering wheel will have contact sensors that will be in contact with the driver’s hands to detect any abnormal rhythm. The data would be displayed on the navigation screen in the car. Ford is also reportedly working on a car seat with a heart monitor. It is not yet known when either car manufacturer will make these features available in trucks and cars. In the meantime, it is up to drivers to maintain their health and to control any chronic health conditions.

4) Strokes. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn can put a patient at an increased risk of strokes. Even a minor stroke can leave a driver confused and unable to drive a car. A serious stroke will generally affect motor skills and will cause a sufferer to lose consciousness. If this happens on the road, a Fort Lauderdale car accident is the result.

Unfortunately, a truck driver’s job can make them susceptible to obesity and weight gain. Truck drivers lead a sedentary lifestyle, sitting down to drive. In many cases, they work long hours which may not permit them to exercise often. In addition, truck drivers are often on the road, which means they may end up eating fast food and not having access to a gym. Today, many truck drivers are aware of the risks and many are taking steps to lead healthier lifestyles. However, the nature of the job does mean that drivers have to work a little harder to lead healthier lives.

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Common Causes of Miami Beach Truck Accidents

Published on: August 14, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

There are many causes of Miami Beach truck accidents, but the most common ones are:

1) Speeding. When truck drivers speed, they are likely to lose control of their trucks. It is an especial concern with commercial trucks, which take longer to stop than passenger vehicles. A truck driver who is speeding may not leave themselves enough time to stop safely.

2) Overloaded commercial trucks. An over-loaded commercial truck is dangerous since the extra weight places additional pressure on the tires and the brakes, making brake failure and tire blowouts more common.

3) Fatigue or drowsy driving. Fatigued truck drivers may not respond in time to avoid a Miami beach car accident. In some cases, tired drivers may simply fall asleep at the wheel and careen into an oncoming lane or off the road entirely.

4) Violations of safety rules. Commercial truck drivers must obey a range of federal rules which have been designed to keep roads safe. These rules include restrictions on how long drivers can drive without breaks and rules about checking the condition of the truck.

5) Incorrectly maintained trucks. Both truck carriers and truck drivers are responsible for maintenance tasks and for reporting and dealing with any maintenance issues. When a correct maintenance schedule is not adhered to and when trucks are not carefully checked over, it is more likely that major systems such as brakes or the engine will fail, which can lead to a Miami Beach traffic accident. Since commercial trucks are on the road so long, they tend to see more wear and tear than other vehicles, making proper maintenance all the more important.

6) Lack of a rear guard. A rear guard is designed to prevent a common type of Miami Beach car accident known as an underride accident. This type of Miami Beach car accident involves a car sliding underneath the trailer. When this happens, fatalities and serious injuries are sally the result since the smaller car is often crushed or dragged under the larger truck.

7) Incorrectly secured loads. When cargo is not correctly secured, it can cause the cargo to shift or move while a truck is on the road, which can cause the truck driver to lose control.
8) Tire defects and other problems, which can lead to tire blowouts.

9) Drunk driving or driving under the influence. Miami Beach drunk driving accidents are always devastating, but they can be especially likely to lead to serious injuries and fatalities when large trucks are involved.

10) Incorrect stop on the side of the road. When truck drivers pull over to the side of the road, it is important that they do not obstruct traffic and it is important that the truck remains visible, to prevent other vehicles from colliding with the parked truck.

11) Reckless or aggressive driving.

In many cases, a Miami Beach truck accident can be caused by several factors. It is important to work with a Miami Beach personal injury attorney to find the causes behind the accident that has injured you. Finding all possible causes can mean finding multiple liable parties, which can increase the chances of a fair settlement – one that pays for lost income, medical bills, and other costs related to your accident.

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North Miami Truck Accidents: Understanding Underride Accidents

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

North Miami truck accidents tend to be devastating, especially when they involve the collision of a larger commercial truck and a smaller passenger vehicle. There are many types of truck accidents, including rear-end accidents, head-on collisions, side-swipe accidents and many others. One of the most devastating types of North Miami traffic accidents, however, is the underride accident. This occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a larger commercial truck. There are many reasons why this happens. It can occur because a car does not stop in time when following behind a truck. It can also occur when a vehicle switches lanes and an error causes the smaller vehicle to end up under the trailer. There are many situations that can lead to this type of accident:

1) Following too closely behind a truck. A common reason for many underride accidents is driver inattention and lack of adequate space. Commercial trucks may take longer to stop than passenger vehicles, but they are also more likely to make unexpected stops. A driver who is following too closely behind a truck and is not paying attention is likely to be in a North Miami car accident if the truck stops suddenly.
2) Incorrect lane changes. If a truck or passenger vehicle change lanes suddenly, without due warning and without checking blind spots, an underride accident can occur quite easily.

3) Failing to see the truck in time. While it seems unlikely that a driver would fail to see a large tractor trailer, it happens all the time. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver expectation is the key reason behind many of these accidents. Quite simply, the driver perceives the truck as moving when it is still or believes that the truck is further than it is, and this causes a collision. Poor visibility, poor lighting on a truck, and a truck pulled over in an emergency lane can all create this type of confusion.

4) Road conditions. Slick roads or poor road construction can make it harder for a smaller vehicle to stop when needed, and this can mean that a vehicle is propelled towards and under a truck in front of them. Speeding can contribute to the problem and can make this type of accident even more likely.

No matter how underride accidents occur, this type of North Miami car accident is always devastating. There is a high fatality rate for this type of accident, as the car under the truck will almost always be severely damaged, causing severe injuries to those inside. The top of the passenger car involved in an underride accident will often be crushed or partially sliced off. Passengers in the car are likely to suffer severe North Miami head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other life-threatening injuries. Removing the victims can be extremely difficult for emergency responders and can cause further injury to the passengers trapped inside the car.

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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.

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Treating a Fort Lauderdale Spinal Cord Injury After a Truck Accident

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Miami Truck Accidents Involving Forklift Trucks

Published on: July 31, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Forklift trucks are powered industrial trucks designed to carry pallets and items for loading. They are used in retail spaces, warehouses, during truck loading, in construction, and in many other applications. According to OSHA, forklift truck accidents cause tens of thousands of injuries annually, many of them workplace injuries. Since Miami is a city with many businesses and industries, it sees its share of these types of Miami truck accidents. In fact, forklift injuries contribute to some Miami workers compensation claims each year.

Forklift truck accidents can occur due to driver error. In many cases, these errors may be caused by distraction or poor training. Some forklift truck accidents can be caused by mechanical errors. For example, hitches may fail to work correctly or another key system may malfunction. Environmental or situational issues also account for some of these accidents. For example, forklift accidents may be caused by a slippery driving surface, by an unstable dock, by another vehicle, by narrow aisles or inadequate space, and by many other preventable factors.

These types of Miami truck accidents often lead to serious Miami personal injuries, including spinal cord injuries, broken bones, amputations, and head injuries. These accidents can also cause property damage, lost productivity, and suffering.

OSHA has implemented a program to reduce industrial truck fatalities in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama. Through September 30, 2012, OSHA will be raising awareness about injuries caused by these types of truck accidents and will be encouraging employers to prevent these truck accidents by creating a safer workplace.

There are many things that employers can do to create a safer workplace and to avoid truck accidents at work. OSHA has an informational website (http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/index.html) that can help employers and workers alike prevent accidents. Employers can also help by ensuring that employees have adequate training to operate forklift trucks. The areas where forklift trucks are used should be kept clear and safe, and should have adequate lighting as well as adequate space for forklift truck operators to maneuver the vehicles safely. Employers can also create a work safe policy for forklift truck operation and have this information posted where forklift truck operators can see it. Finally, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that forklift trucks are maintained correctly and are safe to use.

Employees also have a role to play in preventing forklift-related Miami construction accidents and workplace accidents. Employees can ensure that they get adequate training before using a forklift truck. They can also avoid driving distracted and can take steps to ensure that they follow all workplace rules regarding forklift trucks. If employees notice any safety concerns, they should bring them to the immediate attention of a supervisor, manager, or employer so that the issue can be fixed.

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Getting Back Behind the Wheel After a Hollywood Truck Accident

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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