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

Summer Traffic and Miami Truck Accidents

Published on: May 3, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

As we recently discussed on this blog, summer traffic can mean some unique hazards that can lead to Miami truck accidents. To avoid Miami traffic accidents this summer, make sure that you:

1) Give trucks and other large vehicles more room. Delivery trucks, RVs, tourist buses, and other large vehicles take longer to stop than passenger vehicles. They also have more blind spots than the average vehicle and may stop unexpectedly. Give buses, trucks, and RVs more room and be aware that these vehicles may stop suddenly. A good rule of thumb is to stay well back enough to see the driver’s side view mirrors. If you cannot see the mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.

2) Drive distraction free. Distracted driving is dangerous at any time, but during the summer, when there is more traffic and more pedestrians on the roads it can easily lead to a Miami pedestrian accident or car accident. Put mobile devices and any other distractions away and only drive when you can put your full focus on the road.

3) Drive sober. Miami drunk driving accidents can be an especial problem in the summer, when the hot weather can make cool beers especially attractive. The many special events and barbeques serving alcohol can also make it easy for drivers to make the wrong decisions. However, alcohol can be especially dangerous in the summer, when the heat can make the effects of alcohol even more acute. It is therefore a good idea to avoid all alcohol before driving and to use taxis or public transportation to get home if you have been drinking.

4) Keep your car in good shape. Summer can be harsh on a vehicle. The heat can cause a car to overheat and can also cause additional wear and tear on tires. Taking your car to a reputable mechanic is a good precaution, and can help you ensure that your car is in good enough condition to be safe on the roads. A car that responds as you expect it to can help you avoid an accident.

5) Drive relaxed and well-rested. Driving when you are tired or stressed out can be dangerous and can lead to a Miami car accident, since you may make the wrong decisions and respond slowly in these conditions. Driving tired is especially dangerous in the summer, since the heat can make you feel even sleepier and can make it harder for you to focus on the road. Driving when you are upset can also be a problem in the summer, when higher traffic volume and more obstacles require more of your patience.

6) Stock your car well. Keep a first aid kit, sunglasses, water, and a blanket in your car. Driving in the summer can be uncomfortable, due to the heat and the glare of the sun. Keeping sunglasses on hand, as well as other supplies, can make trips easier.

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Can Summer Mean More Miami Truck Accidents?

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

Are Miami truck accidents and traffic accidents more prevalent in the summer months? While statistics disagree about the issue, there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that summer poses some unique challenges when it comes to avoiding Miami traffic accidents:

1) Summer often means building and construction season as well. Summer is often the time when new construction projects get underway and when road work is completed. This can mean that more trucks are needed in these areas to bring materials to the sites, but it can also mean traffic congestion and construction areas that increase the risk of Miami car accidents and traffic accidents.

2) Summer means season businesses, which means more trucks. Many businesses open during peak tourist season, which is in the summer. Some businesses cater specifically to summer travelers and to cruise ship tourists. These businesses often rely on trucks to bring supplies, souvenirs, and other needed materials, and these seasonal businesses can mean that there are more trucks on the roads in the summer, which can increase the risk of Miami truck accidents.

3) Summer means tourists, and that means more traffic of all types. Travelers pour into Miami in the summer, and take to the streets in rental cars and on motorcycles, bicycles, and on foot. There are also tourist buses and special tours which pour more types of traffic into city streets. All these types of traffic sharing the roads can mean more Miami pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents overall.

4) Tourist season means more people who may not be familiar with the city. Most tourists drive safely and responsibly. However, driving as a tourist does pose some additional challenges – challenges that can lead to a collision. Those who are unfamiliar with city streets may be driving slowly and making frequent stops to check street signs or maps. Those who are unfamiliar with the city may also be distracted by city attractions or maps as they drive.

5) Tourist season can mean RV and moving van season, too. Summer means that there are more large vehicles on the roads. Visitors may arrive in their RVs and many families choose the summer to move, meaning that there are more moving trucks on the roads. A larger number of large vehicles can increase the risk of Miami traffic accidents.

6) Summer can mean seasonal drivers. Trucking companies are like any other company – come summer, many employees want vacation time to travel with their families. This can mean that companies need to hire seasonal drivers to take on summer work. While companies have an obligation to screen and hire the best drivers possible, new drivers may simply not be as familiar with routes and policies as drivers who have been with the company for a while.

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What Risk Factors Can Cause Tamarac Truck Accidents?

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

Being in a Tamarac car accident caused involving a truck can be one of the most terrifying experiences. To avoid these types of accidents, it is important to understand the risk factors that can lead to truck accidents:

1) Blind spots. Commercial trucks, including big rigs and 18 wheelers, have large “no zones” or blind spots. In most cases, larger trucks have larger blind spots – both at the rear of the truck and near the front of the vehicle. In general, it is important to see the driver of the truck in his or her side mirrors. If you cannot see the driver, he or she likely cannot see you and you are at risk. For a similar reason, you should not follow too closely behind a truck – the truck driver will likely not see you.

2) Turns. A commercial truck generally makes a very wide turn and this puts nearby drivers at risk for a squeeze play accident. This occurs when a truck driver swings to one side in order to make a turn in the opposite direction. This can cause the truck to crash into any vehicle trapped between the truck and the curb. It can also cause the truck to crash into any vehicles that try to pass the truck while the truck is making a turn. To avoid these types of swinging turn Tamarac traffic accidents, give trucks plenty of room to make a turn and do not attempt to pass a truck making this type of turn.

3) Sudden stops. Many types of commercial trucks, including dump trucks and delivery trucks make frequent, unexpected stops. Any cars that are following too closely may slide under the truck or may crash into the rear of the truck. For this reason, it is important to give trucks more room than you would give other vehicles when following behind a truck.

4) Braking issues. Larger trucks take longer to brake. Trucks are also susceptible to brake failure. Both issues can cause Tamarac truck collisions. While there is not a great deal that you can do about brake failures, you can give trucks more room and you can avoid driving distracted to avoid a collision caused by a truck stopping suddenly.

5) Cargo problems. When trucks are carrying too much cargo, this puts extra pressure on the tires, which could lead to a tire blowout. Heavy loads can also cause the truck’s brakes to overheat and fail. In some cases, incorrectly secured cargo can fly off the truck and into oncoming traffic or can destabilize a truck so that it is at risk for a rollover. If you see a truck that looks like it may have incorrectly secured cargo, put extra room between you and the truck.

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Poor Truck Maintenance as a Cause of Miami Truck Accidents

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

Proper truck maintenance is crucial in ensuring that commercial trucks are road-worthy and safe for interstate or Florida travel. Unfortunately, each year Miami truck accidents are caused by incorrectly maintained trucks, and in these cases multiple parties can be liable since the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other governing bodies maintain that both truck drivers and the companies that hire the drivers or own the trucks are responsible for truck maintenance. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers are responsible for inspecting a number of things at the start and end of each working day, including:

-Tires (including tread and tire inflation) and rims
-All brakes, including parking brakes, front brakes, and rear brakes
-Reflectors and lights
-Horn
-All truck mirrors, including rear-view and side mirrors
-Windshield wipers and fluid
-Emergency gear
-Coupling devices
Drivers must carefully record their inspections in a daily log and these inspections must be available to the company that hired the driver. In addition, the company that hired the driver must conduct full truck inspections, following the FMSCA guidelines, before a truck is declared safe to travel across state lines. The details and reports of these inspections must also be kept.

Since inspections can be time-consuming and costly, there have been cases where drivers and truck companies have not followed the guidelines for inspections or have failed to fix problems found during inspections. In some cases, drivers and companies have even forged documents and records to cover up poor inspection practices. When this occurs, Miami car accidents involving trucks become more likely, since incorrectly maintained trucks do not respond as they should increasing the risk of collisions.

If you have been in a Miami traffic accident caused by poor inspection practices, it is important to consult with a qualified Miami personal injury attorney in order to hold those responsible accountable for their negligence. A good attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and can keep your best interests in mind while pursuing your case to the full extent of the law. If someone’s negligence has caused your injuries, you may be able to recover the costs of medical treatment, lost income, and other expenses related to your injuries.

In a Miami truck accident, there are often multiple liable parties. This can actually improve your chances of collecting fair compensation for your injuries, so that you do not need to pay the often high cost of medical care and lost income out of your own pocket.

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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.

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Brain Injuries After a Miami Beach Truck Accident

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

According to Brainline.org, an American suffers a traumatic brain injury every 21 seconds. One-third of these injuries are caused by falls while 17.3% are caused by traffic accidents. Truck accidents are a common cause of Miami Beach brain injuries, since the size and force of a commercial truck can easily cause serious damage to a smaller vehicle, causing serious injuries for everyone inside the vehicle. There are many ways to prevent serious injuries caused by a Miami Beach truck accident:

1) Wear your seat belt. A seatbelt is one of the simplest and best ways to prevent a Miami Beach brain injury after a traffic accident. Your seatbelt keeps you in place and prevents your head from coming into sharp contact with your dashboard or other objects inside the car. A seatbelt also prevents you from being ejected from the vehicle, preventing serious injury. If you’re traveling with a child, make sure that the child is seated in the back and is using an age-appropriate child safety restraint.

2) Keep your car in good condition. Make sure that your car is in good condition so that it responds correctly if you need to move suddenly in order to avoid a Miami Beach traffic accident. Make sure that airbags and other safety systems work correctly. These safety systems are designed to help prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident.

3) Buy the best quality car you can afford, with the best safety features. The safety performance of cars varies widely. Buy the best quality of car that you can afford, and be sure to ask about safety features as well safety performance extensively before making a final purchase. A quality car with good safety features can help keep you a little safer in a car accident.

4) Give trucks more room. Trucks require more room to stop and some types of trucks – including delivery trucks and waste disposal trucks – make frequent stops. Giving trucks additional room ensures that if the truck brakes suddenly you have room to stop. Trucks also take longer to break, which is another reason why you want to give trucks a little more distance. Another important reason for giving trucks more space is because drivers of commercial vehicles often have multiple blind spots. They may simply not be able to see you if you follow too closely.

5) Hone your driving skills. Taking defensive driving classes or refreshing your driving skills periodically helps ensure that you have the best driving skills possible so that you can avert an accident and drive safely in all sorts of conditions. In many cases, additional training may be able to ensure a better insurance rate as well.

6) Drive defensively.

7) Stay focused on driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of Miami Beach car accidents, and is also one of the most preventable reasons for car accidents. Put away mobile devices whenever you step in your car and keep your entire focus on driving. This helps keep everyone on the roads safer.

If you are in a Miami Beach car accident involving a truck, your first priority should be to get medical attention. If you have hit your head, especially, you will want to get prompt medical attention. Even if you have no immediate symptoms, some brain injuries – even serious and fatal injuries – to not immediately manifest symptoms. It is always better to err on the side of caution and get a medical evaluation if you have hit your head. If you have lost consciousness, have a serious headache, or have vision problems, call emergency personnel. The sooner you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment, the better your chances of recovery are.

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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.

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What to Remember if you are in a Tamarac Truck Accident

Published on: March 21, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Hopefully, you will never need to go through the trauma and stress that is a Tamarac truck accident. However, if you are in this type of Tamarac traffic accident, there are several things you will want to remember to do:

1) Have your vehicle ready. Being ready for a Tamarac car accident or truck accident is important. In your glove compartment, you should have pen and paper, current insurance information, a first aid kit, and possibly a small camera (if your phone does not have a camera). If you are ever in a car accident, you will have the help and information on hand to exchange contact, license plate, and insurance information with the other driver involved.

2) Get safe. The first thing to do after a Tamarac truck accident is to get to a safe location and contact emergency medical help for anyone who needs it. If the accident was not serious, Florida laws require you to get your car out of the way of traffic so that you do not cause a secondary Tamarac car accident.

3) Contact authorities. Contacting police after the accident to file a police report can be an important step in getting documentation about the accident. Contacting your insurance company is also important for starting the claims process.

4) Stay calm and stay alert about what you say. You should never admit fault at the accident scene. It is often premature, especially since no one has yet investigated all the contributing factors in the accident. Do not apologize for the accident, and stick to facts without assigning blame when discussing the accident with police or the other driver.

5) Start documenting the injuries and damages. Take photos of the accident if you can, using the time stamp on your camera phone if possible. Get a copy of any police or medical reports after the accident and keep careful records on injuries as well as any costs related to your Tamarac truck accident.

6) Contact a Tamarac personal injury attorney. Even if you think that the insurance offer made by your insurance company is a safe one, schedule a free accident consultation with a personal injury attorney to get a sense of how much your case could be worth. Do this before you sign any insurance documents and before you make any final decisions in your case. In some cases, a personal injury attorney can negotiate a better claim offer for you or can help you get fairer compensation, ensuring you won’t pay for as many costs out of pocket. If you are accused of causing the car accident, you will also need a good attorney to defend your rights.

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Oil Tanker Accidents: A Dangerous Type of Coral Springs Truck Accident

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

Oil tanker trucks carry oil and in some cases natural gas and other potentially hazardous materials to consumer homes and to businesses. Unfortunately, when these vehicles become involved in Coral Springs truck accidents, the results can be devastating. While any Coral Springs car accident or traffic accident can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities, oil tanker accidents can lead to environmental disaster, wide-spread property damage, and serious injuries and fatalities due the explosive and hazardous nature of the cargo these vehicles carry.

With tanker trucks carrying flammable material such as natural gas and oil, one of the major hazards in a Coral Springs traffic accident is that the cargo will catch fire or explode. Such explosions can cause pieces of truck to be flung over large distances, causing property damage and potentially injuring bystanders. Explosions can also be fatal to passengers, the driver, other motorists, and even emergency responders at the scene.

When a tanker truck catches fire, pressure can build in the tanker until the release valve bursts, which then can cause gas and flames to leap into the air. In some cases, this can cause a very severely negative environmental impact as well, and entire neighborhoods may need to be cleared to keep people safe. The pressure of an exploding oil tanker and subsequent fire can also cause hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions of dollars in damage to roads and infrastructure, which can make roadways dangerous to other vehicles and can even cause secondary Coral Springs car accidents.

There are many reasons for oil tanker truck accidents. When brake failure occurs, tankers are vulnerable to rollover accidents, due to their top-heavy loads and due to the fact that they have shifting cargo. A rollover Coral Springs truck accident involving a tanker can easily lead to a fire or explosion. Another common cause for these types of accidents involves an oil tanker colliding with another vehicle. The sheer force of the impact can cause a fire.

Many explosions after Coral Springs truck accidents involving tankers are also caused by problems with the truck. Overweight trucks, poor muffler systems that ignite, and poorly maintained fuel tanks can all lead to accidents and explosions. Any truck problem or defect that could cause a Coral Springs truck accident or car accident with another type of vehicle becomes doubly dangerous with an oil tanker, simply due to the dangerous nature of the cargo these vehicles carry.

Owners of oil tankers as well as drivers of these vehicles are responsible for taking all necessary precautions to ensure that cargo is transported safely. When oil tanker drivers take risks, the resulting accidents could affect thousands of lives. In these cases, victims can pursue legal claims to get compensation for their injuries and to pressure truck carriers to adopt safer policies to prevent further accidents.

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Rules Protect You in a Homestead Semi-Truck Accident

Published on: February 21, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

A Homestead semi-truck accident generally involves a company (the truck carrier) and the powerful insurance companies that protect them. This means that after a Homestead car accident involving a semi-truck, one of the first things that happens is that the truck driver contacts his or her employer to tell them about the accident. The employer then notifies the insurance company, who immediately sends out an attorney and accident reconstructionist to the accident scene. In some cases, these insurance professionals are on the scene before the injury victim even knows who has hit them and before the injury victim has secured medical help. The insurance company steps in immediately to protect its interests and the interests of its client.

In many cases, Homestead personal injury victims do not even seek the help of an attorney after their traffic accident. They assume that insurance will take care of the costs related to their injuries. However, insurance companies are looking for ways to save money and settle claims quickly. As a result, insurance carriers rarely pay out the full amount of a claim cost. Any long-term medical care, especially, may not be fully covered, leaving the victim to pay these expenses out of pocket. For this reason, it is important to consult with a qualified Homestead personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a traffic accident, especially after any accident involving a commercial vehicle, such as a semi.

Even if a Homestead traffic accident victim does consult with a personal injury attorney, by the time the consultation does occur, the defense has been mounting a case and working to protect the interests of the truck carrier and truck driver. There is usually a rehearsed and prepared account of what has happened and in many cases some of the evidence is no longer available to the personal injury attorney. For this reason, it is also important to consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident, so that log books and other evidence can be secured.

Despite these challenges, however, truck accident victims do have some rules and regulations protecting them. Florida laws, for example, allow victims to seek legal claims in Homestead traffic accidents that have been caused by recklessness or negligence. In these cases, victims can get compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and other costs related to the accident. This compensation can give the victim the financial resources needed to get the help they need to get back on their feet after an accident.
In addition, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations have a number of rules in place to protect the public. These rules govern how many hours tractor trailer truck drivers can drive before resting and dictate how many hours of sleep commercial truck drivers are required to have. In addition, drivers are required to keep log books that keep track of hours driven and rests taken. In a Homestead truck accident case, these logbooks become very important and can help an attorney determine whether a truck driver took unnecessary risks or shortcuts.

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