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

Can Your Twitter and Facebook Page Harm Your Miami Truck Accident Case?

Published on: November 18, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Today, millions of Americans use social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and other sites. Usually, these sites are a harmless way to stay in touch with friends and a fun way to share photos and ideas. However, if you have been in a Miami truck accident and have sustained injuries, your social networking activities can be harmful in a number of ways:

1) You never know who is reading. Insurance carriers and attorneys frequently use private investigators to look into the legitimacy of insurance claims. Private detectives increasingly use social networking sites to check up claimants. If you claim to be very injured but your blog or Twitter account shows you traveling, this could harm your claim. In some cases, private investigators will even befriend you on social networking sites to get more information. It is important to keep in mind that anything you post on a social media site is very public.

2) Innocuous comments and pictures may be skewed. You don’t have to write or post anything very suspicious on your social networking site for the site to impact your claim. In many cases, quite innocent photos and comments may be skewed to make your claim seem suspect. For example, if a friend shows up at your home after you are injured by a Miami car accident to cheer you up, those photos on a social networking site can make it appear as though you are throwing a party while claiming to be injured.

3) Social networking sites go back a long time. Many Internet users do not realize that virtually anything posted online is archived – for a long time. Posts that you made years ago about other injuries or other claims may be a boon to an insurance company now. This is another reason to be very honest with your insurance
4) You cannot control what others post on your site. While you may be cautious about what you post on your social networking sites, your friends and family may be posting comments and photos which could harm your case or which can be skewed to harm your case.

If you have sustained injuries in a Miami traffic accident, it is important to be aware of your online profile and your online participation in social media sites, even if you use a pseudonym or anonymous user name online. If you have a social networking presence, you may want to discuss this with your Miami truck accident attorney. Your attorney may ask you to refrain from posting anything on your social media sites while your case is pending or may give you some advice about what you should and should not be posting. Make sure that you follow these guidelines to the letter.

Whether you are online or not, if you have sustained injuries in a Miami truck accident, you will need a qualified Miami personal injury attorney with experience in these types of cases. A qualified attorney can negotiate with insurance carriers in your behalf, can investigate the causes of the accident and can pursue all liable parties so that you get the fairest compensation possible for lost income, medical bills, and other costs related to your injury.

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A Look at the Causes of Hollywood Truck Accidents

Published on: November 10, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Hollywood rollover accidents are among the most Hollywood truck accidents. During rollover accidents, passengers are more likely to be ejected from the vehicle, flammable liquids are more likely to explode, and items in the truck cab are more likely to become projectiles, severely injuring those inside. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are many causes of rollover truck accidents:

1) Types of vehicles. Large commercial trucks are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents than passenger vehicles due to the excess pressure on the tires of the truck as well as due to the higher center of gravity of these vehicles. In addition, tankers are more likely to be involved in rollovers than many other types of trucks, simply because the load in these vehicles is more unstable and more likely to move, causing the center of gravity in the truck to shift.

2) Speed. Studies have suggested that up to 40% of fatal rollovers occurred while the vehicle was speeding. In addition, about 75% of such accidents took place in higher-speed areas of at least 55 mph. High speeds, especially with a heavily loaded commercial truck, make it harder for drivers to control their vehicle and make it easier for trucks to roll over or go into a slide that can lead to a rollover.

3) Almost one in two fatal rollover accidents involve alcohol, according to some studies. Even in cases where a driver is not above the blood alcohol limit, impairment can still be an issue. A truck driver who has had some alcohol but is still below the legal alcohol limit may still face impaired judgment, sleepiness, and other symptoms that can lead to a serious Hollywood traffic accident.

4) Location. According to studies, almost 75% of fatal rollover accidents occur on higher-speed rural roads. Part of the reason may be because such roads often have no barriers and are not divided. Unfortunately, commercial drivers in Hollywood often drive on rural roads outside the city, increasing their risk of an accident.

5) Driver error. According to the NHTSA, the vast majority of fatal rollover accidents are single-vehicle accidents that occur during routine events (such as turning). As a result, many experts believe that most of these accidents are caused by driver mistakes and behaviors, such as distracted driving.

6) Tire issues and load issues. Commercial trucks that are heavily loaded may weigh 80,000 pounds or more. This places enormous pressure on the tires, and can easily lead to tire blowouts as well as other tire malfunctions. When tires do not function correctly, the commercial truck driver cannot properly control the vehicle and is more likely to be involved in a serious traffic accident. In addition, when loads are not correctly secured or exceed the weight limit of the truck, the truck can more easily roll over, especially if the load is not distributed evenly, shifting the balance of the vehicle.

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Checking Tire Pressure Can Help Save Lives and Stop Miami Truck Accidents

Published on: November 8, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Miami tire failures and tire problems leads to many Miami truck accidents, as well as accidents involving light trucks, SUVs, and cars. Keeping your tires in great condition can be an easy way to help prevent truck accidents on Miami roads. Correctly maintained tires help you control your car or truck more efficiently, making it less likely that you will be in an accident. Correctly maintained tires are also less likely to have you slipping or rolling over. There are many ways that you can help ensure that tire pressure and tire treads are correct for your driving conditions:

1) Walk around the truck before you hop in. A visual inspection is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to ensure that you don’t have a flat tire or an underinflated tire. Simply walking around your truck before hopping in each time can help you to notice and correct any problems before they have a chance to cause a Miami traffic accident.

2) Keep a tire pressure gauge in the truck and check tire pressure often. Accurate tire pressure gauges are inexpensive and highly portable. They can fit in your glove compartment or even on your key ring. There’s no excuse for not having a tire pressure gauge. It is important to use your tire pressure gauge frequently, at least once a week. Unfortunately, visual inspections alone are often not enough to tell you whether a tire is underinflated or overinflated. Underinflated tires can make it harder for you to control your truck and can make it easier for your truck to go into a slide and then roll over. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, are more likely to fail or burst. A tire pressure gauge is an inexpensive and not very time-consuming way to ensure that your tires are properly inflated and less likely to cause an accident.

3) Check the age of your tires. Tires that are several years old are more likely to suffer tire failure. The rubber material tires are made from simply disintegrates with time. Therefore, even if your truck has newer tires, you face the risk of tire failure if those tires have been sitting in a warehouse for a number of years. The serial numbers on your tires and a quick call to the tire manufacturer can easily tell you when the tires were manufactured.

4) At least once a month, review the overall condition of your tires. Once a week is even better. Look for signs of wear and any uneven wear. You may need to replace your tires more often than you realize if they are no longer safe for the road.

5) Check tire pressure limits and load limits for your truck. Be scrupulous about following these limits. Exceeding the load limits for your truck can increase the chances of Miami truck tire failure. Not following tire pressure limits also places excess pressure on your tires and can make it more likely that you will be in a serious accident.

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The Legal Issues with Commercial Truck Accidents in Miami

Published on: October 27, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Commercial trucks arrive on Miami streets every day, moving items from the port of Miami, bringing items to Miami stores and businesses, and taking care of business around Miami. Since Miami is such a large city with so many businesses and residents, it’s not surprising that the city also sees quite a lot of truck traffic. Unfortunately, this can mean a higher risk of Miami truck accidents as well.

Being involved in a Miami car accident involving a large commercial trucks can be intimidating, to say the least. A fully loaded commercial tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds or more, and a collision between this type of vehicle and a passenger vehicle usually leads to serious injuries or fatalities. Each year, Miami spinal cord injury patients and brain injury patients are admitted to emergency rooms following truck accidents on Miami streets. These accidents result in lifelong injuries as well as devastated lives.

Unfortunately, getting justice after a Miami truck accident involving a commercial truck can be difficult. Commercial truck carriers have considerable insurance coverage and insurance companies have extensive legal resources in order to help ensure that they do not have to pay out too much in any insurance claim. Victims of Miami truck accidents often find themselves blamed for an accident or find that the insurance claim offers do not fully cover the cost of their injuries. In many cases, Miami truck accidents also involve trucks which are owned by state or federal governments. In these cases, there are even more restrictions and even more powerful insurance companies at play, affecting the victim’s ability to claim recovery for the injuries.

Miami truck accident victims face substantial medical costs, lost income, and other expenses and costs. If they are unable to get a fair insurance offer, these expenses need to come out of their own pocket – and in many cases these expenses add up to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. For all these reasons, it is essential to speak to a Miami personal injury attorney if you have been in a serious truck accident involving a commercial vehicle. A qualified personal injury attorney has experience dealing with insurance companies, and can more effectively negotiate for a fair settlement offer or claim.

A Miami personal injury attorney can also do other things to ensure that you get the support and recovery you need. For example, a personal injury attorney can work with private investigators and accident reconstruction professionals to determine the true cause of your accident. This can be very important in convincing a commercial truck carrier to offer you a fair recovery. As well, personal injury attorneys can help find all liable parties after an accident. This can be very important, as multiple liable parties can ensure that you are able to recover a fair amount to cover all the costs of your injuries. As well, this is very important because determining liable parties after a commercial truck accident in Miami can be very difficult. For example, a commercial truck may be rented from one carrier, have a driver from another carrier, and may be carrying products for another company. Determining liability or responsible parties in this situation can be very difficult without a qualified attorney.

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Pick-up Truck Accidents in Homestead

Published on: October 25, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many motorists in Homestead, Florida decide to purchase pickup trucks for convenience, business, or just because trucks can be fun. Pickup trucks are not subject to the same restrictions as commercial big rigs and tractor-trailers. However, they can still be quite dangerous for number of reasons:

1) Passengers. Many pickup trucks do not have extensive room for passengers, so that people are often tempted to ride in the bed of the pickup truck. Under Florida law, minors are not allowed to ride in the back of the pickup truck without age appropriate safety restraints. Those over 18 are allowed to ride in the bed of a pickup truck, but should be aware that there are additional risks to driving this way. If the truck driver has to brake suddenly, anyone who is in the pickup truck bed without proper safety belt belts will likely be thrown forward violently. This can easily lead to serious back injuries, head injuries, and even broken bones.

2) Load problems. Many people choose to get pickup trucks in order to carry materials, furniture, and other large items. While this is certainly an advantage of pickup trucks, it can also be a hazard. If you’re going to be transporting anything in your pickup truck, it is your responsibility to ensure that the load is correctly secured and is not placing too much of a strain on your tires. If you overload your pickup truck, you could experience a tire blowout, brake malfunction, or other serious problem that can lead to a Homestead truck accident. You also need to ensure that your load is correctly secured so that it does not fly out into lanes of traffic, causing a danger for other drivers.

3) Blind spots. Trucks do have more blind spots than the average passenger vehicle. Truck drivers who drive this type of vehicle need to be aware of the blind spots and need to check them carefully before backing up, turning, or changing lanes. Unfortunately, many Homestead car accidents occur simply because drivers do not take the time to check their blind spots.

4) Driving issues. Pickup trucks handle differently than passenger cars and may take longer to break as well. New drivers, especially, need to give themselves time to get used to the larger vehicle.

Being in a Homestead traffic accident is devastating, and in many cases you can avoid an accident with some precautions. Being aware of the dangers of pickup trucks at taking steps to minimize the risks can ensure that you can enjoy your truck while staying safe.

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How Miami Drivers Can Stay Safe When Sharing the Road with Large Trucks

Published on: October 11, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Miami drivers share the roads with bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and all sorts of vehicles – including large commercial trucks. Commercial trucks can weigh 80 000 pounds when fully loads and most passenger vehicles do not stand a chance against a vehicle of that size. Each year, Miami car accidents involving trucks cause fatalities as well as serious injuries. Do not become part of that statistic. Learn how to drive safe around trucks:

1) Avoid a truck’s blind spots. Truck drivers can only see so much around the vehicle, so if you are following immediately behind a truck or are driving along the side of a truck, the truck driver cannot see you. In fact, any time that you cannot see the truck driver in the driver’s mirrors, he or she cannot see you. This means that he can swipe your vehicle or back up into you if you are driving too close.

2) Give a truck extra space when traveling behind a truck. Again, a truck driver cannot see you if you are directly behind the truck. Leaving an extra space ensures that the truck can see you. As well, if the truck has to stop suddenly – and many delivery trucks and other commercial trucks make frequent stops – you will have enough time to stop. If the truck needs to back up suddenly, that extra space can ensure that your vehicle is not hit.

3) If a truck is following too close behind you, get out of the way. When you can move over so that they can pass. Trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles, so a truck tailgating you is a significant problem. If the truck driver needs to stop suddenly, he or she will rear end you if there is not enough room between vehicles.

4) Make lane changes carefully when sharing the road with trucks. Changing lanes rapidly is a risk, because trucks do not respond as quickly as passenger vehicles. When sharing the road with trucks, leave lots of space, use your signal lights well ahead of time, and avoid making sudden moves.

5) Do not engage an aggressive truck driver. While most truck drivers have extensive training and do their best to drive safely, any aggressive truck drivers can be an especial menace. You do not have a chance against an 80 000 pound commercial truck. If you see a truck driver behaving or driving erratically or dangerously, get out of the way and to safety. Then call authorities.

Unfortunately, even if you share the road safely, negligence or recklessness on the part of other drivers or on the part of truck drivers can make the road unsafe for you. If you are injured in a Miami truck accident, get immediate medical help and then call a qualified Miami personal injury attorney. The medical and financial outcomes of a truck accident can be devastating, and you deserve legal advice as well as support as you pursue a fair outcome.

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Truck Tips from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Published on: October 6, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

A new initiative from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles could help prevent Homestead truck accidents – as well as traffic accidents throughout Florida. If you live in Homestead or anywhere in South Florida and own a truck, consider these safety tips to drive safely:

1) Keep an eye on your vehicle and yourself. While all drivers on the road have a responsibility to keep other motorists safe, truckers have an especial responsibility as their vehicles can cause even more damage in a Homestead car accident. Ensure that your truck is maintained regularly and responds as needed to help you avoid collisions. As well, ensure that you are in good physical shape to drive. Being well-rested, calm, and fit ensures that you can put your whole focus on the road.

2) Stay distraction-free. Distracted driving is a danger for all motorists, but light trucks have more blind spots, so drivers of these vehicles need to concentrate even harder on the roadway to stay safe.

3) Watch your no-zones. Be aware that your larger truck has more blind spots, and check your blind spots more often. Do not count on other motorists to stay out of your blind spots – many drivers are not aware of how many blind spots trucks have.

4) Drive sober. Homestead drunk driving accidents claim far too many lives. Never drive under the influence, and be sure to check over the counter and prescription medications for side effects; anything that may cause drowsiness is unsafe to use.

5) Leave lots of room. Trucks have more height and are therefore at an advantage when braking. Nevertheless, leave plenty of room for the car in front of you. If the motorist in front of you needs to brake suddenly, the extra room can help you avoid a rear-end collision.

6) Use caution in construction and work zones. Follow signs and slow down. Leave yourself extra room; with the blind spots on a light truck, you may need the extra cushion space.

7) Stay aware of road conditions. Check conditions before you leave, so that you can anticipate problems and hazards. If you see any problems on the roads, report the problem when you can. It is free to do so from your mobile device if you dial *FHP (that is,*347).

8) Give smaller vehicles plenty of room. Homestead bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents are often fatal, especially when trucks are involved. Give pedestrians and bikers extra room, and be aware that riders and walkers can move and maneuver more easily than a truck. An extra cushion of room protects you and gives you a chance to maneuver if a rider or pedestrian makes a move that is unexpected.

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Could Towing Irregularities Cause Broward County Trucking Accidents?

Published on: October 4, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

A number of complaints have been filed in South Florida pertaining to tow truck operators. In some cases, drivers have complained that tow truck operators have towed their vehicles to far-off lots, have towed their vehicles from legal parking spots, or have charged exorbitant fees. The Broward County consumer affairs department has seen 102 such complaints filed against towing companies since 2009.

Local police in Broward County enforce Florida laws which govern where tow zone signs can be placed and where tow trucks can place cars for storage. Broward County also has specific rules which require towing companies to file a business tax receipt locally. Unlike other counties in Florida, Broward County does not require badges or background checks for tow truck operators.

In Broward County, there are non-consent towing fees. This means that if a driver is parked illegally in a place where they can be towed, Broward County permits tow truck operators to tow that car and charge a flat $100 towing fee. However, some motorists in Broward County have complained about tow truck operators charging additional fees or higher fees. Broward County has reclaimed towing fees in 35 cases where consumers complained about excess fees. Refunds ranged from less than a dollar to $350 in extra fees in each case.

Additional towing charges and being towed from a spot that is not clearly marked as a towing zone is frustrating for motorists. However, it can also be potentially dangerous. Tow trucks who ignore County regulations and tow cars to distant locations for storage in order to collect extra fees spend more time on the road and can increase the risk of truck accidents.

As well, unnecessary towing could potentially be a risk for increased Broward County truck accidents. When tow truck operators tow a vehicle, they can slow down traffic. The process of towing can also create a risk of an accident. While in some cases towing is necessary, in cases where it is not necessary it could be contributing to road congestion and the risk of accidents.

Tow truck operators perform an invaluable service in Broward County. They help motorists whose cars have broken down and they keep tow-away zones clear for emergency vehicles and other important traffic. However, it is important that tow truck operators obey all County laws to ensure that no unnecessary risks are taken. Every step taken to prevent Miami car accidents — and accidents across Florida — is a step worth taking.

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Losing a Loved one in a Florida Truck Accident

Published on: September 27, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

There is nothing more devastating about Florida truck accidents than the high fatality rate these accidents cause. Florida truck accidents often make the news because the sheer force and size of commercial truck accidents often cause dramatic, devastating accidents. These types of accidents claim lives every day, devastating families. If your family has suffered this type of loss, the Flaxman Law Group would like to extend our condolences. In our experience with grieving families, we have found that families who have lost a loved one in a traffic accident may wish to:

1) Take care of themselves and their family. If you have lost a loved one, there are likely many people touched by the loss. Working together as a family and grieving together can help everyone heal.

2) Secure their future. If there are children involved, especially, safeguarding their future is often a family’s main concern. Unfortunately, when children lose a parent or family member, they lose support and also financial stability. Seeking a Florida wrongful death suit, if appropriate, after an accident can help children secure the financial resources needed for counseling and for a bright future. Working with a Florida personal injury attorney can be one way to ensure that children’s futures are secured.
3) Get answers. After a truck accident, there are often many questions. A family may wish to know what caused the accident and whether it could have been prevented, for example. Answering these questions is often important in order for a family to get much-needed closure. Answering these questions can also help a family secure a fairer settlement, which can help the family pay for memorial services.

4) Make a difference. Although a truck accident fatality is tragic, many families do want to create some good, in order to commemorate a loved one. There are many ways to do this. Some families contribute to a charitable cause, for example, while other families become tireless advocates of road safety, raising awareness to prevent other tragedies.

5) Focus on healing. All families need to focus on healing and moving forward after a devastating loss. Unfortunately, there is often much to do after a loss. Families may need to settle an estate, plan a memorial service, deal with insurance carriers, and answer police questions about the accident. Working with a good Florida attorney can help. A full service law firm such as the Flaxman Law Group, for example, is dedicated to helping injured victims and families every step of the way.

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A Florida Truck Accident May Cost More Than You Think

Published on: September 22, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Florida truck accidents can be one of the most expensive accidents on the roads. In many cases, insurance carriers cover only the immediate costs of the accident, but victims often face numerous costs and expenses, including:

1) The cost of car repair or replacement. After a Florida car accident or truck accident, you will need to replace or repair your vehicle. Due to the size of a truck, the most likely scenario is that your car will be beyond repair. If you have a car loan or are making car payments, you will also need to cover these costs, even if the vehicle is no longer functional.

2) Lost income. Recovering from a Florida truck accident can take months or years. If you cannot work during this time, you will need to replace lost income. If you have a permanent injury, you may need to replace a lifetime of income or you may need to take on a lower-paying job and make up for the difference in income.

3) Medical costs. The medical costs after a truck accident can be staggering. Since injuries in a truck accident are more likely to be serious, patients can expect long hospital stays and long treatments, which can add up quickly. Someone who has sustained serious injuries in a truck accident can end up paying hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for treatment. Medical costs can include hospital stays, surgery, home care, medication, rehabilitation, doctor visits, and more.
4) Secondary medical costs. In addition to the immediate medical costs, there are often secondary medical costs as well. For example, you may need to pay for a taxi to get to a doctor’s appointment or you may need to buy medical devices and equipment, such as crutches or supports. Over months and years, these costs can really add up.

5) Transportation costs. If you are severely injured, you may not be able to drive for some time after your accident. This will mean that you will need to pay for taxis or other forms of transportation as you heal.

6) Alternative care. Many truck accident victims are in severe pain after their accident, and, unfortunately, medical science cannot always help chronic pain patients. Many patients turn to alternative or holistic treatments to supplement medical care and increase the chances of healing. Unfortunately, these costs are usually not covered by insurance, even if the treatments are truly necessary for a patient to help manage severe pain.

7) Accessibility costs. After an accident, a Florida spinal cord injury patient or brain injury patient may have decreased mobility. He or she may need a wheel chair, a wheel chair ramp at home, an accessible vehicle, and other accessibly features for their home. These can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

8) Property damage considerations. Anything in your car at the time of the accident, including digital cameras, jewelry, cell phones, work laptop, mobile devices, and other items, is likely to be damaged in the accident. You will likely need to replace these items, which can also be a substantial investment.

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