You’ve probably heard about slowing down and giving trucks more space. We’ve certainly recommended both on this blog, simply because these are some of the most best tips for avoiding crashes with big rigs and tractor trailers. However, there are some less-known tips and hacks to help you stay safe on Hollywood and South Florida roads:
ATVs are ubiquitous on back roads in South Florida. They can be a fun way to experience the trails and off roads in and around Hollywood and the rest of the region. However, these vehicles can also pose a danger precisely because they are used on rough terrain. Rollovers and other types of accidents are not uncommon with these vehicles and each year people are seriously injured or even killed in ATV accidents.
Unfortunately, since children are allowed to ride ATVs, some of the worst tragedies involving these vehicles include minors. A small child thrown from an ATV or pinned under a vehicle is likely to suffer permanent or even fatal injuries.
Last week, we looked at preventative measures you can take to protect your finances before a truck accident affects your life in Hollywood or South Florida. But what happens if you didn’t have the time to implement that advice and now find yourself injured because of a traffic accident?
The injuries sustained in an accident involving a big rig, tractor trailer, or other commercial vehicle can be very serious. If your finances aren’t ready for the medical bills, lost wages, property damages, car repair costs, and other expenses, you will need to be proactive. Here are a few things you can do:
At a time when cell phones are everywhere and social media brings us the details of strangers’ lives in real time, we’re more concerned about privacy than ever before. And for good reason: in the wrong hands, sensitive information can be used for fraud, identity theft, and blackmail.
Florida residents may need to be especially concerned. Florida, especially South Florida, was top in the nation for the number of identity theft and fraud-related complaints in 2014. That year, there were 1,007 complaints of fraud per 100,000 Floridians. About 37,000 Florida residents reported being victims of identity theft that year. In fact, identity theft is such a problem in Florida that the Hollywood police department has launched an economic crimes unit to deal with identity theft and other related crimes.
Drivers are at risk for car and truck accidents in Hollywood, South Florida, and across the country. Each hundreds of thousands of people are injured in traffic collisions.
Being in a trucking accident is devastating. You are passenger vehicle has very little chance against a tractor-trailer, big rig, or other large vehicle. No matter who has been at fault in the accident, you may find yourself facing severe and even long-term injuries.
Any repeated and malicious communication through electronic means –whether through cell phones, computers, mobile devices, or any other devices – is considered cyberbullying and is against the law in Florida. This crime can involve sending unwanted and harmful messages or other forms of communication intended to harm.
It is also a serious concern for parents – and with good reason. About one in four children have been victims of cyberbullying, according to the Cyberbullying Research Center (CRC). In many cases, children who have been targeted struggle with schoolwork, find their relationships affected, and suffer serious stress. Some withdraw or engage in self-harm. Some even commit suicide.
Over the past several months, there have been many reports about the Zika virus. This mosquito-spread condition usually leads to flu-like symptoms. In many cases, people who have been bitten by an affected mosquito recover fully. However, in Brazil and in other countries the virus has been linked with microcephaly.
Microcephaly is a congenital condition. Infants with microcephaly have slower brain development and smaller-than-normal brains. They may have a reduced life expectancy and may struggle to live independently – depending on the severity of their condition.
Truckers already face stricter policies than most users of the road. Federal rules, for example, require truck drivers to submit to medical testing and to get a set number of hours of rest in between driving periods. Hours of Service rules also limit how many hours commercial truck drivers can stay on the road.
All of these regulations are aimed at reducing the risk of fatigued driving, one of the biggest risks on our roads, according to safety experts. Dispute the measures, truck accidents in Hollywood and South Florida continue to be caused by fatigued drivers. It has led some legislators to consider passing stricter laws to prevent fatigued driving.
Are you at risk for a trucking accident in Homestead or your South Florida community? You could be, especially if you have the following risk factors:
Safety experts agree that driving in unfamiliar locations can increase your chances of a traffic collision. While you are statistically most likely to be in a car accident close to home, unfamiliar surroundings do put drivers at increased risk of collisions.
In Hollywood and across South Florida, children have access to a lot of water recreation. There are pools, waterways, and beaches to play in and many Floridians love taking to the water when the weather is warm (which is most of the year). The state has many waterways and because of the mild weather many homes have pools.
While all that water can be fun, it does present the risk of water-related injury. Children, however, are especially vulnerable to water injury and drowning in Hollywood and across the region. They may still be developing their swimming skills and they may not fully understand the dangers of water. If you have children, there are several things you can do to keep your kids safer in and around water:
Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
