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

Winds Can Cause Trucking Collisions in Hollywood and other Cities

Published on: November 21, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many trucking accidents are caused by driver error, mechanical failure, and road design issues in Hollywood and other Florida cities. Surprisingly, though, winds can also cause trucks to veer out of control. Earlier in November, two semi-trucks in Jacksonville were toppled off a bridge by winds. In that case, the accident caused only minor injuries and no damage to the bridge itself. In other situations, the outcome is not so good.

Professional truck drivers are taught how to drive in high winds. In some cases, winds can reach speeds higher than a truck is traveling. In cases where strong winds exist, drivers can sometimes avoid collisions by slowing down and proceeding with caution. Drivers need to pay extra attention to high winds when traveling along roads without many trees and when traveling on bridges. On bridges, the force of winds can knock a truck into the water. On roads without trees, there is no wind barrier and the wind may be enough to push the truck into another lane. At the very least, high winds in these situations can make it harder for a driver to remain in control of the vehicle.

Continue reading →

Safety Experts Warn That This is the Season to Take Fire Safety Seriously

Published on: November 21, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

The holidays pose a number of dangers when it comes to burn injuries and fires. Some of the decorations that we use in our homes can pose a fire risk, and the distraction around this time of year can also make us less alert to fire hazards. To keep you and your family safe, make sure that you follow these tips:

1) Be cautious about outdoor lights.

When hanging outdoor lights, turn off the electricity to the supply outlet first and make sure that the connection is unplugged. Only hang outdoor lights that are intended for outdoor use and are in good condition. Throw out or repair any lights with frayed or damaged cords and connectors. Use a sturdy ladder and have someone help you to reduce the risk of falls. Keep electrical connectors off the ground and away from eaves troughs and puddles.

Continue reading →

NTSB Report Recommends Changes to Prevent Truck Collisions at Railway Crossings

Published on: November 19, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Train accidents in Miami and Florida involving trucks are a serious cause for concern. Both trains and trucks are larger vehicles. When they collide at train crossings, the results can be devastating. These types of collisions can lead to explosions, fatalities, and environmental disaster.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a new report about an accident that occurred in May in Maryland. In the report, the NTSB notes concerns about Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversight and truck safety. In the May accident, a truck driver using a mobile device did not stop to check train tracks, causing an accident that lead to a derailment and explosion.

Continue reading →

It’s Time to Consider Shopping Safety

Published on: November 19, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

This is the time of year when many Homestead and Florida residents go shopping for the holidays. Whether you are picking up gifts for family members and friends, decorations for your home, taking advantage of seasonable sales, or shopping for special holiday meals, you may be out and about more often at malls and stores. When shopping, you will want to keep the following tips in mind to stay safe this holiday season:

1) Plan ahead.

Before you head out shopping, plan your trip. Try shopping during less busy hours, when you won’t be as much at risk of being crushed by crowds or being in a parking lot accident because there simply too many other shoppers at your store or mall. Find out about store hours, the best route to get to your favorite stores, as well as any construction you will need to consider. Be sure to also check out store services, such as free shipping, valet parking, or special parking areas that can help you stay safer.

Continue reading →

Fun (and Safety) At Florida’s Theme Parks and Amusement Parks

Published on: November 14, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have friends and family visiting your Miami or Florida home for the holidays, it is likely that you will take your guests out to see the many visitor attractions that South Florida has to offer. If you have children visiting, you will want to visit one of the area’s many theme parks or amusement parks. To keep you visit safe as well as fun, be sure to follow these safety tips:

1) Check and follow all park rules. Read the individual rules for each ride as well as overall rules for the theme park. These rules exist to keep you safe.

Continue reading →

Get Ready for Heavier Truck Traffic

Published on: November 14, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Truck traffic tends to pick up in Miami in November and December, making trucking collisions more likely. As retailers and businesses get ready for the holiday rush, they order more shipments, many of which are delivered by truck. More customers are also ordering items for delivery at this time of year, which can also mean more trucks on the roads and in parking lots.

To reduce your risk of being in a traffic accident in Miami or your community, you will want to be aware of the increased traffic. You will also want to:

1) Maintain your vehicle. This is a good time to take your car in for a tune-up, especially if you will be traveling a great deal for the holidays or taking road trips to see friends and family.

Continue reading →

Everyone Can Help in Preventing Drowning and Water-Related Injury in Florida

Published on: November 12, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Florida has many waterways and in some communities there are pools in almost every back yard. It’s no secret: Floridians love their water recreation, whether its swimming, boating, or water sports. While the weather permits year-round fun in the water, though, all the opportunities can also mean plenty of water and boating accidents in Homestead and other cities.

The Florida Safety Council and other organizations are committed to improving water safety in the state and preventing water-related fatalities and injuries. Everyone has a role in this project. For example, you can help by:

1) Learning to swim and helping family and friends learn to swim.

Strong swimming skills are one of the best ways to prevent drowning. Swimming lessons can also help teach water safety. If you have children or family, make sure that everyone you know knows the importance of swimming.

Continue reading →

Fatigued Drivers Causing As Many As One in Five Fatal Collisions

Published on: November 12, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Fatigued driving is a known contributor to trucking collisions in Homestead, Miami, and other cities across the country. Many government studies and independent research studies have shown the huge impact that fatigue driving can have on response times and on driving safety. Truck drivers are especially vulnerable to fatigued driving because they work long hours and often need to make strict deadlines, which can mean that sleep falls by the wayside. It’s why federal rules require truck drivers to get adequate rest every day and every week.

While safety advocates and Congress have looked at fatigued driving in big rigs and tractor trailers, it is important to keep in mind that tired truck drivers are not the only culprits. Passenger car drivers also drive fatigued and there are no rules requiring them to get adequate rest. According to a number of studies, fatigued car drivers, too, are contributing to trucking crashes.

Continue reading →

Volvo Introduces New Technology to Curb Trucking Collisions Caused by Visibility Issues

Published on: November 7, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many trucking collisions in Hollywood and other communities across Florida and across the country are caused by limited field of vision. Truckers driving commercial trucks have to contend with multiple blind spots behind and along the sides of their vehicles, for instance. Newer truck designs include higher cabs and larger windshields that can improve the field of vision in front of the truck but the problem with large no-zones has remained.

Volvo trucks, however, has announced a new technology that can help address this issue. The new technology involves a 360 degree scan of the area around a truck. Once the scan is complete, a computer system can analyze the information gathered and instantly create suggest options to help drivers avoid collisions. If the driver does not respond in time, the braking and steering systems can respond automatically to prevent a crash.

Continue reading →

Bicycling Injuries in Miami and South Florida Are All Too Common

Published on: November 7, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

In 2012 alone, over 700 bicyclists were killed in roadway accidents across the country. In South Florida, 1,539 bicyclists and pedestrians were killed between 2003 and 2012. In fact, Florida is considered among the least safe places for pedestrians and bicyclists. It is statistics like these that have led to awareness campaigns in South Florida – as well as calls for changes. For example, each year bicyclists hold an event called “The Ride of Silence” in memory of bicyclists killed or injured in traffic collisions.

Continue reading →

Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

1) Be cautious about outdoor lights.

1) Plan ahead.

1) Learning to swim and helping family and friends learn to swim.