Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

A University of Alabama at Birmingham research study into a Florida law found that a simple vision test may help reduce fatalities related to car accidents among older drivers. Researchers found that highway traffic fatalities among older Florida drivers decreased 17% after Florida passed legislation demanding that drivers 80 years and over get a vision test. In states such as Alabama and Georgia, where no such law was passed, death rates among elderly drivers remained the same.

As a result of the research, other states may soon also pass special screening requirements for elderly drivers, although other states may include other screening options in addition Currently, nine states as well as the District of Columbia require elderly drivers to pass regular vision tests. In addition, two states as well as the District of Columbia require older drivers to take a road test.

The study has raised some questions regarding accidents among the elderly. Some experts have suggested that elderly drivers in fact pose a smaller risk than other groups of drivers. Some experts suggested that elderly drivers tend to avoid risks, tend to be in accidents with low speeds, and tend to be hit rather than be the perpetrators driving into another vehicle.

Regardless of why car accidents among the elderly happen, they do occur and they do cause not only fatalities but also property damage, broken bones, spinal cord injury, burn injury, and brain injury, to name just a few problems. In addition, proponents of Florida’s law point out that even if a few accidents can be prevented through the law, the law makes sense.

Opponents to the law suggest that the law unfairly targets elderly drivers instead of focusing on bad drivers specifically. Some states are creating education programs in order to help seniors drive safely. These programs remind elderly drivers to ensure that they are comfortable behind the wheel and know their own limits.

Laws regarding driving change rapidly in Florida and across the country, so regular testing, advocates claim, will at least ensure that elderly drivers are aware of the latest road rules. There is no indication from the University of Alabama at Birmingham research study whether all drivers would benefit from vision tests. There is also no indication as to whether injuries and not just fatalities may be prevented by the tests.

According to the AAA, teen drivers between ages 16 and 17 are most likely to get into fatal car accidents Monday through Friday between 3 and 5 p.m. The rate of fatal car accidents during these hours is just as high as the rate of accidents between 9 p.m. 2 a.m on weekend nights. These accidents often lead to not only fatalities but also to serious injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken limbs, permanent injuries, disfigurement, burn injuries, and much more.

The University of Maryland’s Deparment of Public Community and Health suggests that to prevent these after-school accidents, parents can:

1) Show good driving skills themselves. Young drivers often learn by example, so parents who are courteous and careful drivers themselves are more likely to instill these same values in their own children.

2) Sign their young drivers up for defensive driving classes and additional driver training. More time with an experienced instructor means more skills on the road. Defensive driving classes are especially useful because they teach drivers to anticipate problems and be react before an accident occurs.

3) Set rules for driving. Parents can and should lay out rules for driving. Rules can include such guidelines as “no drinking and driving,” “everyone in the car must always be buckled up” or “no teenage passengers after class for six months.” Teens should be aware that when these rules are broken they will lose their driving privileges. Parents should also prevent teens from driving in high-risk conditions, such as driving at night or in poor weather.

4) Make teens responsible for their own tickets if they are caught breaking the law. Teen drivers may rethink their attitude about not wearing seatbelts, for example, if they have to pay a fine with their own spending money for the whim.

5) Encourage teens to stay calm with aggressive and angry drivers. Anger behind the wheel can cloud the judgement of any driver. Never allow an upset teen to get behind the wheel of a car.

6) Take teens on new routes with an experienced driver. If a teen is heading to a job interview, for example, tag along for the drive to note any potential road hazards and to allow the teen to get familiar with a new route.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Board, car accidents are the leading cause of accidental, injury-related deaths that affect children. The same source reports that children who are not wearing a seat belt are most likely to be injured or to die in a car crash. Children and minors, because of their small size, are often not much helped by air bags and can sustain serious injuries, including brain injuries, facial injuries, broken limbs, spinal cord injuries, and other serious problems. It is important to call for paramedics at once if after a car accident a child displays any of these symptoms:

*Unconsciousness
*Vomiting
*Drowsiness
*Difficulty breathing
*Severe bleeding
*Severe pain
*Bleeding from one or both ears

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, there are many things that parents can do to help prevent injuries to children and minors in car accidents:

1) Make sure that each child has their own safety seat, booster seat, or safety belt. Read directions carefully to ensure that you know when a booster seat, child safety seat or seat belt is appropriate.

2) Even on short rides, never hold a child in your lap. If you are in a car accident, the child could be torn from your lap or crushed by your body.

3) Do not allow children to eat or drink in a moving car. Be especially cautious about food items involving sticks or popsicle sticks. In the event of even a minor crash, these food and drink items could pose a choking hazard. Pull over for a meal break.

4) Never allow any passengers – especially children and minors – to ride in the cargo area of a station wagon, van, or truck. These areas do not have proper safety belts and anyone riding in these cargo areas can be thrown from the moving car or severely jostled.

5) Always ensure that children age 12 and under ride in the back. The front areas of the car present many dangers in the event of a car accident. A deployed air bag can choke a small child and in a car with no seat belt, a child is likely to sustain a serious head injury by crashing against the hard dashboard.

6) Use child safety locks. It is difficult to monitor children in the back seat and child safety locks ensure that a child cannot open a car door while the vehicle is in motion.

Could driver’s training coupled with some advanced safety and collision avoidance training help teen drivers avoid car accidents? Some states think so and have instituted additional education courses aimed at teens. Southern Maryland teens have access to the Drive 2 Survive Program, a special collision avoidance class and advanced road safety course for $200. This is in addition to the graduated licensing program in place, which requires all new drivers to take part in classroom and in-car training. Some Florida residents think that a similar program for additional training would help Florida’s new drivers avoid the spinal cord injuries, fatalities, brain injuries, and other serious injuries often caused by car accidents.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Board, teens represent only 7% of all drivers but are responsible for 20% of car collisions and14% of all motor-vehicle-related deaths. The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association reports that can accidents are the leading cause of death for teens and that 16 year-olds have higher accidents rates than drivers of any other age group. In fact, the same source reports that 16-year-olds are fully 3 times more likely to die in a car accident than adult drivers. Worse, some statistics show that teens may have cavalier attitudes about driving. In 2003, 25% of teenage drivers killed in car accidents had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or greater. In 2001, two thirds of teenage drivers killed in car accidents were not using a seat belt. However, evidence suggests that it is inexperience, not alcohol, that is the leading cause of teenage car accidents.

There are a number of things that parents can do to keep teens safe behind the wheel:

1) Treat driving as a privilege, not a right. Parents can and should remove a driving privilege if a teen shows recklessness behind the wheel or treats driving without a sense of responsibility.

2) Encourage more education. Sign your teen up for more driving education classes and tell your teen that he or she can only borrow the family car after taking defensive training or additional training.

3) Know how well your teen drives. Have your teen drive you to the store or drive you to a few events or places. This will give you a sense of how comfortable your child is behind the wheel of a car and how careful he or she is in obeying the rules of the road. If need be, get your teen to take additional driving instruction before taking the car out.

4) Limit the number of passengers your new teen driver can have in the car. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), nearly 50% of car accident fatalities involving 16-year-old drivers in 2003 took place when new drivers had teen passengers in the car. The IIHS also reports that 16 and 17-year-old motorist fatality rates increase with each additional passenger present in the vehicle. Teen passengers represent a distraction to the driver and can encourage your teen to take risks. Have your teen drive alone or with you before allowing teen passengers.

5) Do not allow your teen distractions in the car. Make sure your teen knows not to use a cell phone or other mobile device in the car for web surfing, texting, or other activities. Make sure your teen does not take their eyes off the road in order to change CDs, look for an item in a purse, or do anything else that reduces concentration.

In Florida as in other parts of the country, drivers are worried about increasing gas prices. However, some researchers are claiming that the gas price jump, painful though it is, could be making the streets safer. A research study at the University of Alabama concluded that every 10% increase in gas prices translates into a 2% decrease in traffic fatalities.

While about 40,000 people die in car accidents across the country each year, researchers expect that current high gas prices will mean as many as 1,000 fewer deaths per month, which may 12 000 lives saved this year. Researchers attribute the reduction in car accidents to the fact that fewer people are driving less often. They also claim that many try to save on gas by driving slower, which also reduces accidents.

Other experts are not so optimistic, however. They point out that while car accident fatalities are down slightly, as motorists turn to other means of transport, other types of fatalities and personal injuries are on the rise. The Motorcycle Industry Council notes that sales of motorcycles increase 24% in the first few months of 2008. Yamaha scooter sales increased by 65% from this time in 2007. Vespa set a sales record doubled its previous record this May.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that fatalities on motorcycles and scooters have increased 127% over the past decade. Serious injuries from scooter and motorcycle accidents – including spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, brain injuries, and broken limbs – are up too.

The National Highway Traffic Safety is reporting that a motorcyclist is 34 times more likely to die in collision with a vehicle than someone in car. Motorcycles are simply smaller and lighter than most cars and trucks and simply do not have much of a chance in a car collision. With more people driving SUVs and large cars, the motorcyclist’s chances are even slimmer.

If you do decide to get a motorcycle in order to save on gas, be sure to wear a helmet to protect yourself from fatal brain injuries. Statistics prove how important helmets are. Florida repealed its helmet law in 2002 and the first 30 months after that decision, authorities reported 40% more hospitalizations and 24% more fatalities when compared with the 30 months before the law was repealed.

The Florida Highway Patrol has recently been promoting two campaigns to help reduce the number of car accidents in the state. The "Buckle Up Florida" campaign has been around for a while and has been designed to encourage Florida drivers and passengers to use their seat belts constantly in order to help prevent injuries in the event of a car crash. Thanks to the media efforts made, many Florida residents have heard of this campaign.

The "Move Over Florida" campaign which is currently being promoted by The Florida Highway Patrol is also the law. The law was passed in 2002 and requires any driver in Florida who is approaching emergency vehicles on the side of the road to change lanes. The law creates a vacant lane for the emergency vehicles and emergency personnel to work. If a driver on only on a two lane road, the driver must slow down to at least 20 miles an hour less than the posted speed limit.

The law is designed to help protect not only drivers but also the emergency personnel who might be at work on the side of the road. The Florida Highway Patrol reports that many accidents happen because drivers take too many risks and drive too close to the road where emergency vehicles are at work. This sort of driving can result in serious personal injury to emergency personnel and to the driver. It can also prevent anyone who is injured and getting medical help from getting to a hospital sooner.

Those who ignore the Move Over Florida law will be issued a ticket and will have to pay a fine. You can learn more about law by contacting the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Both Florida Highway Patrol campaigns are aimed to keep drivers safer. Car accidents unfortunately still claim many lives in the state and cause serious injuries such as paralysis, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, disfigurement, loss of limbs, and brain injuries. Buckling your seat belt can help you avoid injuries if you are in a car accident while following the Move Over law can help you avoid car crashes.

One debate that has been raging in Florida for some months now involves the use of cell phones in cars. Some are calling for a ban on cell phone use by drivers, noting that many Florida car accidents happen when a driver is distracted while talking on the phone. Others maintain that it is possible to drive safely while speaking on a phone and suggest that drivers should be able to talk and drive. Some Florida citizens are calling for a compromise – let drivers talk on the phone only when using a hands-free service or ear piece.

Where do you weigh in?

Six states have already passed laws that make it illegal to drive while talking on a cell phone. Connecticut, New Jersey and New York have all banned cell phone use by drivers. Starting July 1, 2008 California drivers will not be able to use any wireless hand-held gadgets unless they are using hands-free devices. Drivers under the age of 18 will not be able to use any wireless hand-held gadgets, not even if they have hands-free devices.

Earlier in 2008, Florida law-makers introduced a number of bills aimed at reducing cell phone calls in moving cars, but none of the bills passed. One bill would have banned all Florida drivers from sending a call, texting, dialing, listening or speaking on a wireless device without a hands-free device. A second bill would have banned teen drivers from driving and talking on hand-held devices.

The statistics do seem to suggest that some legislation is needed. The CDC reports that car accidents are the leading cause of fatalities for teenagers. They are also the leading cause of death for drivers in their 20s and 30s. In addition to fatalities, car accidents also cause many serious injuries to drivers and passengers. These injuries can include life-altering injures such as paralysis, burn injuries, disfigurement, loss of limbs, spinal cord injury, head injury, and many others.

According to a 2002 Harvard Center for Risk Analysis study, about 2,600 fatalities each year are caused by drivers who are distracted by cell phones at the time of an accident. The California Highway Patrol did research in 2001 and found that during a nine month period 4,699 car crashes were linked to drivers distracted by cell phones. Of these accidents, 31 were fatal and another 2,786 resulted in injury. Another study conducted by the University of Utah found that drivers using cell phones had the same response times as drunk drivers. The drivers using cell phones, the research revealed, were 9% slower to brake and 19% slower to return to normal driving speeds.

The Florida Legislature decided five years ago to make it illegal for local jurisdictions to ban cell phones. In 2006, 26 car accident fatalities and 1,364 car accident injuries in Florida involved driver distractions, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. 2003 statistics showed that most distracted drivers – 20% -- who caused an accident were talking on cell phones.

Car accidents cause many injuries each year, from minor injuries such as broken bones to permanent injuries such as burn injuries and spinal cord injuries. Everyone wants to avoid car accidents in Florida, but many of the tips offered in order to prevent crashes are fairly obvious advice. Here are some expert tips that can really help you in avoiding a car accident in the future:

1) Think ahead. Many drivers keep an eye on the car in front of them, but moving your eyes periodically to the car in front of the car in front of you lets you see potential problems – and react to them – sooner. This simple habit can help you avoid rear-ending another car.

2) Stick to the center or right lane. The “fast lane” gives you fewer options for switching lanes and also gives you less time to respond. That’s one reason why many highway accidents take place in the left lane.

3) Keep your hands on the 9 and 3 o'clock position on the wheel, as you were taught in driver’s education. This helps you maintain best vehicle control. If you are in a possible accident situation and your hands are on the 9 and 3 o'clock position you will have an easier time responding quickly to avoid the accident.

4) Consider your blind spots. After adjusting your side mirrors and rearview mirror as precisely as you can, be sure that you still turn around to look into lanes beside you. Also, consider the blind spots of cars around you – you may be able to see them, but they might not be looking or turning around to check their blind spots.

5) Look out for cars that are drifting in the lane. Drivers in such cars may be tired, distracted, or intoxicated. Steer clear of these drivers or at least keep an eye out for sudden lane changes or other dangerous behavior.

6) Move your seat closer to the steering wheel – position it so that your wrist could rest on the top of the wheel if your arm were outstretched and your back was against the seat. This is the wheel position that race car drivers use, because it allows them to make evasive manoeuvres. This wheel position can help you if you need to act fast to avoid a car accident.

7) Keep your car in good condition. Check the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and follow it. It may cost a little more, but it can save your life in the event of an accident. A car in poor repair simply will not respond the way you need it to in an accident.

Continue reading "Top Tips to Prevent a Florida Car Accident" »

If you have been in a car accident that has resulted in burn injuries, broken limbs, property damage, brain injury, or other serious injuries, you may not be fully protected by your insurance provider. You may need to follow these tips to ensure that you are truly covered:

1) Treat all accidents as serious accidents. Even a minor fender bender can leave you with pain for months as well as lost wages. Always file a police report and exchange information with the other driver as well as any possible witnesses.

2) Contact your insurance company very soon after the accident, even if you do not want to make a claim. If you think that the other driver was at fault, contact the driver’s insurance provider as well. Contacting your insurance company and the other insurance company ensures that you can still make a claim if you notice an accident-related injury or some property damage after the fact. If there is a problem or disagreement about fault in the accident, file your claim with your insurance provider. Your insurance company will work out fault with the other company.

3) If your car has sustained damage, ask for reimbursement for a rental car or a rental car. Make sure that you get a car that is similar to your own. You should not have to pay for transportation or drive a junker if you have coverage. Also, if your insurance company asks you to take your vehicle to the insurer's preferred auto shop, make sure that there is a lifetime guarantee on the repairs to prevent disputes over shoddy work.

4) Eventually, the insurer will want to be released of final responsibility. You should only agree to this when you are perfectly sure that your car is fully fixed and you have found and fixed all problems related to the accident. If you notice any problems after you release your insurance company of final responsibility, you will need to pay for the repairs yourself. You may wish to hire an independent company to evaluate your car after repairs to ensure that the car is in good working order. After all, you might not be able to see unfinished repairs and other dangerous problems yourself.

5) If your vehicle cannot be repaired, you may need to work harder to get a fair settlement. If you are looking at a large settlement, consider hiring a Florida attorney to represent you with your insurer. Resist accepting your insurer’s first offer.

If you are in a car accident in Florida, hopefully you will not sustain any serious injuries, such as burn injuries or spinal cord injuries. Even a car accident that does not result in fatalities, though, can leave you with injuries that cause you pain or create lost income or huge medical bills for you. If you have been paying car insurance, you may believe that you will automatically have all the help you need in an accident. Unfortunately, if you have been in an accident, dealing with an insurance provider can be difficult. The insurance provider will want to not spend more money than necessary. If you have been in an accident, therefore, you should:

1) Report any car accident to the police if there are any injuries or substantial damage. If there is any possibility of criminal charges, it is important to alert the police. Alerting the police is also important in more serious car accidents because it starts a paper trail that can help you in the event of a lawsuit.

2) Take reasonable steps to protect others and your car at the scene of the accident. Call for emergency help for anyone who has been injured and try to help anyone who has been hurt. Move your car out of traffic to prevent more damage. If your car is damage after the accident because it is in traffic, it may be hard for you to make claims about damage.

3) Start documenting right away. Exchange identification with anyone involved and get the names and badge numbers of any emergency personnel on the scene. Write down the details of the accident and take pictures if you can. Get the phone numbers and names of any witnesses. This can be invaluable in the event that an insurance provider tries to dispute the specific details about an accident.

4) Never accept money or gifts after the accident and do not sign anything. Do not verbally agree to anything and do not admit fault.

5) Contact your insurance provider right after the accident and file a complete claim. Do not complete any body work until your insurance company agrees to pay for all the repairs. When you do get repairs completed, check the repairs to make sure they are completed correctly. Get a receipt from the auto shop and make sure that the address and name of the auto repair shop are on the receipt. Your insurance provider might need this piece of information in order to process your claim. Make sure you understand any other documentation your insurance company needs for your claim. Also, ask your provider what their policy is about supplemental repairs. If the repair shop finds more damages after the original estimate, the policy on supplemental repairs might help you get coverage for these repairs.

6) If you feel that a dispute might occur with your insurance company, avoid signing anything and contact a qualified Florida attorney right away. An attorney can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve to cover all medical costs and property damage.

Apnea literally translates as "without breath." As the name suggests, people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea momentarily stop breathing in their sleep. This causes their oxygen levels to drop, which in turn robs the brain and heart of the oxygen needed. Those who suffer from sleep apnea generally experience severe fatigue during the day, which can impair their ability to drive. In fact, some people who suffer from this ailment fall asleep for very short periods during the day, even while driving. Even when not asleep, someone with sleep apnea may suffer from impaired alertness, which can cause them to respond slowly to a traffic situation which may lead to an accident.

Anyone who drives with this condition is putting themselves, their passengers, and other drivers at risk for personal injury and even fatal injury. Trucking companies who do not screen their employees for sleep apnea are as reckless as drivers who get behind the wheel knowing that they suffer from this condition. Knowingly operating heavy machinery and vehicles with this condition can lead to injury and death.

Almost twenty million people suffer from sleep apnea. The condition is most likely to affect overweight middle-age men, although anyone can be affected. Currently, airline pilots are screened for the condition. Most truck drivers and all licensed private drivers are not. In addition, many with sleep apnea go undiagnosed for years. Worse, some trucking companies actively lobby for unsafe conditions, allowing drivers to receive only 8 hours of rest in every 24 hours so that fewer drivers can meet more schedules. Evern for drivers not suffering from sleep apnea, 8 hours of rest is not enough for safe driving.

Anyone who has not received enough rest – whether due to sleep apnea or other causes – is a hazard on the roads. Inadequate sleep can lead to severe fatigue, depression, sexual dysfunction, grogginess, loss of concentration, memory loss, and headaches. Over long periods of time, lack of good sleep can cause extreme fatigue, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and other ailments. In fact, some experts suggest that the loss of concentration and grogginess associated with lack of good sleep has similar effects on the body as excessive alcohol.

Sleep disorders have many symptoms. Excessive fatigue, snoring, or gasping for air while sleeping can all be symptoms of a sleep disorder and should be investigated promptly. Testing for a sleep disorder usually is quite simple – the patient will sleep overnight at a special facility while their muscle activity, breathing, blood pressure, heart, oxygen level, and periods of REM sleep are measured. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, the relatively simple treatment involves a small pump which ensures that air is passed through the airway while the patient sleeps. This simple treatment can help prevent many car accidents and fatalities. In sever cases, a thirty minute nasal surgery under local anesthetic can help correct the sleeping problem permanently.

Unfortunately, many drivers who know they are exhausted continue to get behind the wheel, and this causes much tragedy on Florida roads each year. If you or a loved one have been injured by a truck driver or car driver who fell asleep at the wheel, Florida law protects you. You can seek damages to replace your lost income and to get the medical treatment you deserve. At the same time, you can work to ensure that the unsafe driver does not harm others in the same way. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact a qualified Florida lawyer at once by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN). Your initial consultation with our experienced Florida attorneys is at no cost and does not obligate you in any way.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that between December 30, 1987 and the end of 1991, more than 1033 deaths and 224,500 injuries could be attributed to ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles). In this time period, 40% victims were under 16 years of age. While the number of injuries related to three-wheeled ATVs decreased in this time period – largely because manufacturers stopped making these models – the number of injuries and fatalities from four-wheel ATVs experienced a 70% increase in the 1987 to 1991 time period. In 2004 alone, ATVs killed at least 130 children and injured over 44,000. That same year, serious ATV injuries requiring emergency room treatment numbered 136,100.

Legislators have spent some time trying to regulate ATVs, but with minimal success. Since ATVs are not considered cars, children can easily ride them, even unsupervised. In fact, most states do not even have laws requiring children wear a helmet when riding ATVs. Worse, most ATVs are operated on private property, which means that regulating use of these vehicles would be difficult, even if laws were in place.

ATVs are sometimes driven under the influence and at high speeds, and this only leads to more accidents. Florida residents love ATVs and sometimes operate them on very rough terrain, where the vehicles can easily overturn. To help prevent accident, manufacturers and the CPSC both recommend that riders use common sense, low speeds, and goggles and helmets when operating ATVs.

ATV injuries can be severe and even life-threatening. Many of the same injuries that customers experience in car accidents can also be experienced in an ATV crash. Victims of ATV accidents may experience burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken limbs, brain injuries, and other forms of trauma. Unfortunately, since many ATVs are ridden in remote locations or on private property, it sometimes takes more time for paramedics to arrive. If you operate an ATV, it might be a good idea to invest in a GPS device and a cell phone. Having this equipment with you at all times when you ride your ATV can ensure that you can seek help should you need it.

Another problem associated with ATVs is that there have been many recalls, stemming from unsafe products. Some ATVs have been found to be defective, and these defects have been linked to injuries and even deaths. Some models, for example, have been found to easily rollover, causing serious injury to the driver. If you own an ATV, you will want to check with your manufacturer regularly to ensure that your ATV model is not affected by a recall.

If you or a loved one have been injured by an ATV that is defective or have been injured due to poorly maintained property, Florida law protects you and ensures that you can seek assistance. A good Florida attorney can help ensure that you get the settlement you are entitled to, which can help you pay for excellent medical care. . If you need to speak to a Florida attorney, arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida lawyer by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

Florida drivers in many cases don’t think that they need to learn how to drive in winter conditions. After all, sunny Florida, even in winter, often does not see the blizzards, white-out conditions, black ice, and other road hazards that other states routinely see in winter months. However, there are still many good reasons why Florida drivers should learn how to drive in winter road conditions and extreme weather conditions.

Winter road conditions lead to many hazards and can cause car accidents. Even good drivers, when confronted with black ice or other winter weather conditions, can lose control of their vehicles and cause a collision. Car accidents in the winter claim many lives, and also lead to many serious injuries, including burn injuries, fractured limbs, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and other serious problems. Florida doesn't usually get extreme weather in the winter, but Florida drivers do sometimes take their cars outside of the state. Plus, Florida does occasionally see some colder-than-usual winter weather. Therefore, learning to drive in wintry conditions can help keep Florida motorists safe, year-round.

Florida drivers learning to drive in winter conditions can do so safely by:

1) Getting supervision and instructions. One of the best ways to learn how to drive in winter weather is to practice driving in snow or ice. A good instructor can help you learn how to steer and break in bad conditions. This sort of instruction is invaluable, and is often useful in other types of extreme weather, not just in snow or ice. Developing winter driving skills can help you in hurricane conditions and other extreme weather conditions, too.

2) Proceeding with caution. If you are not used to winter weather and you suddenly find yourself having to drive in snowy conditions, drive only during the daylight hours unless absolutely necessary, and proceed with caution. Drive only where you can see the road conditions and the weather more clearly, and take your time. Slowing down is one of the best ways to stay safe in harsh weather.

3) Choosing winter driving conditions carefully. It is inadvisable to let your first driving experience in winter weather take place during a big snowstorm. If possible, try driving in a very light snow to gradually allow yourself to become acclimatized to driving in winter.

4) Staying sober. Drinking makes bad weather conditions even riskier. You need to stay sober so that your response times are spot on.

5) Keeping emergency equipment in the car. An emergency kit that includes a change of clothes, flashlight, a cell phone, jumper cables, a blanket, an ice scraper, a first-aid kit, and other essentials is a must, no matter what sort of weather you driving in.

In Florida and across the country, brain injuries occur every day. As a result of slip and fall accidents, car accidents, construction accidents, industrial accidents, and other types of unfortunate events, brain injuries affect thousands of victims every year. Just as each individual is different, so too, the ways that the brain reacts to injury vary. In general, brain injuries can be divided into various types:

*Traumatic brain injuries. These types of injuries occur when an outside force impacts the head in such a powerful way that the brain moves within the skull. Since the brain is made up of soft tissue, when the brain impacts against the inside of the skull, damage can occur. In addition, traumatic brain injury can also occur when an outside force impacts the head strongly enough to crack the skull and directly injure the brain. These types of brain injuries are often the result of physical violence, firearms, car accidents, falls, and other serious injuries.

*Shaken baby syndrome. In this type of brain injury, the head is shaken so hard that the brain moves rapidly back and forth, damaging brain tissue and ripping apart the fibers. Although physical violence is most often the cause, adults can get this injury too, often as a result of violence or car accidents. This type of injury is also considered a traumatic brain injury.

*Diffuse Axonal Injury. This type of brain injury is also caused by strong shaking of the head, either through violence or through a car accident. In a Diffuse Axonal Injury occurs because the brain and the skull do not move together (the brain stays still or lags in movement as the skull moves) and this causes some brain structures – including nerve tissue -- to tear.

*Concussion. This is the most common kind of brain injury and can occur with a direct blow to the head, violent shaking, a gunshot wound, or from whiplash. A concussion can lead to stretched blood vessels and cranial nerve damage.

*Contusion. This type of injury occurs when a bruise (or bleeding) forms on the brain. Usually, this is caused by a direct impact to the head. If a contusion is large, surgery may be needed to remove it.

*Coup-Contrecoup Injury. This type of injury is essentially a contusion which occurs on both the site where the impact occurred and on the opposite side of the brain. This type of injury occurs when a direct impact is so severe that the brain hits the skull on the site of impact and then slaps against the opposite side of the skull, causing two sites of bruising.

*Second Impact Syndrome. Also known as "Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury," this type of injury occurs when someone incurs another brain injury before the first has had time to heal. Even if the second injury is less severe, it can lead to widespread damage because the brain is already injured and therefore more vulnerable. Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury is a medical emergency, even if the injury does not seem severe, because a victim can die quite suddenly from this type of injury.

*Penetration Injury. As the name suggests, this injury occurs when a sharp object pierces the skull and impacts the brain.

*Anoxic Brain Injury. This type of injury occurs when the brain’s supply of oxygen is cut off, and the cells which need oxygen to function and survive are affected.

*Hypoxic Brain Injury. This type of brain injury occurs when not enough oxygen reaches the brain so that cells can function properly.

If you or a loved one have sustained a brain injury, it is important to speak to a Florida attorney. In cases where someone’s negligence has caused the injury or worsened it, Florida law protects you and ensures that you are eligible to receive help so that you can afford the best treatment possible. If you need to speak to an attorney, you can enjoy a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida attorney simply by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN)

According to the CDC, brain injuries are most often caused when a jolt or blow to the head causes a mild brain injury known as a concussion. The CDC advises that anyone who has suffered a blow to head to look out for symptoms of a concussion, which can include:

1) Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.

2) Fatigue and headaches

3) Unusual emotional symptoms, such as listlessness anxiousness, sadness, irritability, and so forth. It is especially important to be on the look out for these symptoms when they appear for no reason. Unexplained emotional upsets can often be a sign of brain injury.

It is best that if you have suffered a jolt or blow to the head for any reason -- including a car accident, slip and fall accident, or any other personal injury -- that you seek medical help right away. A physician can examine you and determine whether you have been injured. However, it is also important not to depend entirely on an initial medical examination by a physician. Even if a doctor has said that you seem okay, if you develop symptoms after experiencing a blow to the head, get re-evaluated or ask for a second opinion. Sometimes, it takes time for the symptoms of a brain injury or concussion to manifest themselves. Also, medical mistakes do occur and sometimes a physician will simply miss some of the symptoms and signs of a brain injury.

Brain injuries are as unique as the individuals who suffer from them. There are many types of brain injuries that can occur and each patient tends to recover from a brain injury differently and display different symptoms. This is one reason why diagnosing brain injury can be challenging. If you suspect that you have a brain injury, seek medical help right away, even if a physician has already stated that you likely do not have a brain injury.

If you've suffered a brain injury because of someone's negligence or reckless behavior, contact an attorney as well as a doctor. A qualified Florida attorney can help ensure that you get all the legal protection you are entitled to. This can be important, since brain injuries can take a long time to recover from. Some brain injuries can be permanent, and can affect your income level, medical bills, and much more. A qualified Florida attorney can ensure that you have the financial resources you need so that you can rebuild your life after an accident. If you need an experienced Florida attorney, arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

According to many studies, car crashes are among the leading causes of death for US children, even though these fatalities are largely preventable. According to the NHTSA, something as simple as placing children in age-appropriate and size-appropriate car safety or restraint systems reduces the risk of fatalities and injuries by more than half.

According to the NHTSA, 1,451 children under 14 years of age died automobile crashes, and another 203,000 were injured in 2005 alone. On average that is about 4 deaths and 556 injuries daily. Almost half of the fatalities involving children in car accidents involved children who were unrestrained in the car.

Car accidents involving injuries to minors and children are an especial concern during the summer, when Florida parents are transporting children to camps, child care, summer programs, friends homes and so forth. Children simply spend more time in cars during the summer, on average, and that means a bigger chance for children to be injured in Florida car accidents.

According to the NHTSA, there are several things that parents can do to avoid childhood fatalities, burn injuries, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries that can occur to child passengers in motor vehicle accidents. The NHTSA recommends that all passengers ages 12 years old and younger be placed in the back seat and properly restrained every time they ride in a car. Even on short trips, proper restraints such as rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats, and booster seats can save lives in the event of an accident.

The NHTSA also recommends that parents read car seat instruction manuals and vehicle owner’s manuals when properly installing and using restraints and seats for children. According to one study, up to 72% of child restraint systems are used incorrectly at least part of the time, dramatically increasing the chances of injury in the event of an accident.

Parents should contact the manufacturer of child restraints and seats periodically and contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regularly to find out about any product recalls. Defective child restraints and child seats can cause serious injury and harm. If your child has been injured by a defective restraint or seat system, contact a good Florida attorney in order to get help and in order to prevent other families from suffering through similar tragedy.

In a perfect world, anyone injured in a car accident would get immediate and full help with their injuries. Any driver whose negligence caused the injuries would be held responsible. As Florida attorneys know, however, the world is not perfect, and in some car accidents, victims have trouble getting the legal help they need. Even in cases where one driver was clearly negligent, certain issues can affect the income of a case:

1) Hit-and-run accidents. In cases where a driver does not stop at the accident scene, it is difficult to launch a lawsuit. The driver who left the scene must first be found and positively identified. Witnesses or evidence needs to be provided to prove that the driver left the scene of the accident.

2) Accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians. When a car strikes a pedestrian or bicyclist, the injuries to the pedestrian or bicyclist can be very severe. These sort of accidents have a high rate of fatality and many pedestrians and bicyclists struck by cars suffer serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries, bone fractures, and brain injuries. Despite this, injured parties often have a hard time making claims against drivers, since drivers will often attribute the accident to the behaviour of the pedestrian or bicyclist. Motorcycle drivers can face the same problems.

3) Accidents involving buses. Since buses often are used by large and well-insured companies, launching a claim is often difficult. The fact that passengers often do not wear seatbelts on buses also can complicate the case.

4) Car accidents caused by road conditions. In cases where road debris, road design or road condition causes an accident, it is often very challenging to prove who is at fault. In some cases, agencies responsible for road repair and maintenance may have immunity which limits lawsuits.

5) Vehicle Modifications. In cases where a car has been modified with powerful or tinted headlights, foglights, window tinting, or other modifications, these changes can affect the safety of the car. Despite this, proving that a car modification caused a car accident can be tricky.

Continue reading "Issues That Can Affect Florida Car Accident Claims" »

Automobile crashes – both minor and major – occur every day in Florida. Some are no more than small fender benders. In these accidents, damages are often covered by insurance. However, larger car crashes sometimes lead to serious injuries, including brain injuries, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, permanent disability, and even death. In these cases, insurance often will only cover a fraction of the total cost of the accident. Victims of such accidents often need to turn to a good Florida attorney to get the help they are entitled to under the law.

According to studies, most car accidents are caused by driver errors such as disregard of traffic signs, failure to yield the right of way, following too closely behind another car, unsafe passing, and speeding. In these cases, distractions are often a contributing cause of accidents. When a driver is attempting to do something other than drive to when attention is distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle, a bad car crash can result.

Another common cause for car accidents has to do with a diver’s condition. If a driver drives while ill, for example, he or she may be too fuzzy-headed to respond to traffic correctly. If a driver drives while intoxicated, response times are often too slow for safety. Drivers who drive while very tired also run the risk of falling asleep at the wheel and causing a serious accident.

Environment plays a key role in some accidents. Bad weather can impair visibility, diminish traction and generally pose challenges for the driver. Poor roadway design or poor road maintenance can also add to the risks of car accidents. A driver is responsible for slowing down and taking extra precautions when the weather is bad. However, poor road conditions may be partly the fault of a city or government agency.

In some cases, vehicle defects can cause accidents or injury in an accident. Poorly designed or manufactured cars may be subject to tire blowouts, brake failure, rollover, or other problems. In a case where a passenger or driver is injured because of product defect, an attorney may need to pursue a case against the manufacturer of a vehicle or part of a vehicle or even against a service center that left a vehicle in dangerous condition.

According to statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2004, 3,355 car occupants ages 65 and older were involved in fatal car accidents. More than 177,000 seniors aged 65 and older across the country suffered injuries in car accidents in 2005. In 2004, more than 28 million licensed drivers in this nation were 65 years of age or older.

In Florida, the rate of car accidents among older drivers is an especial concern. Many senior citizens choose to retire in Florida or travel to the state in order to enjoy a vacation or some time in the sun.

Across the country, the rate of fatality and injury in car accidents is a concern. Older car occupants and drivers who are in car accidents can face longer recovery times than younger passengers and drivers. Hip fractures and bone fractures may take longer to heal. In cases where an elderly person is already having difficulty with mobility, nonfatal injuries such as burn injuries and brain injuries can prove incapacitating. Injuries that to younger drivers might require extended recovery time might prove fatal to older victims. The CDC has reported that older drivers are more likely than younger drivers to die from their injuries after a car accident.

Another problem is that elderly drivers are sometimes blamed for car crashes. Some people feel that elderly drivers pose a risk on the roads. Statistics do not support this idea. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the motor vehicle death rate among drivers ages 70 and over has remained steady, at roughly 23 per 100,000, for more than ten years.

Some studies have suggested that age-related decreases in physical mobility, vision, and cognitive functions can affect the driving ability of some drivers, but there is no conclusive evidence that the elderly make poorer drivers than their younger counterparts. In fact, the CDC has released findings that show elderly adults are more likely to wear seat belts than other age groups except young children. CDC has also released findings that elderly drivers are more likely to drive only when driving conditions are safe and tend to drive fewer miles that other motorists. The CDC has also released studies that prove that elderly drivers are less likely to drink and drive than their younger counterparts. All of this suggests that while older drivers are more likely to suffer serious injury and even death in car crashes, they are less likely to cause accidents.

Continue reading "Are Elderly Florida Drivers At Higher Risk of Injury in Automobile Accidents?" »

Now that summer has hit Florida, more drivers may be on the roads. Families will be shuttling back and forth between summer camps, jobs, and summer attractions and more high-school-aged motorists will be on the roads rather than in the classrooms. This, combined with the consumption of alcohol during summertime parties and events can create a potentially deadly combination.

Although programs to raise awareness about DUI have been in existence for years, thousands of Americans each year continue to die from DUI-related car accidents and tens of thousands of Americans of all ages continue to suffer injuries caused by these accidents. Serious brain injuries, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries result from car crashes each year. Some of these injuries require months or even years of recovery. Some of these cause permanent disability.

There is some good news. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over the past two decades, fatal crash accidents involving DUI and drivers between 18 and 20 years of age have decreased by 60%. In the past few years, though, the CDC reports that the reducing accident rate has slowed. To lower the rate even more, more steps will have to be taken.

The CDC also recently reported that when sobriety checkpoints are used, less DUI-related automobile accidents occur. Research has shown that these checkpoints consistently reduce car accidents by to 10%. Interestingly, the study found that the checkpoints were effective whether they were implemented over time or used in short-term bursts.

Another CDC report suggests that DUI legislation, enforcement, and education can reduce car accidents caused by alcohol. The study found that states where MADD has assigned low grades for DUI prevention activities were 60% more likely to have DUI-related accidents that states with high grades from MADD.

Continue reading "DUI Still Causing Car Accidents in Florida and Other States" »

Among US teens, car accidents are the leading cause of death, representing 36% of all teenage death, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). When teenagers are in car accidents, they often sustain serious injuries, including burn injuries, fractures, facial injuries, spinal cord injuries, trauma, head injuries, and other serious wounds.

Sadly, some younger drivers have their entire lives cut short or hampered as a result of injuries sustained in car accidents. Injuries from car accidents can affect a teenager’s ability to attend school or hold down a job. The permanent injuries caused by some car crashes can affect a young driver’s future chances of employment. Worse, teens do not always fare well when seeking help. Since teen drivers are minors, they often have fewer chances to pursue legal action against other drivers’ negligence.

The statistics surrounding minors and car accidents are alarming. In 2004, 4,767 teens between the ages of 16 and 19 died of personal injuries caused by car crashes. In 2005, according to the CDC, almost 400,000 teen car occupants suffered injuries requiring emergency department treatment. Per mile driven, teen drivers are four times as likely as their older counterparts to crash. This makes car crashes one of the leading causes of injuries to minors and children.

There are many risks associated with teen driving. According to the CDC, teen drivers with teen passengers have a greater risk of crashing. Not wearing seat belts, being distracted by a cell phone, being tired behind the wheel, and driving while impaired can all affect a driver’s ability to drive safely. However, teenagers do not have to be driving in order to be at risk. Studies have shown that teenagers will knowingly be a passenger in a car with an impaired or unsafe driver at least some of the time.

Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely to be in a car accident during the first year they are on the road. Studies have revealed that this is partly because younger drivers are more likely than their older counterparts to dismiss or underestimate dangerous situations. Teen drivers have also proven to use excessive speed and to allow shorter headways when driving. Teens also have lower instances of seat belt use. The CDC reports that in 2005, 10% of high school students surveyed admitted that they rarely or never use seat belts when riding with someone else.

Luckily, the CDC reports that drivers licensing programs can reduce fatal car accidents up to 38% and can reduce car accident injuries by up to 40%. Good education can help teenagers and other drivers stay safer on the roads. Awareness of risk factors can also help minors make better decisions when operating a vehicle.

According to materials published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), alcohol-related car crashes kill an American every 31 minutes and cause a non-fatal personal injury every two minutes. In 2005 alone, 39% of all car-accident related deaths involved car crashes that were alcohol-related. This means that 16,885 Americans died that year in fully preventable alcohol-related car accidents. In that same year, almost 1.4 million divers were arrested for driving under the influence. According to studies, that is less than one percent of the drivers who were impaired behind the wheel but were not caught.

Tragically, in 2005, 48 children were killed as pedestrians or as bicyclists when they were hit by impaired drivers. It is estimated that alcohol-related car accidents cost the country about $51 billion annually. In addition to the many fatalities that impaired driving causes, car accidents caused by impaired drivers cause property damage and lead to serious brain injuries, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other life-altering injuries.

These statistics paint a grim picture, and many law enforcement groups as well as non-profit organizations have become involved in trying to stop these accidents. Among the tools used to stop car accidents caused by impaired drivers are the following strategies:

*Strict enforcement of current rules. Enforcement of laws concerning 0.08% BAC and legal drinking age as well as strict enforcement of traffic laws can help prevent car accidents. Also, implementing zero tolerance policies for drivers younger than 21 years old can help. Some experts have suggested lowering the BAC (legal limit for blood alcohol concentration) to 0.05% to further prevent fatalities and injuries.

*Immediate suspension of driving privileges for anyone who drives while intoxicated. Experts suggest that this can help stop drivers who routinely drive while impaired.

*Sobriety checkpoints that randomly check motorists for impairment.

*Community awareness campaigns and educational programs that teach motorists about the dangers of DUI.

* Mandatory treatment and assessment for substance abuse for motorists found to be driving under the influence.

Continue reading "Impaired Driving a Key Cause of Florida Car Accidents and Nationwide Crashes" »

This summer season, the CDC is working with law enforcement agencies across the country to promote a summer campaign called “Click It or Ticket.” This US-wide seat belt enforcement program hopes to reduce the personal injuries and deaths that are caused by car crashes. Running from May 21 to June 3, the program will try to get everyone to buckle up each time they get into a car. Campaign organizers say that they hope the lessons learned will last far past June 3.

During 2005 alone, safety belts are estimated to have saved the lives of 15,632 Americans over 4 years of age. According to the same 2006 NHTSA findings, child-restraints helped to save 420 children ages 4 years and younger. Studies show that passengers and drivers alike have halve their risk of dying in car accident just by wearing a seat belt.

According to the CDC, personal injuries caused by car crashes kill more Americans between 1 and 34 years of age than any other cause. According to the NHTSA, 31,415 car occupants died in the United States in 2005 in car accidents. More than half of these victims were not wearing seat belts.

In addition to the fatalities, many more occupants sustained serious burn injuries, scarring, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, brain injuries, and other disfiguring and disabling injuries. Just as seat belts can help prevent deaths, so the CDC points out that seat belts and child restraints for younger passengers can dramatically reduce the instances of serious injury.

Now that the summer means more children home from school, the CDC and law enforcement officials across the country hope that more parents and children will buckle up. More children will be driven to camp, stores, and extracurricular activities at all hours of the day and night in the summer. It is imperative that everyone in every car is using seat belts to help prevent tragedies this summer.

If you or a loved one have been inured in a car accident, contact a Florida attorney today. Qualified Florida lawyers can help you get answers about the accident and can help ensure that you get all the assistance you are entitled to by law. If a seat belt or car part is proven defective, Florida attorneys can help ensure that other families do not suffer because of the unsafe product.

When Florida was first settled, the region was known for its natural beauty. The area had plenty of animals and plants. Today, even though the state has a large population, there are still many plants and animals in Florida, and animals can cause a real problem when they share roadways with humans in cars. Each year, Florida attorneys see many car accidents and lawsuits brought about by car collisions involving animals.

In 2003, car accidents involving animals caused 210 fatalities and many more personal injuries, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Three-quarters of these car accidents involved deer. Across the country, there are more than 1.5 million car collisions involving deer alone, reports the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Deer themselves lead to over one billion dollars in vehicle damage.

In addition to deer, small rodents, moose, and even birds can cause car collisions when they distract drivers or collide with a vehicle. In addition, drivers sometimes cause car accidents when they swerve to avoid a pet. Recently, a panther was found dead in Polk County, Florida, apparently killed by a collision with a car. The panther was the seventh one to be killed this year.

As developers build into spaces that previously were home to animals, more car crashes seem to result as the animals are pushed onto roads used by humans. There are several things that Florida drivers can do to avoid car collisions with animals:

*Obey speed limits. At night, when visibility is low and many animals are more active, drivers should drive below the limit, especially in rain, fog, or other poor weather conditions. Speeding can contribute to fatal collisions by reducing response time.

*Be especially careful around rural or wooded areas. These tend to have a higher population of animals.

*Be aware of your surroundings. Deer crossing signs and other road signs can show you where deer or other animals are more likely to cross. Slow down and stay extra alert in these areas.

*If you see an animal in the distance, prepare what you might do if it were to jump out in front of your car. Slow down and proceed with caution to avoid surprise.

*Consider taking extra driving courses or defensive driving classes to improve your skills. Many of these classes can show you how to stay in control of your car even when the worst happens.

*If you are surprised by an animal jumping in front of your car, try to maintain control of your vehicle. You are more likely to be hurt if you swerve off the road and you may cause a serious car accident if you veer into oncoming traffic.

Drunk driving is considered to be one of the most often committed violent crimes in the US. Each year, Florida attorneys spend hundreds of hours in court involved in auto accident cases that result when impaired drivers get behind the wheel. Despite this, Central Florida police don't currently have any plans to adopt a plan that California has been successfully using to curb DUI charges and car accidents.

Fresno, CA was featured by U.S.A. Today as having a "model D.U.I. program" – Fresno police not only set up 73 checkpoints throughout 2006, but undercover officers began targeting potential drunk drivers at local bars. Fresno officials went undercover to major local bars and observed the clientele with an eye to stopping drunk driving – and car accidents before they began.

The unique DUI program stems from the fact that many people involved in DUI-related car accidents are coming from bars and pubs, according to Fresno authorities. By setting up a base of operations in these establishments, Fresno police believe they can reduce the number of auto accidents and fatalities linked to drunk driving. In 2006 alone, bar operations led to 138 arrests and the number of fatalities involving drunk drivers was reduced by more than 12 percent in the region – something that the Fresno police attribute directly to the success of their bar program.

The bar operations have not been without criticism, however. Some feel that targeting drinkers in bars is simply too much an invasion of privacy – after all, bar patrons who have not yet stepped behind the wheel of a car are doing nothing wrong. Several Florida lawyers and police forces are refusing to even comment on the Fresno operations. Others point out that Florida has DUI programs in place – programs that have reduced the instances of drunk driving in recent years.

Whether or not the state will eventually adopt the Fresno model of DUI control or not, though, few would argue that DUI continues to be a major problem on the streets of every state. Each year, personal injuries cases and car accident fatalities are the direct result of inebriated drivers. If you have been affected by a drunk driver or have been in a car accident, be sure to get help from qualified Florida attorneys. They can advise you of your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Continue reading "Should Florida Adopt California’s Plan For Reducing Car Accidents?" »

This past week, Broward County officials put the ShuttlePort airport shuttle service company, on notice for having drivers with unsafe numbers of violations. According to officials, at least eight of the company’s drivers have too many violations to qualify for a contract with Broward County.

The interest by officials comes from a fatal collision that occurred recently involved a ShuttlePort driver who had an inadequate driving record to be working for the company. An investigation into that fatal car accident showed that the driver in question had six points on his driving records. Although no charges have yet been laid in the accident, the crash is still under investigation. However, the contract between ShuttlePort and Broward County does state that all drivers hired by the company must have less than three points on their record. Based on this, charges are possible against ShuttlePort.

Although the recent fatal car accident is the first involving one of ShuttlePort’s drivers, the company’s possible violations are a cause of concern. Although many people assume that car accidents usually involve personal vehicles, many thousands of people each year are injured or killed when using taxi cabs, shuttle buses, and other transportation services.

If you are involved in a car accident in a shuttle bus, taxi, or other public or commercial vehicle, it is important that you:

*Get the name and contact information of any other drivers or persons involved in the car accident.
*Get as much information as possible about the incident and the company. At the very least, get the driver name and contact information, the name and contact information of the company the driver works for, and the registration number of the car you are in.
*Get the names and contact information for any witnesses to the accident.
*Take photos of the accident scene, if possible.
*Get medical attention at once and get medical attention for anyone involved in the accident. Get a doctor to document your injuries thoroughly.
*Contact a good personal injury lawyer to help you get the best medical treatment and the best legal help possible.

Continue reading "Did This Florida Shuttle Company Hire Unsafe Drivers?" »

Recently, the Florida Highway Patrol announced the addition of a new motor squad to their team. Acting on public requests, the FHP has designated four troopers to the squad to patrol Interstate 95 in an effort to reduce automobile accidents on the popular highway. According the FHP, the move will help ensure that stranded motorists are assisted quickly and will ensure that truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other Florida car accidents are attended to fast. Thanks to the fact that the troopers will be on motorcycles, they will be able to access roadway shoulders and heavily congested areas that until now were difficult for law enforcement to access with traditional patrol cars.

In addition to this step, the FHP continues its educational campaign to promote safe driving. The FHP website offers many driving tips as well as current highway reports, meant to assist drivers. Public service announcements, videos, and radio spots are just some of the other ways that the FHP is trying to ensure safety on the roads. According to the FHP, there are many things that drivers can do to avoid automobile accidents in Florida:

*Slow down! It’s very basic information, but a significant number of car accidents occur because of speeding.
*Don’t drive distracted. Many of the new FHP awareness programs focus on the risks of talking on a cell phone, having an argument, or otherwise multitasking in the car. According to the FHP, every driver needs to have their full focus on the road.
*Don’t drive when tired or impaired. Impaired drivers and drivers who fall asleep at the wheel cause many car accidents each year.
*Make sure that your car is in good repair. A suddenly stalling car can cause a chain reaction collision on a busy street and poorly working windshield wipers can obstruct vision and cause an accident.
*Adjust your driving to the conditions. Florida enjoys many sunny, mild days each year, but drivers need to slow down and take extra precautions when foggy or rainy conditions occasionally occur.
*Always follow the rules of the road and take additional driver training if you need it.

If everyone were to follow these rules, there would be far fewer fatal accidents and serious personal injuries stemming from car accidents each year. The FHP hopes their new campaign will help reduce the numbers of accidents on Florida’s roads.