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

Pregnancy and Car Accident Injuries in Hollywood and Across Florida

Published on: April 9, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Pregnant women often worry about their safety while driving. There are multiple concerns that pregnant women in Hollywood can have:

1) The risks of being in a car accident in Hollywood are greater for pregnant women. Being in a car or truck accident in Hollywood at any time is devastating. However, for pregnant passengers, the risk of injury is greater. Women who are injured in a traffic accident in Hollywood risk miscarrying or suffering complications in their pregnant.

2) Cars are not built for pregnant passengers. Negotiating into a passenger seat while pregnant can be difficult. There may not be enough room to sit comfortably and maneuverability in the seat may be more difficult. In addition, seatbelts and seats may not easily accommodate a passenger or driver who is pregnant. Pregnant women will want to consult their car manual to find out how to adjust their seats and seat belts for maximum comfort and safety.

3) There is a risk with airbags and seatbelts. Pregnant women often worry that airbags or seatbelts could cause injury to a baby in the event of a collision. However, there may be some promising research if you are in a car accident in Hollywood. According to a study published the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, pregnant women who are wearing a seat belt have a greater chance of surviving a crash than women who do not wear a seat belt. Their babies also have a greater chance of survival. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other experts, babies have the best chance of survival if the mother survives, and wearing a seatbelt can greatly increase the chances of both the mother and child surviving an car collision. Doctors and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasize that women should wear their seat belts a little differently. The lap belt should be fitted below the belly, low across the hip bones. In the event of a crash, this reduces the risk that the belt will dig into the stomach and cause injury. The study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology had less firm findings about airbags. In most of the cases researchers studies, when air bags were deployed the expectant mothers were more likely to suffer a condition where the placenta separated from the uterus. This complication increases the risk of fatal injury for both the child and the expectant mother. However, researchers concluded that these accidents were more serious and this – rather than the airbags themselves – contributed to fatal injury. Researchers concluded that airbags are in fact a way to help protect the life of both the mother and the child and should not be disabled in a car.

Drivers who are expecting a child should speak with their doctor about all the changes they will need to make in their lives. These changes can include altering the way they drive or get around.

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Issues That Lead to Pedestrian Accidents in Palmetto Bay and Other Florida Cities

Published on: April 4, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Pedestrian accidents in Palmetto Bay and other South Florida cities are a serious cause of concern. While Florida offers beautiful walking trails, green spaces, and a mild climate that is perfect for walking, pedestrians who want to enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise do face the issue of possibly being involved in a serious accident and being severely injured. Pedestrian accidents often lead to spinal cord injuries, fractures, soft tissue damage, and head injuries in Palmetto Bay and other communities. All too often, these types of accidents lead to permanent or fatal injuries.

There many issues that lead to these types of personal injuries in Palmetto Bay and other Florida cities:

1) Visibility. Visibility issues can make it hard for motorists to see pedestrians. Visibility issues can result from dark nighttime conditions, weather conditions, inadequate lighting on city streets, fog, and other issues. Pedestrians can help avoid pedestrian-car accidents in Palmetto Bay and other communities by wearing reflective clothing and light clothing that is easy to spot.

2) Distraction. Distracted driving causes many car and truck accidents in Palmetto Bay and across Florida each year. Distracted driving can also easily lead to pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are looking at mobile devices, or changing music, or otherwise distracted may not notice a pedestrian crossing and may collide with a pedestrian because they cannot stop in time.

3) Speed. Speeding can make it harder for motorists to stop in time to avoid a collision with a pedestrian.

4) Road and sidewalk conditions. Road and sidewalk conditions are a key factor leading to many pedestrian accidents. Some communities are already making changes by providing additional barriers, wider sidewalks, and other features which can make it easier for pedestrians and cars to share the road. One issue that often occurs with pedestrian accidents is that pedestrians and cars must share the road in some areas due to lack of sidewalks. Providing added places for walking, as well as providing additional walking trails where pedestrians can walk separate from traffic can help reduce the instances of pedestrian accidents across South Florida.

5) Driver error. In many cases, drivers make errors that lead to accidents. Drivers may ignore traffic signals and signs, may speed, may drive distracted or drunk, or may make other choices that affect their ability to spot and react appropriately to pedestrians.

6) Pedestrian error. In some cases, pedestrians make errors that can lead to a collision. For example, pedestrians will sometimes walk in the dark without wearing reflective clothing or will step out between cars and into traffic without looking both ways.

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Do Red-Light Cameras Reduce Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Other Florida Cities?

Published on: April 2, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Fort Lauderdale, as well as many other communities across the country, have been relying on red light cameras in order to prevent car accidents and in order to catch drivers who violate the rules of the road. Advocates of the red light cameras say that the devices help prevent car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and free up police for other tasks. They note that the cameras generate revenue for the city and may be more effective at catching those who break the law. Advocates also claim that red light cameras may discourage drivers from running red lights, since the risk of getting caught is higher. This, they claim, can help prevent traffic accidents in Fort Lauderdale.

Opponents of red light cameras argue that the cameras have a track record of sending tickets to the wrong drivers. They also note that the cameras only catch drivers at some violations. They do nothing to reduce the number of cell-phone related car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, for example. Those who oppose the cameras also point out that it is possible for drivers to simply find out where the cameras are and avoid those intersections – all without changing bad driving habits.

In Fort Lauderdale and across Florida, red light cameras have been approved since 2010 but still have not become accepted by drivers. Many drivers see the tickets simply as a cash grab. Indeed, the tickets are estimated to create more than $120 million for Florida cities and the state.

Fort Lauderdale now has 23 red light cameras in the city, after recently adding six more cameras. According to Florida Senate President Dan Gaetz, the intersections in Fort Lauderdale that have cameras saw their rates of accidents double after the cameras were installed. In 41 other cities, car accident rates fell after red light cameras were introduced. In eleven cities, however, car accidents increased. That is a large enough number that some lawmakers are asking whether red light cameras are in fact the best way to reduce car and truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale and other cities.

Some lawmakers have also pointed out that red light cameras can only stop certain violations – most notably, cars running red lights. This is not necessarily the violation that causes the most accidents, yet red light cameras cannot catch drivers who are distracted, driving drunk, or falling asleep at the wheel.

Have you been injured in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale or another South Florida community? You have rights under Florida law. If your accident was caused by a driver’s negligence or recklessness, you may seek a legal claim to recover compensation for your medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and other damages. To get more details, schedule a free, no obligation consultation with the Flaxman Law Group to discuss your situation and your options. You may qualify for more compensation than you realize which is why getting legal advice is important before you make any decisions in your case.

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Why are Hit and Run Car Accidents in North Bay Village and Across Florida So Common?

Published on: March 29, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

The Florida Highway Patrol is concerned that hit and run cases are on the rise, with close to 70,000 hit and run accidents reported across Florida last year. Experts have many explanations for why the increase in hit and run accidents in North Bay Village and across Florida is occurring:

1) Uninsured or underinsured drivers. In some cases, experts say that after a car or truck accident in North Bay Village or another community, drivers leave the scene because they do not have adequate insurance, are concerned that their insurance rates will go up, or have no insurance at all and don’t want to face authorities or insurance claims as a result. Drivers do have the option of getting additional insurance on their own policies to protect themselves against underinsured drivers.

2) Drivers with previous records. In some cases, a truck or car accident in North Bay Village is a hit and run accident because a driver has a previous record or does not want to speak with authorities because the driver has an outstanding warrant. They are worried that having an additional mark on their record can harm them further or worry that police will be able to charge them with additional offenses.

3) Unlicensed drivers. According to some experts, up to 3% of drivers across the country have no license at all and are driving without authorization or insurance. In some cases, unlicensed drivers have a suspended license or simply have never been able to qualify for a license. When unlicensed drivers cause a car or pedestrian accident in North Bay Village or another community, they may leave the scene of the collision because the penalties for driving without a license are significant.

4) Panic. In some cases, drivers panic and leave the scene of an accident. For example, young drivers may be worried about being blamed for an accident, may panic, and may therefore leave the scene of the accident. In some cases, someone may be driving distracted, under the influence, or maybe doing something else that can lead to serious charges. Therefore, rather than being charged with those offenses they leave the scene of an accident, hoping that authorities will never be able to find them. Of course, if drivers are found after leaving the scene of an accident, the charges against them can be even more significant.

Hit and run accidents in North Bay Village and across Florida are a serious cause for concern. When drivers leave the scene of a collision, they do not stop to offer help to anyone who may be injured. Each year, people die due to their injuries because no one stopped to offer help. In addition, when drivers leave the scene of an accident, anyone who is injured in the accident may have a harder time recovering insurance money for their injuries, and may face additional financial pressure due to that fact.

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5 Easily-Preventable Causes of Car Accidents in Medley

Published on: March 27, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many car and truck accidents in Medley and other South Florida communities are entirely preventable. According to research, the majority of car accidents in Medley and across the country are caused by driver error and by preventable driver error and other causes, including:

1) Fatigue. Fatigued driving causes traffic accidents in Medley and across the country because drivers who are tired can fall asleep at the wheel and lose control of their car at any time. Even if drivers do not fall asleep, their response times and motor skills are similar to those of drunk drivers, according to research. Getting adequate sleep and treating any unexplained fatigue or sleeping disorders promptly is important if you want to avoid traffic collisions.

2) Alcohol and drugs. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents in Medley and other communities continues to be a problem, despite awareness campaigns and stricter DUI laws. In addition to alcohol, drugs (including over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and controlled substances) can also cause drowsiness or can affect motor skills and response times, leading to a traffic accident. If you are taking any medications, it is important to discuss them with your pharmacist in order to find out whether they will affect your driving skills. It is also important to avoid driving if you have been using any controlled substances.

3) Distraction. Distracted driving has been in the news a great deal because there have been many recent research studies about the number of cell phone related car accidents in Miami, Medley, and many other communities. Studies have shown that distracted driving contributes to many accidents and as a result Florida lawmakers have been trying to pass laws which would make texting and driving illegal. In the meantime, many advocacy groups have been trying to raise awareness about the fact that any activity that removes your eyes or mind from the road or your hands from the wheel is potentially distracting and can cause an accident.

4) Speeding. Speeding leads to many car accidents in Medley and across South Florida because it does not give you enough time to stop the vehicle or maneuver to avoid a collision. In some cases, speeding can cause you to lose control of the car, especially on turns or on roads where the surface is uneven. Speeding is one of the most easily avoided causes of car accidents.

5) Driver inexperience and lack of skill. Teen drivers have higher accident rates than experienced drivers, and a great deal of it has to do with the fact that teen drivers simply have not yet developed the skills and good habits of more experienced drivers. Driving experts recommend that parents only gradually give their teens driving privileges and to ensure that teens get additional driver training and one-on-one training with a driving professional.

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Stationary Car Accidents and Injuries in Key Biscayne and Other Communities

Published on: March 22, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Most car and truck accidents in Key Biscayne and other South Florida communities occur between two vehicles. Even single-vehicle traffic accidents in Key Biscayne and other communities are more common than stationary car accidents. However, just because a vehicle is not moving, it does not mean that injuries cannot occur. Each year, thousands of people suffer serious injuries in non-moving vehicles due to:

1) Rear-ending. Even if you are parked, you can easily be rear-ended by a vehicle that is traveling. Rear-end accidents involving stationary cars are especially common on residential streets and in parking lots. A distracted driver may not notice a parked car in time and may crash into it. In some cases, drivers mix up the gas pedal and brake pedal, so they careen into the car in front of them rather than stopping their car. These types of car accidents can easily lead to head injuries in Key Biscayne as well as spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, and other serious injuries. In many cases, in this type of accident the victim is simply not expecting to be in an accident and may not even be wearing their seatbelts at the time of impact. This can make injuries worse.

2) Leaving a child in the car. Unfortunately, each year small children, toddlers, and infants are seriously injured or killed because they are left alone in a car while their parents or caregivers run errands or simply forget to remove the child from the car. Leaving a child inside of a car is a serious issue, since even on a relatively mild day temperatures within a car can quickly escalate to dangerous levels and can suffocate a child and can even cause serious burn injuries. In Key Biscayne and across South Florida, very high temperatures can increase the odds that a child simply will not survive being left alone in the car. Rolling down the windows a little bit will not help protect the child. It is important that parents have systems or develop a habit for checking the rear seat of their car before leaving their car. While it seems unfathomable to some parents that they would forget their child, stressful jobs, distraction, and a hectic lifestyle can easily contribute to this problem.

3) Injuries related to car systems malfunctioning. In some cases, car systems can overheat or malfunction in some other way. This can mean that even if someone is sitting in a parked car and listening to the radio or waiting in their car, they could be injured. If a product defect in your car has caused a serious injury, you can contact a personal injury attorney in Key Biscayne or your community in order to inquire about launching a products liability claim in Key Biscayne or your South Florida city.

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Six Small Mistakes You Make that Could Lead to a Hialeah Car Accident

Published on: March 19, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Researchers agree that the vast majority of traffic accidents in Hialeah and across Florida occur due to driver error. Many of these driver errors are quite minor and are things that drivers do an almost daily basis:

1) Being distracted. Experts agree that distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Hialeah and other Florida communities. Many motorists associate distracted driving just with cell phone use. While it’s true that there are many cell phone related car accidents in Hialeah and other communities, cell phones and mobile devices are not the only causes of distraction. Authorities note that something as simple as fast food or drinking a coffee can be extremely dangerous and distracting behind the wheel. Each year, drivers cause accidents because they spill a meal or hot coffee on themselves, causing them to lose control their car. Anything that removes your hands from the wheel, your eyes from the road, or your mind from your driving task is a distraction. Distractions can include changing the music in your car, hunting for something on the floor of your vehicle, talking animatedly to other passengers, daydreaming, and just about anything else that removes you from fully focusing on driving.

2) Not evaluating your mental state before you step in the car. If you’re tired, angry, upset, unfocused, or worried, you may not be in the mental or emotional state you need to be in order to drive safely. Very few drivers consider their emotions before stepping in the vehicle, but many experts do agree that driving under the influence of strong emotions can easily lead to a traffic accident in Hialeah or your community.

3) Being tired. Many Florida residents lead very busy lives and it is common for people to walk around their everyday lives feeling tired at least some of the time. Recent studies have shown that a number of drivers admit to driving behind the wheel while exhausted and a number admit to drowsing off at least once in the past month. While many people simply medicate fatigue with coffee and other forms of caffeine, driving tired can easily cause you to fall asleep at the wheel and cause a serious car or truck accident in Hialeah or your community.

4) Ignoring your car. When cars are not properly maintained they can easily cause an accident if they don’t respond the way that you expect them to.

5) Being slightly buzzed. Drunk driving accidents in Hialeah and other Florida communities continue to be a serious concern, despite efforts by advocacy groups such as MADD. One problem, according to authorities, is that many people assume that they can drive after drinking as long as they have only consumed a small amount. Recently, Florida authorities have launched an awareness campaign to emphasize that even if you are “buzzed” you are still too drunk to drive. Even a few drinks can seriously affect your motor skills and your response times, increasing the risk of an accident.

6) Driving while slightly ill. Many motorists feel that if they are slightly ill with a cold or flu they cannot put their lives on hold. Unfortunately, if you drive while slightly ill you could end up causing a serious accident. Many serious illnesses that affect driving ability have very mild symptoms at first. Continuing to drive with untreated symptoms can increase your risk of an accident. In addition, taking over-the-counter medication for a cold, flu, sinus problems, or other minor ailments can actually cause you to become drowsy and lose control of your vehicle. If you are ill, take an alternative form of transportation or wait until you get better before you start to drive again. If you need to take medication for allergies or another illness, make sure that you read the labels. Your medication should not make you drowsy and should not affect your driving ability.

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Are Hands-Free Mobile Devices Still a Risk When it Comes to Car Accidents in Biscayne Park and Other Communities?

Published on: March 14, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Much has been written in recent years about distracted driving. Florida is currently considering legislation that would make it illegal to text and drive, even though similar legislation has not managed to pass legislature in past years. Numerous research studies have shown that distracted driving is extremely dangerous. In fact, some studies have shown that distracted drivers have the same slow response times as drivers who drive drunk.

Researchers agree that distracted driving can increase the risk of an accident considerably. Despite this, Florida remains one of the few states that do not ban texting and driving or outright. People who are injured in cell phone related car accidents in Biscayne Park and other communities, however, can pursue a personal injury claim in order to get compensation for their injuries. In addition, police do have the right to arrest someone who causes an accident while texting and driving if their driving is considered reckless.

Distraction and Car Accidents in Biscayne Park

One reason that legislation banning texting and driving has a hard time in Florida legislature is because Florida experts do not entirely agree on the safest legislation to pass. Some claim that simply banning handheld mobile devices would improve safety on Florida’s roads. Manufacturers of hands-free devices often promote this idea, claiming that their devices allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel while driving.

However, some lawmakers and experts disagree. They claim that any form of mobile device or discussion can distracted driver. They note that people using a hands-free device while driving are still focused on the conversation rather than on the road in front of them. This means that they can still cause pedestrian accidents in Biscayne Park and other types of traffic accidents because their full focus is not on driving.

What Legislation Could Prevent Traffic Accidents in Biscayne Park?

Of course, legislating hands-free devices will be much more difficult as it can be more challenging for authorities to catch someone who is talking on a hands-free device while driving. In addition, many drivers feel that being able to have access to a mobile device is essential for their safety and their convenience. Many motorists are simply unwilling to give up the convenience of mobile devices. The question for lawmakers then becomes: how can we pass legislation that keeps Florida residents safe while also helping to prevent car accidents and truck accidents in Biscayne Park?

So far, lawmakers are still undecided. In the meanwhile, if you are injured in a traffic accident in Biscayne Park that was caused by distracted driver, you can pursue compensation to help recover money for property damage, medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injuries. Contacting a personal injury attorney in Biscayne Park or your community can ensure that drivers who drive distracted are held liable for their actions.

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How Impatience Leads to Car Collisions in Aventura and Other Florida Communities

Published on: March 12, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Could impatience increase your risk of a car accident in Aventura or other Florida cities? Some experts think so. Impatience itself can be a distraction, making you so upset with getting to your destination on time that you fail to notice the actions of other motorists around you. According to some experts, impatience behind the wheel can also lead to:

1) Running red lights. If you’re rushing to your destination and don’t have patience to deal with other motorists, you could end up running red lights or ignoring other traffic signals. Obviously, this can easily lead to a truck accident in Aventura or your community.

2) Speeding. If you are short on patience and short on time, speeding to your destination can seem like a good idea. Unfortunately, speeding is also a leading cause of traffic accidents in Aventura and other communities. When you speed, you have less control of your car, and you can easily lose control of your vehicle. Speed-related accidents are also more likely to cause serious or fatal injuries due to the force of the vehicles at impact.

3) Weaving in and out of traffic. Drivers who are impatient will sometimes weave in and out of traffic that is traveling at or near the speed limit. This increases the risk of an accident.

4) Going around traffic that has stopped for pedestrians. A very common tactic used by impatient drivers is to go around a car that has stopped for some reason – such as to allow a pedestrian to cross the road. Unfortunately, if you cannot see what the car in front of you has stopped for, you can easily cause a pedestrian accident in Aventura or your community if you try to drive around the car.

5) Tailgating. Experts and police agree that tailgating is extremely dangerous. Not leaving enough space for the car in front of you means that if the car in front of you has to brake suddenly you will likely be involved in a rear end accident. When driving behind commercial trucks, especially, it is important to leave extra room, since trucks take longer to break and may make unexpected stops. When driving in bad weather, extra space is also needed in case your car skids when braking.

6) Texting or talking on a mobile device while driving. Some drivers are impatient to get to their destination and because they are so busy they will text or talk on their mobile devices, trying to get errands done while they drive. Numerous research studies have shown that distracted driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving.

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Risk Factors Leading to Car Accident Injuries in Miami and Across South Florida

Published on: March 7, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to Bankrate Insurance, the risk factors that can contribute to car collisions and traffic-related injuries are:

1) Speed. According to Bankrate Insurance, one third of all fatal car accidents in 2010 involved speeding. In all cities, including Miami, car accidents involving speed are more likely to cause serious injury, including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities, simply due to the increased force of any crash involving high speeds.

2) Age. 16-year old drivers have higher car accident rates than drivers of any other age. Traffic collisions continue to be the leading cause of death for teenagers. In South Florida cities such as Miami, traffic accidents involving teen drivers are a serious problem, and experts agree that parents can help protect their younger drivers by setting rules and by insisting that new drivers get plenty of training and in-car experience.

3) Gender. In 2010, 70 percent of all people killed in car accidents were men.

4) Impairment. One fifth of all traffic deaths in 2010 were related to DUIs. That year, 10,228 Americans died due to drunk driving. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and across South Florida continue to be a serious tragedy and an entirely preventable type of accident.

5) Motorcycle accidents. In 2010, over 13% of all traffic fatalities involved motorcycles. That year, 4,309 Americans died in motorcycle accidents. This is double the number of motorcycle accident fatalities in 1997. In South Florida cities such as Miami, motorcycle accidents cause not only fatalities but also many spinal cord injuries and head injuries each year. Florida does not mandate helmets for motorcyclists, but experts agree that correct use of helmets is essential for preventing serious injury in an accident.

6) Seat belt use. In 2010, more than half of all young passengers killed in car accidents were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision that claimed their lives. With so many car manufacturers releasing advanced new safety systems, it is sometimes easy to forget that one of the most basic safety features of a car – the seatbelt – is also one of the most powerful. If you are in a car accident in Miami or any other community, a seat belt will keep you in place during the collision, reducing your risk of serious injuries such as head injuries.

7) Licensing. Close to 3% of drivers in the US are not licensed. These drivers are 3 times more likely to cause a fatal car accident when compared with licensed drivers. Since these drivers are also uninsured, if you are injured in a car collision with one of these motorists, it can be harder to collect compensation for your injuries. Some experts further believe that a number of hit and run accidents in Miami and South Florida are caused by unlicensed drivers who do not want to be found by police.

8) Distraction. Distracted driving causes 15 fatalities daily, on average. In 2011, 3,331 Americans were killed due to distracted driving.

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