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

Car Accidents Jump Nationwide

Published on: March 5, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the number of car accident fatalities increased 5% between 2011 and 2012. The direct costs of car accidents climbed to a total of 276 billion dollars in 2012. These costs included medical costs, productivity loss, property damage, administrative costs, and costs to employers. According to the NSC, there are a number of reasons for the increase in fatalities:

1) More people are driving. The total number of miles driven across the country increased in 2012 as the economy continued to slowly recover. More cars on the road can mean a higher risk of accidents.

2) Distracted driving. The CDC has reported that the number of distracted drivers involved in fatal car collisions rose seven percent in 2005 and increased to more than ten percent in 2009. Cell phone related accidents in Miami and across Florida are quite common. In addition to cell phones, drivers face multiple distractions. Cars today are equipped with interactive displays, advanced music systems, and more, providing drivers with more distractions than ever before.

3) Drivers who fail to use seatbelts.. If you are involved in a car accident in Miami or anywhere in South Florida, a seat belt can help save your life. It can also help prevent head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries that are caused when a passenger is thrown about the vehicle during a collision.

4) Drunk driving. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and across South Florida continue to be a concern, despite multiple educational programs and campaigns. Currently, the NHSTA is continuing a program which emphasizes that even drivers who are only slightly affected by alcohol are at increased risk of car accidents. Unfortunately, some motorists assume that if they are only slightly “buzzed” and not completely intoxicated they are safe to drive. Experts and the NHSTA are trying to show drivers that even being slightly affected by alcohol – even having a few drinks – can lead to serious car accident.

5) Inexperienced and young drivers. Teen drivers cause many car accidents in Miami and across South Florida, not because they are bad drivers but because in many cases they are still developing their skills. Experts agree that getting additional driver training for young drivers can help them reduce the risk of an accident.

6) Drowsy driving. Driving fatigue is considered by many experts to be as unsafe as driving inebriated. Drowsy driving causes many car and truck accidents in Miami and across South Florida each year.

7) Unsafe trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to many federal regulations to ensure that they are safe and that they do not pose unnecessary risks on the roads. Unfortunately, in some cases motor carriers and truck drivers ignore these federal rules and when this happens, traffic accidents in Miami and South Florida occur.

8) Motorcyclists not wearing helmets. Motorcyclists who are not wearing helmets at the time of their accident are more likely to suffer head injuries and other serious injuries. If you want to increase your risk of surviving a motorcycle accident in Miami or your community, wear a helmet each time you ride. Keep in mind that many preventable head injuries in Miami and across South Florida are caused each year simply by not wearing helmets.

Continue reading →

What to Do About Teen Driving Fatalities in Coral Gables and Other Communities

Published on: February 28, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

The Governors Highway Safety Association has released a study showing that in the first half of 2012 there was a jump in the national number of fatal traffic accidents involving teen drivers when compared with the number of crashes during the same period in 2011. Experts have many ideas about how to reduce the instances of teen-driver-related car accidents in Coral Gables and other communities:

1) Increase the amount of driving instruction for teens. Graduated licensing programs have already helped reduce the number of teen drivers involved in serious traffic accidents in Coral Gables and other communities. Experts agree that one of the key reasons behind driving accidents involving teen drivers has to do with driver inexperience. Teens may simply not have the behind-the-wheel experience needed in order to avoid some collisions. Getting additional on-road training and extra instruction can help ensure that teen drivers have the skills needed to drive safely. Parents can help by purchasing additional driving instruction and one-on-one driving instruction for their teens.

2) Crack down on distracted driving. According to the National Safety Council, more than 24 percent of traffic accidents involve cell phone use. About 450,000 teens are injured each year and 3,000 are killed due to car accidents, and many experts believe that distracted driving is a key contributor to many accidents involving teen drivers. Studies show that in addition to cell phone use, other passengers are a key cause of distraction for teen drivers. In fact, teen drivers who have teen passengers are more likely to be involved in an accident when compared with teen drivers driving alone or with an adult in the car.

3) Alert teens about the dangers of fatigued driving. Teens may not be aware that driving fatigued is a dangerous situation, so it is important for parents and other adults to explain to teen drivers the dangers of driving distracted and potentially falling asleep behind the wheel.

4) Have parents set rules about driving. Teens should learn that driving is a privilege, not a right. To that end, parents can help by setting firm rules – such as no texting and driving or no passengers in the car – to ensure that their teens do not take unnecessary risks as they slowly build their driving skills.

5) Insist on remedial lessons for teens who get into fender-benders. Fender benders and near accidents are often warning signs that a teen’s driving skills need additional work. Parents can help by getting their teenage driver more one-on-one instruction time and in-car instruction time from a professional driving instructor. This can help teens correct any bad habits and help them get the skills they need in order to avoid collisions.

6) Show teens the effects of dangerous driving. Local authorities have education programs designed especially for teen drivers. It is important for parents to make sure that their teens see the devastating impact that reckless driving, distracted driving, fatigued driving, and careless driving can cause.

Continue reading →

Florida Authorities Say that Hit and Run Accidents in Miami and Other Communities are on The Rise

Published on: February 26, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the number of fatal hit and run traffic collisions in the state appears to be increase. Between 2011 and 2012, the number of hit and runs across the state increased 4000. In 2012, there were 70 000 such accidents, leading to 168 fatalities.

The Highway Patrol is launching a “Hit and Run: Bad 2 Worse” campaign in Florida to make drivers aware of the risks of hit and run accidents. Authorities want to get the message across: when you leave the scene of a car accident in Miami or any other community you face serious consequences. Currently, drivers who leave the scene of an accident without stopping to help others face up to $10 000 in fines and up to 30 years in jail if the accident is a fatal one.

According to authorities, there are four main reasons why at-fault drivers leave the scene of a traffic accident in Miami and other communities:

1) The at-fault driver is wanted by police or has a record. In many hit and run accidents in Miami and South Florida, the at-fault driver leaves because he or she has a criminal record, is driving a stolen car, or is otherwise wanted by police. In these cases, the driver hopes that if the authorities cannot find them, they will not be charged for the accident and for any other crimes.

2) The driver has no insurance. There are many uninsured and under-insured drivers in Florida and when one of these drivers causes an accident, they flee the scene of the collision because they fear the costs of having to pay for the accident. In some cases, the drivers may not even be licensed to drive.

3) The driver panics. Being in an accident is frightening and some drivers may simply panic, unsure what to do after a car accident in Miami or South Florida. While it is understandable that a car collision can lead to panic, Florida law is very clear: failing to stop and offer assistance as well as exchange information after a car accident is a crime.

4) The driver is driving under the influence. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and South Florida occur often. In many cases, a driver who is driving under the influence does not want a DUI charge and will leave the scene of an accident. Even if the authorities find the person eventually, it will be harder to prove that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident.

Continue reading →

Possible Issues with Insurance Claims After a Car Accident in Davie or South Florida

Published on: February 21, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you sustain injuries in a car accident in Davie or another community, you may assume that car insurance will cover the costs of your injuries. After all, that is what you pay premiums for. Unfortunately, many people who sustain serious injuries – such as head injuries – in Davie and South Florida after being in a car accident find that they have issues after being in a traffic accident. You may face some of these same issues when you try to file a claim:

1) The insurance company may dispute your claim. The insurance company may accuse you of insurance fraud or may dispute some medical charges or other claims that you have made – even if they are valid.

2) The insurance company may not consider longer-term costs or all costs. In many cases, insurance companies look at immediate medical costs and related costs. However, if you have sustained a serious injury you may face months or even years of recovery time. You may need home care, accessibility features for your home and car, rehabilitation, medication, and other assistance on the road to recovery – and insurance companies often do not take these total long-term costs into account.

3) The insurance company will want to settle claims quickly and inexpensively. In many cases, an insurance carrier will want to settle a claim quickly – before the full extent of your injuries and possible long-term expenses are even known. This can make it harder for you to get the fair compensation you may need to recover fully and to get the medical care you need.

4) Thanks to new legislation, if you are visiting Florida at the time of your accident, your insurance carrier may not honor your claims. Since January 1, a new law has required all international drivers in Florida to have an international driver’s permit (IDP). The idea behind the law was to make sure that all drivers in Florida had a driver’s license translated into English. However, many visitors to Florida are not aware of the law and when they find themselves in a traffic collision in Davie or another South Florida city they find they have a hard time getting an insurance claim honored because they did not realize they needed an IDP.

5) Some required expenses may be considered “extras” by your insurance company. For example, burn patients in Davie and other communities often need skin grafts or other skin treatments to recover from their injuries. However, some insurance companies may deem such procedures “cosmetic” and not pay.

Continue reading →

Who Pays the Costs of Car Accidents in Coral Gables and Other Florida Communities?

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

According to Floridainsurance.com, car collisions cost each American an average of $1000 a year. There are about 43,000 fatalities related to car accidents each year. In Florida, the costs of an accident can vary from under $100 (for a minor fender bender) to millions of dollars for a serious car and truck accident in Coral Gables or another community. Of course, if you have been in a truck or car accident in Coral Gables or any other community in Florida, you know that the costs of the accident are far greater than just the monetary costs. The emotional upheaval and pain and suffering can endure for years.

Many people pay the costs for a serious traffic accident in Coral Gables:

1) The victim injured in the traffic accident. Victims who are injured in a truck or car accident in Florida often pay the highest price. They may need to get their cars replaced or repaired and they may miss income and work. In many instances, car accidents lead to serious injuries, and treating soft tissue injuries, back injuries, fractures, burns, or head injuries in Coral Gables and other communities is very expensive.

2) The family of the victim. The family of the victim often pays a high price in a serious traffic collision, as well. In a fatal accident, the family may be left with final bills, final medical expenses, funeral bills, and other costs. If the loved one was an income earner, the loss may also devastate a family’s finances for years to come.

3) Employers. Employers lose millions of dollars each year due to employees being injured in car accidents and therefore being unable to work. If the accident was a workplace accident, an employer’s insurance costs may rise.

4) Insurance companies. Insurance companies may need to pay out damages in a car accident case. The costs are covered by the insurance premiums that insurance clients pay, but in many cases insurance carriers are interested in resolving cases inexpensively and quickly. This is one reason why many car collision victims turn to personal injury attorneys in Coral Gables and across South Florida – to get fair compensation for their injuries.

5) Society as a whole. Society as a whole pays for car collisions in Coral Gables and beyond with loss of productivity, more hospital crowding, and damaged roads. Almost everyone is affected by car accidents in some fashion and everyone suffers due to the suffering, medical costs, and damage that a serious accident can cause.

Continue reading →

Unregulated Distractions for Drivers Can Mean Car Accidents in Florida

Published on: February 16, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Florida is currently considering new legislation which would allow authorities to cite drivers who text and drive. There are multiple research studies to suggest that cell phones contribute to car accidents in Miami and other communities. However, one reason why texting bans have not been passed in Florida in the past is because many lawmakers note that any type of distracted driving can lead to car and truck accidents in Miami and other communities. It is impossible to legislate all possible forms of distraction in a car, and there are many types of distracted driving that police officers see regularly in South Florida:

1) Reading. Some drivers attempt to read text messages or even the newspaper while they drive, taking their eyes off the road for seconds at a time, putting themselves at risk of a serious collision.

2) Eating and drinking. Most cars have drink holders and many commuters in Miami and other cities take their morning coffee with them on the road. Drive-throughs also allow drivers to easily pick up food for a snack. According to authorities, however, eating and drinking in the car leads to many traffic accidents in Miami and Florida each year. Beverages can easily spill, which can distract drivers. Drivers who are eating and drinking are also taking their eyes and focus off the road as they open food wrappers and consume food.

3) Checking maps. Checking maps is dangerous, of course, since it removes a driver’s focus and eyes from the road. According to some experts, GPS devices may not be much better, if drivers are programming their destination into the device or taking these eyes off the road to check the devices.

4) Writing. Jotting down notes is dangerous, yet drivers do it every day.

5) Daydreaming. Recent studies suggest that mindless driving –
daydreaming or thinking about something besides driving – removes focus from the road and slows driver response times enough to cause a serious accident.

6) Changing music or adjusting the radio in the truck. This causes pedestrian accidents in Miami and across Florida each day. Devices such as MP3 players and iPods can actually help, since they allow drivers to program hours of music at a time, so that no adjustment is necessary.

7) Emotions. Research has shown that road rage leads to accidents because drivers are distracted and take risks when they drive angry. However, any strong emotion – anger, fear, upset, sadness – can mean that drivers are not fully focused on the road because they are thinking about whatever is behind the emotion.

8) Passengers. Speaking with passengers means that drivers are thinking about the conversation rather than about the road. This is one reason why some experts believe that hands-free mobile devices may not be safe for drivers, either.

Continue reading →

Surviving a Motorcycle Accident in Miami Gardens or Your South Florida Community

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

Studies have concluded that if you are in a motorcycle accident you are thirty times more likely to suffer fatal injuries when compared with someone in a car collision. The reason is because you have fewer layers of protection. In a motorcycle crash, you are likely to be flung from your vehicle and come into contact with other cars, your bike, or the pavement with very few layers of protection. As a result, each year many people are rushed to emergency rooms with injuries (such as head injuries) in Miami Gardens and other communities.

The Government Accountability Office reports around 82,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents and more than 4500 suffer fatal injuries annually. The average cost of a fatal accident costs $1.2 million while injuries in motorcycle accidents cost $2500 to $1.4 million. The total cost of motorcycle accidents across the country is $16 billion or more per year. This cost does not take into consideration the devastation and personal grief and suffering these types of traffic accidents in Miami Gardens and other American cities cause. According to the Government Accountability Office and other experts, there are a number of ways to decrease your risk:

1) Wear a helmet. The Government Accountability Office has stated that the best way to reduce the costs and risks of motorcycle accidents is to make helmet use mandatory. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets saved 1550 lives in 2010 alone and the CDC reports that the helmets saved $3 billion dollars in collision costs. Experts say that helmets reduce the death rate in motorcycle accidents by 39%. Although not all states require helmet use for all riders and while Florida does not have universal helmet laws, wearing a helmet each time you hop on your bike can greatly increase your chances of surviving a motorcycle accident in Miami Gardens or your community.

2) Learn to ride a motorcycle responsibly. If you want to learn how to avoid a motorcycle-car accident, Miami Gardens and most South Florida communities have qualified instructors and classes that can help you learn the basics of safe riding. In some cases, taking classes can even help you save money on your insurance costs.

3) Take safety seriously. Be cautious when riding your motorcycle. Stay completely focused on the road – distracted driving causes many motorcycle and car accidents in Miami Gardens and across South Florida each year. Ride only when sober, well-rested, and prepared to ride safely. Always follow all traffic rules. While motorcycles are more flexible and allow you to take certain risks on the road, taking those risks can cost you your life.

4) Stay visible. Wear reflective clothing and use lights, especially when riding at night. Opt for lighter clothes that are easy to see. Many motorcycle accidents happen because motorists simply do not notice a motorcycle in time.

Continue reading →

FDA Move to Reduce Drug Dosages Could Reduce Car Collisions in Miami and Other Communities

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

Following concerns that sleeping pills may stay in the bloodstream longer than thought, the FDA has announced that it will require manufacturers of the popular sleeping pill zolpidem – more commonly known by brand names such as Edluar and Ambien – to slash dosage recommendations. The move comes amid new information that the pills may be causing morning drowsiness that can lead to car crashes and other problems. New research suggests that women in particular can process the drug slowly, which can mean that the effects can linger even in the mornings. Other drugs will not be affected.

Under FDA rules, recommended dosages for zolpidem will drop from 10 milligrams to 5 milligrams and will drop to 6.25 milligrams (from a current 12.5 milligrams) for the extended-release products. Last year, a study published in the British Medical Journal determined that up to 500 000 fatalities in the US in 2010 may have been linked to sleeping pill use. The same study concluded that users of sleeping pills increase their risk of early death by fivefold. The FDA has asked for more research from manufacturers of sleeping pills, asking them to complete driver simulations and other research.

Currently, there are no specific studies examining the sleeping aid-related risks of car and truck accidents in Miami and other Florida communities. However, the study published in the British Medical suggests that a number of traffic and car accidents in Miami and other communities may be caused by sleeping pill use and abuse. To reduce the risk of this type of accident, make sure that you:

1) Keep track of any symptoms related to sleep disorders. If you notice snoring, fatigued, disturbed sleep patterns, or other symptoms, speak with your doctor to find a solution. Untreated sleep disorders can cause you to fall asleep at the wheel and can increase your risk of a traffic accident.

2) Consider alternatives to sleeping pills. Work with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan. In some cases, lifestyle changes or even changing your sleeping conditions can help you get a better night of rest.

3) If you do take any sleeping pills, speak with your doctor and pharmacist. Make sure the medications do not interact with other medication you may be taking and heed any warnings on the labels. Take the smallest dose of sleeping pills you need and be especially careful when taking a new type of sleeping pill or changing your dosage – as your body adjusts, you may be more sleepy in the mornings or may be more groggy than usual.

4) Get into the habit of checking your fitness to drive before you get into the car. Whether your drowsiness is caused by sleeping pills, sleep disorders, or another reason, if you feel very fatigued when driving you may cause a traffic accident in Miami or your community. Avoid driving when you feel too tired.

Continue reading →

If You are in an Accident in Davie or Your Florida Community, the Type of Car You Drive May Matter

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

Each day, car accidents in Davie and across the state result in serious spinal cord injuries, fractures, head injuries, fatalities, and other injuries. Could the type of car determine how badly you are hurt in a traffic accident in Davie or your community? According to research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the answer is yes. IIHS representative Russ Rader said that some cars, especially sub-compact cars fare well on safety tests but in real life are more likely to result in insurance injury claims in the event of a car accident.

Rader noted that today’s smaller, lighter cars have more safety features and are safer than similar models of years past. Nevertheless, he says, in a collision, physics and weight matter more. In a collision between a smaller car and a larger car, the passengers in the larger car are more likely to enjoy more protection – including larger crumple zones – which protect them in the event of a crash.

According to Rader, in a head-on car accident, the larger car will push the smaller car back. This will reduce crash forces for occupants of the larger, heavier vehicle while increasing the crash forces for those in the smaller car. This is seen all the time in truck accidents in Davie and across the nation – smaller cars simply have no chance against much larger vehicles. Even in cases where the size and weight difference is not as extreme, the difference counts.

Research by Insure.com supports these findings. Insure.com recently compiled a list of safest cars based on rates of for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments (MedPay). Cars with higher rates had the higher costs because more people were making injury claims with these cars in the event of an accident. Even in cases where a car had good safety ratings, it could still end up with higher real-life injury rates. According to Insure.com, the top five cars that fared best when it came to protecting passengers from injuries were generally larger models:

1. GMC Sierra 1500 (SLE, SLT and Work Truck)
2. Porsche Cayenne
3. GMC Yukon (Denali and SLT)
4. GMC Sierra 2500 SLE
5. GMC Terrain SLE1
The five cars that fared worst, according to Insure.com, tended to be smaller:

1. Fiat 500 (Lounge, CLounge, Sport, Pop and CPop)
2. Kia Rio 5 (LX and SX)
3. Toyota Corolla L
4. Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
5. Mercedes-Benz CL600
No matter what kind of car you drive, safety experts agree that there is much that you can do to make your vehicle safer for you. For example, start by choosing a car that has good safety ratings and feels comfortable for you. Secondly, get required maintenance on the vehicle so that it responds as you expect it to. Make sure that you outfit your car with any extra safety devices you need. These may be an issue if you have health problems or mobility issues that prevent you from operating a car safely. And don’t forget the most important safety feature of all: your seat belt. You should always wear your seatbelt, even if you are going for a very short drive or just parking the car. Accidents can happen at any time.

Continue reading →

Could Road Rage Be Contributing to Half of Car Accidents in Miami and Across Florida?

Published on: January 30, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to a recent study published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention and authored by researchers led by Christine Wickens, about half of all road collisions are caused at least in part by road rage. According to the researchers from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, motorists are especially likely to react with rage in cases where another motorist is weaving in and out of traffic. So what can be done to prevent road-rage-related car collisions in Miami and across South Florida? According to experts, there are several things every motorist can do:

1) Get plenty of sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleepiness and lack of sleep can contribute to irritability and can lead to road rage. Fatigued driving has also been linked to traffic and truck accidents in Miami and across the country.

2) Plan ahead. Leaving yourself with just enough time to get to your destination increases your stress level and makes you more likely to take risks – risks that could lead to a pedestrian accident in Miami or in your community. Give yourself plenty of time and have a plan to get to your destination so that you are not frazzled as you drive.

3) Learn to recognize the signs of road rage. Even very aggressive drivers tend to see themselves as good and courteous drivers. Signs of road rage can include speeding, yelling, making aggressive gestures, weaving in and out of traffic, ignoring traffic signals, and gesturing at other drivers. Motorists affected by road rage may also find their hearts racing or may find themselves gripping the steering wheel very tightly.

4) Set aside time to relax in the car. Make it a habit to evaluate your mental state as you drive. For example, you can decide to self-evaluate at every red light you stop at or whenever a song ends on the radio. Check to see whether you are angry, stressed, yelling, or gripping the steering wheel tight. If you exhibit signs of road rage, switch to soothing music, count to ten, and breathe deeply. If you are very angry, pull over until you have a handle on your emotions.

5) Talk yourself down when someone makes you angry. If you find yourself getting furious on the road, talk to yourself to calm yourself down. Explain out loud what made you angry and what a productive way to deal with that might be. Controlling your road rage rather than acting on it can help you avert a traffic accident in Miami or your community.

6) Learn more about road rage. Organizations such as Reaching Out Against Road Rage (R.O.A.R.R) have plenty of resources. You can volunteer to help stop accidents caused by road rage or just learn how to be a calmer driver.

7) Drive sober. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and other communities already cost far too many lives. Alcohol and drugs can also lower inhibitions and can therefore make it harder for you to control your emotions if another motorist does something that makes you irritable.

Continue reading →