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

PTSD and Car Collisions in Homestead and Other Cities

Published on: February 20, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Truck and car accidents in Homestead and other cities can easily lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, traffic collisions are one of the leading causes of PTSD across the country. Some studies suggest that as many as 9% of traffic accident survivors suffer from PTSD and a larger number have some PTSD symptoms or reactions.

If you have been in a car or truck collision in Homestead or any community, it is important to not only consider your physical health but also your emotional health. PTSD is a serious disorder that can affect your ability to recover fully. It can lead to depression, problems in relationships, and can even increase your risk of substance abuse. In some cases, it can make it difficult to return to work or to everyday activities after your traffic accident.

After a serious traffic crash in Homestead or your community, you will want to keep a lookout for these symptoms:

•Anxiety, especially anxiety about driving
•A fear of driving that leads you to avoid certain activities (such as driving during certain times of the day)
•Sleep disruptions
•Personality changes
•Jumpiness
•Moodiness or irritability
•Flashbacks or nightmares of the accident
•Distress
•Changes in eating habits
•Watchfulness when driving
•Increased heart rate and fear, especially when you see or hear something that reminds you of the accident
•Difficulty concentrating
Some of these symptoms are perfectly normal immediately after a collision, but if you notice that they don’t go away or they get worse, you may wish to speak to someone. You will also want to speak with someone if your reactions after the accident prevent you from living your life normally.

In many cases, your risk for PTSD is higher if you have suffered from trauma in the past or if you have sustained a severe injury in the accident. You may be able to get help by seeking out a therapist or by speaking with your doctor and asking for a recommendation to a therapist. There are many treatment options available for PTSD that can help you cope with the aftermath of an accident, and the sooner you get treatment the better your chances of recovery.

Unfortunately, the costs of therapy and other treatment options can be considerable. You may want to speak with a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community immediately after your accident. If you qualify for compensation for your injuries under Florida law, an attorney can help you seek out the compensation you need so that you can afford quality medical care. In many cases, attorneys are also familiar with local resources and can help you find treatment options that you can explore.

Many people think that they should be able to “snap out of it” or “get better” after a traffic collision, but things simply do not always work that way. In some cases, it can be difficult to shake off the trauma of a serious accident and seeking help is important in these situations. While PTSD may not leave scars or physical trauma the way that a fracture or spinal cord injury can, it is still very debilitating and dangerous. Getting treatment can ensure that you start to heal from the accident and return to a full and happy life.

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Experts Weigh in on Which Technology Most Likely to Save Your Life in a Car Accident

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

According to Consumer Reports, not all car manufacturer technology is equal when it comes to avoiding car accidents in Hollywood and across the state. While car makers promise better crumple zones, better braking systems, more intelligent air bag systems, and many other technologies designed to help prevent car crashes – or at least to help you prevent head trauma, soft tissue damage, or spinal cord injuries in Hollywood if you are in a Florida accident – according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports, autonomous braking combined with forward-collision avoidance systems are the best technologies when it comes to reducing injuries and insurance claims.

A combined system of forward-collision avoidance and autonomous braking can slow or stop down a car facing a rear impact collision. According to the IIHS, cars such as the Volvo S60 and XC60 have this technology. For Volvo, it’s called the City Safety feature and it uses infrared technology to determine whether you are getting too close to another car too quickly. If you are, the car automatically applies the brakes to prevent or minimize the crash.

According to the IIHS, when comparing Volvo car crash car insurance claims between 2011 and 2012, cars with the City Safety Feature were less likely to be in a car collision than cars without the technology. In fact, cars with the technology had about 16% fewer property damage claims and 18-33% fewer personal injury claims when compared with Volvos that did not have City Safety.

While crash avoidance systems were once only used in luxury cars, they are now becoming more available in standard cars. Among 2013 cars, about 12% of models have autonomous braking systems and 29% have forward-collision warning systems as options. Forward-collision avoidance technology is standard for some models, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Honda Crosstour AWD, the Hyundai Equus, and others.

Can these technologies help you avoid a car or truck accident in Hollywood or your community? It is possible. If you are looking for a new car, it can be useful to compare safety features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at safercar.gov has useful information about specific models and safety features.

However, personal injury attorneys in Hollywood and other safety experts note that having technology does not necessarily reduce your risk of an accident. Even if you have crash avoidance braking systems, you may not be able to avoid a traffic collision or pedestrian accident in Hollywood or your community.

Even the best technology is not worth much when drivers drive distracted, tired, or inebriated. Most safety experts agree that buckling up, honing driving skills, and driving defensively are still the best ways to avoid car crashes and their injuries. Keep in mind, too, that technologies such as forward-collision warning systems usually only work to prevent a few types of injuries and accidents. A forward-collision avoidance system, for example, will not help you avoid a side impact collision, pedestrian accident, or rear-end car accident in Hollywood or your community.

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Preventing Injuries in Side Impact Accidents in Hialeah and Other Florida Cities

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

Side impact car accidents in Hialeah and other communities are among the most common traffic collisions. These accidents often occur when drivers change lanes without checking for oncoming traffic or when cars turn without checking for oncoming traffic.

Side impact accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries because passengers are less protected on their sides. The front of the dash usually has airbags to protect the passenger but the sides of the car have glass and a thin layer of metal as protection. In a side impact collision in Hialeah or another community, the glass can easily go flying and passengers may be crushed by the other car. Each year patients are rushed to ERs in Hialeah with spinal cord injuries, head injuries, cuts, and other serious injuries resulting from these types of collisions.

Car manufacturers have made a number of improvements to cars in order to minimize injuries in side impact crashes. Some cars have safety cage designs, which means that they have stiffer side and roof designs that increase the crumple zone and distribute impact of a crash so that occupants are injured less.

Another innovation in the past ten years has been the side impact airbag. By 2012, over 95% of passenger cars sold included a side impact air bag. Just like an airbag in the dash or steering wheel, this airbag inflates rapidly at impact, cushioning the occupant from the crash. While it does not increase the crumple zone, the side impact air bag prevents the passenger from hitting his or her head against the glass and metal of the door, which can help prevent head injuries. Curtain airbags provide even more protection and protect the occupant all the way to the hip while also preventing the passenger from being thrown from the car in the event of a collision.

Since side impact car accidents are so common, it makes sense to buy a car with the best side impact crash protection. If you are shopping for a new vehicle, consider a car with curtain side impact air bags as well as safety cage design. You may also wish to review the latest independent side impact crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS tests car makes and models independently for side impact safety.

In addition to buying a safe car, keep in mind that best practices can also help minimize injury if you are in a traffic accident in Hialeah or your community. Any type of car accident is more dangerous for a child than an adult, and that includes the side impact crash. Young children are more likely to be seriously injured in a crash and airbags can actually do more harm than good. If you are traveling with an infant or a young child, place them in the rear seat, in a child-appropriate and age-appropriate safety restraint. Adult passengers who are in the front of the car should wear a seat belt at all times. In combination with an air bag, these provide the best protection in the event of a crash.

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Michigan Law Change Shows that Helmet Laws Could Protect Riders Involved in Car Crashes in Miami and other Cities

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

What happens when a motorcycle is in a car crash in Miami? In many cases, the motorcycle rider is thrown from the motorcycle. In many cases, riders are rushed to emergency rooms in Miami as spinal cord injury patients or brain injury patients. Some do not survive.

In Florida, riders under the age of 21 are not obligated to wear a helmet. Many states have similar laws. In the past year, Michigan has changed its laws to similar legislation after having mandated helmet use for all riders for more than four decades. The results of the law change have been eye-opening. In the year since the law has changed, the amount of medical claims per motorcycle accident has risen 34%.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has told the media in interviews that the increase in medical claim amounts is attributed to the fact that riding without a helmet increases the risk of a head injury. Research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had found that the severity of injuries increases after mandatory helmet laws are reduced or withdrawn. Other research has suggested that these types of legislative changes increase fatality rates.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation and other motorcycle organizations note that these studies do not address the real risks of motorcycle accidents – risks they say are caused by car and truck accidents in Miami and other cities that are caused by motorists. These groups note that the laws still allow motorcycle riders to wear helmets. According to some motorcycle safety advocacy groups, the reported increase in sever motorcycle crash injuries on undertrained and unlicensed riders. Some experts allege that more riders are riding without a special motorcycle license or not taking the required safety courses, putting them at greater risk of traffic accidents in Miami and other communities.

Laws like the one in Michigan do seem to change rider’s attitudes about helmets. In the four years before the new law went into effect, according to the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute, 98% of motorcyclists involved in crashes were wearing helmets, compared with 74% in the days following the law change. According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in states where helmets are required, 97% of riders wear them, while in states with fewer helmet laws have 58% of motorcyclists wearing the head protection.

Across the country, motorcycle fatalities have increased over the past 15 years. In 2012, there were 5000 fatalities associated with this type of traffic accident, according to reports from the Governors Highway Safety Association. That year, motorcycle fatalities accounted for over 14% of all traffic deaths.

Safety experts agree: if you want to prevent a serious head injury in Miami or your community, wear a helmet whenever getting on a motorcycle or bicycle. If you are in a motorcycle or bicycle accident in Miami or your community and that accident involves a car, the force and size of a car can cause fatal head injuries. A helmet can help prevent many of those injuries; it is currently the best protection riders have.

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Some Injuries Sustained in a Car Accident in Hialeah Can be Hard to Spot

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

If you have been in a car collision in Hialeah or any other community, there may be some obvious injuries. For example, you may sustain broken bones, burns, abrasions, and other injuries. In addition to these injuries, however, many victims of traffic accidents in Hialeah and other communities sustain injuries that are harder to detect. These injuries include:

1) Head injuries.
2) Soft tissue injuries.
3) Emotional injuries.

Head Injuries

Head injury patients in Hialeah and other communities do not always get the help they need because in some cases patients do not present any symptoms right away. Any time you are in a serious accident where your head may have struck a hard object, it is important to get an immediate medical evaluation. Concussions may not seem serious right away but may quickly become serious or even life-threatening with time, and delaying treatment can affect your ability to recover fully. In some cases, symptoms of a head injury may develop gradually and may be subtle. Symptoms can include:

• headaches
• loss of balance
• vision problems
• ringing in the ears
• problems with reasoning or concentrating
• anxiety
• irritability
• depression
• lethargy
• sleep disorders
• convulsions or seizures
• vomiting
• disorientation or confusion
• memory loss
If you have been in a traffic accident and notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help at once.

Soft tissue injuries

One of the more common soft tissue injuries sustained in truck accidents in Hialeah and other communities is whiplash, or a soft tissue injury affecting the neck area. However, soft tissue injuries can affect neural pathway in all areas of the body. Like head injuries, soft tissue injuries may have subtle symptoms and may not produce any symptoms right away, making them hard to detect. Soft tissue injuries can also have a range of symptoms, including:

• reduced range of motion or mobility
• stiffness in shoulders or arms
• headaches
• slower reflexes
• dizziness
• muscle spasms
• weakness or numbness
If you have been in a car or pedestrian accident in Hialeah or any community and notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help. Chiropractic treatment or physical therapy can help address some of the symptoms of soft tissue injuries, but an accurate diagnosis is needed first.

Mental Trauma

Being in a traffic accident is a devastating experience and in some cases patients develop trauma after the accident. They may suffer from depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, personality changes, and other issues as a result of their accident and injuries. It is important to seek help if you have been in a car accident and find yourself upset or having difficulty returning to your normal life weeks or months after the event.

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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.

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Avoiding Medical Mistakes After a Hialeah Car Accident

Published on: December 11, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

In Hialeah and across Florida, patients who have been in a serious car accident turn to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals to get help. Healthcare practitioners are supposed to be partners in health care and are supposed to be able to provide a high standard of care that helps patients stay healthier. After a Hialeah traffic accident, the last thing you want to worry about is a medical mistake or complication that can make your injuries even more severe. Unfortunately, for many Hialeah car accident patients, medical mistakes cause expensive and painful complications. To help prevent this, there are several things you can do:

1) Take a friend or family member with you to the hospital or emergency room if you can. If possible, consider having a friend or family member meet you at the emergency room to act as an advocate. This person can fill out the medical paperwork, can discuss your condition with physicians, and can generally stand by to ensure that doctors are informed about any pre-existing conditions or situations. In many cases, after a Hialeah pedestrian accident or traffic accident, you may be confused or even unconscious part of the time. Having someone there ensures that the right decisions are made about your care and ensures that doctors understand your medical conditions so that they can make the best decisions about your treatment.

2) Follow-up about your condition with your regular doctor. If you are rushed to an emergency room after a Hialeah car accident, make a follow-up appointment with your regular physician to discuss your situation. Your physician will want to be apprised of what has happened in your own words and your injury may need follow-up care. You will want to discuss this follow-up care with your physician, as he or she likely knows your medical history better than emergency room doctors. Meeting with your doctor also allows you to address any concerns or questions you may have about your emergency room visit and your condition.

3) Be an informed patient. Learn as much as you can about your medical condition and about your health, using valuable resources such as books and medical magazines at your local library. The Internet can also be a powerful resource but keep in mind that the quality of information online varies widely. Ask your doctor for recommended books, online resources, and other informational resources that can help you stay healthy.

4) Keep a record of your medical treatment. This will not only help you to understand what has happened, but if a medical mistake or medical negligence does occur, a record can help your Hialeah personal injury attorney apprise you of your rights and help them take action in your case.

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Recovering From Head Injuries After a Miramar Car Accident

Published on: October 4, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Each year, Miramar car accidents cause serious head injuries. For Miramar head injury patients, the road to recovery can be long and difficult. These types of injuries often cause emotional upset, lost mobility, memory problems, cognitive issues, and other frightening symptoms. Head injuries are also a leading cause of fatalities in Miramar truck accidents and car accidents. When the head is crushed against or hits a hard surface, the soft jelly-like mass of the brain crashes against the inside of the skull, causing bruising and bleeding. In some instances, the injuries are so severe that the patient does not recover. If you have sustained a head injury after a Miramar traffic accident, you will want to aid your recovery by:

1) Keeping a journal of any symptoms you may have. In some cases, you may not notice symptoms of a head injury until you keep track of symptoms. If you do have a brain injury, keeping detailed notes of your symptoms can help your doctor with diagnosis and treatment. If you decide to file a legal claim in your case, your notes can help your attorney develop a strong case on your behalf.

2) Getting medical attention, even if you think that you do not have a head injury. One of the traumatic things about brain injuries is that in many cases patients do not realize that they have been injured until it is too late. Getting prompt medical treatment can literally save your life. A doctor can examine you to determine whether you have a concussion or another type of injury. If you have been in a Miramar traffic accident and have hit your head hard, consult with a doctor as soon as possible to get a thorough check-up, even if you have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.

3) Not signing documents from the insurance company until you have considered all your options. Insurance carriers want to settle cases quickly and inexpensively, but in general you will not immediately know the extent or costs of your injuries. Treating head injuries may require many months or even a lifetime of care, so it is important to consult with a qualified Miramar personal injury attorney to determine the value of your case. A qualified attorney can review the offer made by an insurance company and may also be able to pursue a fairer settlement on your behalf.

4) Getting copies of all your medical records. Copies of your medical records can help your Miramar personal injury attorney evaluate your case and can help you seek out a fair settlement that covers more of the costs of your injury.

5) Taking good care of yourself. After a head injury, it may be important to avoid playing sports or taking part in any activities where you may sustain a secondary head injury. Getting a concussion while you are already healing from a head injury can lead to life-threatening complications. Always consult with a qualified physician and follow their advice when recovering from a head injury.

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Proper Use of Child Safety Restraints Can Prevent Injuries in a Davie Car Accident

Published on: September 25, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the NHTSA, car accidents are the leading cause of death among children between the ages of one and twelve. Children are especially vulnerable in a Davie car accident due to their small size. They are also less protected than adults, since most safety devices in cars are designed for adult passengers and drivers. To protect children from Davie head injuries, bone fractures, spinal cord trauma, and other injuries, it is important to use child safety restraints correctly. That means:

1) Buy the right child safety seat or booster. The right item will fit your car and child and is easy to use so that you will use it correctly each time you travel. If your child is an infant under one year of age and under 20 pounds, use a rear-facing convertible seat or an infant seat. Children between 20 and forty pounds should have a convertible or forward-facing seat. Children between 40 and 80 pounds should use a booster seat.

2) Avoid buying used child safety seats or boosters. You should get rid of a safety seat if it has been in an accident, and when you buy a used item you have no way of knowing whether it has been damaged in a collision. As well, safety seats are recalled from time to time and you do not want to buy a recalled model that has been found to be unsafe.

3) Seat children in the back until they are twelve years of age. The back seat is the safest spot for a child, since the front seat usually has side impact and front impact airbags that can cause serious injury to a child. In the event of a Davie traffic accident, a child sitting in the front seat can easily sustain a Davie head injury or suffocate by hitting the dashboard or the airbag. The safety devices in the front seat of a car are not intended for children.

4) Use a safety seat correctly. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them correctly. If you need help with installation, check the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s website. Some local fire departments and police departments also offer assistance with installation.

5) Be careful of rear side air bags. If your car has them, make sure any child safety seat you install is well away from them.

6) Use booster seats until your child can correctly wear a seatbelt. Your child can wear a seat belt when he or she is tall enough so that the shoulder strap fits across the shoulder and chest, not cutting into the neck. The lap belt should be across the thighs, not on the stomach.

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The High Costs of a Miami Spinal Cord Injury after a Car Accident

Published on: August 2, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Miami spinal cord injuries are most often caused by Miami car accidents and traffic accidents, violence, and falls. Miami traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of these types of injuries. Unfortunately for patients who have sustained this type of injury, spinal cord injuries can be among the most expensive injuries to sustain in a Miami truck accident or car accident. The medical costs alone in the first year can exceed $100 000, in part because of the many treatments that these patients need:

1) Emergency medical care. Most Miami spinal cord injury patients are rushed to hospital directly from the accident scene, where they require immediate medical help.

2) Rehabilitation. Miami spinal cord injury patients almost always need years of rehabilitation in order to strength muscles, regain some mobility, and learn to deal with a severe injury. Thes cost of this type of help can be substantial.

3) Counseling and support. Depression is a common concern for Miami spinal cord injury patients, many of whom suffer from depression and even substance abuse problems as they try to cope with their injury. In many cases, patients require help for the depression or even medication for the condition.

4) Surgery. After sustaining a traumatic spinal cord injury, many patients require emergency surgery to stabilize the spinal cord or to remove pressure from the spinal cord. These surgeries generally require a specialist and are quite complex, resulting in higher costs.

5) Extended hospital stays. Most patients who have sustained a spinal cord injury need to be in traction or kept immobilized in order to allow the injured area to heal. Patients may also require more healing time after surgery, resulting in extended hospital stays as well as numerous costs.

6) Ventilators and other costs. Patients who have sustained injuries high on the spinal cord may not be able to breathe on their own and may need to be on a ventilator or may need a pacemaker for the rest of their lives. The yearly costs of the ventilator and patient care for someone using this type of device can be quite high.

7) Transportation costs. If a Miami spinal cord injury patient recovers some mobility, they may be able to drive but may require a special vehicle or a specially modified vehicle that accommodates the injury. In cases where patients do not have the mobility to drive a car, they may need to pay for other methods of transportation. Many patients will also need a wheelchair.

8) Loss of income costs. Many patients spend months away from work after a Miami spinal cord injury. In some cases, mobility issues do not allow a patient to return to work and the patient must find some way to replace the lost income of decades.

9) Home care and home accessibility changes. Many patients with severe Miami spinal cord injuries need home care and in some cases require around-the-clock care because they do regain enough mobility to take care of everyday tasks themselves. The cost of a lifetime of at-home care can be substantial. In addition, in most cases, some changes to the home will also be needed to accommodate mobility issues. For example, grab bars may need to be installed in the bathrooms, lifts on the stairs, and ramps to the house. In some cases, doorways may need to be widened and counters lowered if a patient is wheelchair-bound.

10) Medication and incidental medical costs. Medications are usually required for Miami spinal cord injury patients. In addition to pain medication and anti-depressants many patients may also need medication to deal with occasional infections. In fact, spinal cord patients are subject to many complications, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and other problems which may require treatment and medication.

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