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

How to Avoid Being the Victim of a Staged Car Accident in Miami or Florida

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

Unfortunately, Florida has earned a reputation for insurance fraud and staged car accidents. A number of frauds of this type have been uncovered across the state over the past few years and insurance carriers have scrambled to address the issue. Many people continue to be the victims of these types of scams, however, and in some cases are seriously hurt because a fraudster is trying to get insurance money in a scam. According to experts, there are several things you can do to prevent being a victim:

1) Be prepared for an accident before it happens. Have a good insurance policy in place so that you are protected in the event that you are in a car or truck accident in Miami or anywhere else. In your car, keep a camera. This way, if you are in a collision you can take photos of any injuries at the scene as well as all cars from every angle. In the event of a staged car crash, hard evidence is often enough to prove the scam and protect you.

2) If you are in a car collision, take down as much information as you can. Take photos, exchange information with other sat the scene, and note your first impressions as well as any details you remember.
3) Get referrals from people you trust. If you are in a traffic accident in Miami or any other community and need medical attention, a car mechanic, attorney, or another professional, do your research. Do not just accept referrals without checking them out. A common form of fraud is for scammers to refer targets to specific auto shops, attorneys, or medical professionals who are part of the scheme and will overcharge for basic services.

4) Trust your instincts. If you feel that something is not quite right, trust that gut instinct. Take down as much information as you possibly can and refuse to sign any paperwork until you have checked out the situation or have had the issue investigated.

5) Consult with an attorney for legal advice. Being accused of causing a car accident (a common tactic with fraudsters) can seriously affect your insurance rates and your driving record. If you are seriously injured in a car or truck collision in Miami or any community, you will want to consult with a personal injury attorney. If a scammer’s actions have caused your injuries, a personal injury attorney in Miami or your city can investigate the incident, can build a strong case, and can pursue compensation so that you do not have to pay for lost income, medical costs, and other expenses yourself.

Insurance fraud hurts everyone, but it is especially difficult for innocent victims. It is already frightening to be in a car accident, but it can be even more troubling to realize that you have been the victim of fraud. Since staged car accidents happen in a fraction of a second, any miscalculation or error on the part of a fraudster can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries to you and your passengers.

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Recovering From a Car Accident in Tamarac Can Take Years – Here’s How to Get on the Road to Healing

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

A serious car collision in Tamarac can result in severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, burns, and other injuries. In addition to being painful and devastating, these injuries can require literally years of healing time and recovery. In some cases, the injuries prove permanent and require a lifetime of care. If you have suffered a serious injury, it is important that you:

1) Get the best medical treatment you can. Seek help immediately after a traffic accident, since in some cases injuries can become fatal if not addressed right away. If you have been in a traffic collision in Tamarac or any other community, it is a good idea to seek medical attention, even if you do not have any serious symptoms or any symptoms at all. At the very least, you will want to be evaluated for head injury. In addition, you will want to get follow up care and possibly a second opinion if your injuries are serious. Unfortunately, medical mistakes and misdiagnosis in Tamarac and Florida can cause car accident patients to suffer even more serious injury and complications, so paying close attention to your medical care is vital.

2) Find a support system. Injuries don’t just cause physical pain. A severe traffic accident can also cause emotional trauma and upset. It is important to find a support system that can help you through the emotional healing process as your body heals. You can look for support groups in your area and turn to friends and family for help. If you feel depressed or are having trouble recovering emotionally from your injuries, speak with your doctor. He or she will be able to recommend counseling or other options that can help you.

3) Take care of your finances and legal rights. The insurance claims process after a traffic accident can be confusing and in many cases you may have the right to file a legal claim. The financial and legal aspects of your case can determine how much compensation you receive for your injuries. If you have been seriously injured and your healing process will take some time, it is very important to pursue the fairest compensation you are entitled to. Without it, you may end up paying some of the costs of your injury on your own, and this can cause significant financial distress at a time when you need no additional stress. To help safeguard your rights, consult with a personal injury attorney in Tamarac or your community to review your options.

4) Prevent further injury. One of the risks with a serious injury is secondary injury. For example, if you have sustained a head injury in a Tamarac car collision, balance and vision issues resulting from your injury could put you more at risk for slip and fall injuries in your Tamarac home. If you have sustained a serious injury, speak with your doctor about the steps you should take to minimize the risk of complications and secondary injury. This may involve making your home more accessible or it may mean getting physical therapy or other forms of therapy.

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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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Working Through the Real-Life Impact of a Car Accident in Hallandale Beach

Published on: April 25, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you live in Hallandale Beach and are involved in a serious car accident, the impact of that accident can last for years. If you have sustained a serious injury, such as a spinal cord injury, burns, fractures, or a head injury in Hallandale Beach or another community, you may face a long medical recovery process and the impact of your accident can also affect your finances, your relationships, and your emotions for years to come. You will want to address all the areas of your life that may be affected by your injuries:

1) Medical. The most obvious impact of a serious traffic accident in Hallandale Beach is the injuries suffered. You may face head injuries, soft tissue injuries, or other serious injuries. You may be rushed from the scene of the accident to Memorial Regional Hospital or another local hospital. Even if you are not taken to hospital, you will want to visit a local clinic or your doctor for a check-up as soon as possible after the accident. Some soft tissue injuries and head injuries do not manifest symptoms right away but may be serious. Once you have received emergency medical care, you may face months or years of recovery time and medical treatment. Depending on your injuries, you may need surgery, follow-up treatment, rehabilitation, and other care.

2) Financial. The high cost of medical care after a car or truck accident in Hallandale Beach is usually compounded by the fact that after an accident you may not be able to return to work for some time, causing you to lose wages. The financial devastation of a serious car accident can push households into bankruptcy – and car insurance may not always be the answer. In cases where patients need long-term care, especially, insurance money often does not cover the full cost of an accident. For this reason, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney in Hallandale Beach soon after your accident. A good attorney can negotiate with insurance companies for you or can help you pursue legal claims, if possible in your case, so that you get the compensation you and your family need.

3) Relationships. It’s true that relationships often suffer after a serious car accident. In addition to the frustration and upset that serious injuries can cause, the financial burden of a car crash in Hallandale Beach can lead to household and relationship disputes. After a serious car collision, you may need to see a therapist or counselor to get assistance. It may also be useful to speak with a support group.

4) Mental. After a serious accident, it is normal to feel anxiety, fear, upset, and a whole turmoil of emotions. It is important to get help or counseling for these emotions, especially if they hurt your relationships or prevent you from living a full life.

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How to Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim in Davie

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

If you have decided to launch a car accident claim in Davie or any South Florida community, building the strongest case possible may increase your odds of getting fair compensation for your injuries. Here’s how you can build the strongest traffic accident claim in Davie or your community:

1) Hire the right attorney. The right attorney can make a huge difference in your case. An attorney with extensive experience in personal injury claims, insurance company negotiations, and local laws will have the experience and knowledge about how to build the strongest case. He or she will likely be familiar with the local justice system and with the local professionals who will be involved in your case. A full-service law firm that has handled many similar cases to yours will have the resources, private investigators, expert witnesses, and other professionals needed to take care of the case. More importantly, an experienced personal injury attorney in Davie or your community will be able to take care of all the details, so that you can focus on healing.

2) Act quickly. There are statutes of limitations when filing many types of personal injury claims in Florida. In addition, after a traffic accident in Davie, the longer you wait, the less evidence will be available. In addition, if you sign any documentation or accept any insurance money for your injuries, you may find that you’ve signed away some of your rights to pursue a legal claim. For all these reasons, if you’ve been in a car or truck accident in Davie or any other community, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney right away to discuss your legal options and to discuss the best ways to preserve your rights. Even if you’re not sure whether you want to file a legal claim, an attorney can give you important advice on preserving your right to file a legal claim down the line. An attorney can also help you understand how much your injuries could be worth and how much your case might be worth, both of which are important pieces of information to have when you’re trying to decide whether to launch a lawsuit or not.

3) Gather documentation where you can. As soon as possible, start the documentation process. Make note of the other driver’s insurance and contact information, but also notice much as you can about the scene. Take photos if you can. If you are taken to a hospital, get copies of the police report and any medical reports about your condition. If you have to make any purchases related to your injuries – such as medications, taxicabs to and from doctors’ appointments, and other expenses – keep a list of the expenses, the dates you spend the money, and receipts where you can. Document your injuries, taking photos of any bruising or fractures and keeping a journal of symptoms and the recovery process.

4) Be careful of what you say, sign, and do – both in real life and online. Even saying something as simple as “sorry” at the accident scene may be construed as you taking blame for the accident. Signing documents can also impact your ability to pursue legal action later on. Even posting pictures of yourself on Facebook can have a detrimental effect if they show you looking injury-free. If you decide to file a legal claim, make sure that your attorney takes care of any documentation you may need to sign related to the case. In addition, be sure to discuss with your attorney your social media presence and what you can and cannot say about your accident to others.

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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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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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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.

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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.

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For Victims in Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Other Cities, Obesity May Play a Role in Injury

Published on: January 25, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to a new study by researchers from the Safe Transportation Education and Research Center at the University of California, obese passengers are more likely to sustain fatal injuries in a car accident when compared with passengers who are a healthy weight. The study, published in the Emergency Medicine Journal, expressed concerns about the ability of passenger vehicles to safely accommodate obese passengers and drivers.

Study Suggests Obese Passengers May be More at Risk

Researchers examined data of fatal accidents between 1996 and 2008, which were recorded through the US Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Between 1996 and 2008, the data showed that there were 57,491 car accidents. For about 3,403 people information about weight and seat belt use was available. Of these 3,403 people, 18% were obese, a third were overweight, and almost half were a healthy weight (based on BMI). Looking at the data, researchers found that those with a BMI (body mass index) of 30-34.9 had a 21% higher chance of dying in a car crash when compared with passengers and drivers of a healthy weight. Drivers and passengers with a BMI of 35-39.9 had a 51% higher risk of fatal injuries. Those who were severely obese with a BMI of at least 40 had an 80% higher chance of dying in a car accident when compared with those of a normal weight.

Researchers concluded that at least once possible explanation may be related to seat belt use. The study found that one third of those who died in the car accidents were not properly wearing a seat belt. The study’s authors concluded that some people who are severely obese may not be able to wear a seat belt properly or may choose not to wear a seat belt because it is not comfortable.

The study authors also suggested that in a car collision the lower body of an obese passenger is pushed forward more before the seatbelt engages. This is due to the extra tissue and body mass which keeps the belt from fitting snugly. The upper body is held back more while the pelvis moves forward, which the researchers believe may lead to more serious injuries.

The study’s authors also suggested that obese drivers and passengers may have more underlying health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac problems, and other conditions which can affect their recovery if they sustain serious injury.

What does this mean for obese drivers and passengers in South Florida?

The study suggests that drivers and passengers who are obese are more at risk of serious injuries in the event of a car accident in Fort Lauderdale and other communities. The study’s authors suggested that seatbelts sometimes do not fit obese passengers as well as they could. Hopefully, car and truck manufacturers will consider creating seatbelts for obese passengers and drivers so that these motorists can stay safer in the event of a truck accident in For Lauderdale and other communities. Traffic accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Florida already claim too many lives. Creating safety devices that work correctly for passengers of all sizes and shapes would certainly be a step in the right direction.

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