Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Author: Clara Barman

Miami Gardens Car Accidents Involving Drugs are a Rising Concern

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

While the number of drunk driving car accidents has slowly been declining in recent years across the country, the number of car accidents in the community involving drugged driving has been increasing. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), a third of all drivers killed in US car accidents in 2009 tested positive for drugs.

Like many communities, Miami Gardens has many plans in place to fight Miami Gardens drunk driving accidents. There are breathalyzer tests, roadside checks, and special programs to make drivers aware of the dangers of drunk driving. However, some experts say that not enough is done to make people aware of Miami Gardens car accidents and truck accidents involving drugs.

Part of the problem is that many people are not even aware of the types of drugs that can cause a serious Miami Gardens car collision. Experts list many potentially driver impairing (PDI) drugs which can cause car accidents. Among them are illegal drugs such as methamphetamines and marijuana. However, PDI drugs also include prescription medications and even innocuous over-the-counter drugs, including many popular flu and cold remedies. If drivers are not aware of the dangers of these drugs and do not take care to read labels, they can easily cause an accident.

Another problem is that some of the drugs which can cause Miami Gardens truck accidents and car accidents are illegal. Drugs such as methamphetamines and heroin, for example, can make drivers very unsafe and can also impair judgement to the point where a driver does not realize that they are too impaired to drive. Some experts have suggested that those who flout the law by taking illegal drugs may also ignore safe driving laws and anti-drunk-driving laws as well.

A third problem is that it can be very hard to discern and legislate drugged driving accidents. Breathalyzers and other tools that law enforcement officers use to catch drunk drivers may not work on drivers who are under the influence of drugs. Many drugs also do not leave any odor, the way that alcohol can. In many cases, law enforcement can only determine whether someone has been driving after doing drugs is to get the driver to take a drug test. In many cases, these types of tests are only administered after a fatal accident – after it is too late to stop an impaired driver.

If you have been in a Miami Gardens traffic accident that you think was caused by a driver who was under the influence of drugs, it is important to speak to an experienced Miami Gardens personal injury attorney. If the accident was caused by drugs, an attorney can investigate a driver’s medical records and background to determine whether drugs were a factor. If someone’s negligent use of drugs has caused an accident that has caused you injuries, that driver may be held liable for your injuries.

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Just Because the Holidays are Over, Don’t Forget About the Risks of Hialeah Drunk Driving Accidents

Published on: January 5, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Before the holidays, organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) as well as local police forces work hard to ensure that the risk of Hialeah drunk driving accidents is as low as possible. There are educational programs to alert drivers of the dangers of drinking and driving, and police set up checkpoints to stop drunk drivers before they can cause a Hialeah car accident.

Now that the holidays are over, those messages may not make the news anymore. However, the message is still just as important. Drunk driving is an unfortunate risk at any time of the year. To make 2012 safer, make sure that you remember that drunk driving can cause Hialeah traffic accidents at any time of the year. Fortunately, there are many things you can do:

1) Support organizations that fight drinking and driving. MADD gets lots of press coverage and help during the holiday season, but after the holidays they can use some extra help. If you have money or time to donate, contact the organization of your choice to find out how you can help.

2) Have a get-home-safe plan available year-round. During the holidays, you may plan on drinking and may consider ahead of time ways that you can get home safely. While this is great, it is important to have this type of plan available all year long. Even though it is no longer holiday time, you may still end up going to an event where wine is served or may end up having a few drinks when out for dinner. Having a plan and a few options in place around the clock ensures that you can always make a responsible decision. Consider creating a small kit to keep in your car. Supply the kit with the phone numbers of taxi companies, plenty of cash for a cab, and the names and numbers of friends you can call for a drive home if you have been drinking.

3) Decide not to drink and drive and encourage others you know not to drink and drive. Making an absolute commitment to not drink and drive is one of the best ways to ensure that you will not make a poor choice. Talk to your friends and children about drinking and driving and make sure that they have the information and the facts they need to make safe choices.

4) Report drinking and driving. A drunk driver or any driver who is driving dangerously can cause a Hialeah pedestrian accident or traffic accident and is therefore an immediate threat. Have a passenger call police if you see such a driver – police can send a car to investigate the situation to prevent an accident.

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Will Your New Year Plans Prevent or Risk a Miami Car Accident?

Published on: December 29, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many people already have plans for New Year`s. Whether you already know how you will ring in 2012 or whether you are still considering options, you need to ensure that your plans include planning for safety. Unfortunately, New Year`s Eve means a higher than normal risk of Miami traffic accidents. With more people out celebrating the start of a new year and more people drinking at parties, it can be one of the more dangerous nights to be on the road. To stay safe:

1) Have a plan for a sober ride home. Miami drunk driving accidents are an especial concern on New Year`s Eve, especially since many people ring in the New Year with their favorite drinks. Whether you plan on drinking or not, have at least a few options for getting home safely with a sober driver if you do end up drinking. Make it very easy for yourself to make the right choice – have money on hand for a taxi and have a list of people you can call for help if you do get stuck without transportation. Find out about the many options Miami has for getting home safely on New Year`s Eve.

2) Have a plan for an alert drive home. In addition to drunk driving, another risk on New Year`s Eve is fatigued driving. On this night of the year, you may end up staying out much later than you are used to, and this can make it dangerous for you to drive home. This is one reason you will want to have several options for getting home safely – even if you do not plan on drinking, you could end up simply too tired to drive home safely.

3) Have a plan for a distraction-free ride home. It can be easy to drive distracted on New Year`s Eve. There are many things happening outside the car and you may be tempted to check in with friends during the night. However, with extra traffic on the road (including pedestrian traffic) it is important to focus entirely on driving in order to prevent a Miami car accident.

4) Have a plan for traffic. Traffic can be heavily congested after the New Year countdown, and this can easily lead to frayed nerves and even road rage. Have a plan for heavy traffic. You may want to plan ahead to take a less busy route, to wait a little while before heading home, or have another plan for getting home.

5) Have a plan for a car-free night if possible. A great option is to leave your car at home if possible. Using public transport to get to and from a New Year`s Eve event is a good choice because you will not be tempted to drive after drinking – even if you can`t find a taxi. You also will not have to return to get your car and you will save yourself the hassle of parking on one of the busiest nights of the year.

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Do You Have a New Year’s Plan in Place to Prevent Miami Drunk Driving Accidents?

Published on: December 27, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

No one wants to start 2012 in the hospital or in jail, but New Year’s Eve is in fact one of the most dangerous nights of the year for Miami car accidents. Many New Year’s Eve celebrations do involve alcohol, and this can lead to Miami drunk driving accidents. In fact, each year some motorists are pulled off the roads for DUI or are involved in DUI accidents in Miami. To avoid becoming a statistic, make sure that you:

1) Have several get-home plans available. With lots of revelers out on New Year’s Eve, you will want to have several options. Do not just rely on public transport or a designated driver – what if your designated driver does drink or what if you stay out too late for the bus? Write down a list of friends and taxi services you can call, places you can sleep for the night, and other options for getting home safely.

2) Do not assume that you will not drink. Even if you attend an alcohol-free event, you may eventually end up drinking. The tradition of drinking on New Year’s Eve is well ingrained. Have several plans to get home safely – just in case. This way, you can even help friends who need to get home safely.

3) Do not count on getting a cab home. New Year`s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year for taxi cab companies. You may simply not be able to get a cab home right away. Be willing to share a cab and stay flexible in your get-home-safe plans.

4) Plan for an after-New Year event. Keep a list of 24-hour and late-night eateries in your wallet. Getting a snack after the count down gives taxi cabs a chance to return from their first fares, increasing the odds that you can get a taxi home.

5) Consider attending an alcohol-free event. You will be less tempted to drink. However, still plan out a get-home-safe strategy, just in case.

6) Consider hosting an event at your home. If you are at home, you will not need to drive anywhere, so you can ring in the New Year and not worry about driving. This can also be safer, since it keeps you away from other motorists who may choose to drink and drive. If you host your own New Year`s party, however, keep in mind that you need to keep your guests safe. If your guests drink, consider letting them sleep over or make sure that they can get home safely.

7) Consider leaving your car at home on New Year`s Eve. This guarantees that you will not be tempted to drive back home after drinking. You will also not need to worry about traffic, parking, or picking up your car the next day. Miami has several transportation options for revelers for New Year`s Eve – choose the one that is best for you and you just might end up preventing a Miami traffic accident.

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Why Reporting Check Points Can Lead to Miami Drunk Driving Accidents

Published on: December 23, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Most communities institute checkpoints in order to ensure that there are fewer drunk drivers on the roads during the holidays. Miami police authorities, for example, routinely put up checkpoints at strategic locations in order to ensure that drivers aren’t taking risks that can lead to Miami drunk driving accidents. Sober drivers have nothing to fear from checkpoints – these checkpoints do not delay sober drivers and help keep streets safer.

Unfortunately, there is a trend in recent years to report checkpoints and their locations. Many police authorities frown on this practice, as it allows drivers who have been drinking to simply avoid the checkpoints. In effect, this can help increase the risk of Miami car accidents in a number of ways:

1) It sends the wrong message about DUI checkpoints. Checkpoints are not meant to be punishment. They remind people that drunk driving causes Miami traffic accidents and ensure that drunk drivers are removed from the roads before they can cause a serious collision. By reporting on the location of a checkpoint, drivers are sending the message that checkpoints are not that important and can be avoided. This is just not the case; checkpoints can save lives and police authorities in some cases give up time with their families to man checkpoints. The courteous thing to do is to stop at the checkpoints and to not report their location.

2) It allows those who drink and drive to avoid the checkpoints and keep driving. Reporting a checkpoint makes it easy for drivers who have been drinking to continue drinking and driving. In some cases, a driver who has been drinking may need to go out of their way to avoid a checkpoint, increasing the length of road traveled under the influence and increasing the risk of a deadly Miami pedestrian accident or traffic accident. By not reporting checkpoints, you increase the chances that drunk drivers will be removed from the roads before they can harm someone.

3) It does not allow authorities to gather accurate information about drinking and driving. In addition to stopping drunk drivers, Miami police gather information during checkpoints. This allows them to see how prevalent a problem DUI is in some areas. In cases where DUI is a problem, Miami police can institute new policies and programs to reduce instances of drunk driving. If checkpoints are reported, drunk drivers avoid the checkpoints and police cannot gather the information they need to create life-saving educational and preventative programs.

The right thing to do at a checkpoint is to stop, cooperate with police, and carry on without reporting the location of the checkpoint. Encourage others you know not to report checkpoints. Not allowing drunk drivers to avoid these police programs ensures that drunk drivers are removed from the road before they cause an accident. Keeping the location of sobriety checkpoints quiet is one way you can help stop Miami drunk driving accidents.

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How You Can Prevent Miami Drunk Driving Accidents This Holiday Season

Published on: December 20, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Miami takes extra steps to prevent Miami car accidents caused by drinking and driving during the holiday season. Unfortunately, holiday parties and events can increase the number of DUI accidents on the city’s roads. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent these types of Miami traffic accidents and there are many things you can do to help prevent DUI accidents this holiday season:

1) Carry extra cash in your wallet. Place this money apart from the rest of your money, perhaps in a separate pocket or behind some of your ID, so that you will not spend it. Having extra cash ensures that you always have money towards a taxi, so that there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel of your car after you have been drinking.

2) Have more than one safe way to get home at all times. In many instances, public transportation or even a taxi may not be an option – especially if you are well outside the city. In your glove compartment, keep a range of taxi phone numbers, cash for taxis, information about bus routes, motel room information, and a list of friends you can call for a safe drive home. The more safe options you have, the more likely you are to choose a safe alternative to get home.

3) Prepare to drink – even if you don’t plan on drinking. It’s easy to assume that you will not drink at a holiday party and will therefore be able to get yourself home. However, once at that party you may be tempted to drink or you may end up unwittingly drinking a holiday punch that is full of brandy. Don’t assume that you will be able to drive yourself home; always have options and cash on hand.

4) Consider taking a no-drinking-and-driving pledge with friends. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) as well as other organizations make such pledges available. Signing a pledge and promising not to drink and drive can help you consider the risks of Miami drunk driving accidents and can help you make the right choice.

5) Talk to your children about drinking and driving. Don’t assume that just because your children are under the legal age of drinking that they are safe from Miami drunk driving accidents. Underage drinking is a very real problem, and even if your teens do not drink, they may get in a car with a driver who has been drinking. Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving with your children and have your children promise to call you rather than driving home with someone who has been drinking. Make sure that you praise, rather than punish, your children for making the right decision if they do call you for a safe drive home.

6) Be responsible when serving alcohol at your holiday parties. If someone is in a drunk driving accident after leaving a party where you served alcohol, you could be held partly liable, and a Miami premises liability claim will make your holidays very unpleasant. Consider holding alcohol-free parties. If that is not an option, stop serving alcohol early and make sure that everyone has a safe way to get home.

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Stay Safe if You are Driving Home to See Your Family: Prevent a Miami Car Accident

Published on: December 13, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

At this time of year, many Miami residents are making plans to travel to see family for the holidays. While some individuals choose to take planes, cars are a popular method of getting home for the holidays – they can make for a less expensive trip and can offer more flexibility in terms of travel time. If you are planning a road trip to see family, however, make sure that you avoid Miami car accidents (as well as accidents outside the state) by following these safety tips:

1) Give yourself plenty of time. Estimate how long it will take you to drive from your home to your destination (Google Maps is a good tool for estimating this) and then add several hours. You want to offer yourself plenty of time since you may run into traffic and you will want to leave time for meals, breaks, and rest stops. Knowing that you have plenty of time to get to your destination ensures that you are not rushing, and rushing and speeding, all of which can increase your risk of Miami traffic accidents.

2) Get a weather update. Knowing what the weather will be on the day you travel and knowing what weather to expect at your destination can help you plan your trip. If the weather will be bad, do everything you can to give yourself more time and try to travel during the daylight as much as possible to get the best visibility possible.

3) Drive with a friend if you can. You can share the costs of gas and share driving time as well, so that you are not driving fatigued.

4) Plan your route carefully. Have at least two alternate routes planned so that you can get to your destination safely even if roads are closed. When planning your route, also consider possible problems, such as night driving or driving through wintery conditions, so that you are prepared for any challenges.

5) Prepare a drive safe kit. This should include a cell phone, a first aid kit, flares, a blanket, and a flashlight. If your car breaks down, you will be happy to have these items on hand. If you are traveling somewhere with winter conditions, pack a bag of salt or non-clumping kitty litter (in case you get stuck in ice and need some traction), a scraper for your windshield, and a shovel to dig yourself out of snow.

6) Make sure your car is ready for the trip. Get a tune up if it has been a while, since a poorly-maintained car is more likely to have trouble responding quickly in order to avoid a Miami truck accident or car accident. If you will be traveling somewhere with winter conditions, consider investing in a good set of winter tires – they can save your life in slippery conditions.

7) Plan to be undistracted. Well-intentioned family could phone you while you are driving to get an update on your location, so it is safest to turn off your cell phone and put it away in the glove compartment. Make sure that any entertainment you plan for your trip – such as music – will not distract you from driving.

8 ) Plan to rest before your trip. Avoid going to a party the night before your trip. If you drink late and stay out late, you will be exhausted and driving fatigued. You may also still have an alcohol blood level above the legal level, putting you at risk of a Miami drunk driving accident. Get to bed early the night before you travel, so that you are well rested and ready to drive.

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Steps to Take to Avoid a Thanksgiving Miami Car Accident

Published on: November 22, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Any holiday season can mean a risk of Miami car accidents. As more people celebrate a holiday and imbibe, accidents do happen. To ensure that this Thanksgiving is a safe one for you and your family, follow these tips for safe holiday driving:

1) Have a plan to get home safely if you choose to drink. Miami drunk driving accidents, unfortunately, do occur during many holidays, in part because more people drink during festive celebrations. Whether you intend to drink or not, it is safest to at least consider a few options for getting home safe. Find out about hotels in your area, write down the numbers of taxi companies, or designate a driver. Make the commitment now to avoid driving drunk.

2) Have a plan to get guests home safely if you plan on drinking. If you are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, make sure that you have a plan for getting everyone home safely if you choose to serve alcohol. Consider making extra beds available for overnight guests, have designated drivers, or have cash on hand for taxis. As a host, you have a responsibility to ensure that your guests are not in a Miami car accident because they have been drinking and driving.

3) If you are traveling to a Thanksgiving event or dinner, plan well in advance. Plan your route and check for weather problems or road closures along your designated route. Pack your car in advance and make sure that you leave mobile devices off while you drive. Holiday driving is stressful enough, and distracting yourself with a mobile device can easily lead to a tragic Miami pedestrian accident.

4) Use extra patience on the roads during Thanksgiving. Give yourself extra time to get to your holiday destinations. Speeding leads to many Miami truck accidents and car crashes each year and rushing can lead you to make mistakes – which can be deadly on busy Miami roadways. Giving yourself extra time also reduces your stress levels and reduces your risk of road rage and distraction.
5) Consider leaving your car at home this Thanksgiving. If you have a long way to drive, it can be safer to travel by plane, train, or bus. Long drives can lead to fatigued driving and highway hypnosis, especially if you are already tired and stressed at this time of year. A long drive can also be especially dangerous for Miami drivers, especially if you are used to driving in Miami and need to drive into a wintery state to celebrate with family. If you are not prepared for winter driving and do not have snow tires, avoid driving to any destinations with snow.

6) Make sure your car can handle holiday driving. If you need to drive to family events this Thanksgiving, give yourself the gift of a holiday car tune-up. Making sure that your tires, brakes, and other systems are in good condition reduces the risk of your car breaking down en route. Having a car that handles correctly can also help you avoid a Miami car collision in many cases.

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Florida Car Accidents: A Look at the Statistics

Published on: October 6, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

The statistics surrounding the risk of car accidents in Miami and other major Florida cities can be frightening. For example, did you know…
1) There were more than 43 000 Miami Dade County car accidents in 2008 alone, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. That means 118 accidents daily in just that one county. The accidents also had a high cost that year, causing 271 fatalities. In 85 of the fatal car accidents in Miami Dade County, alcohol was a cause of the accident, again underscoring the risks of Miami drunk driving.

2) Miami Dade County experienced an especially high rate of serious car accidents in the early part of the 2000s, with 51, 132 road accidents in 2002 and 54, 519 Miami Dade traffic accidents in 2001. After 2001, the number of accidents began to decline, but tens of thousands of accidents still occur across the county every year.

3) While Miami Dade County has many large cities, including Hialeah, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Homestead, Miami Beach, North Miami, South Miami, and others, Miami is the city that sees the largest number of car accidents. Miami car accidents account for up to a quarter of all accidents in the County some years.

4) A significant number of Miami car accidents are Miami drunk driving accidents. Statistics show that in 2005, 4.63% of traffic accidents were related to alcohol. In comparison, 2.12% of traffic accidents across Miami Dade County were linked to alcohol consumption that same year.

5) Miami Dade County has significant rates of most types of traffic accidents. While the statistics about Miami traffic accidents are sobering, the County sees quite a number of different types of accidents. In 2005, there were eight fatal Miami Dade bicycle accidents, 81 fatal pedestrian accidents, and 45 fatal Miami Dade motorcycle accidents as well. In addition to these fatalities, many more residents were injured in these types of accidents but survived their injuries. Across Florida that year, more than 1000 people were injured in pedestrian accidents and more than 400 people were injured in bicycle accidents. Unfortunately, Florida has earned a reputation as a state with a high number of bicycle accidents.

Knowing about the statistics can be useful for Florida drivers and pedestrians. If you live, work, or travel to Miami or the surrounding areas, knowing your risks is important. While you cannot prevent every accident, there are many things you can do to stay safe. Getting adequate driving training, staying distraction-free, and following the rules of the road are all important first steps. Authorities agree that many car accidents across the country are preventable. Driving safely and responsibly can keep you and your loved ones safe.

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Avoid A Florida Car Accident on Labor Day Weekend

Published on: September 1, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

The last weekend of summer, also known as Labor Day weekend, can be a chance for a final barbecue. However, this is also the weekend when many Florida car accidents, boating accidents, and Florida drunk driving accidents take place. To stay safe this weekend, authorities suggest:

1) Staying alert for road checks. Police authorities in most cities step up roadside checks and are extra vigilant on the final weekend before school commences. If you do see authorities stopped by the side of the road conducting road checks, get ready to stop and comply with authorities. They are there to help you. Also, be aware of a heavier police presence during the weekend.

2) Drivers avoid drive distracted. Driving distracted is always a danger. Whether you are taxing on your mobile device, having a very animated conversation with passengers, paying attention to your radio, eating a sandwich, or making a cell phone call, any form of distraction can put you more at risk for Florida pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and other types of traffic accidents. Anything that removes your focus or eyes from the road can be potentially deadly. Leave your mobile device at home or turn it off before getting in your car, and prepared to put your entire focus on driving.

3) Getting adequate rest before driving. Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as distracted driving or even drunk driving. Not getting enough rest can slow your response times and can even cause you to nod off at the wheel, causing you to lose control of your vehicle. If you’re too tired to drive, take a taxi or have a passenger drive you home. At this time of year, most of us are extra busy, but taking care not to drive fatigue can help prevent a Florida car accident.

4) Buckling up. Before starting the car, make sure that you and all your passengers are restrained with age-appropriate safety restraints. Whether that means a booster seat for children or seatbelts for the adults, ensuring that everyone is safe is a top priority. Age-appropriate safety restraints and seatbelts help keep you in place in case you are in a car accident. Proper use of seat belts and safety restraints can help reduce the instances of Florida brain injuries caused by car accidents.

5) Drivers avoid tailgating. It is important to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. If the car in front of you brakes suddenly, you will have enough room to maneuver to avoid an accident.

6) Developing a “get home safe” plan. Unfortunately, many Florida drunk driving accidents still do occur on Labor Day weekend. Don’t become part of the statistic. Develop a drive safe home plan — whether that involves taking a taxi or designating a driver — and stick to it.

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