Florida
Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Most drivers take driving instruction in order to get their licenses and then never take additional training. Most experts lament this practice, since most drivers could benefit from additional professional instructions. Experts agree that additional training can help drivers avoid common bad habits and can help drivers gain more confidence and skill behind the wheel. This can help drivers avoid car accidents and the personal injuries that they can cause.

While many adult drivers are reluctant to head back to classes in order to hone their driving skills, a number of high-end driving schools promise to teach some very cool racing skills. Both adults and teens might be intrigued to try this type of school, and the good news is that racing classes can help improve driving skills overall.

The BMW Performance Driving School in South Carolina is one popular high-end driving school. The school takes drivers on a demanding two-mile course. While the main aim is to teach skills that are used on the racing track, instructors at the school admit that the skills translate to the road as well. The course includes real-life challenges such as skids (accomplished with a skid pad on the track) and walls of water. The school offers one to three day programs as well as one and two day programs designed especially for teens. The school is open to anyone (not just people who own BMWs).

For all terrain and four-wheeler vehicles, the Land Rover Experience Driving Schools are held around the country and offer skills for drivers who like these sorts of vehicles. In addition to instruction held on a challenging obstacle course, students can take advantage of accommodations which are part of some class packages. The school teaches both on-road and off-road driving skills.

The Audi Sportscar Experience is another racing school with a difference. Held at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, these classes cover accident evasion, braking, steering, and control. There are different full day programs as well as a luxury program that includes a private reception, dinner at luxury local restaurants, and executive accommodations.

At race tracks across the country, you can learn NASCAR-style racing in stock cars via the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Hundreds of thousands of people take part each year and learn the basics of racing, which translate into safer road travel as well. Programs include between 8 and 80 laps for the learner as well as qualifying runs.

Once a car accident occurs, law enforcement authorities arrive on the scene and start to gather evidence for their investigation. Over days or weeks, these authorities put together a version of what has occurred to cause the accident. If someone has hired attorneys, attorneys will usually hire their own private investigators to investigate the causes of an accident. Both law enforcement and investigators will usually look to the same sources to find answers:

1) Witnesses. Anyone who saw the accident occurred may be interviewed about what they saw. Witnesses may include emergency response personnel called to the scene of an accident to tend to personal injuries, passers-by, drivers in other vehicles on the scene, and anyone else who may have seen the accident.

2) Investigating weather and road conditions. Investigators will usually look at weather reports in the area, reports of city work and construction work ordered for the area, and witness reports of weather and road conditions in the area that may have contributed to the accident.

3) Expert witnesses. Expert witnesses may not have been at the scene of an accident, but have specialized knowledge which is admissible in court about factors that affected an accident. For example, a mechanic may be interviewed to explain about the specific flaws in a car model, if a products liability issue may be part of the accident investigation.

4) Medical records. Medical records can help determine whether a driver’s medical condition contributed to an accident. A victim’s medical records from the emergency room and subsequent doctor’s visits can help investigators gauge the seriousness of the injuries and how they might have been sustained in the accident.

5) Background checks. Investigators will often run background checks to check the employment and driving history of a driver or victim. If a driver has previous drunk driving convictions and shows signs of being intoxicated, for example, this can be an important clue for investigators.

6) Mechanical investigations. Investigators will often have a vehicle carefully tested to see how it responds in normal driving conditions. This can help determine whether a product defect has contributed to an accident. A mechanic can also investigate the types of damages a car has sustained to determine what must have happened during the crash to cause the specific type of damage. This can help determine what occurred during an accident.

7) Accident reconstruction. Investigators have access to accident reconstruction software, which allows investigators to create an accurate step-by-step video of what happened during an accident. This can help investigators prove what occurred and what led to the accident.

When most drivers think of drunk driving accidents, they think of car accidents caused by alcohol consumption. While it is true that drunk driving accidents cause fatalities and serious personal injuries – including permanent spinal cord injuries and brain injuries – drivers can be driving under the influence of many substances, not just alcohol. Even if you don’t drink and drive, other things you consume can affect your driving ability. For instance, many drivers overlook the effects of prescription and over the counter drugs on their ability to drive a car.

All medications have side effects, and some medications have side effects that are serious enough to seriously impair your ability as a driver. Some powerful painkillers, for example, may make you feel groggy or may slow your response times. Some medications can cause dizziness, confusion, and vision problems, which can affect a person’s ability to drive a vehicle. In addition, some medications can interact with other medications to produce unwanted side effects. In rarer cases, bad allergic reactions to medications can cause unwanted and dangerous side effects.

Driving while using prescription drugs can have serious consequences. If the medications cause vision problems, slow response times, and fatigue, it is possible that a driver will lose control of the vehicle or fail to act quickly enough to prevent an accident. Accidents caused by drivers driving under the influence of medication can cause serious property damage as well as fatalities, brain injuries, burn injuries, broken bones, and other serious injuries.

If you are taking a new medication, it is important to speak to your pharmacist and doctor about the medication. Ask about any expected side effects and any possible interactions with other medications and over the counter medications you are taking. Also, ask about any possible allergic reactions. Read labels carefully. If a drug advises you not to drive or not operate heavy machinery, you should not drive a vehicle while taking the medication.

If you drive under the influence of medications that can affect your ability to drive, you ma be held liable in the event of an accident. Such accidents may also spark investigations of prescribing doctors and drug manufacturers. In some cases, medical malpractice suits can arise if a physician negligently prescribes a medication. In some cases, drug companies are held partly liable if their product contributes to an accident and it is found that the drug did not have adequate testing or labelling to help customers recognize the dangers of the medication.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by a driver who was on medication, you need to consult a qualified Florida attorney. A Florida personal injury attorney can investigate the causes of the crash and can help protect you legally so that you have access to all the medical resources available to you under the law.

Driving while tired can cause as many dangerous situations as drunk driving accidents. Driving drunk is considered a danger because drivers lose inhibitions and have slower reaction times. Drivers who do not get adequate sleep are just as dangerous and for the same reasons. Drivers who get too little sleep have slow response times and are liable to make more mistakes. In addition, drivers who have had no sleep or too little sleep can literally fall asleep behind the wheel and plow into another vehicle or pedestrian.

Research by AAA Mid-Atlantic, an advocacy group by drivers, has found that 33% of all drivers admit they have drowsed or fallen asleep behind the wheel. Researchers have found that 1500 people die in the US each year due to car accident caused by sleepy drivers. Sleepy drivers also caused many serious personal injuries, including brain injuries, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other permanent disabilities.

The message is clear: if you are tired, do not get behind the wheel of a car. Take a taxi or take a short nap, but avoid driving. Driving on highways while tired can be especially deadly, since highway hypnosis can set in with monotonous landscapes and few turns. Driving anywhere while drowsy is a bad idea.

Some drivers try to compensate for drowsiness by playing loud music or by using caffeine. Most experts note that such tactics do not work. If you are already alert, fresh cold air or loud music can help you feel more alert, but it will not wake you up if you are sleepy. Caffeine and energy risks are also a risk because their effects eventually wear off, leaving you more tired. If you have had no sleep at all, extra caffeine may not even be enough to keep you awake.

There is no alternative to good sleep. If you know you need to go somewhere, take a power nap first and ensure you get a good night’s rest. If you are driving a long distance, take frequent breaks to stretch your legs and to get some rest. If you get tired or drowsy while driving, pull over and take a nap (leave your flashers on) or find a motel and get a few hours of sleep before continuing on your journey. It is better to arrive late and safe than not to arrive at all.

Drowsy drivers are linked to 1500 fatal car accidents each year. Research has shown that drowsy driving accidents and drunk driving accidents are similar. Drivers who do not get enough sleep often have the same slow response times and make mistakes, just like drivers driving under the influence. To avoid car accidents and pedestrian accidents caused by drowsiness, get a good night’s rest. Here’s how:

1) Speak to a pharmacist or doctor about your current medications and conditions. Some may cause you to feel drowsy while others may interfere with your ability to sleep. Get advice from medical professionals on ways to minimize these effects.

2) Set up a good place to sleep. Your sleeping area should be well-ventilated, dark, quiet, and not too noisy. Leave the window open if you live in a quiet area to enjoy some fresh air. If your air quality is poor, consider an air purifier. Use a humidifier if your bedroom tends to be dry. Experiment with furnishings and bed linens until you find a restful environment. Ban the TV from the bedroom. Research has shown that falling asleep with a TV on results in a less restful sleep.

3) Set up a regular schedule. You will have an easier time waking up if you go to sleep and wake up at the same time each night. Your body will get used to your schedule and naturally fall asleep at your bed time, resulting in a better, longer sleep.

4) Have a night time ritual. A relaxing ritual lets you fall asleep more easily and lets you enjoy a relaxing sleep. An hour or two before sleep, stop any loud noises in your home (such as a TV or radio) and stop and hectic activity. Change into comfortable clothing and consider drinking a warm, soothing beverage, such as chamomile tea or warm milk. Relax quietly in a darkened room until you feel drowsy enough to sleep.

5) Get more shut eye by going to bed earlier. Going to bed earlier has been proven in many research studies to result in a better sleep. Many people find they are more rested by retiring well before midnight. Experiment with different bed times until you find one that suits you.

6) If you are getting many hours of sleep but are still tired, visit your doctor. You may have a condition that is preventing you from enjoying a restful sleep. Similarly, if you are having trouble getting to sleep, your doctor may be able to help.

Now that school is opening and children are heading back to classes, drivers need to be extra cautious. Twice a day, children walk to and from school and to and from school buses to be taken to and from school. Pedestrian accidents can happen when children run out into the street or exit a school bus unsafely. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents involving children are more likely to result in fatalities or serious personal injuries, since children are much smaller and therefore less able to survive the impact of a vehicle. Now is a good time to review some driving tips for back to school:

1) Know your school bus safety. If you are driving and you see a stopped school bus in front of you with lights flashing and/or the stop arm extended, you are required to stop. If you drive up to an intersection and there is a school bus there that is stopped and has its lights flashing and its stop sign extended, you are required to stop. In both instances, you need to stop a minimum of ten feet away from the school bus and you must wait until the school bus withdraws its stop sign and turns its lights off before proceeding. Failure to do so will result in a fine and possible suspension of your license.

2) Get familiar with schools and school times on your route. If you commute to work, note where schools are located on your route. Then, find out when school lunch breaks are and when schools open and end. This will give you a sense of when the area will be congested with traffic and pedestrian traffic. You might want to find an alternative route to work if you will need to drive through a busy school zone every day.

3) Get your car inspected. You need to be able stop quickly if a child runs out in front of your car. Make sure that your car is in good mechanical condition and will respond correctly.

4) If you do drive through a busy school zone, use extra caution. Keep in mind that children may run out without using crosswalks or may be hidden between cars. Also, keep in mind that although pedestrian traffic will be heaviest closest to a school, children may be walking a few blocks away.

5) Be wary of street parking in school areas. If street parking is allowed near a school, children can easily hide between cars and jump out into traffic while playing. Keep a close eye out for children between cars. Keep in mind, too, that busy parents dropping off their children may be pulling in and out of street parking spots quickly in a school zone, sometimes without looking carefully.

Many parents drop their children off at school, and this can cause congestion and dangerous conditions in the school zone area. If you need to drop your child off at school on a regular basis, consider these tips to prevent pedestrian accidents and car collisions:

1) Arrange a car pool or walking group. If you live close to school, arrange to have two adults walk a group of children to school each day. The parents can stop off at each child’s home and walk the children to school. If you have to drive, arrange a car pool. Both solutions will free up more of your time and reduce congestion in front of the school.

2) Do not drive tired, stressed, or rushed. School zones are filled with children running into the road, cars pulling in and out of school parking spots, and other hazards. If you are tired, in a rush, or stressed, you may make a mistake that causes an accident. School zone driving requires all your attention. If you cannot safely drive your child, take them to school in a cab or find another way to school.

3) Park a little away from the school and walk your child to school. It takes a little extra time, but it allows you to spend some time with your child and allows you to avoid the hectic and dangerous traffic near the school. The extra bit of exercise will also get your child’s day started on the right foot.

4) Leave early. If you need to get to work after dropping your child off at school, leave early and drop your child off at school early. Make sure your school has a safe waiting area or supervised playground for children before the bell rings. Many accidents and personal injuries can be prevented in the early morning hours if only parents gave themselves more time.

5) Pay attention to school bus zones and traffic signals. If a sign says no idling or parking, obey the sign. Never try to park in a school bus parking zone – even for a minute – and never try to pass a school bus that is loading children on or off. Not only will this result in fines, but it is extremely dangerous.

Sleepy drivers are a major cause of car accidents, killing roughly 1500 Americans a year. Sleepy drivers are liable to fall asleep behind the wheel, make mistakes, or react too slowly to prevent a car accident. Many drivers, unfortunately, assume that if they have had a full night of sleep, they are not dangerous behind the wheel. This is not true. Many factors can create a sleepy driver and can cause a car accident:

1) Medications. Some medications make you groggy or drowsy. Each time you are given new medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the ways the medication may affect your driving skills. Check your over the counter medication, too. If a medication makes you drowsy, do not drive while taking it.

2) Medical conditions. Some medical conditions can make you drowsy or can slow your response times. For example, some brain injuries can cause you to drowse off easily and some neurological conditions can cause you to be groggier than usual. If you have been diagnosed with a new condition, ask your doctor how it will affect your daily tasks, including driving.

3) Poor sleep. Even if you have a full eight hours of sleep, you may not be adequately rested to drive. If you have woken up frequently, had terrible dreams, or slept in a new environment, you may be tired all day. If you are drowsy or tired, you should not drive.

4) Too little sleep. If you have slept less than your usual amount, you may feel fine but your body may still compensate by allowing you to fall into micro sleeps – small bursts of sleep or sleepiness that last only seconds. These few micro seconds may be enough to cause a serious accident.

5) Tiredness. Some days we all wake up feeling tired for no reason. You may be getting a cold, you may have gotten a poor sleep. There may be no reason for your tiredness, but your fatigue could still cause an accident.

6) Alcohol. Alcohol has a soporific effect on most people. In fact, you are more likely to feel drowsy before you feel inebriated. Many drunk driving accidents are caused by inebriated drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel. Don’t become one of them.

7) Highway hypnosis. If you have been driving on the highway for some time, you may start to feel drowsy simply from the monotony of driving. Stop at a rest stop, take a different route or do something to wake yourself.

8) Too much driving. Even if you are awake and refreshed when you start driving, if you drive long enough you will eventually get tired. If this happens, do not continue driving. Find a motel and sleep before continuing.