Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Burn injuries can be one of the most challenging injuries after a Florida car accident. The scarring, pain, and even mobility loss after this type of accident can be devastating. Burn injuries often occur in Florida car accident when a fuel tank leads or explodes, causing a fire.

The first step with a serious burn injury is to seek immediate medical care. Florida burn injury patients are usually rushed to an emergency room after a car accident and may be transferred to a specialty burn unit. Emergency personnel work to stabilize the patient, assess the degree of the burn, and commence treatment. In some cases, burn injuries can be life-threatening. Wide-spread burns and burns in specific areas of the body can place stress on major organs and can even prove fatal.

The initial priority with a burn injury is to prevent infection and ensure healing. The burns are usually treated and covered. Doctors will typically commence treatment and will work to monitor a patient, if the burns are widespread, to ensure that major organs are functioning well. A severe or wide-spread burn may require weeks of hospital stay and many months or even years of treatment on an out-patient basis.

Rehabilitation is necessary with some burn injuries. In cases where the burn penetrates the skin and affects muscles and bone, mobility can be severely affected. To regain mobility, patients may need to take months in therapy and rehabilitation to regain lost mobility.

After your car accident, you may also want skin grafts and other forms of treatment to minimize the scarring associated with your burn injury. Scarring is often not just cosmetic, but is also profoundly difficult for a car accident victim. Car accident victims with severe scarring may notice others staring at them or may face extreme difficulty in social situations. Unfortunately, many medical insurance carriers see skin grafts and other scar treatment as "purely cosmetic" and may not be willing to cover the costs, which are substantial. For this reason, burn injury victims may wish to consult with the Flaxman Law Group to determine whether they can seek a settlement that helps them cover these important costs. The initial consultation with the Flaxman Law Group is free of charge, and is a good way to explore various options for treatment and recovery.

Pain management will also likely be a long-term solution for most Florida burn injury patients. Burn injuries can be very painful, especially as the skin starts to heal. Most patients will require expensive pain medication as well as alternative pain treatments, in some cases where traditional pain management does not work.

In addition to taking care of the physical needs of burn injury patients, most medical professionals today also recognize that these patients require emotional support as well. Burn injuries and the scarring they create can be very traumatic for patients. Some patients have a hard time resuming normal relationships and social activities after their injury. Depression, upset, and even anger are not uncommon. Therapy and counseling are often necessary to help patients work through these problems. Again, however, many insurance carriers do not pay for these needed services. For this reason, Florida car accident victims who have sustained serious injuries should seek the help of a qualified attorney to ensure that they have the financial resources to pay for all needed treatment.

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Florida car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities for young children. While children do not drive, they spend comparable time in cars when compared with adults, simply because children are always being driven to school, to appointments, for visits to friends and family, and to other events. Long hours on the road mean an increased risk of accidents.

Children are more vulnerable to car accident injuries because they bodies are small and developing. A Florida brain injury sustained by an adult, for example, can heal more quickly than one sustained by a child, where the brain is smaller and still growing. Small bones can break more easily and since children have not developed a stronger immune system, they may be more prone to complications after an injury.

Children are also more vulnerable in a car accident because many of the safety devices in cars are designed for adults. Seat belts and airbags are designed for adult passengers and can in fact be dangerous for a child. Air bags, when they deflate, tend to hit an adult passenger in the chest, reducing the possible impact against a dashboard. With a child, however, the airbag is likely to push violently against the face, which can cause severe head injuries and can prevent the child from breathing normally. Seat belts, too, can cut into a child's neck during an accident, since the seat belt is designed for an adult.

Childhood injuries in a car accident are more likely to happen if children do not use child-appropriate safety restraints. The safest place for a child is in the rear seat, in an age-appropriate child restraint. That means a child seat for infants and a booster seat for older children. Of course, it is imperative that these devices be used every time the child is in a car. Placing a child in an age-appropriate child restraint can also help prevent an accident, as it ensures that the child is restrained and is unable to cause a distraction in the car by getting into trouble while the car is moving.

Of course, it is important for all parents to drive carefully to prevent a Florida car accident. There is no point in putting a "baby on board" or "child on board" sign on a car if the driver does not take care to drive carefully as well. Putting away distractions, leaving ample room in front of you, and obeying traffic laws is imperative in keep you – and your child – safe.

Another way to protect your children is to be careful about who drives your children around. Most parents feel comfortable driving their child around, since they know that they will take the necessary precautions. However, it is also important to consider child safety when allowing your child in the car with a relative, friend, baby sitter, or day car provider. Ensure that everyone who drives your child has age-appropriate child restraints and uses them correctly. Ensure that driving safety records are good before allowing someone to drive your child to school or an appointment.

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Side impact collisions, also known as broadside crashes and t-bone collisions, occur when one car hits the side of another. These Florida car accidents can in fact be more risky and more likely to lead to fatalities and serious injuries than Florida rear-end collisions and front-end crashes. This is usually because with rear-end collisions and front-end crashes passengers are shielded by trunk space or the engine bay. With a side impact collision, there is usually very little padding and protection between the passenger and the car.

These Florida car accidents are usually caused when one car does not yield right of way of another car. These accidents typically occur at intersections, and at full speed. Although many drivers see right-of-way rules as simply a part of road etiquette, failing to yield right-of-way can literally lead to a fatality.

The passengers of the car that collides with the side of another car are usually less at risk. There is trunk space protecting the passengers and crumble zones that disperse part of the force. Unfortunately, this makes side impact collisions especially cruel. If someone behaves in a reckless or negligent way -- such as running a red light, for example -- it is often the person that they hit who suffers the most while the offender walks away with hardly a scratch. While some hitting vehicle drivers do sustain injuries, it is certainly not as common and injuries are rarely as severe as the injuries sustained to the car being hit.

T-bone accidents often take place when a car runs a red light or when a driver is driving aggressively or while distracted. This also makes them frustrating for victims, as these accidents are often largely preventable. If a driver runs a red light, or is distracted and does not notice a light change, an innocent driver or passenger's life may be forever ruined by a permanent injury. As well, a responsible driver may do everything right but may still be affected by a side impact accident caused by negligent driver who does not stop for a red light or stop sign. This can be frustrating for victims who drive carefully but are injured by someone's negligence.

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Getting your car properly taken care of every season can help you prevent the risk of Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents, as it ensures that your vehicle is in good shape to prevent an accident. If you need to stop suddenly or maneuver quickly in order to avoid a collision, having a car that responds well is important. To get your car maintained this autumn, make sure that you:

1) Get your car checked out. Taking your car periodically to a trusted mechanic periodically can help ensure that your car is in good shape to drive and has no obvious problems. It is especially important to take your car in to a trusted mechanic if you notice any problems, unusual noises, or if you notice that the car is responding oddly. Regular tune-ups and maintenance are vital, especially in the autumn, when many drivers are on the road more frequently due to the school run.

2) Have a plan for keeping your windshield clear. Mud, rain, and autumn weather can wreak havoc with your ability to see clearly through your windshield. Top up your windshield fluid regularly, make sure that your windshield wipers are in good repair, and consider upgrading your wipers to ones that do a better job of clearing dirt and debris from your windshield. It's a smart investment that can help ensure that you see what is in front of your car.

3) Assemble a kit for safe and comfortable driving. Your kit should include a first aid kit, a cell phone for calling for help in an emergency, a blanket, flares or flashlight, a spare tire, instruction manuals for changing tires, and a good spare tire. Your glove compartment box should contain sunglasses which can help you see clearly, and gloves for days when your wheel is too hot to hold firmly.

4) Create a space for your mobile devices. Distracted driving is a serious problem across the US. You can help conquer the problem by always turning off your mobile device and putting it away before you get behind the wheel. In fact, it is best to turn off your mobile device and put it away, such as in your glove compartment, to ensure that you will not be tempted to check your messages while you drive.

5) Get your tires checked. Summer can be hard on tires, and at this time of year the wear and tear of driving on hard surfaces can really show up. Make sure that your tires are correctly aligned and are still in good condition. If the treads on your tires are worn, it is important to have them replaced before the wet autumn season begins. If you will be driving outside of Florida this winter, you may also need to invest in a good set of winter tires for any winter driving you will need to do.

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When a car tips over on its side or roof, serious injuries can result. Florida rollover accidents usually occur with specific top-heavy cars – such as vans and SUVs – and typically take place when a driver travels too fast when turning. Tripping, a collision with a vehicle, and not being able to maneuver a slope are other reasons for rollovers. In many cases, speed is at least one factor in a rollover.

Some vehicles are more prone to rollovers because they have a high center of gravity. SUVs, vans, and trucks, for example are far more likely to be in a rollover accident than most low-slung passenger vehicles. Some models are especially well-known for having a high rollover risk and in fact some cars have been recalled over this risk. Very large trucks with heavy loads are especially liable to rollovers, because they are top-heavy.

There are many things that manufacturers can do to help prevent rollovers. Some vehicles have wider wheel tracks, for example, making the cars more stable. Roll bars and roll cages can also maintain the integrity of the vehicle in a rollover, reducing the risk of serious brain injury. However, such safety features also reduce passenger space and for this reason many manufacturers do not install these additional safety features in cars that are intended for passenger use. Military vehicles and commercial vehicles tend to have these additional safety features, but most passenger cars do not. Convertibles, however, do have roll bars or additional protection of some type, simply because in the event of a rollover, passengers in a convertible have almost no protection from the impact, other than the windshield.

There are a number of things that drivers can do to help reduce their risk of a rollover accident. If you have a vehicle that has a higher center of gravity, for example, avoid loading any weight on the roof of the vehicle. Additional weight there makes your vehicle top-heavy and makes it more likely to roll over if you have to drive down a very steep slope or if you accidentally collide with an object or vehicle. As well, avoiding making sharp, fast turns. This is the highest risk factor for most rollover accidents, so driving the speed limit and avoiding taking your car off the road onto slopes and into ditches can greatly reduce your risk of a rollover

Rollover accidents tend to be serious. In this type of Florida car accident, it is common for the roof to cave in or collapse, leading to serious brain injuries and other serious injuries. As well, in some rollover accidents the car stops in a position that blocks doors and escape routes, trapping passengers inside. In the event of a fire, this can be fatal as passengers are unable to flee the vehicle in time.

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Rear-end collisions usually occur when a vehicle is tailgating or when one driver brakes suddenly. Moderate speed Florida rear-end crashes can result in whiplash. Higher speeds can result in herniation, brain injuries, and other serious injuries. This type of car accident can be jarring and upsetting. It can also lead to serious Florida brain injuries, broken bones, and other serious injuries. In cases where there are items, such as groceries, in a vehicle, these objects can become airborne during a Florida car accident and can cause serious injuries, even at lower speeds. Even though some rear end Florida car accidents are nothing more than fender benders, serious injuries and even fatalities do occur with this type of car accident.

The trunk space of a car can help protect passengers from impact. Those most likely to be injured in this type of crash are the passengers in the rear of a van, as the rear crumple zone in a van tends to be small. In fact, any passenger vehicle with reduced trunk space can be more problematic with a rear end collision. In some cases, victims who have sustained injures in rear end collisions are injured because there is a flaw with the design of the car, which causes additional injuries despite there being a cushion of trunk space. If you believe that your Florida car accident injuries were caused by this type of defect, you will need to work with a qualified Florida product liability attorney to help investigate the true cause of your injuries.

Unfortunately, rear end car accidents are more likely to injure people sitting in the rear of the vehicle, as that is where most of the impact occurs. Tragically, it is often children who are sitting in the rear seat of the vehicle. For this reason, it is very important to ensure that any children in your car are always restrained with age-appropriate safety restraints. Without these restraints, children can be flung about the interior of the car, causing serious and permanent injury.

The driver of the car that rear-ends a vehicle is usually considered to be at fault. Usually, authorities believe that the driver did not pay due attention or did not leave adequate room to stop safely. However, is dangerous to assume that the hitting car is always at fault. Some Florida staged car accidents, for example, occur when a car brakes suddenly or drives recklessly, causing other cars to rear end it. If you have been in the rear end collision, it is important not to take blame or agree with an assessment of the situation until a thorough investigation of the accident can be completed. If you are accused of a rear end accident but believe that you were not at fault, you may need to work with a qualified Florida attorney to determine true liability in the accident.

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Florida has the unfortunate distinction of leading the country in staged car accidents and insurance fraud. Unfortunately, many staged Florida car accidents end up costing victims the most. This type of insurance fraud increases insurance costs for all Florida drivers. As well, innocent drivers are often accused of causing an accident so that criminals can claim expensive medical expenses. In many cases, fraudsters will wave a driver to change lanes and liberally cause a car accident. In some cases, fraudsters deliberately slam on the brakes in order to cause a minor car accident. In each of these cases, an innocent driver is unfairly dragged into insurance fraud. In many cases, the fraudster's cars is filled with passengers, each of whom claim expensive medical costs. Frequently, the fraudsters work with unscrupulous medical experts and other professionals in order to bolster their claims. In some cases, the innocent driver or their passengers are seriously injured due to the staged accident.

According to authorities, there are many things that Florida drivers can do to help avoid becoming involved in a staged car accident:

1) Leave additional space between you and the vehicle in front of you. The car in front of you cannot brake suddenly and cause an accident if you leave adequate space.

2) Be aware if someone waves you to change lanes or merge. While in many cases this is simply a driver being polite, it could also be a fraudster setting you up for a car accident.

3) Be wary when making left-hand turns. Oncoming cars can deliberately accelerate in order to cause a car accident in this way.

4) Never drive distracted. Not only is it more likely to cause a Florida pedestrian accident, car accident, or other traffic accident, but insurance fraudsters often target distracted drivers. Distracted drivers are less likely to notice suspicious behavior on the part of the other driver, making them ideal victims. Distracted drivers are also less likely to react in time in order to avoid a collision and are less likely to notice a deliberate attempt to cause a collision. Stay alert and be aware of the drivers around you.

5) Be aware of drivers driving erratically. They may be driving under the influence, or may be out to deliberately cause an accident.

6) Make sure that you have defensive driving experience and training. Defensive driving can help you avoid an accident, even one that is caused deliberately.

7) If you have been in accident, beware of signs of insurance fraud. If you are offered money to use a specific medical or legal professional, mechanic, or other professional, refuse. Ask for a list of recommended mechanics from an insurer or other trusted professional. Work with an experienced Florida car accident attorney to determine the true cause of an accident and avoid accepting liability or blame for an accident until it can be thoroughly investigated.

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Florida head-on collisions, of all Florida car accidents, have the greatest risk of fatalities. In this type of accident, the front of two cars collide. Often, this happens when one vehicle drifts into oncoming traffic or otherwise heads into oncoming traffic. High-speed head-on car accidents have a high risk of fatalities, but at every speed this type of accident can cause serious injuries. These types of accidents can cause brain injuries, burn injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other potentially serious injuries.

The risk with a Florida head-on car accident is that the impact of two cars colliding front-face is significant. Even at lower speeds, metal and glass will usually go flying, causing injuries. As well, with a head-on collision, the cars impact at full force, instead of glancing off each other, which is more common with a side-swipe accident. The impact of a head-on collision usually causes the driver and passenger to be thrown forward into the windshield or dashboard. If safety belts are not worn or if air bags fail to inflate, the likely result is serious brain injuries. Even if safety devices such as airbags inflate, striking an airbag can still cause injuries to the face.

Statistics suggest that US head-on car accidents make up only 2% of all accident, but account for over 10% of fatal accidents. These accidents can be caused by a driver losing control or driving inebriated or tired.

If you have been injured in a Florida head-on accident, you will likely face significant medical costs as well as lost income. Your first step should be to contact a qualified attorney to help you with your case. This is especially the case if you have sustained a Florida spinal cord injury, brain injury, or other serious injury that may be permanent. A good attorney can:

1) Investigate your accident to determine what took place during your accident.
2) Gather evidence that can help you in court or in negotiations with your insurance company.
3) Help you with immediate concerns, such as getting a rental car, arranging for medical care, and taking care of the other details that will become important after your accident.
4) Determine who is liable for your injuries.
5) Work with experts to determine your future medical costs, current injury costs, and the total costs of your accident.
6) Work to get you a fair settlement that pays for most of the costs of your injury.
7) Find eyewitness and expert witness testimony on your behalf.
8) Take care of all the details of your case, so that you can focus on healing.
9) Keep you informed of the progress of your case.

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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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