Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

For many motorists in Miami, car accidents are just not a daily consideration. Many motorists assume that as long as they drive safely, their risk of being in a car accident is quite low. Unfortunately, each day, Miami truck accidents and car accidents occur to even good drivers. Statistics show that the longer a motorist is on the road, the greater their chances of being in a car accident. Since Miami is a large city with a large volume of traffic, unfortunately, the risk of Miami car accidents and traffic accidents is that much larger.

One problem is that many motorists drive far less safely than they believe. Driving while under the influence or driving while distracted can lead to a car accident – no matter how strong a driver you think you are. It is important for motorists in all cities, especially large cities like Miami, to ensure that they are driving as safely as possible. This means shutting off all mobile devices before getting behind the wheel. It can also mean occasionally taking refresher courses or getting driving skills reevaluated as necessary to ensure that you are still doing everything you can behind the wheel in order to stay safe.

Unfortunately, even being an extremely safe driver does not guarantee that you will never be in a Miami car accident. Even if you drive safely, other motorists may take risks that result in a car accident. Even if you do not drink, for example, other motorists may make poor decisions that lead to Miami drunk driving accidents that affect your vehicle as well. Learning to drive defensively is one way to ensure that you can respond quickly to avoid a collision. However, even defensive driving and excellent driving skills will not prevent all accidents.

In addition, Miami has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the cities with the highest rate of staged car accidents. Insurance fraud is unfortunately on the rise in Miami, and this means that criminals choose to get innocent motorists involved in car accidents by rear ending them, by breaking suddenly, and by engaging in other reckless behavior in order to make false insurance claims. Unfortunately, if you're targeted by an insurance fraudster, you could still sustain a serious car accident and serious injuries.

For all these reasons, it is important for all Miami motorists to be prepared for car accidents at all times. This means that you should have adequate insurance coverage, and you should have an emergency kit in your car. Your emergency kit should contain a disposable camera for taking photos of the scene, a pen and paper for taking down insurance information and contact information from the other driver, and a first aid kit that allows you to treat any minor wounds on site. Reviewing what you need to do if you are in a Miami car accident is also a smart move, and ensures that you are ready if the worst happens.

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If you have been in a Homestead car accident, your first priority should be to get medical help for yourself and for anyone else injured at the scene. However, you must not lose sight of the fact that your Homestead pedestrian accident or car accident could also have a huge financial impact on your life, as well as medical implications. If you have been injured or if the crash was a severe one, there are many costs that you may need to pay:

1) Medical costs. The immediate and long-term medical costs of a Homestead truck accident or car accident can be staggering. Homestead personal injury patients may need to pay tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in medical costs, depending on the type and severity of the injury. Some of the costs may not even be covered by insurance. For example, Homestead burn injury victims often require cosmetic surgery and skin grafts. Even though these are necessary in order for the victims to resume a normal life, few insurance companies will agree to pay for these procedures. In addition to hospital stays and medical costs, patients may also need to pay additional medical costs, such as visits to specialists, rehabilitation, therapy, and other costs.

2) Lost income. Unless you have substantial assets or savings, you will need to find ways to replace the income that you were getting before the accident. If your Homestead car accident was a severe one, you may be unable to work for months or even years. Some victims are never able to return to work. In order to continue to pay for living expenses and basic costs, you will need to find a way to replace this income.

3) Property damage. If your car has been destroyed, you may need to pay for car repairs, car replacement, and even transportation costs to and from the hospital or to your attorney while you're awaiting a new vehicle. If there was anything of value in your car that was destroyed in the accident, you may need to pay in order to replace that property as well.

4) Insurance costs. After a car accident, your insurance costs may increase, sometimes substantially. You may need to pay for these added costs as well.

If your car accident was caused by someone else's negligence or recklessness, Florida law does ensure that you may not have to pay these costs by yourself. You could have a personal injury claim, which could help you secure a settlement that helps to pay for more of the costs of your accident. Unfortunately, in many cases, insurance claims and insurance coverage does not cover the full cost of a severe accident. That's why it is important to consult with a qualified Homestead personal injury attorney before making any decisions about insurance or your accident claim. An attorney can help you understand your options.

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In Hollywood, Florida, Halloween is a big night. There are parties, special events, trick-or-treaters, and lots to see and do. Unfortunately, the additional car traffic and pedestrian traffic can increase the risk of Hollywood pedestrian accidents on Halloween night. Ensure that you and your passengers stay safe on Halloween night if you will be driving on Halloween. You need to start planning now in order to ensure that Halloween is fun, and not frightening:

1) Have a “get home safe” plan for you and your passengers. While you may not plan to drink on Halloween, many parties on Halloween night do involve alcohol. If you do accept a drink, you need to make sure that you can get home safely. Use a designated driver, ensure that you have enough cab fare to get home, or rely on someone else to get you home. However, have at least a few plans for getting home safely – just in case. It could help prevent a Hollywood drunk driving accident.

2) Avoid driving late if you can. The later you are driving, the more tired you will be and the poorer the visibility will be.

3) Remember to stay alert all throughout October 31. Many younger children start trick or treating in the daytime, so you should expect extra pedestrian traffic during the daytime as well as at night. Don't assume that you have to wait until dark to see trick-or-treaters.

4) Turn off your mobile devices. Driving distracted on Halloween night is a sure way to get into a Hollywood car accident. To avoid personal injury, keep your entire focus on the road. You need to stay extra alert because children do sometimes run out into traffic on this night while trick or treating.

5) If you can, avoid driving trick or treaters to a trick or treat destination. Instead, walk to a nearby neighborhood for trick or treating. If this is not an option and you do need to drive, take along an extra adult in the car. Children who are excited about Halloween can be very distracting, so the extra adult can take care of supervising the children while you can put your full focus on driving.

6) Ensure that your car is in good repair. Having your car in good shape means that it will be in good shape in case you need to brake suddenly.

7) When driving on Halloween night, check your blind spots more carefully. Children may be walking all over your neighborhood, so you need to stay alert. Being very aware of your surroundings is also important because there may be pranksters egging cars and engaging in other risky behaviors. Seeing them first can help ensure that you aren’t startled.

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If you have a new teenage driver in your household this year, bear in mind that Halloween can pose a higher than usual risk of Miami car accidents. If your teen is out and about on Halloween, he or she will have to contend not only with night driving, but also with lots of children in costume running around. Unfortunately, some children do get overly excited on Halloween and may run out into traffic. Drivers who are out on this night need to be extra cautious. New drivers may not yet have the skills to deal with the added stress and dangers of Halloween driving. To ensure that your new teen driver is safe on the roads, consider:

1) Discussing the dangers of Halloween driving. If your teen will be out and about driving on Halloween night, make sure that he or she understands that Halloween is a riskier night than usual, simply because of the larger number of children out on the streets. The higher level of pedestrian traffic increases the risk of Miami pedestrian accidentshttp://www.flaxmanandlopez.com/lawyer-attorney-1118456.html. Talk to your teen about the dangers, and work together to find a solution that will help keep your teen safe on the roads. Get your teen to come up with their own ideas for staying safe – teens are more likely to follow safety rules if they propose them.

2) Ensure that your teen will be turning off all mobile devices while driving on Halloween. Halloween is no time to be texting and driving or talking on a cell phone and driving. On this night, drivers, especially, need to place their entire focus on the road. Ensure that your teen understands the dangers, and is willing to turn off their mobile device before getting in the car.

3) Make sure your teen has get home safe plan in case they attend a party where there is drinking. Many Halloween parties for older teens do involve drinking, and like all holidays, Halloween night can mean a higher risk of Miami drunk driving accidents. To avoid a serious injury, ensure that your teen knows that they can call you or a friend to get a safe and sober ride home – no questions asked. Make sure that your teen also has enough cab fare to get home safely as well.

4) Be wary of Halloween pranks and where your teen is going on Halloween. Unfortunately, many older teens do engage in risk-taking activities on Halloween night. Smashing pumpkins, playing pranks, and even toilet papering houses can lead to aggressive confrontations and even personal injury. Make sure that your teens understand the dangers of risk taking. If you're not sure about your teen’s safety on Halloween night, consider arranging an event or party at home.

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Miami car accidents are a special risk during Halloween, since children are out and about trick-or-treating at the same time as cars are driving around. Miami sees a lot of car traffic, making it especially risky for childhood car accidents, especially during Halloween. Children who are trick-or-treating can get overly excited about the candy they are getting, and this can make them less cautious about running in front of cars or about crossing the street. To ensure that your children are not affected by Miami pedestrian accidents this Halloween, make sure that you:

1) Choose costumes carefully. Costumes should be highly visible, and should include flashlights or reflective strips. Any props, such as guns or swords, should be clearly made of foam and should not look too close to the real thing. Ensure that your child's costume does not prevent them from walking safely. This means ensuring that there is nothing dragging on the ground when your child walks in his or her costume.

2) Make sure that your child can see correctly. Avoid costumes that cover the face, and costumes with masks that inhibit visibility. Where possible, use face paint rather than masks for your child’s Halloween costume. Also be wary of costumes that require capes or hoods, as these can affect peripheral vision and can make it harder for your child to see oncoming traffic.

3) Set out a route for your child's to follow. Make sure that your child is accompanied at all times by an adult. The route that your child uses for Halloween should be well lit, and should have relatively little traffic.

4) Go over pedestrian safety rules with your child in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Make sure that your child is repeatedly told look both ways before crossing the street and to always cross at corners. When your child is out trick-or-treating, he or she should visit houses along one side of the street, cross at the corner, and then continue to visit houses along the other side of the street. Make sure that your child does not crisscross the street to get to different houses, crossing from in between parked cars.

5) If you live in a high traffic area of Miami, consider taking your child to a Halloween party rather than having them trick-or-treat. This ensures that your child is safe indoors rather than risking injury outdoors. This can also help protect your child from Miami drunk driving accidents, which unfortunately can be a concern on a night when many Halloween parties are serving alcohol.

6) If a younger child does want to trick or treat, consider sending them out early. This way, the child will be back home before dark. Have extra Halloween candy at home so that he or she is not disappointed with fewer treats.

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Unfortunately, Florida sees its share of traffic accidents. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department, 2,983 people lost their lives in Florida car accidents in 2008. 1,169 of the deaths were due to Florida drunk driving accidents. As a city in Florida, Hollywood also sees its fair share of car accidents. Hollywood car accidents can occur anywhere and at any time. If you live in Hollywood, the Flaxman Law Group legal team hope that you are never in a vehicle collision. However, if you are, knowing what to do can make a dramatic difference in your recovery and future. If you have been in a Hollywood traffic accident, you need to:

1) Offer assistance to anyone who has been injured. If the accident is a Hollywood pedestrian accident, you will need to contact emergency personnel immediately. The same is true in case of a Hollywood bicycle accident or motorcycle accident, where victims are less protected than they would be in a vehicle.

2) Contact authorities. In a case where someone is injured or the accident is severe enough to cause serious damage, call police right away. In minor accidents, move the vehicles involved out of the way of traffic and contact authorities. In cases where police cannot come to the scene, file a police report within 24 hours of the accident by visiting the local police station. Ensure that your version of events is included in the police report.

3) Gather information. Get a copy of the police report and exchange contact information, driver’s registration information, and insurance information with any other drivers involved. Also, be sure to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. If you are taken to a hospital, get a copy of any medical reports and files. If you decide to pursue legal action, this information will be invaluable. Even if you decide not to pursue legal action, this information can be important for insurance claims.

4) Start documentation right away. Note down the time and exact location of the crash, as well as any other particulars you remember. If possible, take photos of the crash scene, the position of the cars and any other details you can. Even photos taken with a phone camera can contain details which are invaluable for Hollywood car accident reconstruction professionals. If you sustain any injuries, take photos of your injuries and start keeping a journal about the costs of your injuries as well as the symptoms you experience.

5) Seek medical help. If you are injured in a Hollywood traffic collision, seek medical help right away. Even if you feel fine after an accident, however, it is important to seek immediate help if you suspect you may have hit your head. Some brain injuries do not manifest symptoms right away but can be fatal, so it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek help at once.

6) Consult with a Hollywood personal injury attorney specializing in car accident claims. In many cases, you will need the help of an attorney to get the fairest claim possible, especially if you have significant or expensive injuries. A consultation will at least help you understand your options and the likely total costs of your accident, so that you can make an informed decision in your case.

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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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It’s well-known that Miami drivers love their mobile devices. Florida is one of only a few states with no bans on texting or talking while driving and each year many Miami pedestrian accidents and car accident – as well as many traffic accidents across the state – are caused by distracted drivers using cell phones.

Even though the dangers of distracted driving are well documented, many drivers still choose to drive while texting or using their mobile devices. This is the case even in states with strict texting bans in place. A new study out of Canada could shed some light on why drivers take the risk. Recently, the province of British Columbia in Canada held a crackdown on drivers who use mobile devices and cell phones while driving. Authorities issued more than 3500 tickets as part of the crackdown. As part of the initiative, authorities also kept track of some of the excuses used by drivers who were caught driving while texting or talking on their cell phones:

1) “I do not agree with this law.” This is an interesting reason, because, of course, residents are obligated to follow all traffic laws – even ones they do not agree with.

2) “I had to use the phone – it was my employer/family/spouse.” This is another interesting reason for driving distracted. The reality is that no phone call is so urgent that it is worth risking a car accident over. If there is a truly important phone call to be made, motorists should pull over to the side of the road to make the call.

3) “I was not using the phone – just holding it.”

4) “I did not see you, office – I was on the phone.”

5) “Something happened to my Bluetooth and I cannot use it.” While hands-free devices at least allow motorists to focus on the road and not take their eyes off the road, some studies have suggested that hands-free devices still distract drivers and are still therefore a hazard on the roads. In addition, a technical problem with a hands-free device does not make it acceptable to use mobile devices while driving.

6) “I was stopped at a red light and was not driving and texting.” In areas where cell phones or texting are banned behind the wheel, the understanding is that drivers will not use their mobile devices at any time while operating a motor vehicle – and that includes stops at red lights. In fact, drivers need to be alert at stop signs and red lights in order to monitor the flow of traffic, so mobile devices in these situations are quite dangerous.

7) “I was just checking my battery/the time/to see if my cell phone was working.” Again, a cell phone ban implies that mobile devices will not be used in any manner while driving. Checking the time on a phone is just as distracting – and just as likely to lead to a Miami car accident – as texting. Experts and authorities agree that it is safest to turn a mobile device off and put it safely away before getting in the car, to avoid the temptation to check messages or the device itself.

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