Florida
Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Many drivers do not realize that pets can be a hazard on the roadways, but pets of all sizes and types cause Miami Gardens car accidents and Florida traffic accidents each year. There are many ways that animals can cause Miami Gardens traffic accidents:

1) Pets that run into the road can cause Miami Gardens truck accidents and car accidents. When dogs are not properly restrained during an outing, they can easily run into the road and cause an accident as drivers swerve to avoid the animal. Dogs that are not on a leash can also lead to Miami Gardens dog bite claims in court. When walking a pet, it is important to always keep it on a leash. This protects the dog and motorists.

2) Pets that are loose in a car can get in the way of driving and can cause an accident. One of the biggest causes of pet-related car accidents has to do with uncaged animals in a car. Unfortunately, when animals are in a moving car they sometimes want to explore. They can leap up on the steering wheel, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, or can climb onto the dashboard and reduce visibility. Small animals can get caught under the gas pedals. For all these reasons, it is important to transport pets in appropriate kennels or cages at all times. In a car accident, the pet and the owner may be seriously injured or killed, so keeping a pet enclosed in a cage in the car ensures everyone’s safety.

3) Pets can be a distraction in the car. Even when pets are contained in a kennel or cage, they can be a distraction for the driver. In some cases, pets can whine or cause a disturbance because they are upset by being in a moving car. If your pet is a distraction for you in the car, you can speak to your vet about possible solutions. You can also travel with a friend when transporting your pet. Your friend can keep an eye on your pet, allowing you to place all your focus on the road.

Pet-related Miami Gardens car accidents can cause fatalities, serious property damage, and serious injuries, including head injuries and spinal cord injuries. When a pet owner does not take the steps necessary to drive safely with their pet in the car, it puts the lives of everyone at risk. An innocent pedestrian or motorist can be injured or killed due to one pet owner’s negligence.

If you have been injured by a motorist who drove recklessly because they had their pet in the car with them, you may have a legal claim. It is a good idea to discuss your case with a qualified Miami Gardens personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, can help you determine the costs of your injuries, and can work on your behalf to ensure that you get fair compensation for your injuries.

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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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A recent pileup on the Interstate 75 in Florida has highlighted the dangers of car accidents in the area. The deadly accident claimed ten lives and backed up traffic for miles. A police investigation is ongoing, but it is believed that poor visibility due to nearby fires could have contributed to the massive collision. At least At least twelve trucks and passenger vehicles were involved in the multiple-vehicle collision, which took place at 4 in the morning. The January 29, 2012 multiple vehicle crash may eventually become a criminal investigation, according to some media sources. According to experts, there are several things that drivers can do to keep themselves safer from multi-vehicle Miami truck accidents:

1) Proceed carefully when a road is re-opened after an accident. According to some media reports, the January 29, 2012 multiple vehicle accident on the Interstate 75 happened after the road had been closed earlier and re-opened. When a road is reopened, drivers still need to stay alert for any problems that may have caused an earlier accident or road closure.

2) Adjust for weather and other conditions. According to some media reports, visibility was so poor along the Interstate 75 in Florida at the time of the accident that people making 911 calls from the accident scene were reporting hearing accidents that poor visibility prevented them from seeing clearly. In poor conditions, it is important to slow down and even to choose an alternative route. A Miami traffic collision is always more likely in any conditions that decrease visibility.

3) Give the driver in front of you plenty of room. Many Miami car accidents involving multiple cars occur when one car is traveling too closely behind another car, making it impossible to stop in time in the event of an accident. If driving behind a passenger car, leave at least one car length in front of you. Leave more space in bad weather and if driving near trucks, since trucks take longer to slow down and stop.

4) Drive alert. Driving while impaired, tired, or distracted, can make it hard for you to anticipate problems and react to them in time. When driving, make sure that you are physically and emotionally in good shape for driving and keep your entire focus on the road.

5) Drive defensively. Looking ahead and anticipating challenges ensures that you can react to problems before they become a collision.

In a multiple-vehicle Miami car accident, issues of liability and damage claims can be far more complicated, since multiple cars and multiple insurance carriers are involved. Multiple-vehicle crashes are also more likely to result in serious injuries and even fatalities. For all these reasons, it is important to consult a Miami personal injury attorney if you have been in a multi-vehicle accident. A good attorney can investigate the cause of the accident, can protect your interests, and can help you understand your best options.

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Currently, Florida is one of only three states with no booster seat laws. Most other states have legislation in place making it mandatory for parents to place children over the age of four in booster seats. California has one of the toughest laws, requiring children over the age of four to use booster seats until they are 4 feet 9 inches high or until they are eight years old (whichever comes first). The car club AAA and legislators have been pressuring Florida to pass a booster seat law, arguing that such legislation would help prevent injuries to children involved in car accidents.

The idea behind age-appropriate safety restraints is based on the premise that car safety systems – including car seat belts and air bags – are designed for adults. In fact, these same safety systems, which can help prevent an Aventura brain injury for an adult victim of a car accident, can be life-threatening to children. Since children are smaller, air bags that deflate in an accident can easily suffocate them or cause head injuries. In an Aventura car accident, seat belts can cut into a child’s neck and cause serious injuries. That is why age-appropriate safety restraints are needed.

However, the laws surrounding child safety restraints can be confusing. Small babies are placed in rear-facing infant car seat. Eventually, a child is graduated to a harnessed rear-facing seat and then to a forward-facing seat. However, when children should move from one restraint system to another is not entirely clear. Car seats are based on height, weight, and the age of a child. Since children grow at very varied rates, a child may exceed the weight measurements for a safety seat but still meet the age and height requirements for a different seat. This can be quite confusing to parents trying to make the safest choice for their children.

Most experts agree that children at some point should be placed in a booster seat. This is a cushion that elevates the child so that airbags and seatbelts cannot harm the child in the event of an accident. Some booster seats also come with backrests and armrests. All models are strapped into the car with the car’s seat belt. However, there is a wide range of disagreement about how long a child should be placed in a booster seat. Georgia has a law requiring all children between the ages of four and eight to be placed in a booster seat while in a car. Some experts, however, argue that children do not fit correctly and safely into an adult seat belt until they are ten or even twelve years old.

An adult seat belt that fits correctly goes across the thighs. If a seatbelt cuts across the stomach, as it does on many children, and the car is involved in an Aventura car accident, the belt can cause internal injuries. The upper part of the seat belt should be positioned across cross the center of the wearer’s chest. For smaller adults and children, the seat belt cuts across the neck, potentially causing life-threatening injuries if the car is in an Aventura traffic accident. A booster seat raises a child so that the seat belt is positioned safely. Models with head rests and back rests also cushion the head and protect it in an accident. According to SafetyBeltSafe USA, correct booster seat use for a child who does not fit correctly into a seat with a seatbelt can help reduce childhood Aventura personal injuries by as much as 45 percent in the event of an accident.

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Governor Rick Scott and other legislators are currently supporting HB 119, a proposed law which would require anyone injured in a Florida car accident to seek an evaluation at a hospital or clinic. The proposed law is aimed to help reduce the instances of insurance fraud, which according to the Insurance Institute total $1 billion annually. Florida has been noted to be one of the leading locations in the country for insurance fraud, with more instances of car insurance fraud occurring here than anywhere else.

The new proposed law would take aim at insurance fraudsters in a number of ways. The law would limit the choices those injured in car accidents would have about where to seek medical treatment. This is significant because in Florida instances of insurance fraud have been found to involve large networks of unscrupulous doctors and other professionals. Fraudsters work with clinics and medical professionals who overcharge for routine exams and charge for medical exams and treatments not given. Advocates of HB 119 claim the new law would eliminate these medical fraudsters by forcing victims to go to legitimate clinics and hospitals, making it harder for overcharging to work.

There is no doubt that car insurance fraud is a serious problem. In addition to the high cost of fraud – which is passed down to all drivers in the form of increased insurance premiums – insurance fraud in Florida can be a threat to public safety, as well. In some cases, fraudsters cause a minor accident, such as a rear-end collision – in order to claim an injury. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous game, and bystanders could be seriously injured in Medley car accidents or Medley pedestrian accidents caused by a fraudster looking to cause an accident in order to make a fraudulent claim.

In addition, the instances of insurance fraud in the state are negatively affecting those who are legitimately injured in Florida traffic accidents. Some residents of Medley, for example, find that their claims are treated with some suspicion and it can take some time for legitimate claimants to get their claim amounts, even if they are genuinely injured. Some victims have worked with Medley personal injury attorneys to negotiate with insurance carriers in order to ensure a fair, on-time claim recovery.

Opponents of the law, however, claim that the new law might not be the best solution. They point out that not every car accident victim with a minor injury can afford a visit to a hospital emergency room or a clinic, and this will especially be a cost concern for those without insurance. They also note that those who really want to defraud the system will still find ways to do so. Further, opponents of the bill have expressed concerns that having car accident victims with minor injuries report to hospital emergency rooms could potentially clog up emergency departments and make it harder for those who are seriously ill to get medical care.

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Dania Beach truck accidents involving tire defects usually make the news. Not only are tire defects a common known cause of truck accidents, but truck accidents tend to be more serious – and are more likely to be fatal -- than many smaller vehicle crashes. However, many Florida and Dania Beach car accidents are also caused by defective tires. Single-vehicle accidents and even more serious multi-car accidents can be caused by several tire problems:

1) Tire wear-and-tear and tire bald spots. With high mileage, tires can eventually wear down and break down. For this reason, it is important for drivers to check their tires often. It is especially important to check tires frequently for loss of treads. Treads are what help the tire grip the road, and when treads are worn, Dania Beach traffic accidents are more common, especially in wet conditions. Wear and tear can also eventually cause the tire to burst or fail, so it is important to consider the age and the wear on the tires.

2) Older tires. The rubber that tires are made of ages and deteriorates, even when it is not used. This can especially be the case in Florida and in Dania Beach, where high temperatures can allow the rubber to deteriorate even more quickly. All tires have a code on them, which can allow you to evaluate how old the tire is. You can contact the manufacturer to determine how old your tires are and whether they are still safe.

3) Wrong size tires. Incorrectly sized tires – even one tire that is the wrong size – can throw your vehicle off balance, increasing your risk of a Dania Beach rollover accident or car accident. One thing that many drivers do not think of, for instance, is the spare tire in their trunk. If you get a flat tire and put on your spare, in many cases the spare tire is a smaller size. The aim of the spare tire is to get you to a mechanic or auto shop to get a new tire. You should never drive around on this spare tire, as it is not the correct size and intention for that tire.

4) Under inflation or over inflation. A tire that is overinflated or underinflated is more likely to blow out or fail on the road. A simple pressure gauge is very inexpensive and allows you to check your own tire pressure yourself as needed. Checking your tire pressure lets you top up air in your tires when you need it, which also allows you to enjoy better mileage for your fuel.

5) Poor alignment. Incorrectly maintained and aligned tires can fail, so it is important to have them aligned periodically, especially when you switch tires or get a new set of tires for your car.

6) Defective tires. In some cases, manufacturers create tires which are defective. Checking for recalls periodically is important. However, even if a tire has not been recalled yet, that does not necessarily mean that there aren’t defects with a tire that have caused known problems. In many cases, Dania Beach tire defect cases only come to light after a certain number of people have been injured. If you suspect that you were involved in a car collision because of a tire defect, speak to a Dania Beach personal injury attorney. A good attorney can determine whether the tire manufacturer is a liable party in your case.

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In Florida, a state with a high percentage of elderly residents, the debate about elderly drivers has been a long-standing discussion. There are some studies that suggest that older drivers are not at greater risk of car accidents than younger drivers. However, there are also studies such as the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study and the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, which found that between 1999 and 2004, the rates in car accidents for seniors ages 75 to 84 is about the same as for younger teen drivers. The studies found that for drivers who are over 85, the death rate is about four times higher than it is for teen drivers.

The US Census Bureau predicts that by 2030, there will be 9.6 million residents in the US who are 85 years of age or older, meaning more elderly drivers on the road. This has raised concerns about the dangers for drivers and pedestrians. According to experts, there are many risks for elderly drivers when it comes to Coral Springs traffic accidents. For example, dementia and a number of other age-related illnesses are often slow to be recognized, yet can cause problems with cognition and driving skills even before diagnosed. As well, elderly drivers may have vision problems which have not yet been diagnosed or treated but which may be serious enough to cause Coral Springs car accidents.

There have been a number of suggestions made about ways to reduce car accident rates among elderly drivers:

1) Improve transportation options to reduce car dependency. One of the reasons many elderly drivers are reluctant to give up their driving privileges is because they worry that doing so will reduce their independence. Offering a number of transportation options, including shuttle services and other low-cost options, can help make it easier for the elderly to get around without having to rely on their cars.

2) Create legislation that would make it mandatory for seniors to renew their licenses in person. According to a 1995 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, this is the only method that has been scientifically tested and found to reduce fatal car accidents among seniors.

3) Mandate more frequent health and eye checks for senior drivers. While this proposal has been suggested, it has raised quite a bit of controversy. Of course, adults at any age can develop eye problems and health conditions which can make it dangerous for them to drive. Some people claim that asking only senior drivers to get eye checks and health checks for driving privileges is discriminatory. Others, however, argue that since the elderly are more susceptible to health related problems that can affect their driving ability, such tests could reduce the number of Coral Springs pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents.

4) Mandate regular road tests for elderly drivers. Some legislators have proposed instituting regular, even yearly, road tests for senior drivers. Again, this is controversial because it suggests that drivers of certain age groups are more dangerous than drivers of other age groups. Nevertheless, some experts have suggested that such regular testing would help reduce the number of Coral Springs traffic accidents.

5) Improve communication between health care providers and the DMV. In many cases, healthcare providers are the first to realize that a person has a serious condition which could potentially affect their driving abilities. Some have suggested that better communication between healthcare providers, occupational therapists, and others would help improve safety for all drivers, including senior drivers.

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There are few things more intimidating than being in a hit and run accident. One minute you are driving to your destination and the next minute you have been in a Cooper City car accident. Before you can exchange information, the other driver is gone, leaving you shaken and frightened. If you are in this situation, there are several things you need to do:

1) Get immediate medical help for yourself or anyone who is injured. Your first priority should be to get immediate medical attention. Some injuries, such as severe blood loss and Cooper city spinal cord injuries require immediate medical assistance or they will become fatal. Call 911 and get medical help. Be sure to keep a copy of any medical records or emergency room records if you can, as this can help you document your injuries and prove your injuries if your case goes to trial. Even if you do not think you are injured, it is a good idea to see a doctor within a few hours of your accident, just to rule out injuries. Some common injuries, including Cooper City brain injuries, may not show immediate symptoms but may be fatal if left untreated. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

2) Write down any facts that you remember about the accident and take photos of the scene if you can. If you remember any details about the hit-and-run driver or their car, write this down before you forget. If you can, take pictures of the immediate area with a cell phone camera or a camera. The more evidence you gather, the more information attorneys and investigators will have.

3) Get the contact information of any witnesses at the scene. Witnesses may have seen something that you didn't, and can help you find the hit-and-run driver who has injured you.

4) Report the incident to police. Leaving the scene of a Cooper City traffic accident is a crime and it is punishable by law. Even if your car was parked when the accident took place, the other driver is obligated to leave contact information on your vehicle. As with your medical records, get a copy of the police record if you can, as this can help you document your case. Police authorities can help you investigate the accident and may even be able to help you find the hit-and-run driver who has injured you. This can be especially important in ensuring that the same driver does not injure other people in a Cooper City car accident again.

5) Contact a Cooper City personal injury attorney with experience in hit and run accidents. Contacting a personal injury attorney is important, as attorneys can work with private detectives to further the investigation into your case and increase the chances that the hit-and-run driver will be caught. A Cooper City personal injury attorney can also help represent you, can help you navigate the insurance claim process, and can generally ensure that anyone who is liable for your accident is held accountable so that you do not have to pay all the costs of your accident yourself.

6) Contact your insurance company. Depending on your coverage, you may be covered for hit-and-run accidents and underinsured drivers. Contact your insurance company to find out whether you are covered in part or in full for the costs of your accident. If you have retained the services of a Cooper City personal injury attorney, your attorney can also help advise you on the best way to proceed with your insurance company, which is another important reason to retain the services of an attorney in hit-and-run cases.

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According to a 2009 Transportation for America study, among the top cities for pedestrian fatalities are Orlando, Tamp, Miami and Jacksonville. In 2008, 490 pedestrians were fatally injured in car accidents in the state, making Florida the worst region for pedestrian deaths. Over the years, Florida routinely has been listed as one of the worst spots for fatal hit and run accidents. According to experts, there are many reasons why hit and run Miami car accidents happen:

1) Modern development in suburban and urban spaces has created lots of high-speed areas for traffic and fewer areas for bicyclists and walkers. It is no surprise that Miami bicycle accidents are also high when compared to other US cities. Larger urban centers such as Miami have fewer spaces that are just for safe walking and biking. The amount of money spent on safe pedestrian areas is just a fraction of the amount spent on roadways and car areas.

2) Drivers who are afraid of being caught. In many cases, hit and run Miami traffic accidents occur when a driver hits someone but keeps driving because he or she is already doing something illegal. If a driver is driving with no insurance, no license, or is driving drunk, he or she may be more likely to leave the scene of an accident, because he or she is afraid of the legal consequences. Since Florida leads the country in car accident insurance, it is plausible that there is also a high instance of people driving illegally.

3) A car-reliant culture. In Miami, having a car is not just about transportation; many people see it as a sign of independence or even a right. This creates all kinds of problems. Many people use cars when there are other alternatives, which in turn increases congestion and the risk of Miami car accidents. In addition, when people see cars as a right, they are more likely to want to drive when it is not safe to do so. For example, someone with an illness that makes it dangerous to drive may still get behind the wheel of a car because they do not want to lose their independence. Alternatively, someone who has a suspended license or no insurance may still drive because he or she “needs” to get to work.

4) Shared spaces. Miami does have many pedestrians and many congested spaces where pedestrians and vehicles share space. Parking lots, crosswalks, and other areas where pedestrians and vehicles share space are especially dangerous sites for Miami pedestrian accidents.

In Florida, hit and run accidents are taken seriously. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident after causing property damage can be charged with a second degree misdemeanor and may face up to 60 days in jail as well as fines of up to $500. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident after causing an injury can be charged with a third degree felony and may face up to 5 years in prison as well as fines of up to $5,000. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident after causing a fatality can be charged with a first degree felony and may face up to 30 years in state prison as well as fines of up to $10,000. In addition, those who leave the scene of an accident can face Miami personal injury lawsuits, where they can be sued for damages caused.

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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.

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

There is no doubt that texting while driving is dangerous. Each year, Coral Gables car accidents are caused by distracted driving. In fact, car collisions across Florida are caused regularly by drivers who are thinking about or engaged with someone other than driving. Numerous studies have shown that the use of mobile devices while driving is dangerous – yet Florida remains one of only 15 states not to ban texting while driving.

Last year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) called for a national ban on all mobile device use while driving. The NTSB wants to ban not only texting and driving, but the use of any mobile device for any reason other than an emergency. The agency even wants to prohibit hands-free devices. The recommendation comes after a number of high-profile studies have suggested that mobile devices play a role in many traffic collisions. According to the National Safety Council, 28% of all car accidents in the US are caused by drivers who text or talk on cell phones while driving. As well, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that in 2011, 3092 traffic fatalities in the US occurred in crashes that were caused at least in part by a distracted driver.

Some experts have compared distracted driving to drunk driving. At one time, there were few laws and social pressures to prevent people from driving after drinking. However, growing awareness about the dangers as well as increasing numbers of Coral Gables drunk driving accidents and US drunk driving accidents pushed legislators and the general public into action. New laws, coupled with public education have made most Coral Gables drivers aware that drinking and driving leads to Coral Gables traffic accidents.

There has been a similar trend with distracted driving, argue experts. At one time, cell phone use while driving was not seen as a serious problem. However, advocacy groups and even celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey have spoken out about the dangers of distracted driving.

Legislators in a number of states have passed laws banning texting and driving. Federal rules already prohibit commercial drivers from texting and driving. If experts are correct, the wide-spread acceptance of the dangers of distracted driving is next, and distracted driving will be seen as socially unacceptable – and may be as widely illegal – as drunk driving.

Until a ban is in place across the nation, Florida lawmakers continue their efforts to pass legislation regarding distracted driving. Advocacy groups in Coral Gables and across Florida continue to raise awareness about the issue and each day drivers make the right decision to turn off their mobile devices before getting in their cars. The court system also allows victims of distracted drivers to take legal remedies. If you have been injured in a Coral Gables pedestrian accident or traffic accident caused by a distracted driver, you can seek legal redress for your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and other damages.

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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.

Continue reading "Will Your New Year Plans Prevent or Risk a Miami Car Accident?" »