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A serious car collision in Tamarac can result in severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, burns, and other injuries. In addition to being painful and devastating, these injuries can require literally years of healing time and recovery. In some cases, the injuries prove permanent and require a lifetime of care. If you have suffered a serious injury, it is important that you:

1) Get the best medical treatment you can. Seek help immediately after a traffic accident, since in some cases injuries can become fatal if not addressed right away. If you have been in a traffic collision in Tamarac or any other community, it is a good idea to seek medical attention, even if you do not have any serious symptoms or any symptoms at all. At the very least, you will want to be evaluated for head injury. In addition, you will want to get follow up care and possibly a second opinion if your injuries are serious. Unfortunately, medical mistakes and misdiagnosis in Tamarac and Florida can cause car accident patients to suffer even more serious injury and complications, so paying close attention to your medical care is vital.

2) Find a support system. Injuries don’t just cause physical pain. A severe traffic accident can also cause emotional trauma and upset. It is important to find a support system that can help you through the emotional healing process as your body heals. You can look for support groups in your area and turn to friends and family for help. If you feel depressed or are having trouble recovering emotionally from your injuries, speak with your doctor. He or she will be able to recommend counseling or other options that can help you.

3) Take care of your finances and legal rights. The insurance claims process after a traffic accident can be confusing and in many cases you may have the right to file a legal claim. The financial and legal aspects of your case can determine how much compensation you receive for your injuries. If you have been seriously injured and your healing process will take some time, it is very important to pursue the fairest compensation you are entitled to. Without it, you may end up paying some of the costs of your injury on your own, and this can cause significant financial distress at a time when you need no additional stress. To help safeguard your rights, consult with a personal injury attorney in Tamarac or your community to review your options.

4) Prevent further injury. One of the risks with a serious injury is secondary injury. For example, if you have sustained a head injury in a Tamarac car collision, balance and vision issues resulting from your injury could put you more at risk for slip and fall injuries in your Tamarac home. If you have sustained a serious injury, speak with your doctor about the steps you should take to minimize the risk of complications and secondary injury. This may involve making your home more accessible or it may mean getting physical therapy or other forms of therapy.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

If you have been in a car collision in Hialeah or any other community, there may be some obvious injuries. For example, you may sustain broken bones, burns, abrasions, and other injuries. In addition to these injuries, however, many victims of traffic accidents in Hialeah and other communities sustain injuries that are harder to detect. These injuries include:

1) Head injuries.
2) Soft tissue injuries.
3) Emotional injuries.

Head Injuries

Head injury patients in Hialeah and other communities do not always get the help they need because in some cases patients do not present any symptoms right away. Any time you are in a serious accident where your head may have struck a hard object, it is important to get an immediate medical evaluation. Concussions may not seem serious right away but may quickly become serious or even life-threatening with time, and delaying treatment can affect your ability to recover fully. In some cases, symptoms of a head injury may develop gradually and may be subtle. Symptoms can include:

• headaches
• loss of balance
• vision problems
• ringing in the ears
• problems with reasoning or concentrating
• anxiety
• irritability
• depression
• lethargy
• sleep disorders
• convulsions or seizures
• vomiting
• disorientation or confusion
• memory loss

If you have been in a traffic accident and notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help at once.

Soft tissue injuries

One of the more common soft tissue injuries sustained in truck accidents in Hialeah and other communities is whiplash, or a soft tissue injury affecting the neck area. However, soft tissue injuries can affect neural pathway in all areas of the body. Like head injuries, soft tissue injuries may have subtle symptoms and may not produce any symptoms right away, making them hard to detect. Soft tissue injuries can also have a range of symptoms, including:

• reduced range of motion or mobility
• stiffness in shoulders or arms
• headaches
• slower reflexes
• dizziness
• muscle spasms
• weakness or numbness

If you have been in a car or pedestrian accident in Hialeah or any community and notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help. Chiropractic treatment or physical therapy can help address some of the symptoms of soft tissue injuries, but an accurate diagnosis is needed first.

Mental Trauma

Being in a traffic accident is a devastating experience and in some cases patients develop trauma after the accident. They may suffer from depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, personality changes, and other issues as a result of their accident and injuries. It is important to seek help if you have been in a car accident and find yourself upset or having difficulty returning to your normal life weeks or months after the event.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

If you live in Hallandale Beach and are involved in a serious car accident, the impact of that accident can last for years. If you have sustained a serious injury, such as a spinal cord injury, burns, fractures, or a head injury in Hallandale Beach or another community, you may face a long medical recovery process and the impact of your accident can also affect your finances, your relationships, and your emotions for years to come. You will want to address all the areas of your life that may be affected by your injuries:

1) Medical. The most obvious impact of a serious traffic accident in Hallandale Beach is the injuries suffered. You may face head injuries, soft tissue injuries, or other serious injuries. You may be rushed from the scene of the accident to Memorial Regional Hospital or another local hospital. Even if you are not taken to hospital, you will want to visit a local clinic or your doctor for a check-up as soon as possible after the accident. Some soft tissue injuries and head injuries do not manifest symptoms right away but may be serious. Once you have received emergency medical care, you may face months or years of recovery time and medical treatment. Depending on your injuries, you may need surgery, follow-up treatment, rehabilitation, and other care.

2) Financial. The high cost of medical care after a car or truck accident in Hallandale Beach is usually compounded by the fact that after an accident you may not be able to return to work for some time, causing you to lose wages. The financial devastation of a serious car accident can push households into bankruptcy – and car insurance may not always be the answer. In cases where patients need long-term care, especially, insurance money often does not cover the full cost of an accident. For this reason, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney in Hallandale Beach soon after your accident. A good attorney can negotiate with insurance companies for you or can help you pursue legal claims, if possible in your case, so that you get the compensation you and your family need.

3) Relationships. It’s true that relationships often suffer after a serious car accident. In addition to the frustration and upset that serious injuries can cause, the financial burden of a car crash in Hallandale Beach can lead to household and relationship disputes. After a serious car collision, you may need to see a therapist or counselor to get assistance. It may also be useful to speak with a support group.

4) Mental. After a serious accident, it is normal to feel anxiety, fear, upset, and a whole turmoil of emotions. It is important to get help or counseling for these emotions, especially if they hurt your relationships or prevent you from living a full life.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

If you have decided to launch a car accident claim in Davie or any South Florida community, building the strongest case possible may increase your odds of getting fair compensation for your injuries. Here’s how you can build the strongest traffic accident claim in Davie or your community:

1) Hire the right attorney. The right attorney can make a huge difference in your case. An attorney with extensive experience in personal injury claims, insurance company negotiations, and local laws will have the experience and knowledge about how to build the strongest case. He or she will likely be familiar with the local justice system and with the local professionals who will be involved in your case. A full-service law firm that has handled many similar cases to yours will have the resources, private investigators, expert witnesses, and other professionals needed to take care of the case. More importantly, an experienced personal injury attorney in Davie or your community will be able to take care of all the details, so that you can focus on healing.

2) Act quickly. There are statutes of limitations when filing many types of personal injury claims in Florida. In addition, after a traffic accident in Davie, the longer you wait, the less evidence will be available. In addition, if you sign any documentation or accept any insurance money for your injuries, you may find that you’ve signed away some of your rights to pursue a legal claim. For all these reasons, if you’ve been in a car or truck accident in Davie or any other community, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney right away to discuss your legal options and to discuss the best ways to preserve your rights. Even if you’re not sure whether you want to file a legal claim, an attorney can give you important advice on preserving your right to file a legal claim down the line. An attorney can also help you understand how much your injuries could be worth and how much your case might be worth, both of which are important pieces of information to have when you’re trying to decide whether to launch a lawsuit or not.

3) Gather documentation where you can. As soon as possible, start the documentation process. Make note of the other driver’s insurance and contact information, but also notice much as you can about the scene. Take photos if you can. If you are taken to a hospital, get copies of the police report and any medical reports about your condition. If you have to make any purchases related to your injuries – such as medications, taxicabs to and from doctors’ appointments, and other expenses – keep a list of the expenses, the dates you spend the money, and receipts where you can. Document your injuries, taking photos of any bruising or fractures and keeping a journal of symptoms and the recovery process.

4) Be careful of what you say, sign, and do – both in real life and online. Even saying something as simple as “sorry” at the accident scene may be construed as you taking blame for the accident. Signing documents can also impact your ability to pursue legal action later on. Even posting pictures of yourself on Facebook can have a detrimental effect if they show you looking injury-free. If you decide to file a legal claim, make sure that your attorney takes care of any documentation you may need to sign related to the case. In addition, be sure to discuss with your attorney your social media presence and what you can and cannot say about your accident to others.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Pregnant women often worry about their safety while driving. There are multiple concerns that pregnant women in Hollywood can have:

1) The risks of being in a car accident in Hollywood are greater for pregnant women. Being in a car or truck accident in Hollywood at any time is devastating. However, for pregnant passengers, the risk of injury is greater. Women who are injured in a traffic accident in Hollywood risk miscarrying or suffering complications in their pregnant.

2) Cars are not built for pregnant passengers. Negotiating into a passenger seat while pregnant can be difficult. There may not be enough room to sit comfortably and maneuverability in the seat may be more difficult. In addition, seatbelts and seats may not easily accommodate a passenger or driver who is pregnant. Pregnant women will want to consult their car manual to find out how to adjust their seats and seat belts for maximum comfort and safety.

3) There is a risk with airbags and seatbelts. Pregnant women often worry that airbags or seatbelts could cause injury to a baby in the event of a collision. However, there may be some promising research if you are in a car accident in Hollywood. According to a study published the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, pregnant women who are wearing a seat belt have a greater chance of surviving a crash than women who do not wear a seat belt. Their babies also have a greater chance of survival. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other experts, babies have the best chance of survival if the mother survives, and wearing a seatbelt can greatly increase the chances of both the mother and child surviving an car collision. Doctors and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasize that women should wear their seat belts a little differently. The lap belt should be fitted below the belly, low across the hip bones. In the event of a crash, this reduces the risk that the belt will dig into the stomach and cause injury. The study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology had less firm findings about airbags. In most of the cases researchers studies, when air bags were deployed the expectant mothers were more likely to suffer a condition where the placenta separated from the uterus. This complication increases the risk of fatal injury for both the child and the expectant mother. However, researchers concluded that these accidents were more serious and this – rather than the airbags themselves – contributed to fatal injury. Researchers concluded that airbags are in fact a way to help protect the life of both the mother and the child and should not be disabled in a car.

Drivers who are expecting a child should speak with their doctor about all the changes they will need to make in their lives. These changes can include altering the way they drive or get around.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Researchers agree that the vast majority of traffic accidents in Hialeah and across Florida occur due to driver error. Many of these driver errors are quite minor and are things that drivers do an almost daily basis:

1) Being distracted. Experts agree that distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Hialeah and other Florida communities. Many motorists associate distracted driving just with cell phone use. While it’s true that there are many cell phone related car accidents in Hialeah and other communities, cell phones and mobile devices are not the only causes of distraction. Authorities note that something as simple as fast food or drinking a coffee can be extremely dangerous and distracting behind the wheel. Each year, drivers cause accidents because they spill a meal or hot coffee on themselves, causing them to lose control their car. Anything that removes your hands from the wheel, your eyes from the road, or your mind from your driving task is a distraction. Distractions can include changing the music in your car, hunting for something on the floor of your vehicle, talking animatedly to other passengers, daydreaming, and just about anything else that removes you from fully focusing on driving.

2) Not evaluating your mental state before you step in the car. If you’re tired, angry, upset, unfocused, or worried, you may not be in the mental or emotional state you need to be in order to drive safely. Very few drivers consider their emotions before stepping in the vehicle, but many experts do agree that driving under the influence of strong emotions can easily lead to a traffic accident in Hialeah or your community.

3) Being tired. Many Florida residents lead very busy lives and it is common for people to walk around their everyday lives feeling tired at least some of the time. Recent studies have shown that a number of drivers admit to driving behind the wheel while exhausted and a number admit to drowsing off at least once in the past month. While many people simply medicate fatigue with coffee and other forms of caffeine, driving tired can easily cause you to fall asleep at the wheel and cause a serious car or truck accident in Hialeah or your community.

4) Ignoring your car. When cars are not properly maintained they can easily cause an accident if they don’t respond the way that you expect them to.

5) Being slightly buzzed. Drunk driving accidents in Hialeah and other Florida communities continue to be a serious concern, despite efforts by advocacy groups such as MADD. One problem, according to authorities, is that many people assume that they can drive after drinking as long as they have only consumed a small amount. Recently, Florida authorities have launched an awareness campaign to emphasize that even if you are “buzzed” you are still too drunk to drive. Even a few drinks can seriously affect your motor skills and your response times, increasing the risk of an accident.

6) Driving while slightly ill. Many motorists feel that if they are slightly ill with a cold or flu they cannot put their lives on hold. Unfortunately, if you drive while slightly ill you could end up causing a serious accident. Many serious illnesses that affect driving ability have very mild symptoms at first. Continuing to drive with untreated symptoms can increase your risk of an accident. In addition, taking over-the-counter medication for a cold, flu, sinus problems, or other minor ailments can actually cause you to become drowsy and lose control of your vehicle. If you are ill, take an alternative form of transportation or wait until you get better before you start to drive again. If you need to take medication for allergies or another illness, make sure that you read the labels. Your medication should not make you drowsy and should not affect your driving ability.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

According to Bankrate Insurance, the risk factors that can contribute to car collisions and traffic-related injuries are:

1) Speed. According to Bankrate Insurance, one third of all fatal car accidents in 2010 involved speeding. In all cities, including Miami, car accidents involving speed are more likely to cause serious injury, including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities, simply due to the increased force of any crash involving high speeds.

2) Age. 16-year old drivers have higher car accident rates than drivers of any other age. Traffic collisions continue to be the leading cause of death for teenagers. In South Florida cities such as Miami, traffic accidents involving teen drivers are a serious problem, and experts agree that parents can help protect their younger drivers by setting rules and by insisting that new drivers get plenty of training and in-car experience.

3) Gender. In 2010, 70 percent of all people killed in car accidents were men.

4) Impairment. One fifth of all traffic deaths in 2010 were related to DUIs. That year, 10,228 Americans died due to drunk driving. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and across South Florida continue to be a serious tragedy and an entirely preventable type of accident.

5) Motorcycle accidents. In 2010, over 13% of all traffic fatalities involved motorcycles. That year, 4,309 Americans died in motorcycle accidents. This is double the number of motorcycle accident fatalities in 1997. In South Florida cities such as Miami, motorcycle accidents cause not only fatalities but also many spinal cord injuries and head injuries each year. Florida does not mandate helmets for motorcyclists, but experts agree that correct use of helmets is essential for preventing serious injury in an accident.

6) Seat belt use. In 2010, more than half of all young passengers killed in car accidents were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision that claimed their lives. With so many car manufacturers releasing advanced new safety systems, it is sometimes easy to forget that one of the most basic safety features of a car – the seatbelt – is also one of the most powerful. If you are in a car accident in Miami or any other community, a seat belt will keep you in place during the collision, reducing your risk of serious injuries such as head injuries.

7) Licensing. Close to 3% of drivers in the US are not licensed. These drivers are 3 times more likely to cause a fatal car accident when compared with licensed drivers. Since these drivers are also uninsured, if you are injured in a car collision with one of these motorists, it can be harder to collect compensation for your injuries. Some experts further believe that a number of hit and run accidents in Miami and South Florida are caused by unlicensed drivers who do not want to be found by police.

Distraction. Distracted driving causes 15 fatalities daily, on average. In 2011, 3,331 Americans were killed due to distracted driving.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

If you sustain injuries in a car accident in Davie or another community, you may assume that car insurance will cover the costs of your injuries. After all, that is what you pay premiums for. Unfortunately, many people who sustain serious injuries – such as head injuries – in Davie and South Florida after being in a car accident find that they have issues after being in a traffic accident. You may face some of these same issues when you try to file a claim:

1) The insurance company may dispute your claim. The insurance company may accuse you of insurance fraud or may dispute some medical charges or other claims that you have made – even if they are valid.

2) The insurance company may not consider longer-term costs or all costs. In many cases, insurance companies look at immediate medical costs and related costs. However, if you have sustained a serious injury you may face months or even years of recovery time. You may need home care, accessibility features for your home and car, rehabilitation, medication, and other assistance on the road to recovery – and insurance companies often do not take these total long-term costs into account.

3) The insurance company will want to settle claims quickly and inexpensively. In many cases, an insurance carrier will want to settle a claim quickly – before the full extent of your injuries and possible long-term expenses are even known. This can make it harder for you to get the fair compensation you may need to recover fully and to get the medical care you need.

4) Thanks to new legislation, if you are visiting Florida at the time of your accident, your insurance carrier may not honor your claims. Since January 1, a new law has required all international drivers in Florida to have an international driver’s permit (IDP). The idea behind the law was to make sure that all drivers in Florida had a driver’s license translated into English. However, many visitors to Florida are not aware of the law and when they find themselves in a traffic collision in Davie or another South Florida city they find they have a hard time getting an insurance claim honored because they did not realize they needed an IDP.

5) Some required expenses may be considered “extras” by your insurance company. For example, burn patients in Davie and other communities often need skin grafts or other skin treatments to recover from their injuries. However, some insurance companies may deem such procedures “cosmetic” and not pay.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Studies have concluded that if you are in a motorcycle accident you are thirty times more likely to suffer fatal injuries when compared with someone in a car collision. The reason is because you have fewer layers of protection. In a motorcycle crash, you are likely to be flung from your vehicle and come into contact with other cars, your bike, or the pavement with very few layers of protection. As a result, each year many people are rushed to emergency rooms with injuries (such as head injuries) in Miami Gardens and other communities.

The Government Accountability Office reports around 82,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents and more than 4500 suffer fatal injuries annually. The average cost of a fatal accident costs .2 million while injuries in motorcycle accidents cost 00 to .4 million. The total cost of motorcycle accidents across the country is billion or more per year. This cost does not take into consideration the devastation and personal grief and suffering these types of traffic accidents in Miami Gardens and other American cities cause. According to the Government Accountability Office and other experts, there are a number of ways to decrease your risk:

1) Wear a helmet. The Government Accountability Office has stated that the best way to reduce the costs and risks of motorcycle accidents is to make helmet use mandatory. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets saved 1550 lives in 2010 alone and the CDC reports that the helmets saved billion dollars in collision costs. Experts say that helmets reduce the death rate in motorcycle accidents by 39%. Although not all states require helmet use for all riders and while Florida does not have universal helmet laws, wearing a helmet each time you hop on your bike can greatly increase your chances of surviving a motorcycle accident in Miami Gardens or your community.

2) Learn to ride a motorcycle responsibly. If you want to learn how to avoid a motorcycle-car accident, Miami Gardens and most South Florida communities have qualified instructors and classes that can help you learn the basics of safe riding. In some cases, taking classes can even help you save money on your insurance costs.

3) Take safety seriously. Be cautious when riding your motorcycle. Stay completely focused on the road – distracted driving causes many motorcycle and car accidents in Miami Gardens and across South Florida each year. Ride only when sober, well-rested, and prepared to ride safely. Always follow all traffic rules. While motorcycles are more flexible and allow you to take certain risks on the road, taking those risks can cost you your life.

4) Stay visible. Wear reflective clothing and use lights, especially when riding at night. Opt for lighter clothes that are easy to see. Many motorcycle accidents happen because motorists simply do not notice a motorcycle in time.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Each day, car accidents in Davie and across the state result in serious spinal cord injuries, fractures, head injuries, fatalities, and other injuries. Could the type of car determine how badly you are hurt in a traffic accident in Davie or your community? According to research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the answer is yes. IIHS representative Russ Rader said that some cars, especially sub-compact cars fare well on safety tests but in real life are more likely to result in insurance injury claims in the event of a car accident.

Rader noted that today’s smaller, lighter cars have more safety features and are safer than similar models of years past. Nevertheless, he says, in a collision, physics and weight matter more. In a collision between a smaller car and a larger car, the passengers in the larger car are more likely to enjoy more protection – including larger crumple zones – which protect them in the event of a crash.

According to Rader, in a head-on car accident, the larger car will push the smaller car back. This will reduce crash forces for occupants of the larger, heavier vehicle while increasing the crash forces for those in the smaller car. This is seen all the time in truck accidents in Davie and across the nation – smaller cars simply have no chance against much larger vehicles. Even in cases where the size and weight difference is not as extreme, the difference counts.

Research by Insure.com supports these findings. Insure.com recently compiled a list of safest cars based on rates of for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments (MedPay). Cars with higher rates had the higher costs because more people were making injury claims with these cars in the event of an accident. Even in cases where a car had good safety ratings, it could still end up with higher real-life injury rates. According to Insure.com, the top five cars that fared best when it came to protecting passengers from injuries were generally larger models:

1. GMC Sierra 1500 (SLE, SLT and Work Truck)
2. Porsche Cayenne
3. GMC Yukon (Denali and SLT)
4. GMC Sierra 2500 SLE
5. GMC Terrain SLE1

The five cars that fared worst, according to Insure.com, tended to be smaller:

1. Fiat 500 (Lounge, CLounge, Sport, Pop and CPop)
2. Kia Rio 5 (LX and SX)
3. Toyota Corolla L
4. Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
5. Mercedes-Benz CL600

No matter what kind of car you drive, safety experts agree that there is much that you can do to make your vehicle safer for you. For example, start by choosing a car that has good safety ratings and feels comfortable for you. Secondly, get required maintenance on the vehicle so that it responds as you expect it to. Make sure that you outfit your car with any extra safety devices you need. These may be an issue if you have health problems or mobility issues that prevent you from operating a car safely. And don’t forget the most important safety feature of all: your seat belt. You should always wear your seatbelt, even if you are going for a very short drive or just parking the car. Accidents can happen at any time.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog