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A new study out of Oregon and Portland State Universities has concluded that left turns are among the riskiest pedestrian areas. Researchers have found that permitted (also known as unprotected) left turns are especially risky. These types of left turns are created to ensure a steady flow of traffic, but if the study’s authors are correct, that speedy traffic comes at a price: more car collisions in Hollywood and other cities.

The study, published by the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium, determined that unprotected left turns lead to traffic accidents for a few reasons:

1) Poor motorist habits. According to the researchers, motorists who are turning left at permitted turns are 4-9% less likely to check for pedestrians when completing their turn when compared with motorists making other types of turns.

2) Confusing signals. Each city in the US – and even different cities within the same state – have different signals for unprotected left turns. According to personal injury attorneys in Hollywood and other communities, this lack of consistency can lead to confusion and can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents in Hollywood and other communities. Some experts have recommended one universal permitted left hand traffic sign be adopted to reduce confusion and reduce the risk of collisions.

3) Poor pedestrian habits. In many car and truck accidents in Hollywood and other communities, when pedestrians are involved they may bear some of the liability for the collision. Researchers with the Federal Highway Administration found that pedestrians are more likely to be injured when crossing in marked crosswalks rather than unmarked areas. According to some experts, this may be because pedestrians feel much safer in marked crosswalks and may take fewer precautions.

4) Unprotected left turns encourage cars to turn quickly. According to the study published by the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium, drivers making a permitted left turn often need to move quickly in order to complete their turns, and this speed can mean that they do not take the time to check for pedestrians.

According to a 2010 NHTSA report, 13% of all traffic deaths in 2010 were pedestrian fatalities. That means that year about 4280 pedestrians died in traffic collisions. Experts agree that in many cases these deaths are preventable and could be avoided with better motorist habits.

Some experts believe that permitted left turns should be converted into protected left turns in order to reduce instances of traffic accidents. Others argue that better signals or traffic signs would help prevent pedestrian fatalities. Most experts do agree that some changes need to be made to prevent senseless fatalities and injuries.

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

Fatigued driving leads to many car accidents in Virginia Gardens and across South Florida. Each year, drowsy drivers fall asleep at the wheel or make driver errors because their response times and motor skills are affected by their fatigue. If you want to prevent these types of car and truck accidents in Virginia Gardens or your community, make sure that you:

1) Be aware of when you might be most at risk of drowsy driving. According to experts, mornings and evenings are high-risk times for drowsy driving, as are weekends and the start of the week. The period immediately after Daylight Saving time is also higher risk. Use extra caution when you are most likely to be fatigued.

2) Create a lifestyle that makes it easy for you to get good quality sleep. In many cases, our lifestyle creates situations where it is harder to get to sleep. For example, research has shown that if you use screens – including TV screens, e- readers, or computer screens – in your bedroom before sleep you may have a harder time getting adequate rest. Light pollution and even small lights in the bedroom can also impede your ability to sleep, as can noises. In addition, a stressful work environment can make it harder for you to fall asleep at night and stay asleep. Cultivate a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate rest, exercise, and quality nutrition. Outsource some of your work or work to make your time commitments reasonable. You may experience better health and you may also be less at risk of traffic accidents.

3) Take note of any feelings of fatigue. Before you drive, notice whether you feel tired. In fact, get into the habit of evaluating your mental state throughout the day. If you notice unexplained feelings of fatigue frequently, this could be the sign of a sleep disorder or another serious issue. See your doctor promptly in order to get help.

4) Do not overschedule yourself. Having too much to do means that you are more likely to drive distracted, more likely to speed, and more likely to get inadequate rest. All of these things can lead to a traffic accident in Virginia Gardens or your community. Overscheduling yourself can also lead to excessive stress and can reduce the quality of your life (and your sleep). Learn new ways to manage your time so that you can get everything done without overburdening your schedule.

5) Look into carpool and other driving options. If you drive everywhere or have to drive many miles per day, it’s easy to get exhausted and overwhelmed. Consider commuting using public transportation. This can give you a chance to do something else – such as listen to quiet music or read – while someone else takes care of the driving. Or, consider carpooling. This can also give you a break from constantly having to drive everywhere and can even help you save money.

6) Don’t just over-caffeinate. If drivers are tired, they often simply zip through a drive-through in order to pick up coffee or a soda. Be careful of over-caffeinating rather than treating symptoms. If you are tired all the time, it is important to talk to your doctor rather than just continue drinking caffeine. Drinking caffeine can still lead to a car accident because once the caffeine rush wears off you can fall asleep at the wheel. In addition, drinking too much caffeine can make you jittery and can also lead to a car accident. Caffeine may also not improve your motor skills or response times if you are fatigued.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

The Florida Highway Patrol is concerned that hit and run cases are on the rise, with close to 70,000 hit and run accidents reported across Florida last year. Experts have many explanations for why the increase in hit and run accidents in North Bay Village and across Florida is occurring:

1) Uninsured or underinsured drivers. In some cases, experts say that after a car or truck accident in North Bay Village or another community, drivers leave the scene because they do not have adequate insurance, are concerned that their insurance rates will go up, or have no insurance at all and don’t want to face authorities or insurance claims as a result. Drivers do have the option of getting additional insurance on their own policies to protect themselves against underinsured drivers.

2) Drivers with previous records. In some cases, a truck or car accident in North Bay Village is a hit and run accident because a driver has a previous record or does not want to speak with authorities because the driver has an outstanding warrant. They are worried that having an additional mark on their record can harm them further or worry that police will be able to charge them with additional offenses.

3) Unlicensed drivers. According to some experts, up to 3% of drivers across the country have no license at all and are driving without authorization or insurance. In some cases, unlicensed drivers have a suspended license or simply have never been able to qualify for a license. When unlicensed drivers cause a car or pedestrian accident in North Bay Village or another community, they may leave the scene of the collision because the penalties for driving without a license are significant.

4) Panic. In some cases, drivers panic and leave the scene of an accident. For example, young drivers may be worried about being blamed for an accident, may panic, and may therefore leave the scene of the accident. In some cases, someone may be driving distracted, under the influence, or maybe doing something else that can lead to serious charges. Therefore, rather than being charged with those offenses they leave the scene of an accident, hoping that authorities will never be able to find them. Of course, if drivers are found after leaving the scene of an accident, the charges against them can be even more significant.

Hit and run accidents in North Bay Village and across Florida are a serious cause for concern. When drivers leave the scene of a collision, they do not stop to offer help to anyone who may be injured. Each year, people die due to their injuries because no one stopped to offer help. In addition, when drivers leave the scene of an accident, anyone who is injured in the accident may have a harder time recovering insurance money for their injuries, and may face additional financial pressure due to that fact.

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

The latest statistics from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have both positive and disappointing news for Miami and the rest of Florida. According to the NHTSA, the number of fatal car accidents across the country dropped by 1.9% in 2011, when compared with 2010. In 2010, there were 32,999 fatalities linked to traffic accidents and only 32,367 in 2011 – representing the lowest number since 1949. Since 2005, traffic fatalities have declined 26%.

Florida, however, is still third in the national for the total number of car accident fatalities. Although car accident fatalities in the state dropped 1.9% in 2011 when compared with 2010, according to experts much still needs to be done to reduce these fatalities even more. In 2011, Florida saw 2,398 car accident fatalities. Only Texas and California had more. Experts believe that there are a number of things that can be done to help prevent traffic accidents in Miami and across Florida:

1) Improve awareness of seat belts, distracted driving, drunk driving, fatigued driving, and other risk factors through public education campaigns. Making drivers aware of the risks they take – and the dangers of those risks – can encourage more motorists to drive safely, which can help reduce the number of car and truck accidents in Miami and across Florida.

2) Improve law enforcement. In some cases, awareness is not enough and motorists continue to take risks that they know can lead to traffic accidents. In these cases, law enforcement can ensure that drivers are ticketed or even taken off the roads before they cause an accident.

3) Hold reckless drivers accountable for their actions. In cases where a driver’s negligence causes a car accident in Miami or anywhere in South Florida, injured parties can hold the at-fault driver responsible. Pursuing a legal claim can push a negligent driver into being more careful in the future, preventing other accidents. A legal claim can also help someone who has been injured get compensation for their injuries, so that they can pursue medical care. If you have sustained a personal injury in Miami or anywhere in Florida due to a traffic accident, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney before you make any decisions about your case. Your case may be worth more than you realize and there may be more resources available to you than you know about. You may be able to secure a free consultation with a personal injury attorney to review your options before you accept an insurance company offer.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

New research from the Mayo Clinic has found that 11% of medical interns surveyed admitted to being involved in a car accident while being involved in training. Another 43% of medical interns reported a near-miss. While training to become doctors, medical interns often get inadequate sleep and face extreme stress due to the pressure of their studies. The combined pressure and lack of sleep may mean that interns are getting into accidents caused by fatigued driving and distraction.

What Can be Done to Prevent Car Accidents Caused by Fatigued Driving?

In many cases, medical interns experience fatigue because of a culture of high-pressure and long-hour education. While technically the number of hours that medical interns work could be reduced, since the medical training system has always taken place in this manner there is not much pressure to change. This is despite the fact that fatigue may also contribute to medical mistakes and potentially medical malpractice claims in Miami Lakes and across South Florida. After all, if doctors and medical interns are too tired to drive, they may also be responsible for misdiagnosis and other preventable mistakes because they are too fatigued to place their full focus on their job. Changing the culture would go a long way towards preventing personal injuries caused by medical mistakes and by traffic accidents, some experts agree.

Who is Liable in These Types of Car Accidents in Miami Lakes?

If you have been injured in a car accident or pedestrian accident in Miami Lakes or another community caused by a fatigued driver, who is responsible? In most cases, the other driver will be the at-fault driver, but proving fatigued driving can be difficult. It often requires a personal injury attorney working with a private investigator to find answers. In some cases, if a medical intern caused an accident, the place of work may be held partly liable. If the vehicle of the at-fault had a mechanical defect, the manufacturer of the vehicle may also be held partly liable.

Finding multiple liable parties improves the chances that you will be able to pursue fair compensation after an accident. This in turn can help you pay for medical bills, car repair costs, lost income, and other costs associated with the accident. A good personal injury attorney in Miami Lakes or your community will carefully investigate your accident and will aggressively fight for your rights so that you do not have to pay the often-catastrophic costs of your injuries out of pocket.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

According to a recent study published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention and authored by researchers led by Christine Wickens, about half of all road collisions are caused at least in part by road rage. According to the researchers from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, motorists are especially likely to react with rage in cases where another motorist is weaving in and out of traffic. So what can be done to prevent road-rage-related car collisions in Miami and across South Florida? According to experts, there are several things every motorist can do:

1) Get plenty of sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleepiness and lack of sleep can contribute to irritability and can lead to road rage. Fatigued driving has also been linked to traffic and truck accidents in Miami and across the country.

2) Plan ahead. Leaving yourself with just enough time to get to your destination increases your stress level and makes you more likely to take risks – risks that could lead to a pedestrian accident in Miami or in your community. Give yourself plenty of time and have a plan to get to your destination so that you are not frazzled as you drive.

3) Learn to recognize the signs of road rage. Even very aggressive drivers tend to see themselves as good and courteous drivers. Signs of road rage can include speeding, yelling, making aggressive gestures, weaving in and out of traffic, ignoring traffic signals, and gesturing at other drivers. Motorists affected by road rage may also find their hearts racing or may find themselves gripping the steering wheel very tightly.

4) Set aside time to relax in the car. Make it a habit to evaluate your mental state as you drive. For example, you can decide to self-evaluate at every red light you stop at or whenever a song ends on the radio. Check to see whether you are angry, stressed, yelling, or gripping the steering wheel tight. If you exhibit signs of road rage, switch to soothing music, count to ten, and breathe deeply. If you are very angry, pull over until you have a handle on your emotions.

5) Talk yourself down when someone makes you angry. If you find yourself getting furious on the road, talk to yourself to calm yourself down. Explain out loud what made you angry and what a productive way to deal with that might be. Controlling your road rage rather than acting on it can help you avert a traffic accident in Miami or your community.

6) Learn more about road rage. Organizations such as Reaching Out Against Road Rage (R.O.A.R.R) have plenty of resources. You can volunteer to help stop accidents caused by road rage or just learn how to be a calmer driver.

7) Drive sober. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and other communities already cost far too many lives. Alcohol and drugs can also lower inhibitions and can therefore make it harder for you to control your emotions if another motorist does something that makes you irritable.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog