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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

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2011 alone 3331 Americans were killed in accidents and another 387, 000 sustained injuries due to driver distraction. Driver distraction causes many serious accidents leading to spinal cord injuries, fractures, amputations, fatalities, and head injuries in Deerfield Beach and other communities each year. What is most frustrating for victims is that in many cases these accidents and injuries are preventable.

There is more awareness than ever before about the dangers of distracted driving. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, for example, and many agencies and organizations are joining forces to inform drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. The message is clear: driving while distracted causes preventable car accidents in in Deerfield Beach and other communities. Everyone has a role to play in preventing these types of accidents:

1) Lawmakers

Florida is still one of the few states not to ban texting and driving. While all commercial drivers and federal employees using company cars cannot text and drive and while some companies are passing texting bans for drivers using company vehicles, in Florida it is still legal to drive while keeping your eyes on a mobile device. The state has had problems passing a ban, despite much evidence that distraction causes many car and truck accidents in Deerfield Beach and across Florida each year.

Some legislators are concerned that a texting ban would place too many restrictions on drivers, while many point out that a texting ban would not prevent drivers from being distracted by cell phones, passengers, and the myriad other distractions available to motorists. Some lawmakers have expressed doubts about whether a texting ban or even a ban on hand-held devices for drivers would reduce the number of traffic accidents in Deerfield Beach and other communities. Despite this, efforts are still being made to pass new laws to curb distracted driving.

2) Law Enforcement

Law enforcement officials and the justice system have a role to play, too. Law enforcement officials cannot ticket a driver for texting or talking on a phone in Florida, but they can pull over drivers who are driving erratically or recklessly before those motorists cause a traffic accident or pedestrian accident. Many law enforcement agencies have also launched awareness campaigns to alert drivers to the dangers of any distractions – whether those distractions come in the form of a mobile device, food, passengers, daydreaming, or anything else.

3) Drivers

Drivers, of course, have one of the biggest responsibilities when it comes to putting a halt to preventable car crashes. Motorists need to be aware of the risks of distracted driving and need to make sure that every time they step into a car they put their mobile devices (and any other distractions) away. When every driver makes a conscious decision to drive more safely, everyone benefits from safer roads.

Drivers who have been injured by a distracted driver can speak with a personal injury attorney in Deerfield Beach or their community about making a legal claim. When motorists are held accountable for their recklessness, they may important changes to their driving habits.

4) The General Public

The general public – even those who don’t drive – do have a voice. The general public can write to lawmakers about distracted driving laws and can support advocacy groups raising awareness about dangerous driving.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Falcon Beach RCMP made a drug bust on a residence in that area on Friday.
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It’s a new year, and one of the most dangerous things you will do this year is to get into your car every day. Car accidents in Miami Beach and across Florida are one of the leading causes of head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities. In order to reduce your risk of being involved in a traffic accident in Miami Beach or anywhere in Florida this year, resolve to:

1) Take additional training. Since you last took drivers education classes, a great deal may have changed. You may have new health issues that affect your driving, for example, or you may be dealing with a car that is significantly different than the car you learn to drive in. Taking additional training or refresher courses can help you correct bad habits you’ve developed, can help you hone your skills even further, and can help reduce your risk of being involved in a traffic accident. In some cases, additional training can also help you save money on your insurance costs. If you don’t like the idea of refresher courses, racing classes can be a very fun and exhilarating way to hone your driving skills.

2) Get your car tuned up. A car that handles correctly and responds the way you expect it to can help save your life in the event of a collision. If you need to perform a maneuver in order to avoid a truck accident in Miami Beach or need to brake suddenly to avoid hitting a pedestrian, a car that works correctly will give you an added advantage.

3) Sign pledges with friends and family to avoid drunk driving and distracted driving. Drunk driving accidents in Miami Beach claim far too many lives each year, and distracted driving has become somewhat of a national epidemic, according to experts. Refusing to drive drunk or distracted can go a long way towards making you a safer driver this year.

4) Get into the habit of doing a quick “readiness” check before you drive somewhere. Before you hop into your car, take a look at whether you are distracted, whether you know where you are going, and whether you are prepared to keep your full focus on the road. If you are angry, upset, not feeling well, or fatigued, consider taking an alternative mode of transportation to your destination or resolve your emotions before driving. Distracted driving does not just mean texting. It can also mean driving tired, angry, upset, or with your mind elsewhere.

5) Consider taking a break from driving when you need it. If you drive a great deal due to your job or family obligations, consider setting up a carpool or another system that allows you to take a break from driving. The longer you drive, the more likely you are to get fatigued or distracted. In addition, driving a great deal requires a great deal of focus and concentration. Giving yourself a break can help you stay safer by making it easier for you to keep your full focus on the road when you are in the car.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Hallandale Beach is known as the “Most Southern Canadian City” because of the significant number of Canadians (and US tourists from the Northwestern area of the country) who visit the city each year. The number of tourists and snowbirds from the North often increases during winter months, as seniors and other visitors migrate to Florida for the warmer weather. Unfortunately, the influx of new drivers can mean an added risk of car accidents in Hallandale Beach and across Florida. If you are spending the winter in Florida this year, the following tips can help keep you safer:

1) Get Familiar with Florida laws and streets. Florida streets may be significantly different than streets in your hometown. If you will be spending time in Florida, get familiar with local laws, driving habits, and roadways. Many traffic accidents in Hallandale Beach and across Florida occur because of driver inexperience.

2) Get Florida insurance and registration. Under Florida law, any car owner who has their vehicle in the state for over 90 days must register the car in Florida. If you sustain a head injury in Hallandale Beach – or any traffic-related injury in South Florida – your insurance company may not compensate you if you violate this law. If you spend your entire winters in Florida, this law may mean that you need to buy two insurance policies – one in your usual place of residence and one in Florida. However, this added expense is a better option than being under-insured.

3) Use extra caution on I-95 and other interstate roads. These high-speed roadways do have a higher risk of truck accidents and other traffic accidents.

4) Get a copy of the Coast Guard’s Code of Federal Regulations to get familiar with bridges and drawbridges in the area. South Florida has many waterways and bridges. If you are not from the area, you may not be familiar with driving over bridges. Drawbridges, especially, may have hours you are not familiar with.

5) Go beyond local laws to stay safe. Not every safe driver behavior is legislated. For example, Florida has no specific laws against texting and driving or driving fatigued, although many studies have proven that both driving behaviors are very dangerous and lead to accidents. Use common sense and common courtesy when driving on Florida streets. Driver sober and alert, and make sure that you get adequate rest before driving. It will help make your stay in the state safer and more pleasant.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Unfortunately, Thanksgiving and the holiday season are a time when Florida and Pompano Beach drunk driving accidents may be on the rise. There are more holiday parties at this time of year serving alcohol, which can lead motorists to make poor decisions after drinking. Luckily, these types of Pompano Beach car accidents are completely preventable and you can do your part to help prevent these types of tragedies with just a few simple steps:

1) Plan ahead – even if you don’t plan to drink. Many drivers plan ahead if they plan on drinking, but even if you do not plan on drinking you may find that you end up being served alcohol or end up drinking anyway without planning to. Any time you head to a party or holiday event, you should have a backup plan for getting home safely if you do consume alcohol. This way, being unprepared is no excuse for driving drunk.

2) Have extra money on hand. A simple way to prevent DUI Pompano Beach car accidents is simply to have extra money on hand to pay for a hotel room or taxicab home if you have been drinking. You do not want to have to make a bad decision simply because you do not have money on hand to get home safely.

3) Keep the names of hotels and taxi companies in your wallet or glove compartment. Knowing exactly who you can call and where you can call in order to sober up or get home safe makes it easier for you to make the right decision if you do drink.

4) Have more than one plan for getting home safely. Having just one get home safe plan can be risky. For example, if you designate a driver but the driver ends up drinking or ends up leaving early, you could be stranded – unless you have a backup plan to get home safe. In addition to designating a driver, therefore, you may want to have other options on hand. Have money for a taxicab, have a list of friends you can call for a safe ride home, or have other options on hand so that you have lots of ways of getting home safely.

5) Don’t plan on walking home alone if you have been drinking. While it can seem like a better option than driving drunk, walking home inebriated can lead to a Pompano Beach pedestrian accident. Pedestrians who are intoxicated are more likely to become confused and may wander into traffic or get hit by a car. Inebriated pedestrians are also more likely to be involved in a Pompano Beach trip and fall accident or are more likely to injure themselves or become the victim of a crime because they are not alert enough to walk home safely. If you must walk home, walk home with friends or get a taxicab instead.

6) Consider making a difference by donating to a local group raising awareness about drunk driving. Raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and supporting groups that strive to reduce drunk driving helps keep everyone safer.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the state. It is no surprise to drivers, who may see drivers talking on their cell phones and making major driving mistakes such as changing lanes without looking or driving through a red light. The Florida Highway Patrol suggests there are many things that drivers can do to help prevent Florida and Hallandale Beach car accidents caused by distracted driving. Among their recommendations: keep your eyes on the road, limit the amount of cell phone use in the car, and use hands-free phones where possible.

These are great tips and may possibly help drivers prevent a Hallandale Beach truck accident or car accident – but do they go far enough in stamping out distracted driving? One reason that the Florida Highway Patrol has made the recommendations is that Florida laws currently do not ban cell phone use or even texting while driving. Even though numerous studies have suggested that use of mobile devices while driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, it is legal in Florida to drive while talking or texting on a phone.

Just because it is legal, however, does not make it a good idea. Many Hallandale Beach truck accidents and car accidents each year are caused by distracted drivers using mobile devices. Putting away a mobile device when hopping into a car is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of a traffic accident. Even just glancing at a mobile device for “a few seconds” or using hands-free devices has been shown to increase the risk of an accident substantially.

Even if it were possible to pass legislation to ban texting and cell phone use while driving, safety experts still say that distracted driving would be an issue. While recent discussions about distracted driving have focused on cell phone use – admitted a serious concern – distracted driving in fact encompasses a much wider idea. Experts agree that any action which distracts a driver from the road can be potentially fatal. Applying cosmetics, eating, drinking, speaking with passengers, daydreaming, changing the radio station and dozens of other actions can remove a driver’s focus from driving long enough to cause a Hallandale Beach bicycle accident or traffic accident. However, since the focus has been on mobile devices, there has not been extensive research conducted to determine which distractions are the most prevalent and dangerous. While many drivers are starting to get the message about cell phone use while driving, many drivers do not consider the many other distractions which can be just as deadly.

More does need to be done to alert drivers about the dangers of any type of distraction while driving. One reason why the focus may currently be on cell phones is because it is possible to document this type of distraction. If a driver causes an accident because they were talking on a cell phone, phone records may show the texts and calls placed, helping police to determine what happened. In cases where a driver was distracted for some other reason, the evidence may not be apparent during a Hallandale Beach personal injury claim.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Every parent wants to raise safe drivers – teens who operate a vehicle courteously and safely. To reduce the risk of your child being injured in a Pompano Beach car accident:

1) Start with smaller responsibilities. Learning traffic rules and good road habits start well before the teen years. When your child is very small, he or she will learn some road rules by learning to cross roads by themselves. Later, you can help your child by teaching them to ride a bicycle safely, avoiding Pompano Beach bicycle accidents.

2) Teach your child car safety through games. Many video games involving cars include racing and stunts, so make sure to balance that with online games that focus on traffic safety. These games are great for small children, as they can teach your child about safety rules and traffic laws.

3) Be a good role model. When you drive carefully, refuse to drive distracted, and obey the laws, your children see that driving is important. Children mirror their parents more than many parents realize, so driving courteously and safely helps set your child up for safe driving habits.

4) Get your teen into driving classes early and offer additional training. Many parents start swimming lessons early to protect their children from Pompano Beach drowning accidents and pool accidents. Driving classes can be the same way; they can teach your teen the basics of car safety so that your teen can stay safer. Providing additional driver training and defensive driver training is also importance, since most basic driver education classes only offer limited in-car lessons and do not focus extensively on defensive driving, an important skill that can help your teen prevent a Pompano Beach traffic accident.

5) Let your new teen driver drive sometimes. Driving in the car with your teen helps you notice any bad habits that your teen driver is forming and lets you get additional driver training for your teen, if needed. Driving together also helps your teen develop driving skills and confidence.

6) Set rules. Having written rules about passengers, cell phone use, and drinking and driving helps ensure that your teen knows the rules and the consequences for breaking them.

7) Keep in mind that even if your teen is not yet driving, they may be picking up habits from peers. If your teen is under the age of 16 but has older friends or siblings, he or she may be noticing different driving habits and may be at risk if peers drink and drive. From an early age, make sure that your child knows the dangers of Pompano Beach drunk driving accidents and the dangers of reckless driving. Make sure that your child knows that they can call you (and possibly other family members) for a drive with no questions asked if they are in a dangerous situation.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

A new study led by Dr. Donald Redelmeier of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has found that if drivers with chronic health condition were reported to the government by their doctors, car accidents and traffic accidents could be reduced by up to 45%. However, researchers also concluded that this type of system would potentially harm the doctor-patient relationship and make patients less likely to return to doctors for fear of being reported for conditions such as epilepsy, alcoholism, unregulated high blood pressure, and other conditions.

Researchers studied what happened if doctors were to report chronic health problems to the government and the government sent potentially unsafe drivers a warning letter, potentially suspending a driver’s license if the patient could not manage their condition. According to researchers, drivers were more likely to take a government warning letter seriously and make needed changes, compared with simply getting a warning from their doctor.

In the US, Maine, California, Nevada, Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico and Pennsylvania all have laws requiring drivers to be reported if they have a medical condition which could affect their driving. Florida does not currently have these laws – but would these types of legislation changes help prevent Miami Beach traffic accidents? The studies seem to suggest so.

Having doctors report patients with possible driving issues and medical issues that could affect driving ability could get drivers off the road – before they cause a Miami Beach car accident. It is no secret that medical issues cause Miami Beach truck accidents and car accidents. Each year, people are injured and killed because a driver has dementia, a heart attack or stroke behind the wheel, vision problems, or other medical problems. Drivers with sleep apnea can fall asleep behind the wheel while those with other serious illnesses could have a medical emergency behind the wheel, losing control of their car.

The idea of reporting medical issues that could affect driving ability is not new – truck drivers have faced these types of regulations for years. Commercial truck drivers need to report to medical examinations regularly and are not allowed to drive if they have a condition that makes them dangerous on the roads. Should regular motorists have to meet the same strict standards?

Removing at-risk drivers could help prevent some Miami Beach car accidents, but as researchers have concluded, a system that reports medical issues to government agencies could also hurt doctor-patient relationships. If patients know that they face losing their license, they may be more likely to doctor shop or more likely to avoid visiting the doctor if they believe they could lose driving privileges.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

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