Posts Tagged ‘Collisions’

How Impatience Leads to Car Collisions in Aventura and Other Florida Communities

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013

Could impatience increase your risk of a car accident in Aventura or other Florida cities? Some experts think so. Impatience itself can be a distraction, making you so upset with getting to your destination on time that you fail to notice the actions of other motorists around you. According to some experts, impatience behind the wheel can also lead to:

1) Running red lights. If you’re rushing to your destination and don’t have patience to deal with other motorists, you could end up running red lights or ignoring other traffic signals. Obviously, this can easily lead to a truck accident in Aventura or your community.

2) Speeding. If you are short on patience and short on time, speeding to your destination can seem like a good idea. Unfortunately, speeding is also a leading cause of traffic accidents in Aventura and other communities. When you speed, you have less control of your car, and you can easily lose control of your vehicle. Speed-related accidents are also more likely to cause serious or fatal injuries due to the force of the vehicles at impact.

3) Weaving in and out of traffic. Drivers who are impatient will sometimes weave in and out of traffic that is traveling at or near the speed limit. This increases the risk of an accident.

4) Going around traffic that has stopped for pedestrians. A very common tactic used by impatient drivers is to go around a car that has stopped for some reason – such as to allow a pedestrian to cross the road. Unfortunately, if you cannot see what the car in front of you has stopped for, you can easily cause a pedestrian accident in Aventura or your community if you try to drive around the car.

5) Tailgating. Experts and police agree that tailgating is extremely dangerous. Not leaving enough space for the car in front of you means that if the car in front of you has to brake suddenly you will likely be involved in a rear end accident. When driving behind commercial trucks, especially, it is important to leave extra room, since trucks take longer to break and may make unexpected stops. When driving in bad weather, extra space is also needed in case your car skids when braking.

6) Texting or talking on a mobile device while driving. Some drivers are impatient to get to their destination and because they are so busy they will text or talk on their mobile devices, trying to get errands done while they drive. Numerous research studies have shown that distracted driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

FDA Move to Reduce Drug Dosages Could Reduce Car Collisions in Miami and Other Communities

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

Following concerns that sleeping pills may stay in the bloodstream longer than thought, the FDA has announced that it will require manufacturers of the popular sleeping pill zolpidem – more commonly known by brand names such as Edluar and Ambien – to slash dosage recommendations. The move comes amid new information that the pills may be causing morning drowsiness that can lead to car crashes and other problems. New research suggests that women in particular can process the drug slowly, which can mean that the effects can linger even in the mornings. Other drugs will not be affected.

Under FDA rules, recommended dosages for zolpidem will drop from 10 milligrams to 5 milligrams and will drop to 6.25 milligrams (from a current 12.5 milligrams) for the extended-release products. Last year, a study published in the British Medical Journal determined that up to 500 000 fatalities in the US in 2010 may have been linked to sleeping pill use. The same study concluded that users of sleeping pills increase their risk of early death by fivefold. The FDA has asked for more research from manufacturers of sleeping pills, asking them to complete driver simulations and other research.

Currently, there are no specific studies examining the sleeping aid-related risks of car and truck accidents in Miami and other Florida communities. However, the study published in the British Medical suggests that a number of traffic and car accidents in Miami and other communities may be caused by sleeping pill use and abuse. To reduce the risk of this type of accident, make sure that you:

1) Keep track of any symptoms related to sleep disorders. If you notice snoring, fatigued, disturbed sleep patterns, or other symptoms, speak with your doctor to find a solution. Untreated sleep disorders can cause you to fall asleep at the wheel and can increase your risk of a traffic accident.

2) Consider alternatives to sleeping pills. Work with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan. In some cases, lifestyle changes or even changing your sleeping conditions can help you get a better night of rest.

3) If you do take any sleeping pills, speak with your doctor and pharmacist. Make sure the medications do not interact with other medication you may be taking and heed any warnings on the labels. Take the smallest dose of sleeping pills you need and be especially careful when taking a new type of sleeping pill or changing your dosage – as your body adjusts, you may be more sleepy in the mornings or may be more groggy than usual.

4) Get into the habit of checking your fitness to drive before you get into the car. Whether your drowsiness is caused by sleeping pills, sleep disorders, or another reason, if you feel very fatigued when driving you may cause a traffic accident in Miami or your community. Avoid driving when you feel too tired.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Keeping Your Teen Safer from Coral Springs Car Collisions

Sunday, January 6th, 2013

If you are a parent and have a young driver in the house, keep in mind that young drivers are at greater risk of Coral Springs car accidents when compared with adult drivers. According to research studies, this may be because teen drivers have less driving experience and, as a group, are more prone to risk-taking. As a parent, there are several things you can do:

1) Don’t assume that your teen is safe if they are too young for a driver’s license. Even if your teen is too young for a driver’s license, they may be getting rides with their older friends who have cars. Set rules in place early – well before a 16th birthday. Make sure your teen knows not to get into a car with a drunk or distracted driver. Have your teen know that they can always call you to get a safe ride home – no questions asked

2) The car should be home by 10 PM. Night driving is very different than driving in the daytime, and night driving puts a teen driver at a greater risk of a Coral Springs truck accident or car accident. Until teens develop their driving skills further, they should be prevented from driving too late at night. Parents may also wish to get them some one-on-one instruction with a qualified driving instructor for night driving.

3) Put some rules in place. Have written rules about driving or riding in cars. These rules should include rules about no drinking and no distracted driving. They can also include rules about the number of passengers in the car.

4) Have consequences in place for rules violated. If a teen driver drinks and drives, drives distracted, or otherwise violate the rules that parents have set up for safe driving, the teen should face consequences – such as loss of driving privileges or the loss of other privileges. If your teen knows that they will lose driving privileges or other privileges by driving distracted, they may choose to put their mobile devices and other distractions away when driving.

5) Sign a pledge with your teen not drive distracted or drunk. Signing this sort of pledge together shows that you are both committed to avoiding distracted driving and drunk driving. There many online pledges that you can sign as well as online certificates and pledges that you can print out and sign with your teen.

6) Get your teen additional driver training. Most teens can get a driver’s license with only a very limited number of practical in-car hours and many of those driving hours do not include very focused one-on-one instruction. Additional one-on-one training with a trained driving instructor or defensive driving classes can help develop skills and can reduce the risk of a Coral Springs traffic accident. Racing classes can also be a fun way for your teen to hone skills.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Resolve to Reduce Tamarac Car Collisions in 2013

Monday, December 31st, 2012

It’s that time of year again. Many people are making their resolutions for a better 2013. If you are considering ways to make yourself healthier, wealthier, and more successful in 2013, you may also want to consider making some resolutions that can help you stay safer all year long. Some resolutions that can help you avoid a Tamarac traffic accident in 2013 include:

1) Resolve not to drive distracted. Currently, Florida is one of only a few states that do not have any bans in place against texting and driving. While it may not be strictly illegal, distracted driving is extremely dangerous. Even checking your phone for a few seconds is enough time to cause a serious Tamarac truck accident or car accident. Sign a pledge not to drive distracted, make it a habit to put your mobile device away before you step in the car, and generally take steps to avoid driving distracted.

2) Resolve to hone your driving skills. Most drivers stop learning how to drive once they take their driver’s education classes and get their license. This can be a mistake, since road conditions and abilities change over time. In addition, you may move from the state where you got your driver’s license and be facing an entirely new set of driving conditions. Every driver can benefit from improving their driving skills. This year, consider taking refresher courses or defensive driving courses. Even taking a racing class can be fun and can actually improve your driving skills. Before you sign up for classes, consider calling up your insurance company to see whether taking specific types of classes will even help you lower your insurance rates.

3) Resolve to get rid of one bad driving habit. All drivers have some bad habits. Being aware of your habits and taking steps to correct them is an important way of staying safe and avoiding Tamarac pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents. Choose one bad habit that is dangerous for your driving and make get rid of it this upcoming year. Make a point to be aware of when you’re indulging in your habit, and take steps to break yourself of the practice.

4) Resolve not to drive drunk. Sign a pledge, keep extra money in your glove compartment for cabs, and plan ahead to avoid driving drunk. Tamarac drunk driving accidents are completely preventable and taking just a few steps can ensure you never have to go through the agony of causing a DUI accident.

5) Resolve to become an advocate in preventing Tamarac traffic collisions. Make a resolution to make a difference in preventing Tamarac accidents. Join a group dedicated to preventing accidents, write to your elected representative about safety issues you notice around you, or volunteer your time with a group that helps accident victims. If everyone were to do just one thing to make a difference, it would make an enormous impact.

6) Resolve to take care of your health. Poor health leads to many Tamarac car accidents and truck accidents. When you are in poor health, you may experience problems sleeping, leading to fatigue driving. Some symptoms may also be distracting and may prevent you from operating your car safely. Finally, some chronic health conditions, when left unmanaged, can lead to a serious medical emergency that can cause you to lose control of your car. In addition to getting slim in 2013, make a resolution to stay as healthy as possible so you can live your life fully and safely.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

How Driver Rehabilitation Helps Keeps Roads Safer and Helps Prevent North Miami Traffic Collisions

Friday, November 16th, 2012

Driver rehabilitation services allow drivers to work with specially trained driving instructors. Driver rehabilitation services in fact offer many things, including:

1) Driving evaluations. As drivers get older, driving ability may become a concern. While many drivers drive safely well into their senior years, some senior drivers develop medical conditions which affect their ability to drive. Since everyone ages differently, it can be difficult to determine exactly when driving ability starts to decline. Professionals offering driver rehabilitation offer evaluations for senior drivers and any drivers concerned about their driving ability. These evaluations can help pinpoint issues and problems before a North Miami car accident occurs. Driver rehabilitation professionals can also make suggestions, such as exercises for flexibility or new driving techniques to help drivers cope with changing needs.

2) Specialized driver training for new drivers. New drivers who have medical conditions or physical issues which affect driving often need different driving instruction than those who do not face these challenges. Driver rehabilitation services can offer specialized new driver training for those who are in wheelchairs as well as for new drivers who face learning disabilities or other issues which could affect driver training.

3) Specialized driver training for experienced drivers with different needs. Health conditions can sometimes change an experienced driver’s ability to drive safely. For example, a North Miami spinal cord injury patient may need to learn to drive all over again with reduced mobility. Someone who has suffered a stroke or other serious illness may also need to re-learn to drive with different abilities. Driver rehabilitation can help with these issues.

4) Specialized equipment training for new drivers and their families. Someone who has suffered from a serious illness and needs a wheelchair or other devices needs to learn how to use those devices when driving. Family members may also need to learn how to drive someone who is in a wheelchair or uses other medical devices. Driver rehabilitation can help teach these skills.

5) Assistance with accessibility features for vehicles. After a serious injury or medical condition, drivers sometimes need to use accessibility features to drive safely. Driver rehabilitation professionals can help drivers determine which accessibility features and devices can help – and how to use these features most effectively.

Driver rehabilitation can help any driver who has suffered an illness or injury which affects their driving ability. These services can cost considerable amounts, however. If the injury which has affected your driving was caused by negligence, contact a North Miami personal injury attorney to see whether you may be able to seek compensation to help pay for medical costs, driver rehabilitation costs, car accessibility features, and other costs related to your injury.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Elderly Victims in Miami Car Collisions

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

Miami car crashes claim many lives and cause a devastating array in injuries, including many permanent and life-threatening injuries. As the percentage of elderly persons grows, senior citizens are more likely to be affected by the high numbers of Miami car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13% of the total US population in 2009 were aged 65 years or older. Senior citizens comprised 16% of car accident fatalities and 8% of injury victims in car accidents in 2009. According to the NHTSA, senior drivers are less likely than the rest of the population to be involved in drunk driving accidents and are more likely to the be the struck vehicle in a car accident. Despite this, there are still some reasons why car accidents claim so many senior citizens’ lives:

1) The growing number of senior citizens. With improved quality of life and medical care, more Americans are living longer. This is a great thing, but it can also mean more people who are seniors – and a growing demographic at risk. In Florida, especially, there are many senior citizens, attracted by the state’s climate and lifestyle. This is one reason why a number of Miami car collisions involve senior citizens.

2) The changing nature of the roads. Over the past few decades, a number of initiatives have been designed to make roadways safer than ever before. At the same time, however, the roads are increasingly complex and congested, increasing the risk of accidents.

3) Medical issues. Any driver can suddenly develop medical problems that can affect driving ability. However, elderly drivers are especially prone to some medical problems, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dementia, which have subtle symptoms but which can significantly impact driving safety. Conditions such as these can be hard to detect at first, even as they affect a patient’s ability to drive safely.

4) Senior citizens may be more likely to walk. In many cities, senior citizens are more likely to be injured in a pedestrian accident than other adults. Part of the reason why seniors are at risk for Miami pedestrian accidents is because seniors often take part in walks for fitness or may rely on walking as a mode of transportation, potentially putting them more at risk. Seniors who have mobility problems are especially at risk for pedestrian accidents and Miami slip and fall accidents while walking.

Unfortunately, seniors may suffer more serious injuries as a result of traffic accidents. Since seniors are more likely to suffer from conditions such as osteoporosis, bone breakage caused by a car accident may be more likely in the senior population. As well, the elderly may be more vulnerable to complications as a result of their injuries and may take longer to heal from brain injuries and other injuries sustained in car accidents. Underlying conditions and overall condition can mean that healing simply takes a long time.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Florida Rear-End Collisions: What You Need to Know

Friday, October 7th, 2011

Rear-end collisions usually occur when a vehicle is tailgating or when one driver brakes suddenly. Moderate speed Florida rear-end crashes can result in whiplash. Higher speeds can result in herniation, brain injuries, and other serious injuries. This type of car accident can be jarring and upsetting. It can also lead to serious Florida brain injuries, broken bones, and other serious injuries. In cases where there are items, such as groceries, in a vehicle, these objects can become airborne during a Florida car accident and can cause serious injuries, even at lower speeds. Even though some rear end Florida car accidents are nothing more than fender benders, serious injuries and even fatalities do occur with this type of car accident.

The trunk space of a car can help protect passengers from impact. Those most likely to be injured in this type of crash are the passengers in the rear of a van, as the rear crumple zone in a van tends to be small. In fact, any passenger vehicle with reduced trunk space can be more problematic with a rear end collision. In some cases, victims who have sustained injures in rear end collisions are injured because there is a flaw with the design of the car, which causes additional injuries despite there being a cushion of trunk space. If you believe that your Florida car accident injuries were caused by this type of defect, you will need to work with a qualified Florida product liability attorney to help investigate the true cause of your injuries.

Unfortunately, rear end car accidents are more likely to injure people sitting in the rear of the vehicle, as that is where most of the impact occurs. Tragically, it is often children who are sitting in the rear seat of the vehicle. For this reason, it is very important to ensure that any children in your car are always restrained with age-appropriate safety restraints. Without these restraints, children can be flung about the interior of the car, causing serious and permanent injury.

The driver of the car that rear-ends a vehicle is usually considered to be at fault. Usually, authorities believe that the driver did not pay due attention or did not leave adequate room to stop safely. However, is dangerous to assume that the hitting car is always at fault. Some Florida staged car accidents, for example, occur when a car brakes suddenly or drives recklessly, causing other cars to rear end it. If you have been in the rear end collision, it is important not to take blame or agree with an assessment of the situation until a thorough investigation of the accident can be completed. If you are accused of a rear end accident but believe that you were not at fault, you may need to work with a qualified Florida attorney to determine true liability in the accident.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog