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According to a new study by researchers from the Safe Transportation Education and Research Center at the University of California, obese passengers are more likely to sustain fatal injuries in a car accident when compared with passengers who are a healthy weight. The study, published in the Emergency Medicine Journal, expressed concerns about the ability of passenger vehicles to safely accommodate obese passengers and drivers.

Study Suggests Obese Passengers May be More at Risk

Researchers examined data of fatal accidents between 1996 and 2008, which were recorded through the US Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Between 1996 and 2008, the data showed that there were 57,491 car accidents. For about 3,403 people information about weight and seat belt use was available. Of these 3,403 people, 18% were obese, a third were overweight, and almost half were a healthy weight (based on BMI). Looking at the data, researchers found that those with a BMI (body mass index) of 30-34.9 had a 21% higher chance of dying in a car crash when compared with passengers and drivers of a healthy weight. Drivers and passengers with a BMI of 35-39.9 had a 51% higher risk of fatal injuries. Those who were severely obese with a BMI of at least 40 had an 80% higher chance of dying in a car accident when compared with those of a normal weight.

Researchers concluded that at least once possible explanation may be related to seat belt use. The study found that one third of those who died in the car accidents were not properly wearing a seat belt. The study’s authors concluded that some people who are severely obese may not be able to wear a seat belt properly or may choose not to wear a seat belt because it is not comfortable.

The study authors also suggested that in a car collision the lower body of an obese passenger is pushed forward more before the seatbelt engages. This is due to the extra tissue and body mass which keeps the belt from fitting snugly. The upper body is held back more while the pelvis moves forward, which the researchers believe may lead to more serious injuries.

The study’s authors also suggested that obese drivers and passengers may have more underlying health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac problems, and other conditions which can affect their recovery if they sustain serious injury.

What does this mean for obese drivers and passengers in South Florida?

The study suggests that drivers and passengers who are obese are more at risk of serious injuries in the event of a car accident in Fort Lauderdale and other communities. The study’s authors suggested that seatbelts sometimes do not fit obese passengers as well as they could. Hopefully, car and truck manufacturers will consider creating seatbelts for obese passengers and drivers so that these motorists can stay safer in the event of a truck accident in For Lauderdale and other communities. Traffic accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Florida already claim too many lives. Creating safety devices that work correctly for passengers of all sizes and shapes would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Miami spinal cord injuries are most often caused by Miami car accidents and traffic accidents, violence, and falls. Miami traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of these types of injuries. Unfortunately for patients who have sustained this type of injury, spinal cord injuries can be among the most expensive injuries to sustain in a Miami truck accident or car accident. The medical costs alone in the first year can exceed 0 000, in part because of the many treatments that these patients need:

1) Emergency medical care. Most Miami spinal cord injury patients are rushed to hospital directly from the accident scene, where they require immediate medical help.

2) Rehabilitation. Miami spinal cord injury patients almost always need years of rehabilitation in order to strength muscles, regain some mobility, and learn to deal with a severe injury. Thes cost of this type of help can be substantial.

3) Counseling and support. Depression is a common concern for Miami spinal cord injury patients, many of whom suffer from depression and even substance abuse problems as they try to cope with their injury. In many cases, patients require help for the depression or even medication for the condition.

4) Surgery. After sustaining a traumatic spinal cord injury, many patients require emergency surgery to stabilize the spinal cord or to remove pressure from the spinal cord. These surgeries generally require a specialist and are quite complex, resulting in higher costs.

5) Extended hospital stays. Most patients who have sustained a spinal cord injury need to be in traction or kept immobilized in order to allow the injured area to heal. Patients may also require more healing time after surgery, resulting in extended hospital stays as well as numerous costs.

6) Ventilators and other costs. Patients who have sustained injuries high on the spinal cord may not be able to breathe on their own and may need to be on a ventilator or may need a pacemaker for the rest of their lives. The yearly costs of the ventilator and patient care for someone using this type of device can be quite high.

7) Transportation costs. If a Miami spinal cord injury patient recovers some mobility, they may be able to drive but may require a special vehicle or a specially modified vehicle that accommodates the injury. In cases where patients do not have the mobility to drive a car, they may need to pay for other methods of transportation. Many patients will also need a wheelchair.

Loss of income costs. Many patients spend months away from work after a Miami spinal cord injury. In some cases, mobility issues do not allow a patient to return to work and the patient must find some way to replace the lost income of decades.

9) Home care and home accessibility changes. Many patients with severe Miami spinal cord injuries need home care and in some cases require around-the-clock care because they do regain enough mobility to take care of everyday tasks themselves. The cost of a lifetime of at-home care can be substantial. In addition, in most cases, some changes to the home will also be needed to accommodate mobility issues. For example, grab bars may need to be installed in the bathrooms, lifts on the stairs, and ramps to the house. In some cases, doorways may need to be widened and counters lowered if a patient is wheelchair-bound.

10) Medication and incidental medical costs. Medications are usually required for Miami spinal cord injury patients. In addition to pain medication and anti-depressants many patients may also need medication to deal with occasional infections. In fact, spinal cord patients are subject to many complications, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and other problems which may require treatment and medication.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

A new study from the Montreal Public Health Department, published in the American Journal on Public Health, suggests that those who live in neighborhoods with low incomes are more likely to be injured in car accidents when compared with car accident victims from more affluent communities. According to the researchers, children are especially susceptible to the economic gap, with children from less well-off neighborhoods being 7.3 times more likely to be hurt as pedestrians in a car accident when compared with children from wealthier communities.
Researchers completed the study by examining neighborhoods in Montreal, Canada by average household income and by comparing traffic accident injuries in each neighborhood between 1999 and 2004. There may be many reasons why lower-income neighborhoods have the troublingly higher rate of car accident injuries, and many of the findings may also be applicable to Miami car accidents:

1) Lower-income neighborhoods may have more traffic. According to the study authors, some lower-income neighborhoods have twice as much traffic and busier streets. While affluent neighborhoods often have residential areas that are well out of the way of noisy traffic, lower-income neighborhoods may have more mixed-use areas and may have more traffic. In Miami, that can mean more Miami traffic accidents.

2) Lower-income neighborhoods have a higher population density. Lower-income areas tend, generally, to have more residents and more businesses, while higher-income areas usually have larger homes, more spaces between buildings, and thus a lower population density. That can mean more people and more cars in low-income areas competing for space, which in turn can mean more congestion and more traffic accidents.

3) Lower-income neighborhoods have residents with less access to cars, meaning that more people walk. According to the study, lower-income pedestrians were 6.6 times more likely to be injured by a vehicle. The study also suggests that Miami bicycle accidents may be a problem in lower-income areas, as cyclists in less affluent neighborhoods were 3.9 times more likely to be injured by a vehicle when compared with cyclists in wealthier areas.

4) Lower-income neighborhoods may be less well funded in terms of signage and infrastructure. Higher-income neighborhoods often have groups dedicated to ensuring that the community stays attractive, with well-paved roads and with correct signage. There may be less pressure on cities to beautify lower-income areas, and higher traffic in these areas can mean that streets are in less pristine condition, paving the way for accidents.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Car accidents are a leading cause of Pembroke Pines brain injuries and head injuries. Although car manufacturers have done much to make cars safer and to prevent head injuries, the head area is still very vulnerable in any Pembroke Pines traffic accident. When the car comes to a sudden stop, passengers in the vehicle are often thrown forward suddenly. This sudden jolt can be violent enough to cause the brain inside the skull to bounce up against the skull, causing brain damage. Even whiplash and mild concussions can cause serious injury and months of recovery time. A more serious brain injury can cause fatalities or a lifetime of suffering. According to experts, there are many things that can be done to help prevent this:

1) Wear a seat belt at all times. Seat belts are one of the best ways to prevent brain injury because they keep you in place in the event of a Pembroke Pines traffic accident. If you are not wearing a seatbelt, you are likely to crash head-first through the windshield and hit your head on a hard surface, which is very likely to cause serious traumatic brain injury.

2) Do not seat children in the front seat. Air bags can be dangerous for small children. Infants and toddlers should always be in the back seat, in an age-appropriate restraint system. Older children are also safest in the back seat. If they are in the front seat, they should use a booster seat to protect them from head injury in the event of a car accident.

3) Consider seatbelts and air bags if you are petite. Studies have shown that people who are not at least average height face a higher risk of being injured by a seat belt or air bag in a car accident. If you are below average height, this is something you will want to consider when adjusting your seat and selecting your car.

4) Always get professional help if you have been in a car accident and even suspect that you may have sustained a head injury. Some brain injuries do not show symptoms right away but can still be fatal. If you have hit your head, it is much better to err on the side of caution and get medical help at once to rule out a serious injury.

5) If you have sustained a brain injury after a car accident, contact a Pembroke Pines personal injury attorney. Unfortunately, Pembroke Pines brain injury victims often find that medical insurance and car insurance do not always cover the full cost of their injuries after an accident. Speaking with a Pembroke Pines personal injury attorney before you sign any paperwork ensures that you understand what your case may be worth and ensures that you get professional legal advice to protect your interests.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

According to Florida officials, about one quarter of Florida drivers will be seniors by the year 2030. Currently, about 20 percent of drivers in the state are seniors age 65 or older. Much has already been written about elderly drivers and Miami car accidents. Some experts claim that age-related health concerns could make these drivers a risk. Others argue that health concerns that affect driving ability can occur at any age, so it is unfair to target elderly drivers.

A new study, however, suggests that it is not only elderly drivers we need to be concerned about: it is also senior personal injury victims injured in car accidents. According to TRIP, a transportation research group, more senior drivers were killed in 2010 in car accidents in Florida than in any other region of the US. According to the study, 271 seniors were killed in car accidents in Florida in 2010. The study also found that in 503 deaths related to car accidents, the drivers involved were senior drivers. Florida has 9.87 elderly fatalities per 100 000 individuals. Only Texas had a higher rate related to population, with 10.7 senior deaths per 100 000 people.

According to both TRIP and an advocacy organization known as Floridians for Better Transportation, more needs to be done to make Florida roadways safer for everyone, especially now that the number of senior drivers is on the rise. According to Floridians for Better Transportation, one of the issues is that many retirees choose to settle in Florida in their golden years, and this can mean that drivers who are used to driving in other states (and not used to driving in Florida) end up in Florida. Another issue is that drivers are driving longer and seniors are living longer, meaning that elderly drivers spend more time behind the wheel than in past generations.

One issue with Miami car accidents and traffic accidents is not only what causes them, but also the types of injuries which passengers and drivers can sustain. The high rate of fatalities found in the TRIP study could suggest that elderly drivers are vulnerable to injuries sustained in car accidents. Some age-related illnesses, such as osteoporosis, can make elderly victims of Miami truck accidents and traffic accidents more susceptible to broken bones, for example. If an elderly driver or passenger has a pre-existing health condition, any brain injuries, fractures, burn injuries, and other injuries can take longer to heal.

Elderly car accident victims face many challenges as they recover as well. Since many seniors are on fixed incomes, medical costs, car repair costs, and other Miami traffic accident-related costs can create substantial financial distress. At the same time, insurers do not always provide elderly injury victims with fair claim amounts. Since elderly victims may not be income earners, for example, they may not recover for lost income and other related expenses. In addition, elderly drivers may sometimes be unfairly blamed for an accident.

For all these reasons, it is important for elderly car accident victims to consult with a qualified Miami personal injury attorney after their accident. An experienced Miami personal injury attorney can investigate the cause of the accident, can help the accident victim understand the value of their case, and can negotiate with insurance carriers for fairer compensation.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Many Florida spinal cord injury patients sustain their injuries as a result of a car accident. The force and impact of a car collision often causes extensive trauma to the entire body. Being ejected from the car or being tossed about inside of the car – often the result of not wearing a seat belt – can easily lead to brain injuries and spinal cord injuries as the body comes into violent contact with hard surfaces.

Florida spinal cord injury patients traditionally face many obstacles. Back injuries sustained in traffic accidents are often very serious, due to the impact of the accident. As well, spinal cord injuries are among the more expensive Florida car accident injuries to treat. Many patients have in excess of 0 000 in medical bills in their first year after their accident alone. This is because spinal cord injuries often require extended hospital stays, surgery, and other expensive treatment.

Florida spinal cord injury patients often face additional challenges after their accident, as well. For example, some of the treatments for spinal cord injuries – including rehabilitation work and home care – are not covered by health insurance. As well, car insurance is often capped far below what spinal cord injury patients will need to pay for their injuries, and since patients often cannot work after their injury, there are few resources available. Worse, in many cases spinal cord injuries are permanent, and require a lifetime of home care and medical treatment and represent a lifetime of lost income.

For all of these reasons, it is important to contact an experienced South Florida personal injury attorney soon after a serious car accident. A good attorney can investigate the accident, find all liable parties, and aggressively pursue all sources of recovery. This can make a tremendous impact on a spinal cord injury patient’s outcome. With financial resources in place, a back injury patient can get the support, medication, income, and medical care needed to make the best possible recovery.

There is also good news for Florida spinal cord injury patients. Traditionally, some patients have been treated with spinal fusion, which helps patients with herniated discs in the neck. While the treatment can be effective, it does usually require multiple surgeries and months of recovery. However, doctors as Bay Medical Center have been offering a new procedure for patients with herniated discs in the neck. The new procedure places an artificial disc in the neck and patients who have this procedure often enjoy a shorter recovery time and may not require repeat surgeries. Surgery takes about an hour and a half and currently the procedure is available for patients with only one damaged disc. The ideal patients for the surgery are under 50, in good general physical condition, and are non-smokers. Currently, only a few physicians offer the procedure in Florida.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Drunk Driving Accident Injury Victims Should Seek Legal Counsel

Drunk driving accidents are perhaps the most tragic of accidents that occur on the road. These types of accidents cause many unexpected, but entirely avoidable, accidents each year, and a large number of them are occurring in Los Angeles, California. In fact, the number of drunk driving accidents in this city remains steady, so the chances that you or someone you know has been or will be injured or involved in a drunk driving accident higher than normal. Injuries that you may receive from any type of accident could be detrimental to your overall health and too costly for you to comfortably afford.Visit Here Now http://localaccidentinjurylawyer.blogspot.com

If you were the innocent victim of a drunk driving accident, you should not be held responsible, morally or financially, for the injuries and potential medical debts you’ve incurred. The party or parties who caused the accident and your injuries should be liable for their misdeeds. In order to insure that you receive the help you are going to need in the courtroom fighting for your rights, you should hire a drunk driving accident attorney to represent your claim.

There are many types of injuries you could have received from your drunk driving accident. It isn’t uncommon for many victims to enter the hospital with pain and damage to their back, shoulders, legs, and joints. Some of the more severe injuries may even include internal damage, such as internal bleeding, skeletal pain, or brain malfunction.

Thankfully, many times the only physical damages incurred include whiplash or mild muscle pain. However, there are emotional traumas that could potentially be a result from drunk driving accidents as well. These injuries should not be overlooked or underestimated in terms of their reality and severity. Regardless of the type of injuries you’re received or the severity of the pain, you should immediately contact a specialized drunk driving lawyer to help you get the settlements funds you need to financially cover those injuries.

The rightful settlement amount you and your lawyer should pursue takes into consideration a number of different items you may not even think about. This makes it incredibly important for you to hire an educated and knowledgeable drunk driving accident attorney who has handled cases similar to yours in the past. Your medical bills will obviously be the most significant part of the settlement funds you pursue. It is incredible how quickly these costs will accumulate and accrue, so make sure your Los Angeles car accident lawyer knows exactly how much you are being charged for the hospital care you’ve received for your injuries.

You probably also experienced a substantial amount of damage to your vehicle. Mechanic costs can also be incredibly expensive, even for minor problems or cosmic blemishes incurred during the accident. Visit Here Now http://localaccidentinjurylawyer.blogspot.com

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