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According to statistics:

•Florida has a high percentage of drivers. 4 out of 5 Florida residents are licensed drivers. In the Miami area, for example, about 15.3 million people out of a population of 19.3 are licensed motorists. In addition, there are an unknown number of drivers on Florida roads who drive without licenses. Experts estimate that 1-3% of drivers may be unlicensed motorists.

•Your chances of being in a car collision in Miami and other Florida cities may not be as high as you fear. In 2013, less than 1.3% of Florida’s licensed drivers are expected to be involved in a traffic crash.

•The toll of car accidents in Miami is high. In 2010 alone, there were 235,461 car accidents in Florida, with 2,261 of them resulting in deaths. In Miami-Dade County alone, there were 248 deaths due to traffic accidents that year.

•Where you live can affect your chances of a significant car accident injury. Miami Dade leads Florida counties for traffic fatalities, with 248 reported in 2010. That same year, there were 160 car accident fatalities in Broward County, 151 fatalities in Hillsborough County, 129 in Orange County, and 113 in Palm Beach County.

•Certain times are more dangerous when it comes to traffic accidents. According to statistics, 55.3% of fatal traffic accidents in Miami and other cities occur at night. Weekends see more accidents than weekdays, with Saturday accounting for 19% of fatalities. The highest number of car accidents in Florida occur in March, with more than 9.4% of car accident occurring during that month.

•Where you drive also has an impact. Close to 38% of fatal traffic accidents in 2010 occurred on two-way roadways.

•You are more likely to be killed in a car accident or truck accident in Miami or Florida if you are a man. 70.9% of people killed in car accident in 2010 in Florida were men while 29.1% of fatalities were women.

•The causes of car accidents vary. Statistics show that the most common causes of car crashes are distracted driving, drunk driving, aggressive driving, inexperienced motorists, and weather.

If you have been in a car accident or pedestrian accident in Miami or any other community, you will want to consult with a personal injury attorney as well as a doctor. A good personal injury lawyer in Miami or your community can help you review your legal options as well as the likely total costs of your injuries. In the end, car accidents are about more than just numbers. Even if statistically you have a low risk of being in an accident, you may find yourself seriously injured in a collision due to someone’s negligence or recklessness. If this happens, you may be have legal options that allow you to seek compensation for pain and suffering, property damage, lost wages, medical costs, and other expenses related to your injury.

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

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the number of fatal hit and run traffic collisions in the state appears to be increase. Between 2011 and 2012, the number of hit and runs across the state increased 4000. In 2012, there were 70 000 such accidents, leading to 168 fatalities.

The Highway Patrol is launching a “Hit and Run: Bad 2 Worse” campaign in Florida to make drivers aware of the risks of hit and run accidents. Authorities want to get the message across: when you leave the scene of a car accident in Miami or any other community you face serious consequences. Currently, drivers who leave the scene of an accident without stopping to help others face up to 000 in fines and up to 30 years in jail if the accident is a fatal one.

According to authorities, there are four main reasons why at-fault drivers leave the scene of a traffic accident in Miami and other communities:

1) The at-fault driver is wanted by police or has a record. In many hit and run accidents in Miami and South Florida, the at-fault driver leaves because he or she has a criminal record, is driving a stolen car, or is otherwise wanted by police. In these cases, the driver hopes that if the authorities cannot find them, they will not be charged for the accident and for any other crimes.

2) The driver has no insurance. There are many uninsured and under-insured drivers in Florida and when one of these drivers causes an accident, they flee the scene of the collision because they fear the costs of having to pay for the accident. In some cases, the drivers may not even be licensed to drive.

3) The driver panics. Being in an accident is frightening and some drivers may simply panic, unsure what to do after a car accident in Miami or South Florida. While it is understandable that a car collision can lead to panic, Florida law is very clear: failing to stop and offer assistance as well as exchange information after a car accident is a crime.

4) The driver is driving under the influence. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and South Florida occur often. In many cases, a driver who is driving under the influence does not want a DUI charge and will leave the scene of an accident. Even if the authorities find the person eventually, it will be harder to prove that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident.

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

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

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

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

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

Distracted driving is a key cause of Florida and North Miami traffic accidents. Research has also shown that teen drivers are more likely than adult drivers to be involved in a car accident. Many parents worry about the statistics and worry about the fact that their teens maybe driving distracted, putting them more at risk of a North Miami car accident. However, there many things that parents can do to help prevent their teens from driving distracted:

1) Make sure your teen knows what driving distracted is. Some teens assume that checking their cell phone very quickly does not amount to distracted driving. It is important to emphasize to teen drivers that taking their eyes or their mind off of driving for even a fraction of second is enough to cause a serious North Miami traffic accident. List all the types of distracted driving possible — including changing a CD, talking to passengers, daydreaming, etc. Make sure that your teen understands that there are many ways to be distracted and that all of them can lead to a North Miami truck accident or car accident.

2) Make sure your teen knows the laws. Some drivers assume that since Florida does not ban texting and driving, it is safe to do in the car. Many research studies, however, have proven that distracted driving can lead to traffic accident and can actually be just as risky as North Miami drunk driving. In addition, Florida law does allow someone who was injured in a car accident to pursue a legal claim against an at-fault driver who was driving recklessly. Therefore, even if your teen does not technically break the law by texting and driving, if the texting causes injuries in a car accident they could be held liable. Make sure your teen understands this law.

3) Help your teen understand the consequences of distracted driving. There are many online resources that describe in graphic detail how families have been torn apart and how people have suffered catastrophic North Miami head injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, and other serious injuries as a result of distracted driving. Oprah aired an entire episode a few seasons ago about distracted driving. In addition, many law enforcement agencies have information about distracted driving, including information about how catastrophic the results of this type of driving can be. Gather a number of resources and watch them with your teen so that they can see firsthand just how a few seconds of texting or distracted driving can lead to tragedy.

4) Work with your teen to raise awareness about distracted driving. If your teen is able to get involved with raising awareness about distracted driving, he or she may be less likely to drive distractedly themselves. Consider volunteering your time and efforts with an organization dedicated to helping prevent distracted driving. It may help teach your teen driver how important it is to keep their full focus on the road while driving.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog