Posts Tagged ‘Road’

Recovering From a Car Accident in Tamarac Can Take Years – Here’s How to Get on the Road to Healing

Friday, May 17th, 2013

A serious car collision in Tamarac can result in severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, burns, and other injuries. In addition to being painful and devastating, these injuries can require literally years of healing time and recovery. In some cases, the injuries prove permanent and require a lifetime of care. If you have suffered a serious injury, it is important that you:

1) Get the best medical treatment you can. Seek help immediately after a traffic accident, since in some cases injuries can become fatal if not addressed right away. If you have been in a traffic collision in Tamarac or any other community, it is a good idea to seek medical attention, even if you do not have any serious symptoms or any symptoms at all. At the very least, you will want to be evaluated for head injury. In addition, you will want to get follow up care and possibly a second opinion if your injuries are serious. Unfortunately, medical mistakes and misdiagnosis in Tamarac and Florida can cause car accident patients to suffer even more serious injury and complications, so paying close attention to your medical care is vital.

2) Find a support system. Injuries don’t just cause physical pain. A severe traffic accident can also cause emotional trauma and upset. It is important to find a support system that can help you through the emotional healing process as your body heals. You can look for support groups in your area and turn to friends and family for help. If you feel depressed or are having trouble recovering emotionally from your injuries, speak with your doctor. He or she will be able to recommend counseling or other options that can help you.

3) Take care of your finances and legal rights. The insurance claims process after a traffic accident can be confusing and in many cases you may have the right to file a legal claim. The financial and legal aspects of your case can determine how much compensation you receive for your injuries. If you have been seriously injured and your healing process will take some time, it is very important to pursue the fairest compensation you are entitled to. Without it, you may end up paying some of the costs of your injury on your own, and this can cause significant financial distress at a time when you need no additional stress. To help safeguard your rights, consult with a personal injury attorney in Tamarac or your community to review your options.

4) Prevent further injury. One of the risks with a serious injury is secondary injury. For example, if you have sustained a head injury in a Tamarac car collision, balance and vision issues resulting from your injury could put you more at risk for slip and fall injuries in your Tamarac home. If you have sustained a serious injury, speak with your doctor about the steps you should take to minimize the risk of complications and secondary injury. This may involve making your home more accessible or it may mean getting physical therapy or other forms of therapy.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Could Road Rage Be Contributing to Half of Car Accidents in Miami and Across Florida?

Saturday, February 2nd, 2013

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

Fatal trailer fire on Edgewood Road in RM of Springfield

Sunday, December 23rd, 2012

One person is dead after a trailer fire in the Rural Municipality of Springfield early Saturday.

Manitoba stories

Road Workers and Miami Car Accidents

Friday, June 22nd, 2012

Road workers, firefighters or other emergency workers often need to share the road space with cars as they work. Unfortunately, this can cause more Miami traffic accidents due to a number of reasons:

1) Road work and emergencies can mean more debris and foreign objects on the roads. Road crews may need to place supplies and items on the road as they repair the roads or build new projects, and this can easily cause a Miami car accident if a driver runs over the item or swerves to avoid debris. In emergencies, too, a fire or other tragedy may mean that debris ends up in the road, where it can be a hazard. When driving near an emergency site or an area where road work is taking place, it is important to stay extra alert and to slow down, so that you can notice any of these hazards in time.

2) Emergencies and road work can mean detours, closed streets, and therefore more congestion in nearby areas. You don’t even need to be driving by an affected area to be in a Miami car accident related to road work or an emergency. As road crews or authorities divert traffic, nearby areas can become congested, leading to frustration and collisions.

3) Road work and emergencies can mean the unexpected. On these sites, the unexpected it expected. Whether that means a tractor backing up or a fire truck rushing to the scene, emergency sites and road work sites are nothing like usual traffic areas, which is one reason why it is important to obey any signage in the area and to obey any direction given by ground crew or authorities at the site.

4) Emergencies and road work are usually a major driver distraction. It is natural to be curious about an emergency or a new project, but looking at what is happening rather than at the signs and at the traffic can easily lead to an accident. Some drivers even slow down to take photos of a site or to call in the report to a news station. This level of distraction can easily lead to a secondary accident, so it is important to focus on driving. You can read about the event later in a newspaper.

5) Emergencies and road work can mean more pedestrians. Many traffic accidents at emergency sites and road work sites are in fact Miami pedestrian accidents. Road crews and emergency personnel need to move in and between cars at these sites, and this puts them at risk. Distracted drivers who are not watching the traffic are an especial danger to road crew workers and emergency personnel. For this reason, it is important to focus on your driving and to give road crews and emergency personnel extra space where you can.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Planning a Road Trip This Summer? Here’s How to Avoid Florida Car Accidents on the Road

Sunday, June 17th, 2012

Summer is a great time to pack up the car and hit the road. Many Floridians are choosing road trips over more complicated air travel due to costs. A car is a great way to explore the state and regions across the US, but road trips can lead to Miami car accidents. To avoid a Florida car collision, make sure that you:

1) Plan a sober trip. Miami drunk driving accidents are still a major cause of fatalities and on a road trip it can be tempting to unwind after a long day of driving with a beer. Designate a driver or resolve to avoid drinking until you get to your destination.

2) Bring the right number of passengers. An extra passenger or two can actually help you prevent a Miami traffic accident by taking over the driving when you are tired. An extra passenger can also take over reading the directions and street signs, so that you can focus on driving rather than trying to find your destination. However, too many passengers can be a distraction. Aim for one or two passengers per car.

3) Be careful about overloading the car, especially in ways that obscure visibility. Putting too much in your car can overload the tires and make you more prone to tire blow outs. Passenger cars that are overburdened with extra weight can also handle less easily. Just as overloaded trucks are more prone to Miami truck accidents, too heavy cars can also be more at risk. Adding a trailer is not necessarily safer, either, since a trailer poses its own risks. Where possible, aim to travel light. Try to place as many items as possible in the trunk of the car, where they will not obstruct your ability to see out the windows of your car. Keeping items in your car can also prove dangerous if you are in a car accident and the items become airborne. In this situation, any items in your car can cause Miami brain injuries and other serious injuries as they become projectiles.

4) Plan to drive distraction-free. Either plan your route ahead of time or have a passenger take care of guiding you. Checking your GPS or a map while driving is dangerous. Turn off your cell phone and mobile device before you start to drive and pull over if you need to check a map.

5) Plan ahead to stop and take rests. Professional truck drivers know that fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of Miami truck accidents. Driving too long before taking a break can cause you to drift off at the wheel. Make sure that you plan your route so that there are places to stop for a coffee and a stretch. At night, check in somewhere where you can get a good night’s sleep so that you can continue on your way refreshed and safe.

6) Get your car tuned up before you go. Mechanical failure on the road can delay your trip. More seriously, losing control of your car because something goes wrong with your brakes or tires can cause a Miami pedestrian accident or traffic accident. Take care of any problems with your car before you go.

7) Get yourself prepared to drive comfortably. Driving long distances is physically taxing. Keep water and chewing gum in your car, as well as a sweater and sunglasses. Make sure that you have these items so that you can stay comfortable and focused on the road rather than distracted by your own discomfort.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Hialeah Road Work and Hialeah Car Accidents

Monday, June 11th, 2012

Road work is a constant in the summer on Hialeah and Florida roads, as communities strive to fix the roads and add infrastructure. Unfortunately, summer is also a time when many visitors come to enjoy Florida beaches, and the added traffic and congestion caused by road work can be a real danger. Road work means unexpected road conditions, added truck traffic, and more pedestrians in the work area. It can also mean that entire roadways or lanes are closed, causing congestion and frayed tempers. To avoid some of the problems that can lead to a Hialeah traffic accident, make sure to plan ahead:

1) Plan ahead so that you know where road work is taking place. One of the easiest ways to prevent a Hialeah truck accident caused by roadwork is to simply listen to traffic reports in order to plan your driving routes more efficiently. If you need to get somewhere fast, listen to the traffic reports so that you are prepared ahead of time for accidents, road work, and other delays.

2) Try to avoid road work areas, especially when congestion is likely to happen. During rush hour and during times when time is of the essence, look for ways to avoid road work. Listen to traffic reports and plan an alternate route. Avoiding congested areas is a good way to avoid Hialeah truck accidents and will make your drive much easier as well.

3) Give yourself plenty of time. If you cannot avoid a construction or road work area, don’t rush. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and call ahead if you need to let others know that you have been detained during traffic. Trying to rush through a road work area increases the risk of a Hialeah car collision, and also increases the likelihood of road rage.

4) Keep your eye on the road and the signs. When proceeding through a road work area, look out for signs and instructions from workers. Traffic may be rerouted through areas and information may be posted. If adequate information is not posted, alert the city. Correct signage in a road work area is essential to keep traffic flowing smoothly and to prevent Hialeah truck accidents.

5) Follow instructions and slow down. When approaching a road work area, slow down and follow instructions, whether they are in the form of signs or workers directing traffic. Road work areas have their own rules, so make sure that you follow the new, temporary rules.

6) Do not drive distracted. Road work areas usually have heavy trucks as well as pedestrian traffic as workers fix the infrastructure. Being distracted is likely to lead to a Hialeah pedestrian accident or traffic accident because the traffic in work areas is so unexpected. Put away your mobile devices and focus on driving. As well, keep your eyes on the road. One reason why work areas do result in accidents is because drivers will sometimes pay attention to the work being done and miss signs, causing an accident.

7) Stay calm. It`s easy to get upset by delays and congestion, but getting angry is likely to lead to road rage and distraction, which is dangerous on the road. Stay as calm as you can and if you find that you do not deal well with congestion, avoid work areas when planning your driving routes in the summer.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Your Teen’s First Road Trip – How to Help Your Child Avoid a Miami Car Accident

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

Road trips are something of a rite of passage and many new teen drivers love the idea of heading for the open road during summer vacation. If your teen driver hopes to try a road trip this summer, here are some ways you can help your teen avoid a Miami car accident while on the road:

1) Make sure your teen has the driving skills to handle a road trip. If your teen just recently got a driver`s license, he or she may not have the experience to easily avoid Miami truck accidents and traffic accidents. Consider having your teen take additional lessons and defensive driving lessons before the road trip.

2) Help your teen plan a safe road trip. Talk with your teen about passengers. A few additional passengers can help your teen stay safer on the road, but too many passengers may be a distraction. Discuss passengers and the safest routes to take on the road. Talk to your teen about the supplies they need to take for a safe road trip. These might include a first aid kit, a cell phone, maps, and other supplies.

3) Make sure your teen knows how to stay safe. Set some ground rules to ensure that your teen does not take unneeded risks, such as driving distracted. Give your teen an option to get home safely. For example, make it clear that you will come get the group, no questions asked, rather than risk having your teen drive under the influence or drive in dangerous conditions. Arrange a regular check-in time when your teen can call in to let you know he or she is safe. Consider arranging a GPS device with your teen so that you can keep track of the car`s route.

4) Get your teen`s car checked. A well-functioning car can reduce the risk of a Miami traffic accident because a well-maintained car responds correctly. Take your teen`s car to a trusted mechanic to ensure that the car is in good enough condition for a road trip.

5) Have back up plans. Make sure that your teen knows what to do if plans change. If there is a road closure or another problem, for example, make sure that your teen understands alternative routes to take. You don’t want your teen lost and driving in unfamiliar areas.

6) Consider extra insurance. If your teen will be headed outside of US borders or state borders, make sure that he or she has extra car and health insurance in case there is a problem.

7) Take a practice run. Consider driving along with your teen as your teen takes a longer drive. This will reassure you about your teen`s driving ability before he or she takes the trip. If you notice any problems – such as distracted driving or a need for more driving lessons – you can address these issues before the trip.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

How to Get Road Rage Revenge — and Make a Quick Buck

Sunday, December 25th, 2011

Need an easy 0? Just use your cell phone and report that guy who’s been tailgating you…

Call in Drunk Driver, Get Paid 0

Chicago, IL.  Dec. 21 – This holiday season, you can earn a little extra cash by reporting suspected drunk drivers on the roads.

The Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM), an anti-drunk driving group, is expanding its program throughout the streets of Illinois for the next two weekends, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The "Drunkbusters" program gives callers the opportunity to collect 0 for reporting an intoxicated driver. In order to be paid, the call must lead to a DUI arrest.
Drunkbusters was established in 1990 and has since given out more than 5,000, which resulted in the arrests of more than 4,450 impaired motorists, according to the Sun Times.

 
Note:  The 0 does not depend on the person reported being convicted — only for being arrested.  And the cop responding to the call already has you as a witness to what you claim is drunken driving, so chances of an arrest are high. I wonder how many of those 4,450 arrested motorists were actually convicted?

Bounty hunting on the highways….
 

DUI BLOG

Your Teen Driver’s First Road Trip

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

For many teens, a road trip is an adventure and something of a rite of passage. Therefore, many teen drivers look forward to the day they can gather together a few friends and hit the road. If your teen driver is going on a first road trip, keep these safety tips in mind:

1) Make sure your teen has GPS and a cell phone – but won’t use them while driving. A cell phone with a GPS feature can help your teen call for help and get oriented, but since distracted driving is a leading cause of Florida car accidents, you want to ensure that your teen won’t use these devices while driving. Make sure that your teen agrees to pull over onto the side of the road before using these devices. Also, arrange a call-in time for your teen to call you to let you know that everything is fine.

2) Help your teen plan the trip. Work together to identify driving times, rest stops and breaks, potential hazards, and good driving routes. Make sure that your teen understands all the information needed to drive safely.

3) Create a written agreement. Create a contract with your teen and sign it. The contract should outline the rules for the road trip – such as when your teen will call in, a no drunk driving clause, a no distracted driving clause, and anything else you need to keep your driver safe. Be sure to outline fines and penalties for breaking the rules.

4) Encourage your teen to choose passengers carefully. Passengers are a major cause of distraction for teen drivers, so encourage your driver to consider who is coming along on the trip. Consider packing snacks or other activities for passengers so that your teen can focus on the road.

5) Make sure that your teen has a safe car to drive. Many teens driver older used cars because they are affordable, but not all of these cars are adequate for the rigors of a road trip. Take the car to your own mechanic to make sure the vehicle is sound and safe.

6) Consider the gift of additional training. The best gift you have give your teen before the road trip is a few hours of extra training with a qualified driving instructor. One on one training with a good instructor can help your teen correct some bad habits and brush up on skills needed for a longer trip.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Planning a Summer Road Trip? Tips to Stay Safe

Sunday, June 5th, 2011

Summer is the perfect time for a road trip. Whether you are headed across the country or just across the state, however, use these tips to avoid a Florida car accident during your vacation:

1) Make sure your car is ready for the road. Some cars are simply not fit for long road trips. Before you go, take your car to a trusted mechanic for a basic tune-up and a check of major systems. Get your fluids changed and your tires and brakes checked to ensure that your car is ready for the journey.

2) Plan your trip carefully. Map out your trip carefully, making sure to note rest stops, hotels, and alternative routes in case main routes prove impassable. Online communities are a great way to plan a trip. Make sure that you note any hazards on your route – such as mountainous areas or areas known for fog – so that you are prepared.

3) Pack the essentials. In a small duffel bag, you should pack the items that you need to drive safe. These items should include snacks and bottled water, a blanket, a map, sunscreen, a hat, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and a cell phone (which should be turned off while you drive). Having everything you may need in one place makes it easier to pull over to the side of the road and find the essentials when you need one of these items.

4) Give all passengers a job to do. Passengers can be a great distraction on the road, so give your passengers a game to play or have them trace the route on a map. This is especially important for small children, who can squabble and be very distracting when bored. If you are traveling with children, pack an iPod of music, games, and other distractions.

5) Take your time. Giving yourself plenty of time ensures that you are not trying to drive for hours at a time. When planning your trip, schedule a short break every hour, as well as time for meals plus a good night of sleep at a hotel or motel. Good breaks can make you less likely to be fatigued and therefore dangerous on the road.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog