Florida Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog

If you are visiting Florida and find yourself involved in a Miami traffic accident, it can be terribly frightening. You may not be familiar with local laws, you may not know anyone in town, and you may be far from home. A Miami truck accident can be frightening for anyone, but can be more so if you are unfamiliar ground. Here is what to do if the worst happens:

1) Stay calm and get help for anyone who needs it. If anyone is injured in the accident, get them help right away. If someone is seriously injured, do not try to move them. Contact 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions until emergency help arrives. In the meantime, stay calm and avoid making any statements that imply that you accept blame for the accident. When speaking with the other driver, stick to the facts and let the authorities assign fault.

2) Get information from the driver and from any witnesses. Get as much information as you can, including names and contact information.

3) Evaluate the seriousness of the accident. If the accident is serious, wait until help arrives. If the accident is minor and no one is injured, Florida law requires you to remove your vehicle to the side of the road so as not to obstruct traffic.

4) Gather information and evidence. Take photos of the accident scene if you can and take down any pertinent information – such as the location time, date, and other details – as soon as you can, before you forget. This information may be important if you decide to take legal action after the collision.

5) Report the accident. If there are injuries or serious property damage or you believe that the other driver was driving under the influence, contact the police to file a report. In a more minor accident, you may simply choose to inform your insurance carrier.

6) Contact a Miami personal injury attorney. If you have sustained injuries in a Miami truck accident, you will want to contact a Miami personal injury attorney. The liability issues surrounding commercial truck accidents are complex, especially if you are out of state. An experienced attorney can help you protect your rights and can ensure that you don’t have to pay for too many of your injury costs out of pocket. It can also be very important to have someone familiar with Miami law on your side as you determine what to do after an accident. In many cases, a local attorney can even suggest where to go for medical help or car repairs as well, so it can be good to have someone with local expertise on your side.

7) Get a medical evaluation. Even if you show no symptoms after your accident, it can be important to get evaluated by a local clinic as soon as possible. Some serious injuries, including brain injuries, do not show symptoms right away bust can still prove fatal, and Miami brain injury patients who get help immediately have much better recovery rates than injury victims who wait.

Continue reading "What To Do if You are in a Miami Truck Accident When Visiting Florida " »

Being in a Miami Gardens traffic accident can be one of the most frightening experiences of your life. A Miami Gardens truck accident, especially, can cause devastating damage as well as serious injury. If you have sustained a serious car accident or truck accident, your first priority should be to get medical assistance in order to increase your chances of recovery. The sooner you can get reliable, targeted medical help, the more likely you are to recover from your injuries. Many types of injuries, such as Miami Gardens brain injuries, can become fatal if you do not get prompt medical attention. This is why it is important to:

1) Offer immediate assistance to anyone who needs it at the scene. If anyone at the scene of the accident seems to have a serious injury, it is best to call for emergency personnel right away. Even if you're not sure whether an ambulance is strictly required, it is better to err on the side of caution and get help immediately. In many cases, seconds and minutes can make the difference between life and death.

2) Visit an emergency room or clinic if you are injured but do not require an ambulance. Even if you walk away from a Miami Gardens car accident, it is important to visit a walk in clinic or emergency room right away if you have any symptoms. In many cases, even if symptoms seem mild they can indicate a serious injury. For example, some Miami Gardens brain injury victims do not experience any initial symptoms after their injury but eventually sustain permanent or even fatal damage. For this reason, it is important to consult with a medical professional right away if you have any symptoms at all, if you have hit your head, or if you have vision problems or have lost consciousness even temporarily after your accident.

3) Keep track of symptoms. Even if you have no symptoms after a Miami Gardens truck accident and seem fine, it is important to keep track of any potential symptoms or issues for a few weeks after the accident. In some cases, symptoms develop gradually and may not be noticeable. Keeping a written record of any symptoms, no matter how small, can help you notice any potentially serious symptoms so that you can get help in time.

4) Make an appointment with your regular physician. Speaking with your regular physician after a Miami Gardens truck accident is a smart precaution. A physician can give you a general checkup to make sure that there are no problems and can ensure that there is a record of any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Continue reading "Getting Medical Help After a Miami Gardens Truck Accident" »

According to Brainline.org, an American suffers a traumatic brain injury every 21 seconds. One-third of these injuries are caused by falls while 17.3% are caused by traffic accidents. Truck accidents are a common cause of Miami Beach brain injuries, since the size and force of a commercial truck can easily cause serious damage to a smaller vehicle, causing serious injuries for everyone inside the vehicle. There are many ways to prevent serious injuries caused by a Miami Beach truck accident:

1) Wear your seat belt. A seatbelt is one of the simplest and best ways to prevent a Miami Beach brain injury after a traffic accident. Your seatbelt keeps you in place and prevents your head from coming into sharp contact with your dashboard or other objects inside the car. A seatbelt also prevents you from being ejected from the vehicle, preventing serious injury. If you're traveling with a child, make sure that the child is seated in the back and is using an age-appropriate child safety restraint.

2) Keep your car in good condition. Make sure that your car is in good condition so that it responds correctly if you need to move suddenly in order to avoid a Miami Beach traffic accident. Make sure that airbags and other safety systems work correctly. These safety systems are designed to help prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident.

3) Buy the best quality car you can afford, with the best safety features. The safety performance of cars varies widely. Buy the best quality of car that you can afford, and be sure to ask about safety features as well safety performance extensively before making a final purchase. A quality car with good safety features can help keep you a little safer in a car accident.

4) Give trucks more room. Trucks require more room to stop and some types of trucks – including delivery trucks and waste disposal trucks – make frequent stops. Giving trucks additional room ensures that if the truck brakes suddenly you have room to stop. Trucks also take longer to break, which is another reason why you want to give trucks a little more distance. Another important reason for giving trucks more space is because drivers of commercial vehicles often have multiple blind spots. They may simply not be able to see you if you follow too closely.

5) Hone your driving skills. Taking defensive driving classes or refreshing your driving skills periodically helps ensure that you have the best driving skills possible so that you can avert an accident and drive safely in all sorts of conditions. In many cases, additional training may be able to ensure a better insurance rate as well.

6) Drive defensively.

7) Stay focused on driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of Miami Beach car accidents, and is also one of the most preventable reasons for car accidents. Put away mobile devices whenever you step in your car and keep your entire focus on driving. This helps keep everyone on the roads safer.

If you are in a Miami Beach car accident involving a truck, your first priority should be to get medical attention. If you have hit your head, especially, you will want to get prompt medical attention. Even if you have no immediate symptoms, some brain injuries – even serious and fatal injuries – to not immediately manifest symptoms. It is always better to err on the side of caution and get a medical evaluation if you have hit your head. If you have lost consciousness, have a serious headache, or have vision problems, call emergency personnel. The sooner you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment, the better your chances of recovery are.

Continue reading "Brain Injuries After a Miami Beach Truck Accident" »

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles are among the most dangerous modes of transportation on the roadways, with motorcyclists comprising 13% of all traffic deaths. Since motorcyclists have fewer barriers of protection, they are more vulnerable in a North Miami traffic accident. In fact, according to the NHTSA, motorcyclists are 25 times more likely to die and 5 times more likely to be injured in a car accident than occupants of a passenger vehicle. Motorcyclists involved in a North Miami truck accident are especially vulnerable to injuries and fatalities, as the sheer size and force of a truck can easily crush a motorcycle and motorcyclist. Despite the dangers, motorcyclists still have a passionate love of bikes. In the US, there were 8 million registered motorcycles in 2009, and the number is growing.

Statistics show that in 2009, about one in two motorcycle accidents involved another vehicle. In about 40% of cases, these accidents took place when a vehicle turned left and crashed into a motorcycle that was passing or headed straight. In about 27% of cases, the accidents look place when both the vehicle and motorcycle were traveling straight.

According to experts, the main reason behind motorcycle accidents is related to visibility. In many cases, motorcyclists are not visible to other drivers or other drivers are simply not on the lookout for motorcyclists. While motorcyclists can take steps to be more visible, truck drivers and passenger car drivers also need to be more cautious about keeping an eye out for motorcycles. To encourage this, the NHTSA has teamed up with local law enforcement as part of its “Share the Road” initiative. As part of the program, the NHTSA is reminding all motorcyclists and car and truck drivers that:

1) Motorcycles should be given a full lane at all times. Sharing the lane, even when there seems to be enough room to do so, is extremely dangerous and prevents a motorcyclist from having the room to maneuver safely. Not allowing motorcyclists enough room is a common cause of North Miami motorcycle accidents.

2) Distraction is a danger, whether you are a driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Distracted drivers and riders are less likely to notice motorcyclists and other traffic situations that require attention. Putting mobile devices away and putting all focus on the road is the safest way to share the road.

3) Motorcyclists have the same privileges, rights, and responsibilities as all other vehicles on the road.

4) Use signals. Truck drivers, car drivers, motorcyclists, and bicyclists need to signal when merging or changing lanes to let other vehicles know their intention. Signaling lets other vehicles around you adjust their driving as needed.

5) At intersections and when entering or leaving a lane, check your mirrors and blind spots. Motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists may not be noticeable because they are in a blind spot.

6) Give motorcycles and trucks more room. Trucks make frequent stops while motorcyclists change speeds more often or adjust position in a lane due to weather or road conditions. Motorcycles can also stop more quickly than cars. Giving trucks and motorcycles more room is the safest way to adjust for these differences.

Continue reading "Preventing North Miami Truck Accidents Involving Motorcycles " »

Florida does not keep records about how many trucks carry dangerous cargo, but does keep track of the chemicals and hazardous materials which are permitted on trucks. These include pesticides, explosives, radioactive materials, fertilizers, toxic gases, rocket fuels, and other hazardous products. The federal government has a number of rules in place designed to make the transport of these types of materials safer.

Under federal rules, drivers carrying dangerous materials in their trucks are subject to many rules and such drivers must have special licenses to haul hazardous materials. Drivers are required to post placards on their trucks, indicating the type of materials they are hauling and the hazards they pose. Drivers must also follow certain guidelines to ensure that dangerous cargo is loaded correctly. Drivers must further carry paperwork detailing their cargo. In the event of an accident, this paperwork is meant to help emergency responders assess the danger and order the correct treatment for anyone affected by the accident.

Across the US, there were 2,518 truck accidents involving hazardous cargo in 2010. These resulted in 34 injuries, nine deaths and almost $80 million in damages. That same year, there were 6800 incidents involving hazardous material that occurred specifically when trucks were loaded or unloaded. These types of truck accidents are devastating and can occur in any community, including Hollywood. Trucks are routinely used to transport hazardous materials and chemicals. Any Hollywood car accident involving a truck can involve a truck carrying a dangerous and even unstable substance. If you are in this type of accident, the injuries that you suffer can be especially severe and even life-threatening.

Hollywood truck accidents involving a truck carrying hazardous materials are considered extremely high risk. In many cases, emergency responders cannot get close enough to a truck to determine what type of hazardous material is inside. Federal regulations also do not require trucks carrying less than 119 gallons or 1,000 pounds to have any special signage, so that in some cases there is the risk for a toxic spill but emergency responders have no way of knowing that.

These types of Hollywood truck accidents are also high risk because they can affect a large area. A truck that spills its hazardous cargo could explode, causing flying debris to injure bystanders far away. Spills can also damage the roads or cause noxious fumes that can harm people living in nearby homes. In some cases, they can cause Hollywood burn injuries and other serious injuries. The number of victims in these types of Hollywood traffic accidents can be substantial, since the area affected by the accident can be quite large. A chemical spill involving a dangerous gas, for example, can affect thousands of people living in the area.

Continue reading "Hazardous Spills After Hollywood Car Accidents" »

North Miami Beach truck accidents occur every year, and in most cases the principal parties involved are the truck driver and any other motorist involved in the accident. However, in some cases, by standers are injured in this type of North Miami Beach traffic accident. Due to the force involved in a truck accident, debris can travel some distance from the accident, and can injure bystanders. This can happen in a number of ways. A bystander may be injured while walking by the accident scene, or may sustain a serious injury while trying to help those involved in the accident. Some bystanders are seriously injured or even killed due to truck accidents they were not directly involved in.

If you were injured as a bystander in a North Miami Beach truck accident, it is important to contact a qualified North Miami Beach personal injury attorney right away. These cases can be devastating for the victim, but they can also be frustrating. In many cases, bystanders may not be fully covered by car insurance or property insurance for their injuries. Many bystanders also sustain injuries which are not covered by most insurance carriers. For example, someone who witnesses a serious North Miami Beach traffic accident may need counseling to deal with the emotional trauma. However, many insurance carriers may not cover this type of treatment.

For bystanders injured in truck accidents, these cases can also be quite complicated. For example, there may be multiple liable parties. The bystander may have been standing on public or private property and the injuries may actually have been caused by multiple vehicles. In addition, those at the scene may not have secured a scene for safety adequately. While multiple liable parties can improve the chances that an injured victim will secure a fair recovery for medical costs and other damages, investigating the liable parties and securing the recovery often requires an experienced attorney.

Bystanders may sustain serious injuries that cause lost income and incur significant medical costs. A qualified attorney can help ensure that the bystander does not have to pay all these costs out of pocket. A good attorney can pursue all liable parties and can ensure that an injury victim understands all their rights and options. There are Florida laws which protect injured bystanders, but many people are not aware of them. A qualified North Miami personal injury attorney can help a victim understand their rights and can aggressively pursue available options on behalf of the victim.

Continue reading "When North Miami Beach Truck Accidents Harm Bystanders" »

Miami truck accidents happen virtually every day, and they range from smaller accidents to the serious truck rollovers that affect traffic for hours. While Miami truck accidents are devastating to everyone involved, they also have many secondary dangers that all pedestrians and motorists need to be aware of:

1) Rubbernecking. Unfortunately, Miami truck accidents usually draw a large crowd. When people stop to take a look at an accident, they may inadvertently contribute to secondary accidents. Drivers who slow down to take a look may also contribute to problems such as fender benders, traffic problems, and other problems. If you see a Miami truck accident, it is best to proceed slowly and to keep your eyes on the road. If there are already emergency personnel on the road, be sure to follow their directions in order to get to your destination safely.

2) Secondary accidents. People who swerve to avoid a Miami truck accident may collide with other objects or motorists, causing additional accidents.

3) Spills and fires. Large commercial trucks often carry flammable or toxic materials. In a truck accident, these can easily spill, causing a blaze or creating a toxic environment for everyone around. A commercial truck that is fully loaded with flammable material and bursts into flames can create an inferno, shooting flames into the air for dozens of feet. If you see a commercial truck accident, it is important to get out of the way as quickly and as safely as you can, in case the truck is carrying something hazardous. If you see a truck on fire, contact emergency personnel and keep your distance.

4) Disabled trucks can block the road or lanes of traffic. Trucks that have flipped on their side or are otherwise un-drivable can block an entire road or several lanes of traffic. Oncoming vehicles that are not aware of this can easily collide with each other or with the truck itself, causing additional accidents. Truck drivers are required to set up warning signs where possible after an accident. However a truck driver may be too injured in order to do this. The hazards are especially pronounced in poor visibility conditions, such as fog or rain. Disabled trucks that are blocking lanes of traffic can also cause congestion throughout an entire area of the city as motorists look for alternate routes to get to their destination.

5) Property damage. The impact of an 80,000 pound commercial truck flipping over or lighting on fire is enough to do serious damage to roads, traffic signs, and other city property. In cases where the roads and traffic systems are not fixed immediately, other motorists may be in danger of Miami car accidents due to the damage.

Continue reading "The Secondary Dangers of a Miami Truck Accident" »

Miami is filled with green spaces, trails, beaches, and many other outdoor areas that are perfect for recreation. There many joggers and bicyclists in Miami who choose to exercise outdoors. If you are one of them, keep in mind that you need to stay safe. While Miami has lots of pedestrians, it also has a higher than normal level of truck traffic. Since Miami is a port city and a major commercial area, thousands of trucks pour into the city every day. This increases the risk of Miami pedestrian accidents and serious accidents for those who choose to exercise outdoors. In order to stay safe, make sure that you:

1) Avoid exercising or jogging alone. Whether you are taking a bicycle ride or jogging, consider taking friends with you. Friends not only make exercising more fun, but they can also ensure that you are less of a target. If you are in a Miami truck accident or pedestrian accident while jogging or bicycling, your friends can also help you call for emergency medical personnel. If you cannot find friends to work out with, at least have a planned route, a cell phone, and let someone know where and when you will be exercising.

2) Choose your exercise routes carefully. Avoid exercising outside at the same time and location every day. As well, select safe, well lit areas for jogging and bicycling.

3) Make sure that truck drivers and motorists can see you easily. If you are jogging, wear reflective clothing. If you are on a bicycle, make sure that your bicycle has reflective tape and working lights. The more visible you are to drivers, the less likely you are to be in a Miami pedestrian accident. Visibility does not guarantee that you won’t be in an accident, but it does reduce your risk.

4) Carry a cell phone with you. Make sure that your cell phone is turned off, as distracted jogging or bicycling makes you more prone to a Miami bicycle accident or pedestrian accident. However, if you are in an accident, a cell phone can help you call for help quickly.

5) Carry your personal identification, including emergency contact numbers and any allergies you have or medications you are taking, with you when you are exercising. If you are severely injured, this information can help paramedics save your life.

6) Consider jogging or bicycling in areas that do not have truck or car traffic. Miami has a number of parks and beaches where vehicles are not allowed. These can be safer areas for walking, jogging, and bicycling, especially if you stay on them during daylight hours.

7) Avoid bicycling or walking distracted. Avoid listening to music, texting, or otherwise distracting yourself while you work out. Staying alert allows you to notice what is going on around you, and allows you to notice traffic as well as any warning signs that can help you prevent an accident.

Continue reading "Do you Exercise Outdoors in Miami? Here is How to Stay Safe" »

There is nothing more devastating about Florida truck accidents than the high fatality rate these accidents cause. Florida truck accidents often make the news because the sheer force and size of commercial truck accidents often cause dramatic, devastating accidents. These types of accidents claim lives every day, devastating families. If your family has suffered this type of loss, the Flaxman Law Group would like to extend our condolences. In our experience with grieving families, we have found that families who have lost a loved one in a traffic accident may wish to:

1) Take care of themselves and their family. If you have lost a loved one, there are likely many people touched by the loss. Working together as a family and grieving together can help everyone heal.

2) Secure their future. If there are children involved, especially, safeguarding their future is often a family's main concern. Unfortunately, when children lose a parent or family member, they lose support and also financial stability. Seeking a Florida wrongful death suit, if appropriate, after an accident can help children secure the financial resources needed for counseling and for a bright future. Working with a Florida personal injury attorney can be one way to ensure that children's futures are secured.

3) Get answers. After a truck accident, there are often many questions. A family may wish to know what caused the accident and whether it could have been prevented, for example. Answering these questions is often important in order for a family to get much-needed closure. Answering these questions can also help a family secure a fairer settlement, which can help the family pay for memorial services.

4) Make a difference. Although a truck accident fatality is tragic, many families do want to create some good, in order to commemorate a loved one. There are many ways to do this. Some families contribute to a charitable cause, for example, while other families become tireless advocates of road safety, raising awareness to prevent other tragedies.

5) Focus on healing. All families need to focus on healing and moving forward after a devastating loss. Unfortunately, there is often much to do after a loss. Families may need to settle an estate, plan a memorial service, deal with insurance carriers, and answer police questions about the accident. Working with a good Florida attorney can help. A full service law firm such as the Flaxman Law Group, for example, is dedicated to helping injured victims and families every step of the way.

Continue reading "Losing a Loved one in a Florida Truck Accident" »

Florida truck accidents can be one of the most expensive accidents on the roads. In many cases, insurance carriers cover only the immediate costs of the accident, but victims often face numerous costs and expenses, including:

1) The cost of car repair or replacement. After a Florida car accident or truck accident, you will need to replace or repair your vehicle. Due to the size of a truck, the most likely scenario is that your car will be beyond repair. If you have a car loan or are making car payments, you will also need to cover these costs, even if the vehicle is no longer functional.

2) Lost income. Recovering from a Florida truck accident can take months or years. If you cannot work during this time, you will need to replace lost income. If you have a permanent injury, you may need to replace a lifetime of income or you may need to take on a lower-paying job and make up for the difference in income.

3) Medical costs. The medical costs after a truck accident can be staggering. Since injuries in a truck accident are more likely to be serious, patients can expect long hospital stays and long treatments, which can add up quickly. Someone who has sustained serious injuries in a truck accident can end up paying hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for treatment. Medical costs can include hospital stays, surgery, home care, medication, rehabilitation, doctor visits, and more.

4) Secondary medical costs. In addition to the immediate medical costs, there are often secondary medical costs as well. For example, you may need to pay for a taxi to get to a doctor's appointment or you may need to buy medical devices and equipment, such as crutches or supports. Over months and years, these costs can really add up.

5) Transportation costs. If you are severely injured, you may not be able to drive for some time after your accident. This will mean that you will need to pay for taxis or other forms of transportation as you heal.

6) Alternative care. Many truck accident victims are in severe pain after their accident, and, unfortunately, medical science cannot always help chronic pain patients. Many patients turn to alternative or holistic treatments to supplement medical care and increase the chances of healing. Unfortunately, these costs are usually not covered by insurance, even if the treatments are truly necessary for a patient to help manage severe pain.

7) Accessibility costs. After an accident, a Florida spinal cord injury patient or brain injury patient may have decreased mobility. He or she may need a wheel chair, a wheel chair ramp at home, an accessible vehicle, and other accessibly features for their home. These can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

8) Property damage considerations. Anything in your car at the time of the accident, including digital cameras, jewelry, cell phones, work laptop, mobile devices, and other items, is likely to be damaged in the accident. You will likely need to replace these items, which can also be a substantial investment.

Continue reading "A Florida Truck Accident May Cost More Than You Think" »

T-bone accidents cause 9,000 deaths annually in the US. In fact, only head-on crashes are more deadly. The only thing more deadly than a Florida side impact car accident is a Florida truck accident in which a truck t-bones a passenger vehicle. A Florida T-bone truck accident almost always leads to fatalities or very serious injuries for the passengers of the car. The sheer size and force of the truck usually not only crushes the side of the vehicle into the passengers, but the impact of the collision will generally push the car some way before the two cars come to a stop. The sheer impact can cause a fire, serious injuries, and complete destruction of the vehicle.

Since passenger vehicles have less padding on the sides than large trucks, any passengers in the vehicle affected by a T-bone crash with a truck are likely to be severely injured. Even with side impact airbags, which are not standard in all passenger vehicles, the impact of the crash is enough to cause fatal injuries or very serious injuries. In these types of accidents, the driver of the truck is unlikely to be injured, as he or she is seated above the point of impact and protected by a cab.

The frustrating thing about side impact truck accidents for victims is that very often they are extremely preventable accidents. A side impact truck accident in Florida is likely caused by a driver who does not stop for a red light or stop sign or fails to yield right-of-way. This can occur because a driver falls asleep at the wheel, is distracted, or is simply driving aggressively and runs a red light. It can be galling for victims to realize that their serious injuries or even the loss of a loved one is caused by someone who has been driving recklessly or negligently.

If you have been injured in a Florida T-bone accident, you will need a qualified Florida truck accident attorney. Truck carriers usually have teams of attorneys as well as powerful insurance companies working on their behalf. You will need a qualified Florida truck accident attorney to negotiate a fair settlement for you – one that covers the costs of your vehicle, medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Without the help of a qualified attorney, you may end up paying some of these costs or even a substantial portion of these costs out of pocket. If you have sustained a long term or permanent injury, especially, the costs of your injury over a lifetime may be much higher than you think. Working with a qualified Florida personal injury attorney or truck accident attorney is your best chance of ensuring that you are adequately compensated for someone else's negligence and recklessness. As well, with a fair settlement you may be able to afford high-quality medical care which can help you to heal more fully from your injuries.

Continue reading "Florida Side Impact Truck Accidents" »

Each year in the US, 1500 people are killed in hit and run accidents. According to the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety, 18% of victims are pedestrians. In some situations, the hit-and-run offenders are especially blatant, sometimes stepping out of the vehicle in order to move aside and injured pedestrian or victim before speeding off away from the scene of the crime.

There are strict laws in place that require anyone who has been in a car accident to assist any injured party and to exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved in the collision. Failure to do this can result in serious charges. In cases where a Florida hit-and-run accident has taken place, police usually earmark considerable resources to find the offender, and in many cases the offender is eventually caught with public assistance. Once caught, the hit-and-run driver faces numerous additional charges in addition to causing the crash.

Hit and run accidents are especially cruel because they often deny the victim of needed assistance. For example, in a Florida pedestrian accident caused by a Florida hit-and-run driver, the victim may not get help in time if the driver simply speeds off instead of staying to offer assistance or staying in order to call emergency personnel. The delay can be fatal if the victim has sustained a serious brain injury or other life-threatening injury. A hit-and-run driver who simply drives away from the scene of a crime also often makes it harder for the victim to get adequate compensation and insurance money in order to pay for medical costs and other expenses related to the accident.

Much has been written about the psychology of hit and run drivers. Some studies have shown that some drivers speed off away from the scene of a crime because they panic or because they're afraid of facing the consequences of their actions. In other cases, hit and run drivers drive away because they have criminal records, no insurance, or otherwise do not wish to interact with police for some reason. In any event driving away from the scene of an accident is a crime.

If you have been in a hit and run accident, you can pursue criminal charges as well as civil charges. Florida law is very strict about hit and run accidents. If you have been injured by a driver who speeds away, you can seek compensation for your damages. However, you will first need to locate the hit-and-run driver and gather strong evidence against him or her. This is where a Florida truck accident attorney can help. A good Florida accident attorney can investigate your accident, can gather evidence, and can present a case in court so that you get the compensation you may be fully entitled to under the law.

Continue reading "Hit and Run Florida Truck and Car Accidents " »

When trucks collide with passenger vehicles, everyone in the passenger vehicle is immediately at high risk of serious injury. In cases where children are in the passenger vehicle, the outcome can be even worse for them. Since trucks are so much larger than cars, the force of the impact is likely to leave passenger car victims with severe injuries. Since children are smaller, their injuries can easily become life-threatening.

As well, while car manufacturers create a number of safety systems for adult drivers and passengers – including safety belts and air bags – these same systems often cannot protect young children. Indeed, for very young children, air bags can pose a danger of head injuries while seat belts can lead to lacerations. Parents are expected to provide safety seats and age-appropriate child safety restraints for their children.

However, laws in Florida re quite lax when it comes to booster seats for children. In fact, only Arizona, Florida, and South Dakota do not have any booster seat requirements for young passengers, even though booster seats and other age-appropriate child safety restraints have been shown to decrease the risk of fatalities and injuries in young passengers in the event of a truck accident or car accident. While parents can – and often do – choose to get age-appropriate child safety restraints for their children, they are not required by law, in many cases, to do so.

Adults in Florida truck accidents often suffer from spinal cord injuries, broken bones, brain injuries, and other serious injuries. Each year, many adults die in truck accidents and traffic accidents. However, there are many things that can be done to help prevent child fatalities in such accidents. One of the most important things drivers can do is to ensure that all child passengers always use an age-appropriate child safety restraint.

Continue reading "Child Victims of Florida Truck Accidents" »

North Miami has proposed an ordinance which would require food trucks, which appear regularly at such events as the Biscayne Triangle Truck Round-Up, to get licenses and permits. The proposal, if successful, would charge food trucks $167 yearly and $50 one-time fee to pay for a background check. Currently, food trucks in the area do not need permits or checks to operate in the area. Although there are no statistics suggesting that food trucks contribute to Florida truck accidents, some have raised concerns:

1) The industry is less regulated than the commercial trucking industry. Commercial trucks are subject to many rules. Drivers are usually trained and must obey rules about hours of service and other laws. Food trucks, however, are less regulated, and the North Miami ordinance would at least require background checks on those operating the trucks.

2) The trucks congregate in parking lots. This has the potential to cause accidents as trucks back up or pull into the lot. There are no reports of such accidents, but some feel that the sheer numbers of food trucks could create such accidents.

3) The trucks usually require some form of fuel for food preparation. While most operators take precautions to ensure a safe work environment, some people point out that parking lots are a bad place to set up food trucks that include additional sources of fuel. Any fire in such a truck has the potential to cause a serious conflagration.

4) The trucks attract pedestrians. Some worry that the trucks could contribute to Florida pedestrian accidents because they attract large numbers of pedestrians. As well, since these trucks often set up shop near parking lots or in parking lots, the trucks can produce more pedestrian traffic in areas with many cars, creating a large risk for Florida car accidents.

Continue reading "North Miami Hopes to Reduce Florida Truck Accidents with Ordinance" »

Most Florida car accidents and truck accidents involve other vehicles, pedestrians, and inanimate objects such as telephone poles. However, in some cases, trucks and cars in Florida plow into homes. In many cases, these are Florida drunk driving accidents or accidents involving loss of control of the vehicle or a pedal error (such as when the driver mistakes the accelerator for the brake. Such an accident occurred in Cocoa, Florida in January and another took place in Palm Bay in May. Brevard County has in fact seen a few such accidents in 2011.

The results of these accidents can be devastating, especially when the vehicle involved is a truck. Due to the size and force of a truck, the truck can plow right into the house and tear down walls. Both the driver and the occupants of the home are likely to sustain serious injuries. There are many types of damages which typically occur in this type of Florida accident, including severe property damage and serious injuries. There are many reasons why such accidents result in such severe damages:

1) Many accidents involve high rates of speed. While there are no statistics concerning such crashes specifically, authorities have stated that such accidents occur fairly often and often do involve high speeds, since often the drivers are intoxicated or have hit the accelerator by mistake. The high speed causes the impact of the crash to be greater.

2) Walls are often torn down. In this type of accident, the sheer size and force of the vehicle is often enough to push down walls and barriers, crushing anyone behind the walls.

3) In many cases, there is structural damage to the home. This sort of collision can compromise the foundation or walls which are structurally important to the home. In some cases, the home cannot be salvaged or requires very extensive (and expensive) repairs.

4) The vehicle sustains serious damages. In many cases, the vehicle doing the damage is also seriously injured and the driver usually is killed or sustains serious injury.

5) The occupants of the home are typically not prepared. In a Florida car accident, victims may have only seconds to respond but may have at least a few seconds to try defensive driving. In a situation where a vehicle crashes into a home, there is typically no warning and occupants often have no time at all to get to safety.

6) There is a risk of fire. This type of collision can easily lead to a fire since the crash of the truck through walls can harm electrical wiring and gar lines and can also create sparks.

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accidents Involving Homes" »

Truck accidents claim thousands of lives in Florida each year. If you have lost a loved one in a Florida truck accident, the devastation can be very traumatic. The loneliness, hurt, and upset can take many years to heal. When a loss has been caused by a driver's negligence or recklessness, the loss can sometimes be even harder to accept.

If you have lost a loved one in a traffic accident, your immediate concern will likely be with arranging for memorial or funeral services. You will also need time to grieve and there will likely be estate issues to deal with as well. However, if the accident was caused by negligence or recklessness, you will also want to consult with an experienced Florida wrongful death attorney.

Waiting after an accident to file a claim reduces the chances of success, because important evidence will be lost and because there are statutes of limitations in these cases. Although it can be difficult to think of legal action at a time of grieving, it is important to at least consider all your options. A consultation with the Flaxman Law Group can help you understand your choices and can help you move forward.

Florida law allows you to recover for end-of-life costs, medical costs, and other related costs in cases of a fatal car or truck accident that was caused by negligence or recklessness. Pursuing the claim you may be entitled to under the law can help protect your family and can leave you with some financial security as you work to heal. The Flaxman Law Group is compassionate and has worked with many grieving families in Coral Gables, Miami, and throughout South Florida. We take care of all the details, so that you can focus on healing.

It can be a difficult decision to contact an attorney after a devastating loss, but it can be an important part of the healing process. A Florida personal injury attorney can investigate the accident to provide you with some answers and some peace of mind. A good attorney can also pursue your case and in some cases can even help save other families from such a loss. If the accident which caused your loved one was a Florida drunk driving accident or was caused by dangerous driving, legal action can ensure that those involved are held responsible. In some cases, legal action can bring about changes that can help prevent further tragedies.

Continue reading "Losing Someone in a Florida Truck Accident" »

Florida truck accidents have an immediate and physical result. Drivers see the incredible physical devastation these accidents cause every day on the roadways, and emergency rooms and hospitals in Florida are filled with patients experiencing the immediate physical effects of burn injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries caused by truck accidents. However, there are also emotional and financial outcomes of truck accidents, which, although less immediately obvious, are no less devastating to victims.

Victims of Florida car accidents and truck accidents often find that once they are discharged from the hospital, the financial realities of their situation become very evident. Most victims of truck accidents in Florida are not able to return to work immediately; some have permanent injuries which ensure that they are never able to return to work. Therefore, these patients find that their source of income disappears at about the same time as substantial medical bills start arriving from the hospital and from doctors.

Treatment for Florida brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other common injuries caused by truck accidents, can easily total tens of thousands of dollars a year. Many patients find that their insurance providers are reluctant to pay the substantial bills outright. At the same time, the usual bills, such as the mortgage and the credit card bills, continue to arrive, adding to the financial stress and the upset of the patient who is still trying to recover from the physical trauma of the accident.

The terror caused by the accident and the injuries, coupled with the financial strain of the accident, often causes emotional repercussions. Many individuals who have been in a Florida truck accident report disrupted sleep, mood swings, an altered appetite, depression, anger, and other signs of stress and trauma. However, in some cases insurance companies are reluctant to pay for therapy or counseling.

Luckily, there are provisions in Florida law which can help victims of truck accidents. If you have been in a truck accident in Florida, contact a qualified Florida personal injury attorney. A good attorney can investigate the case for you, negotiate with insurance providers and even pursue the case through the court system to ensure that you get the support you need to focus on healing.

Continue reading "The Emotional and Financial Realities of Florida Truck Accidents" »

Florida truck accidents can cause many types of injuries, including brain injuries. Florida brain injuries caused by traffic accidents are especially tragic because they can literally change an entire life in just an instant. A serious brain injury can leave a patient with difficulty remembering, speaking, moving, and performing everyday tasks. Florida brain injuries are also a leading cause of death in traffic accidents.

Brain injuries in traffic accidents can be caused by a number of situations. When a car impacts with a truck, the passengers in the passenger car are generally thrown about. If the head comes into contact with any hard surface, the soft mass of the brain is thrown against the inside of the skull, causing damage as well as bruising. In some cases, the impact of the head is so hard that the surface of the skull actually cracks, causing injury to the brain. In other accidents, the skull is punctured by a sharp object during the accident, causing immense trauma to the brain inside.

Injuries to the brain can cause the brain to bleed, bruise, or swell, all of which can be life-threatening. When a Florida brain injury patient is rushed to the hospital after a truck accident, the first aim of emergency personnel is often to stabilize the patient as much as possible and to find out the extent of the brain injury. Scans are often used to determine where and how the brain has been injured. In cases where swelling is occurring, steps need to be taken to bring down the swelling in order to relieve pressure on the brain.

Long-term, a Florida brain injury patient may need rehabilitation in order to regain use of mobility, speech, and other necessary functions. In many cases, patients with severe brain injuries have suffered permanent injuries and may not return to work. They may always need help for everyday tasks such as getting dressed or getting prepared for their day. In such cases, counseling or some form of therapy is often required in order to help patients deal with the frustration of their new level of ability. In such cases, recovering from a brain injury is a lifelong process.

In less severe cases, Florida brain injury patients may eventually return to their everyday lives. They may, however, still need therapy and long-term care in order to deal with any aftereffects of their injury. In all cases, once a Florida brain injury patient has sustained an injury, any further concussions or injuries to the brain area may be more severe. Therefore, careful monitoring of any other head injury becomes very important.

Continue reading "Truck Accidents Cause Florida Brain Injuries" »

Every type of traffic accident is tragic, but perhaps few are as mismatched and as tragic as Florida pedestrian accidents involving trucks. When a truck hits a pedestrian, the pedestrian literally has no defenses available. There is often nothing between the truck and the pedestrian, meaning that fatality rates in these types of accidents are extremely high. In a passenger car, at least, the safety systems of the car as well as the metal and glass of the vehicle provide a layer of protection to the occupants inside.

What is even more tragic is that these pedestrian accidents often involve young children who simply cannot be seen by the truck driver. In many cases, young children are drawn to trucks and may play behind trucks or around trucks, where they are not visible. When the truck driver climbs into the cab, he or she may simply not see the child and either backup over them or drive over them. Children often do not notice -- the way an adult would -- the truck is about to move and may simply not be able to get away in time. It is one reason why it is imperative that parents teach their children to never play around trucks -- even trucks that are standing still.

Even for adult pedestrians, however, the outcome for Florida truck accidents is very tragic. Since trucks are on such high wheels, adults who are standing up at the time of impact are often hit along the upper body, where the chest and head can be crushed. Florida head injuries are especially common in this type of accidents, and are often fatal.

One frightening thing about such accidents is that they are hard to stop once they begin. The pedestrian pounding on a truck or yelling cannot be heard by a truck driver. Often, there is no time to simply leap out of the way. It is very difficult for the pedestrian to get the attention of a truck driver to prevent an imminent accident, simply because trucks have so many blind spots.

The good news is that such accidents are in fact preventable. Good warning systems on trucks can let pedestrians nearby know when a truck is backing up. This helps prevent rollovers. Newer truck may make use of computer technology and small cameras which allows them to see what is happening behind the truck. This can also help reduce some of the blind spots in the truck.

Continue reading "Florida Pedestrian Accidents Involving Trucks Are Tragic " »

If you have been in a Florida truck accident and do not appear to be seriously injured, you may think yourself lucky to walk away from an accident. It's true -- given the size difference between passenger vehicles and trucks, surviving any Florida car accident involving a truck is often a cause for celebration. However, many people who are fortunate enough to walk way from Florida truck accidents do not bother getting medical help. This can be an expensive and dangerous mistake.

The truth is, if you have been in a Florida truck accident you need to seek emergency medical help immediately. Even if you think that you are not injured, you may have sustained in internal injuries and other injuries which may not show up immediately. For example, injuries such as whiplash and some brain injuries may not present immediate symptoms. Nevertheless, brain injuries can the fatal if not treated, even if you seem fine at first. Seeking immediate medical help ensures that there is no problem that can endanger your life and your health.

Another excellent reason to visit a medical professional or emergency room after a Florida truck accident is to start the documentation process. If you do need to file a claim with your insurer or if you do find that you have been injured and didn't realize it, getting immediate help ensures that there is an emergency room file about your condition. This can help you file a claim later on if you decide to do so.

Unfortunately, many Florida truck accident victims find that they are left with the entire bill or much of the bill of their medical costs after an accident. Insurance companies do not usually rush to pay out the full claim in any accident. If they did so, they would lose money. As well, it can be difficult to prove an injury has occurred from a specific accident. Getting help immediately can save your life, and it can also help prove that any injure you have sustained was in fact caused by the accident.

Going to the emergency room may be frightening, it may cost money, and it could take some time. However, it can also help save your life and could help provide you with the documentation you need to pursue any claim. It is always better to be safe than sorry. When visiting the emergency room, it is also a good idea to get a copy of your medical file before you leave. Again, if you need this information to prove a claim, it will be handy to have this information at your fingertips.

Continue reading "If You Have Been in a Florida Truck Accident, You Need to Get Medical Help At Once – Here's Why " »

There are many Florida car accidents involving trucks, and in many of these accidents, serious injuries or even fatalities result. Truck accidents can cause a variety of injuries, including burn injuries. Florida burn injury patients brought in from car accidents and road accidents often face a long recovery time, considerable pain and suffering, as well as high medical costs.

Burn injuries can occur in a truck accident if a truck is carrying a flammable material which catches on fire. As well, chemical burns can occur if a truck is loaded with a dangerous chemical substance which spills and affects passengers and bystanders. In some cases, the force of a truck hitting a car causes enough of an impact to start a fire. Fueled by spilled gas, this fire can easily burn out of control and burn passengers as well as bystanders.

Florida burn injury patients are usually rushed to hospital right from the accident scene. Usually, emergency room personnel first work to stabilize the patient's condition. While most people think of burns as being mainly a skin condition, serious burns caused by traffic accidents can in fact be fatal. Fires caused by a truck accident can burn hot enough to seriously injure a person, melting not only the skin, but also the fatty tissue, muscles, and even bones underneath. If major organs are affected by the burns, a person's life can be endangered.

Once the patient is stabilized, the next step is often treating the burns. Treatment will depend upon the severity of the burns. Often, a major concern is to prevent infection and to save as much of the skin and underlying tissue as possible. Pain management is also often an important part of the process, as burn injuries can be extremely painful, affecting nerve endings which send pain signals to the brain.

Florida burn injury patients often face a long recovery. They may need therapy to deal with the trauma of the accident and the changes in their appearance. They also generally need skin grafts as well as other skin treatments in order to cover the burn marks. In cases where a burn is very severe, patients may need rehabilitation and physiotherapy in order to regain use of their limbs and their muscles. Reconstructive surgery is often necessary in order to help a person lead a full and normal life after their injury. Unfortunately, many insurance companies dismiss skin grafts and reconstructive surgery as cosmetic and often refuse to pay for these very expensive treatments. A good Florida personal injury attorney is often a must for Florida burn injury patients. A good lawyer can helped negotiate with your insurance company to ensure that you get the financial support you need after serious injuries such as a burn injury.

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accidents Can Cause Burn Injuries" »

Florida truck accidents can cause spinal cord injuries. Often, this is caused when a car collides with a truck and the passengers of the passenger vehicle are thrown violently in the interior of the car. This can cause extreme trauma to the spinal cord. If an injury results, it can lead to paralysis, reduced motor skills, and related problems

Florida spinal cord injury patients who have sustained their injury in a traffic accident face a host of problems:

1) Physical issues. Recovery from a spinal cord injury is physically daunting. This type of injury can mean extreme pain as well as permanent injuries which affect a person's ability to live and work the way they did before their accident.

2) Emotional problems. Serious spinal cord injuries can cause frustration, anger, stress, grief, and a host of other problems. If the injuries are permanent, especially, it can be difficult to avoid depression. Patients with serious spinal cord injuries have higher rates of substance abuse and relationship problems than the general population, according to some studies.

3) Financial challenges. A permanent spinal cord injury can require millions of dollars to treat or manage, since patients often need rehabilitation, an income, renovations to make their homes accessible, and a lifetime of full-time care in many cases. In many cases, however, insurance only covers a small fraction of costs, leaving the patient with no income and high bills.

A good Florida personal injury attorney is often needed to get the best possible recovery for a patient. A good attorney can negotiate for a good settlement from all liable parties. This can help cover the best possible care as well as counseling and therapy, allowing a patient to live the fullest possible life after their accident.

Continue reading "Truck Accidents Cause Florida Spinal Cord Injuries" »