Articles Posted in Car Accident

You wouldn’t drive down the road looking at your floor mats. So why do drivers make their way down the road looking at their cell phones? Often, they’re texting at the wheel. It’s illegal for drivers to text in 35 states. Florida, however, is not one of those. Because of this, distraction-related car accidents in Lake Worth continue to plague our roadways.

The law could soon be changing. The sponsor of an anti-texting House bill, Republican Rep. Ray Pilon of Sarasota, says the bill is currently being mulled over by those in the transportation and highway safety subcommittee. The chair, Rep. Brad Drake, says the law is unnecessary. A number of similar bills have been shot down in the state of Florida, as some lawmakers see it as government intrusion, according to The News-Press.

Our Lake Worth car accident attorneys have seen it, too. Drivers throughout the state are taking their hands off of the wheel, their eyes off of the road and endangering innocent people. The state of Florida currently has a reckless driving law in effect, which lawmakers believe adequately covers the issue of texting and driving. As Jim Harper, the director of information policy studies for the Libertarian Cato Institute says, it would be like lawmakers going after every single activity that could potentially threaten road safety. While that would be nice, it’s just not ideal. He compares the anti-texting laws to cup holders. He says after cup holders were introduced into vehicles, there was a surge of motor vehicle accidents. Still, lawmakers didn’t run out and prohibit cup holders.

It’s Senate Bill 416 and House Bill 299 that are looking to stop drivers from texting behind the wheel. While the Senate bill has already made its way swiftly through three committees with just two nay votes, the House Bill has been stalled.

Under both bills, texting while driving would be considered a secondary offense. This means that an officer can only cite you for it after you’ve been pulled over for another offense, such as running a red light or speeding.

If you’re busted, you’d have to pay a $30 fine for your first offense. A second offense would run you $60. If you caused an accident while you were texting, you’d get six points on your license.

“It’s difficult to legislate every kind of human behavior and then try and enforce it,” Drake said. “People just need to be responsible for themselves.”

According to federal officials, drivers are nearly 25 times more likely to get into an accident while texting. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) even has an internal rule prohibiting troopers from texting on the job.

The Highway Loss Data Institute says that anti-texting laws don’t help. The Institute ran studies in 2010 and concluded that the number of accidents didn’t decrease after states passed such laws.
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Over the last 11 years, there have been roughly 600 car accidents in St. Lucie County at the intersection of Prima Visa Boulevard and U.S. 1. This intersection has seen more accidents than any other intersection in the county, according to TC Palm. A number of small business owners in the area were doubtful at first of the statistic, saying they’ve seen little to no evidence of a large number of accidents there. A St. Lucie County Sheriff’s sergeant was surprised for a whole different reason, thinking that the number of accidents there would have been higher. According to Ed Blaine, a geographic information systems coordinator for St. Lucie County, the accident information is collected from law enforcement officials from the Florida Highway Patrol, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and from police departments in in both Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie.

“If, for instance, there are a number of accidents at a certain intersection it signals a time for the transportation engineers to go out there and take a look and see if there’s something that needs to be done with the intersection,” Blaine said.

Our St. Lucie car accident lawyers understand that transportation officials have the responsibility to make sure roadways are as safe as they can be with the budget available. Unfortunately, far too many accidents are experienced at problematic intersections before a change is ever made. From January of 2000 all the way to December of 2010, there were nearly 580 traffic accidents that happened within 200 feet of the St. Lucie County the intersection of U.S. 1 and 528 and at Prima Visa Boulevard and U.S. 1 at 528 and Midway Road intersection.

Some of the businesses in the area include a Walgreens, McDonald’s and Publix. There are also a number of plazas at the Prima Vista and U.S. 1 intersection. Residential neighborhoods are located just to the northwest and the southwest of this area. It’s no wonder it’s so busy.

St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Sgt. Kurt Mittwede says that while this intersection may have some of the most accidents recorded in the area, few result in life-threatening injuries. He says many of the collisions are small rear-end accidents. He adds that fatal accidents are far from the norm.

Mittwede says that the lanes were extended at that intersection a few years ago, which has helped tremendously. There’s still backed up traffic waiting to make the turn, but he says that’s because drivers simply aren’t paying attention. He also says that the rear-end accidents often produce a domino effect that at times can include up to five cars.

Mittwede also says he thought the number would have been higher than reported.
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A recent car accident in Miami-Date backed up morning traffic, forcing motorists to find alternate routes.

According to the Miami-Dade Herald, there were also accidents on:

-Southwest 87th Avenue

-State Road 826

-Flagler Street

-U.S. 1 at Hallandale Beach Boulevard

-93rd Avenue and 152nd Street

-Northwest Street and State Road 826 (a six-car pile-up)

There was also a disabled vehicle on U.S. 1 at State Road 112 that blocked traffic for miles.

Car accidents happen all the time. Additionally, your could break down virtually at any time, regardless of how new it is and how well you maintain it. Our Miami-Dade car accident attorneys have all been there at one point in our lives, stuck on the side of the road because of an unexpected accident or problem with our car. Luckily, whether you’ve been involved in an accident or your vehicle breaks down, there are ways you can keep yourself and your passengers safe while waiting for assistance on the side of the road.

If your car is stopped at the side of a busy roadway:

-You should always carry a cell phone or another form of mobile communication so you can call for help in emergency situations.

-If you don’t have a phone and a stranger offers help, ask them to call authorities.

-Make sure you pull completely off the road. If you’re unable to do so, pull as far off to the right as you can.

-Once you’ve stopped, activate your emergency lights to help other vehicles to see you.

-Your best bet is to call 9-1-1, a family member, a friend or a motor club for help. Be patient for their arrival. Remember they may have to get through traffic that your disabled vehicle has caused to get to you.

-Be ready with emergency supplies. You should keep flashlights, extra batteries, common tools, non-perishable foods and water in your vehicle for these types of emergencies.

-Set out warning triangles, cones or flares if you have them.

-Although it’s warm here in South Florida, keep jackets and blanket in your car just in case. The nights can get pretty chilly.

-Never accept a ride with someone who you don’t know.

-Ask emergency responders for identification before accepting help.

-Try not to leave your car parked in the roadway. This is how secondary accidents and pileups happen.

Drivers are asked to be careful. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. It’s important to leave an ample amount of space between you and other vehicles traveling on the road to help increase your ability to react.
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They’ll tell you they’ve been driving longer than you’ve been alive, and they don’t need anyone’s help getting around.

But senior drivers over the age of 65 are at an increased risk for car accidents in Lake Worth and throughout Florida.

Even if your parent or grandparent has always been a cautious driver, the effects of age can have an impact on his or her sight, hearing and other senses that are crucial to avoiding an accident.

Our Lake Worth car accident attorneys know that almost any driver could benefit from a refresher road safety course. That’s the idea behind a new trend that is picking up speed across the country: driver’s education courses geared toward senior citizens.

A recent news report detailed a course in Miami sponsored by the AARP at the Kendall Regional Medical Center. For less than $15, drivers take the course in hopes of lowering their insurance rates. Topics cover everything from exercises to relax neck muscles and strengthen ankles to recommendations for specialized rear view mirrors that allow drivers to see more of what’s happening around them.

It’s a fact that over the next several years, we’re going to see an increase of older drivers on the road. Not only are people living longer, they are holding on to their licenses well into their 80s and some even in their 90s.

National transportation statistics conclude that for people between the ages of 65 to 69, nearly 95 percent still have a driver’s license. For people over the age of 70, almost 80 percent still have a license to drive. Compare that to almost three decades ago, when only about 55 to 75 percent retained the right to drive.

At the same time, the number of drivers younger than 40 decreased by 10 percent.

Across Florida, nearly 20 percent of residents are over age 65. They represent nearly 18 percent of all drivers on the road. By 2030, baby boomers older than 65 are going to comprise nearly 30 percent of the state’s population and a quarter of all drivers.

Some auto industry experts said manufacturers are exploring ways to make car models more senior-friendly. Others in the transportation industry say politicians need to make public transportation more available to the elderly.

While it’s true that as a whole, senior drivers are safer than teen drivers (they tend not to drive at night or during rush hour or speed), they still pose certain risks the older they get.

But those who teach the elderly driver’s education courses say many seniors want to hold on to their driver’s licenses for as long as they can – it’s a statement of independence.

Still, that independence shouldn’t come at the risk to others on the road.

These refresher driver safety courses geared toward seniors are an excellent resource. Sometimes, though, it’s time to turn in the keys.

If you believe your older relatives may be putting themselves or others at risk behind the wheel, you may need to have a difficult but necessary conversation. Try easing into the conversation at first. If that is not effective, be more direct, with phrases like:

“Even if you weren’t responsible for a crash, you could be seriously hurt or killed.”

“I know how awful you would feel if someone was injured when you were driving.”

“I can’t let the grandchildren ride in the car with you.”

“Let’s have a conversation with the doctor about it.”
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To some teens, car keys are seen as a ticket to freedom — a chance for a fast-paced adventure, with their friends along for the ride.

But that kind of attitude, fueled by a lack of parental involvement, can lead to serious and potentially fatal car accidents in Delray Beach and beyond.

New studies have been released indicating parents must convey to their newly-licensed teens the risk they are taking every time they get behind that wheel. If they don’t, as our Delray Beach car accident attorneys have seen firsthand, the consequences can be devastating.

Every parent dreads that late night phone call, telling them their child has been seriously injured or killed in a crash.

If your teen is riding with one or more friends, they are at increased risk, according to researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The first study involved a survey of nearly 200 teens aged 15 to 17 in two separate states that had graduated driver’s license laws (or GDL’s). These are laws that set guidelines for young drivers, such as how late they can be on the road and how many people they can have in the car with them. The idea is they will gradually build up technical skills and the ability to overcome distraction. What researchers discovered was that when parents had talked to their teens about how risky driving can be, teens were less likely to become careless with their driving habits. They were more likely to recognize the hazards and less likely to use the car as a means to seek a thrill.

Teens were also more apt to drive cautiously when their parents knew where they were and who they were with. It was also not as common for those same teens to have a host of other teens riding with them – something that has been proven to increase their chances of a deadly crash in Delray Beach and elsewhere.

The second study from the research center addressed this very issue. The social scientists looked at a sample of nearly 680 teen drivers who had been in a serious wreck. Investigators on the crash scenes found that both male and female teens were more likely to have been distracted when a friend was in the car with them.

It played out a little differently though, depending on the driver’s gender. For males, it meant a greater likelihood that they would drive aggressively or pull an illegal stunt – in other words, general recklessness. For females, it meant they were turning to look at friends, texting, putting on make-up, changing the radio or eating.

Researchers say the outcome of these studies prove that GDL’s are the way to go.
Florida has graduated driver’s license laws that specify the following:

-A teen has to be at least 15 to apply for a learner’s license. They also need to have a traffic law and substance abuse class under their belt, as well as pass written, visual and hearing tests and have one of their parents sign a consent form.

-For the first three months with a learner’s license, a teen can only drive during the day until 10 p.m. If they’re out later than that, they MUST have a front seat passenger over the age of 21 who has a valid license.

-Teenagers who are at least 16 are eligible for an intermediate license. For this, they have to have had their learner’s license for a whole year without any convictions for traffic offenses. During this time, they are allowed on the road on their own between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Outside those hours, they have to be either coming to or from work or with a licensed driver over the age of 21.

-Seventeen-year-olds are allowed on the roads between the hours of 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. Any time outside of that, they have to be either coming to or from work or with a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the front passenger seat.

-At age 18, teens are allowed full driving privileges.
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Florida may not be playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday, but that doesn’t mean residents aren’t going to celebrate the unofficial holiday — Super Bowl Sunday. With the big football weekend approaching, the City of North Miami Beach, Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition and the National Football League (NFL) would like to remind drivers to stay safe and to stay sober. Super Bowl weekend is ranked as one of the most deadly times on our roadways. Many are expected to die in car accidents in Miami and elsewhere throughout the state. Most of these traffic accidents are expected to be alcohol-related.

Our Miami drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that more than 175,000 Americans have pledged to be a sober driver this season. We’re asking you to take the pledge and join the fight for safer roadways nationwide. If you’ll be drinking in celebration of Super Bowl Sunday, we’re asking everyone to make sure that they have a sober way to get home, whether it’s designating a driver, taking a cab, using public transportation or even staying at a friend’s house.

In 2010, there were nearly 10,100 people who were killed in traffic accidents that involved a drunk driver. To help to reduce the risks of a drunk driving accident during Super Bowl Sunday, everyone needs to huddle up and designate a driver. Your designated driver needs to promise to not drink any alcoholic beverages during the game. That person should also be over the age of 21 and have a valid driver’s license.

The City of North Miami Beach is reminding people of the immense costs of drunk driving accidents. You not only run the risk of injuring or killing an innocent person, but you also run the risk of losing your driver’s license, having higher insurance rates, shelling out money for vehicle repair costs, forking over thousands of dollars in medical bills, paying fees and fines for court costs and spending long hours in a drunk driving course. This could all be avoided by practicing a little bit of responsibility.

A majority of Florida residents will be out and about celebrating the big game. Before you head out, we are asking you to run through a checklist to make sure you’re prepared for the game and that you’ve got a safe way home.

If you’re heading out to watch the Super Bowl:

-Before you leave your house, make sure you’ve got a designated driver who has agreed to stay sober.

-Leave your car keys at home to avoid temptation.

-It’s never a good idea to consume too much alcohol in too short amount of time. This is a recipe for disaster.

-Make sure you eat plenty of food to help make sure you don’t over-drink.

-Find ways to compensate your designated driver for their commitment by offering to pay for gas, parking, making sure they’re comfortable and that they have a good seat to watch the game. After all, they are helping to save lives.

-Before you head out for the big game, make sure that you write down some number of taxi companies around the area just in case.

-Whenever you get into the vehicle, buckle up.

Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk! We wish you a Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

Party Responsibly!
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Eighteen people were injured in a recent truck and bus accident in Miami. The traffic accident happened shortly after noon at 17th Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue in Miami. The bus accident involved a FedEx truck and a Route M Metrobus, according to Miami-Dade Transit.

The Miami Herald reports that the driver of the FedEx truck was not injured in the accident. The accident allegedly happened when the FedEx truck ran through a red light and slammed into the Metrobus. The FedEx truck driver has been cited for the accident.

“I was sitting in the back, and I just heard the screech and the slam; people were flying everywhere,” said a bus passenger.

Our Miami bus accident lawyers understand the serious and fatal injuries that can result from a mass-transit accident. The Miami public transit system includes the Paratransit, the Metromover, the Metrorail and the Metrobus. The Miami-Dade Transit is one of the biggest departments of the Miami-Dade County government. The Transit estimates that there are more than 350,000 daily boardings. With the large size of the department, accidents are unfortunately common. The transportation department is responsible for providing safe travel to thousands of residents daily.

The Metrobus offers rides across the county, from West Miami-Date to Miami Beach and from Broward Boulevard to the Middle Keys. These public buses connect more than 90 routes that travel nearly 30 million miles a year through about 800 buses. Many of the routes run 24 hours a day.

Unfortunately, most bus accidents happen in metropolitan areas, like Miami. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that there are about 1,000 people injured each year in inter-city and cross-country busing accidents. These types of accidents kill about 50 people every year.

Top Causes for Bus Accidents:

-Other vehicles stopping in a bus lane.

-Quick lane changes.

-Veering off the roadway.

-Pedestrian encounters in bus lanes.

-Speed

-Weather conditions.

The size of transit buses, coupled with the lack of seat belts and other safety devices, can be a recipe for disaster. Officials are required to ensure that buses are adequate for safe transportation and that drivers are properly trained to operate these vehicles.

Since many busing companies are public entities, claiming compensation for damages and for injuries as the result of an accident can be complicated because the government is involved. Investigations ultimately result in the government investigating the government. Because the government is involved in these accidents, there are strict time limitations for filing claims and for taking legal action. If you have been involved in a busing accident it is critical for you to contact an experienced attorney to help you walk the legal line towards receiving the compensation you deserve.
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A recent car accident in Suburban West Pam Beach just off Interstate 95 sent three people to St. Mary’s Medical Center after the vehicle exited onto 45th street and hit a panhandler. According to The Palm Beach News Post, officials with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and West Palm Beach Fire Rescue were called out to the scene shortly after 2:00 p.m. The exit ramp was closed for investigation after the accident.

The driver who was involved in the wreck was reportedly in his 30s and was operating a Ford SUV. He was exiting I-95 and drove into the median of 45th Street. His vehicle struck a panhandler in his 20s. The panhandler was seriously injured, according to Sgt. Kevin Strickland.

Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers understand that the SUV landed on its side in front of the Days Inn after striking the panhandler. Another panhandler that was standing near the victim was able to avoid the accident. He was not hit. After the accident, the SUV driver tried to flee the scene, but the unharmed panhandler “tackled” him before he could get away.

Both panhandlers and the SUV driver were transported to St. Mary’s. The driver has submitted a blood sample for testing. Results determining if he was impaired at the time of the accident have not been yet released.

According to Lt. Tim Frith, spokesman with the FHP, it is likely that the driver will be charged with hit-and-run leaving the scene of an accident. If the blood results conclude he was impaired at the time of the accident, he will also be charged with driving under the influence.

Accidents in the area aren’t an uncommon sight. I-95 in Palm Beach County has been ranked as one of the deadliest roadways in the county by AllStays Travel. Over the last 5 years, nearly 150 people have died along this roadway.

Here are some Q&As to help you to help make I-95 safer for everyone.

What’s the safest way to exit the interstate? As you exit on an exit ramp, you want to make sure that you slow down to a safe exit speed. Generally, suggested exit speed signs are posted along the exit roadway. Make sure you meet this reduced speed limit because many exit ramps make sharp turn and quick stops. Slowing down will help you to maintain control of your vehicle. Losing control of your vehicle can easily cause a rollover on these roadways.

What should I do if I miss my exit? Never back up if you miss an exit. Never stop in a lane and try to figure out your next move. Just go to the next exit. I may take a few minutes more, but it’s your safest bet. Turning around can cost you a ticket, a huge fine and potentially a fatal accident.
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A recent car accident near Fort Lauderdale left a pregnant woman trapped in her vehicle. After three vehicles collided at West Sunrise Boulevard and Northwest 24th Avenue, the pregnant passenger had to be extricated from one of the vehicles, according to 7NEWS. Two others were injured in the accidents. The driver allegedly responsible was cited by officers.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers understand that parents are urged to properly buckle in young children during every car ride, but do parents know how to properly secure unborn children? There are critical steps that an expectant mother must take during every car ride to help ensure the safety of herself and her child.

Currently, states are not required to report fetal fatalities when submitting traffic accident data. But officials believe that anywhere from 300 to 1,000 unborn children are killed in car accidents every year. The fatal car accident rate for unborn children is nearly five times higher than the fatality rate for children under the age of four.

Why are pregnant passengers at a special risk during an automobile accident?:

The biggest risk for death in the event of an accident for an unborn child is placenta uterine attachment. This is a delicate attachment that doesn’t take a lot of force to detach inside the womb. When it does detach, an unborn child loses much-needed oxygen. These incidents account for about 80 percent of all fetuses lost in car crashes. In most of these cases, it happens when the abdomen hits the steering wheel.

Are there special instructions for pregnant women and seat belts?:

The normal seat belt is best for everyone, pregnant of not. Pregnant woman oftentimes misuse these devices, however. A lot of pregnant woman feel discomfort when wearing a seat belt and will allow both the shoulder portion and the lap portion to ride to the midsection of the stomach. Seat belts are designed to lie across bony sections of our body. You always want to keep the seat belt on your pelvis. If you’re sitting correctly, the combination of the seat belt and the air bag will work best in the event of a collision.

Are pregnant passengers or pregnant drivers at higher risks?:

In most accident scenarios, pregnant drivers are at higher risks for injury and death in the event of an accident. Pregnant women are better off in the passenger seat because a steering wheel isn’t close to the torso and the stomach.

Car accidents are the number one cause of death for pregnant women, according to The New York Times. More expectant mothers die in traffic accidents than in birthing complications. In fact, car accidents are the leading cause of death among individuals age 4- to 35-years-old.
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The family of a 39-year-old Florida man is grief-stricken, following a fatal crash that happened in Tampa this month.

According to the Tampa Tribune, the victim was traveling southbound on U.S. 41 when his sport utility vehicle collided with a semi-truck and, horrifyingly, became wedged underneath.

For hours, traffic snarled to a halt on the highly-traveled Florida highway.

While the state highway patrol continues to investigate the fatal Florida crash, our Hollywood car accident lawyers have been keeping a close eye on statistics regarding deadly crashes throughout the state.

Encouragingly, a new report by the Florida Highway Patrol indicates fatal crashes in Florida were the lowest reported since 1978 – and that’s even considering the state’s population has doubled in the same time frame.

According to the report, 2,373 people died in car accidents throughout the state last year. That figures is preliminary, as investigation into some of those crashes is ongoing. Final results are expected later this year.

Julie Jones, executive director of The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, reported the decrease is part of a downward trend that has been ongoing for six years. Still, she added her agency remains highly invested in continuing to see those numbers fall.

And as the Tampa crash tragically illustrates, one death is still too many.

According to the Tribune, the man was driving his Ford Explorer just after 6 a.m. when a semitrailer, driven by a 41-year-old man, reportedly crossed into his path.
The victim tried to brake and swerve, but his SUV became pinned underneath the larger truck.

Deputies said he was not wearing a seat belt. He died at the scene.

The investigation is continuing.

As the highway patrol’s new report shows, more than 5,000 people have been killed in Florida crashes over the last two years, underscoring the critical importance of vigilance every time you get behind the wheel.

One must also factor in that motor vehicle crashes are the top cause of death for people ages 4 to 34, the agency reports.

Causes behind many of these accidents include distracted driving, speeding and failure to wear a seat belt or proper safety restraints.

Addressing some of these issues is the National Safety Council, which offers the following tips to motorists:

–Put your cell phone away. The NSC estimates 24 percent of all accidents involve a cell phone, and someone using a phone behind the wheel is four times more likely to crash. It’s simply not worth it.

–Teach your teen responsible and safe driving habits, including limiting night driving as well as the number of passengers in the car. Several states already have laws prohibiting teens from using a phone behind the wheel. Make sure your teens know the law and instruct them to pull over if they need to make a call or send a text.

–Make sure you use or seat belt and that your child is properly strapped in. The council estimates that 63 percent of fatal car accident victims between the ages of 13 and 15 weren’t wearing a seat belt.

–Don’t drive drunk or impaired.

–Learn to keep your cool behind the wheel. Aggressive driving – whether by speeding, running through yellow lights or tailgating – has been found to be a factor in about 60 percent of all fatal crashes, the council reported.
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