Florida Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog

What To Do if You are in a Miami Truck Accident When Visiting Florida

Tue, 08 May 2012 20:23:11 -0500

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.

Summer Traffic and Miami Truck Accidents

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:21:19 -0500

As we recently discussed on this blog, summer traffic can mean some unique hazards that can lead to Miami truck accidents. To avoid Miami traffic accidents this summer, make sure that you:

1) Give trucks and other large vehicles more room. Delivery trucks, RVs, tourist buses, and other large vehicles take longer to stop than passenger vehicles. They also have more blind spots than the average vehicle and may stop unexpectedly. Give buses, trucks, and RVs more room and be aware that these vehicles may stop suddenly. A good rule of thumb is to stay well back enough to see the driver’s side view mirrors. If you cannot see the mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.

2) Drive distraction free. Distracted driving is dangerous at any time, but during the summer, when there is more traffic and more pedestrians on the roads it can easily lead to a Miami pedestrian accident or car accident. Put mobile devices and any other distractions away and only drive when you can put your full focus on the road.

3) Drive sober. Miami drunk driving accidents can be an especial problem in the summer, when the hot weather can make cool beers especially attractive. The many special events and barbeques serving alcohol can also make it easy for drivers to make the wrong decisions. However, alcohol can be especially dangerous in the summer, when the heat can make the effects of alcohol even more acute. It is therefore a good idea to avoid all alcohol before driving and to use taxis or public transportation to get home if you have been drinking.

4) Keep your car in good shape. Summer can be harsh on a vehicle. The heat can cause a car to overheat and can also cause additional wear and tear on tires. Taking your car to a reputable mechanic is a good precaution, and can help you ensure that your car is in good enough condition to be safe on the roads. A car that responds as you expect it to can help you avoid an accident.

5) Drive relaxed and well-rested. Driving when you are tired or stressed out can be dangerous and can lead to a Miami car accident, since you may make the wrong decisions and respond slowly in these conditions. Driving tired is especially dangerous in the summer, since the heat can make you feel even sleepier and can make it harder for you to focus on the road. Driving when you are upset can also be a problem in the summer, when higher traffic volume and more obstacles require more of your patience.

6) Stock your car well. Keep a first aid kit, sunglasses, water, and a blanket in your car. Driving in the summer can be uncomfortable, due to the heat and the glare of the sun. Keeping sunglasses on hand, as well as other supplies, can make trips easier.

Can Summer Mean More Miami Truck Accidents?

Tue, 01 May 2012 20:19:13 -0500

Are Miami truck accidents and traffic accidents more prevalent in the summer months? While statistics disagree about the issue, there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that summer poses some unique challenges when it comes to avoiding Miami traffic accidents:

1) Summer often means building and construction season as well. Summer is often the time when new construction projects get underway and when road work is completed. This can mean that more trucks are needed in these areas to bring materials to the sites, but it can also mean traffic congestion and construction areas that increase the risk of Miami car accidents and traffic accidents.

2) Summer means season businesses, which means more trucks. Many businesses open during peak tourist season, which is in the summer. Some businesses cater specifically to summer travelers and to cruise ship tourists. These businesses often rely on trucks to bring supplies, souvenirs, and other needed materials, and these seasonal businesses can mean that there are more trucks on the roads in the summer, which can increase the risk of Miami truck accidents.

3) Summer means tourists, and that means more traffic of all types. Travelers pour into Miami in the summer, and take to the streets in rental cars and on motorcycles, bicycles, and on foot. There are also tourist buses and special tours which pour more types of traffic into city streets. All these types of traffic sharing the roads can mean more Miami pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents overall.

4) Tourist season means more people who may not be familiar with the city. Most tourists drive safely and responsibly. However, driving as a tourist does pose some additional challenges – challenges that can lead to a collision. Those who are unfamiliar with city streets may be driving slowly and making frequent stops to check street signs or maps. Those who are unfamiliar with the city may also be distracted by city attractions or maps as they drive.

5) Tourist season can mean RV and moving van season, too. Summer means that there are more large vehicles on the roads. Visitors may arrive in their RVs and many families choose the summer to move, meaning that there are more moving trucks on the roads. A larger number of large vehicles can increase the risk of Miami traffic accidents.

6) Summer can mean seasonal drivers. Trucking companies are like any other company – come summer, many employees want vacation time to travel with their families. This can mean that companies need to hire seasonal drivers to take on summer work. While companies have an obligation to screen and hire the best drivers possible, new drivers may simply not be as familiar with routes and policies as drivers who have been with the company for a while.

Could Truck Industry Changes in Mexico Be Significant in Reducing Miami Trucking Accidents?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:22:40 -0500

The government in Mexico has recently announced that it will lower the maximum cargo weight allowed for big rig trucks and will make inspection rules stricter. The move follows a number of high-profile double-trailer truck accidents in that country as well as protests over freight truck weights and regulations.

In Mexico City recently, independent truckers blocked off parts of highways to express their concerns over the very long commercial trucks and very heavy trucks that Mexico has been allowing. The truckers claimed that the larger vehicles are not safe and place independents truckers at risk since the larger trucks pressure independent drivers to overload their own trucks to compete. Independent truckers also allege that the larger trucks displace them and their safer, smaller trucks from business.

While the US allows trucks up to 40 tons (80 000 pounds) when fully loaded, Mexico has permitted commercial trucks of up to 80 metric tons. Some of these trucks are longer than 100 feet, which experts say places undue pressure on loads and creates many more blind spots for truck drivers, creating risks for accidents. The trucks are routinely overloaded, according to some industry experts in Mexico, and are used on secondary loads. The double trailer trucks have been linked to a number of truck crashes, including some collisions that have claimed lives.

The Communications and Transport Department in Mexico has announced that following concerns and a number of fatal accidents it was reducing maximum weights. Double trailer trucks will now be able to only operate on 15.5 mile (25 km) runs on secondary roads and the maximum weight of these trucks will be reduced by 4.5 tons. In addition, double wide trucks will need to be inspected within the next sixty days to ensure that they are safe. To permit better inspection and regulation of the trucks in the country, the Communications and Transport Department will increase the number of weigh-in scales in Mexico to 88 from the current 63 and will increase the number of inspectors by 14%. In addition, new rules will require drivers of double trailers to have documented proof of how much their freight weighs.

The changes in the industry may mean good things for the US. Since there has been some talk about permitting more commercial trucks from Mexico into the US, ensuring that the trucks are safe will go a long way towards ensuring that the trucks are safe when on US streets, as well.

The move may also help prove the claims that experts have been making when trying to reduce the number of Miami trucking accidents as well. Over the years, many experts have claimed that reducing the weight limit of commercial trucks would potentially reduce the number of Miami car accidents involving trucks. However, others have alleged that truck weight will not impact safety. The case in Mexico does give credence to the idea that heavier trucks may be a greater risk for Miami traffic accidents.

What Risk Factors Can Cause Tamarac Truck Accidents?

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:17:16 -0500

Being in a Tamarac car accident caused involving a truck can be one of the most terrifying experiences. To avoid these types of accidents, it is important to understand the risk factors that can lead to truck accidents:

1) Blind spots. Commercial trucks, including big rigs and 18 wheelers, have large “no zones” or blind spots. In most cases, larger trucks have larger blind spots – both at the rear of the truck and near the front of the vehicle. In general, it is important to see the driver of the truck in his or her side mirrors. If you cannot see the driver, he or she likely cannot see you and you are at risk. For a similar reason, you should not follow too closely behind a truck – the truck driver will likely not see you.

2) Turns. A commercial truck generally makes a very wide turn and this puts nearby drivers at risk for a squeeze play accident. This occurs when a truck driver swings to one side in order to make a turn in the opposite direction. This can cause the truck to crash into any vehicle trapped between the truck and the curb. It can also cause the truck to crash into any vehicles that try to pass the truck while the truck is making a turn. To avoid these types of swinging turn Tamarac traffic accidents, give trucks plenty of room to make a turn and do not attempt to pass a truck making this type of turn.

3) Sudden stops. Many types of commercial trucks, including dump trucks and delivery trucks make frequent, unexpected stops. Any cars that are following too closely may slide under the truck or may crash into the rear of the truck. For this reason, it is important to give trucks more room than you would give other vehicles when following behind a truck.

4) Braking issues. Larger trucks take longer to brake. Trucks are also susceptible to brake failure. Both issues can cause Tamarac truck collisions. While there is not a great deal that you can do about brake failures, you can give trucks more room and you can avoid driving distracted to avoid a collision caused by a truck stopping suddenly.

5) Cargo problems. When trucks are carrying too much cargo, this puts extra pressure on the tires, which could lead to a tire blowout. Heavy loads can also cause the truck’s brakes to overheat and fail. In some cases, incorrectly secured cargo can fly off the truck and into oncoming traffic or can destabilize a truck so that it is at risk for a rollover. If you see a truck that looks like it may have incorrectly secured cargo, put extra room between you and the truck.

Understanding the Types of Palmetto Bay Truck Accidents

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:56:36 -0500

Big rigs and commercial trucks cause Palmetto Bay truck accidents each year. While each Palmetto Bay traffic accident is different, many truck accidents fall into one of a few different categories:

1) Rollover accidents. Large trucks such as semis can easily rollover. In many cases, this can occur because a driver is speeding, especially around a curve or when turning. However, even when traveling at just 5 mph, a larger commercial truck can roll over if the truck rolls over a curb or object or if the truck is heading down a steep incline. The top-heavy nature of trucks makes them prone to this type of accident.

2) Jackknife accidents. This type of accident often occur when the drive axle brakes on the tractor lock up, sometimes due to brake failure or some other cause. When this happens, the trailer skids and only comes to a halt after it forms a sharp angle with the truck. While the accident is in progress, the driver has no control of the truck and the truck can easily collide into and crush any vehicles or objects in its wake.

3) Tire blowouts. Tire blowouts can occur on any vehicle, but when they happen on a passenger car in most cases the driver can safely steer the car to the shoulder of the road and change the tire before a Palmetto Bay car accident occurs. When a tire blowout occurs on semi truck, controlling the vehicle is much more difficult due to the size and force of the truck. The truck can easily veer out of control, crashing into other cars. The pieces of tire can also crash into oncoming cars, possibly obscuring the vision of the drivers. In many cases, tire blowouts are preventable and are caused by poor maintenance, tire defects, overloading the truck, or improper tire inflation.

4) Underrride accidents. This is one of the more frightening types of Palmetto Bay car accident. In this type of accident, a smaller vehicle slides under the rear trailer of the truck. In many cases this occurs because the truck stops or slows down suddenly and the vehicle just behind it does not react in time. When an underride accident occurs, devastating damage is often the result. In many cases, the car can be dragged for some time by the truck. In many instances, the smaller vehicle has the entire cab sheared off or destroyed. These types of accidents are often fatal or result in serious injury, especially if the passenger vehicle is speeding at the time of the crash.

What Seeking Justice in Miami Beach Truck Accidents Can Do

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:36:18 -0500

After a Miami Beach truck accident, it is common to feel upset and confused. In addition to trying to process complex information about claims and insurance laws, you may be recovering from a painful or long-term injury while also trying to get your life back on track. In many cases, where a serious injury has occurred, it can be helpful to speak with a Miami Beach personal injury attorney after your accident. While you may not be sure whether you want to pursue a legal claim following your accident, pursuing justice can do many things:

1) Get answers about the cause of the accident. In many cases, if you have been in a Miami Beach car accident with a truck, you may have many questions about what has caused the accident. You may even be accused of contributing to the accident. A good Miami Beach personal injury attorney can investigate the cause of the accident – most attorneys work with private investigators who have extensive experience with accident reconstruction and other investigative techniques. Getting the facts about your accident can ensure that you are not held responsible for something that way not your fault. Getting the facts can also help you move on and can ensure that if the accident was preventable, steps are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.

2) Hold parties accountable for their actions. In many cases, truck carriers, truck manufacturers, and others in the truck industry are concerned about cost effectiveness. When cost effectiveness causes safety problems, however, it can be dangerous. Holding companies liable when they are reckless with safety can spur companies and even entire industries into taking steps to ensure safety for everyone. Unfortunately, in some cases it takes legal action to push a company into becoming more aware of safety and being more responsible.

3) Get fair compensation for your injuries. If you have been in a Miami Beach traffic collision involving a truck, you can often get your car insurance carrier to cover some of the costs of your injuries. Unfortunately, if you have serious injuries, your insurance may not cover all the costs related to the car crash. In many cases, victims are surprised to find out how high the costs of a car collision really are. Miami Beach spinal cord injury patients, for example, may have medical costs exceeding one hundred thousand dollars in the first year after the accident alone, and this figure does not cover lost income, property damage, and other costs related to the accident. In many cases, it may take legal action and close work with an experienced Miami Beach personal injury attorney to recover fair compensation for the injuries sustained in a serious accident.

4) Make a difference in the community and in others’ lives. When someone pursues justice through the legal system, changes are often made. In many cases, when legal action leads to a settlement or court win, companies make changes that ensure that they will not get sued. Over time, this leads to better safety practices. Pursuing legal action can draw attention to a problem and can make important changes, ensuring that others are not injured in a similar way.

Responsible Parties in Hialeah Truck Accidents

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:21:19 -0500

Hialeah truck accidents are caused by a number of factors, including distracted driving, DUI, poor truck maintenance, poor truck company policies, fatigued driving, and other reasons. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other government bodies have strict policies in place to make commercial trucking as safe as possible, Hialeah car accidents caused by commercial trucks still occur every year.

In most cases, there are multiple liable parties in a Hialeah traffic accident involving a commercial truck. These can include:

1) The truck driver. Truck drivers have many responsibilities on the road, including driving safely, following all traffic and commercial trucking rules, keeping a daily driving log, and performing twice-daily inspections of their vehicle. When truck drivers disobey the law, drive recklessly, and otherwise endanger the public they can be held liable if their actions lead to a Hialeah car accident or traffic accident.

2) The company that hired the truck driver. Truck carriers who hire truck drivers are expected to screen drivers carefully and to ensure that drivers have the correct training and support needed to drive safely. When truck companies fail to do so or fail to enforce policies that allow drivers to drive safely, they can be held liable if their actions lead to an accident.

3) The company that owns the truck or cargo. In cases where cargo is secured incorrectly, declared incorrectly, and in cases where a truck is not kept in good condition, the company responsible for the truck or cargo can be held liable.

4) The company responsible for truck maintenance. If a third party is responsible for truck maintenance, that company may be held liable if they are reckless or negligent in keeping the truck in poor condition.

5) The manufacturer of the truck or various truck parts. In cases where tire defects or other parts defects cause a Hialeah truck accident or traffic accident, the manufacturer of the truck or truck parts may be held liable for injuries if the company should have known or did know about the defects but failed to act in time.

6) The municipality, state, or town where the truck accident took place. Communities are responsible for maintaining roads and signage on many roads and states are often responsible for interstate roadways. When poor road conditions or signage cause an accident, the community or state may be held partly liable for some of the injuries the accident causes.

It can actually serve accident victims to have multiple liable parties in a case. While it can make the case more complex, it can also increase the odds that a victim who has sustained a serious Hialeah spinal cord injury, burn injury, or other serious injury can recover fair compensation for their injuries. This is why speaking with a Hialeah personal injury attorney after your accident is so important. An experienced attorney can investigate your accident and can seek out which parties are liable, so that you have the best chance of recovering fair compensation for your injuries.

Poor Truck Maintenance as a Cause of Miami Truck Accidents

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 09:03:11 -0500

Proper truck maintenance is crucial in ensuring that commercial trucks are road-worthy and safe for interstate or Florida travel. Unfortunately, each year Miami truck accidents are caused by incorrectly maintained trucks, and in these cases multiple parties can be liable since the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other governing bodies maintain that both truck drivers and the companies that hire the drivers or own the trucks are responsible for truck maintenance. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers are responsible for inspecting a number of things at the start and end of each working day, including:

-Tires (including tread and tire inflation) and rims
-All brakes, including parking brakes, front brakes, and rear brakes
-Reflectors and lights
-Horn
-All truck mirrors, including rear-view and side mirrors
-Windshield wipers and fluid
-Emergency gear
-Coupling devices

Drivers must carefully record their inspections in a daily log and these inspections must be available to the company that hired the driver. In addition, the company that hired the driver must conduct full truck inspections, following the FMSCA guidelines, before a truck is declared safe to travel across state lines. The details and reports of these inspections must also be kept.

Since inspections can be time-consuming and costly, there have been cases where drivers and truck companies have not followed the guidelines for inspections or have failed to fix problems found during inspections. In some cases, drivers and companies have even forged documents and records to cover up poor inspection practices. When this occurs, Miami car accidents involving trucks become more likely, since incorrectly maintained trucks do not respond as they should increasing the risk of collisions.

If you have been in a Miami traffic accident caused by poor inspection practices, it is important to consult with a qualified Miami personal injury attorney in order to hold those responsible accountable for their negligence. A good attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and can keep your best interests in mind while pursuing your case to the full extent of the law. If someone’s negligence has caused your injuries, you may be able to recover the costs of medical treatment, lost income, and other expenses related to your injuries.

In a Miami truck accident, there are often multiple liable parties. This can actually improve your chances of collecting fair compensation for your injuries, so that you do not need to pay the often high cost of medical care and lost income out of your own pocket.

Miami Truck Accidents and Truck Problems Do Not Come with Easy Solutions

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:27:41 -0500

Miami, as a port city, relies heavily on truck traffic to move freights from boats to destinations across the US. Drayage trucks are heavy-duty trucks that move shipping containers from the port to other destinations, where cargo can be redistributed into shipping trucks. Eventually, deliveries to smaller businesses are made with delivery trucks. Trucks are an essential part of the Miami economy, but they also cause:

1) Truck-related damage. Air contamination and wear on roads are just two problems that trucks cause. Although trucks are outnumbered by passenger cars on city streets, they do cause the majority of traffic-related road damage and quite a bit of air pollution. The road damage is an especial concern, as it can lead to Miami traffic accidents.

2) Traffic congestion. Delivery trucks stop and start frequently and in many cases, especially in the downtown area, there may not be adequate space for parking. Trucks may temporarily block lanes of traffic when making deliveries and when other vehicles try to creep around the trucks, Miami car accidents are a common result. Trucks are only part of the equation – heavy car traffic as well as lack of parking areas for larger commercial trucks are also to blame in many cases – but the fact that commercial trucks and passenger vehicles have to share the road often contributes to the problem.

3) Visibility issues. Trucks block visibility of drivers of smaller cars, potentially increasing the risk of Miami car accidents. Large commercial trucks also have many blind spots, which can mean Miami pedestrian accidents and truck accidents in some cases.

4) Miami truck accidents. Of course, one of the major problems associated with commercial trucks is the risk of truck accidents. Since commercial trucks are so large, the effects of these accidents is often devastating. Fatalities are common and when a commercial truck is carrying a flammable or toxic substance, fires, explosions, and toxic spills are also a very real danger.

Trucks, despite the problems they may cause, are an essential part of the Miami economy. We rely on trucks every day to remove waste and to deliver every item we buy to our favorite stores. Simply getting rid of trucks is not a solution, but even experts have trouble deciding what the best solution for truck-related issues might be. New York Mayor Bloomberg has proposed charging an extra fee for trucks entering New York City, but many are reluctant to institute a similar proposal in Miami, noting that trucks should not be automatically punished for creating jobs and boosting the economy. While more parking and delivery areas would help, there is often little or no room in parts of Miami to create additional parking or delivery areas. While new initiatives are always being developed to help prevent Miami traffic accidents involving trucks, there are no all-encompassing answers.

Miami Truck Injuries Involving Ice Cream Trucks are a Concern in Summer Months

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:25:27 -0500

According to a 1998 study published by researchers S.J. Mubarak, C. Lavernia, and P.D. Silva, ice cream trucks pose a possible danger because they attract children and block the vision of oncoming vehicles. The researchers examined ice cream truck accidents between 1985 and 1995 and concluded that all the victims were children, predominantly girls. The most common injuries in these types of accidents were lower-extremity and pelvic injuries.

Although Miami truck accidents involving ice cream trucks are not as common as are Miami traffic accidents involving large commercial trucks, ice cream truck accidents do occur. What is most troubling is that these preventable injuries almost always harm children. According to experts, there are several things that can be done:

1) New laws. Most ice cream truck accidents are in fact Miami pedestrian accidents. When children see a truck, they dash towards the treats, sometimes oblivious to traffic around them. Ice cream trucks also sometimes make frequent stops and starts, potentially leading to accidents. Once stopped, ice cream trucks block traffic and cars behind the truck may pull out, not realizing that there are children clustered around the truck. Some experts have called for ordinances that would ban cars from passing stopped ice cream trucks that are serving customers. Others would like to see ice cream trucks banned or would like them to be parked in low-traffic areas only, where the risk of accidents is minimal.

2) Careful child supervision. If you are a parent and your child sees an ice cream truck, ensure that your child stays with you and walk to the truck together so that you can keep an eye out for traffic.

3) Set down ground rules for your children when it comes to pedestrian safety. Teach your children pedestrian safety rules and make sure that younger children are not allowed to approach ice cream trucks unless they have an older sibling or adult with them to help them cross the street. Teach children to look both ways to cross the street and teach them about staying alert when they walk across a street. Pedestrian safety can help prevent many Miami pedestrian accidents – not just those that occur near ice cream trucks.

4) Consider alternatives to ice cream trucks. If your children are young and are attracted to ice cream trucks, consider stopping by the trucks as a family or keep ice cream at home. Do not allow young children to run up to trucks by themselves.

5) Drive carefully when you see an ice cream truck. One simple way to prevent these tragedies is for every driver to exercise extra caution when nearing an ice cream truck. When you notice an ice cream truck, be prepared for extra pedestrian traffic and be extra vigilant about any children who may go running towards the truck. Never try to pass a stopped truck unless you can see clearly that there are no pedestrians in front of the truck or just to the side of the truck.

Getting Medical Help After a Miami Gardens Truck Accident

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:38:33 -0500

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.

Brain Injuries After a Miami Beach Truck Accident

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:36:42 -0500

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.

Preventing North Miami Truck Accidents Involving Motorcycles

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:33:54 -0500

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.

What to Remember if you are in a Tamarac Truck Accident

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:16:13 -0500

Hopefully, you will never need to go through the trauma and stress that is a Tamarac truck accident. However, if you are in this type of Tamarac traffic accident, there are several things you will want to remember to do:

1) Have your vehicle ready. Being ready for a Tamarac car accident or truck accident is important. In your glove compartment, you should have pen and paper, current insurance information, a first aid kit, and possibly a small camera (if your phone does not have a camera). If you are ever in a car accident, you will have the help and information on hand to exchange contact, license plate, and insurance information with the other driver involved.

2) Get safe. The first thing to do after a Tamarac truck accident is to get to a safe location and contact emergency medical help for anyone who needs it. If the accident was not serious, Florida laws require you to get your car out of the way of traffic so that you do not cause a secondary Tamarac car accident.

3) Contact authorities. Contacting police after the accident to file a police report can be an important step in getting documentation about the accident. Contacting your insurance company is also important for starting the claims process.

4) Stay calm and stay alert about what you say. You should never admit fault at the accident scene. It is often premature, especially since no one has yet investigated all the contributing factors in the accident. Do not apologize for the accident, and stick to facts without assigning blame when discussing the accident with police or the other driver.

5) Start documenting the injuries and damages. Take photos of the accident if you can, using the time stamp on your camera phone if possible. Get a copy of any police or medical reports after the accident and keep careful records on injuries as well as any costs related to your Tamarac truck accident.

6) Contact a Tamarac personal injury attorney. Even if you think that the insurance offer made by your insurance company is a safe one, schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney to get a sense of how much your case could be worth. Do this before you sign any insurance documents and before you make any final decisions in your case. In some cases, a personal injury attorney can negotiate a better claim offer for you or can help you get fairer compensation, ensuring you won’t pay for as many costs out of pocket. If you are accused of causing the car accident, you will also need a good attorney to defend your rights.