South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog

Swimming Pool Accidents in Broward County Likely Over Memorial Day Weekend

Sun, 13 May 2012 09:28:47 -0500

The kickoff weekend for the summer season is getting close -- Memorial Day! During this time, residents and visitors from around the country will be kicking off their long weekend working on their tan in a swimming pool under the Florida sun.

Unfortunately, with this long holiday weekend, we're expected a number of news reports of boys and girls who needlessly drowned because of negligence, their own lack of swimming skills or because of inadequate protection, faulty equipment and lack of supervision. It happens every year, an increase in the number of these kinds of accidents over the Memorial Day weekend. Swimming pool accidents in Broward County and elsewhere are alarmingly common during this time of year. Luckily, there are precautionary steps that can be taken to help to minimize the risks of these kinds of accidents.

It's especially important to keep an eye on our young swimmers. As a matter of fact, kids ages 1- to 4-years-old face the highest risks for drowning. These accidents are the number one cause of death for this young age group in the state of Florida. Did you know that Broward County leads the state of Florida in the number of drowning deaths each year? Picture this. Enough children drown in the state of Florida each year to fill the seats of roughly four classrooms.

Our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys understand that there's one link that can help to save children from drowning-related accidents -- parents! Parents and guardians are asked to take all of the necessary safety precautions to minimize these risks. It may be a weekend for fun, but it's also a time to step up and to help protect our young ones. Review the safety tips listed below to help make your Memorial Day injury free.

“We hope parents and caregivers will take heed of these very important safety tips and suggestions,” says Sheryl Woods, President/CEO of the Broward County YMCA.

Swimming Pool Safety Tips:

-Make sure that children are ALWAYS supervised. Never leave them alone in a pool, not even for a second.

-Consider installing a four-sided fence around your swimming pool to keep wandering children away. These fences should be at least 4 feet tall and should be difficult to climb, meaning it shouldn't be a chain-link fence.

-Keep all doors around a pool locked, including the swimming pool fence.

-Consider enrolling your child into a swim class.

-Parents, guardians and caregivers should be certified in CPR.

Of the children who died in drowning-related accidents in Broward County in the last 3 years:

-Nearly 85 percent were males.

-Nearly 60 percent were African-American.

-More than 80 percent were familiar with the swimming pool where the accident happened and died in their own backyard or in their community.

-In more than 95 percent of the cases, an adult was present when the accident happened.

Officials Fighting Risks of Car Accidents in Latana and Elsewhere over Memorial Day Weekend

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:02:28 -0500

Memorial Day weekend is approaching and so are increased risks for a serious car accident in Lantana and elsewhere.

For that reason, officers throughout the country will be enforcing their "Click It or Ticket (CIOT)" campaign. During this time, officers nationwide will be on the hunt for drivers who aren't wearing a seat belt and for those who aren't practicing safe and responsible driving habits, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This nationwide campaign will be taking place from the 21st of March through the 3rd of June.

According to recent studies, men ages 18- to 34-years-old are those who are least likely to wear their seat belts. They also make up the group of drivers who are most likely to engage in dangerous driving habits.

Our Latana car accident attorneys understand that Memorial Day is a busy holiday weekend on our roadways. Families and visitors from around the country will be making their way to the Sunshine State to enjoy a long weekend and an extra day off of work. During this time, we see a significant increase in the number of car accidents on our roadways. During this time, drivers are asked to be extra cautious behind the wheel to help to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

Every year, law enforcement agencies across the country use the annual Memorial Day Weekend holiday period to join forces, during both evening and daytime hours, to nab irresponsible drivers. During this time, the mobilization is supported by both local and national paid advertising and earned media campaigns that are used to raising awareness before the blitz.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the Memorial Day holiday weekend is defined as the time from 6:00 p.m. on Friday May 25th through 11:59 p.m. on May 28th. During this time, officials with the NSC predict that roughly 420 traffic accident-related fatalities. Also during this time, officials also predict that more than 40,000 will be injured on our roadways. Memorial Day is typically known as the traditional summer kick-off.

The NSC is making some uplifting estimates, too. Officials also predict that nearly 150 people may survive car accidents over the Memorial Day holiday weekend because of seat belt usage. In addition, another 110 people could be saved if all motorists were to wear their seat belt.

Over the last 6 years, the Memorial Day holiday weekend saw an increase of more than 11 percent in the number of fatal car accidents than similar non-holiday period.

Drivers are urged to be safe out there, to buckle up, to be courteous on our roadways and to practice safe and responsible driving habits to increase roadway safety for all.

Bus-Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale Traps Man in Vehicle

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:12:03 -0500

A recent accident in Fort Lauderdale on Broward Boulevard left a man trapped in his car. He was extracted from his vehicle by emergency response teams with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, according to the Sun Sentinel. The accident involved a passenger vehicle car and a Broward County Transit bus. The man was taken to Broward General Medical Center.

Accidents involving trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles can produce some catastrophic results. These larger vehicles carry some serious weight, power and strength. Accidents involving these vehicles unfortunately produce deadly results oftentimes. Drivers are urged to practice safe and responsible driving habits when traveling near these vehicles. Drivers are to practice very different and specific driving habits when traveling near commercial vehicles than when traveling near only other passenger vehicles.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers understand that our roadways are busy during this time of the year. Students are off of school and tourists are still trickling in to catch some Florida sun. We're asking all drivers to keep safe driving habits as a number one priority no matter where they're driving to and no matter how far they're traveling. Safe driving habits can save lives. That's why we're here to offer you some safe driving tips to help you to navigate safely around commercial buses, school buses, emergency vehicles, other large vehicles and our busy Florida traffic on our roadways. Listen up!

When driving near school buses and county buses:

-Remember that these school buses carry very special cargo, our children. It's important to be extra cautious when traveling near these vehicles, especially when they're picking up or letting off kids. Allow these vehicles with plenty of space, always travel slowly near them and keep an eye out for children nearby. When traveling near commercial passenger buses be cautious and never follow too closely. These vehicles make frequent stops along our roadways and can be a serious hazard if you're not paying attention.

When traveling near emergency vehicles:

Remember that the number one rule is that when you see one of these vehicles nearby with their emergency lights and/or their sirens activates, you're required to pull as far to the right as possible and stop. Remember that you're always supposed to yield to the right of way for these vehicles (at intersections and other road crossings). Help to help our neighbors and get out of these vehicle's way when you see them coming. Be cautious of nearby traffic while doing this. You don't want to cause another accident.

When traveling near tractor-trailers and other large, commercial vehicles:

-Be sure to steer clear of these vehicles. You never want to travel too closely to these vehicles. They take longer to stop that our small, passenger vehicles. It's also important to stay out of these vehicles' blind spots. If you can't see a driver then the driver can't see you!

Boating Accidents in Palm Beach Target of New Watercraft Ban, State Not Happy!

Sat, 05 May 2012 08:54:31 -0500

Palm Beach County's park ban on certain vessels and access to boat ramps violates a state law that is intended to preserve this access for all boaters, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Earlier this year officials in Palm Beach County banned personal watercraft, including Jet Skis, Wave Runners and other similar vessels, from using Sunset Lake in Boca Raton. Officials were worried about the risks for boating accidents in Boca Raton before this ban was in place.

After strong opposition from owners of the personal watercraft, officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission determined that the recent ban did in fact violate a state law that was enacted to protect vessels from rules that are specific to them and didn't apply to all boats. State officials are looking to toss the County's law overboard.

"We have as much right to use [the lake] as any boat owner," said Paul Jaffe, a local personal-watercraft owner.

Our Boca Raton watercraft accident lawyers understand that a state law, passed back in 2000, prohibited rules that were specific to certain types of watercraft. Sunset Lake is considered to be "waters of the state" and cannot be regulated by county jurisdictions. Although the ban was set to help to reduce the risks of accidents for specific boaters, it cannot remain as it discriminates.

Right now, attorneys with the county are reviewing the state's claims and are figuring out if there's a legal risk or not. If they find they're at risk for violating state laws with the ban, then government officials say they will adjust the law to make it fit.

Recently, the county dished out nearly $1 million to improve that park. Some of the biggest improvements included new docks, a new boat ramp and additional parking near the lake.

When the improvements were concluded and the lake was reopened, it reopened with a sign stating the new prohibitions. According to county officials, safety was the main concern of this ban and they felt that by keeping personal watercraft out of Sunset Lake, the area would be safer and boating accidents would be reduced. Previous accidents fueled this decision. There were approximately 125 accidents involving personal watercraft in Palm Beach County in 2010.

Officials worried that the risks were too high at Sunset Lake and boaters were extremely likely to get into an accident with fast vessels skipping over wakes and weaving through other boating traffic. They also said that the lake was just too small to keep these watercrafts in the game.

The American Watercraft Association even stepped in and voiced opposition to the ban. The association says that speed limits would have been an acceptable solution, but banning these watercrafts is completely unjust and violates state law.

Injury in Fort Lauderdale: Beach Vehicle Runs Over Sunbather

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:00:26 -0500

The safety of beach goers is in question after a visiting sunbather experienced a serious injury in Fort Lauderdale. The beach accident happened when a government beach vehicle drove right over the sunbather on the sandy coast as she lay there soaking in the bright Florida sun, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Critics of these beach vehicles say that the pickups and SUVs are extremely dangerous to sunbathers because they provide a limited view of the surroundings to the driver. Still, these vehicles are allowed to drive on our beaches. Oftentimes the drivers of these vehicles can't even see what's on the sand that is right in front of their vehicle. Safety advocates have been saying for years that these officials should be using ATVs instead.

Our Fort Lauderdale beach accident attorneys understand that there are some that fight for these pickups and SUVs saying that they're effective at saving lives because lifeguards can use them to carry individuals quicker in the event of an emergency. They also say that they're better equipped to carry emergency response equipment like first-aid kits, defibrillators and backboards. What many don't realize is that there is increased risk of causing an emergency.

"The people who are going to require that kind of [medical attention]...they want you to have all that equipment," said Tom Gill, with the United States Lifesaving Association.

The accident happened when the 49-year-old tourist from North Carolina was laying on the beach trying to work on her tan. An Ocean Rescue pickup just drove right over her. Reports indicate that she was bruised and cut up.

According to Jack Seiler, the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, the city will more than likely look into adjusting the current rules and look into the need of these vehicles to be driven on the beach. He says that they will be evaluating the policy, but are going to continue to make sure that beach goers have the best possible experience on our South Florida beaches.

The driver of the pickup was a veteran Ocean Rescue lieutenant. He has been placed on administrative leave until the Fire-Rescue Department conducts an internal review of the accident.

This isn't the first time something like this has happened. There have also been similar accidents that have happened in Volusia County and Miami Beach.

A spokesman for the United States Lifesaving Association says that lifeguards are trained to survey the area before getting behind the wheel and driving down our beaches. They're also instructed to only make left turns to avoid an obstructed view.

Risks for Work Accidents in Parkland and Elsewhere Spike and Unemployment Drops

Tue, 01 May 2012 07:47:42 -0500

According to recent statistics from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the unemployment rate in the state for March dropped from 9.4 to 9.0. This decrease serves as the largest monthly drop in the last 20 years.

We saw a drop similar to this one only back in 1992, according to Governor Rick Scott. In the month of March, the state of Florida added nearly 11,000 jobs and more than 100,000 private sectors jobs have been created since Scott took office. With more people back at work, risks for an on-the-job injury in Parkland and elsewhere are much, much higher.

“The largest monthly unemployment rate decline in 20 years is a milestone all Floridians can celebrate. This news comes on the heels of significant steps taken this week to make Florida the best state in the nation to live and do business," said Scott.

Our Parkland injury attorneys understand that the unemployment rate in the state is dropping much faster than the national rate. While this means that Florida's economy is recovering, it also means that more people are back at work and risks for accidents are growing. As we plow through the month of May, students throughout the state will be let out of school for summer break and will also be hitting the job market. During this time, parents and guardians are asked to speak with the young workers in their family to make sure that they know what they're up against, what to expect and what their rights are on the job. Education helps to fuel a safe work environment and helps to keep employees safe.

Child Labor Laws, according to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, for children ages 16- and 17-years-old:

-May not work during school hours.

-Are allowed to work only 30 hours a week while school is in session.

-Cannot work before 6:30 a.m. and may not work later than 11:00 p.m.

-Are only allowed to work 8 hours a day when school is scheduled on the following day.

-May work any number of hours when school does not follow the work day.

-Have no limitation on hours work while school is not in session.

-Cannot work more than 6 days in a row.

-Cannot work more than 4 hours in a row without at least a 30 minutes break.

It is important to talk with your teen worker about the dangers that can be found on the job. Urge them to speak up if they witness a hazard on the job that could result in an accident or an injury. Workers have a right to speak up about safety concerns and are encouraged to do so.

Employees are reminded that they are required to comply with child labor laws as well as occupational health and safety regulations that apply to their business. They're to assess and eliminate all dangers and hazards not only for teen workers, but for all workers on the site. Employers are also required to train teen employees to use safe work practices, recognize hazards and prepare for emergencies. Lastly, employers are to assure that teen workers are appropriately supervised at all times.

Yard Work Accident in Fort Lauderdale Forces Evacuation

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:40:42 -0500

A number of buildings and homes had to be evacuated during a recent tree trimming accident in Fort Lauderdale. According to the Sun Sentinel, the accident happened on Southeast 10th Street when workers were trimming tree limbs. While cutting the trees, one of the limbs dropped, falling on a gas meter. The falling tree broke a one inch galvanized pipe below the shut-off valve. Witnesses say that the sound of escaping gas could be heard from more than a block away.

According to Matt Little, fire rescue spokesman, areas on Southeast 9th and 10th Streets as well as the 900 block of Southeast 2nd Avenue were evacuated.

Our Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys understand how important it is to keep your yard in shape. Whether you're working on it alone or you bring in a crew to do it for you, there are steps that everyone needs to follow to make sure that your yard is as safe as can be and that the risks for injuries are minimized.

According to a recent poll, conducted by Consumer Reports, consumers aren't taking the right precautions before digging into their yard. To help keep yard workers safe, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) released a number of safety measures that every consumer should review before firing up the tree trimmer, the edger or the lawnmower. Taking the proper safety precautions can help to avoid unintentional, and potentially fatal, injuries, according to Occupational Safety & Health.

"Making good decisions around using mowers, edgers, leaf blowers and other maintenance tools are key to yard safety," said Kris Kiser, vice president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.

Lawn Safety Precautions:

-Make sure you know how to operate the equipment before jumping in. Consumers are urged to read the entire manual before beginning. Know the controls and follow the safety instructions.

-Be careful when handling gas. Fill up before starting the equipment. Always fill on a cold engine.

-Make sure you dress accordingly. Always wear close-fitting clothes, long pants and substantial shoes.

-Clear the yard before you begin. Remove sticks, stones and other dangerous objects that could fly up and injure someone. The most common injuries related to yard work result from objects flying up and striking someone.

-Wear eye protection.

-Wear protection for your ears to alleviate the risks of injury associated with damaging sounds.

-Avoid listening to music during this time. Music can cause you to miss an important shout out or stop you from seeing a potentially dangerous hazard.

-Clear everyone, and pets, from the area. Keep kids inside under the supervision of an adult.

-Never start a mower inside.

-Never drink and do yard work! Sprucing up your lawn is no time to deal with impaired judgment.

Risks of Teen Car Accidents in Margate and Elsewhere Concerning Officials

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:08:55 -0500

Our Stuart car accident attorneys have been talking about the risks that teen drivers face during this time of the year on our South Florida roadways.

They've got prom, graduation and summer break. We recently discussed "Prom Patrol," a program going on in South Florida to help keep teens safe behind the wheel. Now, we're going to talk about even larger efforts, on a nationwide level. It's the Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) and it's targeting teens across the country, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

"Unfortunately, safety can take a back seat to the excitement associated with the many celebrations around prom and graduation," said Jim Graham, manager of the DSFL program.

Our Stuart injury attorneys understand that auto accidents are the number one cause of death for these young drivers between the ages of 15- and 20-years-old. Recent statistics showed an increase in the number of these fatal accidents involving these drivers during the second half of 2011. Experts believe that this increase sheds light into the trends we can expect to see throughout the year. That's why parents and safe driving advocates nationwide are stepping up and stepping in to help get safety back to the top of the list. By revamping these young drivers' roadway attitudes, we can help to save precious lives at the same time.

Mile for mile, teenage drivers are nearly five times as likely to get into a deadly crash as older drivers. Every year, about 3,000 of these newly-licensed drivers die in car accidents nationwide. It's these drivers who also have the highest proportion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes.

The Ford Driving Skills for Life program will be reaching roughly 1,000 students across the nation through hands-on driving modules and events. Who's reaching these kids? Conducting these programs are some of the country's most notable professional drivers. In these events and programs, instructors will be covering speed/space management, distracted driving, vehicle handling as well as hazard and danger recognition.

The DSFL program is also working with various high schools, awarding them with grants for creating winning safety education campaigns.

Parents and guardians are urged to remind the teen drivers in their lives about the risks on our roadways during this time of the year. As students head to prom, graduation and are let out of school for summer break, they'll be hitting the road. With their increase in travel they'll be increasing their risks for an accident. Be sure to stick to your guns and keep driving rules tight. Make sure there's a strict driving curfew established in your household in addition to passenger limitations and distracted driving regulations. Your intervention can help to keep your kid safe behind the wheel during this dangerous time on our roadways.

Child Injuries in Margate and Elsewhere: Focus of New NHTSA Campaign

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:18:31 -0500

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced that it would be launching a number of public service programs to help get parents, childcare providers, babysitters, daycare centers and other up to date with the proper techniques of choosing the right car seat for their child and how to properly use and install it in the vehicle.

Knowing how to properly execute these few simple tasks can help to save your kid's life in the event of an auto accident. The new campaign was released in partnership with the Ad Council and it is targeting parents and guardians with children under the age of 13-years-old.

According to Ray LaHood, the USDOT Transportation Secretary, recent statistics conclude that there were nearly 9,000 young lives saved between 1975 and 2008 because of properly chosen, installed and used child car safety seats. That number of lives saved could have been much higher if more parents, guardians and childcare providers would have properly buckled in children during every car ride. These young ones have virtually no control over their fate in the event of a car accident in Margate and elsewhere. Their safety relies on the adults in the vehicle.

Our Margate car accident attorneys understand that parents, babysitters, guardians, caregivers and other adults who watch over children have the responsibility of properly buckling in children during every car ride. These young passengers rely on you to keep them safe on our roadways. Unfortunately, car accidents continue to be the number one cause of death for children across the nation under the age of 14. With the new campaign, the NHTSA is hoping to change that.

The new public service announcements were released alongside the NHTSA's new website, "Parents Central," which is a one-stop-shop website with all that a parent and caregiver needs to know when traveling with a small child. This website provides information on a plethora of child car seats, safety tips that all adults should know when it comes to properly restraining a child and specific instructions on how to properly buckle in a child.

"Together, the new public service announcement and website will help parents understand the differences in child safety seats, make sure they choose the right seat for their child, and properly secure them every time they get behind the wheel," said LaHood.

The goal of these resources is to remind parents to "make sure their child is in the right car seat."

The PSA will be released in Spanish later in May.

From 2006 to 2010, there were more than 4,000 kids under the age of 12-years-old who were killed in motor vehicle accidents. There were another 650,000 kids injured in these accidents, accidents that they had no control over. Imagine it this way, that's more injuries than there are people in Boston.

Reducing Risks of Accidents in Hallandale Beach and Elsewhere with Brain Exercise

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:34:34 -0500

Posit Science, a popular brain fitness company, recently teamed up with various AAA clubs across the country as well as the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety to launch a brand new computer program that is to be used to help elderly drivers to stay safe behind the wheel and avoid a potentially fatal accident in Hallandale Beach and elsewhere. The brain program was also designed to help extend elderly drivers' years on our roadways.

As we've recently discussed, elderly drivers tend to be a little safer behind the wheel than newly-licensed drivers, but the risks of traffic accidents among elderly drivers start to increase at the age of 65. These increases are mainly the result of fragility, which is exactly what makes them less likely to survive an auto accident. In this sense, they're more of a risk to themselves than to other motorists.

Our Hallandale Beach personal injury attorneys understand that many drivers may associate giving up their keys with giving up their independence. That's not true! It's important to reiterate that giving up the keys and giving up driving, when necessary, will help an elderly driver to live longer and maintain their independence for an extended amount of time. Still, it's the talk about the dangers and the forfeiting of the driving that scares a lot of families and elderly drivers, according to Tech Zone.

"Adult children are put in a tough position having to decide between taking away the keys and fearing a harmful crash involving their elderly parents," said Peter Kissinger with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Senior driving safety and the concern about deteriorating mobility issues fueled the pair's DriveSharp development of the brain exercise program. With this brain exercise, drivers of all ages can actually train the brain to work faster and more efficiently behind the wheel to help to increase their performance and reduce risks of an accident.

Kissinger says that he's read a number of articles regarding brain exercises for drivers. All of the articles and all of the studies prove that practice and exercise helps to increase brain function and it helps to decrease the risks for accidents while increasing drivers' confidence behind the wheel. He suggests this program for all drivers, not just elderly drivers.

After completing the exercise, drivers typically saw:

-A gain of more than 20 feet in stopping time at 55 miles per hour, signifying faster reactions time.

-A near 50 percent reduction in the number of at-fault accidents in a five-year period.

-A near 40 percent reduction in dangerous maneuvers behind the wheel.

-Greater confidence in various driving scenarios.

-A 40 percent less risk of driving cessation

Car Accidents in Parkland Likely Caused by Cell Phones

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:14:09 -0500

As we recently reported on our South Florida Car Accident Attorney Blog, teenage drivers face some of the highest risks for distraction-related car accidents in the country.

Teenage girls are at the highest risks of all. But drivers of all ages are at serious risks for these kinds of accidents. As more and more drivers engage in even more distractions, our risks for collisions continue to skyrocket. To help to minimize these risks, safe driving advocates nationwide are recognizing National Distracted Driving Awareness Month 2012. Every April, the National Safety Council (NSC) launches this month-long campaign with the hopes of getting drivers to keep their eyes on the roadway and off of needless distractions.

Our Parkland injury attorneys understand that more than 3,000 people were killed in 2010 because of distracted drivers. What's most unfortunate is that each and every single one of these accidents was preventable. These kinds of accidents are alarmingly common in the state of Florida because we have no laws on the books that are stopping drivers from making phone calls and sending texts behind the wheel. As a matter of fact, we're one of the only states in the country that has yet to attack these dangerous driving habits.

According to WJGH, cell phones are the number one cause of distraction on our roadways. Drivers are outlawed from talking on cell phones in 26 states, but not in Florida. Florida drivers can drive whenever they want while talking on a cell phone and composing text messages.

According to the Harvard Center of Risk Analysis, cell phone-using drivers are involved in roughly 600,000 auto accidents a year. It gets worse. While these drivers face increased risks for accidents, drivers who text behind the wheel are about 23 times more likely to get into an accident. As a matter of fact, experts predict that distractions are involved in about one out of every four accidents on our roadways.

Still, bill after bill gets rejected in the state even though research shows that these kinds of laws can actually help roadway safety. The state of California recently banned the use of all hand-held communication devices. The state has already seen a more than 22 percent reduction in the number of roadway fatalities.

In honor of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month 2012, we're asking drivers throughout the state to drive in spirit of the campaign and to take the pledge to drive distraction free. Curbing these distractions can help to save thousands of lives every year. Really no text or phone call should be worth someone's life.

Women Less Protected in Car Accidents in Vero Beach and Elsewhere

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:42:03 -0500

Some cars may not be getting as high a safety rating this year as they've gotten in past years. No, car manufacturers may not be to blame for the lack of safety. It may all be blamed on researchers.

In recent crash tests, officials with the federal government took out the average-size male dummy and put in a smaller female dummy. The safety results dipped.

While these new ratings may not be the most comforting to hear, it's a good glimpse into how the size of the vehicle occupant can affect the outcome of a car accident in Vero Beach and elsewhere.

Our Vero Beach injury attorneys understand that these findings will help improve safety going forward. Consumers have relied on these safety ratings to help them to choose the proper vehicle for their lifestyle and for their family. Now that different size crash dummies are helping to get a peek into how occupants of all sizes are affected in the event of a collision, a lot of people are reconsidering their top picks. The star-rating system's frontal crash test only uses the male dummy behind the wheel, which concerns a lot of on-the-go moms.

Advocates for consumer safety say that the dummy's inadequate performance in accidents shows that more needs to be done to better test these vehicles for their safety offerings to smaller people and women in the event of an accident. For more than 30 years, these tests and information have helped consumers to buy the safest cars. Could they have been deceived?

According to experts, smaller people experience few crash forces that the body is able to tolerate. When cars slam into utility poles or trees, smaller vehicle occupants typically suffer more pelvic, abdominal and head injuries. Because women have less muscular necks, they're also more likely to suffer from whiplash.

The University of Virginia conducted a study last year that concluded that females who wore a seat belt were nearly 50 percent more likely to suffer from serious injuries in the event of an accident as a male-belted driver.

A number of safe driving advocacy groups say that they've been urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to use an average-sized male dummy. In addition, these groups say that the test should include women, elderly, obese and large child dummies.

Right now, the dummies do not match the average size of Americans.

“A lot of women do substantial (safety) research before going to buy a car,” said Joan Claybrook, a longtime consumer advocate. “Yet there’s not a whole lot of information about how cars impact women.”

Reports of Bus Accidents in Stuart City and Elsewhere Available through New SaferBus App

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:02:38 -0500

It's Spring Break and tourist season and visitors from around the country are looking toward commercial buses to reach some of the state's hottest destinations. To help to reduce the risks of bus accidents in Stuart and elsewhere, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently unveiled its new SaferBus iPad/iPhone application.

This app is the first of its kind and is offering bus riders with a quick, simple and free way to look over a bus company's safety rating and safety records before purchasing a ticket or booking their next travel.

"This new app gives Americans the information they need to make smart safety decisions," said Ray LaHood, U.S. Transportation Secretary.

Our Stuart accident lawyers understand that tour groups, families and students are likely to use commercial buses as transportation options through the spring and summer months. Now, officials are urging all travelers to use the SaferBus app to research companies and to help choose a safe ride before booking that next trip.

This app has been designed to be used on Apple iPads and iPhones. You can download it for free at the Apple iTunes App Store or by visiting the FMCSA's "Look Before You Book" web site.

The SaferBus app is offering information and records regarding about 6,000 interstate commercial passenger carriers within the U.S. Privately-operated motorcoach, tour bus companies and school bus records are also available on this app. The importance of apps and services like this is growing as the technology improves. There were nearly 1,000 million motorcoach passenger trips taken in the United States in 2009, according to the American Bus Association.

Anne S. Ferro, the FMCSA Administrator, said this app is the first step in helping to make bus information available to smartphone users. Now smartphone users are able to access this information with the touch of a button. Officials are hoping that the exposure will help get companies to keep safety as the number one priority. Ferro points out that this app isn't only for all of the companies that are bad and have unsafe records, it will also be used to highlight companies with positive safety and transportation records.

The app is offering the most recent 2 years of a company's safety performance records. Within these records are vehicle maintenance, controlled substances/alcohol, driver fitness, fatigued driving and unsafe driving reports.

Tourists and others travelers who are thinking about riding a bus to their next Florida destination are urged to check out this new app and to really do their homework regarding which busing company can best meet their needs. Planning out trips can help to make them run smoother and safer! Happy travels.

Risks for Injury in Boynton Risks for Injury in Boynton Beach and Elsewhere High during Spring Break 2012!

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:04:23 -0500

A student from the University of Tennessee was killed in a recent Spring Break accident in Florida. The senior was trying to make this last Spring Break in Florida count. Unfortunately it was cut short after a dive into the ocean took his life. The senior and his friends were hanging out on the beach all night and were waiting for the sun to rise when the accident happened. The college senior ran towards to ocean and dove in, but the tide was out and he misjudged the depth.

After the dive into the water, his friends noticed that he wasn't moving and was just floating in the water. They called 911. The Spring Breaker was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced brain dead. The senior was set to graduate with a degree in Environmental Studies in May.

Our Boynton Beach injury lawyers understand that our beaches are packed with Spring Breakers during this time of year. Many of these out-of-town visitors can be found at local hotels, condominiums, restaurants, out on the water and laying poolside. During this time, we need to address safety precautions of all kinds to help keep pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists safe on our roadways. We also need to raise awareness to help prevent slip and fall accidents, escalator accidents, swimming pool accidents, rental Jet Ski and parasail accidents, etc. We're asking all residents and visitors to celebrate this year's Spring Break festivities safely.

To help keep all Spring Breakers safe, the Florida Travel & Tourist Bureau offers these tips:

Drinking:

-Never drink too much.

-Know before the festivities begin how much you're going to drink.

-Never drive after drinking.

-Always have a designated driver.

-Keep an eye out for "rape" drugs and never let your drink leave your sight. Never accept a drink from someone you don't know.

Hotel/Motel:

-Always lock your door.

-Look through the door's peephole before opening it.

-Never leave valuable items in your room.

-Always travel through a hotel or motel with a buddy.

-Never pack on to an elevator. If an elevator is full, take the stairs or wait for the next one.

-Never climb on balconies or sit on the railings.

Personal Safety:

-Never drink too much.

-Never travel alone.

-Never go with someone you don't know.

Beach:

-Always wear the proper sunscreen.

-Check rental company's certifications and equipment before renting.

-Be sure to drink plenty of water.

-Never swim alone.

-Be cautious of currents.

-When you see a storm brewing, get out of the water. Never stay on the beach if you see lightning.

-Be cautious of traffic near the beach. Some beaches even allow cars on them. Watch out!

Accident in Fort Lauderdale Kills Expectant Mother and Unborn Child

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:32:34 -0500

A recent Fort Lauderdale car accident ended up killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The soon-to-be mother and her husband won a free trip to South Florida through her Massachusetts church. Once their trip was completed, the two decided to stay in the area an extra day. Fort Lauderdale officers report that the woman was using the restroom at a poolside cabana at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard when the accident happened. A motor vehicle slammed into that very cabana. A 34-year-old driver was heading down Southeast Fourth Street when she lost control of her vehicle as she took a curve in the road, according to The Miami Herald. After losing control of her vehicle, she slammed into a fence and plowed right over the cabana building where the seven-months pregnant vacationer was sitting.

“She won a contest writing an essay on how a vacation would bless them,” said Genesis pastor Michael Davis.

Our Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys understand that the driver of the vehicle was transported to Broward Medical Center with only minor injuries. A local detective, DeAnna Garcia, says that there is now a criminal investigation into the accident and investigators may also request toxicology reports from the hospital. Currently, there have been no charges filed.

“It was shocking, just sitting there minding your own business and one almighty bang,” said one hotel guest and witness to the accident.

Our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys usually talk about car accidents with other automobiles, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles. We don't hear about these kinds of accidents, car-structure accidents, very often. Still, these incidents do happen. When they do, it is critical for you to contact an experienced attorney. Not only are you fighting for compensation with the driver of the vehicle, but the property owner is also involved in the case as well. Make sure you have aggressive representation fighting for you.

In 2010, there were nearly 240,000 traffic accidents in the state of Florida. In these accidents, nearly 2,500 people were killed. In addition to the lives that were taken in these accidents, there were nearly 110,000 property-damage only accidents, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). While many may want to point out the slight reduction in the number of accidents from the year before, we think that it's important to point out that a number of accident categories did in fact experience an increase, including property damage accidents.

Our hearts go out to the expectant mother and her unborn child who were killed in the Fort Lauderdale accident. We urge both visitors and guests to contact an experienced attorney if you have been involved in a traffic accident of any kind.