South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) a fatal pedestrian accident in North Fort Pierce took the life of a 60-year-old as she tried to walk across U.S. 1 from St. Lucie Boulevard. Reportedly, the woman was crossing the street just before 7 p.m. when she was hit by a passing vehicle.

St. Lucie County Fire Rescue reports that the woman was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead. The fatal pedestrian accident is still being investigated by the FHP, reports News Channel 5. It has been confirmed that this was not a hit-and-run accident.

As we've previously discussed on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, Florida was ranked as the most dangerous state in the U.S. for pedestrian accidents. Florida metro areas ranked in the top four spots for the most dangerous metro areas in the nation. In a nine-year study conducted by Transportation For America, the nation saw more than 45,000 pedestrians killed in traffic-related accidents across the country. During this same time period, Florida witnessed more than 5,000 of these pedestrian fatalities. These accidents cost our state well over $22 billion. What's unfortunate is that many of these accidents are preventable with a little bit of driver and pedestrian awareness and courteousness.

According to See The Blind Spots, nearly 10 pedestrians die in the state of Florida every day. Six pedestrians are seriously injured in traffic-related accidents every day. The pro-pedestrian website, See The Blind Spots, also reports that 11 of the 25 most dangerous metro areas for pedestrians are in the state of Florida. More than 60 percent of the time, drivers are at fault in these fatal, traffic-related pedestrian accidents. There are a number of factors that contribute to these crashes, including driving under the influence, texting, speeding, failing to yield and even turning into the path of a pedestrian. While vehicles may be getting smarter, drivers, apparently, are not.

Pedestrian Safety Tips from See The Blind Spots:

-Remember to stay attentive and alert to surrounding traffic. Even pedestrians should refrain from engaging in distractions. Don't cross the street until it's safe in all directions.

-Always obey pedestrian traffic signals.

-Always look left, right and left again. Only when it's clear in all directions should you begin crossing the street.

-As you're crossing the street, continuously look for oncoming cars and vehicles that are turning "right on red."

-Never assume an approaching driver can see you.

-Whenever there's a sidewalk, use it. When sidewalks are not available, walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

-Never attempt to cross an interstate, highway, expressway or turnpike.

-When out walking at night, you should always carry a flashlight or wear reflective tape on your clothing.

-Watch the alcohol you consume if you plan on walking. Drunk walking is dangerous, too!

-Always supervise children when crossing a road.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Accident in North Fort Pierce Kills 60-Year-Old Woman" »

A difficult decision is looming for a vast majority of Americans.

As Baby Boomers continue to age, both they and their children begin thinking about what will happen when they reach a point they can no longer care for themselves.

A recent story on CNN chronicled the story of Felicia Hudson, who made the heart-wrenching decision to place her ailing, 72-year-old father in a nursing home. She later changed her mind, and brought him back home to live with her, a move that has greatly added to the stress of her everyday life, but has also given her some peace of mind.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys recognize that many people, however, simply don't have the resources to make this kind of arrangement a reality.

Generally, a Baby Boomer is defined as someone who was born between 1946 and 1964.

CNN reported that the first of the Baby Boomers turned 65 last year. As such, the number of Americans reaching retirement age is expected to double to about 72 million in the next 20 years. This will tax not only the health care system, but also the stress levels among those with older relatives.

Assisted living is a choice that should be approached with a great deal of consideration not only for the financial implications, but the safety aspects as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 16,100 nursing homes in the country. That makes for a lot of options.

Many of these places pride themselves on compassionate assistance and treatment.
But our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys have seen that's not always the case.

The National Center on Elder Abuse, a division of the U.S. Administration on Aging, describes the seven major types of elder abuse as physical, sexual, emotional, financial, neglect, abandonment and self-neglect.

The center links to a National Nursing Home Watch List, which provides information by state on nursing homes that have been flagged for abuse or neglect, based on Medicare and Medicaid surveys. In Florida, there were 27 nursing homes where at least one person reported abuse or neglect, five nursing homes where at least two instances of abuse or neglect was reported and one where at least three instances were reported.

The nursing homes were also rated on everything from basic standards of care to creating an accident-free environment. Some low scores in these areas included things like failing to protect residents from theft and not doing enough to prevent bed sores.

The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, a non-profit organization, has outlined the following warning signs of potential nursing home abuse:

--Sprains or broken bones.
--Abrasions on arms or legs.
--Bruises.
--Torn, stained or bloody underclothing.
--Inappropriate or unusual sexual behavior.
--Is emotionally upset, agitated, withdrawn or non-responsive.
--Exhibits depression or confusion.
--Significant weight loss or gain, not attributed to other factors.
--Having new "best friends."
--Belongings or property are missing.
--Suspicious signatures on checks or other documents.

Continue reading "Difficult Decisions Loom for Relatives of Aging Baby Boomers in South Florida" »

Many area residents rely on the Tri-Rail to get to where they need to be quickly, efficiently and safely. While this is usually what happens, tragedy recently struck. According to The Miami Herald, riders were brought to a screeching halt after the train slammed into a man who was crossing the tracks between NW 6th Street and Sunrise Boulevard around 7 a.m.

The pedestrian was killed in the Fort Lauderdale train accident. According to Deanna Garcia, a spokeswoman with the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department, the accident happened only because the man didn't get across the tracks in time. Officials report the train attempted to make a safe stop well before the scene of the collision, but was unable to do so avoid the man.

Our Fort Lauderdale commuter rail accident lawyers understand that railroad crossings are a dangerous place for everyone, including passengers, pedestrians and motorists. The Tri-Rail system is a 72-mile track that runs parallel to Interstate 95 between West Palm Beach and Miami. It serves three major airports - Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Along these routes, there are nearly 20 stations. The South Florida train system not only serves as a convenient mode of transportation, but is also serves as a dangerous obstacle for drivers and pedestrians if you're not careful. To help to keep travelers safe, our South Florida accident attorneys here to offer your some railroad crossing tips to help you to avoid a serious and potentially fatal railroad crossing accident.

Nationwide, a person or a vehicle is hit by a train about every three hours. The state of Florida ranks in as the 7th most dangerous place for fatal traffic accidents involving cars and trains. According to Federal Railroad Association (FRA) statistics, "highway-rail grade crossing collisions and pedestrian trespass on tracks together account for over 95% of all railroad fatalities."

Railroad Crossing Safety Tips:

-Approach a railroad crossing with care, even when you don't see an any signs of a train coming.

-Always be ready to stop for a train. When approaching train tracks, you should shut off your radio, take off your head phones, hang up the phone, roll down you windows, look and listen for a train coming.

-Always check right, left and right again for an oncoming train before crossing the tracks.

-If you see a train that is approaching, stay a minimum of 15 feet away from the tracks.

-Once you start to cross the tracks, keep going. Even if the warning lights start flashing and the warning gates start to go down.

-Remember that the cars of a train extend at least 3 feet beyond the rails. Keep yourself and your vehicle out of this area.

-Remember that trains appear to be approaching slower than they actually are.

Continue reading "Fort Lauderdale Tri-Rail Accident Kills Pedestrian" »

A male pedestrian was sent to the St. Lucie Medical Center after a serious vehicle-pedestrian accident in St. Lucie. The man was hit by a dump truck early in the morning hours. Official report that the man is in his mid-60s and was last listed at the Medical Center in critical condition. The pedestrian-dump truck accident happened on the northbound lanes of U.S. 1 near Tiffany Avenue, according to the TC Palm.

Our St. Lucie pedestrian accident attorneys understand that pedestrians face some serious risks for accidents on our busy roadways. It is important for pedestrians everywhere to remember to be cautious when walking near traffic, especially when the traffic consists of vehicles as large as dump trucks. By following a few safe pedestrian tips, we can all do our part to help to prevent these types of devastating accidents.

Dump Truck Dangers:

-Catastrophic traffic accidents. The size and weight of these vehicles can mean accidents are deadly.

-Pedestrian fatalities. Pedestrians face little chance against these types of large trucks when they're overlooked by a driver.

-Not only can resident pedestrians get run over by these utility vehicles, but truck employees run a significant risk of being run over or backed over as well.

-Pedestrians can get caught beneath a falling dump bed.

-These trucks can easily tip over and cause property damage, injury or death when the bed is raised.

-These trucks stand tall and run the risk of coming into contact with power lines when beds are raised.

By being cautious and alert around these types of large vehicles, we can all do our part to help reduce the risks of a potentially fatal accident. Pedestrians should never walk near these vehicles, but when you need to there are a few simple steps for you to follow.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians around Dump Trucks:

-Never walk near a dump truck.

-Stay away from active work sites.

-If you have to cross the road and a dump truck is nearby, be sure the driver sees you before stepping into the roadway.

-Never cross the street when you're close to a dump truck. Always allow at least 10 feet between you and the dump truck.

-Steer clear of the trucks blind spots.

-Keep hold of small children when a dump truck is near.

Motorists should also be cautious of dump trucks. When traffic accidents involve these large vehicles, accidents can turn fatal in an instant. Never drive close to a dump truck. Allow these motorists with plenty of room. You also want to stay out of their blind spots. If you're unable to see the driver, the driver is unable to see you. Drive cautiously through work zones. Don't park close to dump trucks or work sites to avoid any accidental properly damage from loose debris or from a fender bender.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Injured by Dump Truck in Recent St. Lucie Traffic Accident" »

A woman waiting for the bus was killed in a recent Miami bus stop accident. The accident happened on 93rd Avenue and Bird Road. The woman, in her 60s, was waiting at the bus stop when the driver of a small-passenger car lost control and ran directly into the bus stop waiting area. The woman died instantly, according to 7News.

The driver of the motor vehicle stayed at the scene of the accident. Officers are trying to determine if the man was driving recklessly or if he was speeding at the time of that deadly accident. The investigation is ongoing.

Our Miami bus accident lawyers understand that many residents rely on buses to get around town. Riding the bus is a simple way to save some money, avoid waiting behind the wheel on congested roadways and help minimize traffic. But getting to and from the bus stops may be tough on our busy Miami roadways. We are here to offer bus riders a few simple safety tips to help avoid a potentially fatal bus accident. An accident can happen when approaching the bus stop, while waiting for the bus and even while riding the bus.

Safety Tips for Walking to the Bus Stop:

-Always use a sidewalk when one is available. If you have to walk along the road, do so far to the side and facing oncoming traffic.

-Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic.

-Stand away from the roadway.

-Don't allow distractions, such as radios, phones, computers, etc., take your mind and your eyes off of the roadway.

-Look left, right and left again before crossing the street.

Waiting for the Bus:

-Don't play around the street. Stay away from traffic.

-Stand in the covered stop area. When a bus pavilion is not available you should stand at least 10 feet away from the street.

-Keep your eyes and your mind on the road. Keep a look out for dangers, including vehicles, passing bicyclists and road debris.

Boarding a Bus:

-If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before bending down to get it. If the bus driver doesn't know your location, it's a good possibility they will not see you and drive off, potentially hitting you.

-Look for passing motorists before boarding. Not all drivers are cautious near stopped buses.

-Board the bus, find a seat and be seated. It's important not to distract the driver or to block their line of vision with the roadway.

-Stay out of the buses blind spots. Make sure you can always see the face of the bus driver while walking around or near the bus.

Riding a bus can be super convenient and cost and eco-friendly. Riders are asked to be cautious when taking advantage public transportation. Just because you're driving doesn't mean that you don't need to keep an eye out for passing traffic.

Continue reading "Woman Killed in Recent Miami Bus Stop Accident" »

A 12-year-old boy was seriously injured last month after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike in Lake Worth, according to News Channel 5. The accident happened on Lake Worth Road in the parking lot of an IHOP and a Dunkin Donuts.

According to witnesses, the Lake Worth bicycle accident happened when the boy was riding through the parking lot and was struck by a Honda SUV that was making a turn. Reports indicate that the tires of the vehicle ran over the boy. The boy told officials that he "hurt all over." The driver said that he didn't see the boy in time and wasn't able to stop or swerve to avoid the crash. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, the boy's lungs were severely bruised and he sustained some abrasions but was last listed in stable condition.

Our Lake Worth bicycle accident attorneys understand that Florida was ranked as the most dangerous state in the United States for pedestrian and bicycle accidents. According to Transportation for America, there were nearly 5,200 people who were killed while walking and riding in the state from 2000 to 2009. These accidents cost the state more than $22 billion. The Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach areas of the state were the most dangerous with more than 1,550 fatalities during this time period.

Our Lake Worth Law Firm would like to ask residents to make safe travel a New Year's resolution. With safe traveling habits from both motorists and bicyclists we can all be cautious of one another and avoid some potentially fatal traffic accidents. This is the 5th entry of a 6-part blog discussing simple New Year’s resolution for safer roads.

Safe Biking Tips, from the Sun Sentinel:

-Always right on the right-hand portion of the street unless you're making a left-hand turn.

-Equip the front of your bike with a white light and a reflector.

-Make sure your bike has a reflector and a red light if you're riding at night.

-Make sure that all bicyclists under the age of 16 are wearing a helmet. Make sure they're wearing it properly, too!

-There should never be more than one person on a bike. Only ride more than one person on a bike if you're riding one that is specifically designed for more people.

-Children should be carried in a sling or in a backpack, trailer or child seat when biking.

-You should always have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

-Bicyclists should always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking along crosswalks and sidewalks. Signal loudly before passing them.

-Ride as close as you can to the right-side curb unless you're passing someone, avoiding an obstacle or making a left turn.

-Never ride parallel to more than one other bicyclist when traveling on the same street lane.

-Wear reflective clothing to be more easily seen by passing motorists.

Continue reading "Lake Worth Bicycle Accident Injures Young Boy" »

A recent pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale on I-95, near Broward Boulevard, took the life of a pedestrian as the man attempted to cross the busy roadway to get help. The accident happened in the southbound lanes of traffic at roughly 7:30 p.m., according to 7NEWS. The man was crossing the street after his van broke down on the interstate. The driver who hit the pedestrian stayed at the scene until help arrived. Broward Sheriff's deputies shut down traffic immediately following the accident.

"Too many cars were coming, and he still crossed," the man's cousin told the news station.

Our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers understand that breakdowns unfortunately happen and many times, motorists are left to fend for themselves on our busy Florida roads. This is the final entry of our 6-part blog discussing New Year's resolutions travelers can make to help ensure the safety of everyone on our roadways. Florida State University is here to offer motorists a few safety tips to help prevent a motor vehicle or pedestrian collision after an unfortunate breakdown.

Safety tips for when your vehicle breaks down:

-Consider safety first for both you and your passengers. Vehicles are replaceable, lives are not.

-You should figure out if your vehicle is near any noticeable landmarks, such as road markers or sign, to help reference your vehicle's location when calling authorities.

-If your car is breaking down, try to pull off the roadway as much as possible to the right and remain on ground level.

-If you can't get your vehicle into a safe spot away from traffic and you think you and your vehicle are in danger of being struck by passing motorists, do not stay in the vehicle. Exit the vehicle and stand in a safe spot away from traffic.

-If you think your car is leaking gasoline, put out any lit cigarettes and get out and away from the car immediately.

-Never stand right in front of or behind your vehicle.

-You never want to risk injury by trying to push your car into a safe location.

-If you are unable to pull off of the road safely, be sure to use road flares, warning triangles or flashers directing traffic around your stopped vehicle.

-Once stopped, raise the hood of your vehicle and tie a brightly-colored cloth to either the door handle or to the antenna to make yourself more visible to passing traffic.

-Call for help immediately. Call from inside your car if you're in a safe spot. Call from outside your vehicle if your car is in danger while standing in a safe area.

-If your car is in a safe spot, stay inside!

-If you don't have a cell phone on you and have to ask a stranger for help, have them notify emergency personnel for you.

We are asking all Floridians to make one of their New Year's resolutions to be a safe traveler. Remember to be courteous while passing others who may have broken down on our roadways. Safer roadways start with you. Have a safe and Happy 2012.

Continue reading "Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Fort Lauderdale after Driver's Car Breaks Down" »

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, intersection car accidents in Palm Beach Gardens and elsewhere throughout Florida are a huge cost to society in terms of property damage, lost productivity, injury and even death.

Statistics reveal that roughly 40 percent of all traffic accidents in the state happen at intersections or as motorists approach intersections. In 2003, there were nearly 100,000 intersection accidents in the state. In these collisions, nearly 1,000 people died and another 107,500 were injured.

Our Palm Beach Gardens car accident lawyers understand that intersections can be dangerous for everyone, not just motorists. Pedestrians and bicyclists also face serious accident risks in these areas if travelers aren't cautious. Motorists are especially cautioned to be careful at intersections during rush hour when traffic volumes are at their highest and accidents are more likely.

This is the fourth entry of a 6-part blog in which we are asking Florida drivers to make one of their New Year's resolutions to be a better driver in 2012. By making a resolution to be more careful and cautious behind the wheel and when traveling through intersections, we can all do our part to make our state's roadways safer for everyone. Traffic collisions at intersections oftentimes are the result of high speeds, reckless drivers, inattentive drivers and because of visibility reductions. Knowing what your risks are for an intersection accident and ways to avoid these dangers can help to reduce your risks of a potentially fatal intersection car accident.

Safety Tips for Drivers at Intersections:

-Make sure you always make a complete stop at stop signs. During your stop, be sure to look for oncoming traffic from all directions before proceeding.

-Check for oncoming cars twice before continuing through an intersection. Even if you have the right of way at the intersection, be cautious of other motorists in case they fail to yield for your vehicle.

-Always expect the unexpected. You should never assume that other vehicles will stop for you.

-Drivers don't always abide by traffic signals. Be on the lookout for red-light runners.

-If you're making a turn at an intersection, keep your eyes out for bicyclists and pedestrians who may be using the crosswalk.

-Always use your turn signals when turning at an intersection. This will help to alert drivers of your desired movements.

At an intersection, you never want to:

-Run a red light.

-Roll through a stop sign.

-Follow another vehicle.

-Rely on other vehicles giving you the right of way.

-Make unsafe left-hand turns.

The second most common traffic ticket issued to drivers in the state Florida is red-light running, In 2006, there were more than 391,000 traffic tickets issued for this violation. Intersections continue to be some of the most common places for car accidents.

Continue reading "Intersections a Top Spot for Car Accidents in Palm Beach Gardens and Elsewhere" »

Stories about elevator accidents reaffirm some people's severe elevator phobias -- horrible incidents that can happen anywhere, including elevator accidents in Sunrise. Last month's elevator accident stories from New York have some people worried about what can happen if an elevator fails to operate properly. In recent New York stories, a woman was crushed and killed while riding a public elevator, according to MCNBC.

"It was horrible and I felt bad about her but in my mind it was just another confirmation as to why I don't like elevators," says a reader of the latest MSNBC elevator accident article.

Our Sunrise elevator accident attorneys understand that both city and federal officials are investigating the freak elevator accident that took the life of an advertising executive. The woman was killed when the elevator malfunctioned. It happened as the lift suddenly shot up, crushing her between floors of the Manhattan offices of the ad agency Young and Rubicam. Freak accidents like this can happen at any moment. Residents are urged to be cautious while riding these devices. Elevators are to be properly maintained and inspected by officials in an attempt to stop these accidents before they happen. That, unfortunately, is not always the case.

Officials are looking into a power surge as the cause of the recent elevator accident. Although officials say that your chances of being in one of these accidents is "a billion to one," the truth of the matter is that you face some serious risks for accidents on elevators when they're not properly maintained. Yes, this accident may have been rare, but there are other types of accidents that happen more often than you might think.
.
Transel Elevator Inc. is the company responsible for maintaining this elevator and several others in nearby buildings. It's undergoing an investigation to help ensure no more of these catastrophic accidents occur.

Transel was reportedly working on the elevator the day before the accident occurred, but still kept it open for public service.

To help keep you safe, consider following these few elevator safety tips:

-Stay alert. Know when the car arrives at your floor.

-Stand clear of doors when they're opening or closing.

-If the car is full, wait for the next one. Don't overcrowd an elevator.

-Don't try to alter the movement of the car's doors.

-In the event of a fire or another type of emergency, use the stairs.

-Never get on an elevator when the floor of the car isn't level with the floor you're standing on.

-Board the car and step to the back to allow room for other riders.

-Always grab the handrail or stand near a wall.

-Exit immediately when you've arrived at your floor. Do not wait for others.

-Keep moving once you've exited. Don't block the exit for other passengers.

Continue reading "Recent Accidents highlight risks of Elevator Accidents in Sunrise and Elsewhere" »

There are roughly 1,000 people in the United States who are treated by emergency medical personnel for dog bite injuries in Sebastian and elsewhere every day. According to the American Humane Association, there are nearly five million dog bite accidents each year in the U.S. More than 90 percent of these attacks involve a male dog, nearly 95 percent of which were not neutered.

Our Sebastian injury attorneys understand that many residents have a dog as a member of their family, and they will be present when guests visit or when there is a social gathering, for instance. Typically what can happen is the dog gets startled because he or she does not know the guests. Or a visitor may be a little too aggressive while playing around with the animal.

To help avoid a potentially serious dog big accident this year, here are a few safety tips you can follow.

Dog Injury Stats:

-About a quarter of all fatal dog attacks involve a dog that was chained.

-Nearly 70 percent of dog bite incidents happen on or near the victim's property. Most dog bite victims know the dog.

-Insurance companies pay out more than a billion dollars in dog-bite claims every year.

-There are roughly 25 different breeds of dogs have been involved in the 238 dog-bite-related deaths in the country.

Dog bite injuries are likely to occur to children if the proper safety precautions are not met. Parents should always keep an eye on young ones and share the following safety tips with them to help avoid a dog-related injury.

Safety Tips for Kids around Dogs:

-Never be mean to a dog.

-Don't bother a pup when they're busy. Leave them alone when they're eating, guarding toys, sleeping or caring for puppies.

-Never walk up to a dog that you don't know.

-If you spot an animal you don't know, tell a grown up.

-If you would like to meet a dog, make sure you ask the owner if it's OK.

-When meeting a dog, stick out you hand to let the dog sniff you. That's how dogs say hello.

-If a dog likes you, go ahead and give him a little scratch underneath his chin, never over the head.

-Use a lower voice when talking to a dog. Never yell.

-If a strange dog approaches you, stand still. Keep your hands and arms down at your side.

-If you're on the ground and a dog approaches, roll into a ball.

-Move slowly around dogs. Quick movements can scare them.

For dog owners, chained dogs are nearly three times more likely to bite someone. These conditions increase their stress level, vulnerability and protectiveness, which all increase their aggression. Your best bet is to keep your dog in a fenced area.

Continue reading "Risks of Dog Bite Injuries in Sebastian Increase When You Have Guests" »

As we recently reported on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is putting its best efforts forward to propose a nationwide ban on the use of all portable electronic devices for drivers across the country -- including hands-free devices. Earlier this month, the NTSB made a recommendation for all local and state governments to prohibit this behavior to help reduce the risks of distraction-related car accidents.

States have enacted some laws to stop driver distraction, but no state has completely prohibited the use of all electronic devices -- including hands free. Some lawmakers say that this type of law is a form of government intrusion, while others feel it's an invasion of personal freedoms, according to CNN.

Our Riviera car accident lawyers understand that recent studies from the National Safety Council (NSC) prove that hands-free phones are just as much of a distraction as hand-held phones are. Still, no state has enacted a law to prohibit this behavior. Maybe legislators are taking the problem too lightly. According to Barbara Harsha with the Governors Highway Safety Association, lawmakers can't expect these laws to start producing safer results right away. Once they're enacted, it takes time to enforce them and an even longer time for drivers to start changing their behavior behind the wheel. Still, lawmakers need to take that first step to help get us on the right path to safer roads.

The truth of the matter is that hands-free cell phone use is just as dangerous as a drivers talking on a hand-held phone. According to the NSC, the use of cell phones, hand-held or hands-free, causes drivers to "look at" and not "see" the roadway. Many legislators would argue that hands-free cell phones pose less of a distraction that hand-held. That's not true. Drivers don't multitask well. Drivers are unable to focus the same amount of attention on driving when talking on a cell phone as they are when they're just driving alone.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10 percent of drivers are using a cell phone at the wheel at any given moment. The NHTSA's studies also concluded that about a quarter of all car accidents involve a driver using a cell phone at the time of the collision.

The problem with current distraction-related laws:

-Almost all legislation addresses the banning of only hand-held phone or of text messaging devices. None focus on the use of hands-free devices.

-Every state's distraction-related driving laws allow the use of hands-free device by drivers. The same is true for employer policies.

-Recent polls conclude that driver recognize and understand the risks associated with hand-held cell phone use and text messaging devices usage, but not for hands-free devices.

-Many drivers think that they're safer using a hands-free phone at the wheel than a hand-held phone.

"If it shows both are unsafe, then a total ban may make the most sense," said Harsha.

Continue reading "Hands-Free Just as Dangerous as Hand-Held Cell Phones in Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Riviera and Elsewhere" »

There's a new bill on its way to Florida's House and Senate that is designed to keep parents in the know regarding their teen driver's habits on our roadways, according to NBC2. With parents overlooking teen driving habits, officials feel these young drivers will be more conscious of their driving habits. Under the bill, parents can sign up to receive notifications regarding their teens' driving habits, including tickets, warnings and car accidents in Wellington and elsewhere.

"I think it's a great idea, I think the more info you know about your children, the better," says a South Florida parent.

Our Wellington teen car accident lawyers understand that parents could choose to sign up for the new program, if it passes the House and the Senate, and could receive text messages and e-mail alerts directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Parents would know when their teen driver got a speeding ticket, another traffic violation, got into a traffic accident or if their license had been suspended. Many officials think that this program will get teen drivers to pay more attention to their habits behind the wheel.

Parents would no longer receive these notifications once their teen driver turns 18. The bill is sponsored by Senator Greg Evers (R-Baker) and Representative Richard L. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach).

As we are in the thick of the holiday season, we're seeing more visitors and residents out on our roadways. Millions are expected to make Florida their holiday destination. With this increase in traffic volume, our risks for car accidents will increase significantly. This is the ideal time for parents to sit down with the young drivers in their lives and talk about the importance of safe driving during this time of year. These young drivers possess much less driving experience than older drivers and are less able to handle the danger that accompanies holiday traffic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is here to offer parents with a few safe driving tips to discuss with their young drivers before the new year.

Teen Safe Driving Tips:

-Be sure to offer your teen plenty of supervised practice driving time on a variety of road and traffic conditions so that they're better equipped to hand real-life driving.

-Make sure your teen drivers always wears a seat belt. Seat belts may be one of the best measures to help prevent injury in the event of an accident.

-Limit the amount of time they spend driving at night. Teen's risks for an accident increase significantly during this time. Consider enacting a curfew.

-Restrict the number of passengers that they can have in the vehicle at one time because the more passengers in a vehicle, the greater the risk for an accident.

-Although teens aren't old enough to drink legally, the sad truth is that many of our young ones drink and drive. Talk with your teen about the risks and consequences that are associated with drunk driving.

Continue reading "Parents May Soon Have a New Way to be Alerted of Teen Car Accidents in Wellington and Elsewhere" »