South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog

Large trucks are less maneuverable, have large blind spots, take longer to stop and they accelerate more slowly than other vehicles. Extra caution needs to be taken when driving around them to avoid a West Palm Beach trucking accident.

The Sun Sentinel reported a multi-vehicle crash on I-95 last Friday morning trapping a state trooper inside his patrol car.

The trooper was parked on the median conducting a crash investigation when his car was hit from behind. A dump truck had sideswiped a car that sent it into the trooper's car. The trooper was trapped in his vehicle for almost 30 minutes and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The dump truck driver was found later and was charged with leaving the scene of the accident and property damage. The crash caused an estimated $30,000 in damages.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2008 that Florida had 4,227 vehicles involved in fatal crashes, 269 were large trucks. Nationally 380,000 large trucks were involved in accidents, causing 90,000 injuries and 4,229 deaths.

Progressive Insurance offers these safety tips when driving near large trucks:

-Large trucks have blind spots and the drivers have limited visibility behind the truck and along side it. Make sure the driver can see you; if you can see the driver or their mirrors then you are visible to the driver.

-If you are passing a truck or changing lanes, leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the truck once you are in front of it. A good rule to remember is to see the entire cab of the truck in your rear view mirror before getting into their lane.

-Pay attention to the truck driver's turn signal. Large trucks usually need to make wide right turns. So it is not a good idea to try to pass a truck if their right turn signal is on.

-When trucks have light loads or on windy days their trailers can sway into your lane. Try not to drive for any length of time next to a large truck. Trucks can have tire blowouts sending treads all over the road. This added danger makes it important to keep a safe distance from the truck in case this happens to avoid the flying debris.

-Never get aggressive with a large truck. Braking suddenly or cutting a truck off is extremely dangerous. If a truck is being aggressive towards you, either get off at the next exit or slow down and let them pass by.

-The best way to remain safe driving next to large trucks on Florida roadways and interstates is to maintain patience and use extra caution.

Continue reading " Use care to avoid trucking accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach " »

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) recently announced that pedestrian fatalities increased during the first 6 months of 2010.

After 4 consecutive years of steady decline the slight increase in pedestrian accidents is a concern to our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys. Traffic deaths were down considerably during this same time period.

The report was done by an independent researcher, Dr. James Hedlund, who used to work for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This new study Spotlight on Safety: Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State focuses on state-by-state pedestrian deaths, which is the first of its kind.

According to the report there have been 7 more pedestrian deaths during the first 6 months of 2010 than the previous period last year. Since 2005 there has been an average drop in fatalities of 200 each year. During this same 6-month period, traffic deaths decrease by 8%.

GHSA Chairman Vernon F. Betkey Jr. notes, “Nationally, pedestrian fatalities account for about 12 percent of overall traffic deaths, a small but significant portion. Given that we have made so much progress in this area, GHSA is concerned to see this reversal. One factor may be the increased distractions for both pedestrians and drivers. Anyone who travels in a busy city has seen countless pedestrians engrossed in conversation or listening to music while crossing a busy street. Just as drivers need to focus on driving safely, pedestrians need to focus on walking safely – without distractions.”

Interesting facts from the report (Washington D.C. was counted as a state):

-28 states had pedestrian deaths decline.
-18 states had pedestrian deaths increase.
-5 states had no change.
-8 states had a double digit increase in pedestrian deaths including: Arizona (up 21), Florida (up 35), Massachusetts (up 11), Michigan (up 10), North Carolina (up 17), Oklahoma (up 16), Oregon (up 18) and Virginia (up 10).

The report suggested these measures to improve pedestrian safety:

-Allocate appropriate resources to make pedestrian safety a priority.

-Examine crash data to recognize pedestrian problem areas.

-Engineer roadways to be more pedestrian friendly, add crosswalks and roadway space.

-Continue to educate the public about pedestrian safety.

-Strengthen laws regarding pedestrians in crosswalks.

Continue reading " More traffic brings increased risk of pedestrian accidents in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale " »

The government is seeking help from the automakers in the fight against distracted driving, Reuters.

Despite having ownership in General Motors and Chrysler, the government is treading lightly in their request to manufacturers. Meanwhile, with each new model year comes more in-dash computers, satellite radios and GPS devices. Unfortunately, these 'extras' increase the risks of motor vehicle crashes when drivers get distracted trying to work the units.

Driving is difficult enough at times with all the exterior distractions causing West Palm Beach car accidents. Vehicles coming fully equipped with gadgets inside the vehicle only gives drivers more of an opportunity to get distracted.

Florida is one state who remains without any sort of distracted driving laws as detailed by Governors Highway Safety Association. There is no law against talking or texting on your cell phone while driving. Though only a handful of states have banned hand-held cell phones from all drivers, the majority have banned cell phone use for novice drivers under age 18.

Florida is not one of these states. There are 30 states that have banned text messaging for all drivers. All but 4 of these states consider it a primary offense-- thus allowing drivers to be pulled over for that reason alone.

Some states allow specific localities to pass their own distracted driving laws. Florida is a state that prohibits localities from enacting such laws.

The most recent crash statistics seems to warrant the government's concerns about distracted driving. Last September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association announced there were 5,474 fatalities and 448,000 injuries in distracted-driving-related motor vehicle crashes in 2009.

Data showed cell phone usage was reported as a distraction in 18% (995) of these fatal crashes. For 2009, 16% of all fatal crashes reported distracted driving, as well as, 20% of injury crashes. In 2005, 10% of crashes were distraction-related.

Over the 5-year span from 2005-2009, the overall crashes were significantly lower (39,252 down to 30,797) but distraction-related crashes increased from 10% in 2005 to 16% in 2009.

Fatalities from distracted driving crashes were similar, increasing from 10% (4,472) in 2005 to 16% (5,474) in 2009.

In 2010, bills that would limit Florida drivers' use of cell phones were rejected or ignored. State representatives in Florida have filed a distracted driving bill to be addressed in the upcoming March 2011 legislative session. The hope is to pass a bill that prohibits Florida drivers from texting, emailing, or instant messaging while behind the wheel.

Continue reading " In-car distractions common cause of Fort Lauderdale car accidents " »

It was supposed to be a birthday celebration, instead five Haitian-born teens, friends since childhood, were found dead in their Hialeah motel room by a maid just days after Christmas.

The Miami-Dade medical examiner ruled the South Florida deaths accidental, the Miami Herald reports. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers note carbon monoxide is believed to have been responsible. We are in the midst of what passes for winter in South Florida. And it has been colder than usual. When hotels, apartment buildings and businesses fail to ensure heating equipment is properly functioning, property owners can and should be held responsible when injury or death results.

According to the Daily Mail, the boys checked into the $62-a-night hotel room around 9 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 26, 2010 and were discovered at 2 p.m. the next day. The boys, aged 16 to 19, had just completed a fiction-based independent film project depicting life in Little Haiti.

The young men borrowed a car from a friend to make the trip. Some time after their arrival at the hotel they found the car battery dead and got a jump from a friend. Fearing the car wouldn't start again, they decided to let the motor run. Deadly carbon monoxide gas from the car exhaust found a pathway through an opened garage door and seeped into the hotel room above. The car was still running the next day when ambulance and law enforcement arrived to investigate. No drugs or alcohol are believed to be involved.

One friend of the victims told the Miami Herald that the hotel room was “sealed shut like an aircraft” and wondered why there appeared to be no ventilation ducts, which could have prevented the tragedy.

As we have noted in a prior post to our South Florida Injury Lawyers blog, property owners and manufacturers have an obligation to tenants, guests and consumers to ensure a safe experience and environment.

As of 2007, the Miami Herald reports, Florida law requires that gas detectors be installed in boiler rooms at hotels and motels. Residential buildings that hold a fireplace or heater or have an attached garage were required to have a detector installed within 10 feet of bedrooms by July, 2008. Police are now investigating whether the hotel was negligent in installing detectors.

According to the Mayo Clinic, carbon monoxide is tasteless, odorless and colorless. Because of this, victims of carbon monoxide poisoning are often overcome without warning. Once inhaled, the gas attaches to hemoglobin in red blood cells and blocks the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. Because it is nearly impossible to detect, it is known as a silent killer estimated to be responsible for 450 deaths and more than 50,000 emergency room visits each year, the American Lung Association reports.

The ALA indicates that all levels of carbon monoxide intoxication resemble flu or food poisoning symptoms – headache, nausea and weakness. At regular low-level exposure, victims can suffer lasting cognitive and physical problems. High-level exposure can render a victim unconscious, and often causes death if the victim is not quickly discovered, removed from the intoxication site, and treated.

Whether you are a renter, homeowner or property manager, making sure that fuel-burning stoves or appliances are located in a well-ventilated area can be a life saver. So can installing a carbon monoxide detector and regular maintenance of ventilation systems and gas-burning appliances.

Continue reading " Carbon monoxide deaths at Hialeah hotel lead investigators to question premises liability " »

Tragedy struck the Florida all-terrain vehicle recreational rider community this week when a 12-year-old boy was killed and his 11-year-old passenger was injured after the ATV they were riding drove off a curved dirt path and struck a tree, Tampa Bay Online reports.

The boys were cut off by a dirt bike and lost control of their ride according to the police report. Both boys were wearing safety goggles and helmets.

Our Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys know that property owners and businesses permitting ATV riders, ATV rental sites, ATV owners and other recreational vehicle enthusiasts (such as dirt bike riders) all share in the responsibility for keeping South Florida terrain, off-road parks and equipment safe. That a negligent act, intentional or not, of another rider; or, oversight on the part of a property manager or owner, can lead to an accident with devastating long-term consequences.

According to Florida Statute 316.2074, children under age 16 are permitted to operate an ATV, but must be wearing a helmet and safety goggles. Riders under 16 are also required to successfully complete an online ATV course and carry proof of same whenever they ride. Overall in 2009, the ATV Safety Institute reminds recreational riders that ATVs are not toys and that treating them as such can have deadly consequences. Among a host of other guidelines offered below, it is important to ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s minimum age guidelines for passenger and drivers.

~ Be familiar with the handling quirks of your vehicle. Be comfortable with brake controls, starter systems, transmission clutches, gears, drive chain action, throttle and controls on any ATV you ride.

~ If an ATV is a single rider, NEVER carry a passenger.

~ Passengers and drivers should always wear a DOT-approved helmet. Eye protection and gloves, a heavy long-sleeved shirt and pants, and strong, thick-soled over-the-ankle boots will add more layers padding and protection in the event of an ATV crash.

~ If riding off-road, layering on specialty gear like knee pads, shin guards and chest protectors is recommended.

~ Before riding check your tire air pressure and check to make sure your axle nuts are screwed on tight and secured by cotter pins. Test your throttle, brake and foot-shifter controls for smooth and consistent action. Make sure your oil and fuel levels are topped off.

~ Because riding off-road will rattle loose just about any fasteners, give grips and footrests a good shake before assuming bolts are tight.

~ Carry a toolkit complete with spare parts – spark plugs, tape/wire, and some tow rope – to address common mechanical foul-ups.

~ Know the terrain and know the rules of the road wherever you ride.

~ Keep your hands on the handlebars, your feet on the footrests, your eyes on the road, and your mind free of distraction. In short: pay attention to your ride, the road and your surroundings.

~ Approach soft terrain, turns, slopes, dunes, muddy surfaces and hills cautiously. In other words, adjust your speed according to your confidence in the terrain. Be constantly on alert for human and environmental hazards.

~ Don’t ride alone and don’t mix alcohol or drugs with ATV riding. Carry a charged cell phone and, if possible, a GPS device.

Continue reading " 12-year-old Punta Gorda boy killed in fatal Florida ATV crash " »

On average, there were 646 Florida car accidents a day on state highways and byways in 2009. That adds up to 235,779 Florida car accidents that killed 2,563 and injured 197,214, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports.

Almost 40 percent of 2009 Florida fatal car accidents were linked to alcohol. Another determining risk factor was age -- with seniors and teens most at risk. Our car accident lawyers in Fort Pierce and Fort Lauderdale understand these risks and encourage families to speak with drivers, young and old, about the importance of making good driving decisions.

As expected, our youngest least experienced drivers – aged 15 to 19 – are the most likely to be involved in a Florida car accident. With that said, it is drivers in the 20 to 24 age range who had the highest number of fatal Florida crashes. In 2009, 80 teen drivers and 73 teen passengers were killed in fatal crashes. Another 19,000 were left injured.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that car accidents remain the leading cause of death among American teenagers; claiming more than 5,000 teen lives annually. The NHTSA estimates that every 24 to 48 hours a teenager is killed in a fatal car accident.

Partly to blame is the driver inexperience and the impulsiveness that accompanies youth. To address this issue, the NHTSA recommends that states adopt a Graduate Driver Licensing program so our more inexperienced drivers can ease into the responsibility of driving on Florida roads.

Teens are also far less likely to buckle up, which increases their chances of being seriously or fatally injured in the event of an accident. They are also more likely to mix alcohol and driving with deadly consequences. On average, alcohol is responsible for the death of one in three drivers aged 20 and younger each year.

At the other end of the highway, so to speak, Florida has a significant senior driver population, as does the nation. In 2008, there were 34 million Americans aged 65 and older; most all of them licensed drivers. The NHTSA reports that older drivers are less likely to drink and drive than other age groups. They are also most likely to wear a seat belt.

With that said, what older drivers make up for in experience, they lose to diminished vision and hearing ability and slower response/reaction times. Knowing when and how to talk about implementing a restricted driving plan with an elder loved one can be a challenge that should be handled with empathy and respect. One that NHTSA urges families and friends to plan for and implement to life-saving effect.

The NHTSA provides the following data regarding 2008 totals for fatal car accidents by age group. Florida ranks first in the nation for the number of drivers aged 70 and older involved in fatal crashes. Texas ranks second, and California, third. Out of 37,261 fatal car accidents nationwide in 2008, the NHTSA offers the following statistics:

~ Drivers aged 16 to 20: Texas leads with 571 drivers linked to fatal crashes, followed by California with 516 and Florida with 430.

~ Drivers aged 55 to 69: California leads with 646 drivers linked to fatal crashes, followed by Texas with 606 and Florida with 569.

~ Drivers aged 70 to 74: Florida leads with 113 drivers linked to fatal crashes, followed by Texas with 99 and California with 84.

~ Drivers aged 75 to 79: Florida leads with 101 drivers linked to fatal crashes, followed by California with 84 and Texas with 69.

~ Drivers aged 80 to 84: Florida leads with 69 drivers linked to fatal crashes, followed by California with 63 and Texas with 58.

~ Drivers aged 85 and older: Florida leads with 62 drivers linked to fatal crashes, followed by California with 59 and Texas with 33.

Continue reading " Seniors and teens at high risk of car accidents from Fort Pierce to Fort Lauderdale " »

One in 5 Fortune 500 companies have banned employees from using cell phones while driving for work, according to a new study by the National Safety Council.

The risk of a distracted driving car accident in Fort Pierce, Fort Lauderdale or the surrounding areas is particularly acute because Florida is one of a dwindling number of states that has no law preventing drivers from using cell phones or text messaging while driving. In fact, the Governors Highway Safety Association reports eight states have banned the use of hand-held cell phones altogether, while 30 states have banned text messaging by drivers.

Our personal injury lawyers in Hollywood, Margate and Coral Gables applaud companies who have taken proactive measure to protect employees who travel as part of their jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to report that car accidents are a leading cause of fatal on-the-job accidents. In 2009, a total of 1,682 employees were killed in transportation accidents, accounting for nearly 4 in 10 of all job-related deaths in the United States.

The NSC reports that the results of its two-year effort aimed at employers is starting to show, however, cell phones remain the number one distraction inside vehicles.

“In January 2009, NSC called for a ban on all cell phone use while driving because research identified the behavior as dangerous. A driver is four times as likely to crash while talking on a cell phone while driving,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the Council. “Now, in 2011, our call to action is getting results, and our nation’s top employers are taking steps to protect their employees and communities in which they operate by implementing total cell phone bans.”

The NSC reports nearly one-fourth of the nation's car accidents involve cell phones and permitting cell phone use by employees who drive as part of their job can open a company to significant liability. Situations in which an employer has been held liable include:

-During work hours and outside typical work yours.

-To and from work appointments and for personal reasons.

-In either a personal vehicle or a company-owned vehicle.

-While on the phone for either personal or business reasons.

-Using either an employer-provided phone or personal cell phone.

-Using both hands-free and hand-held devices.

Continue reading " Employer cell phone policies making strides in reducing South Florida car accidents " »

NPR reported the tragic story of a young mother who was killed in an accident caused by a common pothole.

Our Palm Beach wrongful death attorneys and personal injury lawyers understand that an accident can be caused by many factors in addition to the carelessness of another driver. Potholes and deteriorating roads are one common cause. Missing guardrails, malfunctioning traffic signals, poor road design and obtrusive vegetation are also common causes. In still other cases, poor road design and lack of proper maintenance can either increase a motorist's risk of an accident or increase his or her risk of serious or fatal injury when an accident occurs.

In such cases, a local government or homeowner's association can be held liable for damages. In this case, the woman was riding with her family along a stretch of Interstate 20 in South Carolina that was covered with ruts and crumbling concrete. A passing car turned a chunk of concrete into a projectile that flew through the windshield and struck her in the head.

The 33-year-old woman died the next day.

Bloomberg reports Florida is facing a $3.6 billion deficit. Other states, including Illinois, have reacted this week by passing drastic tax increases. Many changes are afoot in Florida. The state has a new governor. Many local city and county governments are struggling financially and well on their way to sneaking up behind voters to grab their wallet through increased taxes and higher fees. In some areas, charges to victims in need of emergency medical service are either being instituted or increased, despite the fact that those same taxpayers pay to operate the fire departments in the first place.

And, of course, many builders and planned communities have fallen on hard times, often leaving communities partially built, without sidewalks and, in some cases, without roads or with roads that are increasingly in a state of disrepair.

NPR reports 145 lives could be saved over a 10-year period for every $100 million in road and maintenance improvements. When a motorist is injured or killed because of a defective road, he or she is entitled to collect payment for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.

Continue reading " Bad roads can lead to personal injury or wrongful death claims in Fort Lauderdale " »

A fatal Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident has claimed the life of a man as he was riding his bike along Sunrise Boulevard, Channel 7 News reported.

Our Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys know bicycle accidents are a common winter danger throughout South Florida. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Florida is the deadliest place in the nation for bicycle accidents. In 2008, a total of 125 riders were killed. California (109) was the only other state to report more than 100 deaths.

Nationwide, 716 riders were killed that year -- meaning about 1 in 6 of the nation's fatal bicycle accidents occur in Florida. Another 52,000 riders were injured.

The Orlando Sentinel reports the victim was 53 years old and was riding north along Flamingo Road near Sunrise Boulevard. The accident happened about 6 a.m. and the driver remained at the scene.

In a second fatal bicycle accident, a 61-year-old Wilton Manors man was killed while riding his bike in unincorporated Broward near Fort Lauderdale.

Middle-aged men are the fastest growing fatality group as the popularity of riding for pleasure and for exercise has put more and more cyclists on the roads in recent years. Bicycle rentals are also a popular option for tourists, who are frequently unfamiliar with the area.

Continue reading " Fatal bicycle accidents in Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, a reminder of the dangers " »

CNN reports that seat belt use among adults has reached an all-time high of 85 percent, compared to just 11 percent in 1982. But, with the announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, safety advocates acknowledge that much more needs to be done.

Our Fort Pierce car accident lawyers are often called to fight for a client who has been seriously injured or killed in an accident, whether or not he or she was wearing a seat belt. Seat belts unquestionably save lives. And, of course, we have all heard of the cases in which a motorist was saved in circumstances where not wearing a seat belt was to his or her advantage. Those injured in an accident through the negligence of another driver, can fight to collect damages whether or not a seat belt was in use at the time of the crash.

This latest report found 1 in 7 adults still fail to use a seat belt, despite the fact that health officials contend that wearing a seat belt cuts the risk of serious or fatal injury in half.

Those living in states with primary seat belt laws -- which permit an officer to pull a vehicle over and ticket those not wearing seat belts -- enjoy the highest compliance rate at 88 percent.

A Florida seat-belt use study in July 2009 found an 85.2 percent compliance rate statewide. That's up significantly from the 61.6 percent rate found in 1993.

That report found men were slightly less likely to buckle up than women, by a rate of 83.9 percent to 89.3 percent.

Florida County seat belt usage rates:

Broward: 87 percent
Miami-Dade: 87.1 percent
Palm Beach: 87.7 percent
Orange: 84.3 percent

The study also found that those in pickup trucks were significantly less likely to wear their seat belts than were those in cars or other passenger vehicles.

Continue reading " Nationwide seat-belt usage rates mirror Florida's as authorities seek injury reduction in traffic crashes " »

Giant nursing home corporations continue to remain wildly profitable and wildly popular with investors, even as health and welfare advocates voice concerns about the profit motive behind the nation's elder care and the risks of neglect and abuse.

Our Fort Lauderdale nursing home neglect lawyers and West Palm Beach elder abuse attorneys are concerned about the quality of care afforded by mega corporations behind most of the nation's nursing homes.

As the Los Angeles Times recently reported, the biggest private equity deal of 2010 went down in December when a Long Beach investment trust announced it would pay $6.1 billion to buy the real estate assets of HCR ManorCare Inc., one of the nation's nursing home giants.

ManorCare is the nation's fourth-largest chain. Based in Toledo, Ohio, it has 338 homes in 30 states, including Florida. The Times reports there have been 40 buyouts of nursing homes in the last 4 years, totaling more than $20 billion. The enthusiasm of Wall Street is expected to continue with the aging of the baby boomers.

Together, the top-five chains control more than 200,000 of the nation's nursing home beds. Nationwide, more than half of the country's 17,000 nursing facilities are part of a large chain and two-thirds are operated as for-profit companies.

As we enter a new year, many families will be facing the need to select a home for an aging loved one. In other cases, visiting family members should remain vigilant in making sure a family member is receiving proper care.

A list of nursing homes on the watch list of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration is available here.

Florida nursing home guide is available here.

Continue reading " Fort Lauderdale nursing home neglect and abuse a risk in nursing home chains, both large and small " »

Scooters accidents in Fort Lauderdale are a common danger during the winter tourist season. In fact, fatal accidents involving scooters and mopeds have more than doubled in recent years, prompting lawmakers in a dozen states to consider legislation aimed at improving safety, the USA Today reported.

Our Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys and West Palm wrongful death lawyers represent clients who are injured in scooter accidents, motorcycle accidents or other accidents involving tourists and/or rented equipment in South Florida.

Scooters, mopeds and motorcycles are often rented by the hour to tourists. In other cases, they are utilized by residents who enjoy the freedom and the economical means of travel. Inattentive motorists are frequently the cause of accidents. And accidents involving scooters and motorcycles often lead to very serious or fatal injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports the number of fatal accidents each year that involve mopeds doubled from 2005 to 2009, from 48 to 96. Those figures likely do not account for all fatalities because of problems associated with classifying scooter and moped accidents in various states.

If motorcycle accidents are any indication, than Florida is a very dangerous state indeed: 1 in 10 of the nation's fatal motorcycle accidents occurred in Florida in 2008, resulting in 523 of the country's 5,290 motorcycle deaths. More than 96,000 riders were injured that year in accidents nationwide.

Only California (537) reported more motorcycle deaths than Florida.

The following safety tips are provided by Mopeds.net:

-Wear safety equipment: Including a helmet. Avoid wearing sandals, short sleeves and shorts. Wear gloves and a jacket made out of tough material.

-Obey traffic laws: Do not run red lights. If the moped does not activate the light, get off and push the sidewalk activator button. Keep to the right side of the road unless making a left turn.

-Remain Observant: Watch your surroundings. Don't rely upon other motorists to see you. Use your mirrors and remember that the cars behind you can be just as dangerous as those beside or in front of you.

-Use Safe Riding Practices: Ride defensively. Avoid riding at night whenever possible. If you must ride at night, make sure your headlight is operating properly and wear brightly colored clothing.

Continue reading " Fort Lauderdale scooter accidents a winter danger " »

Winter does nothing to lessen the chances of a boating accident in Fort Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie or elsewhere in South Florida. In fact, warm weather, the lack or storms and the influx of tourists and winter residents, mean the risks remain substantial through the winter months.

Our West Palm Beach injury lawyers remind tourists and residents alike to practice safe boating habits, which can drastically reduce your chances of being involved in a boating accident. In fact, the Sun-Sentinel recently reported that 90 percent of those involved in a Florida boating accident never took a boating safety course. And the leading cause of death -- drowning -- could be averted in most cases by simply wearing a life vest.

With just under 1 million registered vessels, Florida is the boating capital of the United States. A total of 620 boating accidents were reported in 2009. California was the only other state to report more than 500 accidents. Sixty-five boaters were killed and more than 420 were seriously injured.

The most boating accidents were reported in Monroe County/Florida Keys (77), followed by Miami-Dade (62), Palm Beach (56), Pinellas (34) and Broward (30).

Safety tips from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission include:

-Use a designated operator and don't drink and boat.

-A plastic whistle attached to a life vest can save your life.

-All boat operators, regardless of age, should take a boater safety course.

-File a float plan with friends or family. A float plan says where you are going and when you expect to return. If you are overdue, a float plan can give authorities some idea of where to start looking.

-Never stand in a canoe.

-Make sure life jackets are readily accessible.

-Stay with the boat in the event that it capsizes. You will be easier to find. Do not try to swim to shore.

-Remember that boats do not have brakes or rearview mirrors.

-You cannot have too much safety equipment.

Continue reading " Winter boating accidents a common danger in South Florida " »