South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog

There were roughly 4,600 boating accidents in South Bay and elsewhere in 2010, according to Joel Goebel, commander of the St. Lucie Power Squadron. Of these 2010 accidents, more than 670 people died, another 3,155 were injured and there was nearly $40 million in property damage. According to The Palm Beach Post, the St. Lucie Power Squadron is a nonprofit organization that's sole duty is to help increase the safety of boaters in the area. Ultimately, they hope to eliminate all controllable boating risks. Goebel has been working to achieve this goal since he joined the squadron back in 1976.

"(The) majority of these accidents happened on boats involving people who hadn't had any boat training," said Goebel.

Our South Bay boating accident attorneys understand that the squadron helps to provide education to boaters through the training and expertise of its 135 members. Boating education is one of the primary factors in avoiding a South Florida boating accident. The squadron offers public seminars to help pass on safe boating practices. The members teach boaters about weather, safety equipment, channel and navigation knowledge.

Goebel is currently working as commander to help boaters navigate by using the stars. He says if your boat's electronics fail, you need to have a backup plan.

As Goebel says, boating education is critical in avoiding potentially fatal boating accidents on the water. In the state of Florida, there were nearly 700 boating accidents reported in 2010, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Of these accidents, there were nearly 80 fatalities. A large number of these fatalities happened as victims fell overboard and drowned. Lots of these fatalities could have been prevented if more boaters wore life jackets. For this reason, Florida Fish and Wildlife continues to increase efforts to reduce these accidents through education and enforcement of wearing life jackets.

Safe boating is a choice. To help boaters to make the right choice, Florida Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), West Marine, Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. and the National Safe Boating Council have all launched statewide safe boating campaigns as a part of a national imperative. Here in the state, we have the "Wear It Florida" campaign that is used to encourage all boaters to wear life jackets whenever they're on the water. The campaign also teaches boaters about the convenience and ease of relatively unknown inflatable life jackets.

Florida's 2010 Boating Accident Review:

-There are nearly 941,600 registered vessels.

-There were nearly 700 reported accidents in 2010.

-Nearly 70 percent of the operators who were involved in these accidents had no formal boating education.

-Monroe County had to most number of reported accidents and injuries with more than 75 accidents, 7 deaths and more than 55 injuries.

-The main cause of death is falling overboard and drowning (60 percent). These kinds of accidents are becoming more and more common.

-Nearly 40 percent of all boating fatalities that were recorded as drownings occurred on vessels that were less than 18 ft. in length.

-The most boating fatalities were witnessed in May (13 deaths).

-More than 20 percent of the reported boating fatalities were drug or alcohol-related.

-Nearly 90 percent of the boaters who died during the year were male.

-More than 20 percent of the fatalities involved non-motorized vessels.

Continue reading " Boating Accidents in South Bay and Elsewhere a Top Concern for Boating Advocates " »

Our Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers have discussed the dangers of texting and driving time and time again. Now, there's a local family trying get the message through to drivers after their lives were devastatingly impacted by a driver who had been texting. According to CBS12, a local family felt the effects of the dangerous driving habits firsthand. They are now trying to call attention to the issue before it happens to someone else.

"We're supposed to be making more memories. Doing more things together. Not just as a family, but as a couple, and now I don't have that," said the woman.

You may remember the accident from August 13th of 2011. The accident in which the woman lost her husband because of a texting driver. Our Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers remember that accident. A 25-year-old driver sped through a red light while driving down Gatlin Boulevard when she slammed into the vehicle of the woman's husband. It's believed that the driver was texting as she went through the red light, though that has not been officially confirmed.

The victim's wife is feeling the consequences of that alleged text message. Her life will never be the same.

According to the victim's family, investigators believe that the red light-running driver was texting when the accident happened, but the state attorney's office and local police can't substantiate that because the driver hasn't yet turned over her cell phone to authorities.

Tom Nichols with the Port St. Lucie Police Department says that they tried to determine at the time of the crash whether the driver was texting or on the phone. Nichols said that they looked all over for her phone number. They even stopped by her house in Port St. Lucie and weren't able to get in touch with her.

The victim's wife says it's like the driver doesn't even care that she killed someone.

The truth of the matter is that many accidents like that happen here in South Florida. Officers aren't always able to prove that a driver was distracted by a text message or a phone call when an accident happens, leaving the causes of these accidents unrecorded.

At the site of the accident, faded white spray paint and flowers mark the holidays spent without the father, the husband, the victim of an accident with a driver who was allegedly distracted by a text message.

Now, the grief of their loss is replaced with a purpose. The man's wife says she's determined to share her story with people in the area to help them to understand the consequences that are associated with such irresponsible driving behaviors.

So far, the red light-running driver has not been charged.

Luckily, there is an anti-texting ban being proposed in Tallahassee. The bill recently made it through committee. Next, it faces a full vote in the Senate, but could be stopped by expected opposition in the House.

Currently, there are 40 states that have some kind of restriction on texting while driving, but there's still nothing on the books here in Florida.

Continue reading " Family Speaks Up about Lasting Consequences of Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie " »

Everyone knows there are some bad drivers on Miami roadways. These bad drivers include not only tourists and seasonal residents, but people who live in the city year-round as well. Some people have even described driving in this part of the state as a "contact sport," according to the Miami New Times. That description is no surprise, considering the alarming number of car accidents in Miami annually.

This reputation raises some interesting questions, like what are the most dangerous roadways in the city? Perhaps not surprisingly, statistics show you're most likely to get into an accident on a major highway or within sight of a Hooters.

Our Miami car accident attorneys remember a complaint that was submitted to the New Times discussing nonchalant drivers all around our city. Part of the complaint read "for the past three years, the city has neglected to repaint the street markings that show drivers where to drive." What the complaint is discussing is the intersection of 19th Street and Dade Boulevard. Unfortunately, there are a lot of intersections that are poorly-constructed, overflowing with traffic and dangerous for all travelers.

This complaint raises the question -- What are the most dangerous intersections in town? Public records from the Miami-Dade Public Works Department revealed that Kendall is the most dangerous area for intersection accidents. Surprisingly, this was drawn from the fact that the Public Works Department failed to return information regarding Miami Beach and the City of Miami to the Miami New Times. Not surprising. We'll update you when the information is provided.

Kendall accounted for 6 out of the top 10 worst intersections. Doral accounted for the 3 of the top 10 worse intersections. Miami Lakes accounted for 1 of the worst. From 2006 to 2008, there were nearly 3,500 accidents in these areas.

Most Dangerous Intersections from 2006 to 2008:

-SW 152 St., Kendall and SW 137 Avenue in Kendall - More than 580 accidents.

-SW 152 Street and SW 117 Avenue in Kendall- More than 475 accidents.

-NW 12 Street and NW 107 Avenue in Doral - More than 420 accidents.

-SW 56 Street and SW 137 Avenue in Kendall - Nearly 400 accidents.

-SW 72 Street and SW 117 Avenue in Kendall - Nearly 380 accidents.

-NW 167 Street and NW 67 Avenue in Miami Lakes - More than 370 accidents.

-NW 36 Street and NW 72 Avenue in Doral - 340 accidents.

-SW 88 Street and SW 137 Avenue in Kendall - Nearly 295 accidents.

-NW 12 Street and NW 187 Avenue in Doral - Nearly 290 accidents.

-SW 72 Street and SW 107 Avenue in Kendall - Nearly 280 accidents.

Lastly, the Miami New Times wanted to note another dangerous intersection -- NW 79 St and NW 27 Avenue in Liberty City. It's clear that a vast majority of accidents in the area occur at intersections. Whether they are the result of road design or careless drivers, the fact of the matter is that these areas are dangerous and motorists need to be extremely cautious.

Continue reading " Dangerous Intersections Causing Miami Car Accidents " »

We may not be any closer to flying cars, but there's no denying that vehicles have evolved quite drastically in recent years. The next big change could be right around the corner and it's already got some overwhelming support, according to CNN Money. Consumer Reports magazine recently announced that it's in full support for vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems. These kinds of systems would allow vehicles to talk to one another electronically. They believe that this kind of technology has the ability to save thousands of lives from car accidents in Davie and elsewhere.

Experts call this technology V2V and say that it has the ability to let trucks and cars talk to one another when they're traveling within the same area. Cars will be able to transmit the direction they're heading and the speed they're traveling at to help to avoid accidents with other cars in the area. Cars with this technology would even be able to alert other cars of problems such as slick roadways and other dangerous road conditions.

Our Davie car accident attorneys understand that the V2V technology may take a while to hit our streets, but we do need a little help on our roadways. Fatal car accidents continue to plague our area's roads, despite the endless pleas for more driver awareness and caution. Until we're able to travel the roadways in "driverless" cars, drivers are asked to keep attention on the roadways. Car accidents are a top killer for Americans. Most of these accidents are preventable, so we are asking residents to be the best and most cautious driver they can be.

Right now, there are smaller versions of V2Vs on our roadways. These are the vehicles that have the ability to override a driver's command in the face of danger. These cars can hit the brake or swerve to avoid hitting something before a driver even notices any danger. Soon, there will be no need to override driver's command, as the V2V technology will be the sole operator of the vehicle.

This isn't a new idea from automakers either. This technology has been in the works for years now. Next year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) should rule on moving forward with research into the technology.

The NHTSA believes that this communication technology could potentially reduce the risks of car accidents by about 80 percent.

The cars won't only be talking to each other, they'll also be able to read info about objects and hazards that are along the roadway, including school zones, traffic lights and street signs.

The technology isn't as big and bulky as you may think either. It's actually only about the size of a pack of cigarettes, and the devices could even be used in older vehicles. Until we're able to throw our hands behind our head in the driver's seat and allow our car to navigate for us, drivers are asked to keep 100 percent of their attention and focus on driving and preventing accidents on our South Florida roadways.

Continue reading " Davie Car Accidents to be Reduced by V2V Technology " »

Officials in Florida are targeting aggressive drivers, who are causing far too many car accidents in Margate and elsewhere. These kinds of accidents are completely preventable with a little awareness. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is now asking drivers to watch their tempers and keep their eyes on the road - or they will be watching for you!

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are using this time to help educate drivers about the dangers of aggressive driving. They'll also be using the anti-aggression campaign to hunt down these dangerous drivers on our roadways.

Our Margate car accident attorneys understand that this new campaign is aiming to reduce the risks of all kinds of car accidents that cause injuries and death by combining education, evaluation and outreach with increased enforcement efforts.

We know that accidents involving commercial trucks and cars are the fault of the driver's actions more than 85 percent of the time. Only about 15 percent of car accidents are the result of road conditions, vehicle defects or weather conditions. Often, aggressive driving or road rage is to blame for these types of crashes.

State officials want drivers to know the risks of aggressive driving habits and the importance of keeping your cool behind the wheel. It's not just the FHP that's going to be pursuing this awareness event. They've also teamed up with the Florida Trucking Association (FTA) to get the message across -- all drivers have a responsibility to drive carefully.

Troopers across the state will be out in full force from February 27th through the 29th in search of aggressive drivers. Troopers will be aggressive in handing out citations for those that they feel are endangering motorists.

Troopers will be looking for:

-Drivers who are tailgating.

-Drivers who make unnecessary and unsafe lane changes.

-Speeding drivers.

-Drivers who fail to use turn signals.

In addition to the roadway enforcement efforts, troopers will be displaying roadside billboards and airing radio messages to increase awareness in car and truck drivers about the dangers of aggressive driving. The messages will also include the enforcement efforts of the campaign and will warn drivers about their risks for being ticketed if they're witnessed displaying any of these dangerous behaviors.

There will also be events held at community centers and schools around the state to help to teach drivers about how to share the road safely with other motorists, especially large trucks.

Mary Lou Rajchel with FTA says safe roadways can only be achieved with a conscious effort from all drivers. She voices the efforts of the campaign and asks drivers to treat others on our roadways with respect and courtesy. Safe roads start with you!

Continue reading " Margate Trucking Accidents Caused by Aggressive Drivers; Troopers Take Action " »

There is a new safety policy in effect, created to help reduce the risks of cruise ship injuries in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere. Recently, a number of cruise lines and safety organizations announced that passengers must participate in a mandatory muster drill before their ship can depart, according to the Travel Market Report.

The Passenger Shipping Association, the European Cruise Council and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report that all ships are now partaking in the new muster policy. Now, passengers who board the ship must no undergo an on-board safety briefing, either as a group or individually, before the ship sets sail, in order to meet the new guidelines set forth by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

Going on a cruise ship vacation is an escape for many people. However, safety issues are still a legitimate concern. Cruise ship passengers and employees are required to keep safe traveling a top priority. Our Fort Lauderdale cruise ship injury attorneys understand that cruise ship voyages can turn disastrous very quickly. It's important, as a passenger, to be ready to deal with any dangers that come your way. These new muster drills will help to equip passengers with the knowledge necessary to deal with problems at sea.

The new policy took effect on the 27th of January at the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review. The new policy was the result of the Concordia shipwreck that happened in January.

Since the January accident, a number of cruise ship companies have been in touch with passengers on upcoming voyages to reassure them about their safety procedures and policies.

“Most of my clients, whether new or first time, have no safety concerns. To see the cruise lines step up and enforce stricter controls is good, but really this is a non-issue,” said Lisa Silvestri CTC, ECC, owner, of Silvestri Travel, one of Florida's TRAVELSAVERS agencies.

The first announcement came from Royal Caribbean. The company said it is joining forces with the Resolve Maritime Academy to deliver new simulator-based navigation and safety training tools for employees of the cruise ships.

During the second quarter of 2012, the training will be available to employees of all of Royal Caribbean's brands -- Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. Employees will undergo this training program at the new training center in Fort Lauderdale.

Silvestri says that her customers aren't too concerned with cruise ship safety, but do say that it's reassuring to see cruise companies enforce stricter policies. These new policies will help to offer passengers with more info regarding the ship's company and its employees' procedures.

Continue reading " New Rules Help Lessen Risk of Fort Lauderdale Cruise Ship Injury " »

As our Plantation car accident attorneys recently reported, our roadways are plagued with dangers. Many of these are presented to motorists who have already been in an accident, or whose vehicles have broken down on the side of the road, as well as good Samaritans who stop to offer help.

Unfortunately, when a motorist stops to offer help, they're putting themselves at risks too. According to the Sun Sentinel, officers are looking into the death of three people after they were hit by an oncoming car as they stood near the roadway near Northwest 69th Avenue on Broward Boulevard.

Two women in their 20s were involved in a single-car accident in Plantation with a tree just before 5 a.m. One of the women was from Fort Lauderdale. The other was from Sunrise. Plantation police report that a driver of a passing vehicle stopped to check and see if the two women were alright. Once that driver stopped and exited the vehicle, all there were hit by a passing car.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and pronounced one of the women dead immediately. Battalion Chief Joel Gordon of the Plantation Fire Department says that the second woman and the man who stopped to help were taken to the Broward Medical Center, where they were later pronounced dead.

The driver of the vehicle that hit the three pedestrians was transported to Westside Regional Medical Center and treated for injuries.

This is just one recent example illustrating why exiting your vehicle on the side of the road can be very dangerous. We may all have to stop at the side of the road at some time or another, whether due to car trouble or low gas or to assist a child passenger or in the immediate aftermath of a wreck.

Sadly, passing motorists don't often take the proper safety precautions to ensure an accident doesn't occur. We recently discussed the dangers that law enforcement officials, emergency responders and roadside workers face as they do their jobs on our busy roads. From 1993 to 2002, there have been more than 680 police officers killed in accidents involving traffic stops.

Yes, Florida has a Move Over Law, which requires motorists to move over a lane or to slow down to 20 miles per hour under the speed limit if they're approaching an emergency responder, a roadside worker or a law enforcement official. However, motorists should do this as a courtesy whenever they see anyone on the side of the road.

Continue reading " Three Killed Attending to Car Accident in Plantation " »

A middle-aged bicyclist is dead, following a Tri-Rail train accident in Fort Lauderdale. The accident happened as the bicyclist attempted to cross the tracks at NW 82nd Street at about 7 a.m., according to NBC Miami. According to Fort Lauderdale Police, the train was heading north and had just passed through the intersection when the bicyclist started to head westbound across the tracks. As the bicyclist was crossing the tracks in the median section of the road, the train coming from the other way slammed into him. The bicyclist was transported to North Broward Medical Center, where he died shortly before 10 a.m. The man is reportedly in his late 50s and is about 6 feet tall. Officials have yet to determine the man's identity.

"The traffic control arms for the railway were in the down position, preventing vehicles from crossing the tracks,” Fort Lauderdale Police said.

Our Fort Lauderdale train accident lawyers cross over train tracks every week just like many other residents of the area. It's important to be cautious and alert in these areas to help to avoid an accident. In 2009, there were more than 136,040 public at-grade crossings in the country. Luckily, more than 42,300 of the crossings have gates and another 22,040 have flashing warning lights. Also, more than 1,200 have bells, traffic signals and wigwags. These crossings have been the sites of more than 1,895 accidents since 2009. These incidents resulted in nearly 250 fatalities and another 710 injuries. In addition, there were another 430 people killed and 345 injured while they were trespassing on railroad property.

According to Operation Lifesaver, Florida is the second most dangerous state in the country for railroad crossing fatalities. In 2008, there were 25 railroad crossing fatalities in the Sunshine State. Illinois had the most railroad fatalities that year, with 26.

We're taught from an early age to look left, right and back left again before crossing a street. How many of us do that with a railroad crossing? One would think it would be impossible to miss a large, oncoming train. But it does happen. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians need to take a few seconds more to look both ways for an oncoming train. It's a simple step that can save lives. It's important to remember that a lot of railroad crossing don't have the flashing warning lights or the caution gates.

In the last 10 years, there have been over 30,000 railroad crossing accidents that have killed over 3,600 people. There are nearly 350 million vehicles that cross over railroad tracks every day. About 50 percent of the collisions that occur at these crossings happen in areas with warning devices. It's important to practice caution, because you are 40 times more likely to die in an accident with a train than in an accident with another motor vehicle.

In fact, someone dies every two hours in the U.S. at a railroad crossing.

Continue reading " Accident at Tri-Rail Crossing in Fort Lauderdale Kills Bicyclist " »

When you see a police car with lights flashing by the roadside, you must move over a lane to offer them space to do their job safely. Under Florida's Move Over Law, you must slow down to 20 miles per hour under the speed limit. For those who don't, you run the risk of a serious car accident in Miami and elsewhere.

Since 1999, there have been over 170 officers killed and thousands more injured in the line of duty after being hit by a passing motor vehicle. Now, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and troopers from neighboring states are doing their part to help to protect them.

Our Miami car accident attorneys support the month-long campaign to enforce and educate drivers about the Move Over Law. We're joining the effort, along with the Alabama Department of Public Safety, FHP and the Georgia State Patrol to help to promote the Move Over Law and help protect our law enforcement officials and roadside workers. The recent announcement of the joint efforts was made by Col. David Brierton of the FHP, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

“All too often, a law enforcement officer, paramedic or wrecker operator is seriously injured or killed while they are doing their job because a vehicle drove too close,” said Brierton.

The campaign will be ongoing during the month of February. During this time, police officers throughout Georgia, Alabama and Florida will be hitting our interstates and other busy highways in full force in search of drivers who fail to move over to protect our roadside workers. Troopers and deputies will be looking for other traffic law violators, so be careful and drive smart.

July will mark the 10th anniversary since the Move Over Law took effect. Here are the basics of the law:

-Whenever you see an emergency vehicle or a wrecker parked on the side of the road with its flashing emergency lights activated, you're required to get out of the lane of travel closest to that vehicle. You're required to do this when you're traveling on a road with two or more lanes of travel that are going in the same direction as you.

-If you can't move over on a multi-lane roadway to make room for the emergency vehicle, slow down and travel at least 20 miles-per-hour under the posted speed limit.

-If you're on a roadway where the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or slower, you're required to slow down to 5 miles per hour.

Motorists who violate these rules are not only putting themselves and their passengers at risks. They also endanger our emergency workers and other innocent motorists. If an officer busts you for not properly moving over, you can be faced with a fine and points on your license.

Continue reading " February Campaign Pushing Move Over Law to Reduce Risks of Car Accident in Miami and Elsewhere " »

An 11th victim has been discovered after two massive pile-ups on I-75 late last month that are being attributed to heavy morning fog and smoke from a nearby brush fire.

The Associated Press is reporting it took recovery crews two days to find the deceased man, who was trapped in his truck following the the deadly Florida car accident.

Our Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys have since learned that investigators are employing the help of anthropologists to identify the victims of the fiery crashes, which burned with such intensity that it melted glass and metal.

According to news reports, the man's pick-up was crushed between other vehicles.

Originally, officials with the Florida Highway Patrol had shut down the six-lane interstate due to smoke and fog conditions originating from a 62-acre brush fire that was burning nearby. The road was re-opened, and that's when the first traffic crash happened.

There, more than 12 cars, six tractor trailers and a motorhome all smashed into each other. Some cars caught fire. Others were trapped underneath large semi-trucks.

In addition to those who were killed, 18 people were rushed to the emergency room with injuries.

Visibility was so impacted, rescue workers had to fight their way to the fog, smoke and fire toward the screams.

Officials are planning to analyze the protocol used to determine it would be acceptable to re-open the roadway, and decide whether improvements need to be made for the future.

Currently, a supervisor with the highway patrol makes the call, but he or she relies on the assessment of troopers on the ground. They also incorporate data from the National Weather Service.

Dry conditions throughout the state during the winter months make Florida prime for brush fires, according to the Florida Forest Service. Although a natural part of the state's ecological health, brush fires can quickly turn deadly for motorists seeking to navigate through the thick smoke.

Combined with fog, which is essentially a cloud resting on the ground, it can create an extremely hazardous condition for drivers.

The state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has issued the following advice for Florida drivers who encounter fog and smoke:

1. Use your low beam lights. Your brights will be reflected back in heavy smoke or fog conditions, and will only reduce your ability to see even more. Low lights, however, will help other drivers to see you. Make sure also that your headlights and windshields are clear of debris and dirt, which could make it even tougher for you to see.

2. Drive slowly. Make certain you'll be able to stop in the distance you can see ahead of you. Sometimes, fog and smoke create an illusion of slow motion, when you might in fact be traveling fast. Speed is often a factor in fog and smoke-related crashes.

3. Be on the lookout for slow-moving or parked vehicles. Turn off your radio, put down your cell phone and roll down your window so you can listen for other vehicles you might not be able to see.

4. Defrosters and wipers can be used to help you see better as well if the moisture is building up on your windshield.

5. Drive along the right edge of the road, where you can allow the road markings to guide you.

6. Make sure to use your turn signal well before you turn and brake early before you stop.

7. If you're on a highway, don't stop, as that could cause a serious accident. If you need to pull off the road, use your turn signal, and then gradually, carefully pull as far off the road as you can. Then turn on your hazards and step away from your vehicle and away from the highway.

8. Be patient. These conditions are not the time to drive aggressively or speed.

Continue reading " Fog, Smoke Can Trigger Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie, Elsewhere " »

International reports of the tragic Costa Concordia cruise ship wreck -- and the shameful actions of the vessel's captain -- have not only sunk future cruise sales, but also the belief that a captain and crew will do everything possible to protect passengers.

Catastrophic cruise ship wrecks like the one that happened off the coast of Italy (in which 17 people died and another 15 are still missing) are extremely rare.
However, many other dangers lurk that could be a recipe for a Fort Lauderdale cruise ship accident resulting in serious illness or injury to passengers.

Our Fort Lauderdale cruise ship accident attorneys know that dozens of accidents and illnesses are reported on cruise ships each year. The actual numbers are likely much higher, as some of these instances may never be reported.

Customers who expect a carefree vacation may find the trip more resembles a nightmare. Cruise ships can sometimes be especially prone to infectious diseases, due to the close quarters for sleeping, dining and swimming. If the cruise ship staff doesn't employ proper sanitation measures, passengers are even more at risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Vessel Sanitation Program requires each ship to report the number of gastrointestinal illnesses found by the ship's medical staff when it's arriving in the U.S. from a foreign port. If that number is higher than 2 percent for passengers and crew, a separate notification is required.

An outbreak is classified as an illness that involves more than 100 passengers or more than 3 percent of the total number on board who have reported symptoms of diarrhea or some other stomach illness.

Of the 14 cruise liner outbreaks reported by the CDC last year, 10 involved the Norovirus, which is an infection that lasts several days and is characterized by diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Most people can recover without treatment, but for babies, the elderly and people with other underlying diseases, it can cause severe dehydration and illness.

The infection is highly contagious, and is usually spread by food or water that is contaminated with fecal matter during preparation.

Another two cases from last year involved cruise ship passengers who were sickened with E. coli, a bacterial infection caused by contaminated food or water. It can result in anything from cramps, diarrhea and vomiting to life-threatening kidney failure, particularly for children and the elderly.

In 2012, there have already been two cruise ship outbreaks reported.

In addition to illnesses, injuries can unfortunately occur on a cruise ship.

In the Costa Concordia case, more than 4,000 people were aboard when the ship crashed. The captain is reported to have abandoned the ship, leaving passengers to fend for their own survival. Recovery crews continue to search for bodies, while the captain remains under house arrest on charges of manslaughter and abandoning ship.

Perhaps a more common problem for cruise ship passengers is slip-and-fall accidents, particularly in cruise ship showers, or on slippery decks or walkways. A wet floor is dangerous enough. One that is moving can be even more treacherous.

Many of these illnesses and injuries are treated on board the ship by the cruise line's medical staff, who are required to offer you reasonable treatment under the circumstances. However, some cruise lines will take liberties by interpreting the law in a very broad sense.

Continue reading " Fort Lauderdale Passengers Should be Wary of Cruise Ship Accidents, Injury and Illness " »

No one would argue truckers have an easy job.

The hours are long and the ride can be physically grueling, mentally exhausting and potentially dangerous.

The nature of the work and the fact that truckers are often hauling heavy and dangerous materials means everyone who shares the road with them are at risk for truck accidents in Pompano Beach and elsewhere.

Our Pompano Beach truck accident attorneys know that in 2008, one out of every nine traffic fatalities involved a large truck. In fact, that same year, more than 4,000 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents and some 66,000 were involved in crashes that resulted in at least one injury.

Now, the U.S. Department of Transportation is tightening restrictions on the trucking industry in an effort to curb fatalities and injuries that happen due to large trucks.

According to a recent news release, Ray LaHood, the secretary of the federal agency announced a nationwide response to the issue of trucker fatigue by limiting the number of consecutive hours a trucker can be on the road. The agency has also re-written the minimum safety requirements for those who drive commercial trucks.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has successfully revised trucking rules. Under the new guidelines, truckers will work 12 less hours in any given week. That means they will be allowed to drive 70 hours in a week. Previously, most truckers averaged 82 hours over a 7-day period.

Also under the new rule, truckers will be mandated to take at least a 30-minute break every eight hours, though they are encouraged to make more frequent stops if they feel themselves getting drowsy.

Plus, in a 24-hour period, the trucker will only be allowed on the road for 11 hours. The safety administration is considering whether that may also be too many. For now, the 11-hour rule stands.

For truckers who breeze through those 70 hours, they'll need to restart their clock and get two consecutive nights of rest.

While it doesn't entirely solve the issue of trucking accidents in Pompano Beach and throughout Florida, the hope is that it will drive down the number of fatal accidents and injuries that result when these over-sized vehicles are involved.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large trucks were more likely than smaller vehicles to be involved in a crash that involved multiple vehicles. In fact, 82 percent of all fatal crashes where a large truck was involved also involved multiple cars. Compare that to 58 percent of all passenger vehicle wrecks that involved multiple cars.

In most of the cases where a truck accident was fatal, it happened on a rural road, during the well-lit daytime hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on regular weekdays.

It remains to be seen whether trucking accident statistics will be affected by the new rules.

We hope.

In the meantime, companies that violate the new rules could face fines of $11,000 for each offense. Drivers can also be fined civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each violation.

Continue reading " New Regulations Aim to Reduce Pompano Beach Trucking Accidents " »