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Cyclist Accident in Pembroke Pines by Westfork Plaza

May 11, 2021

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Bike Accidents

The cyclist accident involved a 15-year-old cyclist from Pembroke Pines who was riding his bicycle Monday when he was struck by a car, authorities said.

The boy, who was not identified by Pembroke Pines police, was riding on the sidewalk eastbound on the 15800 block of Pines Boulevard near Westfork Plaza when he tried to cross the entrance of the shopping plaza. The 68-year-old driver turned to exit the mall and dragged the cyclist under her vehicle, police said they found in a preliminary investigation.

Bike riding is a four season activity in the Sunshine State, whether you cycle for your commute, exercise, or fun. Unfortunately, its year-round popularity may also put you at a higher risk of being hurt in a bicycle accident.

Data regarding bike collisions should be of particular importance to anyone living in Florida, the #1 US state for fatal bicycle crashes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2020, 127 Florida bicyclists lost their lives in bicycle accidents. Notably, this statistic appears to be heading in the right direction as 155 Florida bicyclists lost their lives in bicycle accidents in 2019.

According to a AAA study, fifty-three percent of motorists say one of their concerns is not having enough room to drive around cyclists. Similarly, 53 percent of motorists say they worry about cyclists swerving or falling into traffic, 35 percent are concerned they won’t see the cyclist in the first place, and 34 percent are uneasy about cyclists using the middle lanes in traffic. The study also noted:

36% do not wear a helmet while riding a bicycle
56% ride with traffic; 21% ride against traffic
74% of those who ride against traffic do so because they prefer to see approaching vehicles

Most of the deaths are due to relatively mundane mistakes on the part of both bikers and motorists.

According to the NHTSA, the following statistics pertain to bicycle accidents in Florida as well as accidents across the US:

38 percent of fatal cyclist accidents were caused by a biker or motorist failing to yield the right of way
10 percent were due to a biker wearing clothing that’s difficult to see at night
8 percent were caused by a failure to obey traffic laws, and another 8 percent happened because the cyclist or motorist made an improper turn.

The majority of serious and fatal cyclist accidents occur when a driver fails to yield to a cyclist at an intersection. Other bicycle accidents can occur on crowded side-streets, parking lot entrances/exits, or when a cyclist emerges from in between parked or stopped vehicles.

Unfortunately, bicyclists tend to suffer catastrophic injuries when they are hit by large, fast-moving vehicles. As a result, they often need extensive medical care and may be unable to work for weeks or months. In severe cases, these injuries can result in disability, preventing the victim from ever working and earning a living.

The condition of the 15 year old who was involved in the cyclist accident has yet to be confirmed. Police are still investigating the scene by Westlake Plaza in Pembroke Pines.

What to Do After a Bike Accident

The most important thing to do after the accident is seek medical attention. Even if you believe you were not seriously injured, see a doctor and receive a professional medical diagnosis. You should also contact an attorney as soon as possible, as you only have three years from the date of the accident (in most cases) to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Florida bike accidents can leave serious injuries. As South Florida personal injury attorneys, let us help you obtain the compensation you deserve. You focus on getting better. Let us worry about your case.

Avoid Florida Car Crashes and Stay Safe with These Top Safety Features

May 4, 2021

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Auto Accidents Automobile Safety

Voice assist. Self-parking cars. Forward collision warnings.

There are many possible safety features you can get for cars today, but not all of them are created equal. Some are incredibly useful and drastically reduce your chances of getting into an accident (or increase your chances of survival if you are in one), while others fall more into the “luxury” category.

With that in mind, we thought we would look at some of the best, most effective safety features available in automobiles today. Some of these are more-or-less standard on most vehicles, while others need to be added on… for an additional price.

Seatbelts

Yes, we’re starting with both the obvious and (hopefully) unexpected choice. Why seatbelts? Because they work. According to the CDC, wearing a seatbelt is the best way to reduce serious injury or death when someone is in a crash.

These days, though, seatbelts are also getting some nice new bells and whistles. Adjustable upper belts change the positioning of the shoulder belt, both to make it more comfortable and potentially to help avoid serious injury for those who might otherwise have the “shoulder” belt across their neck. Pretensioners are designed to instantly remove all slack from seat belts in the event of an impact.

Automatic Emergency Braking

The basic idea is that your car will automatically apply the brakes to slow or stop the vehicle if it senses an impending crash. This can help minimize the impact – and possibly avoid it altogether.

With distracted driving at an all-time high, it’s no wonder that this feature will become standard by 2022.

Adaptive Headlights

Headlights are great… until you find yourself driving on a winding road at night or approaching sharp corners. Because until you turn your entire car in the right direction, you won’t be able to see anything.

Adaptive headlights are designed to eliminate this problem by pivoting depending on how you move the steering wheel. In other words, as you turn the steering wheel left to make a left turn, the lights will focus in that direction before the car turns, giving you extra time to react to previously unseen dangers.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Have you ever checked for cars and started to change lanes – only to have an unseen vehicle next to you lay on the horn? Probably.

Blind spot monitoring aims to change that. It scans the rear corners of your car and lights up your side mirrors when it detects a vehicle there. The catch: the blind spot warning only turns on when you use your turn signals.

360-Degree Parking Camera

If you’ve ever tried to back into a tiny space in a South Florida parking garage, you can already imagine how valuable this piece of safety technology is. You can literally see all around your vehicle as you pull in, almost like you’re playing a video game where you’re outside of the car.

Obviously, it’s not going to protect you from any fast-moving collisions, but it can stop you from smacking into something – or someone – while trying to park.

Technology Can’t Always Save You, But It Can Help

Obviously, newer and better safety features won’t stop every crash or injury that might occur. Everyone makes bad decisions while driving sometimes. And even if you make all the right choices, that doesn’t mean the other driver will.

Still, utilizing the safety features that work the best and make the most sense for you can go a long way towards reducing your risk and minimizing the suffering you endure if you ever are in an accident.

workers compensation injury law firm south florida

Three Most Common Florida Workers Compensation Injuries

April 23, 2021

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Slip and Fall Workers Comp

If you have suffered an injury while on the job and accrued medical expenses or been forced to miss work as a result, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim to cover your expenses. If your loved one died as a result of a workplace accident, you may also be eligible to receive benefits.

However, before you accept any settlement, it is prudent to consult with an aggressive Florida workers’ compensation attorney to make sure that you have received the maximum benefits and the compensation you deserve for your injury. Workers’ compensation claims can be filed for many reasons, but here are some of the most common workers’ compensation injuries in Florida.

Overexertion

Physical overexertion is a common cause of workers’ compensation injuries. This usually results from conducting a repetitive task (for example, factory work) too many times and without adequate rest, from lifting heavy objects, or from working in a non-ergonomic position.

Most overexertion injuries begin with acute pain (such as back pain), and can easily be resolved if they are treated and working conditions are improved. However, failure to address overexertion can result in chronic, debilitating conditions.

If your employer has required that you work in conditions that result in overexertion injuries, advise your employer or seek guidance from a workers’ compensation attorney on how to properly file a claim. Make sure that you know your rights and have consulted a workers’ compensation lawyer, who can help you determine what is your best course of action.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slip and fall cases are eligible for a workers’ compensation claim so long as they happen during the course of employment.

A slip, trip, or fall accident occurs when a worker slips on a smooth surface, trips over something, or otherwise falls, either directly to the ground or from a raised surface such as a ladder or staircase. The most common workers’ compensation injuries resulting from these accidents are back, spinal cord, neck, arm, wrist, leg, and foot injuries. These injuries are often painful and debilitating, so may force you to miss work while you recover. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney can advise on how to pursue lost wages and medical treatments.

Struck By or Against Object

If you are struck by or against an object, such as machinery, vehicles, another worker, tools, or other objects, you may sustain a serious injury. The type of injury resulting from these accidents depends upon what you are struck by, where you are struck, and the amount of force with which the object strikes you. Some of the most common injuries are hand or foot injuries, head injuries, and back or neck injuries. If you fall as a result of being struck, you may also sustain injuries from the fall.

A workers’ compensation claim is fairly common in these cases, which your workers’ compensation attorney can help you file. However, if this accident occurs due to unsafe conditions, like faulty equipment, a personal injury lawsuit may also be applicable.

The best way to know for sure whether or not you have a viable case? Talk to a knowledgeable and local Ft. Lauderdale attorney with experience handling Workers’ Compensation claims as well as third-party claims. When you have good legal counsel by your side, you can rest assured that your rights will not be taken away from you. The South Florida Injury Law Firm is conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients throughout Florida, including Broward County, Indian River, Okeechobee, Martin County, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and other cities and counties.

You're in a Car Crash – What Florida Law Requires You to Do

Auto Accident in Plantation Leaves 2 Dead on Sunrise Boulevard

March 22, 2021

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Auto Accidents Automobile Safety Multi Car Accidents Personal Injury Personal Injury Lawyer

A deadly auto accident happened in Plantation Florida near 441 on NW 47th Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard.
Two people were killed in a sedan after being hit by an SUV.
The impact tore the sedan’s front and rear axles completely off.
Sunrise Boulevard was completely reopened just before 1PM

According to initial reports by Plantation police, the Honda sedan was attempting to turn from the eastbound lanes on Sunrise Boulevard with the intention of either going north on 43rd Avenue or making a U-turn to go west on Sunrise Boulevard. Lanes of West Sunrise Boulevard in Plantation were closed in both directions shortly after 5 a.m. By 9:45 a.m., only the two left lanes had remained closed.

The Honda can be seen missing its entire front end and almost appears to be split in half. The Mercedes SUV sustained significant front end damage. The accident is still under investigation by Plantation police and fire departments and charges are reportedly pending related to the accident.

Every driver has a responsibility to drive in a cautious and courteous manner. With so many drivers sharing Florida roadways, no amount of defensive driving can protect you from the negligent and reckless behavior of another driver.

For many Floridians, it isn’t if you will be involved in a crash, but when.

If you find yourself in a car accident, there are a number of different things that you should probably do. Get yourself medical help. Take pictures and gather evidence. Call a lawyer. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and even confused following a car accident. Let alone the concerns surrounding medical bills, repair needed and whether or not you will be able to return to work.

In fact, we’ve written guides about what to do after a crash. However, you don’t have to do many of those things. If you wanted to, you could skip a lot of them.

Not all of them, though. There are some things that Florida law actually requires you to do if you are involved in a crash. Below, we’re going to go over what those are.

Stop at the scene of the auto accident

Hopefully, this goes without saying, but you cannot simply drive away after the car crash. You must first stop and fulfill the other duties detailed below first. Otherwise, it could be classified as a hit and run.

If you leave a crash where someone else was injured, this is a third-degree felony, and you can face up to five years in prison or five years of probation, a $5,000 fine, and driver’s license revocation. If someone dies in the car crash, then it is a first-degree felony, with penalties of up to 30 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and driver’s license revocation. There is a mandatory minimum prison sentence of two years if you were driving under the influence.

If it is only property that was damaged, then it is a second-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Get help for anyone who has been injured

If the other person requires or requests medical treatment, you are obligated to provide “reasonable assistance.” This means things like transporting or making arrangements to transport the person to a doctor or hospital. Often, your best course of action is to call 9-1-1.

Move your car out of the way

If your car is blocking traffic, you are required to move your car or call for help, such as from a tow truck, if you are unable to do so.

Provide your name and address to the other driver

You must also show your driver’s license or permit and vehicle registration number if requested. In the situation where the other person is not able to receive that information, then you are required to report the crash.

Provide information to investigating police officers

You must share your driver’s license, vehicle registration, address, and other information. Don’t discuss fault at this point. Just answers questions honestly. You never know what the other driver may or may not have been doing.

Report the accident in some cases

You are required to report the accident to the local police department, sheriff, or the Florida Highway Patrol if there are injuries, death, or damage over $500. You are also required to do so if either driver is intoxicated.

You don’t have to file a crash report if the investigating officer does so, but you should confirm that they actually did so. Also, your crash report should include up-to-date information about your car insurance.

Once you do these things, you can be on your way if you wish. However, you could be missing out if the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. This is something that’s not always easy to tell when you’re involved. The best way to know for sure is to reach out to a knowledgeable Florida car crash lawyer and talk to them about your case.

south florida pembroke pines auto plane accident

Plane Crashes Into SUV in Pembroke Pines Florida

March 17, 2021

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Auto Accidents

A small plane has crashed next to North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, killing two people on board the aircraft after it struck a nearby passing car, severely injuring a woman and and a child who later died en route to the hospital.

Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know

March 8, 2021

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Auto Accidents Uber Accidents

Uber and Lyft have really made getting around town a lot easier. The apps are simple to use, the cars are relatively inexpensive, and getting a ride only takes a few minutes.

However, as wonderful as Uber and Lyft are for convenience when you need a quick lift, it is important to remember that the drivers are like anyone else who you trust to get behind the wheel. Accidents happen.

Since ridesharing apps are a fairly new trend, questions about liability and insurance can be confusing. Read below to get a better understanding on what your options are after getting into an auto accident involving a rideshare company in Florida.

What Is HB221?

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft are praised for their innovation, but it often causes confusion and debate over legal issues. They have a different business model than most taxi companies (all Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors) and are held to different standards than taxis.

Florida is starting to clear up some of the confusion about the standards rideshare drivers are held to, though. In the beginning of April, Florida’s House of Representative passed HB221. In addition to requirements regarding background checks, the bill requires all rideshare drivers to hold insurance to cover $50,000 for death or bodily injury per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage.

While these amounts are far more than most drivers in Florida are required to carry, requiring bodily injury insurance brings in the question of fault. If you are in an accident, it is important to take note of any unsafe behaviors displayed by the Uber/Lyft driver, or any other drivers involved.

The bill is on its way to the Senate, but it still has a decent journey ahead before it can become law. Why is the legislature even going to the trouble? Because Uber and Lyft won’t cover everything.

Uber’s and Lyft’s $1 Million Insurance Policies

Florida is putting these requirements on rideshare drivers to cover incidents that Uber or Lyft will not.

Both companies boast $1 million insurance coverage, which is great for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who are injured while a ride is taking place. The coverage does not, however, cover drivers who don’t have customers in their car – even if they are on their way to pick a customer up. Again, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, so they do not have to cover their drivers if they do not have an Uber customer in their car.

If you are an Uber driver, talk to your insurance company about coverage while you are driving. While many insurance companies offer a rideshare-specific policy, others will not cover accidents while you are driving (you may be considered “on the job”). Even if you have a rideshare insurance policy, check in with the provider about what may change if HB221 is signed into law.

Even if your car is not involved in the accident, treat this crash like any other auto accident. Collect the names, insurance providers, and contact information of everyone involved. Record witness testimony and take photos of the accident. Seek medical help within 14 days of your accident in order to receive compensation from your PIP coverage – you may receive compensation quicker if you go through your personal insurance company.

As the laws regarding Uber and Lyft are on the verge of changing, navigating your insurance after an accident may be more confusing. Talk to a South Florida lawyer about your options for receiving compensation for your Uber accident lawsuit after being injured in a ridesharing accident.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday Accidents in South Florida

November 25, 2020

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Auto Accidents

Thanksgiving and Black Friday are almost here, and people everywhere are getting ready for the feasting and family fun. However, while you prep for the festivities, it’s important to be aware of the fact that auto accidents spike over the Thanksgiving and Black Friday weekend.

In fact, compared to the two weeks before Thanksgiving weekend and the two weeks afterward, the national auto accident rates significantly increase. This makes sense, because according to a report by AAA auto club, over 90 percent of those traveling on Thanksgiving do so by automobile.

More cars on the road mean more opportunities for crashes to occur, and Florida residents know that our roads are dangerous enough without extra traffic.

You and your family could be at risk if you are traveling for the holiday. Stay safe by learn what dangers you could face and how to avoid them.

What to Watch Out For and How to Stay Safe

If you are going shopping on Thursday or Friday, know that most accidents happen in parking lots. Be careful as both a driver and a pedestrian, staying alert to everyone around you.

If you observe smart driving tips from Wednesday through Monday of the busy holiday weekend, you’ll put yourself in a lower risk category for an accident. Here are several steps you can take to drive safer this Thanksgiving:

Get your oil changed, fluids checked, and tires aired up before you hit the road.
Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition.
Don’t let your gasoline level get too low at any point of the trip.
Wear your seat belt. One report by the NHTSA states that over 60 percent of fatalities in Thanksgiving weekend car crashes occur due to not being buckled in.
If you’ve had anything to drink, let someone else drive. According to the same NHTSA report above, four out of every 10 fatal car crashes over Thanksgiving involve drunk driving.
Don’t drive with distractions, especially your phone. Also resist the temptation to eat, change the radio settings, or reach for something while driving.
Stay within speed limits. Leave early to avoid rushing.
Be a courteous driver. Don’t tailgate or make rude gestures. Yield to other drivers – it’s not worth risking a dangerous road rage incident.

Slow down in construction zones.
Don’t drive fatigued—it can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Take frequent breaks and switch drivers if possible.
For extra safety, keep your lights on. Make sure your lights are clean so they are fully visible.
If you are shopping on Black Friday, park as far away as possible and use extra caution backing out.

What If You Are in a Thanksgiving Accident?

Enduring an accident over Thanksgiving weekend can be a harrowing and painful experience. If someone else caused a crash that caused you injuries and vehicle damage, you should not be held responsible for the costs involved.

To hold someone else legally responsible, you must be able to prove they acted with negligence. This means they should have known how to drive responsibly but failed to do so, which caused losses on your part.

Acts of negligence while driving include the following:

Failure to yield to another driver or pedestrian
Failure to turn headlights on
Failure to adjust to weather-related road conditions
Distracted driving
Recklessness in a construction zone
Tailgating
Switching lanes without a signal
Pulling out in front of other drivers
Speeding
Fatigue
Driving while intoxicated—this type of negligence causes almost one-third of all fatalities among car crashes in Florida each year

Unfortunately, Thanksgiving weekend has highest number of drunk driving deaths for all holidays. Additionally, tens of thousands of non-fatal accidents also occur over Thanksgiving weekend. If you are involved in an accident this Thanksgiving, it’s important to get the legal help you need as soon as possible.

Our firm has successfully handled many car crash cases. Our seasoned legal team can help you get the compensation you deserve if you have been injured in a car crash. We know how to fight the insurance companies who may resist paying your claim. We can represent your best interests in court by finding the best evidence to support your case. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

south florida accident behind the wheel distractions

The South Florida Seven Most Dangerous Driving Situations

November 16, 2020

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Auto Accidents Distracted Driving Texting & Driving

It’s your car—the vehicle that gets you to work every day, that carries your groceries home, shelters you and your family on road trips. For many Americans, it can be nearly impossible to see their beloved motor vehicle as a hazard.

Massive, heavy, and fast-moving, cars can become dangerous weapons when driving improperly or recklessly. Every year, motor vehicle crashes claim the lives of nearly 37,000 Americans and leave an additional 2.35 million seriously injured, according to data from the Association for Safe International Road Travel.

Too often, fatal auto accidents are caused by driver error or negligence. Below, we’ve listed seven of the most dangerous things drivers do behind the wheel that frequently lead to tragic accidents.

Driving While Distracted

Many are often surprised to learn that distracted driving is the leading cause of auto accidents, surpassing even drunk driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To combat the scourge of distracted driving, Florida lawmakers have passed legislation that prohibits texting while driving and enacted measures to discourage this behavior.

However, texting and driving isn’t the only dangerous distracted driving behavior. Making phone calls, fiddling with GPS or music systems, grooming, and even talking to passengers are all examples of activities that can take a driver’s attention away from the road and lead to serious accident. In many cases, simply being lost in thought can be enough of a distraction to cause a serious auto accident. You can prevent distracted driving accidents by making a conscious effort to keep your eyes, hands, and attention away from distractions and on the road.

Driving While Intoxicated

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may seem like an obvious danger, yet hundreds of thousands of Americans are still involved in drunk driving crashes each year, according to reports from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Drinking not only impairs a driver’s ability to drive, but to react to things occurring around them and respond appropriately to potentially dangerous situations. That’s why it’s a good idea to avoid driving entirely after drinking even in moderate amounts, opting instead to ride with a sober friend or take a cab or public transportation.

Driving Drowsy

Driving while tired may feel like a necessary evil after a long day of work or a restless night, but doing so can endanger not just the driver, but everyone else on the road around them. When a driver’s body is sleep deprived, their reaction time is slowed and they can quite easily fall asleep at the wheel. Driving drowsy increases the likelihood of serious, often fatal accidents. You can do your part to prevent these types of accidents by pulling over to a safe place to rest if you catch yourself drifting off.

Driving Above or Below the Speed Limit

When it comes to speeding, the science behind its dangers is clear. Based on the laws of physics, the faster a car is driving, the more severe the potential accident will be. However, some studies have found that driving below the speed limit can be dangerous too, since it can disrupt the flow and predictability of traffic. The bottom line: follow posted speed limits and pay attention to the average speed of the other drivers around you to avoid speed-related crashes.

Driving with Road Rage

When stress and frustration turn into road rage, accidents and undesirable confrontations follow. Road rage may include making obscene gestures, yelling insults, or purposely driving in an unsafe manner. If you believe another driver on the road is experiencing road rage, stay calm, and try to move away from him or her as soon as possible.

Driving without a Seatbelt

According to government reports, seatbelts save more than 13,000 lives nationwide every year. It may seem harmless to hop in the car without putting on a seatbelt if you’re just heading around the corner, but a large number of crashes occur at low speeds and close to the point of embarkation. Make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened before starting up the engine, and double-check to ensure your passengers do the same.

Failing to Yield

Running red lights, breezing through stop signs, and failing to yield the right of way can lead to serious collisions. Freeway merge ramps in particular can become death traps when drivers fail to observe traffic laws and signs. Make the roads safer for you and everyone around you by adhering to traffic laws and keeping an eye on things happening around you.

Of course, just because you practice safe driving doesn’t mean other drivers on the road will do the same. If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident due to another’s dangerous driving behavior, consult with a knowledgeable Florida auto accident attorney.

A skilled personal injury lawyer may be able to help you hold the other driver accountable for their reckless or negligent behavior, and obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to recovery. By holding the driver responsible for their dangerous decisions, you can help make the road safer for yourself and your community.

south florida thunderstorm rain auto accidents

Keeping Safe While Driving In South Florida Rain

October 21, 2020

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Auto Accidents Distracted Driving DUI Accidents Medical Malpractice Pedestrian Accidents Personal Injury Personal Injury Claims Vacation Injuries

Living in South Florida, it’s inevitable to deal with rain. According to statistics by US Climate Data, the West Palm Beach alone area receives 62 inches of precipitation annually. When researchers ranked the top 10 wettest cities to live in, two of which are in South Florida (Miami and West Palm Beach).

Driving in South Florida is a dangerous and even deadly situation to be in under wet conditions. More than 7 thousand people lose their life in weather-related auto accidents.

According to statistics by US Climate Data, the West Palm Beach area receives 62 inches of precipitation annually.

When researchers ranked the top 10 wettest cities to live in, two of which are in South Florida (Miami and West Palm Beach).

The AMA (American Meteorological Society) published a study that highlights the increase of dangerous road conditions and the elevated risk involved.

“[Scott] Stevens, a data analyst and meteorologist at the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, and colleagues looked at 125,012 fatal car crashes in the Lower 48 states from 2006 to 2011, factoring in how many cars are on the road, to calculate the risk of a fatal accident. While other studies have used police reports and the nearest weather station to calculate rain and snow conditions, Stevens said his is the first study to use more precise weather radar data. It was able to distinguish how hard the rain or snow was falling to come up with results showing an increase in fatal crashes even in rain of less than one-tenth of an inch per hour.”

All the evidence points to the same: when the road is wet, your chance of being involved in an accident can drastically increase. As the visibility level lowers due to rain and how the road becomes slippery when water has accumulated on it.

Hydroplaning becomes an issue when rain is especially heavy – a common occurrence in Florida. Hydroplaning refers to a situation when a car starts to slide uncontrollably because of the tires encountering more water that it can scatter. As the water carries the car, the brakes and other controls become useless. Quick turns and movements on wet roads can also cause the vehicle to hydroplane as well.

The Hazard of Hazard Lights

You may see other drivers with hazard lights flashing to indicate they are moving slower than surrounding traffic during stormy conditions. But in Florida, it’s actually illegal to use hazard lights while driving unless you are part of a funeral procession. Flashing lights were designed with the express purpose of indicating a hazard to other drivers, and they should only be activated when your vehicle is a hazard on the side of the road. Using them under any other circumstance is not only unnecessary, but it also causes confusion. If it’s raining, the only lights you should turn on are your headlights.

Rainy weather may make driving more difficult, but it does not relieve drivers of their responsibilities behind the wheel. With proper vehicle maintenance, knowledge of local laws and a bit of common sense, you can travel safer during a downpour along with a helpful tips to keep in mind.

5 Tips to avoid an auto accident
in slippery road conditions

Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Tires with weak tread may not grip a wet road as well as newer tires with thicker tread. Make sure your tires are safe for the roads.
Before setting out when rain is present or forecasted, it is even more important than normal to make sure your tires are in good shape and have adequate tread depth since bald tires can increase the risk of hydroplaning.

Gust Awareness
Drive at a speed that compensates for high speed gusts that can otherwise impact your vehicle.
Watch out for larger vehicles.
Larger vehicles are much harder to control when it is windy and can have difficulty staying in their lane.

Maintain Distance
Maintain a large distance with the car in front of you. Cars may have difficulty stopping due to wet conditions. Brake earlier than usual, and apply less force to increase the stopping distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you while also alerting the driver behind you that you are reducing your speed.

Know Anything Can Happen
Often times during storms, other drivers fail to drive safely. Make sure to watch around you and drive defensively.

Get There Safe, Not Fast
Getting to your destination without an accident is more important than keeping a schedule. Maintain a safe speed limit and be sure to obey all traffic rules and signals. Drive more slowly, take turns slowly, and be sure to give your fellow motorists ample following distance.

In other words, when it rains, whether heavy or light, slow it down. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others when driving in the rain is adjusting how you drive according to the current weather conditions.

Have you been involved in an
auto accident under rainy conditions?

Sadly, even riders who follow the above tips can still end up hurt by a reckless or distracted driver.
Determining which driver is at fault for an accident requires an investigation of the collision. The investigation involves the review of all pieces of evidence that are available, such as photographs or video surveillance of the accident, testimony from any witnesses to the accident, and a digital reconstruction of the accident that incorporates all relevant factors, such as the rainy weather.

If you were hurt in an auto accident because of a drunk, distracted, or otherwise reckless driver, you can call The South Florida Injury Law Firm anytime at (954) 488-JEFF – we’re available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Complete our online form to get a free case evaluation and our team will assist with the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your health . Remember, the consultation is completely free! That means you don’t owe us anything until we recover for you.

Amazon Prime Day Deliveries and Accidents

October 13, 2020

by South Florida Injury Law Firm Auto Accidents Truck Accidents

On October 13th and 14th, Amazon Celebrates Prime Day(s).

Prime Day is the perfect time for shoppers to score up to 50 percent off on popular categories, like tech, electronics, Amazon devices, home, kitchen, clothing, shoes, wellness, and more.

With the uncertainty and the strain that COVID-19 has had on the 1.7 million small and medium sized businesses around the world that sell their goods on Amazon, the event could provide much needed relief.

It’s been a convenience for many to be able to get in on these online deals and get in hand within 2 days and in some cases, the very same day. Amazon is able to get to your doorstep even faster these days since they moved away from using standard services like UPS and FedEx and instead uses Amazon’s gargantuan logistics network to deliver its own packages.

Amazon Delivery Drivers and Florida Laws

Throughout Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, we’ve started seeing a lot more Amazon delivery trucks on the road and so have the number of accidents involving Amazon delivery drivers.

Although many Amazon delivery vehicles are completely free from incident, the number of accidents of Amazon-involved trucks have only grown over time.

Amazon delivery drivers have the same responsibilities under Florida law to drive their vehicles in a safe manner as all other motorists. This includes a duty to protect all other people they may encounter while behind the wheel.

This extends to:

Other drivers
Passengers in other vehicles
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Motorcyclists

Amazon Delivery Vehicle Accidents

If an Amazon Prime or Grocery delivery driver fails in this responsibility, and someone is injured, that person can file a lawsuit alleging that the driver’s negligence caused their injuries. Unfortunately, even the clearest example of truck driver negligence may fail to bring compensation if a plaintiff does not act in time.

When in an accident involving an Amazon delivery vehicle, you may have a right to receive compensation. You should immediately contact an experience commercial vehicle accident lawyer, like those at The South Florida Injury Law Firm to arrange a free, no obligation, review of the facts in your Amazon delivery accident case and a discussion of the legal options that may be available to you.