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What are your Flood-Related Car Accident Legal Rights?

Flooding can be a dangerous situation for drivers. Even a few inches of water can make it difficult to control your car, and deeper water can cause your car to stall or even float away.

If you find yourself driving through floodwaters, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe.

1. Take the situation seriously.

Floodwaters can be deceptive. Just a few inches of water can make it difficult to control your car, and even deeper water may not look as deep as it actually is. It’s important to take flood warnings and advisories seriously and avoid driving through flooded areas if possible.

2. Stay calm.

If you find yourself driving through floodwaters, it’s important to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath and focus on driving safely.

3. Respect barricades.

If you see barricades or other barriers in a flooded area, don’t drive around them. They’re there for a reason: to keep you safe.

What are your Flood-Related Car Accident Legal Rights? 1 Driverless Vehicles South Florida Injury Law Firm

4. Be cautious around standing water.

Even if the water looks shallow, it’s important to be cautious around standing water. You never know what might be hidden beneath the surface, such as potholes, sharp objects, or downed power lines.

5. Know your car’s limitations.

Not all cars are created equal when it comes to driving through floodwaters. If you have a low-riding car, it’s best to avoid driving through flooded areas altogether.

6. If you must drive through water, do so slowly and carefully.

If you must drive through water, do so slowly and carefully. Don’t accelerate or brake suddenly, and avoid making sharp turns. If your car starts to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid.

What are your Flood-Related Car Accident Legal Rights? 2 Driverless Vehicles South Florida Injury Law Firm

7. If your car stalls, get out and get to safety.

If your car stalls in floodwaters, don’t try to restart it. Get out of the car and get to safety as quickly as possible. If you can’t get out of the car, call for help.

8. Get your car checked out after driving through floodwaters.

Even if your car doesn’t stall, it’s important to get it checked out by a mechanic after driving through floodwaters. Water can damage your car’s engine, transmission, and electrical system.

9. Get an attorney.

An attorney can help you understand your legal rights. After a flood related car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damage, and lost wages. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Insurance companies are often more willing to settle with an attorney than with an individual. An attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies. If you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance companies, you may need to file a lawsuit. An attorney can represent you in court and fight for your rights.

By following these tips, you can help keep yourself safe if you find yourself driving through floodwaters. Contact the experienced flood related car accident attorneys at South Florida Injury Law Firm. We can provide valuable legal guidance and support after a flood-related car accident. We can also help you understand your legal rights and options, and work to ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

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Car Accidents in South Florida: How to Find the Right Attorney

South Florida is known for its heavy traffic and busy roads, which can unfortunately lead to a high number of car accidents. There are a number of reasons why accidents occur, including:

  • Heavy traffic: South Florida is known for its busy roads, which can lead to congestion and long commutes. Many do not pay attention as well in heavy traffic, creating avoidable accidents.
  • Inclement weather: South Florida is prone to hurricanes and heavy rain, which can make driving conditions treacherous. Wet streets and limited visibility can easily cause a wreck.
  • Distracted drivers: With the increased use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, distracted driving has become a major concern on the roads and responsible for a number of accidents throughout Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties each year.
  • Aggressive drivers: Some drivers in South Florida are known for their aggressive driving habits, which can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Poor road conditions: Some roads in South Florida may be in poor condition, with potholes, construction, or debris that can be dangerous for drivers.
traffic accidents in miami dade county

It’s important to be aware of these potential hazards when driving in South Florida and to take appropriate safety precautions such as wearing a seatbelt, obeying traffic laws, and avoiding distractions while driving to prevent being an accident statistic.

According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2021, there were over 400,000 car accidents in Florida, which resulted in over 250,000 injuries and over 3,000 deaths.

car accident in broward county

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, it’s important to have the right legal representation on your side. But with so many car accident attorneys to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.

First and foremost, you want to make sure that the attorney you choose has experience handling car accident cases. Ask about the attorney’s track record in terms of settlements and trial verdicts, and look for testimonials or reviews from past clients.

Secondly, it’s important to find an attorney who is a good fit for you and your case. Some attorneys may specialize in specific types of accidents, such as truck accidents or motorcycle accidents, while others may have experience handling cases involving serious injuries or wrongful death.

Car Accidents in South Florida: How to Find the Right Attorney 3 Driverless Vehicles South Florida Injury Law Firm

Another important consideration is the attorney’s fee structure. Some attorneys may work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Others may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Make sure you understand the attorney’s fee structure and are comfortable with it before moving forward.

Finally, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with the attorney to discuss your case and get a sense of their communication style and approach.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in South Florida, it’s important to take the time to find the right attorney for your case. By doing your research and being selective, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome.

wilton manors accident

Deadly Car Accident at the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade

It was early Saturday evening in Wilton Mantors when a white pickup truck struck two people just before the Stonewall Pride Parade was set to begin. The 2011 white Dodge Ram was the lead vehichle that had lined up with other floats when it accelerated and ran over two men standing by to take part in the parade around 7 p.m. on Wilton Drive near 16th Street.

 


The driver of the truck that plowed into the two victims was a 77-year-old man, who police say had physical ailments that prevented him from walking the parade route and because of it, was selected to be the lead vehicle of the parade. A DUI test showed no signs of impairment on the driver’s behalf.

wilton manors parade sceneFirst responders within the crowd quickly helped the two men who were hit, performing CPR. One of the victims was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The second victim is expected to survive.

 

“It was bad,” said Keith Witusik, a mechanic at the Fort Lauderdale Garden Center. “I was like, ‘Oh my God. I can’t believe this is happening.’”

Deadly Car Accident at the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade 4 Driverless Vehicles South Florida Injury Law FirmFlorida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who was at the Stonewall Pride Parade event, along with U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Ted Deutch, confirmed the incident on Twitter and said the driver was in custody.

Wasserman Schultz said “I am deeply shaken and devastated that a life was lost and others seriously injured at tonight’s Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade. My staff, volunteers and I are, thankfully, safe. I want to thank our first responders for their heroic efforts as both police and emergency medical personnel stepped into action quickly. We’re praying for the victims and their loved ones as law enforcement investigates and I am providing them with whatever assistance I can. I am so heartbroken by what took place at this celebration. May the memory of the life lost be for a blessing.”

Deadly Car Accident at the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade 5 Driverless Vehicles South Florida Injury Law FirmWilton Manors Vice Mayor Paul Rolli said Sunday that the early investigation shows it was an accident. It has been confirmed that the driver of the truck and the victims are all members of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus.

 

Those are a lot of unfair hurdles the survivor will have to overcome.

Car accidents victims are expected to take care of this process on top of the added stress of being injured, spending time in the hospital, and/or missing time from work. That’s simply not fair to car accident victims – and that’s why we are here to help you get through it together.

All car accidents are serious. Even minor collisions can lead to costly car repairs, medical treatment, and lingering injuries. Stress and financial costs associated with car accidents can quickly spiral out of control. Without proper representation, you may find yourself left holding the bag without anyone to help you.

 

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident in South Florida, you will want the right law firm and attorneys that can maximize the amount of money you receive for the harms and losses you have suffered. The lawyers at The South Florida Injury Law Firm have exceptional experience in dealing with all types of automobile collisions, as well as an in-depth knowledge of Florida car insurance coverage and liability laws.

 

Conveniently located for residents of Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach and South Florida, the Law Offices of The South Florida Injury Law Firm are in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. However, if you have the need, your Boynton Beach personal injury attorney can visit you in your home or, if necessary, in the hospital. To contact a Boca Raton injury lawyer with The South Florida Injury Law Firm you can call 954.764.7377 anytime 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Or fill out the convenient online form for a free case evaluation. Remember, the consultation is free and you will owe nothing until recovery of benefits is made.

More Tesla Self-Driving Crashes – Who's Liable in Florida?

More Tesla Self-Driving Crashes – Who’s Liable in Florida?

More Tesla Self-Driving Crashes – Who's Liable in Florida?

Several self-driving Tesla car accidents have occurred over the last few years, and the company keeps blaming drivers for the mistakes. Is the answer really that straightforward, though? Who is really at fault for the crashes?

Below we’re going to dive into the specifics of one particular case, as well as what the investigations into these crashes have turned up, then talk about what Florida product liability laws have to do with cases like these.

Tesla Blames Driver for Recent Car Crash

The family of a man from Mountain View, Calif. is suing Tesla Inc. for wrongful death after his SUV crashed into a concrete barrier and collided with two other vehicles in March.

The company states that the driver knew the Autopilot function was not reliable in the location where the crash occurred, but he used it anyway. Tesla Inc. says the crash occurred when visibility was good and the weather was clear, indicating that the fault lies with the driver, not the vehicle.

The Tesla Autopilot feature regulates several driving functions without input from the driver. It automatically navigates lanes, adjusts cruise control, and turns into other lanes when the turn signal is on as long as conditions are safe.

The Autopilot function on Tesla vehicles requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel. If the driver removes his or her hands from the wheel, sounds and visual alerts are enacted. On the day of the accident, the alerts sounded and flashed several times before the driver died. However, drivers don’t always heed the alerts.

The attorneys for the driver’s family claim that the Autopilot feature was defective and played a role in his death. Even though Tesla has refused to make further statements about how many times the alarms sounded that day, the Autopilot system is supposed to disengage after a certain number of alerts.

The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating two other cases of Tesla crashes. In May 2016, a Florida man died in a high-speed crash when relying too much on the Tesla Autopilot system. In August 2017, an owner lost control of his Tesla due to a battery fire and crashed into his garage.

The NTSB has recommended that automakers who install semi-autonomous systems enact other measures to ensure that the system is not used. GM uses a camera system to track when a driver is looking forward. Only then will the semi-autonomous system work.

What Does This Have to Do with Product Liability Law in Florida?

The big question here is whether or not Tesla has a defective product in their vehicles with Autopilot. Here are the forms of product liability cases related to vehicles in Florida.

Defective Design

If the vehicle design presents a hazard to you, you may be able to hold the manufacturer liable for injuries. A skilled attorney will know whether the vehicle design played a role in your injury.

Defective Manufacturing

If a part was damaged during the manufacturing process, it could present an unreasonable hazard.

Failure to Warn

In these cases, the vehicle manufacturer knew about the risks but failed to properly warn the consumer of them.

Do these apply to Autopilot? It’s probably going to depend a lot on the specific circumstances of each crash. Which is why if you’re injured, you need to…

South Florida Car Accident Attorneys

Talk to a Florida Injury Lawyer Immediately

If you have been injured in a car crash and you believe it was due to a vehicle defect, you need the help of a knowledgeable Florida personal injury attorney. Someone with years of experience who will fight hard against the auto manufacturers and insurance companies on your behalf. Call today for your free case review.

About the Author: 

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for the South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.