If you have been injured in a car accident, hiring a lawyer will help ensure you make decisions and take actions that help protect your rights and your ability to recover all of your damages.
Back To School Time: How to Keep Your Kids Safe
The school year started with in-person classes in Broward County and Miami-Dade County today. In Miami, 350,000 students and about 18,000 teachers, including 300 new hires, returned to classrooms on Monday for their first day of the 2021-22 school year. In Broward, 257,000 students and 1,040 new teachers were hired for this school year.
“Today is the day, as I often say, is the equivalent of reawakening the sleeping giant from its summer nap: return to school,” superintendent Alberto Carvalho said Monday.
A new school year means a lot of different things for both kids and parents. Kids get to experience new teachers. Learn new things. Fret over changing social situations. Parents get to watch their kids continue to grow. Reclaim some of their time. Come up with new ways to make sure homework and studying are being done.
There’s one big thing about going back to school that impacts both kids and parents, though:
Safety.
We spend inordinate amounts of time making sure we have the correct school supplies and clothes. The right kinds of food for lunch. That we get out the door early enough to make it to school on time.
Compared to these things, safety tends to get the short shrift – and that’s a mistake.
While generally speaking schools tend to be fairly safe, there are still all kinds of ways that kids can get hurt either in class or going to and from school.
The best way to avoid injuries related to common back-to-school accidents is to know what they are and how they happen.
To and From School
Bus Safety
If your child rides the bus, make sure that they know how to behave in and around them. Never walk toward a bus unless it has come to a complete stop. Always cross in front of a bus rather than behind, and make sure you are at least 10 feet ahead to ensure the driver can see you. Stay in your seat whenever the bus is moving. Don’t stand up to get off until the bus has come to a complete stop. Keep your body parts in the bus at all times.
Caution for Pedestrians
The first rule of walking safety is that kids should never walk to school alone until they are old enough to do so. At a minimum, this means that they should be at least 10 years old. Even then, you should plan a walking route with your child and practice it together. Make sure that this route sticks to sidewalks as much as possible and avoids intersections. If possible, have your child walk with other children who also walk to school. Older kids should also be reminded that part of safe walking involves being alert – that means keeping their head up and their ears free to hear what’s going on around them instead of losing themselves in their phones or music.
Automobiles and Teens.
For both younger kids and teens, car crashes are the leading cause of death. If you or friends drive your children to school, make sure that everyone involved understands the importance of using appropriate child safety restraints at all times. Older kids and teens need to continue wearing seatbelts, and teens who drive themselves to school should have a refresher on safe driving techniques.
While at School
Playground safety.
Over 20,000 kids visit emergency rooms each year for playground accidents. Teach your kid to play safely and watch out for other kids while running around and climbing. Part of this is choosing age-appropriate equipment to play on. Not only does this mean they need to be old enough to engage in “big-kid” activity, but also the opposite – it can be dangerous for bigger kids to play on equipment meant for little ones. Also show them how to watch for potentially dangerous items, such as hooks and bolts that are sticking out or equipment that has rusted.
Sports Safety.
Hundreds of thousands of kids are injured in sports-related incidents every year, and many of these occur in school-sponsored sporting events. Many of these are freak accidents that would have been difficult to avoid, but it is still valuable to teach your child about potential dangers and how to protect their bodies, particularly as they relate to head injuries, such as concussions.
Health safety.
Schools are like giant petri dishes where illnesses grow and blossom quickly. While it is almost guaranteed that your child will end up sick at some point over the course of the year, there are still things you can do to minimize the risk. Make sure they know to wash hands frequently, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom. Teach them to cover coughs and sneezes. Get them vaccinated.
Follow these tips and your child is far more likely to get through the school year relatively unscathed – at least as far as illnesses and injuries are concerned. In the event that your kid gets hurt due to another’s negligence, learn what you can do to hold them accountable and fight for compensation.
Helping mariege Women
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!
O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendour of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.
I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me.
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Older Truck Drivers Causing Lots of Florida Accidents
After years of working 40-plus hours a week at a desk job, driving a truck may sound like a dream come true. As long as you have a decent driving record, you can make a decent living by transporting goods and getting to see the country. Perhaps partially because of this, truck driving has become the chosen profession of many individuals who are reaching the age of retirement – and even many who are way past it.
Unfortunately, that’s a problem. Why? Because lots of older truck drivers are getting into accidents – especially in Florida.
Let’s look at the statistics. Between 2013-2015, 1,264 truck accidents involved drivers aged 70 or older. Only one other state – Texas – had more truck accidents involving seniors: 1,658. In 12 different states examined by a CBS investigation, drivers from the ages of 70 and up (including some drivers in their 90s) caused over 6,000 accidents between 2013-2015.
These numbers show a 19% rise from previous years.
While one could argue that these drivers are more experienced, or more careful, the question of whether drivers should continue to be screened throughout the years still lingers. What happens if a normally adequate driver starts to lose his vision after he turns 70? How can trucking companies know that a driver is starting to doze off during his ride?
Until policies are changed, the rate of seniors in truck accidents may continue to increase. As a driver who shares the road with trucks every day, these statistics are important to know. Truck accidents can cause more financial damage – and more serious injury – than typical motor vehicle accidents. If you are on the road with a truck, proceed with heightened caution:
How to Prevent Truck Accidents
Maintain a Good Distance between Trucks. It is harder for trucks to stop, change lanes, or speed up. If you are driving in front or behind a truck, leave a little extra room than you normally would for a car.
Pass Trucks Quickly. If you are passing a truck, do so quickly. Trucks have blind spots just like cars. These blind spots are even larger if you’re driving a truck. A good way to know if you are in the truck’s blind spot is the inability to see the truck’s mirrors. If you have the opportunity to drive in front of a car, pass it quickly (within the appropriate speed limits) and pay attention to the truck as you do so.
Get Off the Road Completely When Pulling Over. If you need to pull over on a highway, find a shoulder that gives you enough room to stay completely out of the road. While most cars can easily switch into another lane to avoid your car, trucks may have a hard time (or simply may be unable to avoid your car).
Don’t Enrage the Driver. Road rage can be scary even if the driver is going to and from their office job. Imagine the road rage of a driver who has been on the road for 14 hours. Don’t risk upsetting the driver. If a truck driver is getting aggressive with you, record the driver’s number or license plate and report the driver’s behavior after you have finished your drive.
Unfortunately, even if you are a cautious and law-abiding driver, you cannot prevent the actions of other drivers on the road. If another driver causes an accident that causes you damages, you deserve compensation. Victims of truck accidents should contact a Florida personal injury lawyer immediately.
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.
Tips to Stay Safe When Boating This Summer
Being a resident of the Sunshine State comes with its fair share of perks.
Floridians enjoy warm, balmy weather nearly year-round, as well as access to some of the world’s most renowned theme parks. We also boast some of the most beautiful coasts and diverse waterways in our state, making Florida a paradise for swimmers, sunbathers, and millions of boaters.
As the weather grows warmer and the days grow longer, many Floridians are taking their own yachts, kayaks, sailboats, and jet skis out to the water, or renting watercrafts from our state’s countless boating businesses. Whether you own a boat or plan on renting one, boating in Florida is unparalleled summer activity in terms of relaxation and recreation—that is, if undertaken with certain safety measures in mind.
Every year, there are an estimated 700 fatalities involving recreational boating accidents in our country, the vast majority of which occur during the summer. Oftentimes, these accidents can be avoided by taking simple safety precautions.
If you are a Florida resident or visitor planning on boating this summer season, here are some important tips for keeping you and your passengers safe.
Wear a lifejacket. The Coast Guard estimates that as many as 90 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a personal flotation device, while many of the remaining 10 percent were wearing ineffective models. Whether you go out on a yacht, kayak, or other type of watercraft, it is imperative that the operator and each and every passenger wears a properly fitting life jacket—regardless of how strong a swimmer you are.
There are many factors out on the open water that can make swimming more difficult than usual, including the temperature of the water and the strength of the current. In addition, if you are knocked unconscious by a boat, paddle, or other object, your swimming skills can’t help you.
Stay sober. Boating under the influence of alcohol and other drugs is both illegal and highly dangerous. Every year, drunk boating is directly responsible for more than 17 percent of all recreational boating fatalities. Although public opinion isn’t as harsh on boating under the influence as it is driving under the influence, drinking and boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving—perhaps even more so. Boaters often experience a phenomenon known as “boater’s fatigue,” where the combination of noise, vibration, wind, and glare effects a boater in a similar way as alcohol and drugs. Boat operators and passengers who suffer from boater’s fatigue may become disorientated, dizzy, and sleepy—when combined with the effects of alcohol, these symptoms can lead to deadly accidents.
Mind the weather. You should always check the weather forecast before going boating, and reschedule trips if heavy winds, rain, or storms are predicted. If you are out on the water and notice gathering clouds, darkening skies, and distant signs of thunder and lightning, return to shore immediately. If this is not possible, go below, or crouch down in the middle of the boat for the duration of the storm.
Bring along appropriate gear. Particularly if you are boating out in the ocean, it’s very important to outfit your boat with appropriate gear and supplies, including sufficient fuel and life buoys. It’s also a good idea to bring a VHF marine radio. Your cellphone may not be very useful in the case of an emergency out on the water, where coverage is often spotty and electronics can get damaged.
Take a safety course. Whether you own a boat or rent one, you and your family can benefit greatly from a boater’s safety course. Such courses can familiarize you with your boat, build your operating and maneuvering skills, and prepare you to handle emergencies.
What to Do if You are in a Boating Accident
In the event of a boating accident, a solid plan of action could save the lives of you and your passengers. If you find yourself in the frightening position of being involved in a boating accident, follow these steps:
- Check to see if anyone onboard has been injured or needs medical attention.
- Call the Coast Guard and alert them of the accident, describing the incident and severity of damage with as much detail as possible.
- Check to see if the passengers of the other vessel need attention or assistance.
Once you are safely back on land, you should get the name, contact information, and insurance information of all boat operators involved in the crash. If possible, take pictures of the damage and any injuries you or your passengers have sustained. If you suffered bodily injuries or other damages as a result of a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact a skilled boat accident attorney if Florida to begin taking the necessary steps towards justice and compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to recovery.
About the Author:
Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year 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.
Loophole in Law Keeps Drunk Drivers on Our Streets
If you or a family member has even been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you probably understand why Florida DUI laws are so strict. Tough DUI laws not only encourage drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking,” quote=” Tough DUI laws not only encourage drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking, they allow officers to pull over drivers they have reason to believe are intoxicated. By doing so, they remove these dangerous drivers from the road, and make our streets and highways safer for other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
But a newly discovered loophole in the law is unleashing many drunk drivers back onto the road after they’ve been pulled over. It was local criminal defense attorney Warren Redlich that brought attention to this loophole, pointing out that a driver can avoid being charged with a DUI simply by refusing to roll down their window. By keeping the car window up, a driver makes it much harder for officers to smell alcohol, hear slurred speech, or detect other indications of intoxication.
As Redlich explained to reporters from NBC Miami, “normally what [police officers] look for is: Do you have impaired speech? Do you have impaired motor coordination? Does he smell of alcohol? If you don’t roll down your window and don’t speak, you’ve taken away some of those.”
According to Redlich, drivers should refrain from rolling down their windows entirely, and instead show a card that reads “I remain silent. No searches. I want my lawyer,” along with their license, registration, and insurance.
Today, YouTube videos of drivers following Redlich’s advice are going viral, with many clips depicting drivers refusing to roll down their windows and simply being waved through DUI checkpoints.
Why Is this Loophole So Dangerous?
Redlich and drivers who employ his tactic to skirt DUI checkpoints argue that they are asserting their rights. In actuality, they are making Florida roads much more dangerous for everyone around them. DUI checkpoints exist to keep intoxicated drivers off the road, and this loophole allows them to pass through the checkpoint and continue on driving along our roads, where they can easily cause auto accidents, injury, and destruction.
It is likely that the only individuals who would resort to such a loophole are drivers who are trying to hide alcohol on their breath, slurred speech, and delayed responses—the very people DUI laws are meant to keep off the road. People who have been drinking—even if they are not quite over the legal limit—are a big threat to their fellow drivers, pedestrians, and surroundings. The common negative effects of alcohol consumption on a driver include:
- Reduced coordination
- Limited capacity to track moving objects
- Slowed response to emergency situations
- Difficulty steering
- Difficulty controlling speed
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired perception
- Limited capacity for processing information
With this loophole, impaired or intoxicated drivers suffering from these and other alcoholic effects are allowed to continue driving on Florida roadways, where they are likely to cause problems, including accident and injury.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to a drunk driver who was released back onto the road because of this legal loophole, contact a top DUI accident attorney. A skilled attorney will be able to help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, repair fees, and overall pain and suffering. What’s more, you’ll be able to raise awareness of the negative consequences of this unfortunate loophole in our vital Florida DUI laws.
About the Author:
Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year 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.
The 10 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds
Image: http://pixabay.com/en/dog-man-attacking-canine-training-78117/
When Pets Attack, They Can Cause Serious or Even Fatal Injuries
Most people like dogs. How can you resist those adoring eyes, the wagging tail, and the warm, fuzzy head that seems to appear in your lap just when you’re feeling your lowest? So many Americans like dogs, in fact, that the Humane Society estimates that 46% of US households own dogs. But not all dogs exude the same warm friendliness that your family’s Golden Retriever displays. Dog attacks are a serious problem, and an aggressive dog can cause brutal injuries that maim, permanently injure, or even kill their victims. And these attacks occur more frequently than we would like to think. According to Dogsbite.org, a site for victims of aggressive dog attacks, every day in the U.S., 1,000 people seek medical treatment for dog bites. In 2001, 42% of these attacks were on children age 14 or younger with the highest rate of attack on boys between the ages of five and nine years old.
The 10 Breeds Most Likely to Attack
Image: http://pixabay.com/en/puppy-pittbull-dog-wide-angle-140306/
Now before you start giving Fido the wary eye, keep in mind that certain dog breeds are far more likely to attack than others. Merrit Clifton, the editor of Animal People conducted a 30-year study of all cases of aggressive dog attacks in the U.S. and Canada. Compiling massive amounts of data, Clifton concluded that these 10 breeds are responsible for the majority of aggressive dog attacks:
1. Pitt Bull – These dogs, which make up only 4.4% of the canine population, caused bodily harm to 2235 victims, over four times more than any other breed. 233 Pit Bull attacks resulted in death, and 1268 victims were maimed.
2. Rottweiler – In 30 years, Rottweilers caused bodily harm 495 times and caused 81 deaths and 277 maimings.
3. Pitt Bull Mix – Turns out the breed’s aggressive temperament is only slightly cooled by strains of other breeds. Pit bull mixes caused bodily harm to 148 victims, killed 12, and maimed 83.
4. German Shepherd – Though a popular breed, these dogs inflicted 96 cases of bodily harm, killed 14, and maimed another 59.
5. Bullmastiff – These strong, solidly built canines harmed 87 people, killing 14 and maiming 46.
6. Wolf hybrid – Because these dogs are just what they sound like – a mix of a wild wolf and another dog breed – it is not surprising that they are exceedingly aggressive animals. The study found that they caused bodily harm to 84 people, killed 19 and maimed 48.
7. Husky – Since this is another popular breed, it is alarming that Huskies caused injuries 71 times and were responsible for 24 deaths and 20 maimings.
8. Akita – These Japanese dogs with a coat similar to that of a Husky don’t look particularly aggressive, but they inflicted bodily harm 65 times, killing 8 and maiming 47.
9. Chow – Chows are not particularly large, and their fluffy coats mask an aggressive nature. Still, these dogs inflicted bodily harm 55 times, killed 7 and maimed 37.
10. German Shepherd Mix – Even with the blood of other breeds running through their veins, German Shepherd mixes caused 41 cases of bodily harm, killed 7 victims, and maimed 26.
As is made clear by the study, the dangers posed by these dogs are significant. In fact, some insurance companies will refuse to insure owners of these dogs when it comes to homeowners or renters insurance. Even more significant, some cities and even states have legislation prohibiting the ownership of certain dangerous breeds. For example, Miami-Dade County bans the ownership of Pit Bulls.
Given the significant evidence of the potential dangers of these breeds, ownership of these dogs means that owners should be vigilant in ensuring that the public is protected by keeping their dogs contained and under control. What is especially unconscionable is when dog owners allow these dogs to roam about or to come into contact with small children. Though many will argue that their bully breed or large breed dog is the most gentle, smart, and loyal companion to be found—and we don’t argue that those claims are often true—the fact is that when a large dog does attack, they generate powerful force and create substantial injuries due to their size and build. Dog owners must be held responsible for the behavior of their pets, and victims should receive financial compensation for trauma inflicted by aggressive canines.