South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog

Published on: August 25, 2013

Back to School: Bus Safety Tips in South Florida

Whether you are sending your kindergartener on the school bus for the first-time or you are a veteran parent this back-to-school season, you should always remind your children of the importance of bus safety. Often it is the chaos of the new school season, distractions, insecurities, and excitement that can leave children vulnerable to dangerous traffic and bus accidents.

As the summer draws to a close and you help your child pack their bags for school, take the time to remind them of bus safety tips to help protect them this season. Our Fort Lauderdale bus accident attorneys are experienced in handling complex cases involving injury and bus fatality. While not every accident is preventable, we are dedicated to raising driver and student awareness when it comes to bus safety.

Here are some tips from the National Safety Council to keep your children safe while waiting, riding, or exiting a bus.

Stay alert. Children should remember to stay alert when walking to the bus stop or when waiting on the curb. This means no texting or iPods when walking, a serious hazard which has led to countless accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the road.
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Published on: August 16, 2013

Back To School: Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety in South Florida

By Dean Freeman

It’s that time of year again: when children pack up backpacks and lunch boxes and head back to the classroom. With this time of year come serious risks for pedestrian and bicycling accidents. There are millions of students who use their own two feet (or their own two wheels) to get to and from school — or the bus stop.

Unfortunately, this is also a time when we see an increase in the number of traffic accident fatalities among young children.

Our Broward injury attorneys understand that there are more than 60 children under the age of 19 who are injured as pedestrians in the U.S. each and every day. That’s close to 426,000 in the last 15 years. In 2010 alone, there were more than 500 pedestrians killed. Since 1995, there have been more than 11,000 child pedestrians killed after being hit by a motor vehicle.

It’s important that parents take a proactive role in helping to protect children on their ventures to and from school. Make sure that you talk frequently about walking and biking safety with your young travelers. Before the first day of school, make sure you locate the safest route for your child to take. Make sure you practice this route a number of times before letting them make the trip on their own. And it’s also important to make sure that you review the following safety tips with them. Get other parents on board with these safe traveling habits, too.

Walking to School:

-Always obey traffic signals and markings.

-Never walk into the street from between parked vehicles, behind bushes or shrubs.

-Make sure that you look in all directions for oncoming traffic before entering the road.

-Cross the street at a corner or crosswalk and walk, don’t run, across intersections.

-Take off headphones before crossing the street.

-If you have to use your cell phone, stop walking before doing so.

-Always use a sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk available, walk facing oncoming traffic and keep as far to the left as possible.

Riding Bicycles to School:

-Follow all rules of the road.

-Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.

-Always use the appropriate hand signals before turning.

-Stop at all intersections and walk your bike across the road when permitted.

-Look left and right before attempting to cross the road.

-Avoid riding when it’s dark outside. The risk of injury during nighttime is four times greater than during the daytime.

All drivers need to recognize the safety needs of pedestrians, especially children. Young, elderly, disabled and intoxicated pedestrians are the most frequent victims in auto-pedestrian collisions. Generally, pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections; however, regardless of the rules of the road or right-of-way, you as a driver are obligated to exercise great care and extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians.
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Published on: August 10, 2013

Broward Traffic Safety Watch: Focus on Intoxicated Pedestrians

By Dean Freeman

(BEING EDITED)

You see it everywhere: ads campaigning for safe and sober driving. And all while we’re focusing on the risks of drunk driving, there’s a new epidemic forming. We’re talking about the risks associated with drinking and walking.

According to the Associated Press, nearly 40 percent of the pedestrians killed in 2012 were legally drunk when the accident happened. The data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) goes on to explain that most of the pedestrians who were killed in these intoxicated pedestrian accidents were those between the ages of 25 and 34. To be more specific, close to 650 of these pedestrians were under the influence when an accident happened.

Our Palm City car accident attorneys understand that intoxicated travelers have become a growing epidemic in our country. In comparison to the intoxicated walkers, intoxicated drivers only accounted for 13 percent of the drivers who were involved in fatal pedestrian accidents. This is a clear sign that it’s not always safe to walk home after spending a night at the bar. Alcohol affects our abilities to make safe decisions. When acting as a pedestrian, alcohol impairment can cause pedestrians to cross the road unsafely, ignore traffic signals and put themselves in dangerous predicaments.

With the release of this news, officials with the U.S. Department of Transportation and with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are stepping in with new tools to help communities to keep their pedestrians safe out there. This is important to communities here in the state of Florida as

As pedestrian fatalities continue to rise, Jonathan Adkins with GHSA encouraged communities to launch their very own anti-drunk walking campaigns. He says that communities have been spending too much time focusing on anti-drunk driving campaigns and that has been a leading factor leading to the increase in intoxicated pedestrian accidents. Residents and visitors think that they’ll be safer walking home — and unfortunately, that’s how thousands are dying.

“We haven’t done such a good job of reminding them that other drunk behavior, including walking, can be just as dangerous,” said Adkins.

Officials aren’t stopping at pedestrians though, they’re also focusing on bicycle riders as intoxicated biking accidents are increase too — especially in areas with popular bike-sharing programs.

According to Transportation For America, Florida holds four of the top five most dangerous areas in the nation for these kinds of accidents. Fort Lauderdale ranks in at number 4 on that list — out of the entire country!

If you’ve been out drinking, and you’ve only got your own two feet to get you home — you might want to think again. Remember that intoxication increases your risks for an accident regardless of what you’re doing. Stay put and call a cab. The last think you want to do is flirt with the dangers of the road.
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Published on: August 4, 2013

Activity Jumpers Pose Risks to Children in South Florida

By Dean Freeman

If you’ve got a child in your home, checking the recall list should be on hour home safety list.

Recently, officials with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled close to 500,000 Baby Einstein Activity Jumpers because of their serious risks of injury to young users.

According to officials, there have been more than 60 injuries reported because of the defective baby seat. And these are only the incidents that were recorded. Many believe that some have gone unreported. What happens is that the sun shaped toy attachment in the activity seat has a tendency to snap back with force and injure the infant.

Our Broward child injury lawyers understand that children are some of the most helpless consumers. They rely on our decision making and our alertness to help to protect them from injury and dangerous products. This is why it’s important for parents to stay up to date with the latest recalls from the CPSC. Staying proactive is going to help to eliminate accident risks.

Kids II, the company that manufactured these jumpers, has already received various complaints of cuts and bruises. One of the reports included a 7-month-old child who suffered a skull fracture. In another complaint, an adult suffered from a chipped tooth, reports the Examiner.

The Baby Einstein Musical Motion Activity Jumpers with the model number 90564 fall under this recall. This model number can be found on a tag attached to the undersurface of the seat. The company adds that all Baby Einstein Activity Jumpers made before Nov. 2011 have also been included in this recall.

If you have one of these products in your home, you should stop using it immediately and contact Kids II by calling their toll-free number (877) 325-7056 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or you can visit www.kidsii.com and click on the Recall link provided at the bottom of the page.

According to the CPSC, there were close to 15 reported toy-related fatalities among children under the age of 16 in the U.S. in 2011. Of these fatalities, 12 of them were under the age of 13. Close to 55 percent (or 13 fatalities) of these children died from some sort of asphyxiation (positional asphyxiation, choking or traumatic asphyxia). These fatalities weer associated with balloons, toy baseball bats, musical cribs toys and other unspecified toys. This is a common trend that we see year after year.

Five of these fatalities were young female children and eight of them were young males. The youngest of the fatalities occurred to an 8-month-old.

During the same year, there were close to 263,000 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms.

What you may think is a safe, fun gift for your child may end up being an accident waiting to happen. Do your research before purchasing their next toy and make sure you’re giving them the gift of safe play. It’s a move that could wind up saving their life.
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Published on: August 1, 2013

Florida Traffic Safety: Fatal Accidents More Likely in Rural Areas

By Dean Freeman

If you want to avoid death by injury, your best bet is to live in a large city, reports The New York Times. According to a recent study published in The Annals of Emergency Medicine, researchers looked at close to 1.5 million injury fatalities in more than 3,000 counties across the country from 1999 to 2006 and categorized each area by a 10-point urban-rural scale. It organized these areas by both proximity to metro areas as well as population density.

The conclusion drawn indicated that as counties became more rural, the death rates increase accordingly. Most commonly, the injuries and fatalities in these areas were the result of gunshots and car accidents. Fatal accidents were almost three times more likely in rural cities. On the other hand, the risks for fall-related and poisoning accidents were lower in rural counties. Homicide was more likely in urban areas.

Our Stuart City personal injury attorneys understand that cities may be the safest place to avoid injury, statistically speaking. But the risks for injury and even death are always present on the road. Everyday tasks come with some serious risks and that’s why it’s always important to be cautious.

Avoiding Car Accidents:

-According to the Florida Safety Council, wearing a seat belt is your best defense against injury and death in the event of an accident.

-Know your rights and responsibilities. Know the road laws, abide by them and have courtesy for other drivers.

-Avoid drinking and driving. It’s not only illegal, it’s dangerous.

-Be cautious in heavy, fast-moving traffic. Put down the distractions and keep your full attention on the road.

Avoiding Poisoning Incidents:

-Read labels and make sure hazardous products (like cleaning supplies, pesticides, pool chemicals and medications) are kept away and locked up from children.

-Always keep dangerous products in their original containers so their easily identified.

-Don’t tell children that medication is candy. That only sets them up to crave it in the future, even when you’re not around.

-Keep the phone number for the Poison Help Line accessible (1-800-222-1222). Make sure that caregivers and babysitters know what it is and where do find it in the event of an emergency.

Gun Safety:

-Never store or handle a loaded firearm in the home. Tragedy can occur with just one instance of negligence.

-Make sure that the trigger is always locked. It’s also important to keep it in an area where children cannot access.

-Keep ammunition and firearms safely locked in separate areas.

-Do NOT point a gun at someone you don’t intend to shoot. Even if you’re sure that the gun is unloaded, you never want it to face another person.

-Educate everyone in the home about firearms safety – especially children.

City or not, you want to make sure that everything you do is done with the safest of intentions. Safety never takes a day off and neither should you.
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Published on: July 28, 2013

Fort Lauderdale Trolley Accident Injures Five

By Dean Freeman

Following a three-vehicle accident involving a beach trolley in Fort Lauderdale, five people were injured. According to the Sun Sentinel, the accident happened just before 7:00 p.m. on Seabreeze Boulevard. Those injured were transported to Broward Health Medical Center were all passengers on the trolley. One was a trauma alert, he said.

When the accident happened, the trolley ran up over a curb and slammed into a residential building. Luckily, no one in or around the building was injured. The accident is still being investigated.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers understand that the trolley provides us with a cheap (and sometimes even free) way to get around. Many of the routes will cost you nothing, or $.50 at most. Unfortunately, it comes with some serious risks too, if operators are not careful. These trollies are run by the city and provide routes to some of the areas hottest locations, including the most popular from Las Olas Blvd to the beach and back.

While these modes of transportation are usually safe, there is always that instance when disaster can strike. In these cases, you want to be sure that you’re ready and prepared.

Consider reading and following these safety tips to help ensure a safe ride:

-Never eat or drink inside a trolley. Not only is it not allowed, but it can cause you to lose attention to your surroundings and could possible cause an accident.

-Avoid using earphones. Not only do you want to avoid bothering your trolley neighbor with your blaring music, but you also want to be able to hear what’s going on around you.

-If you spot any suspicious activities, make sure you report them to the conductor or to authorities.

-Be sure to grab your seat as soon as you jump on board, once you’ve paid your fare. If there are no seats available, hold the handrails provided for your safety.

-Take your time and be cautious when getting on and off the trolley.

-Watch your step closely and make sure you have a firm footing when getting on or off.

-Always hold onto your children’s hands when waiting for a trolley.

-Don’t stand near or distract your operator while the vehicle is moving.

-Do not run for buses, trains, trolleys or attempt to board a moving vehicle. Passengers could be seriously injured or even killed if they fall into or under a vehicle.

-In the event of an emergency, remain calm and don’t panic. Follow the instructions of the operator or rescue personnel.

Remember that trolley crashes can cause life-threatening injuries and serious trauma that can include financial damage to victims of negligent drivers. Those who have been injured in these kinds of accident must deal with large and unforeseeable medical expenses, loss of wages, pain, suffering and loss of quality of life.
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Published on: July 21, 2013

South Florida at High Risk of Child Heat Stroke Deaths

By Dean Freeman

Temeratures are on the rise (if you can believe it’s getting even hotter), and with those increases comes a spike in the risks for heat stroke. We’re talking more than getting hot in the yard or on the job, we’re talking about leaving kids and pets inside an unattended vehicle.

It’s a mistake that even the most loving and caring parents and guardians can make and it can turn deadly in a matter of minutes.

According to MSN, there have already been 20 child deaths in the U.S. so far this year because they were left unattended in a vehicle. In 2012, there were close to 35 children who died in these horrific accidents.

Our Fort Lauderdale child injury lawyers understand that the heating dynamics of a car are much different other forms of transportation. Car windows actually act as a catalyst for rapid temperature increases. Windows let in the sun, and the sun is absorbed. And our vehicles have a lot of windows. Easily, the temperatures inside a car can become twice the temperatures of outside.

A lot of people believe that the color of the vehicle is the biggest factor in determining how fast a car will heat up, but it’s actually the inside of a vehicle that has more pull. Interiors with dark leather will heat up the quickest.

Unfortunately, pets and children face the most risks of heat stroke in these scenarios as they can’t cool their bodies as efficiently as adults. As a matter of fact, children heat up about five times quicker than adults.

Heat stoke happens when the human body reaches 104 degrees. At that point, the body hits survival mode and doesn’t perspire anymore. When it hits 107 degrees, body cells start to die. Here is when internal organs start to fail, and death happens quickly. This can all happen in a matter of minutes when left inside a hot vehicle.

A vehicle’s temperature can rise about 19 degrees in 10 minutes. In an hour or two, the in-car temperatures can rise by 50 degrees.

Currently, there are more states in the country that have laws on the books that stop people from leaving pets inside an unattended vehicle than have laws against keeping kids in an unattended vehicle.

Parents and guardians, you’re asked to check out the interior of your vehicle before locking up and walking away. It’s important you do something to remind yourself to check the backseat especially. This is where quiet, sleeping children are oftentimes (unintentionally) left behind. Consider leaving your purse or briefcase in the back seat of the vehicle. This way, you’ll be forced to check the back seat of the vehicle before getting out. You can also try leaving yourself a reminder in the front seat, like a post-it or a picture, for the reminder. If you see a child inside a vehicle unattended, call 9-1-1 immediately. Your call could wind up saving their life.
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Published on: July 14, 2013

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Could Increase Risk of Strokes

By Dean Freeman

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have serious and lasting consequences. For victims, damage can be substantial, resulting in memory loss, personality disorders, mood swings, and lost brain function. In addition to the immediate physical consequences, new studies have linked brain injuries to strokes. According to research, victims of TBI could face the additional risk of stroke long after the accident.

Brain injuries are often caused by falls, sports, car accidents, and other trauma. Our West Palm Beach brain injury attorneys are experienced in protecting the rights of our clients and in helping families recover adequate compensation to cover medical expenses for long-term care, as well as other damages in the wake of debilitating injury.

New research indicates that victims of TBI risk not only the immediate consequences of a brain injury, but could also risk stroke in their later years. In a study published in the America Academy of Neurology, TBI and stroke were named the leading cause of severe disability in adults. Researchers are seeking to identify factors that may contribute to stroke so that doctors can take preventative measures against stroke and brain damage.

By looking at data collected over the course of 5 years, doctors assessed the medical records of 400,000 patients who suffered from TBI compared with 700,000 patients who did not suffer a brain injury. The findings indicated that patients who suffered from TBI were more likely to suffer from a stroke. Though the majority of strokes afflicted patients over the age of 65, even younger patients are at risk.

Diagnosis and treatment of brain injury can be complicated. Doctors suggest that the relationship between stroke and TBI may have something to do with injury, swelling and the lack of blood flow. Even after adjusting for age, cholesterol and other high risk factors, doctors found that those who suffered TBI were more likely to suffer a stroke.

Both victims of injury and stroke will often face a long recovery. In many cases, the victims will never fully recover from brain trauma or stroke. For families, this often means permanent and long-term care which can quickly be financially ruinous. A victim of a brain injury will require coverage for medical costs, treatment and additional financial support for lost wages. Before settling any legal claim involving brain injury, it is important to consult with an experienced advocate who can properly value your claim and help you get the compensation to which you are entitled.

Brain injuries are not always easy to identify and can take weeks, months, or sometimes years to present. Victims of head trauma should seek medical attention as soon as possible. An experienced medical practitioner can help to identify a brain injury and explore available treatment options. Victims of brain injury who suffered because of an accident may also be able to recover compensation for medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages and other financial losses.
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Published on: July 8, 2013

Parasailers Injured in Florida Beach Collision

By Dean Freeman

When taking a beach vacation in Florida or along the Atlantic Coast, many travelers will pursue the added adventure of parasailing. Hanging from a parachute, attached from a rope to the speed boat, parasailers can glide above the sea like a bird, catching views of the shoreline and the coast. Though the excitement of a parasailing excursion attracts thousands of tourists every year, participants need to be wary of the potential for serious injury, even death.

When parasailing equipment fails, parasailers could become detached from the rope, fall from the parachute, or even crash into buildings, rocks, or other boats. Parasailing operators must be well-trained and know how to properly fasten equipment. They must also ensure that the boat, sail and other devices are maintained. Our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys are dedicated to helping Florida natives and tourists who’ve been injured.

A parasailing crash can be deadly. In Panama City this month, two parasailers were injured in a parasailing accident. According to witnesses, two teenage girls were seriously injured after the line from the boat detached from a sail. The parachute, carrying the girls in tandem, was picked up by strong winds.

After a parasailing accident, it is important that an independent investigation be conducted on behalf of the victims. Victims should know what caused the accident, who is responsible, and how to pursue just compensation for any injuries. A victim may be entitled to financial recovery for medical costs, pain and suffering, as well as lost wages. Families who have lost a loved one in a parasailing accident may also be compensated for wrongful death.

In this recent parasailing incident, the victims were carried by gusts of wind under the parachute, smashed into a condominium and then were carried into a power line before crashing into several vehicles in a parking lot. The impact of the crash was so severe that the roof and windshield of an SUV in the parking lot shattered.

Such accidents are catastrophic and can leave victims with lasting and serious injuries. Parasailing victims may suffer broken bones, lacerations, head injuries, paralysis, or brain injuries. In many cases, the injuries are permanent. Witnesses said that the accident was “gruesome” and likely left the teenaged victims seriously injured. Though the condition of the victims has not been released, reports indicated that they were both still breathing after the collisions. The reports also indicated that both victims went limp after crashing into the condominium.

The scene was terrifying for victims who watched as the girls sailed into the building, then the power line, then eventually, to the parking lot. Many felt helpless watching them, unable to intervene or reach them until they hit the ground. One witness claimed that he saw an electrical explosion when the girls hit the power line.

In this case, the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are investigating and interviewing witnesses in the crowd. The victims and families of similar accidents may be entitled to significant compensation. An independent investigation can help determine the cause of the accident and identify all responsible individuals and entities, including a parasailing or tourist company.
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Published on: July 6, 2013

Summer Cycling: Safety for Motorists and Bikers

By Dean Freeman

Nationwide, cycling is on the rise. Cities are investing in shared bike programs and creating incentives to promote the use of bikes. Cycling has many public health benefits. Not only does it reduce traffic, but it also reduces pollution and gives riders a healthy alternative to sitting in their vehicles.

This summer, as cycling season peaks, drivers as well as cyclists should remember to share the road. Our Fort Lauderdale bike accident attorneys are experienced with cases involving drivers and cyclists and can help you protect your rights in the event of a collision.

In addition to creating bike-share programs, many cities are also redesigning city streets to accommodate cyclists. This has positively impacted the lives of both city and suburban dwellers. You may have seen an increased enthusiasm for cycling in your neighborhood, including a new bike shop or areas closed to vehicles. Public and private parks are also expanding bike lanes to create appeal to cyclists.

Despite the benefits of having more cyclists on the road, many motorists have become frustrated, even enraged at the behavior of cyclists. There are even residents of some communities that oppose the “pro-biker” stance and see cyclists as rude and ignorant of local road laws that apply to drivers. Some cyclists are known to blow through stop signs, endanger pedestrians, or cut through traffic. In the past few years there have been significant injuries caused by cyclists to pedestrians. In at least one case, a speeding cyclist caused the death of a pedestrian.

Some cities host rides “en masse” that can cause congestion and even create additional hazards to drivers, riders and pedestrians. Many proponents of bike culture claim that drivers will simply have to deal with the fact that there are more cyclists on the road. A shift from motorist to biking culture has also created tension between cycling advocates and motorists as many of the roadways are being converted to accommodate cyclists.

In some cases, cities have invested millions to create bike racks, adjust roadways, and create public awareness campaigns to ensure the safety of cyclists. Bicyclist deaths nationwide have highlighted the need to create awareness and to promote healthy riding habits.

The tension has given rise to road rage on both sides and requires a discussion between groups to ensure long-term safety and well-being. Given the personal and public benefits of biking, motorists should consider that this may be the wave of the future. Similarly, cyclists should remain wary and respectful of the automobile culture to ensure their own safety and establish a mutual understanding while sharing the road.

Bike accidents and injuries can be severe, including broken bones, head injuries, brain damage, paralysis or other permanent injury. Creating mutual respect and awareness between cyclists and drivers can prevent future accidents from occurring.

While there may be some resentment between bikers and drivers, there is no reason why both cannot learn to come together and share the road. If you are a motorist, you should be aware of cyclists on your right. Cyclists should also abide by road laws to ensure safety and to maintain equality between the two camps.
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