South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that parents keep their children in car seats a little longer than previously suggested. While parents used to celebrate their child's first birthday with the graduation from a rear-facing car seat to a front-facing car seat, it is now suggested children stay in the rear-facing seat for an additional year to help them stay safe in the event of a car accident in Naples, Boca Raton or elsewhere in South Florida.

Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers encourage you to follow these new safety rules as they have come after extensive studies regarding your child's safety. The new recommendations could help save your child's life in a potentially deadly accident.

"A rear-facing child safety seat does a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine of infants and toddlers in a crash, because it distributes the force of the collision over the entire body," said Dennis Durbin, MD, FAAP, lead author of the policy statement and accompanying technical report.. "For larger children, a forward-facing seat with a harness is safer than a booster, and a belt-positioning booster seat provides better protection than a seat belt alone until the seat belt fits correctly."

TODAY Moms offers this breakdown of the new guidelines:

-Children under the age of 2 should remain in rear-facing car seats. If they exceed the weight and height recommendations of their current seat, it is then alright to move them to a forward-facing child seat.

-Children are now recommended to remain in a booster seat until they're at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between the ages of 8 and 12 years old.

-Children should ride in the backseat of the car until they are at least 13 years old.

These recommendations should be followed by all parents as car accidents are the leading cause of death in children ages 3 to 14, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2009, Florida alone suffered approximately 70 child deaths resulting from car accidents.

Continue reading "New Car Seat Recommendations in Effect to Help Prevent Child Injury in Boca Raton Car Accidents" »

Spring breakers are flocking to South Florida this month. Too many will be involved in car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Others may suffer premise liability accidents in hotels and clubs.

Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys would like to remind South Florida visitors and residents to stay safe through the busiest weeks of the season.

Spring break accidents can happen at virtually any point in a vacation. Driving poses a large threat to the safest of visitors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that nearly 3,000 drivers, ages 15-20 years old died and another 228,000 were injured in car accidents in 2009.

SafeSpringBreak.org would like to remind you that there are many ways to ensure a safe spring break trip:

-Beach it with a buddy. Always travel with a friend. The buddy system goes a long way. Even when swimming. Even the most experienced swimmer can still get caught in the west coast undertow.

-Don't drink too much. Drinking makes it easier for someone to become either the victim or the perpetrator of an accident or crime.

-Keep an eye out for date-rape drugs. Never leave you drink unattended.

-Stay hydrated. The Florida sun can wreak havoc on a body that's not properly maintained. Remember that proper hydration comes from water!

-Practice safe sex. Go out with protection and be sure not to get yourself into compromising situation.

-Try to book a hotel room above the first floor, but below the 6th. Hotel rooms are the easiest to be broken into, while floors above the sixth floor may be too high for fire ladders to reach.

It is important to reviews these tips before planning your next spring break vacation. Proper planning can provide a safe and relaxing spring break. Here is a spring break safety contract that you and your friends can sign and ensure everyone makes it home safely.

Continue reading "Spring Breakers Increase Risk of Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents" »

An Indiana University student is struck by a train at Southwest 2nd Street and Southwest 2nd Avenue while celebrating his spring break in Fort Lauderdale, according to the The Sun Sentinel.

This is the second time an accident like this has occurred in recent months. Fort Lauderdale spring break injury attorneys encourage you to party safely and responsibly on the east coast this spring break.

The college student was struck by the train at 1:45 a.m. It has yet to be reported if alcohol or other drugs were involved. According to authorities, the spring breaker walked around the railroad gate, which was down and alerting caution, and was struck by the northbound train.

Spring break accidents are not uncommon. The Examiner provides a list of the top 10 spring break injuries. The list includes incidents of car accidents, falls, boating accidents, drownings and various alcohol-related incidents.

SafeSpringBreak.org offers local vacationers these tips to help ensure a safe spring break:

-Go out with friends, and go home with friends. Parting responsibly with friends can help keep some out of trouble and accounted for. Make sure you always have a designated driver.

-Practice safe sex. Let's not ignore the fact that spring breakers have a history of promiscuity. Bring proper protection and set boundaries. Think first and don't allow you self to wind up in a compromising situation.

-Hit the beach with a buddy. Remember that the Florida sun can take a toll on beach goers. Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water. Always swim with a friend. The east coast undertow can take hold of even the most experienced swimmer.

-Monitor your alcohol consumption. Be aware of the liquor laws in your spring break destination. A study by the University of Wisconsin reports that 75 percent of college males and 43 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break.

Continue reading "Ft. Lauderdale, Popular Spring Break Destination at Increased Risk for Injuries" »

More than 10,000 car accidents were caused by aggressive driving, reports a 6-year study commissioned by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Fort Lauderdale spring break injury attorneys encourage all spring breakers, both local and visitors, to stay safe and help prevent deadly spring break car accidents.

The AAA research discovered that a majority of aggressive drivers were those between the ages of 18 and 26.

Road & Travel Magazine conducted a survey reporting the most common displays of aggressive driving:

-19 percent of raged drivers give the finger.

-17 percent flash their headlights.

-2 percent admit to trying to run the aggressor off the road.

-34 percent of drivers vocalize with their horn.

-27 percent yell at other drivers.

When dealing with an aggressive driver it is important to remember these key points in mind and to keep road safety as a number one priority:

-Outsmart the raged driver. Don't let them draw you in. Remember one driver can't fight alone.

-Be polite. If you make an unexpected maneuver that may have inconvenienced another driver, apologize with the appropriate gesture.

-Remember to use your turn signal so others will not be surprised by your unannounced moves.

-Call for backup, if needed. If you find yourself in an escalating altercation, call 911 for help. Don't handle the matter on your own.

Spring break is sure to attract tons of tourists every year and it is important for local and visitors to remember road courtesy when hitting the beaches this month to ensure a safe holiday.

Continue reading "Aggressive Driving Causes Increased Risk for Spring Break Car Accidents" »

Many travelers make their way to Florida in March for spring break vacation. A new application, currently in developmental stages, could soon be available for drivers to help navigate their trip south through safer roads helping to avoid fatal car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.

Fort Lauderdale spring break injury attorneys encourage all vacationers to plan their trips carefully -- a well-planned vacation reduces your risk of a serious accident.

Many spring breakers will acquire directions from internet mapping sites or GPS systems. Top Tech News reports that drivers will soon be able to navigate their travels along the safest roads.

Safety-conscious drivers will now be able to choose from "Five-Star Safety" roads just as they can choose from "Five-Star Safety" automobiles says Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of The AAA Foundation.

The new application could very well decrease the risk of being involved in a spring break car accident by allowing driver to not only be more informed about where they're headed, but to be more informed about which are the safest roads to travel along.

AAA has teamed up with 8 states in effort to put this feature into effect. Information has been analyzed by transportation officials. Each road in the program will have been reviewed to determine which are safest based on collected fatality statistics.

Travel Sense offers vacationers these safety tips to help ensure they have a safe travels to and from their spring break destination:

-Don't drive impaired. That could mean sleepy, aggravated, intoxicated or distracted. Focus all of your attention on the road and your driving.

-Follow all posted street signs. Follow speed limits. They're posted for a reason. If you question who has the right of way, allow others to go first. Don't run red lights. Many die every year from ignoring or missing street notifications.

Remember, if you can follow these safety rules the better the chance you'll get to enjoy your entire spring break vacation.

Continue reading "New Safe Driving App Could Decrease Risk of Spring Break Car Accidents" »

A recent motorcycle accident in Orlando has Boca Raton personal injury lawyers reminding motorcyclists who are headed to Daytona for Bike Week to use extra caution on Florida roadways. The popularity of this event increases the likelihood of motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Naples and elsewhere in the state.

March 4th marks the start of the 70th annual Daytona Bike Week. This popular 10-day event attracts over half a million people each year. Loads of activities which include street festivals, parties, concerts and motorcycle races, make it the most popular motorcycle rally in the United States.

We are reminded of the tragedies that can occur in traveling to these events by My Fox Orlando, which reported about a recent crash on Florida's Turnpike. The roadway was shut down for several hours after the Orange County Fire Department responded to a motorcycle crash involving a semi tractor and trailer. A wrecker was needed to lift the front axles of the truck off of the victim who was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Tampa Bay Online reminds motorcyclists to use extra caution this week. It is reported that 60% of Florida vehicle-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers of the vehicles according to Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition.

Motorists should use the following safety tips in looking for bikers on the roadways:
-Use extra caution when making left turns as most crashes between motorcycles and vehicles occur when making a left-hand turn.

- Not all motorcycles are loud so look twice and save a life.

-Distracted drivers are often the cause of motorcycle accidents so pay attention and don't get distracted. Taking your eyes away from the road doubles the risk of getting into a crash.

-Motorcycles aren't always visible so drive with the expectation they are there even if you can't always see them. Looking for a helmet, tires, or shadow beside vehicles you can't see around is often helpful in spotting bikers.

-Be mindful of blind spots before merging or changing lanes, especially when traffic is congested.

-Pay particular attention to side streets where motorcycles may not see you and pull out in front of you.

Bike Week is popular among bike enthusiasts, family, and friends who enjoy getting out to partake in the many activities and festivities that occur throughout the week. Motorists are reminded to be extra careful in watching for motorcyclists on congested highways and streets in order to avoid a South Florida car accident.

Continue reading "Bike Week increases risk of motorcycle accidents in Boca Raton, West Palm" »

Consumers are being warned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding the recall of almost 800,000 Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) child safety seats.

Our Fort Lauderdale child injury lawyers are always concerned when a product for small children is defective which could lead to a serious injury to a child.

The Center Front Adjuster (CFA) button is sticking on certain infant, convertible, and booster child restraint systems that were manufactured from May 1, 2008, through April 30, 2009. When the button sticks, it isn't fully closing on the harness. This will cause the harness to move and in the event of a crash the child will not be securely restrained in the seat.

Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) will soon be providing a kit to fix the problem. The remedy kit will have a small tube of non-toxic, food-grade lubricant, instruction on how to use the lubricant in the latch and a label to verify the repair was completed.

Until the kits arrive, consumers can still use the seats but DJG urges caregivers and parents to check the latch to make sure it is in the locked position. The method to do this is to pull on the harness, if it does not loosen then you know the latch is in the locked position.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles remind motorists of the National 4 Steps for Kids Guidelines for child restraint system usage:

Step 1: Infants and newborns up to at least 1 year old and weighing at least 20 pounds (preferably up to 35 lbs.) should be in a rear-facing child seat.

An infant in a rear-facing child seat should NEVER be in front of an active airbag. This can cause devastating injuries in a crash.

Step 2: Toddlers over 1 year old until at least 4 years old should ride in forward-facing child seats. Use this seat until the maximum weight of the child seat is reached (depending on the seat this could be 65 pounds).

Step 3: Children starting at age 4 or 5 continuing through age 8 should ride in booster seats. Children reaching a height of at least 4'9" tall can use seat belt if it fits them properly.

Step 4: Children over the age of 8 or 4'9" tall should use the vehicle's seat belt as long as they fit them properly.

ALL children age 13 and under should ride in the back seat of the vehicle and be properly restrained.

Continue reading "Defective safety seats increase risk of child injury in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm " »

The Palm Beach Post recently reported on the tragic death of an 18 year old valedictorian, National Honor Society member, soccer star and wrestling team manager.

Our Boca Raton car accident lawyers frequently report on the risk of car accidents faced by teen motorists. This is the latest in a long string of tragedies, with spring break, prom and graduation still right around the corner.

This young woman died on Valentine's Day just 11 days after her 18th birthday from injuries sustained in a 2 a.m. car crash. There weren't many details available other than her 17-year-old boyfriend was driving on Lantana Road when his car hit the median and then slammed into a pine tree. The 17-year-old driver and his 13-year-old brother escaped serious injuries.

Though there is no evidence as to what caused the crash, during the funeral service the father of the victim, told the group that was gathered, that they shouldn't think an accident can't happen to them. Pushing their luck when it comes to driving while being inattentive or drinking is not a good idea explained the father.

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 2,739 drivers age 15 to 20 year old died and another 228,000 were injured in car crashes. Of all the fatal crashes in 2008, NHTSA reports 12% were drivers ages 15 to 20. In Florida during 2008, there were 195 young drivers killed, 106 passengers in the young drivers car were also killed, along with an additional 215 deaths who were either occupants of other cars or non-occupants.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention teens that are at an especially high risk of crashing are:
-Males: From 2000 to 2006, almost twice as many male drivers and passengers ages 15 to 19 were killed in crashes than female drivers and passengers.

-Teens driving with teen passengers: Teens should not drive with teen passengers. As the number of teen passengers increase so does the risk for crashing.

-Driving at night: Teens are twice as likely to crash at night as they are to crash during the day.

-Newly licensed teens: Teens have the highest risk of crashing during their first year of driving.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles outline the restrictions for young drivers until they are 18 years old:

With a Learner's License you must always be with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and who is sitting in the front passenger seat. You can only drive for the first 3 months during the day, after 3 months you can then drive until 10 p.m.

With an Intermediate License as a 16 year old you can drive by yourself between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. If you have a licensed driver that is at least 21 years old in the front seat or coming to or from work you can drive after 11 p.m. If you are 17 years the same rules apply but you can drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. by yourself.

Continue reading "Teen car accidents in Boca Raton a common springtime danger" »

Two teens are dead and one seriously injured following an early morning pickup truck crash in West Palm Beach as reported by The Palm Beach Post.

The pickup carrying 5 teenagers slid across traffic lanes, hit a fence then crashed into a large tree on Lake Osborne Drive around 5:00 a.m., after failing to negotiate a curve on wet roads. Two rear seat passengers were dead at the scene and the third rear passenger was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The front seat passenger and 17 year old driver escaped injuries.

The accident report is indicating that drugs or alcohol may have contributed to the accident.

Boca Raton car accident lawyers understand the toll a family goes through when a loved one is tragically killed in an accident involving alcohol or drugs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that a person is killed roughly every 48 minutes in the U.S. from an alcohol-related car crash. Drugs, not including alcohol, were contributing factors to 18% of all motor vehicle fatalities. In 2009, it is estimated that over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol nationwide.

The 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report from Florida's Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is seeing a disturbing trend in drug-related traffic injuries and crashes. Though drug-related traffic deaths have gone down almost 17% from 2008, drug related traffic crashes rose 10.5% and drug-related traffic injuries were up almost 20%. This report also indicates that alcohol-related fatal crashes are down from the previous year, to slightly over 14 percent, while alcohol-related injury crashes are down slightly to a little over 10% from 2008.

In 2009, drivers 15 to 19 years old had the highest crash involvement rate per 10,000 licensed drivers at 382. And 17-year-old drivers had the highest fatal crash rate of a little over 4 per 10,000 licensed drivers.

Please take the time to speak to your teenagers about the importance of making good driving decisions as the area prepares to enter spring break.

Continue reading "Fatal teen car accident in West Palm Beach a tragic reminder " »