South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

Wet roadways can lead to some serious car accidents in Palm Beach Gardens. Earlier in February, there was one day in particular that saw a high number car accidents on Palm Beach County roadways. Florida's Turnpike, Interstate 95 and virtually all other streets in the areas were of top concern for officials as they warned drivers to be extremely careful along the slick roads all the way from Jupiter to Boca Raton.

As a result of the rainy weather and slippery roadways, several police departments in the area were tied up responding to serious accidents. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue crews were called out to an early morning pileup on the Turnpike in Palm Bach Gardens, according to The Palm Beach Post.

Our Palm Beach Gardens car accident attorneys understand that we've been experiencing an unusually rainy tourist season this year. Slick roadways combined with the dangers presented by tourists who are unfamiliar with the area create a recipe for disaster.

The Turnpike pileup sent three motorists to the hospital. In this accident, reports indicate that there were a number of vehicles involved, including a van that flipped over.

Accidents were happening all along the coast with these rainy conditions. The Florida Highway Patrol reported some accidents that happened even further south. Two of them happened in West Palm Beach along Interstate 95 by Forest Hill Boulevard. These accidents blocked all northbound lanes of the interstate in the area.

That's not all. There were even two more accidents reported in Lake Worth. Again, both accidents were on I-95. They happened near the 10th Avenue North exit.

And the list keeps going. There was another accident on I-95 near Woolbright Road in Boynton Beach, another one in Delray Beach and two additional accidents reported in Boca Raton, one near Palmetto Park Road and the other near Yamato Road.

The Sun-Sentinel is offering drivers in the state of Florida with some excellent tips for driving in the rain.

Safe Driving Tips for Rainy Weather:

-Stay put. When possible, you should avoid driving through rain or on slick roadways. Stay in a safe place when a storm's brewing in the area. It's important to stay put even after a storm has passed as injuries and death are still likely to happen in the aftermath of the storm.

-Slow it down. During and after a storm the roadways are slick. If you have to drive during these times make sure you slow down to avoid skidding, sliding and hydroplaning.

-Wear a seat belt. When it's safe to hit the roads again, make sure you wear a seat belt. It's the law in Florida, and countless studies have proven that it's effective in saving lives on our roadways.

-Be careful of high winds. These weather conditions can adversely affect vehicles, especially high profile vehicles, like trucks, buses and even motorcycles. Wind gusts make driving more difficult.

Continue reading "Car Accidents in Palm Beach County Spike during Recent Rainy Weather" »

A recent motorcycle accident in Boca Raton killed a 21-year-old rider. The accident happened at the intersection of South Central Park Boulevard and State Road 7. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, the motorcyclist was making a U-turn at the intersection when he was struck by an oncoming motorist.

According to Boca News Now, the motorcyclist was thrown off of his motorcycle in the collision and landed on the east shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle of the man who struck the motorcyclist was hit by another car. Then a third passenger car was hit at the intersection. All of the vehicles came to rest in the center lane of State Road 7. As of yet, none of the drivers are facing any charges.

We talk about it all the time -- the dangers of riding a motorcycle in the state of Florida. Risks for motorcycle accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere in the state are some of the highest in the country because of the beautiful weather our state provides us with all year. Every day is motorcycle season in the Sunshine State. These risks are also elevated because of the heavy presence of tourists and motorists who are unfamiliar with the roadways.

In the state of Florida, if you already have a Florida driver's license then you can get a motorcycle endorsement on the driver's license you hold. To obtain your motorcycle endorsement you must show proof that you have completed the Florida Rider Program.

Motorcyclists are asked to remain aware and cautious on our roadways. Often, motorcyclists are overlooked by passenger car drivers. For this reason, defensive driving is the best defense against a motorcycle-car accident. Consider the following tips to help you to drive safely among the drivers who may not acknowledge your presence.

Defensive Motorcycling Tips from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP):

-Wear a helmet. It's your best defense against serious injury and death in the event of an accident.

-Consider wearing face and eye protection, too.

-Never drink before operating a motorcycle.

-Make sure you're properly licensed. All states require you to have a motorcycle license.

-Always follow the rules of the road, especially speed limits. About 40 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents happen when a cyclist is speeding.

-Keep an eye on hazards on the road, including holes, large cracks and bumps.

-Watch out for vehicles coming from driveways and side streets.

-Always drive with your headlights on so that motorists are more likely to see you.

-Never ride with someone until you're skilled at riding in all kinds of conditions.

-Make sure passengers can reach the footrest on your bike.

-Don't let passengers on the bike until you've started it.

-Instruct your passengers to lean with you when making turns.

-Tell passengers to keep away from the muffler to avoid burns.

-Limit talking with passengers while on a motorcycle.

-Stay out of the blind spots of other vehicles.

-Never tailgate or cut off a car.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Accident in Boca Raton Kills Rider during U-Turn" »

Landscape Structures is recalling its children's slides. Roughly 900 Slalom Glider slides have been recalled because they pose serious fall hazards to children. What can happen is that the side and top of the slide does not have the proper transition platform. Nearly 20 child injuries in Boca Raton and elsewhere have been reported because of this defect. These injuries include fractures to the arms and legs, fractured collars bones, bruised arms and bruised spleens. The slides can be used alone or can be used as an attachment to other playground equipment. Item numbers 172627 and 156456 are involved in the recall. They were sold from 2006 to 2011. If you have one of these slides, don't let children play on them anymore and call the company at (888) 438-6574 or visit the Landscape Structures website to get either a full refund or an exchange for another piece of equipment.

Our Boca Raton child injury attorneys understand that there are many child products out there that have the capabilities to cause seriously injury your child. For this reason, parents are urged to keep an eye on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. This federal website offers the most recent information regarding dangerous children items and other dangerous household items. Consumer products should be designed to meet a certain federal safety standard. When manufacturers fail to meet this standard, injuries and fatalities result. When this happens, you need to seek the guidance of an experienced defective products attorney to help you to fight for your rights.

Other Recent Recalls from the CPSC:

-Tumblekins Toys: These items have been recalled by International Playthings because they pose serious laceration and choking hazards to small children. There were approximately 31,000 of these products sold in the U.S. from March to December of 2011. These toys can break apart and can have sharp edges, which cause the choking and laceration hazards to children. There have already been reports received regarding this defect. This recall covers the fire station, the farm play set, the roadster, the fire truck, the police car, the off-roader and the school bus. If your child has one of these toys, remove it from their possession immediately and call International Playthings at (800) 445-8347 or visit the e-mail the company.

-Dancing Teapots: These items have been recalled by Ganz because they pose a serious burn hazard to children. There were roughly 2,100 sold in the U.S. and another 200 sold in Canada from December of 2011 to January of 2012. The problem with these items is that the handle of the teapot can get hot when hot water is inside. The handle can get so hot that it poses a serious burn hazard to users. Covered under the recall are the teapots with the UPC number 661371626062 and SKU number ER19252. If your child has one of these teapots, stop using it immediately and call the company at (800) 724-5902 or visit the Ganz website.

-Indie & Indie Twin Strollers: These items were recalled by Bumbleride because they pose serious fall hazards to children. There were nearly 30,000 sold in the U.S. and another 3,000 sold in Canada from 2009 to 2011. There have been nearly 40 accidents reported of the stroller's front wheel cracking. Additional reports have stated that the stroller tipped over. Injuries have also been reported from the defects. The model numbers covered under the recall are I-205, IT-305, I-110, IT-111, IT-108 and I-107. If your family has one of these strollers, call the company at (800) 530-3930 or visit the Bumbleride website.

Continue reading "Defective Products in Boca Raton and Elsewhere Threatening Child Safety" »

Drivers: Calm down!

Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) will be targeting aggressive drivers with a new safety campaign. From February 27th through February 29th, troopers will hitting our roadways looking for drivers who speed, change lanes improperly and follow other vehicles too closely according to 7NEWS. These aggressive driving habits lead to car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere. By targeting these drivers, troopers are hoping to significantly reduce accident risks.

To help to alert drivers about the upcoming safety campaign, FHP troopers will be airing radio commercials and posting giant billboards. With these warnings, troopers hope to help teach drivers simple ways to stop aggressive driving habits before they happen, as well as offer techniques to deal with an aggressive driver, so the situation doesn't escalate. Troopers will be holding public events at local schools and at community centers, as education is the key to prevention.

Our roads can sometimes resemble battlegrounds. Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys know that running into gridlocks, unsafe drivers and seasonal traffic can easily make a person agitated. It's important to stay calm when you're in the driver's seat. Reports indicate that more than 85 percent of car accidents are the result of driver's actions. By calming our tempers behind the wheel, we can all help to significantly reduce the risks of car accidents, injuries and deaths.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that aggressive driving is defined as when "an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property."

Are You An Aggressive Driver?

Do you...

-Express your frustration behind the wheel?

-Fail to pay attention at the wheel?

-Follow other cars too closely? Tailgate?

-Changes lanes frequently? Fail to use your blinker?

-Run red lights often?

-Exceed posted speed limits?

How To Reduce Aggressive Tendencies...

-Concentrate. Ignore distractions.

-Just relax. Throw your favorite, calming tunes on your radio to calm your nerves.

-Avoid speeding. Accidents are more likely when speed increases.

-Map out alternate routes. Find a way to get to your destination by taking less-traveled roadways.

-Leave early. Running late increases aggression. Ensure a calm trip with plenty of time to spare.

-Consider public transportation. This can help give you much-needed relaxation away from traffic.

-If you're running behind, just be late. Being late beats a potentially fatal accident.

With to Do When Confronted By An Aggressive Driver...

-Get out of their way!

-Push your pride aside. Don't challenge these angry drivers.

-Try not to make eye contact with them. Sometimes this can anger them even more.

-Make no gestures and ignore theirs.

-Report them. You or a passenger should call the police. Pull over and use your cell phone in a safe location.

Continue reading "Risk of Boca Ration Car Accidents Reduced by FHP Campaign" »

Our area is being added to the list of cities in the country scheduled to implement red-light cameras to help to reduce the risks of car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere. They're not going to be activated until most of the cameras in the city are ready, so don't expect a ticket in the mail anytime soon. Installation could take months to complete.

Right now, there are a dozen red-light cameras planned for the city's most dangerous intersections, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Some support the cameras, saying they will help to reduce the risks of red-light runners. Others say that they'll increase the risks of rear-end accidents in these areas because frightened drivers will slam on their brakes to avoid a ticket. Some even believe that the devices are just another way to raise some money for a struggling economy. Either way, our Boca Raton car accident attorneys can tell you that intersections are dangerous areas to travel through, cameras or not. Drivers are asked to exercise safe driving habits in these areas, regardless of the eye in the sky.

Cameras are being installed at the following intersections:

-Northwest Second Avenue and Glades Road.

-Clint Moore Road and Congress Avenue.

-Spanish Boulevard and Military Trail.

-Northeast 20th Street and Federal Highway.

-St. Andrews and Glades Road.

-Northwest 15th Avenue and Glades Road.

"If people know they are being filmed, they might be more careful when driving through the intersections," said Assistant City Manager Mike Woika.

When the cameras are activated, drivers can receive a fine of nearly $160 if they're busted. Boca predicts that it will make about $400,000 a year off of its share of the ticket money.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a number of studies have concluded that red-light cameras increase the risks of overall injury accidents at these sites.

Other studies have stated that these cameras actually make intersections safer, with fatal red-light running accidents reduced by nearly 25 percent. It has also been concluded that red-light cameras decrease red-light violations by roughly 50 percent.

There has been quite a bit of controversy over these cameras in recent years. Back in 2010, Florida passed a law that enabled cities to install these cameras. A year later, a bill was passed by the House to repeal the law. That bill was stalled in the Senate, but repeal efforts are being renewed by Rep. Scott Plakon.

Palm Beach County was one of the Sunshine State's first large counties to allow permit red-light cameras back 2008. The county is planning on adding nearly 100 more to its intersections.

Continue reading "Could Red-Light Cameras Increase Car Accidents in Boca Raton?" »

There's a new driver's education program in session. This one, however, isn't letting drivers behind the wheel and testing them on their three-point turn skills. The new class is having students stretch to strengthen their ankles and loosen their neck muscles, according to Inforum. All of these exercises are used to help to reduce the risks of a car accident in Boca Raton and elsewhere, just as any other driver's education class would. But this one's different.

Ramiro C. Acosta has a new class is helping senior drivers to increase their safety behind the wheel. Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys a understand aging is a part of life. What you can avoid is a potentially fatal car accident by knowing when it's time to give up the keys and stay out of the driver's seat. Turning in your keys doesn't mean losing your independence. Rather, it means showing you're strong enough to protect your community and fellow motorists.

Acosta is a coordinator of AARP's Driver Safety Program. He is a 75-year-old instructor who truly understands what his students are going through. He teaches six-hour driver's education classes in Florida at the Regional Medical Center. Discussed in these classes are ways to prevent car accidents and new safety features that can help increase their safety behind the wheel. AARP members can attend the class for $12. Everyone else can come for $14.

A majority of the students in these classes are retirees looking to get a discount on their car insurance rates. Even if they're just there for the discount, Acosta is hoping the elderly students take home more than savings -- safe driving habits.

The AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety, AARP and the Florida Department of Transportation are all taking note of the increasing class sizes. Some believe that if these classes remain this popular, drivers could potentially stay behind the wheel for longer periods of time. The state of Florida holds five of the country's top 10 cities with the highest median age for drivers, Hialeah and Fort Lauderdale included.

About 17 percent of the Sunshine State's population is residents over the age of 64. Yet this age group accounts for nearly 20 percent of the state's drivers. As the baby boomer generation ages, experts predict that in 2030, Florida residents over the age of 64 will account for nearly 30 percent of the state's population and about one out of every four drivers.

Senior drivers are usually unaware of the effects that aging has on their skills behind the wheel. These classes are hoping to get this topic floating through the elderly population, bringing more awareness to safe driving habits for elderly drivers.

Continue reading "New Driver's Ed Class Helping to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Florida among Seniors" »

More than 170 law enforcement officers have died in car accidents in Florida and elsewhere since 1999, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV). Thousands more have been injured. Law enforcement officials and emergency workers who work on the roadside are at serious risk for these type of accident.

To help reduce these occurrences, Col. David Brierton of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) recently announced that the Sunshine State is working with two other states to help protect our law enforcement officials and roadside workers. Joining the efforts are the Georgia State Patrol and the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Through the joint efforts of these departments, officials in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and our Boca Raton car accident attorneys are using the month of February to help to educate drivers and enforce the Move Over Law. Officers will be out during the month-long campaign looking for drivers who fail to abide by the Move Over Law and other roadway laws.

"All too often, a law enforcement officer, paramedic or wrecker operator is seriously injured or killed while they are doing their job because a vehicle drove too close," said Brierton.

For that reason, Brierton says, the law works to cover wrecker operators, emergency personnel, first responders and law enforcement officials. He says that all of these workers deserve this kind of protection under a roadway law.

Throughout the entire month of February, officers in all three states will be working alongside one another keep an eye on interstates and busy highways to bust those who violate the Move Over Law and those who violate other roadway lays. Officers will be combing the roadways, issuing citations for all kinds of violations.

Coming up in July, Florida's Move Over Law will celebrate its 10th year in effect. Under this law, drivers are required to move over and offer a lane of safety whenever they're passing an authorized emergency vehicle of some sort or wrecker parked on the side of the road with its lights flashing. Drivers are required by law to exit the lane that is closest to this emergency vehicle. If a driver is unable to move over a lane, they're required to slow down and travel at speeds at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit.

Florida drivers should know that every other state, aside from Washington D.C. and Hawaii, has a Move Over Law on the books.

What to do under the Move Over Law:

-On a two-lane roadway, drivers should slow down and travel and 20 miles under the posted speed limit.

-If the speed limit on the roadway is 20 miles per hour, slow down to 5 miles per hour.

-On an interstate or a roadway with multiple lanes, leave the lane that is closest to the emergency vehicle as soon as possible. If you can't move over then you're required to slow down unless an officer instructs you otherwise.

-If you violate this law, you're putting both yourself and the other motorists at risks for an accident.

-If you're busted, you can be issued a fine and can get five points on your driver's license.

Continue reading "Florida's Campaign of Move Over Law to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Boca Raton and Elsewhere" »

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there has been a voluntary recalled announcement regarding 2012 Bicycles with carbon forks that were made by Advanced Group. There are about 500 of these products covered under the latest recall.

In 2011, there was another 14,000 of these bicycles recalled. These products were distributed by Specialized Bicycle Components Inc., of Morgan Hill, California and manufactured by Advanced Group of Taiwan. These products have been deemed unsafe and likely to cause injury in Boca Raton and elsewhere.

If you have one of these products, you're urged to contact Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. by calling (877) 808-8154. Or, you can contact the company by visiting its website at www.specialized.com. Consumers are urged to share information regarding this recall to friends and family member to help to avoid any injuries.

Our Boca Raton defective product injury attorneys understand that the CPSC often recalls products that consumers use every day. Sometimes products are even recalled years after they hit the market. It's important for consumers to pay attention to the latest safety recalls in order to avoid any injuries from defective or unsafe products. In one of the CPSC's most recent recalls, the Bicycles with Advanced Group carbon forks have been recalled. It is illegal to resell these products. If you own one of these bikes, you're urged to contact the company for information on how to repair the product or how to get your money back. If you've already been injured by this faulty product, you're urged to contact an experienced injury attorney to help you to fight for your rights as an accident victim.

What has happened with these bikes is that the brake component, which is in the bike's carbon fork, can come loose from the fork and can allow to brakes to hit the spokes of the wheel. All of this can pose a dangerous fall hazard.

Luckily, there have been no injuries reported so far.

Wondering if you have the bike?:

-The recall covers the 2012 Tricross Sport and Comp model bikes.

-These bikes come in a variety of colors.

-The bicycles have the word "Specialized" printed on the bottom part of the tube frame in the front.

-The model name of the bike, which is located on the top tube, is "Tricross Comp" or "Tricross Sport."

-The bicycles were sold at authorized Specialized retailers across the country from June of 2011 through November of 2011.

-They ran about $1,200 to about $2,000.

If you have one of these bicycles that has been recalled, the CPSC suggests that you stop using it immediately and take it to an authorized dealer for a free repair to the bike or for a free replacement carbon fork.

Consumers are urged to stay up-to-date with the most recent consumer product recalls from the CPSC. You can visit the Commission's website regularly or you can just sign up to receive recall e-mail updates.

Continue reading "Defective Bicycles Recalled for Posing Threats of Injury in Boca Raton and Elsewhere" »

The big weekend event is almost here -- Super Bowl Sunday. While Florida may not be playing this year, fans across the state will be gathering to enjoy some good sports fun.

Unfortunately, this action-packed and unofficial holiday is also the host of one of the most dangerous times to be on our roadways. There are sure to be plenty house parties, restaurant and bar events and even some old-fashioned tailgating parties. But what there shouldn't be are intoxicated drivers. Historically, it's been a major problem on Super Bowl Sunday.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Super Bowl Sunday has been deemed as one of the country's most dangerous times for motorists -- because of drunk drivers. It's estimated that nearly 50 percent of all fatalities that happen as a result of car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere on Super Bowl Sunday are the result of alcohol-impaired drivers. In 2010, alcohol-related accidents accounted for just over 30 percent of all roadways fatalities. You can see that alcohol-related accidents are much more likely during Super Bowl Sunday.

Our Boca Raton drunk driving accident attorneys understand that Super Bowl Sunday is an American tradition. It's a time to get together with friends and family members and to enjoy a good game of football. What we need to keep in mind during Super Bowl XLVI -- roadway safety. According to the NHTSA, there have already been about 180,000 Americans who have made the pledge to be a designated driver. We're not asking everyone to be a designated driver this Sunday. But we are asking everyone who is drinking to partner up with one to help ensure a safe ride home.

The NHTSA says that your designated driver should be properly licensed and should be over the age of 21. More importantly, your designated driver should promise to consume absolutely no amount of alcohol. Many people may think that your designated driver is the one who is the least drunk. NO! A designated driver is to remain completely sober. It's your best bet at getting home safely.

If you're going out for the Super Bowl, there are a few tips to remember to help you to make it home safely. The NHTSA has offered the tips listed below to help make sure that everyone has a safe and fun Super Bowl Sunday.

Going Out For The Super Bowl:

-Before you leave the house, you need to make sure you have a designated driver who has agreed to drink absolutely no alcoholic beverages.

-Make sure you're well fed before and while you drink. Food will help prevent you from over-drinking.

-Take care of your designated driver. Just because they're not drinking doesn't mean that they can't have fun. Be sure to include them. Make sure they're comfortable. Make sure they've got enough food and drink. Offer them a good seat to watch the game. Offer to chip in for gas and parking. They are helping to save your live after all.

-Be sure to leave your car keys at your house.

-Carry the phone numbers of local taxi companies just in case.

Remember, this year the New York Giants and the New England Patriots will face off at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 5th 2012.

"Drafting a designated driver this weekend will be the correct play call for a sure win," suggests the NHTSA.‎

Continue reading "NHTSA Targeting Drunk Drivers in Boca Raton and Elsewhere on Super Bowl Sunday" »