Holidays Aren’t Happy for the Victims of Drunk Drivers – Broward County Accident Attorneys

While everyone should always be aware of the danger of driving while impaired, the holidays are statistically the time when drunk driving accidents are most likely to occur. Lazarus and Lazarus, Broward county accident attorneys urge everyone to be especially alert and careful during this and all holiday seasons.

broward county accident attorneysSummer holidays like the 4th of July bring out the worst in people, and winter holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve are also high on the list for serious injury accidents with impaired driving the cause.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the times of year when most DUI arrests and accidents happen are:

Memorial Day weekend sees more than 400 traffic fatalities most years. Over Labor Day weekend, the NSC notes that more than 400 traffic fatalities and more than 42,000 serious injuries occurred. In between the two dates is a stretch known as the “100 deadliest days for teens,” when more teens have too much free time and are more likely to engage in unsafe behaviors.

The 4th of July is known as the most dangerous holiday for people on the roads. More than 100 people died in traffic accidents over the 4th of July holiday this year.

Thanksgiving weekend, which includes “Blackout Wednesday” is the most traveled time of year, and therefore the number of accidents goes up proportionately. DUI arrests and accidents are also traditionally high, and extra caution should be observed.

Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and in-between has actually observed a slight reduction in DUI arrests, injuries, and fatal accidents possibly due to the fact that enforcement has been so concentrated on these holidays for many years. Alternatives to driving drunk like free cab rides may also be responsible for the decreases.

Broward County accident attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus have been representing victims of drunk driving accidents for over 20 years.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, here are some sobering stats regarding drunk driving accidents:

• In 2014, 9,967 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (31%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.

• Of the 1,070 traffic deaths among children ages 0 to 14 years in 2014, 209 (19%) involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

• Of the 209 child passengers ages 14 and younger who died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2014, over half (116) were riding in the vehicle with the alcohol-impaired driver.

• In 2014, over 1.1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. That’s one percent of the 121 million self-reported episodes of alcohol-impaired driving among U.S. adults each year.

• Drugs other than alcohol (legal and illegal) are involved in about 16% of motor vehicle crashes.

• Marijuana use is increasing and 13% of nighttime, weekend drivers have marijuana in their system.

• Marijuana users were about 25% more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers with no evidence of marijuana use, however other factors – such as age and gender – may account for the broward county accident attorneysincreased crash risk among marijuana users.

Broward County Accident Attorneys – The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus

Florida had over 61,000 DUI arrests in 2015, second only to Texas and California in the U.S.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus is committed to providing superior representation to victims of drunk driving accidents. We specialize in helping victims deal with their injuries, their expenses, and their recovery. Your rights under the law and getting you compensation for your losses are our primary concern.

You may reach out to us any time by calling 954-356-0006 and asking for a confidential consultation.

 

What’s Causing the Biggest Spike in Highway Deaths in 50 Years?

Florida Accident Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus are Concerned for Florida Drivers and Passengers

florida accident attorneysYou may not believe this, but when you take a picture using the mobile app Snapchat you can overlay onto the photograph a digital representation of your speed. In miles per hour. When I first heard about this so-called feature, with my understanding of human nature I immediately determined that this was a very bad idea.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating an October 26th crash near Tampa that killed five people. Just prior to the collision one of the passengers recorded a Snapchat video showing that her vehicle was traveling 115 miles per hour.

Is it any wonder that mobile apps and distracted driving in general is being blamed for a substantial increase in traffic collision deaths? We have advanced technology far enough to add a myriad of safety features into our cars, trucks, and motorcycles to make them safer, but then mobile app technology erodes the progress when irresponsible people misuse it to cause horrific traffic crashes.

In the first 6 months of 2016, highway deaths jumped 10.4% to 17,775, from the comparable period in 2015.

What can be done about this alarming trend?

The U.S. Department of Transportation has embarked on a program to toughen enforcement of seat belt laws for cars, helmets for motorcyclists, and for drunk and distracted drivers. But the only real change will likely come from……technology.

florida accident attorney

Driverless cars continue to be improved to the point where they may be a widespread reality in the next 15-20 years. In the interim most auto manufacturers are adding software that connects to smart phones and allows drivers to make calls, text, and navigate and use apps through hands-free interfaces.

The problem is that just because someone’s hands are free, doesn’t mean their concentration is on the road. Many researchers believe that drivers engaged in any external activity are distracted from what should be their only focus: driving. Hands-free options have been available for many years, and yet the statistics continue to show that something is causing more tragic crashes.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus

Serious automobile accidents are going to be too frequent an occurrence until fatalities reach zero. Until that day, we have to deal with them as best we can, and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus is committed to providing superior representation to victims throughout the state of Florida. We are experienced and qualified Florida accident attorneys who specialize in helping victims deal with their injuries, their expenses, and their recovery. Your rights under the law are our primary concern.

You may reach out to us any time by calling 954-356-0006 and asking for a confidential consultation.

Lazarus and Lazarus

Florida Accident Attorneys

Ft. Lauderdale
Wells Fargo Tower, 1 E Broward Blvd #700
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Weston
1625 N Commerce Pkwy #225
Weston, FL 33326

 

florida accident attorney

Planning a Winter Road Trip up North? Be Prepared! Florida Accident Attorneys

Floridians Should Check Vehicles for Winter Weather and Insurance

People who live in Florida most likely live here because of the weather. We hate snow.

But every year the holidays entice many Floridians to embark on road trips to the north for family holiday gatherings. It’s usually a wonderful experience, but please take a few minutes to think about some common-sense tips.

If You’re Driving Your Own Car

florida accident attorneysTake your car to your favorite repair shop and ask them to check it for winter travel. Your engine coolant and wiper fluid may freeze up north.

Double check your insurance, make sure it’s paid up and everything is up-to-date. Driving on unfamiliar roads can sometimes lead to accidents and you don’t want to be uninsured.

Different states have varying car insurance minimums. So if you start your holiday road trip in Florida, which only requires $5,000 of property damage liability, and $10,000 worth of PIP, and get into an accident in New York, where minimums are about $50,000 greater, you would be under-insured to cover a New York driver’s damages. Luckily, car insurance companies usually recognize you shouldn’t be penalized for having the legal limit in one state, and crashing in another with higher limits. Thus, so long as you were not intoxicated or conducting any other policy disqualifying behavior, your company will likely bump your limits up to the state’s in which you crashed. To be safe, call and verify.

If You’re Renting a Car

If you rent a car, you need some sort of rental car insurance. Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and the others all offer different options. Rental companies offer a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Coverage (SLC), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Coverage (PEC). Of those four, you may only really need the first two. You pay for the LDW, about $9 to $20 per day, which essentially says the rental company will cover any damage that happens to the car. If you have collision insurance on your policy however, you may opt out of the coverage. If you have a credit card as well, you may charge the entire rental to the card, and your card provider will sometimes cover the LDW at no charge to you.

Once again, call and verify with your own insurance company what will be covered and what won’t should something happen if you have an accident in a rental car in another state.

SNOW!

Floridians aren’t accustomed to driving in the snow. It’s another world. Just remember to reduce speed, or get off the road if you feel the least bit uncomfortable driving on icy roads. Listen to advisories on the radio, and follow them.

Here’s a story with a video offering some safety tips for driving in the snow from the American Automobile Association: CLICK HERE

Lazarus and Lazarus – Florida Accident Attorneys

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus cares about your safety. Every day we meet with people who have been involved in serious accidents, and we know that many times the incidents were preventable. We think it is our obligation to inform all Florida drivers to observe traffic laws, don’t misuse your cell phone when behind the wheel, and never drink and drive.

If you or a loved one does need an accident attorney in the future, we would be happy to arrange a confidential consultation if you call us at 954-356-0006. Protecting y­­our rights are our primary concern.

What to do After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Florida

Florida Law Requires Certain Actions After an Accident – Florida Accident Attorney

florida accident attorneyIf you witness an accident, but are not actually involved you are not required to remain at the scene. However, your input may help authorities determine what the caused the accident, who is at fault, and would probably be the right thing to do. Make sure authorities are notified and if there are injuries be sure they are aware. Unless you have medical training it’s best not to try to administer medical assistance.

Don’t put yourself in danger by stepping into the roadway or approaching a dangerous situation. If other drivers are arguing, do not get involved. Wait for the authorities and be prepared to recount what you witnessed.

If you are a driver and are involved in an accident, you must stop your vehicle immediately after the accident and do not leave the scene. 

Position your vehicle in a manner that won’t obstruct other motorists. If you can’t do this, then either ask for help, or call a tow truck. If someone has been hurt, you must attempt to secure medical help right away.

Give your name, address, and registration number to anyone involved in the accident who requests this information. You may have to show your driver’s license, too. Law enforcement officers arriving on the scene have the right to all of this information, as well.

Accidents involving an injury or death, a hit-and-run or intoxicated driver, or property damage that appears to be over $500 need to be reported immediately to law enforcement. The investigating officer will make a written report on all accidents involving a death or injury.

If an officer completes a report, you won’t need to file a crash report. However, if a crash report hasn’t been filed by law enforcement, then you’ll need to do so within 10 days of the accident.

Unattended Vehicles

Many people aren’t aware of your obligations when it comes to cars that are unoccupied. If you are involved in an accident with an unattended and unoccupied car, you’re required to notify the owner. If you cannot find the owner, then attach a note to the damaged vehicle or property which contains your name, address, and license plate number. Be sure to write legibly. Also, report the accident to law enforcement right away.

For any accident, once you are certain that you have made sure injured parties are receiving treatment and you have complied with all reporting requirements and notified and cooperated with law enforcement, you should contact an attorney specializing in motor vehicle accidents.

Speak only to an attorney, and do not share information about the accident, including photographs with others, especially on social media or anywhere on the internet. Listen to the advice of your attorney and follow his or her instructions.

Florida Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus in Fort Lauderdale has been advising and representing people in Florida who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents for over 20 years. Calling 954-356-0600 will put you in touch with Gary and Arleen Lazarus, who are eminently qualified to help.

Florida PIP Insurance

Florida PIP Insurance Fraud Reform is Having a Positive Impact

Lower Fraudulent Claims and Lower Rates Benefit Everyone

Florida PIP Insurance

If you have lived in Florida for a while you may remember that there was a time when driving involved not only exercising due care to avoid accidents, but you had to worry about other drivers intentionally causing crashes. There are still some drivers out there who try to perpetrate this scam on law-abiding Florida drivers. The Florida legislature has been aware of these dangerous drivers for years and their efforts have gradually reduced the incidence of this and other types of insurance fraud. Lawmakers have consistently tried to respond to problems with the PIP law and their efforts seem to be helping.

Florida PIP InsuranceA recent review found that “2012 PIP reforms from House Bill 119 continue to reduce fraud and abuse, while providing cost savings to Floridians.”

Specifically, legislation targeting auto insurance fraud has produced savings on personal-injury claims of 17. 5 percent, and reduced premiums by a little more than 15 percent. Claim frequency and severity were reduced, too — by 10.2 percent and nearly 11 percent, respectively, producing a reduction in total loss costs of 20 percent.

The 2012 law changed which health care providers were allowed to provide PIP benefits by banning reimbursements to chiropractors and acupuncturists. It also banned treatment unless a doctor, nurse, dentist, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner found that an “emergency medical condition” exists.

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorney

In Fort Lauderdale, The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus represents people who have been injured in motor-vehicle accidents. If there is fraud involved, we are trained to recognize these situations and deal with them appropriately. We are qualified motor vehicle accident attorneys with a sterling reputation for getting results for our clients.

We are committed to protect the rights of our clients, and to serve their needs pursuing the compensation they are entitled to under the law for any physical injuries or property damage.

So keep your eyes alert, don’t text while driving, never drink and drive.

Please reach out to us if you or someone you know has been involved in an automobile, truck, or motorcycle accident. Our 20+ years experience has placed us among the most qualified accident attorneys in Florida. We will be happy to arrange a confidential consultation and determine how we may be able to help you. Protecting your rights is our top priority.

Call us at 943-356-0006 or if you wish an online reply, please click here and give us some information. We’ll be in touch with you promptly.

 

Cars and Trucks – Is it Time for a Separation? Florida Truck Accident Attorney

More Safety-Focused Rules and Separation Highway Projects may be Necessary

The relationship between cars and trucks may be compared to children: “get along and play nice, or we’ll have to separate you.”

Florida Truck Accident Attorney 4When a 2500 pound car impacts with an 80,000 pound tractor trailer truck it’s not a mystery as to which one will probably come out with more damage and injuries. According to the Institute for Highway Safety, in 2012 there were 3,514 deaths involving large trucks. Of these, 17 percent were truck occupants, 67 percent passenger auto occupants and 15 percent motorcycle and bicycle riders and pedestrians.

Separate lanes have been used around the country, but with limited success.

What’s been done to reduce car vs. truck accidents so far?

·         The US Department of Transportation has mandated drug testing for truck drivers.

·         Electronic monitoring has reduced driver fatigue by forcing rest-periods.

·         Background checks for truck drivers are more accurate thanks to advances in computer databases.

What is planned for the future?

·         Crash avoidance technology: There are now computer-operated cars, it’s only a matter of time for trucks.

·         More truck-only lanes: Georgia plans to build two lanes limited to trucks along 38 miles of Interstate 75, a heavily travelled freight corridor south of Atlanta. It will be the largest truck-only project in the nation and is expected to cost $2 billion. Hopefully the project will be complete in 2030. In Florida, highway officials have struggled to keep truck traffic on the Florida Turnpike, but with the expensive tolls charged they are mostly opting for I-95 which is very over-crowded.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus in Fort Lauderdale helps people who have been injured in truck accidents as qualified truck accident attorneys. We have devoted a large part of our practice to this very specialized area which requires extensive knowledge of the statutes and rules that apply to the trucking industry. We are pleased to be one of the leading truck accident attorneys in the greater Fort Lauderdale are serving Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

Please contact us any time at 954-356-0006 or click here to request an online contact. Thank you.

Edited by D. Lekov Cerxs

 

 

 

Fort Lauderdale Accident Lawyer

What Does Florida PIP Insurance Cover? What Isn’t Covered?

Many People are Unaware What “Basic Coverage” Means

Fort Lauderdale Accident LawyerI recently had a conversation with young woman who was working at Starbuck’s. She was forlorn because of an auto accident she had on the way to work and said that her car would be in the shop for several days. She wondered aloud about getting a rental car while she was without her car, and I told her it would depend on her insurance. She said “I have PIP.”

I didn’t want to tell her that she would likely be getting a ride to work for a while because she was having a bad day already, but PIP coverage does not provide rental cars for drivers while their cars are being repaired. In fact PIP does not cover repairs. PIP stands for “personal injury protection” and covers medical expenses.

So many drivers are unaware of the facts as they pertain to auto insurance, we would like to help with some basic facts.

The 2016 Florida Statutes, Chapter 627, Section 736 is titled: Required personal injury protection benefits; exclusions; priority; claims – and you may read the section by clicking here.

Some basic information about PIP:

·         If you are a resident of Florida and you own a motor vehicle, you are required to purchase PIP. If you are a resident of Florida and own a motor vehicle, you are required to purchase PIP.  You are covered by PIP if you are the named insured.  You, the insured, are covered by PIP while driving your vehicle or when a passenger in another’s vehicle.  You are also covered while outside a motor vehicle if struck and injured by a motor vehicle.

·         Resident relatives who live with you, the insured, may be covered by your PIP benefits while they are driving your car, as passengers in your or another’s car, and while pedestrians if struck and injured by a motor vehicle.

·         Others who are injured while driving your insured motor vehicle or who are injured while a passenger in your insured motor vehicle or who are injured as a pedestrian when struck by your insured motor vehicle may be covered by your PIP.

·         If you or your insured relatives living with you are injured while outside Florida, and are in your insured motor vehicle, you and your insured relatives are covered under PIP as long as the injury occurs within the United States, its territories or possessions, or in Canada.

It is prudent to visit with an insurance agent and take the time to discuss exactly what you expect from your automobile insurance before you buy it. Benefits like towing, repair, and rental cars are certainly worthwhile but they cost more.

PIP usually covers $10,000 of medical expenses and many injuries sustained in accidents exceed that amount.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping Floridians injured in automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents for more than 20 years as qualified accident attorneys. We are committed to provide everyone with the information you need to stay as safe as possible, and to have the information you need to make informed decisions.

We are available to meet with you if you’ve been involved in an accident, and you may contact us by calling 954-356-0006 to arrange a free consultation.
Click here to view our contact page where you may request that we contact you online.
Florida accident attorney

What Goes on at Those Weigh Stations Along the Highway?

Enforcing Weight Restrictions is Part of an Overall Safety Strategy for Big Rigs

You’re driving to Disney World and as you pass one of those “Weigh Station Ahead” signs your friend jokes, “You’ve put on a few pounds, and maybe you should pull in.” Such an amusing friend.

But seriously, what is going on at those weigh stations? Why do some trucks stop, and some drive right by? Are they checking for weight or other things, like illegal drugs? Do they serve coffee?

Florida accident attorneyThe answer is that vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds or have 3 or more axles have to pay fuel taxes Truck weigh stations were originally developed for states to collect the fuel taxes they were owed by the commercial trucks using their roadways. Motor homes and other private (non-commercial) vehicles are generally exempt.

In North America, weigh stations aren’t directly used for that purpose anymore. There is now an International Fuel Tax Agreement which allows truckers to file a quarterly tax report. Weigh stations are still used to enforce the tracking and submission of the logs and the payment of the fuel tax.

Large commercial vehicles are almost all equipped with transponders, and these devices do a lot to make sure trucks are safe and are operating within the law. They can keep track of the number of hours a driver has been behind the wheel so they don’t exceed the limit.

The scales are still used to enforce weight restrictions. The federal weight restriction is 80,000 pounds. Trucks need a trip permit to transport a load exceeding that weight.

We have discussed before in this blog that the severity of an accident is highly influenced by some fundamental principles of physics including mass (weight) and acceleration (speed). A very heavy truck going very fast has the potential to cause massive amounts of damage.

It’s in everyone’s best interest for commercial truckers to follow the rules, obey the restrictions, maintain their vehicles, and operate safely. It’s also best for drivers of automobiles to be aware of special circumstances with big trucks like blind spots. (See our article on blind spots)

It is prudent to watch for trucks entering the highway at weigh stations. Big commercial trucks are often slow to reach full speed, so don’t ride up on them too fast.

Frequently asked questions about weigh stations in Florida can be found here: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/statemaintenanceoffice/motorcarrierqa.shtm

Florida Accident Attorney

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus is committed to providing information that will help drivers stay safe on Florida roads. We represent truck drivers, automobile drivers, and motorcycle riders who have been involved in serious accidents. We investigate, and when necessary we litigate so our clients are given their access to justice under the law.

Please reach out to us if you have been involved in an accident or if you have questions by calling 954-356-0006.

 

 

Lane Splitting – Controversial Motorcycle Maneuver May Actually Save Lives

Currently Illegal, Lane Splitting may be Permitted in Florida

The most common types of motor vehicle accidents are:

  • Rear-end Collisions
  • Single Car Accidents
  • T-Bone – or cross traffic accidents
  • Side-to-Side Collision while Changing Lanes
  • Low-Speed Accidents

All these accidents may result in injuries or they me be survivable, depending on circumstances. The size and weight of your car or truck will have a lot to do with it.

florida motorcycle accident attorneyImaging being hit from behind while riding on a motorcycle. It’s going to be devastating at almost any speed. Because of this, lawmakers in several states are looking at permitting what is known as “lane-splitting” where motorcycles can ride or remain stopped at a traffic light in the area between lanes.

California passed a new law last week allowing the practice and other states including Florida are examining the issue.

By supporting the bill, state lawmakers and the governor have recognized a roadway practice that has been in use for decades, according to Rob Dingman, president of the American Motorcyclist Association. “Lane splitting keeps riders safer by eliminating their exposure to rear-end collisions, and it helps ease congestion by effectively removing motorcycles from the traffic lanes,” he said.

The website Change.org urged readers to sign a petition, writing “Traffic congestion in Florida continues to increase. One inexpensive, simple, effective, and immediate way to reduce traffic congestion is to permit motorcyclists to travel between two slow moving lanes of traffic. Doing so adds capacity to every existing four-lane road in the entire state of Florida. In California where “lane-splitting” is legal, common place, and has been found to enhance motorcycle safety, it is embraced as a significant component of traffic congestion reduction.”

People in Florida debated the use of helmets for years and finally on July 1st, 2000 the law was changed to mandate helmet use for anyone under 21, and anyone over 21 was required to have medical insurance coverage if they opted to ride without a helmet.

Hopefully the Florida legislature will study the lane-splitting issue carefully and make a decision that is best for everyone.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus is committed to represent and protect the rights of persons injured in motorcycle accidents. We have devoted a major portion of our practice to this very unique and complex area of law for over 20 years and we would be happy to meet with you if you have any questions involving a serious motorcycle injury. Please reach out to us at 954-356-0006 to arrange a confidential consultation.

 

 

Florida Truck Accident Attorney

Driverless Vehicles – Who is at Fault when they Crash?

Things that seemed technologically impossible years ago are now every-day commonalities as advances in science, computers, and engineering continue to grow.

No one would have believed that people would all be carrying portable phones and computers around with them, and the thought of driverless cars and trucks was a fantasy until just recently.

But the fantasy has become reality and prototypes of cars controlled by computers are now out on the road. Unfortunately, with every advancement there are sometimes very costly errors.

Florida Truck Accident AttorneyThe first reported death in a Tesla Model S crash while the Autopilot was activated has been shaking the Tesla and self-driving car community. The tragic accident happened May 7th in Florida, news outlets only learned of the event last week when Tesla revealed that the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched preliminary evaluation in Tesla’s Autopilot system.

The investigation is in the very early stage, but it’s possible that the car’s forward facing camera, sensors, and radar interpreted the truck to actually be a bridge, and therefore “assumed” the car would be able to drive under it. What actually happened is the impact tore the roof off the car, and then it lost control. There is a possibility the driver of the car was watching a movie when the accident occurred.

This type of tragic incident is opening a whole new arena in the legal world, which is called robotics law.

Most advances in automobile technology such as seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock brakes were designed to improve safety but still relied on an action by the driver or passengers in order to function. Now the responsibility rests with a machine and it is very murky as to how this will affect court cases.

A division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates nearly all aspects of the trucking industry. How cars and trucks will deal with the infusion of driverless vehicles remains to be seen, as the legal profession also ponders and debates these issues over the next several years.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus specializes in accidents involving commercial trucks and has for over 20 years. It is a unique and complex area of the law where special regulations and guidelines apply, and both Gary and Arleen Lazarus are eminently qualified to handle these situations. Please call their Fort Lauderdale office at 954-356-0006 if you or someone you know has been involved in a serious truck-related accident.