Personal Injury Attorneys
| Gary Lazarus | 0 Comments | Tesla Safety

Autopilot Cars Raise Questions About Safety and Liability

South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

New Data Reveal Hundreds of Crashes with Several Deaths and Serious Injuries

When automobiles, motorcycles, and trucks are involved in serious crashes it is almost always a traumatic event with injuries both physical and emotional to drivers and passengers. There are financial issues regarding medical expenses and property damages which are sorted out over time, often in our legal system.

One of the things law enforcement and the courts deal with is the liability of drivers, perhaps unsafe vehicles, or even road conditions or obstructions caused by someone’s negligence. It is a complex process that involves the gathering of witness testimony, physical evidence, and research into other cases.

South Florida Accident AttorneysRecently, new technology has opened the door to another dimension in liability: the invisible driver. Cars are operating on our roads with Advanced Driver-Assist Systems and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) they may be unsafe. These systems are sometimes like an “autopilot” that actually drive the car.

The New York Times reports on recent NHTSA findings: In 392 incidents cataloged by the agency from July 1 of last year through May 15, six people died and five were seriously injured. Teslas operating with Autopilot, the more ambitious Full Self Driving mode or any of their associated component features were in 273 crashes. Five of those Tesla crashes were fatal.

Our goal is to protect the rights of our clients will work diligently to see that they have the opportunity to recover financially, physically, and emotionally from their injuries.

If you have questions about any accident involving yourself, a friend or a relative, feel free to call us 7 days a week at 954-356-0006.

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The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus.

| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Auto Accident Attorneys |

What to Say and What not to Say After a Traffic Crash – Lazarus and Lazarus

Fort Lauderdale and Weston, Florida Personal Injury Attorneys

“Words are free. It’s how you use them that may cost you.” – Anonymous

How often have we said things that we regretted later? Probably too many times.

In our world today every word we say, or Tweet, or include in a social media post, or email, may be used later to cause us problems. Phone calls are often recorded and there are video monitors practically everywhere we go.

If you are injured in any type of incident that was caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence you have rights to compensation for your medical bills, your pain and suffering, and lost time from work. These rights may be jeopardized by statements made by you or by others which could be used to incriminate you or present a distorted picture of facts related to the event. Therefore, it’s a good idea to follow these basic guidelines regarding what you and don’t say after being involved in an accident:

  • Always cooperate with the police and answer their questions truthfully, however you should never offer information which may be self-incriminating. You do not need to admit anything was your fault to anyone.
  • After you are away from the scene of the accident you may be contacted by others including representatives of insurance companies. You are not required to talk with these people and at this point you will have already contacted a personal injury attorney. That attorney becomes the person to handle all communication going forward.
  • Do not give a statement, recorded or written, to anyone without approval from your attorney.
  • Never post statements or photographs about your accident on social media or anywhere else.
  • Do not make statements about your physical condition. Injuries should be diagnosed by a physician and that information is strictly confidential and should remain that way.
  • Speculation about what caused the accident, what contributed to the accident, the condition of other driver(s) or anything else is unnecessary can be harmful. Let your attorney conduct an investigation into the facts because only the facts are important.

The goal of every experienced personal injury attorney is to protect the rights of their client and gain the best possible outcome. We always work hard to see that our clients have the opportunity to recover financially, physically, and emotionally from their injuries.

If you have questions about any accident involving yourself, a friend, or a relative, feel free to call us 7 days a week at 954-356-0006.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus.

 

 

Auto Accident Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Auto Accident Attorneys

Let’s be Careful Out There – Traffic Fatalities Highest in Years

Fort Lauderdale and Weston, Florida Personal Injury Attorneys

A character on the 1980s television police drama “Hill Street Blues” had a great catchphrase: “Let’s Be Careful Out There.” On the show, Sgt. Phillip Esterhaus was imparting these words of caution to officers policing the streets.

Police Officers face dangers every day, but so does everyone who drives a car, truck or motorcycle, especially after recent data reveals this, according to CNN: Washington, DC (CNN Business)Traffic deaths in the United States continue to spike, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated Tuesday that there were 42,915 such fatalities in 2021. That would be the most traffic deaths in 16 years, NHTSA said.

Many experts believe the added stress of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused many drivers to be less careful when driving but it’s difficult to make a solid claim about the true cause of the increase in 2021 fatalities.Personal Injury Attorneys

We do know that each driver has choices about habits and precautions behind the wheel. People who obey traffic laws, wear seat belts, and do not drive while impaired are far less likely to be involved in a serious accident. But all the safety measures in the world cannot protect a driver from someone else who is careless.

What can you do if involved in an accident?

Being in an accident is a very stressful time, and it’s hard to keep focused on making the right decisions in the moments following the crash. We developed a checklist for people to print and keep in their glove compartment in case of a traffic accident. Please click here to see our post from 2020 which includes a link to download the .pdf.

If you have questions related to any personal injury situation we’re available 7 days a week to speak with you. Call 954-356-0006 to set up a free and confidential meeting, in-person, or virtual.

And Let’s be Careful Out There.

| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Traumatic Brain Injuries |

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Proper Long-Term Care

Fort Lauderdale and Weston, Florida Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys

One of the most common injuries sustained in automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). They are very debilitating and often have long-term effects that cannot possibly be estimated at the initial diagnosis because there are many cases where full recovery is never achieved.

According to the Mayo Clinic:

A traumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that goes through brain tissue, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury.

Mild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. More-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death.

Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury

One of the worst things a vehicle crash victim can do is neglect medical treatment. Internal injuries can worsen and lead to serious complications or death. A physician can diagnose many problems during a thorough examination.

After any physical trauma, a person suffering from unusual headaches, blurred vision, slurred speech, dizziness, confusion, nausea, trouble with concentration, may be suffering from a traumatic brain injury. This is not a definitive list of symptoms, there are others which is why a professional medical exam and diagnosis is mandatory.

Long Term Care

Some victims rush to settle with an insurance company after suffering from head trauma injuries and that is often a poor course of action. Because treatments can be necessary for several months or even ears it’s best to be careful and methodical about assessing possible long-term medical care.

Neurologists are the physicians to properly treat traumatic brain injuries and it’s important to also find a hospital that specializes in rehabilitation after serious trauma. Click here to see a guide to the Best Hospitals for Rehabilitation.

Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping victims of serious injuries since 1992 and we are available every day to speak with you about protecting your rights to compensation for injuries, pain & suffering, lost time from work, and property damage. Call us at 954-356-0006 to set up a free consultation.

 

 

| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Rideshare Accident Attorneys, Uncategorized

Uber and Lyft Driver Screening and Supervision – Is it Sufficient for Adequate Safety?

Rideshare Accident Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Fort Lauderdale and Weston, Florida

When you fly on any commercial flight you know the pilot has been trained and tested. They are regularly given drug tests, physical exams, and they must undergo constant and regular training to make sure their skills and knowledge are up-to-date.

What About Ride-Share Drivers?

According to the Uber website: Most people can drive with Uber. The requirements vary by city, but there are a few minimum requirements: Meet the minimum age requirement and be legally allowed to drive in your country.

Also:

Driver screening
After signing up, take a few minutes to complete a screening online. It’ll review your driving record and criminal history.

Specific information about how ride-share drivers are  screened, tested, and supervised is hard to find.

We know this: An Uber passenger paralyzed in a crash last year is suing the company hoping, he says, his experience leads to more oversight of ride-hailing companies.

He’s now suing Uber for $63 million, asserting the company doesn’t appropriately screen or supervise drivers.

Also this:

According to Uber, the company completes 14 million trips each day worldwide. The platform sees, on average, 91 million monthly active users and 3.9 million drivers.

In Florida, Uber estimates its impact on the state’s gross domestic product at about $1 billion, with a net impact on the state economy of $69 million.

What happens when someone is involved in an accident as a customer of Uber or Lyft? It can be confusing as to who is at fault. Who will pay the medical bills? Will there be money available for long-term care? What about lost wages from work?

All these questions and more are common after someone is injured in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle. We’re here with answers if you call 954-356-0006

Whiplash Injuries South Florida
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Whiplash Injuries | , , ,

What is Whiplash? Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Whiplash Injury Incidences, Causes, Treatments, Long-Term Effects, and Legal Options

Each year over 2 million Americans experience whiplash. Sometime called a neck strain or sprain, whiplash cases range from mild to severe and can cause severe pain. Proper diagnosis can only be made by an experienced physician who understands how to identify and analyze the physiological evidence and then develop a plan that will lead to the best possible recovery.

Whiplash happens when soft tissue, cartilage, and/or nerves are suddenly snapped back and forth or side-to-side, most often as the result of automobile, motorcycle, or truck collisions but sometimes happens when people participate in  rough sports like boxing, football, or skiing.

According to the Mayo Clinic treatment for whiplash may range from heat or cold therapy to injections of numbing medications such as Xylocaine. Neck braces are sometimes helpful as is exercise.

Fort Lauderdale Whiplash AttorneysThe duration of whiplash symptoms and pain can last days to weeks to months and even years because each case is different. Because of these variables it is very important to have professional medical and legal help.

Every accident that involves even minor injuries should be discussed with a personal injury attorney. For some reason many people prefer to “shake it off” when they are hurt in a car crash only to regret it later when they realize their injuries are more serious than they originally thought. it is very important to be assessed by a physician as soon as possible and it’s also critical to have a thorough review of the accident’s causes and who was at fault.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has helped hundreds of whiplash victims in south Florida since 1992 and we have worked diligently to recover the maximum compensation for every one. Please call us 7 days a week for a free consultation at 954-356-0006.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Weston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida

 

 

 

Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Ride-share Accidents, Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys | , ,

Ride-Share Accident Victims Have Rights – Florida Accident Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys

Do you read the “Terms and Conditions” that are referenced every time you download an app, enter a website, use a credit card or do almost anything in our modern, high-tech world? It’s all part of the small print that almost everyone ignores. Large corporations write them, often in an attempt to avoid responsibility for accidents, losses, injuries, and other calamities.

Terms and Conditions usually include “disclaimers” and some of those have no basis in law.

Ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft have become a part of our everyday world. For example, Uber has become a global service providing roughly 15 million rides per day across 500 cities, so obviously there will be accidents, sometimes serious ones, involving Uber cars.

Serious Accident

Uber and Lyft Accident AttorneysIn March of 2018 a woman in Philadelphia was badly injured in a car accident that involved an Uber car. She sued Uber and the Uber driver and asked for her case to be heard by a jury, a right guaranteed by the 7th Amendment, which states:

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

However, Uber’s “small print” included this: You acknowledge and agree that you and Uber are each waiving the right to a trial by jury or to participate as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class action or representative proceeding.

Fortunately a judge found that Uber could not prove the victim actually read and understood their terms and conditions and therefore she should not be required to waive her right to a jury trial.

Philadelphia Inquirer Article

The lesson to be learned here is that everyone should be careful about what agreements they agree to. But it’s also important to understand that just because you click an “I Agree” button it does not mean you give up your rights. If you are injured or suffer damages because of someone else’s carelessness, negligence, or malpractice it’s always best to get advice from an experienced attorney.

The Law Offices of Lazarus and Lazarus are highly experienced dealing with cases involving injuries from automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents. If you have questions, we are here to help. Please call us 7 days a week at (954) 356-0006.

 

prescription negligence
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Prescription Errors | ,

Medication Errors Now Number 5 on Medical Malpractice Lawsuit List

Florida Medication Negligence Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Medical malpractice is defined as any act or omission by a physician during treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of practice in the medical community and causes an injury to the patient. Fortunately our U.S. Constitution allows victims to use the courts to seek compensation when they are injured by someone else’s carelessness, negligence, or malpractice. To do so, four legal elements must be proven: (1) a professional duty owed to the patient; (2) breach of such duty; (3) injury caused by the breach; and (4) resulting damages. Money damages, if awarded, typically take into account both actual economic loss and noneconomic loss, such as pain and suffering.

For many years the most common causes for victims to file medical malpractice lawsuits were improper diagnoses and actual injuries to patients but “medication errors” and specifically “pharmacy errors” have combined to now rank fifth on the list of most prevalent causes for the filing of lawsuits.

According to the National Institutes of Health: Close to 6,800 prescription medications and countless over-the-counter drugs are available in the United States.

Each year, in the United States alone, 7,000 to 9,000 people die due to a medication error. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of other patients experience but often do not report an adverse reaction or other complications related to a medication. The total cost of looking after patients with medication-associated errors exceeds $40 billion each year.

Medication errors happen in hospitals and they also happen when mistakes are made by pharmacists or pharmacy technicians at your local pharmacy.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping people injured by medication errors since 1992 and we have special expertise dealing with the medical issues related to prescription medication mistakes. If you have questions we are always here to help by calling 954-356-0006.

 

| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys

Top Reasons for Hiring a Rideshare Accident Attorney After an Uber or Lyft Collision-Related Injury

Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Weston, Florida and Fort Lauderdale, Florida

All collisions involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles that involve injuries are complex incidents. Determining how and why the accident happened is difficult and diagnosing and treating injuries is also very involved. The costs involved with hospitalization and physical rehabilitation are astronomical so protecting the rights of victims to receive adequate compensation is essential.

What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different?

When a driver for one of the rideshare companies gets into an accident it’s different than an accident involving two individual drivers and passenger vehicles and it is also different than when a private individual has an accident with a commercial vehicle like a tractor trailer. Uber and Lyft drivers typically use their own personal vehicles to provide transportation to riders who use these online apps. Uber and Lyft drivers do not need to have a commercial driver’s license or purchase commercial auto insurance. However, the ridesharing company does provide commercial insurance coverage while the driver is on the clock. So, who is financially liable for any injuries resulting from the accident will depend on your particular circumstances.

Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys Weston FloridaInjuries involving a rideshare vehicle are covered by the company insurance policy. However, even when a ridesharing driver is at fault and on duty at the time of an accident, the ridesharing company may still fight a claim and try to deny liability. This is why it’s important to have an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who will fight for adequate compensation including the possibility of long-term care and future complications.

Injuries are often more than physical. Victims of serious trauma commonly suffer from emotional and psychological issues, and these must be considered.

Experience Matters

Since 1992 the Personal Injury Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping people recover physically and financially from injuries incurred in all kinds of accidents. Since Uber started in 2009 and Lyft in 2012, we have developed a special expertise dealing with all the rideshare companies. Our success rate is outstanding, and our clients have shared their thoughts about our service and results on Google.

How to Reach Us

We are a relatively small law firm and so we are able to give personal service and we’re available 7 days a week by calling 954-356-0006

 

 

 

 

PTSD Personal Injury Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) After a Serious Vehicle Collision

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) After a Serious Vehicle Collision

Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents can Affect a Victim Physically and Mentally for Many Years

According to the Mayo Clinic, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Certainly a roadway collision can be extremely violent and terrifying. According to Georgia State University’s Hyper-Physics Lab, a 160 pound person—wearing a seat belt and traveling at only 30 miles per hour—experiences around 30 g’s of force in a front-end collision with a fixed object. That’s 2.4 tons of force acting on the body!

PTSD Personal Injury Attorneys South FloridaIf someone survives a crash like that and they remain conscious there is a very good chance they will be deeply traumatized by the scenario. Even paramedics, who are at the scene of serious crashes suffer from PTSD. EMTs and paramedics experience higher rates of PTSD, major depression, substance abuse and suicide than the general population, according to scientific studies in the U.S. and England. This high-stress career path also holds increased risks of physical health problems and complications.

Read: How PTSD and Depression Haunts First Responders Even After the Job Is Over

One of the critical reasons every accident victim should consult with a personal injury attorney is because insurance companies often rush people into a settlement without considering the possibility of long-term physical and psychological care which may be necessary for a complete recovery.

In our 30 years of dealing with accident victims all over south Florida we have always fought for clients until we reach a settlement or judgement that is fair and adequate for all treatment no matter how extensive or expensive.

How do you Know if You Have PTSD?

Only a diagnosis from a specialized physician can pinpoint PTSD but some of the symptoms are:

  • Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event.
  • Avoidance: Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event.
  • Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Hopelessness about the future and difficulty maintaining relationships.
  • Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Being easily startles or frightened. Overwhelming guilt or shame.

Remember, this is a very small sample of possible symptoms. Only a doctor can make a proper diagnosis.

The Law Office of Lazarus and Lazarus will meet you in confidence at with no cost to make an initial assessment of your situation and recommend professionals who can help. Please call us at 954-356-0006 to make an appointment. We are available 7 days a week.