| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | TRACTOR TRAILOR ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | ,

Why Cars and Trucks Collide

If We Understand Why Crashes Happen, We Can Take Steps to Avoid Them

Americans love to drive. Perhaps no invention affected American everyday life in the 20th century more than the automobile.

Although the technology for the automobile existed in the 19th century, it took Henry Ford to make the useful gadget accessible to the American public. Ford used the idea of the assembly line for automobile manufacturing. He paid his workers an unprecedented $5 a day when most laborers were bringing home two, hoping that it would increase their productivity. Furthermore, they might use their higher earnings to purchase a new car.

highway-trucksAnd so the love affair between Americans and their cars began. Even when new mass-transit systems are designed and constructed for travelers and commuters, large numbers of people prefer to drive on their own.

The creation of the interstate highway system not only allowed people to travel long distances in their cars, it permitted the cross-country delivery of goods by large commercial trucks. The blend of cars and trucks on the same roads has created the inevitable problem of collisions between the two, and these collisions often have deadly consequences.

Sharing the Road

The reason car vs. truck collisions are so devastating is simple physics. Passenger cars gained about 414 pounds in 26 years. In 1980, the average weight for passenger cars was 3,041 pounds, but it rose to 3,455 pounds by 2006.

The average weight of an 18-wheel tractor trailer on the road in the U.S. is 80,000 pounds.

When crash investigators examine what causes accidents, they look at the “critical reason” and the “associated factors” – two different things. For example, if a deer ran out in front of your car and you hit it, that would be the critical reason for the crash. However, an associated factor may be that it was raining and that caused you to not see the poor animal.

Some Statistics

For cars and trucks these are the critical reasons for crashes:

Trucks Cars
Non-Performance (sleep, sick) 3% 16%
Recognition (inattention) 35% 30%
Decision (speed, aggressive) 42% 24%
Performance (overcompensate) 7% 19%
Vehicle (brakes, tires, lights) 8% 4%
Environment (roadway, weather) 4% 3%
Unknown 1% 1%
Total 100% 100%

These are some of the associated factors – note that there can be more than one, so the totals exceed 100%:

Factors Trucks Cars
Brake problems 27% 2%
Traffic flow interrupted 25% 25%
Stop required before crash 21% 6%
Unfamiliarity with roadway 19% 10%
Inadequate surveillance 16% 14%
Traveling too fast for conditions 15% 11%
Illegal maneuver 12% 18%
Felt under work pressure 10% 3%
Distraction (Internal or External) 10% 10%
Inattention 9% 9%
Fatigue 7% 15%
False Assumption 6% 3%
Cargo Shift 1% NA
Illegal drugs 0.40%  3%
Alcohol use 0.30% 9%

You don’t have to be a government expert on traffic safety to notice a few interesting things. First of all, it seems that brakes on trucks are a big problem, and/or trucks need to reduce their speed. Also, it seems that alcohol and drug use is not a common cause for crashes among truckers. Passenger vehicle drivers still have some work to do on that issue.

If you drive a passenger vehicle, please pay attention to the fact that lack of rest is a big issue in crashes, as is lack of attention (which includes texting). Make a conscientious decision to eliminate those from being possible while you are driving, and you have significantly increased your chances of having a longer life.

Truckers, maintain your trucks. Try to avoid stress from the pressures of deadlines and competition. It’s understandable that you want to rush, but is it worth your life, or the lives of others?

Accidents involving truck have many special issues associated with them, and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has reserved a major part of their practice to this complex arena. If you or someone you know has been involved in a crash involving a truck, we would be happy to sit down and discuss your situation. You may reach Gary or Arleen Lazarus by calling 954-356-0006.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | , ,

Motorcycle Safety is a Two-Way Street

Working Together Towards a Solution Will Save Lives

Two_Way_StreetWe have posted a lot of data on motorcycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The news is never good and it’s getting worse because accidents are becoming more frequent.

We are asking automobile drivers and motorcyclists to take a few moments today and learn 3 things they can be done to make the roads safer for everyone.

Automobile Drivers:

  • Never, ever, text and drive. Distracted driving in one form or another is likely the primary cause for drivers not seeing motorcycles. Turn your phone off when you drive and take care of messages when you arrive at your destination. Nothing is more important than focusing on the road and your surroundings.
  • Look twice. When you go to pull out onto a high-traffic road, check for oncoming traffic. Then look again. In the instant you begin pulling out, a motorcyclist may have moved into the lane you are intending to occupy. Check twice, save a life.
  • Use your mirrors. Both side-view and your rear-view mirrors are there for a reason. Adjust them before you start driving and make sure they are properly lined up. Look carefully for motorcycles before you change lanes. Lane changes by cars into the pathway of motorcycles is a common catalyst for serious crashes.

Motorcyclists:

  • Don’t buy more bike than you can handle. There are no clear statistics for this, but many accident investigators believe that some people ride motorcycles that are simply too large and too powerful, and they crash. If you are 5’7” and weigh 160 pounds, you probably should not consider buying a 197 horsepower Yamaha V-Max. It’s not an issue of how tough you are, it’s buying the right bike to maximize performance and safety.
  • Invest in Anti-Lock Brakes. This is a proven life-saving advancement and it’s worth the cost. The reason is simple: Locking up the brakes in a panic stop robs the rider of any steering control. That can easily lead to a skid and crash, which can result in serious injury. ABS helps you retain steering control during an emergency stop, and it can be especially valuable in slippery conditions.
  • Wear the right gear. Jeans, a T-shirt, and sandals are recipes for a painful disaster on a bike. Specially designed jackets with rugged padding and breathable mesh material provide protection as well as ventilation for riding in warm weather. You’ll also want effective eye protection; don’t rely on eyeglasses or a bike’s windscreen. Use a helmet visor or goggles. And keep in mind that car drivers who have hit a motorcycle rider often say they just didn’t see them, so choose gear in bright colors.

Working together, we can save lives.

The Law Office of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping the victims of motorcycle accidents for over 20 years and we understand the special circumstances that go along with these serious incidents. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle crash, please reach out to Gary or Arleen Lazarus by calling 954-356-0606 and we will be happy to meet with you promptly and confidentially.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Motorcycle Accident Attorney, MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | , ,

What are the Primary Causes of Motorcycle Crashes?

Most people have strong feelings about motorcycles and many rank riding one with skydiving, “There is no way I would ever do that. It’s too dangerous.”

But ask a motorcycle enthusiast, and they wouldn’t even think of traveling by any other means.

Everyone has opinions, but let’s look at the facts and the statistics.

The top two causes for motorcycle crashes are speeding and driver inattention. But in both cases it’s more often the other driver, not the motorcyclist.

Speeding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents, because speeding drivers do not have time to slow down or react to vehicles around them, including motorcycles that may be difficult to see because of their size. Many motorcycle accidents involving speeding driversFlorida Motorcycle Accident Attorney result in serious or even fatal injuries, since motorcycles offer little or no protection to riders in the event of a crash.

In several studies motorcyclists have been rated as the most careful and courteous drivers on the road. Most people riding motorcycles exercise exceptional caution and are more alert than automobile drivers due to the basic instinct of self-preservation.

Driver inattention includes drivers who are preoccupied on their cell phones and therefore put motorcyclists in jeopardy, sometimes causing deadly accidents. A survey commissioned by AT&T found that seven in 10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving, mostly texting and emailing, although surfing the web, tweeting, video chatting, and posting to social media are also prevalent. About one in seven drivers admitted to being on Twitter while behind the wheel.

Driver inattention also includes lane changes, which are a top cause of motorcycle crashes. Automobile drivers simply do not take the time to check both rear-view mirrors before they move into another lane.

In 2013 motorcyclists were about 26 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled and five times more likely to be injured, according to NHTSA.

Of the 4,668 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2012, 94 percent (4,399) were riders and 6 percent (269) were passengers.

The bottom line is that the best way to save lives is to slow down, pay attention, and never text and drive at the same time. Look twice, save a life.

Lazarus and Lazarus has devoted a substantial portion of our legal practice to help the victims of motorcycle crashes. We understand the special circumstances involved and our knowledge of the law and motorcycle insurance issues is extensive. We are here to help victims get through any injury-related problems and we always do our best to see that every client receives the maximum compensation available and appropriate for their injuries, losses, and pain. Please call us if we can help – 954-356-0006 and ask for Gary or Arleen Lazarus.

Florida Personal Injury Attorney
| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | Florida Personal Injury Attorney, Uncategorized | , , ,

Let’s not “Visit” the Emergency Room

The dictionary defines the word “visit” as “an act of going or coming to see a person or place socially, as a tourist, or for some other purpose.” Most visits are pleasant experiences, right?

The U.S. Center for Disease Control, which works to keep us healthy also keeps track of injury statistics. They call going to the emergency room a “visit” but there’s not too much pleasant about being treated at the emergency room. Those are visits we can live without.

Florida Personal Injury AttorneySome of the types of injuries and statistics for emergency room visits are surprising, but understanding them might help us and our loved ones avoid visits to the ER. Sometimes injuries are our own fault and sometimes they are due to someone else’s – that’s when a personal injury attorney can help.

Let’s look at some numbers:

Nationwide, in 2011 there were 136.3 million ER visits. 40.2 million were related to injuries. The rate of people visiting the ER was 44 per 100 people, so if you’re an average person, you had slightly less than a 50% chance of going to the ER.

In Florida, the reasons for going to the ER are interesting.

The number one cause for going to the ER – non-fatal injury – is listed as “fall.” Now, a large number of these incidents are in the upper-age segment of the population for obvious reasons, but it is also number one for ages 10-14, probably skateboard and bicycle mishaps.

The number two reason for going to the ER in Florida across all age groups is “struck by.” Struck by? What is struck by? Some research shows that people are struck by many things including Struck By: car, truck, bus, train, boat, golf cart, golf club, forklift, crane, mobile platform, bicycle, tire, flying piece of X, garage door, door opening, rock, another person, mail carrier, farm equipment, falling objects, motorcycle, stock items, batted ball, lawn mower, scaffolding, pressurized hose, hammer head, etc…..

So, it’s probably a good idea to avoid everything on that list. You’d have to stay home under the bed.

Number three is motor vehicle accidents, which we write about often. Wear your seat belts, slow down, don’t text and drive, and never, ever drive if you have been drinking.

Number four is interesting but not surprising in Florida: over-exertion. The heat and humidity can wear you down and wear you out fast if you’re working or exercising above your tolerance. Always see a physician before starting a work-out regimen and stay hydrated. Take regular breaks of you’re working outside in the heat and when you feel that something hurts, stop.

Many visits to the ER can be prevented by exercising good judgement, but sometimes you can’t prevent an injury because they are often caused by someone else’s negligence. Some of the more common injuries resulting from negligence are falls due to unsafe conditions, being struck by unsecured objects, defective products, and assaults by other persons.

If you slip due to a puddle on the floor and you are injured, this is not necessarily a clear-cut “slip and fall” injury. There are legal issues such as duty of care, premises liability, security precautions, and a host of other circumstances to consider in any injury situation.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been advising and helping victims of injuries in south Florida for over 20 years. Gary and Arleen Lazarus are eminently qualified personal injury attorneys who will listen to the circumstances of your injury and discuss options which may help you receive any compensation that is appropriate under the law. You can reach the firm by calling 954-356-0006.

 

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | , ,

Overseas Health and Accident Insurance for Cruise Passengers

Two important things to think about whenever you travel overseas are (1) local laws and (2) insurance coverage.

Foreign laws are quite different than U.S. laws and anyone traveling abroad would be wise to study them, especially criminal laws. For example, with marijuana regulation lightening up in America, one might think that the rest of the world is going the same way.

That’s not entirely accurate.

For example, if you are going to Thailand, you may want to know that in Thailand, possession of category one drugs for the purpose of sale carries the death penalty!

People going on a cruise often think that the cruise company will have all bases covered should anything happen, like an illness, accident, or a minor legal issue. That, too would be an incorrect assumption. If you’re on board the ship and have a health issue, most ships have doctors and a medical facility. At a port-of-call you might be on your own.

On a recent B&O Cruise several passengers were injured while off-ship on the island of Vanuatu when their bus struck another vehicle. The report said “of the 12 tourists injured in the accident, 10 of them were seriously injured enough to warrant air ambulance evacuations to Brisbane. Several of the tourists involved in the crash suffered head injuries and multiple fractures.” Brisbane is 1200 miles from Vanuatu, which is quite disconcerting.

So, what can you do to make sure you are covered for any mishaps, accidents, or emergencies that might happen while far from home on a cruise? It might be a good idea to look into some quality insurance coverage.

There are three types of insurance related to international travel:

  • Travel Insurance insures your financial investment in your trip. Typically it covers such things as the cost of your lost baggage and cancelled flights, but it may or may not cover costs of medical attention you might need while abroad.
  • Travel Medical Insurance covers the cost of various levels of overseas medical treatment.
  • Medical Evacuation Services provides air ambulance, medical evacuation or medical escort service coverage for overseas travelers.

Before you buy new coverage, check your own insurance. Some policies will cover you abroad, some will not. The U.S. State Department has a link to a page on their website that offers a list of companies that will provide coverages. Blue Cross offers travel health insurance here.

As you can see, this is all a very complex area to understand. When someone is injured or is the victim of a crime while on a cruise away from the U.S. it’s always a complicated issue.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been dealing with victims of negligence by cruise line companies, foreign medical personnel, hotels, and other transportation providers for over 20 years. We are one of the most highly regarded firms in the area of maritime law and we deal with U.S. and foreign law enforcement as well as insurance companies to make sure our clients are protected. Please reach out to us by calling 954-356-0006 and ask to speak with Gary or Arleen Lazarus.

Cruise Ship Alcohol
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | , ,

Pre-Paid Alcohol Plans + Moving Cruise Ship = Injuries

Plans Encourage More Drinking

There’s something about traveling that brings out the desire to drink in certain individuals. Some people sit down in their seat on an airliner and the first thing they look for is the beverage cart. Many commuter trains used to have bar cars, but most have been eliminated. The Metro North line in New York and Connecticut was apparently the last and they ended in 2014.

Cruise lines have taken the concept of travel-drinking to a new high with all-you-can-drink plans for passengers who don’t want to take the chance they might not get enough booze on their voyage. Carnival Cruise Lines offers a plan called CHEERS! and their website says “The cost to purchase CHEERS! prior to your cruise is $49.95 USD per person, per day plus 15% gratuity.”

Cruise Ship AlcoholSome people feel that it is irresponsible to offer these types of drinking plans to people who are obviously going to be in an unfamiliar setting on a moving vessel. The cruise lines have no idea if they are selling these plans to responsible, experienced drinkers or people who have very bad reactions to alcohol. Everyone is different.

Common sense tells most people that excessive alcohol consumption reduces a person’s ability to control balance and motor skills. If common sense isn’t doing it, there is also plenty of medical evidence. According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol affects every single organ in the human body. After even just one drink, you might notice the effects of alcohol on your mind and ability to perceive your environment. This is the result of the alcohol being absorbed rapidly into your blood stream.

Each instance involving a passenger injured while imbibing in alcohol on cruise ship will involve several questions. Was the passenger indeed drunk? Was the passenger over-served? Was there negligence on the part of the ship involving dangerous conditions?  Some people might think, “If I get drunk and fall on a cruise ship, it’s not my fault,” and that may or may not be true. The responsibility for injuries incurred on a cruise ship is often a murky area, as there may be negligence by the passenger or by the ship. As with most things pertaining to the law, it’s complicated.

People go on cruises to have fun, there is no doubt about that. People also are injured, sometimes severely on cruise ships. When accidents happen, someone has to conduct a thorough investigation about the facts and circumstances that may have contributed to the incident. Many personal injury attorneys will claim to be qualified to handle a cruise ship injury but very few are actually experienced and have sufficient knowledge of the cruise industry to properly represent a victim.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been representing the victims of cruise ship negligence for over 20 years. We are familiar with the tactics used by cruise line corporations, and we know how to get results for our clients. Please reach out to us by calling 954-356-0006 and ask to speak with Gary or Arleen Lazarus. All communication with our office is strictly confidential.

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | PHARMACEUTICAL NELIGENCE, Uncategorized | , ,

“Their Anxiety Grew as the Pills Dwindled”

Supply Chain Issues Cause Stress and Jeopardize Patient Health

Pharmacy Supply Chain ErrorsWe have discussed the fact that medical errors are now the 3rd leading cause of death, and that pharmacy errors account for a great number of those deaths. Many mistakes regarding prescription medications occur as a result of human error such as putting the wrong pills in the bottle, mislabeling, or incorrect dosages.

A new article in Forbes – A Prescription Drug Bottleneck Put My Husband’s Life in Danger – addresses a growing number of patients dealing with the “supply-chain” side of getting medicine from the pharmaceutical manufacturers to the patient.

Some companies are trying to by-pass traditional pharmacies and send medication via mail-order in order to save money. This article describes a patient afflicted with Parkinson’s disease and his wife who endured several very stressful episodes when crucial medication was completely unavailable.

Are Prescription Medications Safe?

Another issue related to the pharmaceutical supply chain is the fact that drugs often pass through many hands as they travel from the factory to the consumer.

Wholesalers and secondary wholesalers often distribute medicine to the highest bidder, or ship them out of the country if there is a buyer willing to pay. It is also in these mid-level channels that counterfeit drugs sometimes infiltrate the market from China, Thailand, or Columbia. The more frequently a drug changes hands, the greater the chance that counterfeit or diverted drugs can enter the legitimate supply chain.

Such a porous supply chain poses hazards to patients — thousands of people worldwide die every year from ingesting fake drugs — and it costs the pharmaceutical industry an estimated US$46 billion a year in lost profits. The World Health Organization (WHO) in a recent study said that counterfeit drugs represent more than 10 percent of global sales. In 2004, the FDA reported that the number of its investigations of counterfeit drugs rose by 150 percent from the previous year as a growing number of criminal groups take advantage of high profits and penalties that are less severe than those for selling illegal narcotics such as heroin or cocaine.

The chances of receiving a counterfeit pill from one of the major pharmacy chains in the U.S. are very slim, but it’s not a bad idea to inspect your medications and make sure they look right, that they’re the right color, etc.

If something doesn’t look right with your medication check with your pharmacist, and there are pictures of pills online, look for one published by the manufacturer.

Lazarus and Lazarus has been dealing with pharmacy-error-related injuries for over 20 years. If you believe you have suffered due to a prescription medicine related error or negligence on the part of a pharmacist, pharmacy, or any medical practitioner, we would be happy to sit down with you and listen to your story. We can be reached by calling 954-356-0006

Edited by Telarfa Czanno

Accident Damage Florida
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | , , ,

Documenting Injuries and Damage After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Early Photos and Witness Statements Help to Substantiate Your Case

The immediate reaction after a serious motor vehicle accident is often “oh no, what am I going to do?” There is usually confusion, phone calls to family and friends, and a general feeling of disbelief and bewilderment.

It’s a very good idea to make a mental note – right now – that if the time comes and you are involved in an accident, you must try to do your best to remain calm. Cool heads rule in situations like this and if you want to come away from a bad situation with as little negative results as possible, you’ll want to try to calmly and accurately document everything right from the start.

Accident Injuries and Accident Damages

Using an acronym sometimes helps remember what to do in stressful situations, so you may want to remember POW:

  • Pictures
  • Observations
  • Witnesses

Pictures – Almost everyone on Earth carries a phone with a camera. Try to take pictures immediately after an accident as long as it doesn’t interfere with rendering aid or with law enforcement’s investigation. If you can’t do it, perhaps someone else can do it for you. Damage to vehicles, road conditions, conditions at the time of the accident. For example, if a stop sign was laying on the ground and that caused you to not see it, take a picture. By the next day it may be repaired and your story has no support.

Early pictures of injuries are important because once they are bandaged or casted by medical personnel it may be weeks before you have the opportunity again.

Observe – Some things you cannot record with a camera, but try to remember or write down other things you notice. Who was there? Did someone leave the scene? Anything that seems unusual, try to make a written note of the details.

Witnesses – If the police are involved they will look for and interview witnesses, but sometimes a witness will leave before the law enforcement arrives. Try to get the names and numbers of people who might be able to help, and do it nicely. Witnesses can be a very important asset later if they are needed.

None of these things should ever be done if they interfere in any way with medical personnel or with law enforcement. They are valuable pieces to puzzle which may be gradually pieced together during the course of building a case which might involve statements, depositions, evidentiary fact-finding, lab tests, expert witnesses etc.

Once again, cool heads come out ahead.

Finding a Qualified Florida Accident Attorney

Now, after the dust settles and you have time to visit with an attorney who specializes in auto, truck, and motorcycle accidents, that attorney will be able to calmly explain your rights and your options. The pictures, observations, and witness information you gathered will greatly affect his or her ability to get to the truth for you.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been working with victims of serious vehicle accidents for over 23 years. They work with people across south Florida and they are familiar with all aspects of accidents, from dealing with insurance companies and doctors, to working with law enforcement.

Calling 954-356-0606 will put you in touch with Gary and Arleen Lazarus, two of the most caring, competent, and dedicated personal injury attorneys in Florida. After a confidential meeting you will have all options explained to you with no obligation whatsoever.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Florida Personal Injury Attorney, Uncategorized |

How to Select a Florida Personal Injury Attorney

Ask Questions and Do Your Research Before you Choose

There is no way to prepare for an accident. You wear seatbelts, drive carefully, and buy insurance, but you’re never really prepared for the unexpected.

If you haven’t been in a car accident, consider yourself lucky. Or overdue.

By car insurance industry estimates, you will file a claim for a collision about once every 17.9 years. That’s if you’re an average driver, which, whether you’re willing to admit it or not, you likely are.

Florida Personal Injury AttorneyChances are these crashes won’t be deadly. There are about 10 million accidents of all kinds each year, from parking lot scrapes to multi-car pileups, according to the National Safety Council; in 2009, just three of every 1,000 of those accidents involved fatalities.

When you’re involved in an accident, your first concerns are (1) yourself and (2) your car. If the accident is serious and there are injuries, it’s very important to immediately protect your rights under the law.

Medical bills start accumulating from the moment you are treated by a paramedic or physician, so time is of the essence. The first person to contact after medical help and law enforcement is a qualified personal injury attorney, but how do you find a good one?

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission offers these pointers for choosing an attorney:

Look for a lawyer who has experience and a good record settling personal injury cases. Some of the ways to find an attorney who specializes in auto accident settlements include:

  • Ask friends, family and associates.
  • Call your state bar association.
  • Check with a lawyer referral service.

And of course there is experience. Albert Einstein said “The only source of knowledge is experience.”

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been representing victims of automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents for over 23 years. Gary and Arleen Lazarus are eminently qualified to understand the statutes involved with serious accidents and they are highly experienced dealing with hospitals, insurance companies, and law enforcement when there is a need to cut the red tape and get facts about their client’s cases.

Testimonials from previous clients can be reviewed here, and the attorney referral website avvo.com is an excellent place for additional reviews and ratings.

Confidentiality, trust, and attention to detail are three facets of the attorney-client relationship stressed by the Lazarus Law Firm. Any and all questions regarding qualifications, results, and procedures are welcomed by Gary and Arleen, and calling 954-356-0006 will put you in touch with their caring and professional staff.

Florida Accident Attorney
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | , ,

Social Media and Accident Cases

Be Very Careful After an Accident – LOL may become an OMG

You’ve been in a car accident. You’re shaken up, but fortunately you’re not hurt badly. You think the same about the people in the other car.

The next day you share the details with everyone on social media. You post pictures from the scene, your thoughts about what happened, and you even comment about the nice-looking police officer who came to the accident. It all seems harmless and kind of funny.

Florida Accident AttorneyTwo days later you get word that someone in the other car is actually injured far more seriously than you thought, and you realize it might be better if some of the things you posted on the internet remained private. Quickly you delete everything you posted and you’re all in the clear. Right?

That’s not entirely accurate.

In today’s high-tech world not only are the images and text messages you deleted still somewhere on your computer or smart-phone, they’re on your friend’s devices as well. They’re also in a place known as “the cloud” which means they are now part of a virtual world where they can be accessed by almost anyone. Forever.

Electronically stored information, or ESI, is a very significant part of almost every legal case today. Nothing is ever really deleted, and through a process known as legal discovery your pictures, emails, and text messages can be recovered and used as evidence in a court of law. There are companies that specialize in extracting ESI and they are very proficient.

Everyone has a duty and a legal responsibility to be forthcoming and to tell the truth when speaking with a police officer or when giving statements under oath. However, no one has to publish potentially damaging evidence across the internet for the whole world to see.

There are real-life examples of people who doomed their court cases and settlements because of things they posted online. Insurance companies will do everything and anything they can to avoid paying damages and they will scour the internet trying to find something incriminating related to a victim who is completely innocent of any negligence in a personal injury case.

In the time gap between an accident and your first phone call to an attorney, it’s in your best interest to remain silent.

Securing the counsel of a qualified attorney after any accident is a very prudent decision. Your attorney can advise you on your rights as well as your responsibilities pertaining not only to your injuries and/or damages, but your right to not self-incriminate.

Personal Injury Experts

These are complex areas of law, and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus is very experienced with social media as it relates to personal injury cases. Calling 954-356-0006 immediately after you are involved in any accident or personal injury incident will put you in touch with Gary and Arleen Lazarus, who have been advising victims for over 23 years.