| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENTS |

Cruises in the News – Accidents and Injuries at Sea and Ports of Call

South Florida is the cruise capital of the world with Port Miami and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale handling almost 8 million passengers last year. Everyone in south Florida benefits from the boost these ships give our local economy from hotels passengers stay in before they leave to companies that sell the food and liquor that stock the ships. It is estimated that Port Miami handles 52,000 passengers in one day on December 9, 2018.

A cruise truly is an escape from reality and they are great stress relievers. Out on the ocean your mind is free to forget about all the pressures back on land, and in foreign ports of call people relax and party without worrying about the daily grind back home.

Cruises are often in the news, but usually the news is not good. A search on Google news found these recent calamities:

250 fall ill on Royal Caribbean
Injured cruise ship passengers flown to Florida after bus crash in Bahamas
Massive Cruise Ship Crashes Into Port In Venice, Injuring At Least 5

The thing that makes cruises different from many other types of vacations is that while on the ship and at stops along the way, passengers are not covered by state and federal statutes related to negligence, liability, and malpractice. In other words, if you are hurt because of someone else’s carelessness it may be difficult to receive help for your injuries.Cruise Ship Accidents

Some common cruise ship accidents include slip and falls, falling overboard, fallen objects, dock accidents, swimming pool or water slide injuries, injuries on excursions taken on shore, medical malpractice, and sexual or physical assault. When an injury or death occurs on navigable waters rather than in a United States port, maritime law usually applies.

Can a Victim of Cruise Ship Negligence Get Help?

The answer is yes, but it’s complicated. For example, until a legal decision in 2014 cruise ships were almost immune from medical malpractice claims. Every jurisdiction is different, just as every accident is different. Remember that the right to sue someone in court is guaranteed in the United States because of our Constitution. Our Constitution does not extend to foreign countries and so a thorough investigation will be necessary. This is a very unique and complex are of law that many firms do not get involved in because it takes such special expertise.

Important: If you are ever involved in an accident or serious incident on a cruise ship or while off the boat on an excursion, it’s important to document everything possible. Take pictures, get the names and contact information of witnesses. This will likely be very important to

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus made a commitment when our firm was first founded that we would help people who are victims of cruise ship negligence and we continue to give them superior representation and service today. Our expertise and experience allows us to get results and we fight hard for every client. Call us at (954) 356-0006 for a consultation.

 

| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Advanced Driver Assistance Systems |

Will Technology Eliminate Auto, Truck, and Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Deaths?

Did you know that at one time there were human pin-setters who worked at bowling alleys setting up the pins? The automatic pinsetter forced them all to find new careers.Auto Accident Attorneys

There were also people who delivered ice to homes which was placed in the “icebox” to keep food from soiling. It was a booming business until the electric refrigerator/freezer came along.

Now, automobile manufacturers like Ford and Volvo have set goals of having a world with zero human fatalities and serious injuries in crashes and they plan to do it with new advanced driver assistance technology that actually does seem to be working. Should this come to pass, they may put personal injury attorneys out of business, but if their good work puts and end to the pain and suffering we see every day it would be welcome.

Of course people do find ways to hurt themselves and other people by other means such as dangerous workplaces, unsafe products, medical malpractice, and food-borne illnesses, among many others. There will always be a need for victims to have access to help getting medical care and compensation for illness and injuries, but a world with safe roads would be truly wonderful and we hope we see it become reality someday soon.

What Are These New Technologies?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

These three systems are already installed in many newer cars:

  • Blind Spot Alert
  • Back-up Cameras
  • Collision Alert – Automatic Braking Systems

It’s difficult to know exactly how these systems may be helping because we would need to count accidents that don’t happen, rather than accidents that do happen, but across the country there has been a reduction in serious accidents. Many other new systems are coming, the manufacturers promise.

It is interesting to note that motorcycle accidents continue to be on the rise in many states and they take away far too many lives. Pedestrian accidents are also very high and the numbers are not coming down. It is hoped that some of the planned technologies still on the drawing board will help reduce these tragedies.

One dangerous situation that also continues to cause more accidents is distracted driving, or texting behind the wheel. The technology exists to shut down cell phones while they are present in a moving vehicle, but consumers and lawmakers have resisted it so far. We think that if people could see first-hand some of the terrible injuries and loss-of-life caused by distracted driving they would think twice. Drunk driving is also a nemesis to safety on the road, and it must be resisted and ended once and for all by everyone working together.

If you have a car with some of these new technologies, you are lucky. Make sure you understand how they work, and take advantage of them along with driving carefully, obeying the rules of the road, and never driving under the influence or while distracted. If you do this there is a good chance we will never have to meet because of an accident on the road.

Fort Lauderdale Auto, Truck, and Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you have experienced an accident and you have questions, we’re here to help. Calling (954) 356-0006 will put you in touch directly with one of our attorneys who will clearly explain your possible options, and our consultations are always free and confidential.

| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Self Driving Cars and Trucks | ,

Driverless Trucks are Coming to Florida – Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

Cars with no drivers. If you mentioned that just a few years ago people would think you had lost your sanity, and yet today they are a reality.

Using a combination of cameras, sensors, GPS, and other technologies, driverless motor vehicles, also known as autonomous cars and trucks, are changing the way our legal system views who – or what –  is responsible for damages, injuries, and deaths that happen as a result of accidents on our roads and highways.

Fort Lauderdale Accident AttorneysWhile you have probably heard about some accidents in Florida and across the country involving driverless cars, you probably don’t know that driverless big-rig trucks may soon be operating on our roads, and without testing, certification, or inspections as early as next year. It seems the plan for auto-pilot trucks is to have a “driver” actually control a truck via remote control for the first part of its journey, guiding the rig from the origin out to a highway. Once on the highway the truck would operate by autonomous technology for most of the trip. When the destination is near, a remote driver would once again take control, guiding the truck to the final destination.

If this seems rather disconcerting to you, it probably should. The heavier a vehicle is, the more damage it can do, and big-rig trucks are very, very heavy. The average weight of a Toyota Camry is approximately 3200 to 3500 pounds. The weight limits for a loaded tractor-trailer varies by state but 80,000 pounds is not uncommon. That’s 22 Toyotas.

If a computer, sensor, or other component malfunctions and a big-rig truck goes out of control the damage could be catastrophic.

A new Florida law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis takes effect July 1st and paves the way for trucks and cars to operate in Florida as long as they follow federal laws and rules and have the proper insurance. Ride-sharing companies like Uber can also operate driverless vehicles. Click here for the Channel 5 story about the new law.

Only time will tell if these new “robo-trucks” will be safe but it will be very important to watch them carefully.

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

A whole new area of law has opened as the focus of many accident investigations may be on technology and possibly less on human beings. Legislators must enact laws in order to maintain a system whereby victims can be adequately compensated for lost wages, damaged property, medical expenses, pain, and suffering.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been on the front lines helping victims of automobile, motorcycle, and truck accidents in south Florida for over 25 years.  Maintaining our high standards and our reputation requires constant monitoring of changes in the law, and research into the latest technologies. We will continue to provide every client with diligent representation and fight for their right to obtain the highest possible monetary settlements and judgments. Questions? We’re here to help. Call (954) 356-0006 and speak directly with one of our attorneys.

South Florida Personal Injury Law
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Florida Personal Injury Attorney |

Florida Personal Injury Cases: Myths vs. Facts

Personal Injury Law is an area people hope to never have a need to know about, but it’s good to know just a little now so if you ever do need to connect with an attorney you will have a basic understanding of what to do.

Many people have misconceptions about personal injury attorneys and we would like to address that first. When people are injured because of the carelessness, negligence, or malpractice of someone else, we commit to defend their rights under the law. People in this country have a right to pursue compensation for their injuries and suffering, and we commit to help them do that very professionally, according to the laws and rules, and we do it diligently. We rarely charge any fees up front and we are committed to getting you the best possible settlement or if necessary going to a full trial to get what you deserve. We give our clients personal service and if we ever work together you will find that we truly care about our clients and their cases.

Now, some of the myths that are out there, followed by the facts:

  1. Myth: If you have insurance, you don’t need an attorney. Fact: Insurance companies are very large corporations that promise to deliver profits to their investors, and they love to collect your premium payments every month. But when you file a claim they are not so anxious to pay up, at least not as much as the case calls for. A qualified personal injury attorney will work to get you the maximum amount possible.
  2. Myth: You can’t file a claim for a minor injury. Fact: Yes you can. There are really no minor injuries, and often what is considered minor turns out later to be something very serious. People are sometimes injured in an accident, and the next day they feel fine. Later, they feel a “pinched nerve” in their neck and they discover there is nerve or cervical spine damage. Always seek the advice of an experienced attorney and see a specialist physician before agreeing to sign away your rights.
  3. Myth: Personal injury cases take forever to settle. Fact: Many cases settle very quickly. We will never promise a fast settlement, but we will promise to resolve your case to your satisfaction as quickly as possible.
  4. Myth: You can always file a case later if you don’t do it now. Fact: Florida law has limitations on how long you can wait to file a case. It is always best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible because time is actually critical for many reasons when there is an accident and injury involved. The case may require evidence, which deteriorates quickly, and you may need testimony from witnesses, and memories also deteriorate quickly.

    South Florida Personal Injury Attorney

    A phone call to the Law Office of Lazarus and Lazarus is free, and so is a confidential consultation. When you call you will speak directly with Mr. Gary Lazarus and he will listen to your complete story before advising you what the best course of action is for your situation. Our firm has earned a reputation for being compassionate, yet tenacious about getting justice for our clients. Call (954) 356-0006 – we’re here to help.