Children Injured in Accidents
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Florida Personal Injury Attorney

Personal Injuries Involving Minors – Accident Attorneys in South Florida

Our children are valuable and precious, and despite all the care and attention we put into protecting them, they do get hurt sometimes. Understanding the injuries they suffer and the time and expense it takes to heal is necessary for children to recover physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The leading causes of injuries to children include burns, falls, poisonings, and accidents on bicycles. For infants, drownings and suffocation are leading causes for accidental death, and for children 5 to 18 it is motor vehicle accidents. Every hour in this country almost 150 children visit emergency rooms due to accidents on the road. The good news is that nationally the number of serious injuries and deaths to children have decreased due to better safety systems in cars like airbags and other restraint devices.

Personal Injury Attorney for ChildrenBicycle and pedestrian injuries remain high, however, often with drivers hitting people because they are distracted behind the wheel. Please urge kids to be very careful and ride on bike paths rather than in the street. Wearing helmets, other protective garments, and bright reflective clothing can help. Stress to children that they should never assume the driver of a car or truck will see them because they often won’t.

Often after a serious injury the recovery period is very long, and sometimes there is permanent damage. When this is the case it is critical to fight for expenses that may very well be lifelong in nature. Settling a case for less than what will be needed for necessary expenses in the future can result in a very disappointing outcome.

It’s important to understand that a minor child cannot file a personal injury claim on their own, it must be done by a parent or guardian and Florida Statute 744.387 is the pertinent section. Sometimes there may be issues regarding parents who are divorced and who will be the one to look after the minor’s best interests. It is prudent to work with a personal injury attorney who is experienced advising parents about injuries to minors in order to fight for the best long-term results possible.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has worked for families with children for 27 years, helping injured kids recover and move on. We are concerned not only for the immediate needs of injured victims, but we work hard to make sure people are taken care of over as many years as it takes. Call us at (954) 356-0006 for a complimentary and confidential consultation.

 

 

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| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | South Florida Accident Attorneys |

What to do After a Motor Vehicle Accident – South Florida Accident Attorneys

Personal Injury Attorneys South Florida

If you want to live a long and healthy life, there are many steps you can take, one of which is to move to Monaco. The tiny principality nestled in along the French Riviera has the highest life expectancy in the world at 89.52 years. Here in the United States we can expect to live to 78.7 years of age, but of course it doesn’t really matter where you live if you have poor habits related to your health and safety. Good genes are what doctors tell us is the number one factor in a long life, followed by healthy choices on diet and exercise.

Statistics do tell us a lot about what is likely to happen in our lives and that even applies to motor vehicle accidents. According to statistics from the Insurance Institute, the average American driver to be involved in a motor vehicle crash every 18 years. Of course some people will never be in an accident and others will manage to crash their car many times, but those are the current numbers. Safe drivers who obey the speed limit and drivers who do not text or drive drunk have much better chances of avoiding accidents.

Here is something interesting that probably contributes to the fact that women outlive men:

Many more men than women die each year in motor vehicle crashes. Men typically drive more miles than women and more often engage in risky driving practices including not using safety belts, driving while impaired by alcohol, and speeding. – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

So, while you don’t want to live your life in a state of fear, wondering when you’re going to have a car crash, you do want to exercise caution and good judgement behind the wheel so you will be one the ones to defy the odds. And you’ll want to be prepared in case an accident does happen, so it’s not a major event. What are the things to do if you’re in an accident?

  1. Never leave the scene of an accident, even if it is minor. Florida law says you must stay and at least give your name and insurance information. If there are any injuries or major damage it must be reported. Don’t make the situation worse by leaving, do the right thing. Call the police.
  2. Make sure anyone injured is safe and out of danger, call the police and paramedics.
  3. Protect the scene and don’t move your vehicle unless it’s causing a safety issue or you are directed to by the police.
  4. Don’t volunteer information to others except for your name and insurance information. Answer questions from the police but don’t offer information they don’t ask for. Be truthful.
  5. Take pictures and get the names and contact information of witnesses.
  6. Write down anything you think is important, do not trust it to memory. Note the time of everything that happened.
  7. Don’t post on social media about the incident.
  8. Don’t admit guilt about anything. Sometimes in the heat of the moment people want to say something they realize later is not accurate. Stay calm and quiet.
  9. If you think you may be hurt, call a personal injury attorney right away. Remember that many injuries don’t immediately show on the surface, especially spinal and muscle injuries. Often people go home after an accident thinking they are fine but wake up the next morning in serious pain. Be safe, call an attorney and explain your situation.
  10. Even after some time has passed, do not talk about the accident or post on social media.
  11. Resist making quick decisions if you are offered a settlement from an insurance company. There is no hurry, take your time and get advice from an experienced attorney.

We hope you are a safe and careful driver and you have a long, peaceful and prosperous life. Expect every day to be a great one, but be prepared for life’s little trials and tribulations, and keep our phone number handy if you ever do need our help or advice. Lazarus Law Firm (954) 356-0006

 

| 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.

Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys

Coming Soon: The Most Dangerous Holidays on South Florida Roads – Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys

Summer! It’s the best time of year for many people. School is out, people are taking vacations, and it’s when many people change their routines and drive off to unfamiliar places on unfamiliar roads. Celebrations that include drinking are going on everywhere and it’s the perfect recipe for accidents.

This is why, indeed, more accidents happen on the three major summer holidays than any other holiday during the year. Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day are always the most dangerous. A recent CBS News article says, “Drivers and passengers, beware: You are four times as likely to die in a traffic accident over the Memorial Day weekend as over a regular weekend.” Kind of makes you want to stay home and hide under the bed.

Nationwide, Memorial Day Holiday weekend has averaged 312 fatal accidents per year over the past several years, with 4th of July averaging 312 and Labor Day averaging 307. Florida, one of the top tourist destinations in the nation will no doubt have a substantial portion of the serious accidents again this year.

There is no need to be afraid, but there is a need to take common sense precautions so you don’t end up being a statistic. A lot of accidents over holiday involve alcohol, so just make up your mind now that you will not drink and drive nor will you tolerate anyone who does. Don’t get in the car with someone who has had even a little alcohol, and don’t let a friend or family member do it. You may be unpopular, or called a party pooper, but you also may save someone’s life.

As Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys since 1992, we see many victims of drunk driving accidents every year, and it is heartbreaking.

Also, many accidents happen late at night. If you’re traveling long distance please arrange your rest stops to begin when it gets dark. Book a hotel room and don’t push yourself past the point where you’re exhausted. Tired drivers tend to have slower reflexes and tired eyes don’t focus as quickly as fresh ones. Pull over and sleep!

Before you embark on a long drive have your car checked for the trip, paying special attention to headlights, seat belts, and tire pressure. Improperly inflated or worn tires are very dangerous and can cause a serious accident. Florida’s new texting and driving law goes into effect July 1st but we hope no one waits for that day to use good judgement and just never text and drive. Distracted driving is killing people all across the country and it simply cannot be condoned.

Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys

We hope everyone has a happy and safe summer, but if you are involved in an accident in Florida, we’re here to help. If you have questions please call us at (954) 356-0006 and you will speak directly with Mr. Gary Lazarus, a diligent and caring personal injury accident attorney for over 27 years in south Florida. All our consultations are completely confidential.

 

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Motorcycle Accident Attorney |

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month – Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Injury Attorneys

The 3 states with the most fatalities involving motorcycles are Florida, California, and Texas (in that order) but Florida is smaller in population than the other two states and the reasons are not entirely clear why we have such a bad record. Florida has possibly the best climate year-round for riding motorcycles, and so there are more on the road, but we also have a lot of rain which causes slippery roads. Florida has more tourists who are naturally unfamiliar with the roads and that doesn’t help.

We are convinced that if Florida drivers are educated about the need to slow down and drive with caution we can lower the serious motorcycle injuries and deaths that occur every year.

Statistics show that the number one cause for a motorcycle vs. other motor vehicle crash is that the other vehicle just “didn’t see” the motorcycle. Drivers of cars and trucks are either distracted by something else (texting, for example) or they just don’t take the time to look carefully.

The top two causes of crashes are (1) a driver pulls out into traffic without making sure the way is clear and safe, and (2) a driver turns in front of an oncoming motorcyclist and causes a collision.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a campaign many years ago called “Look Twice, Save a Life” and we believe that is something every driver in Florida Motorcycle Injury Attorneysshould make a habit of doing every time we are behind the wheel. When you pull out into traffic look to see it’s clear and then look again. It may save a life.

When you approach an intersection that is not the time to look at your phone, in fact your phone should be turned off and out of sight. Watch carefully for vehicles entering the intersection. If you are turning, you may turn in front of a motorcyclist.

515 motorcyclists died on Florida roads and highways in 2017 and each one of those deaths could have and should have been prevented. 7,725 motorcyclists were injured, and many are now permanently disabled.

Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Injury Attorneys

Injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes are particularly serious, and victims often require extensive surgeries, long-term hospitalization, and sometimes a lifetime of follow-up care. It’s important in the time immediately following a motorcycle crash for victims to seek the help of an experienced attorney, one who has experience with motorcycle crashes and injuries. The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus is a small firm dedicated to handling serious cases with personal attention to clients. We understand the trauma and pain victims experience because we have handled so many cases in the past, and today.

Our most important goal is to protect your rights to receive compensation for your injuries and the treatment you need to return to a normal life. When you call our firm at (954) 356-0006 you will speak directly with Mr. Gary Lazarus, an attorney with a reputation for fighting hard and getting results. You can click here to see the online reviews for Mr. Lazarus.

Gary Lazarus Personal Injury Attorney
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Florida Personal Injury Attorney

Timeline for a Personal Injury Case in South Florida – Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys

People are injured all over south Florida every day, and the causes range from automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents to workplace accidents to medical malpractice. It’s traumatic physically and emotionally to be harmed in any way but when it is due to the carelessness or negligence of someone else, the law provides a way to seek compensation for damages.

Laws can be difficult to understand and navigating the court system may seem like walking through a maze, but it can be done and most of the time, justice prevails.

Personal Injury Case Time FrameWhat is Time Frame for a Typical Personal Injury Case?

First of all, there is no such thing as a typical personal injury case. Since 1992 we have helped victims of every conceivable injury, and none have been typical. Even after all our cases, we understand we must be prepared for something completely unique every day. This is why we are constantly studying the latest court cases and rulings.

Because there are so many different types of injuries and because their causes and circumstances vary, it is difficult to estimate the time it may take to settle. Insurance companies are often involved in mediation and litigation, and we certainly have learned that many companies are not very agreeable when it comes to seeing the reasonable side of our client’s case. This is when we have to be strong and fight for what is right.

An insurance company may try to rush a victim into accepting a quick offer that is not enough to cover a victim’s injuries as well as possible future expenses. There are cases where relevant evidence needs to be collected or witnesses need to be located and that may delay the expeditious conclusion to a case.

We do make this promise to each and every client: We will work tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation allowed by law for your injuries, pain, suffering, time lost from work, property damages, and emotional stress. We will never waste your time and we will always move as quickly as possible to resolve your case.

We also promise to tell you what to expect during the process and we never set unreasonable expectations.

The first step is to call us. We answer the phone every day, and you will speak directly with attorney Gary Lazarus. Our number is (954) 356-0006

 

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle Injuries – Don’t “Walk it Off” – Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you ride, you know that automobile drivers and truck drivers just don’t take the time to scan the roadway and make it possible for them to see you or your motorcycle. The number one cause of motorcycle vs other vehicle collisions is the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic. Car and truck drivers pull out into traffic without looking both ways, they don’t look twice, and they often misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic, especially motorcycles.

Eighty percent of all motorcycle collisions result in injury or death, but many of the more “minor” accidents are not reported and often the motorcyclist with a sore knee or neck will just walk it off and go home with a scratch on the helmet or gas tank and chalk it up to experience. That’s not a prudent move.

Often injuries sustained in traffic collisions don’t become apparent until hours or even days later. That “stiff neck” may actually be a serious injury that will torment you for years to come. A sore South Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneysknee could actually be a torn ligament that will require expensive surgery to repair.

Some motorcyclists will refer to hitting their head on the pavement as “having their bell rung” but traumatic brain injuries are very serious and often have life-long detrimental effects including headaches, dizziness, and even internal bleeding.

If you’re in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s carelessness, do not treat it like a minor incident. Take the time to report the accident to the authorities and document everything that happened. If there are witnesses to the event, speak with them and ask for their contact information. Take photographs if you can of the accident scene, the other vehicle(s), damage to your motorcycle, and any external injuries. Get yourself checked out by a doctor right away and be very thorough about describing your aches and injuries.

Finally, but very important: Contact a personal injury attorney. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident you have rights, but it’s important to understand what to do to make sure they are protected. Waiting can cause a lapse in evidence that may be available only for a short time. Documenting injuries and damage should be done promptly. Witnesses can leave the area or lose their recollections of events. There are statutes of limitations.

South Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

The main job of a personal injury attorney is to protect your rights and to see that you receive all appropriate care and compensation for physical injuries, mental and psychological harm, and financial damages that were the fault of someone else. Doing so requires extreme effort because insurance companies don’t like paying out money and we often have to fight them to live up to their duties and responsibilities. We’re on your side from the first consultation, which you can arrange by calling (954) 356-0006.