Category: <span>Florida Accident Attorneys</span>

Albert Einstein said “Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses avoid them.”

What did he mean by that? We know that if there is such thing as a good problem, it’s the one that never happens. And isn’t it true that you can’t avoid something bad if you don’t see it or know that it’s coming? That’s why we have headlights on our automobiles, and we focus on the road ahead.

Some people say “Oh well, accidents happen” and think there is nothing you can do about them. We believe accidents can often be avoided if you are aware of their potential. Let’s discuss how to be a genius:

What are the most common accidents?

1. Read-end Collisions. How can these be avoided? You can avoid rear-ending someone if you focus on the road, do not allow yourself to  be distracted by your cell phone or other occupants, make sure your brakes are working properly, and leave a safe stopping distance between you and the car ahead. You can actually help to avoid someone crashing into you by making sure your brake lights work and by trying to leave an emergency exit route in case you see someone coming up fast behind you. When you stop at a light, don’t be 6 inches from the car ahead, so hopefully you can get out of the way.
2. T-Bone or Cross-Traffic Accidents. These usually happen when someone runs a red light or stop sign. Just because you have a green light does not mean you should blindly enter an intersection. Move into an intersection with your peripheral vision engaged, checking for other vehicles left and right. Driving defensively means you never assume other drivers will obey traffic laws and that they can see you. They might be texting and driving, a big no-no.
3. Clipping other cars while merging. Ease your way into moving traffic and try to do it at the same speed. Use your mirrors and your eyes by looking over your shoulder if you can. Never assume the other car will speed up or slow down. If you’re the one merging, the other drivers likely have the right-of-way.
4. Low-speed Collisions. Parking lots are the scene of more accidents than any other place, and they can be dangerous, especially when a pedestrian is involved. Move slowly, don’t let your guard down, and don’t be distracted.
5. Single Vehicle Collisions. These crashes are all-too-common, and often happen because the driver is distracted, texting, or intoxicated. Just don’t do those things. There is time later to reply to a text or make a call. Never, ever, drink and drive.

Now that you are aware of over 80% of all accident causes, don’t you think you can give some serious thought to avoiding them? It is far better to avoid an accident than to deal with one after the fact. If you can’t avoid an accident, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is who to call for help in solving the resulting problems.

Florida Accident Attorneys

Choosing an attorney to help you deal with damages, injuries, legal issues, and more is crucial. You’ll want to select someone with years of experience and a proven track record helping victims get the help they need. We invite you to look at reviews from our clients over many years, who have kindly reported their experiences with our firm. We work very hard to see that you are compensated fairly for your pain and suffering as well as lost time from work and other damages. Call us at 954-356-0006 for a free consultation.

Did you know that our nationwide network of highways is actually called the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways? The system is named for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who championed its formation. Construction was authorized by the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, and the original portion was completed 35 years later, although some urban routes were cancelled and never built.

Before all the highways were built people weaved their way through towns and farmlands on narrow roads, and long distance trips took far more time than they do today. Many families choose road trips over air travel for their summer vacations and pack the car, truck, or camper because they enjoy the sights, but it is prudent to be properly prepared.

Some of the things you’ll want to think about before you embark on your trip involve a thorough mechanical check of your vehicle, your car insurance, and your health insurance.

Hopefully you have a regular maintenance schedule for your car and stick to it, but even if you do it’s a good idea to double check the things that are most likely to cause problems on the road.

Overheating – Hoses, radiator, water pump, anything involving the coolant system should be inspected. Breaking down on a hot highway in the middle of July can ruin any vacation.

Belts – This is a big one. Most modern cars have one or two belts that run all the various systems: cooling, steering, electrical, and more. If your belts are worn, replace them.

Tires – Make sure your tires are properly inflated and the tread is not worn. Check your spare and make sure you have a jack that works in case you have a flat and need to change it.

Loading your car – Heavy loads should be packed in the center and low. Loading heavy items near the top, especially in a van or SUV can make the vehicle top-heavy and possibly more likely to tip over. If you use a roof rack, keep the same in mind, don’t overload. Always load according to manufacturers specifications.

Check all your lights – Headlights, back-up lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Sit in the car and have someone stand outside while you check every light on the car.

Car Insurance – Call your insurance company or your agent and make sure you are up-to-date on payments and fully covered. If your roadside assistance is tied to your insurance make sure it will cover you if you’re far from home in the middle of nowhere and that your coverage includes long-distance towing.

Health Insurance – Chances are you’ll be out-of-network for your trip so keep in mind that medical emergencies don’t care where you are when they happen. Also, make sure you have an adequate supply of prescription medications with you, or have the ability to refill if needed.

Focus on the Road – We understand that people get excited when vacation time comes, and people tend to throw caution to the wind, but please stay focused on the road. Don’t text while you drive or stare at the GPS. Never, ever drink and drive. Look after your car, take care of details, and pay attention to the road ahead of you and you’ll have a vacation to remember forever.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus works with people who have been injured in accidents, including many who have accidents on vacation. If you have questions about accidents, insurance, or anything else related to driving-related injuries please call us at 954-356-0006 and have a safe summer.

Most people don’t have a true understanding of how fast cars are traveling on the highways because they’re traveling along with everyone else. If you have ever had a breakdown and exited your car while other cars are flying by at 70 miles-per-hour, then you know. It’s fast! And it’s dangerous.

Police officers, paramedics, tow truck drivers, and others who respond to situations on the highways are often positioned very near the speeding traffic in order to do their jobs and they are in harm’s way. Because of this all 50 states have passed laws requiring that drivers approach emergency and service vehicles on the side of the road with caution, slower speed, and also requires that they “move over.”

In Florida, Statute 316.126 Title: Operation of vehicles and actions of pedestrians on approach of an authorized emergency, sanitation, or utility service vehicle includes the requirement to use caution and move over. Summary: State law requires drivers to reduce speed to 20 mph less than the posted speed limit and, if safe to do so, vacate the lane closest to stationary emergency vehicles, including towing and recovery vehicles, when traveling in the same direction. If such movement cannot be safely accomplished, the driver shall reduce speed.

A Fallen Officer’s Story
Deputy Sheriff Ryan Christopher Seguin Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Florida was struck and killed Feb. 15, ’06, by the driver of a vehicle as he and his partner made a traffic stop on Interstate 595 in Broward County, Florida. He was 23 years old.