Impaired Driver Accident Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys, Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorney | , ,

What to Do If You Are in an Accident Involving a Drunk Driver

Impaired Driver Accident Attorneys

New Infrastructure Bill Hopes to Prevent Drunk Driving Accidents and Injuries

Serious accidents are always difficult to investigate, but when an impaired driver is involved they are an even larger challenge because that means there is a criminal element to deal with and often the offender leaves the scene.

It’s important to understand what you should and should not do if you are involved in an accident and you believe another driver is impaired. Police recommend you do not try to detain a drunk driver from leaving the scene but call 911 and give the best description of the car and the driver you can. They will search for and hopefully find the driver.

Personal Injury Attorneys Fort LauderdaleDrivers who run afoul of the Florida Statutes covering impaired driving have for years found themselves ordered to install special equipment in their cars as a condition if they want to drive. It is a system that screens them with a breathalyzer-type device to make sure they don’t have alcohol in their system.

This year the U.S. Congress is attempting to pass a large infrastructure law that will include a requirement for U.S. automakers to install special equipment to sense if the driver is impaired. Read Car & Driver Article – Known as the Drunk Driving Prevention Technology Provision, it would not be the type of system known previously which involves blowing into a tube, but would involve some type of sensory technology. We can only hope it cuts down on drunk driving accidents.

Fact: In every state, it’s illegal to drive drunk, yet one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 52 minutes in the United States in 2019.  

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping drivers who are injured by impaired drivers since 1992. We work with the police and with insurance companies to make sure the rights of our clients are protected and that they receive the maximum compensation allowed by law for their damages and injuries.

If you are involved in any type of accident it is smart to seek the advice of an experienced Personal Injury Attorney. Our consultations are free and completely confidential. We’re available 7 days a week at 954-356-0006.

Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus | 954-356-0006 | Offices in Fort Lauderdale and Weston

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

The Importance of Choosing a Thorough Attorney for Your Personal Injury Case

One Missed Detail Can Doom a Fair and Substantial Settlement

When someone is injured in an automobile, truck, or motorcycle accident the trauma, pain, and loss of income combine to make dealing with life a challenge. While victims try to heal they often look for help from an attorney to handle the details necessary to try to return to normal physically, financially, and emotionally.

This is where being thorough is crucial.

Believe it or not, some law firms and insurance companies will look at a case and agree to a quick settlement based on the first facts available. This is rarely a smart course of action.

Something very important we have learned in 22 years of experience handling south Florida personal injury cases is that we must completely understand all facets of every case. The urge for an immediate resolution must be retrained in order to consider potential significant future complications.

“Never neglect details. When everyone’s mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant.”    Colin PowellInjury Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale

For example, in addition to medical bills incurred immediately after an injury there may be subsequent medical bills for follow-up care. There is often a need for physical and occupational therapy to return to work and that may be necessary for months or even years.

If a person is injured in any accident, they may later return to work and find that they can’t perform at the same level they did before the accident. That may cause them to lose income, known as future earning power, and if it lasts for an extended period of time it could be many thousands of dollars.

Thoroughness also includes knowledge of the law. Every day there are new rules, procedures, and statutes pertaining to personal injury cases. Your attorneys must be up to date and aware of everything that could prove your case and win.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus always conducts an extensive investigation into every case and we give our clients only reasonable expectations as to the outcome. We consider all options, focus on the details, and communicate constantly with our clients so they understand everything that happens.

We can be reached 7 days a week at (954) 356-0006 – You will speak directly with Attorney Gary Lazarus or Attorney Arleen Lazarus.

Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorneys • Lazarus and Lazarus

Highway Safety Facts and Statistics – Insurance Information Institute

Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys
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Document Your Accident to Protect Your Rights – Fort Lauderdale Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Reliable Evidence such as Photos, Statements, and Medical Records are Essential

Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorneys

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is in the news every day for their critical involvement in the Covid-19 crisis, but they actually work to keep Americans healthy in many different ways. The CDC focuses its attention on infectious disease, food borne pathogens, environmental health, occupational safety and health, health promotion, injury prevention and educational activities designed to improve the health of United States citizens.

The CDC compiles statistics every year, which are very important to study so we can understand where we need to work harder to keep people safe. For example, many people probably don’t know that in a typical year more people are killed in unintentional falls than in motor vehicle accidents.

In 2018:

  • Deaths from accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles were 37,595.
  • Deaths from unintentional falls were 39,433.
  • Deaths from unintentional poisonings were 65,773.
  • Unintentional deaths of all types were 173,040.

The number of injuries from these causes is much higher.

Injury Attorneys Fort Lauderdale
Your Phone Has a Camera – Use it to Photograph Evidence

So, what happens if you are injured and it wasn’t your fault? Fortunately the United States Constitution allows us to pursue justice which includes compensation for our medical bills and pain and suffering. But how do we get that justice?

First of all, putting together evidence that (a) you were injured and (b) it was someone else’s fault involves some thinking and diligence on the part of the victim. Almost everyone carries a cell phone with a camera, so use it.

Example: You are walking through a retail store and an overloaded display falls on you or you slip on a spilled substance and you’re injured. It’s likely a manager and employees will come to see if you are ok, but it’s not their job to document the incident and note any carelessness on the part of the store or its employees.

Your testimony later is helpful, but it is not the strongest evidence in an injury case. If possible, ask someone to help you with photographs, notes, and the names of witnesses. This is very important.

The most common types of unintentional injuries are:

  • Car Accidents
  • Slip and Fall Accidents
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Assault
  • Workplace Accidents
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability

Immediately after urgent care is afforded anyone injured, it is prudent to make a telephone call to an attorney who deals with personal injury law. An experienced attorney will act quickly to gather information necessary for the truth about the accident’s cause to be documented properly.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping injury victims since 1992 and we are always available to answer questions. We can be reached at (954) 356-0006 seven days a week. Nosotros hablamos español.

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.

 

Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys
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Choosing a Lawyer for Your Injury Case – Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Statistics allow us to know a lot about our world, and they can help us make decisions about our lives. For example, did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) life expectancy for smokers is at least 10 years shorter than for nonsmokers. Quitting smoking before the age of 40 reduces the risk of dying from smoking-related disease by about 90%. We hope we just convinced some people to quit!

You should also take care of your heart because the number one cause of death in Florida is heart disease. Eat right, exercise, and you’ll make those who love you happy by lowering your risk of heart issues.

After heart disease, cancer is the number two killer of Floridians, but most people have no idea what ranks number three. It’s unintentional injuries, and that includes traffic accidents (car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian) as well as industrial accidents, slips and falls, and a large number of other mishaps that injure and kill thousands of people in Florida every year. Obviously you can reduce your risks for accidents by taking reasonable safety precautions, but the truth is that anyone can be the victim of someone else’s negligence and be hurt, sometimes severely.

What do You Do When You’re Injured in Florida?

Fortunately our United States Constitution, specifically the 7th Amendment, permits citizens to seek restitution in a court of law. The first thing most people do when they are seeking justice is hire an attorney, and there are many to choose from. What do you do, where do you go, or who you going to call?

Here are some tips we suggest for everyone so they can make the best choice:

In most personal injury cases, time is of the essence, which means you’ll want to move fast. The reason for expediency is that most injury cases involve witnesses, and people’s memories are clearest immediately after an incident. It’s also important to preserve evidence in the form of photographs by other means as appropriate. Therefore, as quickly as possible make a list of three to five attorneys and set appointments with each. You’ll want to ask each attorney what kind of results to expect and you’ll want to ask about qualifications. How many injury cases have they handled? How long have they been dealing with accidents similar to yours?

It’s also important to ask what kind of results your potential attorney has achieved for other clients. What kind of statements are available online from previous clients? Will your attorney have the time to speak to you if you pick up the phone and call?

Fort Lauderdale Injury AttorneysClarify Attorney Fees. Most injury attorneys offer a free consultation, but it’s important to be crystal clear about what you may be charged for right from the start.

As with any decision, your gut feeling will play a role in your decision, but try to balance feelings and facts and then make a decision.

Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys – Lazarus and Lazarus

If we meet to discuss your case we want you to know that everything we discuss is completely confidential. In Florida, the attorney-client privilege is governed by Section 90.502 of the Florida Statutes. We will clearly explain what the options are for your specific situation, and we’ll tell you what to expect.

To reach our law office you should call (954) 356-0006 7 days a week. We place the highest priority on responding to calls for help so if we don’t answer, we will respond to your message immediately. If you choose another attorney we will wish you the best possible outcome.