Neck Injury Personal Injury Attorney
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized

Injuries Resulting From Low-Impact Collisions

Low Impact does not Mean Low Injury

You may remember from science class in school that there were some very smart people throughout history who gave thought to things we “normal” people don’t think about. One such person was Sir Isaac Newton, and his theories about gravity, motion, and optics profoundly impacted the study of physics and are involved in our daily life.

Your elbow bumps a cup of coffee on your desk, and it falls to the floor. We don’t think about it, but Newton’s observations and theories of gravity and motion explain exactly what happened and why.

You’re sitting in your car at a red light and someone strikes you from behind. The laws of physics are involved here as your body is thrust forward, you experience sudden stress to your neck, shoulders, hips and head.

Newton looked at simple occurrences in life and reasoned that there must be a way to calculate the forces of nature using scientific methods. In the case of a moving object striking an object at rest, he reasoned correctly that two factors are important to determine the force (F) of the impact, and those are speed, or acceleration (a) and the weight, or mass (m) of the moving object.

Read more “Injuries Resulting From Low-Impact Collisions”

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Truck Accidents, Uncategorized | , ,

Florida Bus and Truck Accidents Involving Migrant Workers – A Sad History

Florida Bus and Truck Accidents: Overloaded, Unsafe Trucks and Buses are Often to Blame for Migrant Worker Injuries and Fatalities

If you have lived in Florida for several years, you have probably heard about serious accidents involving migrant workers so often that you become almost used to them. They always seem to happen out in the middle of nowhere, and while you feel saddened by these tragedies, the news coverage is brief because the dead and injured people are not established members of the community. The victims are usually forgotten, and the accidents continue to happen.

Florida Bus and Truck AccidentsThe truth is that these accidents are often the result of careless and negligent companies and their employees who cut costs by placing human beings in harm’s way when they transport them in unsafe trucks and buses.

Nationwide, more than a dozen accidents have left at least 38 migrant workers dead and nearly 200 injured just since January 2015. The casualties included a 4-year-old and a 5-year-old, traveling with migrant worker parents.

According to the Associated Press, on July 2, 2016 police say a 1979 school bus carrying dozens of Haitian farm workers and family members blew through a flashing red light near the town of St. Marks, Florida, and was struck by a tractor-trailer. The truck driver and three on the bus were killed.

Unsecured seats were among 25 violations cited in post-accident inspections of farm labor contractor Billy R. Evans’ fleet. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration called the Belle Glade, Florida, contractor “an imminent risk of serious injury or death,” and ordered him off the roads.

Often, the farm companies or the contractors they hire to transport workers do not have adequate liability insurance, operate unsafe vehicles, or hire under-trained drivers, and the workers are afraid to say anything because they don’t want to rock the boat.

Florida Bus and Truck Accidents

Surely the State of Florida can do more to regulate transportation for migrant workers, inspect vehicles, and make sure that there is adequate insurance to compensate the victims and their families when accidents do happen.

Florida Accident Attorneys

Florida Accident AttorneysWhen a single accident involves many people in large commercial vehicles the process of sorting everything out is an extremely complex process and requires experienced attorneys and investigators. The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus specializes in helping victims of Florida bus and truck accidents. Our focus is on getting people the medical and financial help they need to recover.

We are pleased to meet with anyone who has questions about a serious accident, and you can reach us by calling 954-356-0006 or click here to fill out a contact form and we will respond to you promptly and confidentially.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | ,

Holidays Aren’t Happy for the Victims of Drunk Drivers – Broward County Accident Attorneys

While everyone should always be aware of the danger of driving while impaired, the holidays are statistically the time when drunk driving accidents are most likely to occur. Lazarus and Lazarus, Broward county accident attorneys urge everyone to be especially alert and careful during this and all holiday seasons.

broward county accident attorneysSummer holidays like the 4th of July bring out the worst in people, and winter holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve are also high on the list for serious injury accidents with impaired driving the cause.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the times of year when most DUI arrests and accidents happen are:

Memorial Day weekend sees more than 400 traffic fatalities most years. Over Labor Day weekend, the NSC notes that more than 400 traffic fatalities and more than 42,000 serious injuries occurred. In between the two dates is a stretch known as the “100 deadliest days for teens,” when more teens have too much free time and are more likely to engage in unsafe behaviors.

The 4th of July is known as the most dangerous holiday for people on the roads. More than 100 people died in traffic accidents over the 4th of July holiday this year.

Thanksgiving weekend, which includes “Blackout Wednesday” is the most traveled time of year, and therefore the number of accidents goes up proportionately. DUI arrests and accidents are also traditionally high, and extra caution should be observed.

Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and in-between has actually observed a slight reduction in DUI arrests, injuries, and fatal accidents possibly due to the fact that enforcement has been so concentrated on these holidays for many years. Alternatives to driving drunk like free cab rides may also be responsible for the decreases.

Broward County accident attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus have been representing victims of drunk driving accidents for over 20 years.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, here are some sobering stats regarding drunk driving accidents:

• In 2014, 9,967 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (31%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.

• Of the 1,070 traffic deaths among children ages 0 to 14 years in 2014, 209 (19%) involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

• Of the 209 child passengers ages 14 and younger who died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2014, over half (116) were riding in the vehicle with the alcohol-impaired driver.

• In 2014, over 1.1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. That’s one percent of the 121 million self-reported episodes of alcohol-impaired driving among U.S. adults each year.

• Drugs other than alcohol (legal and illegal) are involved in about 16% of motor vehicle crashes.

• Marijuana use is increasing and 13% of nighttime, weekend drivers have marijuana in their system.

• Marijuana users were about 25% more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers with no evidence of marijuana use, however other factors – such as age and gender – may account for the broward county accident attorneysincreased crash risk among marijuana users.

Broward County Accident Attorneys – The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus

Florida had over 61,000 DUI arrests in 2015, second only to Texas and California in the U.S.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus is committed to providing superior representation to victims of drunk driving accidents. We specialize in helping victims deal with their injuries, their expenses, and their recovery. Your rights under the law and getting you compensation for your losses are our primary concern.

You may reach out to us any time by calling 954-356-0006 and asking for a confidential consultation.

 

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

What’s Causing the Biggest Spike in Highway Deaths in 50 Years?

Florida Accident Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus are Concerned for Florida Drivers and Passengers

florida accident attorneysYou may not believe this, but when you take a picture using the mobile app Snapchat you can overlay onto the photograph a digital representation of your speed. In miles per hour. When I first heard about this so-called feature, with my understanding of human nature I immediately determined that this was a very bad idea.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating an October 26th crash near Tampa that killed five people. Just prior to the collision one of the passengers recorded a Snapchat video showing that her vehicle was traveling 115 miles per hour.

Is it any wonder that mobile apps and distracted driving in general is being blamed for a substantial increase in traffic collision deaths? We have advanced technology far enough to add a myriad of safety features into our cars, trucks, and motorcycles to make them safer, but then mobile app technology erodes the progress when irresponsible people misuse it to cause horrific traffic crashes.

In the first 6 months of 2016, highway deaths jumped 10.4% to 17,775, from the comparable period in 2015.

What can be done about this alarming trend?

The U.S. Department of Transportation has embarked on a program to toughen enforcement of seat belt laws for cars, helmets for motorcyclists, and for drunk and distracted drivers. But the only real change will likely come from……technology.

florida accident attorney

Driverless cars continue to be improved to the point where they may be a widespread reality in the next 15-20 years. In the interim most auto manufacturers are adding software that connects to smart phones and allows drivers to make calls, text, and navigate and use apps through hands-free interfaces.

The problem is that just because someone’s hands are free, doesn’t mean their concentration is on the road. Many researchers believe that drivers engaged in any external activity are distracted from what should be their only focus: driving. Hands-free options have been available for many years, and yet the statistics continue to show that something is causing more tragic crashes.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus

Serious automobile accidents are going to be too frequent an occurrence until fatalities reach zero. Until that day, we have to deal with them as best we can, and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus is committed to providing superior representation to victims throughout the state of Florida. We are experienced and qualified Florida accident attorneys who specialize in helping victims deal with their injuries, their expenses, and their recovery. Your rights under the law are our primary concern.

You may reach out to us any time by calling 954-356-0006 and asking for a confidential consultation.

Lazarus and Lazarus

Florida Accident Attorneys

Ft. Lauderdale
Wells Fargo Tower, 1 E Broward Blvd #700
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Weston
1625 N Commerce Pkwy #225
Weston, FL 33326

 

florida accident attorney
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | , ,

Planning a Winter Road Trip up North? Be Prepared! Florida Accident Attorneys

Floridians Should Check Vehicles for Winter Weather and Insurance

People who live in Florida most likely live here because of the weather. We hate snow.

But every year the holidays entice many Floridians to embark on road trips to the north for family holiday gatherings. It’s usually a wonderful experience, but please take a few minutes to think about some common-sense tips.

If You’re Driving Your Own Car

florida accident attorneysTake your car to your favorite repair shop and ask them to check it for winter travel. Your engine coolant and wiper fluid may freeze up north.

Double check your insurance, make sure it’s paid up and everything is up-to-date. Driving on unfamiliar roads can sometimes lead to accidents and you don’t want to be uninsured.

Different states have varying car insurance minimums. So if you start your holiday road trip in Florida, which only requires $5,000 of property damage liability, and $10,000 worth of PIP, and get into an accident in New York, where minimums are about $50,000 greater, you would be under-insured to cover a New York driver’s damages. Luckily, car insurance companies usually recognize you shouldn’t be penalized for having the legal limit in one state, and crashing in another with higher limits. Thus, so long as you were not intoxicated or conducting any other policy disqualifying behavior, your company will likely bump your limits up to the state’s in which you crashed. To be safe, call and verify.

If You’re Renting a Car

If you rent a car, you need some sort of rental car insurance. Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and the others all offer different options. Rental companies offer a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Coverage (SLC), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Coverage (PEC). Of those four, you may only really need the first two. You pay for the LDW, about $9 to $20 per day, which essentially says the rental company will cover any damage that happens to the car. If you have collision insurance on your policy however, you may opt out of the coverage. If you have a credit card as well, you may charge the entire rental to the card, and your card provider will sometimes cover the LDW at no charge to you.

Once again, call and verify with your own insurance company what will be covered and what won’t should something happen if you have an accident in a rental car in another state.

SNOW!

Floridians aren’t accustomed to driving in the snow. It’s another world. Just remember to reduce speed, or get off the road if you feel the least bit uncomfortable driving on icy roads. Listen to advisories on the radio, and follow them.

Here’s a story with a video offering some safety tips for driving in the snow from the American Automobile Association: CLICK HERE

Lazarus and Lazarus – Florida Accident Attorneys

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus cares about your safety. Every day we meet with people who have been involved in serious accidents, and we know that many times the incidents were preventable. We think it is our obligation to inform all Florida drivers to observe traffic laws, don’t misuse your cell phone when behind the wheel, and never drink and drive.

If you or a loved one does need an accident attorney in the future, we would be happy to arrange a confidential consultation if you call us at 954-356-0006. Protecting y­­our rights are our primary concern.

Florida PIP Insurance
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Uncategorized | , ,

Florida PIP Insurance Fraud Reform is Having a Positive Impact

Lower Fraudulent Claims and Lower Rates Benefit Everyone

Florida PIP Insurance

If you have lived in Florida for a while you may remember that there was a time when driving involved not only exercising due care to avoid accidents, but you had to worry about other drivers intentionally causing crashes. There are still some drivers out there who try to perpetrate this scam on law-abiding Florida drivers. The Florida legislature has been aware of these dangerous drivers for years and their efforts have gradually reduced the incidence of this and other types of insurance fraud. Lawmakers have consistently tried to respond to problems with the PIP law and their efforts seem to be helping.

Florida PIP InsuranceA recent review found that “2012 PIP reforms from House Bill 119 continue to reduce fraud and abuse, while providing cost savings to Floridians.”

Specifically, legislation targeting auto insurance fraud has produced savings on personal-injury claims of 17. 5 percent, and reduced premiums by a little more than 15 percent. Claim frequency and severity were reduced, too — by 10.2 percent and nearly 11 percent, respectively, producing a reduction in total loss costs of 20 percent.

The 2012 law changed which health care providers were allowed to provide PIP benefits by banning reimbursements to chiropractors and acupuncturists. It also banned treatment unless a doctor, nurse, dentist, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner found that an “emergency medical condition” exists.

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorney

In Fort Lauderdale, The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus represents people who have been injured in motor-vehicle accidents. If there is fraud involved, we are trained to recognize these situations and deal with them appropriately. We are qualified motor vehicle accident attorneys with a sterling reputation for getting results for our clients.

We are committed to protect the rights of our clients, and to serve their needs pursuing the compensation they are entitled to under the law for any physical injuries or property damage.

So keep your eyes alert, don’t text while driving, never drink and drive.

Please reach out to us if you or someone you know has been involved in an automobile, truck, or motorcycle accident. Our 20+ years experience has placed us among the most qualified accident attorneys in Florida. We will be happy to arrange a confidential consultation and determine how we may be able to help you. Protecting your rights is our top priority.

Call us at 943-356-0006 or if you wish an online reply, please click here and give us some information. We’ll be in touch with you promptly.

 

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | TRACTOR TRAILOR ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | ,

Cars and Trucks – Is it Time for a Separation? Florida Truck Accident Attorney

More Safety-Focused Rules and Separation Highway Projects may be Necessary

The relationship between cars and trucks may be compared to children: “get along and play nice, or we’ll have to separate you.”

Florida Truck Accident Attorney 4When a 2500 pound car impacts with an 80,000 pound tractor trailer truck it’s not a mystery as to which one will probably come out with more damage and injuries. According to the Institute for Highway Safety, in 2012 there were 3,514 deaths involving large trucks. Of these, 17 percent were truck occupants, 67 percent passenger auto occupants and 15 percent motorcycle and bicycle riders and pedestrians.

Separate lanes have been used around the country, but with limited success.

What’s been done to reduce car vs. truck accidents so far?

·         The US Department of Transportation has mandated drug testing for truck drivers.

·         Electronic monitoring has reduced driver fatigue by forcing rest-periods.

·         Background checks for truck drivers are more accurate thanks to advances in computer databases.

What is planned for the future?

·         Crash avoidance technology: There are now computer-operated cars, it’s only a matter of time for trucks.

·         More truck-only lanes: Georgia plans to build two lanes limited to trucks along 38 miles of Interstate 75, a heavily travelled freight corridor south of Atlanta. It will be the largest truck-only project in the nation and is expected to cost $2 billion. Hopefully the project will be complete in 2030. In Florida, highway officials have struggled to keep truck traffic on the Florida Turnpike, but with the expensive tolls charged they are mostly opting for I-95 which is very over-crowded.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus in Fort Lauderdale helps people who have been injured in truck accidents as qualified truck accident attorneys. We have devoted a large part of our practice to this very specialized area which requires extensive knowledge of the statutes and rules that apply to the trucking industry. We are pleased to be one of the leading truck accident attorneys in the greater Fort Lauderdale are serving Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

Please contact us any time at 954-356-0006 or click here to request an online contact. Thank you.

Edited by D. Lekov Cerxs

 

 

 

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

Lane Splitting – Controversial Motorcycle Maneuver May Actually Save Lives

Currently Illegal, Lane Splitting may be Permitted in Florida

The most common types of motor vehicle accidents are:

  • Rear-end Collisions
  • Single Car Accidents
  • T-Bone – or cross traffic accidents
  • Side-to-Side Collision while Changing Lanes
  • Low-Speed Accidents

All these accidents may result in injuries or they me be survivable, depending on circumstances. The size and weight of your car or truck will have a lot to do with it.

florida motorcycle accident attorneyImaging being hit from behind while riding on a motorcycle. It’s going to be devastating at almost any speed. Because of this, lawmakers in several states are looking at permitting what is known as “lane-splitting” where motorcycles can ride or remain stopped at a traffic light in the area between lanes.

California passed a new law last week allowing the practice and other states including Florida are examining the issue.

By supporting the bill, state lawmakers and the governor have recognized a roadway practice that has been in use for decades, according to Rob Dingman, president of the American Motorcyclist Association. “Lane splitting keeps riders safer by eliminating their exposure to rear-end collisions, and it helps ease congestion by effectively removing motorcycles from the traffic lanes,” he said.

The website Change.org urged readers to sign a petition, writing “Traffic congestion in Florida continues to increase. One inexpensive, simple, effective, and immediate way to reduce traffic congestion is to permit motorcyclists to travel between two slow moving lanes of traffic. Doing so adds capacity to every existing four-lane road in the entire state of Florida. In California where “lane-splitting” is legal, common place, and has been found to enhance motorcycle safety, it is embraced as a significant component of traffic congestion reduction.”

People in Florida debated the use of helmets for years and finally on July 1st, 2000 the law was changed to mandate helmet use for anyone under 21, and anyone over 21 was required to have medical insurance coverage if they opted to ride without a helmet.

Hopefully the Florida legislature will study the lane-splitting issue carefully and make a decision that is best for everyone.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus is committed to represent and protect the rights of persons injured in motorcycle accidents. We have devoted a major portion of our practice to this very unique and complex area of law for over 20 years and we would be happy to meet with you if you have any questions involving a serious motorcycle injury. Please reach out to us at 954-356-0006 to arrange a confidential consultation.

 

 

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.