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

 

 

 

Fort Lauderdale Accident Lawyer
| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | , ,

What Does Florida PIP Insurance Cover? What Isn’t Covered?

Many People are Unaware What “Basic Coverage” Means

Fort Lauderdale Accident LawyerI recently had a conversation with young woman who was working at Starbuck’s. She was forlorn because of an auto accident she had on the way to work and said that her car would be in the shop for several days. She wondered aloud about getting a rental car while she was without her car, and I told her it would depend on her insurance. She said “I have PIP.”

I didn’t want to tell her that she would likely be getting a ride to work for a while because she was having a bad day already, but PIP coverage does not provide rental cars for drivers while their cars are being repaired. In fact PIP does not cover repairs. PIP stands for “personal injury protection” and covers medical expenses.

So many drivers are unaware of the facts as they pertain to auto insurance, we would like to help with some basic facts.

The 2016 Florida Statutes, Chapter 627, Section 736 is titled: Required personal injury protection benefits; exclusions; priority; claims – and you may read the section by clicking here.

Some basic information about PIP:

·         If you are a resident of Florida and you own a motor vehicle, you are required to purchase PIP. If you are a resident of Florida and own a motor vehicle, you are required to purchase PIP.  You are covered by PIP if you are the named insured.  You, the insured, are covered by PIP while driving your vehicle or when a passenger in another’s vehicle.  You are also covered while outside a motor vehicle if struck and injured by a motor vehicle.

·         Resident relatives who live with you, the insured, may be covered by your PIP benefits while they are driving your car, as passengers in your or another’s car, and while pedestrians if struck and injured by a motor vehicle.

·         Others who are injured while driving your insured motor vehicle or who are injured while a passenger in your insured motor vehicle or who are injured as a pedestrian when struck by your insured motor vehicle may be covered by your PIP.

·         If you or your insured relatives living with you are injured while outside Florida, and are in your insured motor vehicle, you and your insured relatives are covered under PIP as long as the injury occurs within the United States, its territories or possessions, or in Canada.

It is prudent to visit with an insurance agent and take the time to discuss exactly what you expect from your automobile insurance before you buy it. Benefits like towing, repair, and rental cars are certainly worthwhile but they cost more.

PIP usually covers $10,000 of medical expenses and many injuries sustained in accidents exceed that amount.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping Floridians injured in automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents for more than 20 years as qualified accident attorneys. We are committed to provide everyone with the information you need to stay as safe as possible, and to have the information you need to make informed decisions.

We are available to meet with you if you’ve been involved in an accident, and you may contact us by calling 954-356-0006 to arrange a free consultation.
Click here to view our contact page where you may request that we contact you online.
Florida accident attorney
| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | Truck Accidents, Uncategorized | , ,

What Goes on at Those Weigh Stations Along the Highway?

Enforcing Weight Restrictions is Part of an Overall Safety Strategy for Big Rigs

You’re driving to Disney World and as you pass one of those “Weigh Station Ahead” signs your friend jokes, “You’ve put on a few pounds, and maybe you should pull in.” Such an amusing friend.

But seriously, what is going on at those weigh stations? Why do some trucks stop, and some drive right by? Are they checking for weight or other things, like illegal drugs? Do they serve coffee?

Florida accident attorneyThe answer is that vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds or have 3 or more axles have to pay fuel taxes Truck weigh stations were originally developed for states to collect the fuel taxes they were owed by the commercial trucks using their roadways. Motor homes and other private (non-commercial) vehicles are generally exempt.

In North America, weigh stations aren’t directly used for that purpose anymore. There is now an International Fuel Tax Agreement which allows truckers to file a quarterly tax report. Weigh stations are still used to enforce the tracking and submission of the logs and the payment of the fuel tax.

Large commercial vehicles are almost all equipped with transponders, and these devices do a lot to make sure trucks are safe and are operating within the law. They can keep track of the number of hours a driver has been behind the wheel so they don’t exceed the limit.

The scales are still used to enforce weight restrictions. The federal weight restriction is 80,000 pounds. Trucks need a trip permit to transport a load exceeding that weight.

We have discussed before in this blog that the severity of an accident is highly influenced by some fundamental principles of physics including mass (weight) and acceleration (speed). A very heavy truck going very fast has the potential to cause massive amounts of damage.

It’s in everyone’s best interest for commercial truckers to follow the rules, obey the restrictions, maintain their vehicles, and operate safely. It’s also best for drivers of automobiles to be aware of special circumstances with big trucks like blind spots. (See our article on blind spots)

It is prudent to watch for trucks entering the highway at weigh stations. Big commercial trucks are often slow to reach full speed, so don’t ride up on them too fast.

Frequently asked questions about weigh stations in Florida can be found here: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/statemaintenanceoffice/motorcarrierqa.shtm

Florida Accident Attorney

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus is committed to providing information that will help drivers stay safe on Florida roads. We represent truck drivers, automobile drivers, and motorcycle riders who have been involved in serious accidents. We investigate, and when necessary we litigate so our clients are given their access to justice under the law.

Please reach out to us if you have been involved in an accident or if you have questions by calling 954-356-0006.

 

 

| 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 Truck Accident Attorney
| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | TRACTOR TRAILOR ACCIDENTS, Truck Accidents, Uncategorized | , ,

Driverless Vehicles – Who is at Fault when they Crash?

Things that seemed technologically impossible years ago are now every-day commonalities as advances in science, computers, and engineering continue to grow.

No one would have believed that people would all be carrying portable phones and computers around with them, and the thought of driverless cars and trucks was a fantasy until just recently.

But the fantasy has become reality and prototypes of cars controlled by computers are now out on the road. Unfortunately, with every advancement there are sometimes very costly errors.

Florida Truck Accident AttorneyThe first reported death in a Tesla Model S crash while the Autopilot was activated has been shaking the Tesla and self-driving car community. The tragic accident happened May 7th in Florida, news outlets only learned of the event last week when Tesla revealed that the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched preliminary evaluation in Tesla’s Autopilot system.

The investigation is in the very early stage, but it’s possible that the car’s forward facing camera, sensors, and radar interpreted the truck to actually be a bridge, and therefore “assumed” the car would be able to drive under it. What actually happened is the impact tore the roof off the car, and then it lost control. There is a possibility the driver of the car was watching a movie when the accident occurred.

This type of tragic incident is opening a whole new arena in the legal world, which is called robotics law.

Most advances in automobile technology such as seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock brakes were designed to improve safety but still relied on an action by the driver or passengers in order to function. Now the responsibility rests with a machine and it is very murky as to how this will affect court cases.

A division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates nearly all aspects of the trucking industry. How cars and trucks will deal with the infusion of driverless vehicles remains to be seen, as the legal profession also ponders and debates these issues over the next several years.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus specializes in accidents involving commercial trucks and has for over 20 years. It is a unique and complex area of the law where special regulations and guidelines apply, and both Gary and Arleen Lazarus are eminently qualified to handle these situations. Please call their Fort Lauderdale office at 954-356-0006 if you or someone you know has been involved in a serious truck-related accident.

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | TRACTOR TRAILOR ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | ,

Why Cars and Trucks Collide

If We Understand Why Crashes Happen, We Can Take Steps to Avoid Them

Americans love to drive. Perhaps no invention affected American everyday life in the 20th century more than the automobile.

Although the technology for the automobile existed in the 19th century, it took Henry Ford to make the useful gadget accessible to the American public. Ford used the idea of the assembly line for automobile manufacturing. He paid his workers an unprecedented $5 a day when most laborers were bringing home two, hoping that it would increase their productivity. Furthermore, they might use their higher earnings to purchase a new car.

highway-trucksAnd so the love affair between Americans and their cars began. Even when new mass-transit systems are designed and constructed for travelers and commuters, large numbers of people prefer to drive on their own.

The creation of the interstate highway system not only allowed people to travel long distances in their cars, it permitted the cross-country delivery of goods by large commercial trucks. The blend of cars and trucks on the same roads has created the inevitable problem of collisions between the two, and these collisions often have deadly consequences.

Sharing the Road

The reason car vs. truck collisions are so devastating is simple physics. Passenger cars gained about 414 pounds in 26 years. In 1980, the average weight for passenger cars was 3,041 pounds, but it rose to 3,455 pounds by 2006.

The average weight of an 18-wheel tractor trailer on the road in the U.S. is 80,000 pounds.

When crash investigators examine what causes accidents, they look at the “critical reason” and the “associated factors” – two different things. For example, if a deer ran out in front of your car and you hit it, that would be the critical reason for the crash. However, an associated factor may be that it was raining and that caused you to not see the poor animal.

Some Statistics

For cars and trucks these are the critical reasons for crashes:

Trucks Cars
Non-Performance (sleep, sick) 3% 16%
Recognition (inattention) 35% 30%
Decision (speed, aggressive) 42% 24%
Performance (overcompensate) 7% 19%
Vehicle (brakes, tires, lights) 8% 4%
Environment (roadway, weather) 4% 3%
Unknown 1% 1%
Total 100% 100%

These are some of the associated factors – note that there can be more than one, so the totals exceed 100%:

Factors Trucks Cars
Brake problems 27% 2%
Traffic flow interrupted 25% 25%
Stop required before crash 21% 6%
Unfamiliarity with roadway 19% 10%
Inadequate surveillance 16% 14%
Traveling too fast for conditions 15% 11%
Illegal maneuver 12% 18%
Felt under work pressure 10% 3%
Distraction (Internal or External) 10% 10%
Inattention 9% 9%
Fatigue 7% 15%
False Assumption 6% 3%
Cargo Shift 1% NA
Illegal drugs 0.40%  3%
Alcohol use 0.30% 9%

You don’t have to be a government expert on traffic safety to notice a few interesting things. First of all, it seems that brakes on trucks are a big problem, and/or trucks need to reduce their speed. Also, it seems that alcohol and drug use is not a common cause for crashes among truckers. Passenger vehicle drivers still have some work to do on that issue.

If you drive a passenger vehicle, please pay attention to the fact that lack of rest is a big issue in crashes, as is lack of attention (which includes texting). Make a conscientious decision to eliminate those from being possible while you are driving, and you have significantly increased your chances of having a longer life.

Truckers, maintain your trucks. Try to avoid stress from the pressures of deadlines and competition. It’s understandable that you want to rush, but is it worth your life, or the lives of others?

Accidents involving truck have many special issues associated with them, and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has reserved a major part of their practice to this complex arena. If you or someone you know has been involved in a crash involving a truck, we would be happy to sit down and discuss your situation. You may reach Gary or Arleen Lazarus by calling 954-356-0006.

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.

Florida Personal Injury Attorney
| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | Florida Personal Injury Attorney, Uncategorized | , , ,

Let’s not “Visit” the Emergency Room

The dictionary defines the word “visit” as “an act of going or coming to see a person or place socially, as a tourist, or for some other purpose.” Most visits are pleasant experiences, right?

The U.S. Center for Disease Control, which works to keep us healthy also keeps track of injury statistics. They call going to the emergency room a “visit” but there’s not too much pleasant about being treated at the emergency room. Those are visits we can live without.

Florida Personal Injury AttorneySome of the types of injuries and statistics for emergency room visits are surprising, but understanding them might help us and our loved ones avoid visits to the ER. Sometimes injuries are our own fault and sometimes they are due to someone else’s – that’s when a personal injury attorney can help.

Let’s look at some numbers:

Nationwide, in 2011 there were 136.3 million ER visits. 40.2 million were related to injuries. The rate of people visiting the ER was 44 per 100 people, so if you’re an average person, you had slightly less than a 50% chance of going to the ER.

In Florida, the reasons for going to the ER are interesting.

The number one cause for going to the ER – non-fatal injury – is listed as “fall.” Now, a large number of these incidents are in the upper-age segment of the population for obvious reasons, but it is also number one for ages 10-14, probably skateboard and bicycle mishaps.

The number two reason for going to the ER in Florida across all age groups is “struck by.” Struck by? What is struck by? Some research shows that people are struck by many things including Struck By: car, truck, bus, train, boat, golf cart, golf club, forklift, crane, mobile platform, bicycle, tire, flying piece of X, garage door, door opening, rock, another person, mail carrier, farm equipment, falling objects, motorcycle, stock items, batted ball, lawn mower, scaffolding, pressurized hose, hammer head, etc…..

So, it’s probably a good idea to avoid everything on that list. You’d have to stay home under the bed.

Number three is motor vehicle accidents, which we write about often. Wear your seat belts, slow down, don’t text and drive, and never, ever drive if you have been drinking.

Number four is interesting but not surprising in Florida: over-exertion. The heat and humidity can wear you down and wear you out fast if you’re working or exercising above your tolerance. Always see a physician before starting a work-out regimen and stay hydrated. Take regular breaks of you’re working outside in the heat and when you feel that something hurts, stop.

Many visits to the ER can be prevented by exercising good judgement, but sometimes you can’t prevent an injury because they are often caused by someone else’s negligence. Some of the more common injuries resulting from negligence are falls due to unsafe conditions, being struck by unsecured objects, defective products, and assaults by other persons.

If you slip due to a puddle on the floor and you are injured, this is not necessarily a clear-cut “slip and fall” injury. There are legal issues such as duty of care, premises liability, security precautions, and a host of other circumstances to consider in any injury situation.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been advising and helping victims of injuries in south Florida for over 20 years. Gary and Arleen Lazarus are eminently qualified personal injury attorneys who will listen to the circumstances of your injury and discuss options which may help you receive any compensation that is appropriate under the law. You can reach the firm by calling 954-356-0006.