Miami Personal Injury Attorney Blog

In Miami, we love the fact that every holiday season we enjoy great weather and attract people from all over the world to our great city. There is a certain buzz that cannot be ignored as one travels around town. With this buzz is also an increase in the number of cars on the road, also impossible to ignore.

As a personal injury lawyer in this fine city, I also notice an unfortunate increase in accident claims resulting from auto accidents at this time of year. I often question if this is a result of the increased traffic flow on the roads . I then wonder what we can all do to avoid this.

My advice, be aware!! The holidays are busy and many people have a lot to get done in addition to already busy lifestyles. The hustle and bustle creates for an often hectic feeling on the roadways. To stay safe, carefully adhere to all the rules of the road and be mindful of other drivers.

With the holiday season also come holiday parties and festivities. The unfortunate consequence of which are increased drivers under the influence on our roadways. We all hope that each and every driver makes the choice to avoid operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol. We should also keep in mind that we need to keep a careful watch for those who may not. It is even more important at this time of year to be aware of other drivers on the roadways. Also , we urge you to not let colleagues, friends or family drink or drive...ever!! The consequences are just too grim. Remember there are better choices.

Continue reading "Road alertness during the holidays" »

Auto accidents are on the rise and lawmakers around the country are making efforts to increase driver safety by reducing distracted driving habits among drivers. and can certainly understand the call from Washington and state governments to eliminate distracted driving as much as possible. These efforts include bans on cell phone use while driving and, in certain parts of the nation, even eating.

In addition to cell phones, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other safety groups have endorsed bans on the use of hands-free devices for phone calls while driving as well.

In addition to cell phone technology, the NHTSA is also making efforts toward the banning of the moving map feature of GPS navigation devices. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and uses satellite technology to locate and direct drivers to their destination. These devices integrate a moving icon that shows drivers their exact location as they move on the roads. These devices update continuously so the driver can see where they are in relation to local streets and their destination.

The NHTSA is recommending changes to GPS devices and navigation systems that it believes will reduce the ongoing distraction of the moving icon on the map. Whether these recommendations will work is still debatable as they include a more static map system and the elimination of moving text.

As a Miami car accident lawyer I believe that distracted driving is a serious problem that needs to be addressed from all angles. Most of us only think of cell phone use as the problem and fail to realize the other life threatening distractions that we engage in on a daily basis, including eating, drinking, loud conversation, radio adjustments and others.

Miami and the surrounding South Florida area have traditionally been a great destination for "snowbirds" and retired vacationers alike. It comes as now surprise, then, that Florida was ranked second, only to California, for the numbers of drivers over the age of 65. This is according to The Road Information Program also known as TRIP.

TRIP also reports that our state is number one in motor vehilce fatalities involving drivers 65 years and older. In 2011 it was reported that 503 auto accident deaths in Florida involved at least one driver over 65. This number, according to TRIP's policy and research director, Frank Moretti, would have more than likely been higher had it not been for the Florida Department of Transportation's efforts to improve road safety with older drivers in mind.The Florida DOT has taken steps towards improving road and lanes sizes and visibility of traffic signs.

Continue reading "Efforts for road safety for older drivers" »

Saturday evening a local Miami area police officer was seriously injured in an auto accident while riding his motorcycle. The Doral police officer, who was on duty, was traveling on his motorcycle when the driver of a car made an illegal U-turn, hitting the officer and his bike.

The officer is 51 year old Rafael Cubelo. Reports state that the force of the impact sent this individual into the air several feet. He was then transported to the Ryder Trauma Center. We are wishing him a speedy and successful recovery.

Automobile drivers are often the cause of motorcycle accidents and resulting injuries. In this instance the driver of the car involved was cited for disobeying the traffic laws. Often the simplest offense can result in serious injury, especially when a motorcycle in involved.

This officer has clearly suffered losses as a result of that driver's negligence. He may pursue compensation of such damages through the assistance of a personal injury lawyer in Miami. Such an attorney may be able to assist the officer in pursuing a claim against the automobile driver.

This officer was on duty when the accident occurred and may also be entitled to benefits under the Florida workers compensation law. These benefits include loss wages and medical benefits. He may therefore wish to also consult a workers compensation lawyer in Miami to protect his legal rights.