Studies estimate that distracted driving causes almost 80 percent of all automobile accidents. Unfortunately, your South Florida injury lawyer sees far too many devastating injuries resulting from distracted driving accidents. By taking simple steps to avoid distracted driving, however, you can dramatically decrease the odds that you will become involved in a car accident.

Avoid Using Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices

Talking on cell phones, texting and using electronic devices can all contribute to distracted driving. To avoid a potentially devastating accident on the road, take the following precautions:

• Allow your voicemail to pick up any phone calls;
• Change your message to indicate that you might be driving;
• Place your cell phone ringer on silent mode;
• Put your cell phone in the trunk or in another place in your vehicle that you cannot reach; and
• Memorize your route before driving in order to minimize the use of your GPS device.

Refrain From Performing Activities Other Than Driving

Performing other activities while you are driving can remove your focus from the important task of safely operating your vehicle. Engaging in activities such as eating, drinking, changing the radio or CD, or applying makeup while driving all can contribute to accidents resulting in serious injuries to you, your passengers, or others. As your South Florida injury lawyer knows all too well, injuries stemming from distracted driving can be devastating for all parties involved. Therefore, you should avoid these risky behaviors while operating your vehicle. Minimize your distractions by placing reading material and other tempting objects outside of reach from the driver’s seat.

Do Not Allow Children to Distract You While Driving

Entertaining children during even a relatively short drive can be challenging. In order to avoid the distractions that children can present while driving, take the following steps:

• Make sure your children have everything they need within reach before you take the wheel, including snacks, books, and other small toys to keep them occupied;
• Provide your children with distractions such as movies, handheld video games, or MP3 players to keep them occupied; and
• Teach older children to remain calm and quiet to minimize distractions while driving.

By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of becoming involved in a car accident due to distracted driving. Should you become injured in a car accident resulting from distracted driving or any other cause, contact your South Florida injury lawyer at Reifkind & Thompson, P.L., at 1-800-HURT-NOW for assistance.

If your loved one has lost his or her life due to the negligence or wrongful acts of another, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for your losses through a wrongful death lawsuit. The Broward personal injury lawyers at Reifkind & Thompson can answer your most important questions, present all of your options, and guide you along the path to making the right decisions for your family.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. It is extremely important to retain a personal injury accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident as we can protect you against improprieties and file a lawsuit if necessary.

Call us today for an appointment. It’s free. We work on a contingency fee basis.

We are Reifkind & Thompson, PL, Personal Injury Lawyers focused on providing the best representation to accident victims for nearly 30 years. If you have a question or concern, or have been involved in an accident, you can reach an attorney directly on our 24-hour Florida Injury Hotline (1-800-HURT-NOW) , our Nationwide Injury Hotline (1-800-329-8701) or telephone us during the day at 954-370-5152.

We have offices in Davie and Kissimmee but will come to see you if you cannot come to see us.

Advice From Your South Florida Accident Attorney

Motorcycle riders are attracted to Florida highways by the thousands because of the warm and sunny climate. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle can sometimes be a dangerous pastime, given the high rate of injuries and deaths that occur when riding. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) offers tips that motorcyclists can follow in order to make their journeys safer. Your South Florida accident attorney recommends that motorcyclists become aware of and follow these DHSMV recommendations:

• Get a motorcycle endorsement on your license by completing a motorcycle safety course and passing a motorcycle knowledge and skills test.
• Wear appropriate protective clothing and eyewear.
• Always wear a helmet.
• Only ride when you are alert and well-rested.
• Take precautions so that other drivers can see you, such as wearing bright colors or reflective materials.
• Do not use alcohol or drugs, including certain prescription medications, before riding your motorcycle.
• Refrain from engaging in street racing or other riding games that can easily cause injury or death.
• Be aware and respectful of other drivers around you.
• Use your turn signal and take care when passing other vehicles.

Likewise, your South Florida accident attorney urges drivers of vehicles sharing the roads with motorcyclists to take certain precautions as well. Some of these precautions, which the DHSMV also supports, are as follows:

• Do not try to share lanes with a motorcycle; give a motorcycle as much distance as you would another vehicle.
• Avoid tailgating motorcycles just as you would with other vehicles. Maintain a safe following distance at all times in case the motorcycle would need to suddenly stop or in case an emergency occurs ahead of you.
• Check for motorcycles using your mirrors and check your blind spot before passing or changing lanes.
• Show courtesy and respect to motorcyclists as you would to other drivers.

If both motorcyclists and vehicle drivers follow the recommendations of the DHSMV, the chance of injuries on Florida’s roads could decrease substantially. However, if you or a family member sustains injuries in a motorcycle or car accident,  you may have certain rights to compensation. Contact your experienced South Florida accident attorney at Reifkind & Thompson, P.L., today for advice and assistance with your personal injury claim.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. It is extremely important to retain a personal injury accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident as we can protect you against improprieties and file a lawsuit if necessary.

Call us today for an appointment. It’s free. We work on a contingency fee basis.

We are Reifkind & Thompson, PL, Personal Injury Lawyers focused on providing the best representation to accident victims for nearly 30 years. If you have a question or concern, or have been involved in an accident, you can reach an attorney directly on our 24-hour Florida Injury Hotline (1-800-HURT-NOW) , our Nationwide Injury Hotline (1-800-329-8701) or telephone us during the day at 954-370-5152.

We have offices in Davie and Kissimmee but will come to see you if you cannot come to see us.

 Personal Injuries and Your Right to Compensation Explained by Your South Florida Accident Attorney

Accidents involving commercial vehicles such as semi tractor-trailers can be quite different than car accidents. First, the size and weight of commercial vehicles increases the potential for serious injuries and death to the accident victims. While a car is unlikely to pose  much threat to a large commercial truck, the occupants of the car are often not so lucky. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh in excess of 80,000 pounds, which can virtually destroy a  5,000 pound passenger vehicle upon impact. Your South Florida accident attorney has seen the devastating injuries that a collision between a commercial truck and an automobile can cause. This type of collision can result in severe and permanent injuries for which the parties deserve compensation.

When a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, not only do state personal injury laws apply, but federal laws and regulations also  govern the case. Commercial vehicles must follow a wide variety of rules set forth by various federal agencies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. For this reason, it is essential to engage the services of a South Florida accident attorney who is familiar with these complicated regulations.

The  unique characteristics of commercial vehicles make it essential that victims involved in commercial truck accidents contact an experienced South Florida car accident lawyer for assistance.. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you aggressively pursue your case and tackle the large insurance company.

If you or a loved one  is involved in a commercial truck accident, or any other type of vehicle accident, you may have a valid personal injury claim against the  negligent parties. Contact South Florida car accident lawyers Reifkind & Thompson, P.L., today at 1-800-HURT-NOW for  assistance with your personal injury claim.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. It is extremely important to retain a personal injury accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident as we can protect you against improprieties and file a lawsuit if necessary.

Call us today for an appointment. It’s free. We work on a contingency fee basis.

We are Reifkind & Thompson, PL, Personal Injury Lawyers focused on providing the best representation to accident victims for nearly 30 years. If you have a question or concern, or have been involved in an accident, you can reach an attorney directly on our 24-hour Florida Injury Hotline (1-800-HURT-NOW) , our Nationwide Injury Hotline (1-800-329-8701) or telephone us during the day at 954-370-5152.

We have offices in Davie and Kissimmee but will come to see you if you cannot come to see us.

A Report from Your South Florida Car Accident Attorney

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) has released preliminary data showing that the number of fatal car accidents in the state of Florida decreased in 2011, a continuing trend for the sixth consecutive year. This is good news for the state of Florida, as it shows that  drivers are taking more safety precautions while traveling by vehicle, and law enforcement officials are cracking down on unsafe drivers and their driving practices. [S1] While these figures are encouraging, DHSMV statistics show that over 2,400 people died in Florida car accidents in 2011. Moreover, as your South Florida car accident attorney knows, car accidents still represent the most common cause of death for South Florida residents between the ages of  four and 34. These statistics are alarming in light of the fact that these are largely preventable fatalities.

Drivers and passengers can take simple steps to avoid a fatal car accident. Your South Florida car accident attorney advises you to take the following safety precautions:

• Always wear seatbelts, whether driving or riding in a vehicle.
• Avoid distractions such as cell phone calls, texting, and loud music while driving.
• Follow traffic signals and road signs.
• Observe speed limits.
• Avoid unsafe driving practices such as tailgating and improper passing.
• Never drive while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
• Do not drive while overly tired or emotionally upset.

By following these simple safety rules, you can minimize your chances of being involved in a fatal car accident. While you cannot always control the drivers around you, you can control your own driving behavior and reduce the risk of a serious car accident.

If you or a family member are involved in a serious car accident,  the experienced South Florida car accident attorneys at Reifkind & Thompson, P.L., can guide you through your personal injury claim. Contact Reifkind & Thompson, P.L., today for a comprehensive evaluation of your case, and get the skilled representation that you deserve.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. It is extremely important to retain a personal injury accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident as we can protect you against improprieties and file a lawsuit if necessary.

Call us today for an appointment. It’s free. We work on a contingency fee basis.

We are Reifkind & Thompson, PL, Personal Injury Lawyers focused on providing the best representation to accident victims for nearly 30 years. If you have a question or concern, or have been involved in an accident, you can reach an attorney directly on our 24-hour Florida Injury Hotline (1-800-HURT-NOW) , our Nationwide Injury Hotline (1-800-329-8701) or telephone us during the day at 954-370-5152.

We have offices in Davie and Kissimmee but will come to see you if you cannot come to see us.

Recent research indicates that aggressive driving continues rise throughout the United States. The American Automobile Association (AAA) has found that over 50 percent of all wrongful deaths stemming from car and truck accidents can be attributed to aggressive driving in some way. Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that aggressive driving has risen continually over the last 20 years, with aggressive driving increasing 51 percent nationwide between 1990 and 2007. In 2007, NHTSA believes that aggressive driving led to 66 percent of all traffic fatalities, with many of those deaths occurring in the state of Florida. Likewise, Florida law enforcement officials report that citations issued for aggressive driving have increased to a new high of more than 23,000 last year. Some sources estimate that, over the last two years alone, aggressive driving citations have risen by almost 90 percent. As a result, your South Florida car accident lawyers advise that you and all drivers learn about the consequences of aggressive driving.

NHTSA defines aggressive driving as “occurring when an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” Under Florida law, aggressive driving involves two or more illegal and unsafe driving behaviors at the same time, or in rapid succession. Common examples of aggressive driving maneuvers include weaving between or illegally changing lanes, tailgating, excessive speeding, disobeying stop signs and traffic signals, as well as other reckless behaviors.

As your South Florida car accident lawyers can tell you, the consequences of aggressive driving can be quite severe, both in terms of the consequences to your driving record and in terms of the injuries and fatalities that can result. Florida drivers who receive two or more citations for aggressive driving can have more points assessed against their driver’s licenses, increased auto insurance costs, and a chance of driver’s license suspensions.

For your own sake, as well as  the sake of your family and all people who travel on Florida roadways, avoid aggressive driving behaviors and slow down at all times. If you do fall victim to the dangers of aggressive driving, your South Florida car accident lawyers can help. Contact Reifkind & Thompson, P.L., and learn about your rights to compensation as an accident victim.

If your loved one has lost his or her life due to the negligence or wrongful acts of another, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for your losses through a wrongful death lawsuit. The Broward personal injury lawyers at Reifkind & Thompson can answer your most important questions, present all of your options, and guide you along the path to making the right decisions for your family.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. It is extremely important to retain a personal injury accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident as we can protect you against improprieties and file a lawsuit if necessary.

Call us today for an appointment. It’s free. We work on a contingency fee basis.

We are Reifkind & Thompson, PL, Personal Injury Lawyers focused on providing the best representation to accident victims for nearly 30 years. If you have a question or concern, or have been involved in an accident, you can reach an attorney directly on our 24-hour Florida Injury Hotline (1-800-HURT-NOW) , our Nationwide Injury Hotline (1-800-329-8701) or telephone us during the day at 954-370-5152.

We have offices in Davie and Kissimmee but will come to see you if you cannot come to see us.