Reifkind & Thompson

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving From Your South Florida Injury Lawyer

paperstreet — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:27:07 +0000

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.

U.S. Department of Transportation Bans Handheld Cell Phone Usage in Commercial Vehicles

paperstreet — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:25:48 +0000

A Report From Your Broward Personal Injury Lawyer

WASHINGTON – February, 2012

Effective January 1, 2012, a joint rule of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) bans all handheld cell phone usage by drivers operating commercial vehicles. This rule is one of the many U.S. Department of Transportation initiatives aimed at stopping distracted driving on our nation’s roads. Having witnessed firsthand the injuries of those involved in distracted driving accidents, your Broward personal injury lawyer applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation’s continuing efforts to end distracted driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that, in 2009, almost 5,500 people died and over half a million people were injured in car crashes involving a distracted driver. Commercial drivers who reach for an object such as a cell phone while driving are up to three times more likely to be involved in a crash and those who dial a cell phone while driving are up to six times more likely to crash. These statistics are no surprise to your Broward personal injury lawyer who sees the results of distracted driving accidents each day.

FMCSA issued a regulation in 2010 that banned commercial drivers from texting while driving, and the PHMSA followed suit with a similar regulation in early 2011. The handheld cell phone ban in commercial vehicles comes after similar company policies were enacted by some of the nation’s largest truck and bus companies, including UPS, Walmart and Greyhound.

The ban does permit drivers of commercial vehicles to carry cell phones while driving and to use hands-free cell phones at all times. Moreover, drivers are free to use handheld cell phones once they have parked their vehicles off of or to the side of a highway or road. Your South Florida car accident attorney see these exceptions to the rule as sufficient to permit cell phone usage in a safe manner.

Penalties for violating this rule can be quite severe, with each offense carrying a civil penalty of up to $2,750. Multiple violations of this rule can result in a driver being disqualified from operating commercial motor vehicles and the suspension of CDLs. Furthermore, truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to violate the rule also face penalties of up to $1,000.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact your Broward personal injury lawyer at Reifkind & Thompson, P.L., today for a consultation regarding your case. You can reach Reifkind & Thompson, P.L., by calling 1-800-HURT-NOW.

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

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

How to Ensure Motorcycle Safety

paperstreet — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:25:01 +0000

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.

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

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

Aviation Accidents Decline for Fourth Year in a Row

paperstreet — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:24:23 +0000

News From Your Broward Personal Injury Lawyer

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), general aviation accidents have continued to decline for the fourth year in a row. Only 1,435 aviation accidents occurred in the United States in the year 2011, the lowest annual number of aviation accidents in the past 20 years. As aviation continues to be a major means of transportation throughout the United States, these statistics are encouraging.

Although the number of aviation accidents is declining, plenty of aviation accidents still occur in the state of Florida. Unfortunately, aviation accidents can result in serious injuries or even death. They also are complex cases that require the specialized legal expertise of a Broward personal injury lawyer well-versed in aviation law. Florida aviation accidents can involve multiple parties located outside the state of Florida, including airplane owners, airlines, airplane leasing companies, maintenance personnel, and air traffic controllers. Moreover, the causes of an aviation accident can vary, including pilot error, instrument malfunction, mechanical difficulties, and weather. Regardless of the cause of the accident, the outcome is usually devastating, due to the catastrophic nature of many aviation accidents. Multiple injuries and deaths of pilots, crew members, and passengers are common in aviation accidents.. As your Broward personal injury lawyer can tell you, aviation accidents involve a variety of federal laws and regulations that impact the outcome of any personal injury claim. A qualified aviation attorney will conduct an independent investigation concerning the aviation accident, obtain and review NTSB reports, and thoroughly prepare your case for trial.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an aviation accident, a Broward personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex laws and federal regulations that govern aviation accidents. Reifkind & Thompson’sexperienced team of personal injury attorneys can assist you through every step of the personal injury or wrongful death claims process.

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

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

Commercial Truck Accidents vs. Automobile Accidents

paperstreet — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:23:46 +0000

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.

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

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

New Data Shows Decrease in Fatal Car Crashes in Florida

paperstreet — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:23:11 +0000

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.

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

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

Florida Lawmakers Consider Booster Seat Legislation

paperstreet — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:22:31 +0000

A Report From Your Kissimmee Auto Accident Attorney

In the vast majority of states, laws require that children over the age of four ride in a booster seat in the car until they reach a certain age or until they reach a particular height or weight. In fact, in some states, children must ride in a booster seat until they reach eight years of age, or until they grow to 4 ft. 9 inches in height. The state of Florida, in sharp contrast, is one of only three states that has no car or booster seat requirements for children once they reach four years of age. As a result, your Kissimmee auto accident attorney is supportive of any measure that the Florida legislature can take to protect children from injuries sustained in car accidents.

Florida legislators currently are considering a law that would require the use of booster seats by older children. The AAA auto club is a major proponent of the proposed law. According to AAA, enacting booster seat legislation would reduce the number of injuries sustained by children in car accidents. Common safety measures that exist in vehicles such as seatbelts and airbags are designed to protect adults, not children. As a result, the deployment of airbags and the restraints of a seatbelt can actually injure rather than protect small children. The precautions best designed to protect children are age and size-appropriate, which include the use of car seats and booster seats. In particular, the function of the booster seat is to elevate the child to a height at which an airbag and seatbelt can protect, rather than injure, the child. Given these facts, your Kissimmee auto accident attorney believes that using booster seats is likely to reduce or prevent injuries to children riding in vehicles.

If your child or any loved one is injured during a car accident, the victim may have rights to compensation for those injuries. In this case, you will need the assistance of an experienced Kissimmee auto accident attorney to guide you through every step of your personal injury claim. Call 1-800-HURT-NOW to contact the attorneys of Reifkind & Thompson, P.L., who can represent you with respect to all of your personal injury needs.

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

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

What You Should Know About Aggressive Driving in Florida: A Report From Your South Florida Car Accident Lawyers

paperstreet — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:20:51 +0000

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.

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

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

Wrongful Death Settlement Reached in Anthrax Attacks Case

paperstreet — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:58:41 +0000

Your Broward Personal Injury Lawyer Looks Back at Attacks and Investigation

A tentative lawsuit settlement has been reached between the U.S. government and the widow of the first American to die in the anthrax letter attacks of 2001.

In 2001, Robert Stevens received a letter laced with anthrax while he was working as a tabloid photo editor for the National Enquirer in Boca Raton¸ Florida. The 2001 anthrax attacks resulted in the deaths of five people, and they caused illness in another 17 individuals.

Steven’s widow, Maureen Stevens, originally filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government in 2003, demanding $50 million in compensatory damages for the government’s alleged failure to properly secure anthrax at a military laboratory. After one of the biggest investigations in FBI history, the U.S. government concluded in 2007 that Dr. Bruce Ivins, a U.S. Army scientist, had mailed several anthrax-laced letters to several media and government offices in Florida, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Dr. Ivins committed suicide in 2008, maintaining his innocence up to the time of his death, although the U.S. government found that the anthrax spores contained in the letters were taken from the anthrax maintained by Ivins in his Maryland laboratory.

More than 10 years after the original incidents, the U.S. Department of Justice and Mr. Stevens’ widow have now filed documents with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in West Palm Beach, Florida, indicating that they have reached a tentative settlement. As any Broward personal injury lawyer can tell you, notice of a wrongful death settlement filed with a court does not normally contain information on the figures involved in the proposed settlement. But hiring an experienced Broward personal injury lawyer is an important part of getting the settlement and justice you deserve.

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

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

Federal Judge Approves Lawsuit Settlement Regarding Defective Chinese Drywall

paperstreet — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:58:00 +0000

Legal News From Your Kissimmee Personal Injury Attorney

A federal judge has approved a tentative $800-million settlement for Florida homeowners plagued by defective Chinese drywall. The drywall caused foul odors, corrosion and health problems, forcing many from their homes.

Pursuant to the settlement, homeowners would have their homes completely gutted and remodeled, including the replacement of all major appliances, air conditioning systems and any other damaged areas. Attorney’s fees will not come from the injured homeowners’ share of the settlement and are capped at $160 million.

Lawyers for both sides of the lawsuit expect that they will receive final approval of the settlement, which the judge described as “fair” and “reasonable.”

The drywall problems first began in 2005, when Chinese company Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin provided drywall for home construction in Florida and other southern states. Unfortunately, as your Kissimmee personal injury attorney can tell you, the Chinese drywall soon proved defective, causing a range of problems, from corrosion of wiring and pipes to illness.

The defective drywall resulted in a class action lawsuit filed in a Florida-based federal court. A class action lawsuit unites a large number of people injured by a particular product together in a single lawsuit. Your Kissimmee personal injury attorney advises that class action lawsuits can be advantageous in some circumstances because they allow a blanket settlement of the matter rather than hundreds of individual lawsuits and settlements in multiple courts.

The settlement would give affected homeowners three different options:

Use a contractor selected by Knauf to repair the home;
Use their choice of contractor to repair the home and seek reimbursement from Knauf; or
Receive a discounted cash payout from Knauf.

All too often, your Kissimmee personal injury attorney sees unsuspecting people injured by defective products, whether the situation involves materials used to construct a home, vehicles, or other consumer products. If you or a family member has been affected by such a situation, you will need the assistance of a seasoned attorney on your side. Contact your Kissimmee personal injury attorney at Reifkind & Thompson, P.L., today for a thorough consultation and evaluation of your case.

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

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