car accident attorney miami

October 17, 2019

Speeding is a Primary Factor in Miami Car Accidents

Most drivers are well-aware of the dangers of speeding, but recent information published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sheds some light on the severity of the problem. Speeding has been a factor in around one-third of all fatal motor vehicle accidents for the last 20 years, and it contributed to 26% of such incidents in 2017. Not only does speed lead to a high number of fatalities, but it is also a top cause of serious injury-causing crashes.

If you were hurt or lost a loved one in an auto collision caused by someone else’s negligent acts, including speeding, it is important to contact a Miami car accidents attorney right away. In the meantime, you can also review some information on the dangers of speeding.

How Speed Limits Impact Safety on Florida’s Roads

November 28, 2017

Three Separate Fatal Car Accidents over Thanksgiving Weekend end in Florida Canals

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

This past Thanksgiving weekend, was unfortunately fatal for several drivers in the Miami area. According to a spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol, “Thanksgiving is the most dangerous holiday in the United States.” Additionally, “The day before Thanksgiving, fatal accidents increase by 15 percent. That’s why the Florida Highway Patrol is out here, committed to have a high presence and make sure that motorists that are driving to visit their families get there safe.” Highway patrols across the nation made similar pronouncements about increased patrols in an attempt to prevent car accidents.

Curiously, among the serious accidents that happened, there were three where a vehicle crashed and ended up in a canal of some sort, resulting in the death of five individuals.

Thursday

November 16, 2017

Self Driving Vehicles Raise Crash Concerns Following Las Vegas Collision

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Various news outlets reported that a driver-less vehicle crashed into a semi truck following its launch at an event in Las Vegas earlier this month. The crash occurred just two hours after the introduction and promotion event for the first self-driving shuttle in the United States aimed at serving the public. Interestingly, it was the human driver of the other vehicle that was reportedly at fault. Fortunately the incident only caused minor damage and there were no injuries.

The shuttle in question, which can transport up to 12 passengers at a time, comes equipped with electric curb sensors and uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) in lieu of a steering wheel or brake pedals.

The introduction of the shuttle comes on the heels of the passage of the Self Drive Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this fall. If passed in the Senate, the bill would exempt car manufacturers from having to follow various state and federal regulations that typically apply to automobile manufacturing. States would still be able to determine whether or not to allow self-driving cars on their roads.

October 19, 2017

Does Uber Lead to Less DUI Accidents in Miami?

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Our Miami personal injury law firm found a very interesting report that was recently released. The study’s outcome was to determine whether ride-sharing services, such as Uber, have contributed to a decrease in accidents related to driving under the influence over a certain period of time. The implication here being that as people that may be too intoxicated to drive and then call sober ride-share drivers for their ride home, there are less drunk drivers on the road causing accidents. However, apparently the results of this study found that this was not necessarily the case in all American cities.

The study looked at the availability of the ride share service Uber (currently the largest among ride-sharing companies, which purportedly also include: Lyft, Sidecar, Wingz, Summon, Taxify, Haxi, Didi Chuxing, and Moovn) from 2013-2016 in four major cities in the United States. The study author is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania’s Injury Science Center.

March 21, 2017

Recovering for Medical Bills after Being Hit by a Drunk Driver in Miami

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

With the holiday season upon us, we will unfortunately notice a rise in drunk driving accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has previously reported that on average, there are 36 fatalities every day in the United States that are attributed to drunk driving. During the Christmas holidays, there are 45 per day, and during the New Year holiday, there are 54 per day. Snowy, icy weather in many parts of the country, coupled with champagne toasts, eggnog, and other holiday beverages contribute to the high number of drunk driving accidents that are reported this time of year. In addition, longer periods of darkness in the winter create lower visibility, which also leads to many accidents. Miami personal injury attorneys help victims of drunk driving accidents recover monetary damages for the harm they have suffered.

What happens if you are hit by a drunk driver, or worse, if a loved one is killed by a drunk driver?In addition to criminal charges, civil claims may also be filed against the at fault driver. Injured parties may seek numerous types of damages from a drunk driver. With the assistance of a Miami drunk driving injury attorney, these victims may be able to recover for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other types of damages. For example, if you had to build a wheelchair ramp on your home while you recovered, you may be able to recover for the cost of this addition as well. Essentially, you may claim any and all damages that stem from a drunk driving accident in a civil suit.

First, your injury attorney will attempt to negotiate a settlement with the drunk driver’s insurance company. However, in most cases, the insurance company will not settle for a reasonable amount. Your injury attorney’s job is to protect your legal interests, so your attorney will advise you to reject any settlement offers that do not adequately compensate you. If the insurance company refuses to offer or accept a reasonable settlement proposal, a lawsuit may need to be filed.

March 24, 2014

Brutal Hit-And-Run Accident Emphasizes Need For Tougher Penalties, Says Car Accident Attorneys

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Late last year, our Miami bicycle accident attorneys kept a close watch on the development of new legislation, entitled the “Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act,” that, if passed, would increase the minimum jail sentences for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Specifically, the measure would allow prison sentences of up to three years for an accident resulting in injury, seven years for serious bodily injury, and ten years for a hit-and-run resulting in death.

A recent brutal hit and run accident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has emphasized the continuing need for such harsher penalties. In December, motorist Axel Inostroza, struck 53-year-old bicyclist Craig Camlin near the 5200 block of Northeast 18th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. The force of collision caused Camlin to become wedged on the rear window of the vehicle, as Inostroza drove on for two more miles. Eventually, Inostroza dumped Camlin’s body behind a trash bin near his home in Pompano Beach.

Several hours after the accident, a landscaping crew discovered Camlin, who was rushed to a local hospital and listed in critical condition with a broken spine and other injuries. As for Inostroza, he took his car to a local body shop and then went home to take a nap. Inostroza later admitted to investigators to his involvement in the crash and confessed that he had been drinking before the accident.