Florida Accident Attorney Blog

How often do you gas up? Change your oil? Or get your car, pickup truck, or SUV washed? South Florida drivers who think they are on top of their automobile's maintenance may be overlooking an important safety item on their checklist -- one that could lead to serious or even fatal car accidents.

A recent news report echoes what highway and driving safety advocates have been telling consumers for years: Many drivers miss the boat when it comes to checking their auto tire pressure often enough. Improperly inflated tires can lead to tire failure, loss of vehicle control, and serious, even deadly car accidents.

West Palm Beach, Florida defective tire accident lawyers have knowledge regarding product liability laws related to defective automotive products, tire recalls, and tire blowout accidents.

(Readers may recall that several years ago, Firestone Bridgestone had a massive tire recall related to tire failure -- leading to several deadly SUV roller accidents. At the time, Bridgestone cited that underinflated tires may have led to some of the accidents; however Ford -- whose Ford Explorers where involved in many of the fatal SUV rollover accidents -- asserted that tire pressure was not the primary problem.)

Florida drivers should be aware that maintaining tire pressure per the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation (which can be found on the sticker inside the driver's door) is an important aspect of regular car, truck, and SUV safety maintenance. Automotive experts state that underinflated tires accelerate tire wear and affect vehicle handling -- as they are more prone to skidding and poor performance on curves.

Another tire safety issue that should be of concern to Florida drivers is driving on aging tires -- including driving on spare tires that have been packed away for years and never used. Many Florida motorists are unaware of tire date coding -- and that after several years, the rubber can deteriorate from the inside out. This is true in Florida, where the year-round heat wears on tires as drivers traverse I-95 and other Florida highways, streets, and roads.

Sources:

10 Driving Mistakes You Probably Make
Women's Day on Yahoo.com Oct. 26, 2010

How to Check Tire Pressure and Inflate Tires
Edmunds.com April 8, 2008

Related Florida Accident Attorney Articles:

Defective Tire Accident in Florida Causes Catastrophic Brain Injury

Florida Drivers, Check Your Tires: Bridgestone Recalls Firestone and LeMans Brand Tires

The Florida Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has issued its annual list of dangerous toys for the 2010 holiday shopping season. Toys that could pose choking, laceration, and other product liability / safety hazards include a Dora the Explorer backpack, a Fisher-Price construction set, and a pair of plastic handcuffs. Other toys that made the Florida PIRG list include a baby doll, a book, and a toy train. (See links below for report and full list.)

No parent would knowingly buy a toy that could be dangerous to their children. However, as Miami, Florida product liability lawyers know -- toys and children's products make their way onto the market posing numerous safety hazards -- not only during the holidays but all year 'round. Common problems include small pieces that children could swallow, sharp edges that kids could get cut on, and cords that could pose strangulation hazards. Toxic industrial chemicals used in toy production also pose health risks.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission keeps an up-to-date website of current product warnings and recalls in the U.S. -- for dangerous toys as well as other product safety hazards related to defective tires and defective drug recalls. South Florida injury attorneys keep up to date on product recalls as they relate to product liability issues, when children and adults get hurt or killed due to defective products.

How You Can Avoid and Report Dangerous Holiday Toys
News13.com Nov. 24, 2010

Trouble in Toyland press release

Trouble in Toyland homepage
(links to report and toy shopping tips)

Related Web Resources

Florida Public Interest Research Group

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

A Miami, Florida news source reported that Florida Power & Light was partially liable in the case of a longshoreman seriously injured in a Port of Miami construction accident in 2004.

According to media reports, Willie Walker was badly hurt when the toploader he was driving at the Port of Miami collapsed through the pavement, throwing him to the ground. This Port of Miami, Florida dock worker accident occurred on July 31, 2004. Mr. Walker sustained spine and leg injuries requiring surgery. As a result of his injuries, he was unable to return to his Miami construction job.

Injured Florida shipyard workers may consult a Miami maritime accident injury lawyer to determine whether they may have a case against their employer and/or other parties. OSHA reports that thousands of construction workers are injured each year in forklift accidents and other accidents involving powered industrial trucks. In addition, OSHA reports that shipyard work is especially hazardous, "with an injury-accident rate more than twice that of construction and general industry."

Florida Workers Compensation claims may also be an option for people who are injured in the course of performing construction work and other maritime jobs.

Last month, a Florida jury awarded Mr. Walker $4.4 million for pain, suffering, disabilities, medical expenses, and loss of work. Florida Power & Light was found to be partially liable as they owned an easement on the land. In addition, FPL was accused of hiding documents pertinent to the Miami, Florida work accident lawsuit. The general contractor, Danella Construction Corp., was also named in the Florida work-related injury lawsuit.

Florida Power & Light "Hid" Document, Settles with Longshoreman over Port of Miami Accident
MiamiNewTimes.com Nov. 25, 2010

Related Web Resources

OSHA: Powered Industrial Trucks (forklifts)

OSHA Assistance for the Maritime Industry

If you live in South Florida and have family in the Sunshine State, chances are you'll be traveling by car this Thanksgiving week. From the Florida Panhandle all the way down through Broward County to Miami-Dade, Florida highways will experience the heaviest traffic of the year. More traffic volume -- combined with holiday parties and alcohol consumption -- means greater risk for motor vehicle accidents on Interstate 95 and other main Florida highways.

To avoid Florida I-95 driving hazards and motor vehicle accidents this Thanksgiving, many drivers will be looking for alternate, secondary routes and venturing onto Florida's system of turnpikes. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and officials at Florida's Turnpike Enterprise issued the following Thanksgiving turnpike traveling guidelines to help keep Florida drivers safe:

• Before leaving home, check real-time traffic updates via the new Florida 511 Traveler Information System.


• Check your tire pressure! Improperly inflated tires and defective or aged tires can lead to serious and fatal Florida car accidents.


• Don't drive drowsy! Stay alert and stop for a free cup of coffee the day before Thanksgiving at a number of driver Coffee Safety Break stops on Florida Turnpikes.


• Florida turnpike construction will be suspended during the heaviest Thanksgiving travel times. Highway construction accidents can occur when harried motorists come upon unexpected lane changes, obstacles, and construction vehicles and workers in the road or on the highway shoulder.

Miami car accident injury lawyers consult with families when, despite their best efforts to keep safe on Florida turnpikes and highways -- the unthinkable happens and an automobile accident with injury or fatality occurs.

The best defenses to avoid car accidents include checking the road worthiness of your auto and tires before you leave home; using your seat belts (Florida participates in the Click-It or Ticket campaign); driving defensively; not using cell phones or texting while driving; and of course, avoiding alcohol consumption before you hit the road.

Florida Highway Patrol will be out in force, with roadside assistance from the State Farm Safety Patrol. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Motorist Safety Breaks and Extended State Farm Safety Patrols (PDF)
On Florida’s Turnpike during Upcoming Holiday Season Peak Travel Days
Florida's Turnpike Enterprise News Release Nov. 20, 2010

Related Web Resources

Florida's 511 Traveler Information System

Florida's Turnpike Enterprise

Florida Department of Transportation: Safety homepage

Lee County officials visited a road construction project site where a natural gas line was punctured, causing an explosion in Fort Myers, Florida this past week that left a worker with serious burn injuries.

According to news reports, the Florida construction accident occurred in Fort Myers where Colonial Boulevard is being widened to six lanes between I-75 and State Route 82. The road construction is a Lee County, Florida, project. The accident occurred when a construction vehicle grading the road punctured the gas main, creating an explosion and fire that badly burned the vehicle driver. The victim was being treated at Lee Memorial Hospital.

Lee County, Florida officials were questioning TECO Peoples Gas company, which operates out of Tampa. News reports stated that TECO had moved a gas line from its original spot to accommodate a drainage system. Confusion centers on why markers indicating the gas line's presence were missing and how much the contractor involved knew about the situation. Investigators are questioning contractor Michigan-based Posen Construction. An engineering firm is also involved in the project.

Fort Myers, Florida construction accident injury attorneys have knowledge of the laws and regulations protecting workers in Florida. Lee County as well as OSHA investigators will examine liability in this construction accident, which could impact surrounding restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in the millions of dollars. More than 7,000 customers (reportedly 6,000 homes and 1,200 businesses) were without gas service when the accident occurred on Thursday.

The Colonial Boulevard highway project was the site of another highway construction accident earlier this summer, where a construction worker was pinned when a crane boom fell on his arms and legs. That injured construction worker was treated and released from a Lee County hospital in Florida. News reports state there have been asbestos removal issues with the project as well.

Highway construction sites can be hazardous not only to construction workers, but to motorists at risk for auto accidents when they encounter closed lanes, barriers, and other unexpected obstacles.

Fort Myers gas line explosion: TECO, contractor face questions
News-Press.com Nov. 13, 2010

OSHA investigating after gas line explosion
NBC-2.com Nov. 12, 2010

Related Web Resources

Florida Transportation Builders Association

Sunshine State One Call (Florida safe digging resource)

Lee County Dept. of Transportation

As Florida cruise accident injury lawyers know -- if you board a cruise ship and have an accident on board or take ill at sea or in a port of call, you may be a long way from home and expert medical help.

This week's well-publicized incident with a Carnival Cruise Lines ship sheds light on the hazards associated with cruise ship vacations. The Carnival Splendor was anything but splendid when a fire disabled its electrical systems and left it dead in the water, miles off the Calif. coast. Passengers were left without air conditioning, flushing toilets, and hot food for several days. Media reports stated some people slept on deck to get away from the stench, while others waited in line for emergency Spam and Pop-Tarts. Tug boats hauled the cruise ship back to port yesterday, and now passengers are opening up with their stories.

The media has not reported any serious cruise ship accident injuries in this case. And passengers have commended the crew on making the best of a bad situation. However the incident brings to light the potential hazards of vacationing at sea on a cruise ship. When something goes wrong, help may not be just around the corner. The outcome of this case with the Carnival Splendor could have been tragic, had the fire spread.

See related article from Miami Accident Lawyer on
Florida Cruise Ship Accidents and Injuries Can Happen

South Florida is home to a number of major cruise lines, with ships leaving Port Everglades and Port of Miami for Caribbean destinations and other places. Some are mega-ships -- luxurious floating cities -- that can accommodate thousands of passengers. A recent article in the Miami Herald said that vacationers may find bargains if booking cruises out of South Florida, as so many cruise ships have berths available.

What happened on the Carnival Splendor is a cautionary tale that shows how luxury can turn ugly if a cruise ship accident occurs miles from shore. Other risks for people taking cruise ships out of Florida and other US ports include risk of theft (on the ship or on shore), personal safety risks, risk of accidental drowning, food poisoning and other ailments and diseases.

The NTSB is investigating the cause of the Carnival cruise ship fire.

What Triggered the Cruise Ship Fire?
NPR.com Nov. 12, 2010

Abundance of berths on cruise ships is good news for bargain hunters
MiamiHerald.com Nov. 12, 2010

Carnival says disabled cruise ship worst accident in company history
NECN.com Nov. 10, 2010

Related Web Resources

Cruise Industry News

MSNBC: 9 Tips for Cruise Ship Safety

Florida is home to a significant population of senior citizens -- including snowbirds who come for the balmy winters and decide to make Florida their year-round homes. Native Floridians know a good thing when they have it, and seniors who were born in Florida may never leave. Why go anywhere else when the best weather, beaches, and golf courses are right here in Florida?

What makes Florida an attractive winter and retirement destination for senior citizens means more older drivers motoring around South Florida communities and highways.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a two-day conference on the growing population of elderly drivers and driving safety risks. While one study shows that seniors are actually involved in fewer serious motor vehicle accidents than in years past -- the aging Baby Boomer generation means more and more seniors will be taking to the roads in the coming years.

The CDC believes car crashes involving older drivers may be down in part due to the fact that older people tend to drive less and for shorter distances. Those who are in Florida nursing homes and retirement communities may use other forms of transportation available -- while some may give up their keys willingly or when their children ask them to stop driving for safety and/or medical reasons.

The most tragic auto accidents involving senior citizen drivers in Florida and elsewhere -- those where seniors lose control of their cars and crash into people, buildings, and other vehicles, sometimes with injuries and fatalities -- tend to make the headlines. Though the statistics indicate the issue of elderly drivers and car accidents is not worsening, states want to prepare for the influx of older drivers as the Boomer generation ages -- and shows no signs of slowing down.

The NTSB says it will continue to study the issue of elderly drivers and driving safety, as individual states work on their regulations regarding licensing, driver education, and driver testing. Florida put the Florida Grand Driver education program in place for people ages 65 plus (see link below).

NTSB forum examines growing population of elderly drivers
The Washington Post Nov. 9, 2010

NTSB: Symposia on Safety Mobility and Aging Drivers

Related Web Resources

Florida Grand Driver

AAA Foundation: SeniorDrivers.org

If you live in South Florida and drive a Nissan car, pickup truck or SUV, your vehicle might be headed for repairs just in time for the December holidays. Nissan has announced a global recall of 2.14 million vehicles due to an electrical problem that could cause the engine to stall.

Engine stall can lead to motor vehicle accidents.

U.S. vehicles being recalled include Nissan Armadas; popular pickup trucks the Nissan Titans and Frontiers; Nissan SUVs Pathfinders and Xterras; as well as Infiniti QX56s. All were manufactured in the 2000s. See the Nissan Recalls links below for manufacturer years of the affected vehicles and recall campaign numbers, as well as a recall lookup tool. Some models are also having problems with their GPS systems. And the compact boxy Nissan Cube had a recall this past summer for gas storage issues.

A West Palm Beach car accident lawyer has knowledge regarding manufacturer liability if a crash with injury or death occurs due to faulty automotive products or design. This past year has seen a number of massive motor vehicle safety recalls, notably from Toyota -- which included recent recalls of the popular Corolla and Matrix for engine stalling issues.

Defective tire recalls is another area of consumer safety that makes news headlines in Florida and around the U.S. Consumers in South Florida and elsewhere should always register their products with the store, dealership, and/or manufacturer where they purchased the auto or tires to ensure they receive recall notices when a potential safety problem is detected.

The recent Nissan recalls are expected to commence in December.

Related Florida Accident Attorney Blog Posts:

Florida Toyota Driver Notice : Toyota Recalls Matrix and Corolla for Engine Stalling Issue

Florida Tire Safety Alert: Goodyear to Recall Dunlop Tires for Air Loss Risk

Sources:

Nissan Recalling 2.14M Vehicles Globally
Automotive Fleet Top News Nov. 3, 2010

Nissan Extended Warranty: Nissan Recalls

MotorTrend.com: Nissan Recalls

Related Web Resource:

NissanUSA