Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, PASharon L. Azoulay, P.A.2024-03-11T08:31:46Zhttps://www.azoulaylegal.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1103044/2024/02/cropped-favicon-75x75.jpgOn Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=476822024-03-11T08:31:46Z2024-03-11T08:31:46ZReckless behavior
The NSC report does not delve into the most common causes of deadly car accidents, but it does say that dangerous behavior like speeding, distraction and drunk driving is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths each year. Data released by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles supports the NSC’s position. In 2022, drunk drivers in the Sunshine State caused 388 fatal accidents that claimed 423 lives. Drivers exceeding the posted speed limit caused 188 deadly crashes in Florida in 2022.
The Safe System Approach
The NSC has urged lawmakers at the national, state and local level to adopt the Safe System Approach to road safety. This approach, which was adopted by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2021, is a holistic method that seeks to reduce the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents by examining five key elements of safe transportation. These elements are improved training for road users, more effective speed management, safer vehicles, safer roads and more effective post-accident care.
Making the roads safer
Figures from the NSC predict that the 2023 traffic accident death toll in the United States surpassed 44,000. According to the nonprofit safety advocacy group, many of these deaths were caused by motorists who exceeded the posted speed limit, allowed themselves to become distracted or got behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=475222024-02-28T16:50:27Z2024-02-22T17:25:38ZReckless driving
According to data from 2012 to 2021, the leading charge given to drivers after motor vehicle accidents resulting in fatalities was reckless driving. Reckless driving can be one or a combination of dangerous behaviors while operating an automobile. Reckless or careless driving can include speeding, following other drivers too closely or running traffic lights.
License-related violations
Not everyone driving a vehicle in public is doing this activity legally. This same study reported that drivers with license violations were the second leading cause of fatal motor vehicle accidents. A few examples of license-related violations can include driving without a license or an expired driver's license.
Driving while impaired
As you likely know, drugs and alcohol impair your ability to drive properly. So, it should come as no surprise that the third most common charge issued to drivers after fatal crashes was driving while impaired (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). While the majority of these accidents involved alcohol-related intoxication, anything from cocaine to prescription medication may also impair someone's ability to drive.
It's sometimes impossible to avoid vehicle accidents. However, knowing what often causes the most dangerous crashes is helpful information. If you notice someone driving recklessly, stay a safe distance away and contact the authorities when it's safe to do so. Reporting a reckless driver helps protect you, other drivers and the person driving dangerously.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=475092024-02-09T18:06:15Z2024-02-09T18:06:15ZCell phones and fatal car accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains records of motor vehicle collisions. Data reveals that approximately 43,000 people died in fatal accidents in 2021. Cell phone use no doubt contributed to many of these deaths, but the numbers appear significantly underreported. Per the data, only 377 fatal crashes involved cell phone use. Such numbers seem inexplicably low.
An explanation exists for this. The number comes from police reports. Although cell phone use may lead to a crash, they do not enter official data if such details don't appear in the report.
Distracted driving dangers
Using a cell phone while driving could make a crash unavoidable. Preventing motor vehicle accidents may require split-second reactions, which could prove impossible when a driver is texting. Talking on the phone or listening to voice messages could lead to the same problems, even when using hands-free systems.
Distracted driving takes other forms, possibly leading to the same dangerous results. Eating or conversing while driving might increase the chances of a crash.
Establishing a driver had used a cell phone or engaged in other distracting actions may establish negligence. Victims who suffer injuries because someone was negligent might file a civil lawsuit or an insurance claim. A settlement could lead to recovering financial losses.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=475062024-02-28T16:50:31Z2024-01-24T21:28:36ZWhy gathering evidence is important
Truck accident plaintiffs are required to prove their legal claims by a preponderance of the evidence. If a plaintiff fails to gather and present evidence, they won't be able to prove their claim or recover compensation for their losses. Truck collisions are complex and frequently involve substantial sums because of the extent of the injuries. Because of this, trucking companies and their insurers aggressively defend against claims. Truck accident victims need to gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, through the discovery process, and with the help of experts.
Important types of evidence in a truck accident lawsuit
In claims involving commercial vehicle accidents, the victims should gather as much evidence as possible. The following are some of the common types of evidence that might be important in a trucking collision lawsuit:
Police reports
Photographs and video from the accident scene
Accident reconstruction report
Black box/electronic logging device records
Maintenance records
Witness statements
Expert witness reports and testimony
Medical records
Driver personnel records
Evidence from a truck accident is crucial for proving a legal claim. Injured accident victims should try to gather as much evidence as possible from the scene. If they can't gather it themselves, asking a friend or family member to do so is helpful. Seeking immediate medical care can also help to show the extent of the person's injuries and their severity.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=475042024-01-15T05:57:40Z2024-01-15T05:57:40ZDon't avoid seeking treatment
One of the most common errors that car accident victims make is failing to seek treatment in a timely manner. Whether you see your doctor or go to the emergency room, seeking medical treatment in a timely manner can create a paper trial that will likely be useful in the future. In addition to obtaining key records, being seen as soon as possible gives you a better chance of obtaining the best possible medical outcome in your case.
Don't forget about crash scene evidence
If possible, you are encouraged to take pictures or record video footage at the crash site. In the event that you cannot do so yourself, you can ask witnesses or other sources for any photos or videos that they took. Witnesses may also be willing to provide statements regarding what took place, which can bolster your chances of obtaining a favorable settlement. A police report may also be available for use as evidence during settlement talks or during a personal injury trial.
The defendant, the defendant's insurance company and others potentially liable in your case will look for any reason to get out of paying you. Therefore, it's important to be proactive in obtaining records or taking other steps that establishes that the other party's negligence was the cause of your injuries.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=475012024-02-28T16:50:36Z2024-01-02T05:43:31ZMale drivers
These bad habits appear to be especially common among male drivers. The NHTSA data shows that men were involved in 368,640 fatal accidents in 2021, and excessive speed was a factor in 29% of them. Speed was only a factor in 23.5% of the 128,377 fatal crashes involving female drivers. Fatal speed-related accidents are far more common on weekends and public holidays according to the NHTSA, and the demographic group most likely to be killed in these crashes are male drivers under the age of 25.
Speed-related accidents in Florida
Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reveals that speeding and aggressive driving is a serious road safety problem in the Sunshine State. In 2021, speed-related accidents claimed the lives of 289 drivers, 97 passengers and 22 pedestrians or cyclists. These motor vehicle accidents also caused 847 serious injuries and 2,827 minor injuries. About half of the speeding motorists who caused these accidents were also driving aggressively.
Making the roads safer
Excessive speed is the leading cause of fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States, and NHTSA data shows that the problem has become much worse in recent years. Steps that could be taken to lower the number of speed-related deaths include lowering speed limits, increasing speeding penalties and enforcing traffic laws more rigorously.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=474972023-12-15T05:40:10Z2023-12-15T05:40:10ZWhat is speed assistance technology?
Speed assistance technology comes in two forms. The first type offers passive speed assistance by alerting motorists when they drive faster than the speed limit to try to encourage them to slow down. The second type is active assistance, which intervenes and prevents drivers from driving faster than the posted speed limit. This technology is already widespread in the European Union, but its adoption has been slow in the U.S. Advocates think it could prevent some fatal car accidents.
Criticisms of speed assistance technology
U.S. automakers have been hesitant to install speed assistance technology in their vehicles as a standard option. However, a few offer the passive form as an option. Instead, automakers state the focus should be on driver education and strict enforcement of speed limits. Some critics also point out that current speed assistance technology sometimes confuses posted speed limits on nearby roads and makes errors. They argue that the technology still needs improvement before it is implemented on a widespread basis.
While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration doesn't appear to be close to mandating active speed assistance technology in all new vehicles, it could be on the horizon. In 2022, approximately 40,000 people died in traffic collisions. In 2021, more than 12,000 traffic fatalities were caused by speeding drivers. Technology that prevents drivers from exceeding the speed limits could potentially save lives by preventing some high-speed accidents from happening. However, advancements are still needed to prevent software errors.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=474942023-12-02T21:21:37Z2023-12-02T21:21:37ZRoundabouts improve road safety
Roundabouts are usually installed at accident hotspots because they prevent serious motor vehicle accidents. When intersections are controlled by traffic lights or stop signs, vehicles can be involved in head-on or T-bone accidents that take place at high speeds and cause debilitating injuries. When roundabouts are installed, these accidents are avoided because all vehicles travel much more slowly and in the same direction. Researchers have discovered that replacing traditional intersections with roundabouts reduces the number of accidents that cause injuries by up to 87%.
Roundabout first policies
These road safety benefits have prompted states including New York and Virginia to adopt policies that require traffic planners to install roundabouts whenever possible when intersections must be built or upgraded. Roundabouts have not become common in other parts of the country because drivers do not like them, but studies have revealed that motorists change their views fairly quickly when they use roundabouts and become familiar with them.
Pedestrian safety and clean air
Roundabouts can be baffling to motorists who are used to stop signs and traffic lights, but studies show that they prevent accidents and injuries. Researchers have also found that drivers become accustomed to roundabouts quickly and soon come to appreciate the way they keep traffic moving. Roundabouts also reduce idling, which improves air quality, and make it easier for pedestrians to navigate busy intersections.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=474912024-02-28T16:50:41Z2023-11-16T04:23:33ZThe downside of right turns
Most pedestrians and bicyclists have experienced near-miss accidents when they cross the street and find themselves face-to-face with a motor vehicle operator who wants to make a right-hand turn on a red light. These incidents happen because it is up to the driver to determine if the conditions are safe enough for them to turn right on a red light.
Thankfully, the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents caused by turning right on red is minimal. However, even the loss of just one life because of this practice can cause concern and make people want to revisit the idea of whether or not making a right-hand turn on red is a good idea.
The upside of right turns
However, from a motorist's standpoint, being forced to sit idle at a red light before they can turn right is frustrating. It feels like a waste of time. Looking at it from a countrywide view means that many vehicles are just sitting idle, burning gas every day. The relatively low number of fatal accidents caused by turning right on red gives credence to the idea that, in most cases, motorists can use good judgment and know when it’s appropriate to turn right.
Driving is a huge responsibility. Traffic laws are in place to help drivers make safe decisions. The debate about turning right at a red light will likely continue as lawmakers strive to balance driver convenience with pedestrian safety.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=474882023-10-31T21:56:57Z2023-10-31T21:56:57ZThe driver is swerving over the yellow or white lines
Swerving is a sure sign of distraction, and this can occur for a variety of reasons. The driver may be distracted by texting, or they are possibly falling asleep at the wheel. The driver may also be under the influence of alcohol, which is one of the leading causes of car accidents.
The driver brakes too late
There are certain instances that call for a driver to hit the brakes at appropriate times, and these include stopping at stop signs, stop lights and four-way intersections. Unfortunately, when a driver is distracted, they may hit the brakes too late. If you notice that a vehicle operator continuously brakes at the last moment, their focus is not on the road.
Driving at variable speeds
When a driver is paying attention to the road, they will go according to the normal speed limit. A driver that is distracted may drive normally, slow down below the speed limit and then speed up again. This abnormal driving can occur due to texting, doing makeup or when picking stuff up off the floor.
Take steps to remain safe as soon as you notice a driver is distracted. You should drive several car lengths behind them to protect yourself because if they do lose control of the vehicle, you will not be in the line of fire.]]>