The exact cause of the multi-vehicle wreck remains under investigation.

Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Auto accidents involving multiple vehicles can occur in a myriad of ways. Though, quite often it is the result of a single vehicle setting off a chain reaction collision. For example, one driver is texting and driving or is speeding and winds up rear-ending another vehicle. The force of the collision causes the vehicle to then move forward and collide with another car, and so on and so forth.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents Can Become Quite Complex to Investigate and Litigate

When two vehicles are involved in an accident, the ability to investigate and determine which driver was at fault can be accomplished relatively quickly, in most cases. However, when a wreck involves multiple vehicles, there is a greater likelihood that each driver involved will blame everyone else for causing the crash. This makes assessing liability more difficult and gives auto insurance companies a reason to put up a legal fight rather than offering a fair and reasonable settlement.

This is why it makes sense to hire a Miami car accident lawyer. They take the burden off your shoulders of investigating the accident, contacting the insurance adjusters, filing the necessary paperwork, etc. When a claimant is unrepresented, auto insurance companies often try to play games and drag their feet in offering a settlement. In many instances, an insurance company will try to tell you that you have to wait to have your injury claim addressed by the company because it is being reviewed and investigated by their team of adjusters. Then, they may try to argue that they cannot discuss a settlement with you until all of the other parties involved in the collision file a claim and they can review the amount of claimed damages versus the amount of available coverage.

Do not fall for these delay tactics. Hire a lawyer so they can get to work right away for you.

Negotiating with Multiple Insurance Companies

If you or a family member is seriously injured after a multi-vehicle accident, the prospect of negotiating with not one, not two, but possibly three or four insurance companies probably sounds like a nightmare. This is perfectly understandable. You should focus on healing. Again, this is where an attorney can prove to be invaluable since they take that burden off your shoulders and negotiate on your behalf.

Let Us Help You with Your Case

Do not delay in reaching out to a law firm. The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the better.  Contact the experienced Miami personal injury attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. today to schedule a free case review.

Resource:

miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article194672069.html

As a result, thousands of Floridians encounter a precarious situation – getting involved in a serious car accident with another driver who has no auto insurance. If you find yourself in this situation, it can be quite stressful and overwhelming. You, or a loved one, may be seriously injured and no apparent recourse to pursue financial restitution from the at-fault driver.

Personal Injury Protection Benefits

If you were injured by an uninsured motorist, do not give up hope. Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state. Basically, this means you can access your own auto insurance policy to obtain financial benefits to help cover medical expenses and lost wages associated with the collision. These financial benefits are known as “Personal Injury Protection” (PIP) benefits.

It is nice to be able to access financial support shortly after an accident, but there are a number of limitations associated with PIP benefits. The biggest shortcoming of PIP is that most people have $10,000 in PIP benefits. That means if your injuries are extensive and leave you with hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, your PIP benefits will only cover a tiny percentage of your harms and losses.

Thoroughly Examine Your Auto Insurance Policy

If you suffered serious injuries and exhausted your PIP benefits after an accident with an uninsured motorist, the next important action is to examine your auto insurance policy to see if you have any other forms of supplementary auto insurance coverage. Most insurance companies allow people to purchase additional coverage such as Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM). These supplementary forms of auto insurance coverage are available to address this exact scenario. You can access them if you are involved in a collision with a motorist lacking any auto insurance and it will enable you to get financial compensation for damages above and beyond your PIP benefits. For example, if you suffered $25,000 worth of damages and your PIP benefits covered the first $10,000, you could then access your UM coverage to get compensated for the remaining $15,000 in damages. UIM coverage is something you can access if the other driver has auto insurance, but they have a bare bones policy that is insufficient to compensate you for all of your harms and losses.

You are not legally required to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Nevertheless, it is strongly advised that you consider purchasing some form of UM and UIM coverage to ensure you and your family are protected against an uninsured motorist accident.

Speak to a Miami Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a family member was seriously injured in an automobile collision, you are probably feeling overwhelmed and have a myriad of questions about your legal rights. We are here to help. Contact the experienced Miami injury attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. today to schedule a free case review.

Resource:

iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists

This is a common mistake people make and auto insurance companies try to capitalize on these gaps in order to reduce or deny a personal injury claim. They will argue, “if you were hurt so bad, you would not have waited xyz number of days before seeing a doctor.” Or, they’ll argue that you missed a significant number of treatment sessions, which means you were able to resume your normal life shortly after the collision and you should therefore not be awarded a substantial sum for your injury claim.

How Gaps in Treatment Can Seriously Harm Your Personal Injury Case

If you go to the emergency room, or your primary care physician, soon after your automobile accident and the doctor writes maintenance instructions for you in your medical records, you need to follow them. If you do not follow these instructions and there are large gaps (e.g., weeks or months) in treatment, it raises questions about the extent of your injuries and may result in a judge or jury being extremely skeptical about awarding you monetary damages.

Being Finalized and Maximum Medical Improvement

It is frustrating when reviewing the medical records of clients to see doctors advising patients that they have been “finalized” or have reached “maximum medical improvement.” This often causes patients to think that they do not need any further treatment or follow-up care.

Rehabilitative and Palliative Care – Two Sides of the Same Treatment Coin

The forms of medical treatment you should be aware of include the following: (i) rehabilitative care and (ii) palliative care. Rehabilitative care (often referred to as “rehab”) is where a medical professional attempts tries to stabilize an injury and ensure it does not get worse (e.g., a broken arm not getting treated could become infected). After a few months of rehabilitative care, patients often reach a point where they are considered to have reached a full recovery (sometimes called max medical improvement). At this point, patients mistakenly believe that their medical care is over. This is not true. The next step should be seeking palliative treatment, which is to ensure your injuries do not regress. Palliative treatment could also be described as a tuneup for the body. This form of treatment addresses systemic symptoms and discomfort caused by your car accident injuries. Palliative care is intended to improve the intangible aspects of your life and overall physical well-being. Examples of this form of treatment include physical therapy, chiropractic care, medication, and periodic assessments by your primary care physician.

Overcoming Gaps in Treatment

There are many strategies your Miami car accident lawyer can utilize to overcome any “gap in treatment” arguments raised by the auto insurance company. For example, testimony from you, your friends, family members, and co-workers can help establish the fact that you were continuing to suffer from pain, even if you were not in an established treatment program for your injuries.

Contact Our Miami Auto Accident Attorneys Today

As you can see, having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side is important. That is why you need to contact Alan Goldfarb, P.A. in Miami today. Our legal team will advise you and your loved ones of your legal options. Contact our office at 305-371-3111 or toll free at 866-936-9761 to schedule a free, comprehensive case review.

Multi-Vehicle And Chain Reaction Crashes

Multi-vehicle accidents present many different issues than an accident that involves only one or two vehicles. These types of dangerous and tragic accidents are often referred to as chain reaction accidents, even though the terms are not necessarily interchangeable. However, both multi-vehicle and chain reaction accidents come with multiple chances of threats to the safety of those involved. Not only do victims have the chance of being injured in the initial crash, but they can have the additional risk of being injured in subsequent impacts by additional vehicles. In just a brief period of time, the entire roadway can become a confusing obstacle course as drivers struggle to avoid also being involved in the collision. Chain reaction crashes comprise a significant percentage of all traffic accident deaths, as often they occur on busy highways and interstates with heavy traffic.

The Statistics

According to statistics gathered and provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, in Florida as well as in many, if not most, other states nationwide, fatalities suffered by accident victims of multi-vehicle accidents accounted for approximately half of all accident-related deaths in 2015. Notable exceptions to this trend include the District of Columbia, Montana, and Maine, all of which had significantly higher percentages of fatalities which resulted from single-vehicle accidents.

Finding Fault Among Many

One of the challenges in handling the aftermath of a multi-vehicle or chain reaction crash is determining who is at fault, and to what extent they are at fault, for the accident. The more vehicles and drivers who are involved, the more difficult it can be to determine what role each driver played in the incident. Accident investigators will often look not only at the crash itself but at the history of the drivers involved in the accident, including whether or not they have any record of being ticketed for various infractions such as driving with a suspended license (or no license at all), reckless driving, speeding, following too closely, or drinking and driving.

Have You Been Involved In A Multi-Vehicle Or Chain Reaction Accident?

If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle or chain reaction accident, you need the assistance of an experienced attorney who can skillfully and competently assess each aspect of your case. These types of cases are often complex and complicated and require a high level of legal competency to ensure you obtain the best possible results. The Miami attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. are here to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and losses. Allow us to use our experience to your benefit and get you the relief you need. Contact us now to set up an appointment at no cost or obligation to you.

Resources:

local10.com/traffic/multi-vehicle-crash-shuts-down-powerline-road-in-pompano-beach

iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/general-statistics/fatalityfacts/state-by-state-overview

Multi-Vehicle And Chain Reaction Crashes

Multi-vehicle accidents present many different issues than an accident that involves only one or two vehicles. These types of dangerous and often tragic accidents are often referred to as chain reaction accidents, even though the terms are not necessarily interchangeable. However, both multi-vehicle and chain reaction accidents come with multiple chances of threats to the safety of those involved. Not only do victims have the chance of being injured in the initial crash, but they can have the additional risk of being injured in subsequent impacts by additional vehicles. In just a brief period of time, the entire roadway can become a confusing obstacle course as drivers struggle to avoid also being involved in the collision. Chain reaction crashes comprise a significant percentage of all traffic accident deaths, as often they occur on busy highways and interstates with heavy traffic.

The Statistics

According to statistics gathered and provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, in Florida as well as in many, if not most, other states nationwide, fatalities suffered by accident victims of multi-vehicle accidents accounted for approximately half of all accident-related deaths in 2015. Notable exceptions to this trend include the District of Columbia, Montana, and Maine, all of which had significantly higher percentages of fatalities which resulted from single-vehicle accidents.

Finding Fault Among Many

One of the challenges in handling the aftermath of a multi-vehicle or chain reaction crash is determining who is at fault, and to what extent they are at fault, for the accident. The more vehicles and drivers who are involved, the more difficult it can be to determine what role each driver played in the incident. Accident investigators will often look not only at the crash itself but at the history of the drivers involved in the accident, including whether or not they have any record of being ticketed for various infractions such as driving with a suspended license (or no license at all), reckless driving, speeding, following too closely, or drinking and driving.

Have You Been Involved In A Multi-Vehicle Or Chain Reaction Accident?

If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle or chain reaction accident, you need the assistance of an experienced attorney who can skillfully and competently assess each aspect of your case. These types of cases are often complex and complicated and require a high level of legal competency to ensure you obtain the best possible results. The Miami attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. are here to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and losses. Allow us to use our experience to your benefit and get you the relief you need. Contact us now to set up an appointment at no cost or obligation to you.

Resources:

iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/general-statistics/fatalityfacts/state-by-state-overview

local10.com/traffic/multi-vehicle-crash-shuts-down-powerline-road-in-pompano-beach

Florida’s Post-Accident Requirements

Though it is fortunate that the victim was not hurt worse than he was, the driver did not check on the victim and just left the scene without meeting any of the legal requirements set by Florida. According to Florida Code Section 316.027, whenever a driver is involved in an accident that results in death or personal injuries, they have certain specific responsibilities they must meet. A failure to meet these responsibilities can result in criminal charges depending upon the circumstances and extent of injuries suffered by the victims of the accident. In cases in which injury results from an accident, the driver of a vehicle is required to immediately stop their vehicle at the scene and remain at the scene until these requirements are met:

• Provide name, address, and vehicle information to anyone injured or involved in the accident;
• Provide license or permit to accident victims or law enforcement personnel upon request; and
• Provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the crash to obtain medical treatment.

If injuries are serious, a willful violation of the law setting forth these requirements is a second degree felony; in cases in which the injuries are not serious, the violation is a third degree felony. On the other hand, if the injuries sustained by an accident victim are fatal, the violation is classified as a first degree felony and one who is subsequently caught and convicted of this offense can face serious criminal consequences including mandatory minimum imprisonment.

Reach Out to Us for Help with Your Case

If you have been involved in an accident and have suffered injuries as a result, you are entitled to receive compensation for your losses. Whether you have medical expenses, lost time from work, pain and suffering, or future medical needs stemming from your accident, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand what options are available to you under Florida law. The Miami car accident attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. will work with you to determine the best way to proceed to maximize your results and get you the relief you need and deserve. At the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. we work hard on your side from start to finish. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation and let us get working for you today.

Resources:

wsvn.com/news/the-lowedown/south-beach-tourist-struck-by-hit-and-run-driver-shares-ordeal/

flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/hitrun/

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.027.html

Insurance Coverage Requirements In Florida

Though no people were physically injured in the Plantation bakery accident, the victims involved did suffer losses. With most accidents, in fact, even when none of the people involved have suffered bodily injury, there will likely be financial loss due to property damage. In Florida, all drivers are required to carry a minimum level of insurance protection of ten thousand dollars in both personal injury protection as well as property damage liability. Despite this legal requirement to protect themselves along with others, many Florida drivers choose to ignore the laws and carry no insurance. Florida law additionally requires that drivers carry uninsured motor vehicle coverage to cover physical injuries, lost wages, property damage, and other losses associated with being the victim of an auto accident.

Whose Insurance Company Pays?

In many accident cases, it is a relatively simple process to determine who is at fault and, therefore, which insurance company will pay for the losses and damages resulting from an accident. In other types of cases, however, it may not be as straightforward. Certainly in a case such as the bakery auto accident that occurred in Plantation, the true cause of the accident – the driver who cut off the SUV driver in the first place – will likely not be held accountable unless he or she steps up and claims responsibility. While there is always the chance that this could happen, it is not the likely nor typical scenario, so in this case it will likely fall upon the insurance company of one of the victims – either the SUV driver or the bakery owner – to pick up the tab for the damages.

Help With Your Auto Accident Case

If you have been injured or suffered losses as a result of an auto accident, the Miami car accident attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. are here to help. Each auto accident is unique and involves a specific set of circumstances and facts, but at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A., our legal professionals have the wide range of experience that allows them to competently handle any accident case, no matter how unusual. When you have suffered a loss due to an accident, turn to our professionals to help you get results. Contact us now to schedule your consultation at no cost or obligation to you.

Resources:

floridabar.org/tfb/TFBConsum.nsf/0a92a6dc28e76ae58525700a005d0d53/bf33d30e9b73f8df85257405007bd593!OpenDocument

local10.com/news/suv-crashes-into-plantation-bakery

Lane-Diving Dangers

Lawmakers advocating ending the express lanes cite the more than 12,000 accidents that have occurred on the express lanes in Miami-Dade County alone in the past three years. In fact, it is rare to read through the news or listen to a news broadcast without hearing about another accident on the express lanes and – often times, anyway – learn that lane-diving was potentially a factor in the accident. Lane diving is the practice of leaving the regular travel lanes to enter the express lane – or vice versa – dodging the lane-divider poles at high speeds as though one were on an obstacle course. Efforts made and money spent to install sturdier poles to discourage this practice have made little impact to date and, for this reason, the question of whether it is worth having the express lanes at the costs of accidents, lives lost, and injuries suffered is a valid one. Though signs warn drivers to not drive over the plastic poles and advise of the fines that can be assessed for getting caught engaging in this dangerous practice, drivers continue to do so. All too often, not only is the lane-diving driver involved in a crash, but at least one, if not multiple, other vehicles become involved as well. In one example out of many accidents over the last few months, three vehicles were involved in a chain-reaction crash that resulted in injuries, some quite serious, to occupants of the vehicles. Some of those injured included children. The accident was believed to have been caused by a fourth vehicle that dove from the express lanes back into the general traffic lanes and cut off the head vehicle; the other vehicles’ drivers were unable to react quickly enough to avoid a collision.

When Injured In An Auto Accident, Contact Alan Goldfarb, P.A.

If you have been involved in an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries you have sustained as a result. At the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A., we will review your case with you and help you understand your rights and responsibilities under Florida law. As experienced legal professionals, we will advise you of the best way to proceed with your case and how you may expect the legal system to work. The Miami attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. are here to help you ensure you get the best possible results for your case. Contact us now to schedule your consultation at no cost or obligation to you.

Resources:

local10.com/traffic/i-95-signs-warn-drivers-not-to-jump-express-lane-poles

local10.com/traffic/lane-diving-driver-believed-to-have-caused-chain-reaction-crash-on-i-95

miaminewtimes.com/news/i-95-express-lanes-could-be-banned-under-proposed-law-finally-9044048

local10.com/travel/bill-filed-to-eliminate-express-lanes-on-florida-highways

Good News, For A Change

Accident reports such as this are rare, as rollover crashes usually are some of the worst kinds that can take place both in severity and extent of injuries and fatalities; in fact, statistics show that rollover crashes have some of the highest fatality rates of all motor vehicle crashes. While the end result in a rollover crash is nearly always the same – the vehicle has rolled over, quite simply – not all rollover crashes occur in the same manner. In many cases, a rollover crash may result from a multi-vehicle accident, but often times a rollover crash can involve just a single vehicle as well. Rollover crashes can occur in one of two different ways and are referred to as either tripped or un-tripped. The vast majority of all rollover crashes – 95 percent of them – in which just one vehicle is involved are tripped.

Tripped And Un-Tripped Rollovers

Tripped rollover crashes occur when a vehicle slides sideways off a road surface and its tires dig into the soft ground of the shoulder or they strike an object. This causes the vehicle to essentially trip over its tires and roll over. An un-tripped rollover, by contrast, does not involve skidding or sliding off the road to start the rollover process, but instead, the vehicle rolls over due to being top heavy or by the driver’s abrupt maneuvering to avoid a collision.

Causes Of Rollover Crashes

These violent and severe crashes are typically caused by factors including vehicle type, driver behavior, and road conditions. Tall and narrow vehicles such as vans or SUVs are more prone to rollovers than a vehicle such as a sedan or coupe that is lower to the ground or broader bodied. Alcohol and speed are quite often factors in single-vehicle rollover crashes, and other types of driver error such as inattentiveness or distraction during routine driving can also cause an accident to occur. Road conditions, particularly those on windy or narrow roads without dividers or barriers, also contribute significantly to statistics of fatal rollover crashes.

Reach Out to Us Today for Help

If you have been involved in an accident, the experienced Miami car accident attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. are here to help. With decades of experience handling all types of car accident and personal injury cases, we can help you get the best recovery possible for your losses.  We will help you to understand your rights and responsibilities under Florida law and know how the legal system may handle your case. Do not delay – take action today. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation at no obligation.

Resources:

safercar.gov/Vehicle-Shoppers/Rollover/Causes

safercar.gov/Vehicle-Shoppers/Rollover

local10.com/traffic/monroe-county-sheriffs-deputy-involved-in-rollover-crash-on-us-1

A woman has lost her life in a tragic accident that took place while waited for her bus at a Hollywood bus stop. According to reports, an elderly man who was driving an SUV lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the bench at the bus stop. He hit three people, two of which were pinned under his vehicle; he and all three of his victims were taken to the hospital. One of his victims, a Fort Lauderdale woman, was pronounced dead at the hospital; another of the victims suffered serious injuries, including broken neck and back bones. The cause of the crash is being investigated, but sadly, the outcome is that many family members and friends of all those involved will feel this loss for a long time.

Senior Drivers In Florida

There is no indication that the driver’s age was a factor in this fatal accident, but in Florida, with its large population of seniors, authorities have taken a closer look at the correlation between accident statistics and drivers of advanced age. Driving one’s own vehicle is a symbol of independence and is something that many people are hesitant to give up, even when they may reach an age where it makes sense for everyone’s safety to do so. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles does not want to take that independence from older drivers – so long as they remain able to drive safely. Though many older drivers may adjust their driving patterns and habits by limiting the number of trips they make, driving shorter distances, or driving only in daylight or in good driving conditions, many seniors do not make concessions for their age-related limitations and continue to drive past the point when they should stop.

Older Drivers – Crash Statistics

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute, the numbers of drivers age 70 and over has increased, but the drivers in this age group are crashing less frequently than in the past. However, despite these encouraging facts, statistics do show that older drivers have higher rates of accidents resulting in fatalities than all other groups of drivers with the exception of young/new drivers, when you look at the number of miles driven. The total number of miles driven by older drivers is substantially lower than for other groups and, therefore, the proportion of crashes to the number of miles is higher than with other groups.

Alan Goldfarb, P.A. – Your Auto Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in an auto accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. Those medical expenses, lost time from work, and even pain and suffering endured as a result of someone else’s negligence on the road should not be your loss to bear, and the experienced legal professionals at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. can help you to successfully pursue justice. Our Miami attorneys will review your case and determine a plan for success. Contact us now and let us start working for you today.

Resources:

local10.com/traffic/1-dies-after-suv-crashes-into-bus-bench-in-hollywood

iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/older-drivers/qanda