CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS IN FORT LAUDERDALE AND BROWARD COUNTY

 

FORT LAUDERDALE CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS HELPING VICTIMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF FLORIDA 

Accidents involving motor vehicles have become a common occurrence and part of the daily routine in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. In fact, the latest report from The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle shows that the tri-county area makes up three of the top four counties in Florida with the most car accidents per year. The attorneys at Madalon Law understand the confusion and questions you may have after you or a loved one have been involved in an accident. We are here to tell you that we have your answers.

SPEAK TO A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FOR FREE 

Many people make the mistake of not calling an attorney after suffering an injury. Speaking to an attorney does not mean you are hiring them. Our goal is to answer your questions, address your concerns and give you a clear understanding of your rights and the options you may have to seek compensation. Our firm has successfully represented people throughout the years because we realize each person is unique and so is their case. Contact us for your free consultation and tell us what happened so we can help you.

WE CAN HELP YOU EVEN IF YOU DIDN’T TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS AFTER THE ACCIDENT

Did you take pictures? Did you file a police report? Did the officers issue a citation to the negligent party? Did you get the contact info of the witnesses? Don’t worry if you answer no to any of these – most people are not aware of the steps to take after a car accident. Even if you’ve missed a step, we can help determine liability.

TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENTS

The personal injury attorneys of Madalon Law understand that each type of car accident must be approached differently in order to prove the negligence of the other party and seek the compensation the client truly deserves. Some of our best cases have included:

Rear End Collision

Rear end accidents are one of the most common types of car accidents in the country. These car accidents occur when the front of one vehicle hits the rear end of another vehicle. The severity of these accidents can vary based on the speed of the vehicle(s) when the collision happens. A rear end accident can range from a small “fender bender” to a collision resulting in a fatal car accident.

Highway Car Accident

The Florida Turnpike, I-95, 595, I-75, the Sawgrass Expressway and any other Florida highway can seem more like an obstacle course than a roadway. Anyone familiar with these roads will agree it takes a certain level of skill to travel safely and avoid an accident. Unfortunately, even the most defensive driver may find themselves in a car accident when sharing the road with distracted drivers, motorists with bad driving habits, outdated roads and the construction zones needed to update the highways.

Intersection Car Accident

Nearly 40 percent of car accidents occur at an intersection. What makes these types of collisions so dangerous is that the point of impact usually involves the vulnerable area of the vehicle being hit. Even though this can happen anywhere in Florida, some of the most dangerous intersections are right here in Broward and Miami-Dade County.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Technology has helped our society become more efficient, as well as turned people into masters of multi-tasking. This sounds great until someone behind the wheel doesn’t have the reaction time needed to avoid an accident because their eyes were off the road. Even though texting and driving will always be dangerous, it is quickly becoming an outdated threat with all of the new distractions smartphones give us. From checking emails to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and anything else that will only take a few seconds; we have to realize an accident only takes a few seconds as well.

Fatal Car Accidents

Even though any type of car accident can be fatal if cars are traveling fast enough or collide in a certain way, some accidents result in fatalities more often than others. These can include head-on collisions, Vehicle rollovers, and vehicle malfunctions. You need to contact an attorney if you have lost a loved one and feel it may have been due to the negligence of another party.

DEALING WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANIES

One of the most common mistakes a person can make is to follow what seems like the natural steps and deal with the insurance company directly. What many fail to realize is that the insurance companies are not friends. Their goal is to settle your case with the lowest amount of money possible. In many cases, they achieve this because the person involved in the accident is not aware of what they are entitled to under the law and the steps needed to seek the proper financial compensation. The personal injury attorneys of Madalon Law know how to deal with insurance companies and have successfully fought for car accident victims throughout the State of Florida.

YOU ONLY PAY US IF WE WIN YOUR CASE

We realize the questions and uncertainty that come from a car accident can create great stress in a person’s life. We will take on all of the financial risk and cost of your case so you can just focus on getting better. We will not even bill you unless you win. If you have been injured in a car accident and feel it may have been the fault of another party, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney and explain to them what happened. One of our car accident attorneys will gladly answer your questions, address your concerns and go over the options you have and steps needed in order for you to seek the financial compensation you deserve.

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FORT LAUDERDALE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Fort Lauderdale has always been famous for its beaches, art galleries, extensive culture and a multitude of events. The scenic shopping that takes place on Las Olas Boulevard compares to some of the world’s best. There are gondola rides you can take on the canals leading you directly to the historic riverfront and many restaurants to enjoy. Located only two miles north of Port Everglades, you can experience Fort Lauderdale’s landscaped beachfront with its iconic signature white wave wall and brick paved path. Across the street from the beach are luxury hotels, and additional shopping and dining.

The unfortunate reality for local drivers and visitors of Fort Lauderdale is that the city is located in the second most dangerous county to drive in the state of Florida. Being positioned just north of Florida’s worst accident rate county, Miami-Dade, Fort Lauderdale, and its residents know all too well that this less than honorable achievement to have. Every day it seems like there is another major motor vehicle accident in the news.

The unsettling reality is shown way too often here in South Florida when it comes to reckless drivers. It’s not necessary to be on the roads very much in order to witness speeding cars changing lanes without turn signals, only pausing at four-way stop intersections, and continuous use of cell phones while driving. It is quite apparent that these are not good practices when it comes to getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, but they can be seen daily throughout the roads ways in Fort Lauderdale. In addition to those bad habits, Fort Lauderdale drivers have all kinds of additional obstacles which they regularly are forced to deal with; poor conditions of the roads, construction sites along highways everywhere, and large amounts of other motorists who share the same roadways.

There are all kinds of severe statistics which could be displayed regarding auto accidents in Fort Lauderdale. An alarming set of eye-opening stats from 2011, presented by the state of Florida’s DMV website, includes, but are not limited to:

  • Fatal Accidents: 18
  • Number of Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes: 23
  • Fatal Accidents Involving Drunk Drivers: 5
  • Persons Involved in Fatal Accidents: 35
  • Pedestrians Killed: 4

While Fort Lauderdale has some of the world’s most amazing beaches, delectable foods, and sunniest days, it unfortunately also has its issues with dangers on the roadways. It is of the utmost importance to know exactly what you need to do in case you are ever involved in an auto accident in Fort Lauderdale. It is important for you to have the legal knowledge necessary regarding what needs to be done. The Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyers of Madalon Law will provide you with a free consultation to go over your case in detail and explain to you your options.

DRIVER FATIGUE AND CAR ACCIDENTS

SIMPLE WAYS TO AVOID A COMMON FACTOR IN CAR ACCIDENTS

The Ft. Lauderdale car accident lawyers of MADALON LAW have seen many car crashes due to driver fatigue or being exhausted behind the wheel. Even though we appreciate having new clients, we would prefer seeing people drive safer and not get in a car crash they could have easily avoided if they were just more alert when the accident was occurring.

Driving Fatigue is what happens when a person’s physical and/or mental exertion impairs their performance. Driver Fatigue can be a result of strenuous activities (work-related and/or non-work related), extended work hours, a lack of adequate sleep or a combination of two or more of these factors.

If you are planning to travel a long distance or sometimes find yourself drowsy behind the wheel, here are some easy steps you can take to avoid driver fatigue and getting into an accident:

  • Sleep: It may seem simple enough, but it is too common in our busy lives to go about our day with not enough sleep. This is usually not a life and death matter, but it could be when you are behind the wheel. Studies show that there are actually natural drowsy times for the human body. These drowsy times are between the hours of 12 AM – 6 AM and 2 PM – 4 PM and can seriously impair a driver’s response time if they were to encounter a dangerous situation on the road. Research by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows that driver alertness was more related to “time-of-day” than “time-on-task.”
  • Avoid medication that may cause drowsiness: Medications that are prescribed may be easy enough to identify due to the warning labels on the bottles, but a less obvious medication is cold medicine. If you have to drive with a clod, make sure to take the non-drowsy version. Also, make sure that the drowsy version you may take at night is taken with enough sleep time allowed so you don’t wake up still feeling the effects of the night-time cold medicine.
  • Maintain a healthy diet: Remember that food is fuel. Skipping meals or eating at irregular times may lead to food craving and fatigue. Fatigue caused by food cravings can include slow reaction time, reduced attention and awareness, changes in mood and reduced ability in judgment.
  • Naps: Ideally 45 minutes, but a minimum of 10 minutes, research shows that short naps are more effective than coffee when needing to restore energy levels.
  • Alertness tricks don’t work: Studies show that old tricks like smoking, loud radio, sudden caffeine intake and opening the window do not work in waking a person who may feel drowsy behind the wheel.
  • Be aware of the signals: If your eyes become heavy, your vision blurs or you begin to frequently yawn, then you need to be aware that these are the signs of driving fatigue.

Still, think sleep doesn’t matter? Research shows that being awake for 18 hours is comparable to having a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent – the same driving ability of a legally intoxicated driver.

CONTACT A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, please contact the Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys at MADALON LAW for a free consultation.

FATAL CAR ACCIDENTS

THE FATAL CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS OF MADALON LAW FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF FLORIDA

No matter where you live in Florida, accidents on the road are a daily occurrence. For most people, an accident may only mean traffic and road delays to get to work. Then there are the drivers who are involved in an accident and now have to deal with injuries, insurance companies, police reports and car repair. Unfortunately, there are also the people who are involved in a car accident that they do not get to walk away from. These victims are not as fortunate as the others and do not have the opportunity to be late to work or deal with insurance companies and car repairs.

CAR ACCIDENTS THAT ARE OFTEN FATAL

Even though any car accident can be fatal if vehicles are moving at a fast enough speed, there are certain types of collisions and crashes that increase the chances of a fatality.

Vehicle Rollovers: with over 20% of vehicle fatalities involving a rollover, these are the deadliest of all auto accidents. Even though this can happen with any type of vehicle, a rollover usually involves a vehicle with an unsafe high center of gravity. This can be the result of poor vehicle design, vans that may be carrying too many passengers or trucks carrying a load that is unsafe. Other factors that can contribute to a vehicle rollover are poor tire traction, a sudden turn at an unsafe speed and poor weather conditions.

Head-on Collisions: These accidents are abrupt and often deadly. Some of the more common causes include falling asleep behind the wheel, distracted driving, taking a corner at an unsafe speed, blowing out a tire, an over-reactive steering maneuver to avoid hitting something, poor passing judgment on a two-lane road, bad road conditions and driving under the influence. What makes fatal head-on collisions even more tragic is that it will involve more than one vehicle and often times the people who are killed were the ones driving safely.

Vehicle Malfunctions: What makes an accident caused by a vehicle malfunction so deadly is that the driver does not see it coming. One minute someone is driving safely and following the rules of the road, then suddenly their tire blows, brakes do not respond or cruise-control malfunctions. Even worse is when there is a malfunction during the accident with a feature that is put there to protect us. Examples of this would be a malfunctioning seatbelt or airbag that fails to deploy.

SPEAK TO A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Families that lose a loved one in a fatal car accident will not only be faced with the unspeakable tragedy of losing someone unexpectedly but will also find themselves overwhelmed with all of the legal issues, paperwork, and arrangements. These things need to be handled correctly – no matter how unimportant they may seem right now. The Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys of Madalon Law fight for the families of fatal car accident victims throughout the state of Florida. Speak to one of our Wrongful Death attorneys in a free consultation.

Defective Auto Parts That Can Cause An Accident – Here is a list to help keep your family safe.

Ft. Lauderdale Car Accident Attorneys That Want You to know what to look for and what to do to stay safe.

As much as we appreciate a new client, we would much rather see drivers and their families’ safe and not need a car accident lawyer. MADALON LAW would like to help by sharing with you some of the more common causes of car accidents due to defective automobile parts.

Some of these can be prevented, while others may happen without warning.

  • Child car seat failure: Keep an eye out for seat recalls. Are you using it right? Are you strapping the seat correctly to the vehicle? Do the instructions read clear?
  • Airbag failures (Inadvertent deployment, late deployment, failed deployment): Make sure to check for recalls. You should also check the crash history if you are buying a used car.
  • Transmission malfunction: Make sure your car does not overheat (a common factor for transmission issues), make sure there is no leakage, check levels of fluid and make sure the liquid is not dark or dirty.
  • Defective Seatbelts: It is difficult to avoid this because a seatbelt can seem like it is in working order until an accident occurs and then it is too late. What you can do is check for seatbelt recalls. Ford and Chevy have both recently had recalls due to seat belt malfunctions. Toyota is currently going through seat belt lawsuits due to defective seatbelts on the Toyota Prius.
  • Vehicle rollover roof crush: There is no way to avoid this, but if you or a loved one has been involved in a vehicle rollover and the roof of the vehicle crushed, then you need to call an Attorney immediately.
  • Car stalling due to ignition defect: This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. AutoZone offers an ignition module test to customers.
  • Tires: Check for recalls. Make sure tire pressure is consistent and set at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Make sure to also monitor the wear of the tire.
  • Brake failure or malfunction: Even though it is uncommon, an accident resulting from brake failure can be disastrous and even deadly. Some of the warning signs of brake failure include the brake warning light coming on, your vehicle jerking to a stop or pulls to one side when you use your brakes, pumping the brakes to get them to work right or having one or more wheels excessively hot after short drives.
  • Defective Steering component (axel, wheel): Does your steering wheel have a rough or loose feel to it? Does your car have a little extra “bounce” when it goes over a speed bump? Are there noises when you steer? Is the wear on your tires uneven?
  • Floor mat and/or accelerator: Toyota has been dealing with product liability lawsuits over their Toyota Prius and also Lexus models. Ford has also seen its share of floor mat issues. Many car companies have taken note of this and most new models now have floor mats that are meant to stay in place and not get in the way of the driver and the gas / brake pedals. Sudden acceleration lawsuits happen. If you have an older car or a vehicle that comes with loose floor mats, check to make sure there has not been a recall.

If you are reading this and you or a loved one have already been involved and injured in an accident that may have been caused by a defective vehicle part, then you need to contact an injury firm that understands these types of cases. Contact us for a free consultation. If we take your case, we will take care of all the cost, expenses and risks involved in seeking financial compensation. You will not even be billed unless we win your case. Contact the Ft. Lauderdale car accident lawyers at MADLON LAW to get answers to your questions today.

Multi Vehicle Car Accidents

The Fort Lauderdale office of Madalon Law has successfully represented victims of multi vehicle car accidents for years. Car accident cases that involve multiple vehicles have certain issues that need to be addressed correctly. If these unique cases are not handled correctly, then you may find yourself being taken advantage of by the other driver’s insurance companies when they delay or deny the payment you are entitled to.

Car accidents that involve multiple vehicles can happen several ways. The most common type of multi-vehicle accident is when one car rear-ends another car and the force of the hit causes the vehicle to move forward and hitting the next car. This results in a chain reaction where three or more cars have rear-ended each other.

Who is to blame?The problem with an accident that involves multiple cars is that everyone is blaming everyone else. Even in a traditional rear-end accident involving several vehicles (usually caused by the vehicle in the back); the negligent driver often blames another driver. You might find it difficult for someone to be able to do this, but there is room for doubt because the vehicle(s) in the front did not see the vehicles behind them.

Some examples of the blame game include:

It’s the middle car’s fault: In some cases the car in the rear (who caused the accident) will deflect blame by claiming the car ahead of them was the first to rear-end another vehicle (the car in the front) and that this sudden crash is the reason the car in the back rear-ended the car in the middle. The car in the front usually does not see any of this since they were hit last.

The car in the front is to blame: There are times when the car in the front of the collision will be accused of causing the accident. They could be blamed for cutting in front of the other cars and slamming the brakes or changing lanes in a careless way that endangers other vehicles on the road.

The car that no one else saw (except for the guy in the back): There are times when the vehicle in the rear will claim that there was another car behind them and that was the car that caused the chain reaction of accidents. This mysterious car is a way for the negligent party to pass the blame on someone else and at the same time become a victim of a hit-and-run. One way to clear this up is to check the rear end of the car for damage. If it turns out that the vehicle does have damage, take a closer look to make sure it is recent damage. Does the damage seem fresh? Is there debris, paint chips or glass on the floor?

You need to hire a lawyer nowWhen an accident involves multiple vehicles, it is common for two or more of the drivers to argue who was at fault. What is truly unfair is when the driver of the front vehicle calls the insurance companies of the other motorists and the insurance companies tell the driver they have to wait for compensation because the claim is being investigated. What the insurance companies are doing is waiting to see if the blame game gets resolved – which can take a very long time. Hiring an attorney and filing a lawsuit can speed things up and help you get the financial compensation for medical bills and damage that you and your family deserve. The Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at Madalon Law have experience dealing with these insurance companies and know the steps that need to be taken to get the results you deserve.’

Texting and Driving

Our Ft. Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyers Want You To Understand The Dangers Of Texting And Driving.

Multitasking has become a way of life like never before. We see it everywhere. Some read their tablets and send emails while they are on treadmills. Others are hearing audiobooks while they are doing a hands-on project or stuck in traffic – unlike the old days when you had to actually sit and read the words out of a book.

It truly is a very exciting time. Society is moving at an incredibly fast pace and technology is an amazing tool that just keeps making the world easier and more efficient. We are able to communicate with each other at any point in any time in several ways.

Where this becomes a problem is when a person starts multitasking behind the wheel of a car. The truth is that anything we do that takes our attention off the road can increase the risk of a car accident. Reaching for a device can increase the chance of an accident by 1.4 times. Talking or listening can increase the chance of an accident by 1.3 times. Dialing a phone makes you 2.8 times more likely to have an accident.

Then there are the real dangers. Doing tasks or communicating in a way that you take your eyes completely off the road. The most common tasks while driving with eyes off the road is text messaging. A person is 23 times more likely to get involved in a car accident if they text message while driving.

But it’s only 5 seconds

Many feel that the way they text is safe and they keep a good amount of attention on the road, with their eyes off the road for just a few seconds. What can happen in just 5 seconds? A lot considering that at 55 MPH you can travel 300 feet (the length of a football field).

Young Drivers

Out of car accidents involving drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 years old, 13% of them admit that they were texting and driving. This problem may only get worse considering 82% of kids between the ages of 16-17 years old have a cellphone. These kids are accustomed to texting on their phones and might be tempted do continue doing the same when they receive their license and become comfortable behind the wheel.

It’s Not Just a Kid Problem

Many adults are guilty of texting and driving as well. Studies show that 27% of adults receive and send text messages while driving. Parents need to be extra careful with this because kids are watching. In fact, 48% or kids between the ages of 12 – 17 years old have seen their parents drive and text.

In 2011, 23% of car accidents involved a cellphone – that’s 1.3 million accidents. A text can wait.

The Ft. Lauderdale car accident attorneys of Madalon Law help accident victims throughout the state of Florida and offer a free consultation. Please contact our firm if you have any questions and we will gladly answer them for you.

Smartphones and Car Accidents

SMARTPHONES AND CAR ACCIDENTS

The world is changing at an incredibly fast pace due to technology. Computers have gone from a bulky home luxury to smaller desktops, light laptops and now very impressive tablets and smartphones. Technology truly is in the palm of everyone’s hands. We can check our email, look up websites, Google anything we want, post on Facebook, download apps and even play Words-with-Friends.

Smartphones really do give us the ability to multitask, socialize and keep up with our fast moving world. Because cell phones and smartphones are so convenient and easy to use, people sometimes feel a need and urgency to use their mobile devices while driving.

EMAIL IS THE NEW “TEXT”

It was just a few years ago when email was considered a way of communication that was mostly for business purposes. Now it is hard to sign up or join anything online without an email. Some people even have multiple email accounts. Text messaging will always be around, but email is another distraction that is at our fingertips and easy to access while driving. In just 5 seconds a car driving at 55 MPH can travel the distance of a football field. A lot can happen in those 5 seconds that you are checking your email.

GETTING WAY TOO COMFORTABLE

In 2010 there were 3,267 people killed because of distracted driving. Even though these car accident deaths increased programs for awareness, 2011 saw 3,331 more people lose their lives in a car accident. With 82% of 16-17-year-olds having cell phones and smartphones, it is only a matter of time until they have their license and are behind the wheel. In fact, studies show that 77% of young drivers are confident they can safely text and drive. This is not just about young drivers. Older drivers are guilty of this too. They say it is always good to lead by example, but 48% of kids 12 – 17 years old have said they have been in the car while the driver or parent was on their smartphone. Not to mention, 20% of drivers (all ages) confess to surfing the internet while driving.

FALSE SAFETY – IT’S NOT OKAY

There are some popular beliefs among people who use their cellphones and/or smartphones while driving. Some people feel it is ok to take their eyes off the road if they increase their following distance. Others feel that it is safe if they hold the phone near the windshield and believe this gives them better visibility. There is also the thought that it is ok to just read the text as long as you aren’t typing one. None of these ideas are safe. The road is too unpredictable. There are road hazards, debris, people not using turn signals, cars cutting each other off – and let’s not forget people checking their mobile devices.

Please keep your eyes on the road.

SPEAK TO A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

The Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at MADALON LAW are here to help you with any questions you may have.  Our car accident attorneys handle cases throughout the State of Florida.  Contact us now for a free consultation.