attorneys for car accidents

Christmas is NOT #1 for Holiday Car Accidents in Miami

Published on: December 3, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

It may not be a surprise to learn that road travel is more dangerous around holiday periods in Miami, but you might be shocked to find that Christmas and other winter celebrations do not rank in the Top 10. The “bookends” of the summer season – Memorial Day and Labor Day – claim #1 and #2 for the highest number of fatal collisions according to auto insurance marketplace AutoInsurance.org. In fact, deadly crashes around Christmas are 12.4% below the average of all holidays considered, putting the holiday at the #17 spot. Travel on New Year’s Day, the 12th most dangerous holiday, is slightly riskier at 3% under average.

Obviously, car accidents still occur at an alarming rate in Miami. There have already been more than 107,700 auto crashes in South Florida so far, and 2021 is not yet over. If you were injured or lost a loved one, retaining a Miami car accident lawyer should be a priority any time of year. Some additional information on holiday traffic collisions offers insight on the dangers.

Risk Factors for Holiday Auto Crashes in Miami

What is the KABCO Scale for Assessing Catastrophic Injuries?

Published on: September 9, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S., so government officials are constantly researching, assessing data, and reviewing statistics to determine ways to reduce them. One measurement that has proven useful for purposes of analysis is the so-called KABCO scale established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which evaluates the severity of auto collision injuries and expresses how they impact crash costs.

There are several complicated formulas that FHWA uses to balance how much a manufacturer must expend to implement accident countermeasures against how well they succeed in reducing crashes. The resulting calculation is useful from the perspective of societal costs, but the KABCO scale may also be a factor if you suffered severe, debilitating trauma in a collision. Though you can trust your Miami catastrophic injuries attorney for help with the legal process, here is an overview of the KABCO scale.

KABCO Injury Scale and Cost Assessment

What to Look for When Shopping for Car Seats in Miami

Published on: September 3, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

It is the law in Florida that children under 5 years old must be secured in an appropriate restraint device when a vehicle is underway, but it can be overwhelming to choose among the many different options available in stores. While parents must take into consideration state requirements for car seats based upon age, you will also be faced with choices that factor in height, weight, cost, and many others. You could spend hours researching when you do not have guidance on making informed decisions.

For parents who need assistance with choosing the right car seat for their children, it may be useful to review some basics. The following information may help when you are shopping for restraint devices that will best protect against child injuries in a Miami car accident.

Four Types of Child Restraints

Reasons to Sue Someone You Know After a Florida Car Accident

Published on: July 30, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

South Florida is the most densely populated region of the state, so it stands to reason that it will rank high when it comes to the frequency of serious car accidents. Statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) are proof of the dangers, as there are more than 65,000 crashes in Miami-Dade County every year that cause injuries to 31,700 people. Many of these victims can recover compensation for their losses by filing a claim under their auto insurance Personal Injury Protection (PIP); for serious injuries, a victim could pursue a third-party claim against an at-fault driver.

However, your situation is complicated if you were injured as a passenger in a vehicle being driven by a friend or family member. You could be in the awkward position of seeking legal relief from a person you know, yet it is a mistake to forego your rights to avoid feeling uncomfortable. Retaining a Miami car accident attorney enables you to maintain separation, and there are many additional reasons to remain true to your own personal interests.

Your losses may be substantial

Teen Driving Statistics Highlight Dangers for Miami Motorists

Published on: July 2, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Whether you attribute it to lack of experience, tendency to text and drive, or other risky behavior, the popular assumption persists that teens are more dangerous behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this is one hypothesis that does carry some truth. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 2,000 people are killed in accidents involving teen drivers annually, comprising 8% of all fatal crashes. However, to put things in perspective, note that teenagers amount to just 5% of total drivers in the US.

These and other statistics are disturbing for parents of younger drivers, but the numbers are also cause for concern for other motorists who share the road with them. It is a comfort to know that Florida auto crash laws apply regardless of age, and a Miami car accidents attorney can assist with your legal options. Some additional data on teen motorist collisions is also informative.

Statistics on Teen Drivers and Auto Crashes

What Victims Need to Know After a Grubhub Collision in Miami

Published on: June 2, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

The mobile app-based food delivery market has expanded considerably over the last five years, but business exploded when pandemic lockdowns limited restaurant options for Miami residents. As restrictions ease, there are still shocking statistics on food delivery apps and services:

In sum, food delivery services of all sizes raked in a total of $26.5 billion in revenue in 2020. By 2025, food delivery apps should reach revenues in excess of $42 billion.
The big four in food delivery apps are Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates.

Four Rules to Follow Before You Can Retain a Miami Car Accident Attorney

Published on: May 21, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

While car accidents are a serious problem throughout the state, statistics show that South Florida is one of the most dangerous regions for fatal and injury-causing collisions. According to the Crash Dashboard operated by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are more than 106,000 total crashes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties every year. Around 500 individuals are killed, while almost 55,400 victims suffer injuries in these incidents.

If you were hurt or lost a loved one in an auto accident, you know that it is important to retain legal representation to assist with your options for relief. However, there may be some lag time as you find the right fit, during which time there are certain issues that affect your claim. As such, there are four rules to follow after a collision but before you have a Miami car accident lawyer to represent you.

Gather as much evidence as possible. If you do not need to leave the scene for medical care, do your best to collect critical proof to support your claim. Your cell phone is an effective tool, so use it to capture images and video of: