Articles Posted in Personal Injury

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CRASH TEST DUMMIES BEHIND THE WHEEL OF SMART CARS?

1661e426-8ea8-4d72-ac30-7f02bd902ffe-225x300Over 1,000 licensed drivers ages 18+ took part in a nationwide online survey to find out if smart cars are making drivers dumb through modern automotive gadgets like driver assistance Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). According to the survey and its results, motorists behind the wheel of modernly equipped vehicles are taking more risks, especially when coupled with negligent cellphone use such as texting and driving. In fact, the results of the survey reveal that smart car drivers confess to using their cellphone negligently through video chatting and/or using apps while they drive. Texting and driving accounts for over 60% of drivers with ACC and/or LKA, with social media interaction accounting for over 50% of drivers. Obviously, this negligent use of cellphones while driving has led to distraction behind the wheel, which according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has resulted in 3,166 fatalities in 2017 nationwide and some 50,000 accident reports in Florida alone, which ranks 2nd nationwide behind Louisiana in terms of distracted drivers. According to EverQuote, just under 92% of all motorists in the U.S. use their cellphone while operating a motor-vehicle. In an interesting statement by the assistant vice-president in the Enterprise Research department at State Farm; “Innovations such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist are designed to make our roadways safer and meant to assist drivers, not replace them.” It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the constant construction works being carried in and around the Miami metropolitan area and the absurd traffic decisions taken by city officials, places motorists and pedestrians in ever-growing danger. Thus, and ironically enough, smartphones and smart cars seem to be making people dumber through neglect and overall distraction behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. Drive safe and let your cellphone ride shotgun and nothing more.

If you, a loved-one or friend has been in a car accident involving negligent cellphone use by a motorist in Miami, or in any of the Cities We Serve in Miami-Dade or Broward, Perazzo Law recommends contacting us ONLINE or CALL (786) LAWS-411 for a FREE initial consultation. Perazzo Law offers its personal injury clients ZERO-OUT-OF-POCKET fees.

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 The Perazzo Law Firm in Miami

Miami Car Accident Lawyer Serves Car Accident Victims & Products Liability Claims for Compensation

Car Manufacturers pump-out hundreds of thousands of vehicles every year and are constantly rolling out new designs aimed at enhancing style, comfort, and safety, all of which require advanced technological complexity. It’s this complexity that makes car manufactures more prone to design and manufacturing defects, which in turn can lead to personal injury from car accidents. Because when motorists operate defective vehicles, there is a potential threat of suffering personal injury from a crash. That’s when car companies recall the vehicles they consider are dangerous to drivers, pedestrians, and anyone on the road. But what happens when a vehicle owner or driver is involved in an accident that stems from a defective car part, faulty software, or self-deploying airbag? That’s when accident victims, friends or family need to consult the professional advice of the Perazzo Law Firm in Miami.

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Memorial Day Weekend in Miami – Mayhem on the Horizon

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Memorial Day Weekend in Miami

City officials and business owners in-and-around Miami Beach are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors eager for a dose of unforgettable fun under the Florida sun. With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, Miami Beach is putting the finishing touches on its scheduled concerts, exhibits, and high-flying events. Also known as Urban Beach Week, which attracts the hip-hop and party-going crowds, this year’s organizers are aiming to compliment the hip-hop party scene with activities that appeal to visitors of from all walks of life. For example, movie-buffs will be able to enjoy screenings of films by Spike Lee, while art lovers can visit and mingle with local artists at the cultural festival called “Re:Frame”. Furthermore, Miami Beach city officials and organizers will be offering the Air and Sea Show, which will exhibit military aircraft, vehicles, and gear. Miami Beach has put together a week’s worth of entertainment options for visitors, and has also designed a logistics plan to keep Memorial Day Weekend traffic from turning into motorist mayhem in Miami.

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Perazzo-Law-Texting-and-Driving-Accidents-in-Miami-300x199TEXTING & DRIVING WILL SOON GET YOU PULLED OVER & TICKETED

Florida:  Texting & Driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents today, with thousands of accidents taking place everyday on Florida avenues, streets and highways. The Governor of Florida has recently signed a bill that will allow the authorities to stop motorists spotted texting & driving while behind the wheel and in motion. Nevertheless, drivers will be able to use their mobile device while their car, SUV, or truck are not in movement. Even though texting & driving has been illegal for many years now, cops have done little since they aren’t allowed to pull drivers over even if spotted texting & driving. In fact, there were only 1700 citations throughout 2018 to those caught texting & driving. Though the bill focuses on reducing the number of accidents caused as a result of distracted motorists using their cell phone to send & read text messages, it also aims to educate motorists on the grave consequences that come from texting & driving accidents in Miami & other cities where texting & driving accidents are more common. Motorists will not be allowed to text & drive but they will be allowed to use the cell phones to talk, use GPS services, check weather forecasts, and read emergency messages. As of January 1st, 2020, motorists caught with their fingers on the keypad will be issued tickets of $30 plus court fees. Repeat offenders will lose points & their licenses.

1661e426-8ea8-4d72-ac30-7f02bd902ffe-225x300Miami motorists have an incredibly hard time putting down their cellphones while driving. Motorists distracted by texting, voice messaging, talking and using GPS services also seem to add to the potentials of suffering an accident that may result in bodily injury to pedestrians, joggers, bike riders, etc. Florida ranks 2nd in the USA when it comes to accidents resulting from negligent use of cellphones behind the wheel, and despite cellphone use being worthy of a moving violation, it is not. Nevertheless, negligent cell-phone-use related accidents are on the rise on Miami streets and highways, with many of them leading to serious personal injury and even wrongful death. Using a cell phone behind the wheel can distract a driver enough to run over a pedestrian or rear-end a stopped vehicle. Though the driver may not suffer any injury, the victim may require medical attention, which can lead to medical costs and an insurance claim for compensation. The Perazzo Law Firm is vastly experienced in representing those that have fallen victim to motorist negligence as a result of cellphone use while driving in Miami. We strive to make sure our car accident victims and clients get the compensation they deserve for their injuries, damages, or losses.

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gavel-1238036-300x201TEXTING AND DRIVING COULD BECOME LAW

Just because law enforcement agencies in Florida aren’t pulling drivers over for it, texting while driving is actually illegal. But why exactly don’t they pull you over? Because the House has yet to decide whether or not to turn it into a law. This Thursday, the Florida Senate passed the bill that will give police officers the green light to stop and fine motorists caught texting while driving in Florida. Though not yet a full-blown law, it might soon be if the House approves turning the bill into law. According to the bill sponsor, the House will most likely accept the Senate’s proposal to allow police officers to stop drivers who are caught red-handed with their fingers tapping away at their smartphone screens. Though the bill doesn’t include reading off a cell-phone or using other devices while driving, it does prohibit drivers from actual texting. If passed by the House, motorists would have time to adjust to the new law by only citing a warning to motorists caught texting. Sadly, as of December 31st, 2019, drivers would be stopped and ticketed. According to the would-be law, drivers would get three points on their record, a $30 fine, plus fees to the costs of the court. Fortunately, loopholes exits. If a driver buys a Bluetooth hands-free phone, he/she can take a course on driver safety. Furthermore, the first offence would go unscathed. When passed, those in favor of the law expect accidents related to texting and driving to go down significantly. At present, a great number of pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle accidents are the direct result of texting and driving. The bill, which last year only made it as far as the House, was denied due to concerns that police officers would have the legal right to invade the cell-phone owners privacy and raise concerns over racism or general prejudice with regards who police choose to pull over for allegedly texting while driving.

PERAZZO LAW SERVES THOSE INJURED IN ACCIDENTS DUE TO NEGLIGENT CELL PHONE USE IN MIAMI

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shopping-handbag-1514074Burlington Incorporated Pays Injured Shopper $677,000 For Injuries

MIAMI – When a table display came crashing down upon a Palm Beach woman shopping at a Burlington store, a personal injury claim followed, which led to a federal judge ruling in her favor for $677,000 in compensation for the injuries she suffered. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida ruled in her favor in the case which dates back to July 2016, after the victim was struck by several tables that resulted in extensive medical attention, spinal cord surgery, a probable future surgical intervention to repair damage to he knees, which prevents her from taking part in the recreational activities she was able to do prior to the accident. According to the court ruling, there was a breach of duty by not taking precautionary measures to prevent the injuries she suffered when the entire table display fell on her. The  victim requested just over $215,000 in damages to cover medical expenses and loss of wages as well as $750,000 dollars for past, present, and future pain and suffering. In the end, the U.S district judge ordered Burlington Inc. to compensate the Premises Liability accident victim a total of $677,745 for her injuries and losses.

balance-1172786-300x204PERAZZO LAW SHARES BEST INSIGHT FOR PREMISES LIABILITY ACCIDENT CLAIMS

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road-work-ahead-2-1225792-300x225MOTORIST MAYHEM LOOMS IN MIAMI

In less than one month, the First Street Bridge will be shut down for three years in order to revamp the drawbridge that operates over the Miami River. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the bridge, which allows for eastbound motorists to access downtown Miami, won’t be reopened until 2022. Hence, those hoping for a smooth commute into center city will have to ready themselves for bumpy nerve wrenching drive on what is expected to be a dose of motorist mayhem into downtown Miami. This project, according to the FDOT, is merely the first of the 55 projects aimed at improving Florida’s infrastructure, despite the headaches and rage residents will have to endure in the meantime. The plan is to modernize the 80-year old bridge by adding new seawalls along the river, build walkways by the riverbanks, include spacious bike lanes, and much more to justify the 67-plus million dollar project. Motorists may be wondering what to do and where to go in order to get to downtown Miami. Well, there are several detour options, one of which includes taking the West Flagler Street Bridge eastbound instead of westbound as the bridge will be turned into a two-way road. Motorists should visit the FDOT website for further information and learn about scheduled public meetings at the Miami-Dade Main Library and the Miami-Dade Hispanic Branch Library. Though these projects are meant to ease traffic congestion and improve the quality of life for residents and add to the visual appeal of Miami, short-term headaches and aggravation seem almost inevitable.

PERAZZO LAW SHARES ADVICE FOR DEALING WITH MOTORIST MAYHEM

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miami-city-1218429-300x225MIAMI LYFT ACCIDENT LAWYER: LYFT LOOKING TO LURE MIAMI DRIVERS AND RIDERS – Miami: In an attempt to enhance the quality of its service, add to the number of riders, and pump-up its stock value, The ride share company Lyft, is targeting current & potential drivers through special discounts and attractive offers. While it’s no secret that using a vehicle leads to wear & tear, Lyft is offering its drivers discounts on tune-ups, repairs, & more. The proposal, which not only helps Lyft drivers to keep their cars in good shape, eases the financial burden that comes from having to use your car to earn a buck. Through a money-saving maintenance program, Lyft drivers throughout most of South Florida, will be eligible for 50% discounts on vehicle maintenance & repairs. Subsequently, the discounts would reflect positively on the driver’s take-home pay & the condition of the vehicle used to transport Lyft riders. Basically, a driver can make sure to have good tires & brakes, keep the vehicle clean, & tend to repairs when needed at lower costs. Furthermore, according to Lyft, only 10% of its drivers work full-time & have Lyft as their “employer”. Our Miami & North Miami Beach Law offices handle personal injury & property damage claims as a result of an accident involving Uber, Uber Eats, Lyft, or any other ride-share services company operating in Miami.

balance-1172786-300x204Perazzo Law’s professional staff of personal injury and insurance litigation attorneys can help accident victims gain righteous compensation for injuries sustained from an Uber or Lyft related accident in Miami and every city in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties. See Cities We Serve

The Perazzo Law Firm knows that Rideshare Companies like Uber and Lyft are a convenient and cost effective way to get around in Miami as well as in major cities like Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, and more. Sadly, Uber or Lyft get into accidents which may result in injury to passengers, other motorists, as well as pedestrians and bike riders. The Miami-based Perazzo Law Firm represents victims of Uber/Lyft accidents that seek compensation through a personal injury insurance claim throughout all Miami-Dade and Broward.

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ULTRA ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL

Ultra Music Festival 19

Virginia Keys, Miami: Organizers of the Ultra Music Festival are scrambling to avoid a repeat of the pedestrian mayhem that developed over the Rickenbacker Causeway last night just after midnight. Despite having over two hundred buses revved and ready to take festival goers from Marine Stadium to the Miami mainland, organizers where not expecting an early exodus. With some 50,000 ticket holders expected to attend the music festival this weekend, transportation and safety area major concern for organizers and visitors alike. In an attempt to avoid early morning pedestrian and bus chaos, Ultra organizers aim to improve communication and sign posting to steer visitors in the right direction and towards the buses that will take them to one of three drop-off points. According to former police chief Ray Martinez, special bus lanes are supposed to drive festival goers over the William Powell Bridge, which connects Miami to the Virginia Keys. While Ultra apologized to fans of the Friday night logistics fiasco via Twitter, it is hoping to regain their confidence when it comes to their safety, which took a nose dive last night when fireworks caused a tree to catch on fire. Though the evening’s mild weather made for a tantalizing stroll over the bridge, it raised concern over the safety of weary festival goers and the potential risks that come with massive crowds. Furthermore, the large number of ticket holders when combined with the woes of getting over the bridge, helps fuel the hiring of illegal boat charters, which depart near American Airlines Arena and Miami Marine Stadium. For those attending the Ultra Electornic Music Festival, Perazzo Law recommends thinking twice about boarding shady boats and make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

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PERAZZO LAW SERVES PREMISES LIABILITY AND FOOD POISONING CLAIMS

old-hands-1559233-300x225KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF MY FOOD!

MIAMI-DADE. A recent string of inspections led by the Department of Agriculture found that a total of 15 food outlets, distributors, and warehouses across Miami-Dade were in direct violation of health safety standards and proper hygiene implementation. The health inspectors reported violations that range from no hot water in bathroom sinks, to a potpourri of animal feces sprinkled over packed consumer goods. In most of the cases, the major risk to consumers comes from the lack of personal hygiene by workers handling food, since the inspectors found that many food handlers failed to wash their hands properly, either from personal negligence or lack of resources such as hot water, soap, or paper towels. Reports also state that kitchen staff could be seen rubbing their noses and touching their faces while handling food. Spoiled or rotten goods were also reported to have been found as well as meat slicers bearing remnants of leftover food particles along the blades, trays, and other parts. In accordance with proper health safety measures, meat slicers must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized regularly to prevent disease through bacteria build-up. When it comes to washing dishes and utensils used in food preparation, the absence of hot water can many times result in poorly sanitized foodware. Thus was the case in several popular Miami-Dade food establishments according to the official inspection reports.

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