411 PAIN - Driving in the wee hours

411 PAIN - Driving in the wee hours

Driving in the dark might be very stressful for your eyes. Because colors tend to fade at night it’s very difficult reading warning signs. Except for urban roads, most roads don’t have sufficient light to illuminate these gloomy streets. It’s good to turn your car lights on before it’s completely dark. Many drivers make the mistake to wait for the street lights to turn on first. If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident when driving after dark, call 1-800-411-PAIN.

 Your eyes need time to adjust to the dark roads and you pupils a few minutes to dilate. The more light the better vision you’ll have. The less light, the less you’ll see. Minimizing glare might be a great way to concentrate while driving in the late night hours. Some headlights can be quite annoying. Try avoiding them by looking to the bottom right of the road when they approach. It’ll take you time to recover from glare, especially the blinding type. Likewise, turn off any interior lights you might have on. These lights also make it extremely difficult to see.

Injuries from poor lighting are common in mountainous states such as Georgia, Minnesota, Tennessee and Texas. In the state of Georgia hilly cities such as Columbus, Blue Ridge Mountains, Macon and Providence usually have accidents due to poor lighting on the lonely roads. Pedestrians might also be hard to see when crossing these dusky streets. Try to approach pedestrian crossings with caution. When driving at night on lit roads switch your headlights to dip. Full beam headlights should be reserved for roads with some light or roads completely dark.

For a free consultation to victims of automobile accidents in the state of Georgia contact 411 PAIN.
Drive safely and alertly!

411 Pain Crashes & Disasters in USA history

Crashes & Disasters in USA history

It doesn’t hurt to remember a few calamities impacting the history of our nation. We build a memorial every time we remember the innocent lives we lost in these devastating tragedies.  Accidents and disasters are something we don’t want to deal with. If you need to fight a traffic ticket, call 1-800-411-PAIN.

Let’s start with the tornado outbreak of 2011. There were about 162 tornadoes affecting states such as Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Kentucky, Illinois, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and many others.  This tornado was soon surpassed on April 27th by a much stronger outbreak of 358 tornadoes. As many as 348 people died in this disaster.

What about the aircraft accident of American Airlines flight 587? About 260 lives (all people on board) were lost that day. Although the cause of the crash is supposed to be mechanical some rumors are spread that it was a terrorist attack. The airplane had crashed in Belle Harbor, NY only a month after 9/11.

Deadly Katrina was another natural disaster causing about 1,833 deaths in 2005. I still remember being in shock as I watched the news: bodies floating lifeless on the water, homes destroyed, debris, and power lines lying on the ground like dried up veins disconnected from life.  Katrina made landfall in Florida between Hallandale Beach and Aventura. I remember being without electricity for a whole week. Canned food and batteries were in high demand that week.

We can’t leave behind the tragedy of 9/11. How can we forget the 2996 people who died on that horrible day? Imagine waking up early in the morning to go to work and clocking in to soon realize your workplace it’s on fire and about to collapse. Life is taken abruptly from you and you can’t even tell the story.  Out of the 4 passenger jets hijacked, two crashed into the World Trade Center, the other hit the pentagon and the last headed to Washington. Thanks to an act of heroism, the last didn’t succeed. It reminds me of the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crash originated in Washington and schedule to terminate in Fort Lauderdale, FL with a stopover in Tampa, FL.  78 lives that on that day.

Avoid car crashes. 411-PAIN advices you to drive safely!

Cars on Fire

Cars on Fire

Many factors contribute to car explosions or cars getting on fire. If a car gets hit on its gas tank or engine, a slight spark such as the rupture of batteries may cause a fire. Poor maintenance on your car or defects may also contribute to the fiery accident. Teens and young adults are more likely to be involved in these types of accidents, males usually more often than females. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries during a collision-induced car fire contact 1-800-411-PAIN.

Many times fuel system structural errors contribute to the malfunctioning fuel system in a car. Common defects include leaky fuel lines and improper protection of the fuel tank. Pull off the road if you smell gas. Leaking fuel will ignite with a fire. Sometimes replacing a gas cap it’s all you need but the problem might be more severe. Never restart your engine if you suspect there is a fuel leak in your car. Call a tow truck instead.

Automobiles have maintenance requirements. You can make your own check list: tires, oil, windows, brakes, fluids and everything else you can think of. Most engines are water-cooled. If your engine overheats you should wait until it cools down naturally. Try not to overfill your fuel tank. Fuel spillage might be very dangerous for other drivers, especially bikers. Remember after an accident, call 911 then 411 PAIN.

Teen drivers tend to disrespect the rules of the road more than adults. As more accidents arise, the need for education in the state of Florida increases too. The lack of driving experience, among other factors, is the common cause for these accidents. Male teens usually like to speed more than female teens. Contact 411-PAIN if you have been injured in a teen crash in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Naples, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Vehicle Rollover Genesis

Vehicle Rollover Genesis

Vehicle rollovers are among the deadliest road accidents. There are many factors that might contribute to a rollover but the most common ones are aggressive driving, tire grip, over-correcting your vehicle, vehicle stability and carrying too much weight. If you have been injured in a vehicle rollover in the state of Florida, contact 1-800-411-PAIN. We have successfully represented hundreds of victims and obtained successful results in most of our serious vehicle rollover claims.

The most common cause of a vehicle rollover is aggressive driving, a driving hitting a tree, ditch, tree, guardrail or any other uneven ground. Rollovers are usually not caused by a steering maneuver. Vehicles usually trip on something before the rollover occurs. As much as 95% of rollovers result from trips. Tall vehicles such as SUVs, pickups and vans are more sensitive. The auto industry and government don’t want to assume responsibility for these huge-car fatalities therefore the blame usually goes on the driver and road conditions. Remember after an accident, call 911 then 411 PAIN.

Over-correcting your vehicle and tire grip might also contribute to a rollover. Tires in SUVs, for example, have less grip therefore the chance of rollover might increase. Make sure your tires are always inflated to the pressure recommended. Replace them when worn out. Balding tires are more prone to slide in the rain. Excessive steering or over-correcting might also contribute to the driver’s loss of control. Reducing speed might be safer than over-correcting. About 40% of rollovers involve excessive speeding.

Your vehicle’s lacking stability will also lead to a rollover. Millions of automobiles on the road don’t have Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This feature is necessary to guarantee the safety of your vehicle. If you or someone close to you has been injured due to lack of ESC, contact 411 PAIN. Carrying too much weight on top of your car might also increase the risk of rollover. Your vehicle might be weighted down affecting its stability.

Vehicle rollover accidents are the most dangerous type of accidents. They are more likely to occur in rural areas. These roads tend to be narrower leaving less margin for errors. Be alert and drive safely on these type of roads. Stay calm and call 1-800-411-PAIN .

Driving After the Storm

Driving After the Storm

There are hundreds of hurricane-driving safety tips out there but very little or no information about how to drive after the storm. You will never see a bumper sticker that reads: How is my driving after the storm? Sadly, after having major storm insomnia your body begins to relax and trust your surroundings. Water begins to reside forming the annoying puddles which have the potential to damage your car. You might need to drive after a hurricane for safety issues or evacuation purposes. Be careful with downed power lines, fallen trees or any other blockages in the roads. If you suffer any injuries or damages while driving on the unsafe roads call 1-800-411-PAIN.

Exposure to water can harm your brakes. If rotors are hot they will definitely warp and your car will start vibrating. Also, only a small amount of water sneaking into the crevices of your engine can cause damage. The water gets into the cylinders where pistons compress the air. Water doesn’t compress, therefore piston rods will eventually bend to the amount of pressure. In other words, your engine is ruined.
 Remember after an accident, call 911 then 411 PAIN.

Something else to think about when driving after a storm it’s power lines. High winds and flooding rain can often destroy them. When everything is wet around power lines even non-conductive materials such as pieces of wood become a path for electricity. Metal security fences, poles, mail boxes and even standing water can also serve as vehicles for electricity.

The state of Florida has the longest list of hurricane occurrences. Around 488 cyclones have affected the sunshine state. These nasty storms happen all year round except on January and February. Key West and Pensacola are the two cities with most occurrences in Florida. However, major hurricanes made landfall on cities such as Miami Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Naples, Panama City and countless others.

Drive safely after the storm. Avoid tree branches and liter as power lines often get entangled in these branches. If you are a victim of a car accident, make sure you contact 411 PAIN.

The Hangover: Driving After a Party

The Hangover: Driving After a Party

Most of us might not have a problem with a few drinks but the truth is many Americans over drink when going to a late night party. In the United States 21 is generally the legal age to purchase alcohol.  It can’t be any lower than that... Any state that lowers the alcohol consumption age will lose 10% of federal highway funding, up to $150 million in funds for any single state. Remember after an accident, call 911 then 411 PAIN.

In the 1970’s states such as Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana and Tennessee lowered the level of alcohol consumption to 18 years old. It didn’t last long though and it went back to age 21 in the 1980’s.  Underage consumption is allowed in some states under specified circumstances. About 9 States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and West Virginia have no exceptions on alcohol usage laws.

You might be responsible for drunk drivers if you serve alcohol at your social event. Call 411 PAIN if any of your guests is driving under the influence. You shouldn’t continue to serve a guest after they're visibly intoxicated. It means their physical coordination and judgment are impaired. A minor should not be served alcohol. The best alternative is to host the event at a restaurant or bar licensed to serve alcohol. You can provide everything except the drinks, have a limit on drinks or else measure the amount of alcohol put into punches and mixed drinks. You may also want to encourage your guests to assign drivers or call a red cap. A red cap is a personal driver designed to drive your car whenever you need it.

Speak to your guests before they leave the event and make sure everyone gets home safe. 411-PAIN wants you to have a safe and fun party!

Famous Sun-shiners

Famous Sun-shiners

Welcome to Florida’s red carpet! 411 PAIN introduces you to a list of talented people that have stepped on our sandy soil. Hundreds of Musicians, writers, TV stars, scientists and sports players were born in our paradisaical sunny State. They are the ones that make of Florida an interesting place to visit and comfortable paradise to enjoy.

Among the lucky ones we have Johny Depp the actor, the film producer and musician everyone adores. Although the handsome actor was born in Kentucky, he was raised in Florida. We continue the list with Dave Barry Pulitzer–prize winning and bestselling author born in Miami, Gloria Stefan the Grammy award-winning singer raised in Miami, Anthony J Arduengo III the chemist-scientist who discovered persistent carbine born in Tampa, James J. Greco CEO and president of Sbarro born in Boynton Beach, Jymmi Wales founder of the Wikimedia Foundation born in St Petersburg, an American non-profit charitable organization which main mission is to provide content free of charge.

The following celebrities and countless others call Florida home: Oprah Winfrey in Miami Beach and Sarasota/Casey Key , Julia Roberts in Miami, Julio Iglesias in Miami Beach,  Matt Damon in Miami Beach, Celine Dion in Jupiter Island, Enrique Iglesias in Miami Beach, Beyoncé Knowles in Miami Beach, Ricky Martin in Miami Beach, Shakira in Miami Beach, Sammy Sosa in Coral Springs, Scott Stapp in Boca Raton, Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Tiger Woods in Jupiter Island, John Secada in Miami, Sylvester Stallone in Miami Beach, Chuck Norris in Naples, and John Travolta in Ocala.

From The Pirates of the Caribbean to The Ophrah Winfrey Show these talented stars make our sky shine brighter. This is something interesting to think about when you visit our sandy beaches. Be watchful, you might shake hands with one of them. 

Enjoy your stay in Florida! 411 PAIN wishes you a restful vacation.