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Michael V. Barszcz, M.D., J.D.

Archive for September, 2011

Driving Safely with Motorcycles

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

Two people are dead after a tragic car and motorcycle accident that occurred earlier today at Conroy Road and Hidden Beach Boulevard. The other vehicle was an SUV. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Given the minimal protection of a motorcycle, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to catastrophic injuries and fatalities following an accident. The unfortunate result of today’s harrowing accident cannot be undone, but we can all revisit the importance of driving safely with motorcyclists.

Share the road with motorcycles by adopting these safe driving habits:

• Respect the rights and privileges of all drivers. Motorcyclists have the same rights on the road as other motorists.

• Stay within your lane. A motorcyclist is entitled to the full width of the lane, regardless of the motorcycle’s size. Do not try to fit beside a motorcycle in the same lane.

• Always check your blind spots. One of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents is a failure to see the motorcycle. Anytime you change lanes, be sure to look over your shoulder in addition to checking your mirrors.

• Be especially cautious when making left turns. Many motorists fail to see an oncoming motorcycle or misjudge the speed of the cycle. Make it a habit to check for motorcycles when turning.

• Maintain an appropriate distance. Do not follow motorcycles at an unsafe, close distance. Motorcyclists may need to make quick maneuvers to avoid obstacles in the roadway, and you should allow enough room to react.

By practicing safe driving habits, you can better ensure your safety and the safety of cyclists with whom you share the road.

If you have been in a car accident in Orlando, Florida, or the surrounding areas, please contact experienced car accident attorney Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., to schedule a consultation.

Posted in Auto Accidents, Uncategorized | No Comments »

1 in 4 Florida Drivers are Uninsured

Monday, September 19th, 2011

According to the Insurance Research Council, 24 percent of Florida drivers are uninsured. If an uninsured driver causes you to get in a car accident, you could be facing serious expenses while the other driver pays nothing.

Although your own car insurance may cover some of the cost, after an accident with an uninsured driver you may face:

• Medical expenses for injuries like whiplash
• Repair costs for vehicle damage
• Lost wages from missed work
• Emotional suffering

Florida is one of the top 5 states in the nation with the highest rates of uninsured drivers. If you are in a car accident in Florida, there is a significant chance the other driver does not have insurance.

Take preventative steps to protect yourself from uninsured motorists:

• Consider adding uninsured motorist coverage to your insurance policy. With this type of coverage, you can receive compensation for bodily injuries caused by an uninsured driver.

• If a negligent, uninsured driver caused your accident, contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can review your case and file your insurance claim.

Protect the financial and emotional wellbeing of yourself and your family. Choose a lawyer who will help you find all opportunities of compensation after being in an auto accident.

If you have been in a car accident in Florida, please contact the experienced Orlando accident attorney Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., to schedule a free initial consultation.

Posted in Auto Accidents, Personal Injury Lawyer | No Comments »

Politics and Protecting Florida's Older Population

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

More than 17 percent of Florida’s population is over the age of 65. With frightening statistics regarding nursing home abuse and neglect, Florida needs a watchdog to protect these residents.

Unfortunately, politics have mired the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, a program sending volunteers into nursing homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs) to observe conditions and listen to resident complaints. For clearly political reasons, the vigilant leader of this program, Brian Lee, was forced out.

Earlier this year, Lee asked nursing homes and ALFs to provide information regarding who owned the facilities, information he was allowed to access under the new health care reform act. Soon after, the Governor’s Office ousted Lee. Federal investigators have found Florida to be in violation of the U.S. Older Americans Act because of the events surrounding Lee’s dismissal.

Older people have rights and deserve impartial protection, regardless of political interest in who owns these facilities. The ousting of Mr. Lee sends the wrong message: The ombudsman cannot operate independently to advocate for long-term care residents.

Residents of nursing homes and ALFs are often unable to advocate for themselves, and abuse and neglect occur far too often. The need is critical for the ombudsman program to remain independent of political whim.

To learn more about nursing home abuse, or if you think a loved one may be a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, please contact experienced Orlando, Florida attorney Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D.

Posted in Nursing Home Abuse | No Comments »

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