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

Archive for December, 2011

Wishing Florida Residents a Happy New Year

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Thousands of people are killed in drunk-driving auto accidents each year. Unfortunately, these accidents often spike around Christmas and New Year’s, which should be a joyous time for all of us. Do your part to protect the wellbeing of yourself and others: Don’t drive drunk, and don’t let friends drive drunk.

At the Law Offices of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., we are often reminded of the harm that can be caused by a DUI auto accident. Life-changing injuries are frequently the result of this type of accident, and may include:

• Wrongful death
• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury
• Amputations

These injuries could have been avoided had the drunk driver chosen to take a cab or been offered a ride by a designated driver.

The holidays are a time to celebrate, but we can all choose to celebrate safely. We hope you enjoy a plentitude of holiday festivities, and we wish you health and happiness in the year ahead.

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

Posted in Auto Accidents | No Comments »

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Since 1981, each US President has declared December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. This year, President Obama declared December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a title reflecting the modern-day dangers of distracted driving, in addition to DUI. The Administration hopes to prevent auto accidents by promoting sober and drug-free driving, as well as raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

Alcohol and drugs are common causes of car accidents. In 2009, alcohol-impaired deaths made up 32 percent of total driving fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2009, drugs – including marijuana and cocaine – were present in 18 percent of fatally injured drivers, which translates into about 10,000 deaths.

Alcohol is a widely recognized source of DUI; less present in the national consciousness are the dangers posed by drugged driving – driving under the influence of any drug that affects cognition. You use your cognitive faculties when driving to:

• Judge distances and speed.
• Remember everyday driving rules.
• React to unexpected situations.
• Pay attention to the road.
• Coordinate body movements.

Even prescription drugs can cause these cognitive effects in certain dosages and within a certain time period after taking them.

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month also seeks to prevent tragedies like wrongful death by reducing rates of distracted driving. Distracted driving occurs anytime you take your hands, eyes or mind off the road, including:

• When you text or talk on the phone.
• When you use a hands-free electronic device.
• When you eat or drink while driving.
• When you apply makeup while driving.
• When you try to read a map while driving.

According to the NHTSA, 5,474 people were killed in car accidents involving driver distraction in 2009. Another 448,000 people were injured in these accidents.

Motorists who choose to drive while drunk, drugged or distracted put other drivers at risk. Raising awareness and educating our young drivers may help prevent these devastating auto accidents.

If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence in Orlando, Florida or the surrounding areas, please contact experienced auto accident attorney Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., to schedule a consultation.

Posted in Auto Accidents | No Comments »

Preventing Holiday Fires and Injuries

Friday, December 9th, 2011

According to information compiled by the National Fire Protection Association and the US Fire Administration, about 250 residential fires occur because of Christmas trees each year. Another 150 home fires are caused by holiday lights. In the entire winter season, there are more than 900 fatalities caused by residential building fires every year.

At the Law Offices of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., we have seen the damage that catastrophic injuries can inflict on the lives of families, and we would like to offer some tips for preventing these injuries.

During the holiday season, some simple steps can help ensure the safety of family and friends:

• Keep Christmas trees away from heat sources – like fires, heating vents and candles – that can cause the tree to become dry. Keeping the tree watered is the best way to prevent it from becoming dry and flammable.
• When choosing a live Christmas tree, buy a freshly cut tree instead of an old, dry one. Fresh trees have green needles that do not snap and break. Avoid leaving your tree up for much longer than two weeks. Christmas trees are a common source of home fires and serious burn injuries.
• Before putting up your holiday lights, inspect the strands for any frayed wires, broken sockets and other wear. Avoid linking together more than the recommended number of strands. Do not leave lights unattended for long periods of time.
• If you are using lit candles, you should place them in secure holders in a place where they are not likely to be knocked over. Also, you should never leave candles unattended or place lit candles on a Christmas tree.

Additionally, you may want to make sure everyone in your home knows the appropriate steps to take in the event of a fire.

If you have suffered a personal injury because of someone else’s negligence, please contact experienced Orlando, Florida injury attorney Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., to schedule a consultation.

Posted in Personal Injury Lawyer | No Comments »

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