by Spencer Aronfeld | Dec 2, 2018 | Car Accidents
As parents, helping our teens become safe drivers starts long before they get behind the wheel. It starts by setting an example when they are still in the back seat. Showing them the importance of always wearing a seat belt, never texting and driving, keeping within a safe speed limit, never tailgating or cutting other cars off in traffic, and never drinking and driving. New teenage drivers were eight times more likely to have a car crash or close call within the first three months of driving, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. They were also more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors, like sudden braking, rapid acceleration and hard turns. We did a recent blog on teen passengers posing the biggest threat to teen drivers, which oftentimes encourages these types of dangerous driving behaviors. Graduated driver licensing policies, now nationwide for new drivers under 18, can help to reduce crash rates by requiring a specific number of hours of adult-supervised driving, restrictions on driving at night and with peers in the car, and phasing in exposure to more demanding driving conditions. As parents and guardians, it is our job to ensure that our young drivers are trained in how to react in various traffic safety situations. There are ways to prevent teen motor vehicle accidents and injuries. As the teen driver begins to become more comfortable in lower-risk driving situations, it is helpful to slowly move him or her up into more complex situations, such as driving on interstates, driving in adverse weather conditions, or driving at night. These practice drives...
by Spencer Aronfeld | Nov 28, 2018 | Cruise Ship Accidents
Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Carnival Panorama will offer its passengers the first-ever SkyZone trampoline park at sea. Passengers of all ages will have the opportunity to experience the ‘wall to wall aerial action’ aboard Carnival’s newest ship. The 12-lane trampoline court will encompass over 3,000 square feet on Decks 6 and 7 and include an adjacent recreational area with a climbing wall, balance/jousting beam, Sky Ladder climbing apparatus and Tug of War – the same features found in land-based SkyZone facilities. In addition to the trampoline park, the space will offer fitness classes for all levels, family activities for those with small children, and ‘gravity-defying’ dodgeball and basketball games. The space will feature blacklight glow parties at night. The Carnival Panorama will officially debut on December 11, 2019. It will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, roundtrip from Long Beach. To celebrate the launch and unveiling of the SkyZone trampoline park, Carnival will feature a float in the 130th Rose Bowl Parade, on January 1, 2019 in Pasadena, California. INJURED ON A CRUISE SHIP OR CRUISE SHIP EXCURSION? SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY: 1-866-597-4529. If you or a loved one has been injured on a cruise, on a wet and slippery deck, down a poorly lit staircase or steep gangway, in port on an excursion, or on a tender boat- it is important that you speak as soon as possible with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims against cruise lines. Most cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Regents...
by Spencer Aronfeld | Nov 23, 2018 | Cruise Ship Accidents
The Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Cruises newest ship, docked at its permanent home at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL this week. The 2,918-passenger ship is the prototype for an innovative new series of ships at Celebrity called the Edge Class. The Celebrity Edge was designed using 3D imaging technology, and features cabins that are open to the sea in a way that has never been seen before in the cruise industry. The ship’s architectural beauty and elegance comes from the spaces designed by some of the world’s best-known architects and designers, including Patricia Urquiola and Kelly Hoppen. More than 80 percent of the Edge’s 1,467 cabins have balconies, including what is known as Infinite Verandas. Unlike other ships, the balconies are incorporated into the main cabin area. Bi-fold doors in the rooms can either be completely closed, creating a traditional room area separated from a balcony area, or left open, creating an wide-open indoor space that is about 23 percent larger than traditional balcony cabins. The ship’s Grand Plaza features a seven-ton chandelier that hangs three decks above the Martini Bar, and features LED light strips that adjust the color depending on the time of day. Other notable features include: The Magic Carpet, which is a 90-ton platform the size of a tennis court, which moves up and down the side of the ship serving functions that range from a tender boarding platform to restaurant dining. Another unique feature is the three-story venue called Eden with an 18-foot-tall wall of plants over a bar that uses ingredients from the plants to make its drinks. It serves as a relaxing...
by Spencer Aronfeld | Nov 20, 2018 | Car Accidents
Thanksgiving is the busiest travel holiday of the year. The 2018 Thanksgiving holiday travel period extends from Wednesday, November 21 – Sunday, November 25. Approximately 48.5 million Americans are expected to drive 50 miles or more for the 2018 holiday period, according to AAA. It is estimated that 2.8 million Floridians will do the same this Thanksgiving. The majority of those travelers, more than 89 percent, will be driving to their destination. If you plan to drive, be prepared for delays. Be respectful of other drivers and follow the rules of the road. Many accidents are a result of driver frustration. There were 20% more fatal crashes nationally in the 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. travel period during the Thanksgiving holiday. Not surprisingly, more crashes occurred in the rain and in inclement weather conditions, and 40% of the fatal Thanksgiving crashes involved drinking and driving, according to the Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As experienced Miami auto accident attorneys, we know the devastation a car accident can cause. It can ruin more than just your holiday. Here are some safe driving tips to help you arrive safely at your destination this Thanksgiving. • Avoid driving at the most dangerous times. Many drivers think it is best to begin their trip very early in the morning or late into the night to avoid the traffic. However, this strategy comes with risk. Driving between midnight and 6 a.m. is considered the most dangerous time to be on the roads. • Do not drive drowsy. Driving drowsy can produce some of the same side effects as drunk driving. Listen to your body....
by Spencer Aronfeld | Nov 19, 2018 | Cruise Ship Accidents
Cruise ships are always looking for the next best thing when it comes to attractions and activities for passengers on their ships. For Royal Caribbean, one of these popular attractions for surfing enthusiasts and novices alike is the FlowRider. However, most passengers do not realize the dangers associated with the FlowRider. There have been numerous reports of injuries including broken ankles, wrists, sprains, traumatic brain injuries and accidental drownings. There has even been a reported death onboard Royal Caribbean after a passenger broke his neck and was killed while on the FlowRider. What is a FlowRider? A FlowRider is a surfing simulator which allows people to surf while on a dry surface, specifically the ship’s deck. Royal Caribbean ships offer this free attraction on many of their vessels. The FlowRider creates waves formed by water traveling up to 40 mph, which mimics the flow of water in the ocean. FlowRiders come with certain safety regulations, including how many people can be on the FlowRider at a given time and how to properly “surf” while on the FlowRider. The activity is a public one, which allows others to watch the rider surf and cheer him or her on. Riders can use a surf board, as well as a boogie board while on the ride, and many of these attractions offer lessons while enjoying the experience. Like other attractions on a Royal Caribbean ship, participants must sign a waiver before using the FlowRider, which says that they accept any risk of accident as their own responsibility. However, it is important to know that just because you sign this waiver it does...
