NOYES LEGAL NEWS

Ear Pain After a Car Accident--It May be TMJ

Stiff neck. Headaches. Pressure behind the eyes. Earaches. These symptoms are common after a car accident. Most associated these symptoms with whiplash injuries, but they could be related to a temporomandibular joint injury (TMJ).

Temporomandibular joint disease, TMJ, is a painful condition which carries similar symptoms as whiplash and, therefore, is sometimes overlooked. Symptoms of TMJ induced by a whiplash injury in a car accident may include headache, dizziness, deep ear pain, pressure behind the eyes, earaches
and stiff neck. Also, TMJ suffers could experience the inability to open the jaw fully, a clicking  or snapping of the jaw and changes in alignment when the jaw is opened or closed.

If you've sustained a TMJ injury in a car accident, there are a variety of treatment options available. Such treatments may include physical therapy and chiropractic care.  If TMJ symptoms worsen, an evaluation and treatment with a dentist or oral surgeon may be needed. The doctor may recommend splint therapy for the injured TMJ.  Surgery also cannot be ruled out.

If you have been injured in a car accident and are experiencing ear pain or jaw pain, consult your doctor and/or dentist about the possibility of a TMJ injury. For information on your legal rights after a Florida car accident, click here to contact Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes.  Insurance companies have attorneys looking out for their best interests, so should you!

What Potentially Dangerous Item is in Your Purse or Drawer?

With all the hype of Michael Jackson's death and memorial, you may have missed what is potentially dangerous in your purse or medicine cabinet--Tylenol and other drugs containing acetaminophen.

On June 30, 2009, an advisory committee to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended that the FDA restrict the use of acetaminophen, the widely-used pain medication found in products such as Tylenol and Excedrin. The reason for the crackdown is the potential for liver damage that can occur when too much of the medication is taken.

Taken in recommended doses, acetaminophen is a safe and effective pain-killing (analgesic) and fever-reducing (anti-pyretic) agent. For the average healthy adult, the recommended maximum dose of acetaminophen over a 24 hour period has been considered to be four grams (4000 mg). Each extra-strength Tylenol pill currently contains 500 mg, and each regular strength pill contains 325 mg.

However, taking about twice the recommended dose can result in liver damage in a healthy person. Most times, people are taking too much because they are mixing Tylenol with medications that contain acetaminophen (such as NyQuil) without even being aware that the products contain acetaminophen.

Taking Tylenol with prescription drugs can be dangerous as well for the same reason.  Some brand-name pain prescriptions containing acetaminophen include:

• Vicodin,
• Lortab,
• Tylenol with codeine,
• Percocet,
• Magnacet,
• Endocet, and
• Darvocet.

The advisory panel makes these recommendations:

1. That the single adult acetaminophen dose should be no more than 650 milligrams, (two "regular strength" Tylenol tablets as opposed to two "extra strength" tablets containing 1000 mg)

2. That the 1000 mg dose of acetaminophen be available only by prescription

3. That the maximum daily dose of 4000 mg be lowered (but did not recommend a new daily maximum)

4. That prescription drug products that combine acetaminophen with other painkillers such as narcotics, such as Vicodin and Percocet, be eliminated. If these are not eliminated from the market, the panel recommended that they carry a "black box" warning about the potential for acetaminophen overdose.

So, if you are taking this medication because of a workers' comp claim, car accident, motorcycle accident or because of day-to-day pains, consult your doctor for answers to your medical questions. For answers to legal questions pertaining to a personal injury claim or workers' compensation claim, click here to contact Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes.

Florida Highway Patrol Releases July 4th Holiday Numbers

Nineteen deaths from car accidents and 66 alcohol-related car crashes. That is what the Florida Highway Patrol reports occurred during the 72-hour period on July 3-5, 2009.

In addition, during the same period of time, the Florida Highway Patrol wrote 4,548 speeding citations, 1,928 safety belt-related offenses, and made 98 DUIs arrests. Troopers also assisted 2,443 motorists. Click here for the complete Florida Highway Patrol press release.

These are numbers just from the Florida Highway Patrol. It is certain that the local police agencies also made similar numbers and reported other car accident related deaths and alcohol-related car accidents.

Drive safely and watch out for those who don't. Look left-right-left whenever you are making your turns to avoid a car accident. Don't text and drive. Pay attention to those who aren't paying attention.

If you or your loved one needs legal assistance after a Florida car accident, click here to contact Personal Injury Matthew Noyes. He has been in the personal injury field for over 20 years and knows how to battle the insurance companies. Remember, the insurance companies have attorneys working for them, so should you!

Protect Your Family from This Guy and Other Similar Drivers

A man driving Sunday night with a 2-year-old girl in the back seat caused a 5-car rear-end car accident on Frontage Road N. and Gandy Blvd in St. Petersburg. The car accident started with this driver hit a Monte Carlo driving by Rajah Javon Flournoy and ended with the driver's vehicle rolling up to three times and coming to rest on its roof. As people tried to help, this driver got worse.

The driver kicked and punched both police and paramedics during a blood draw. Once restrained and transported to Bayfront Medical Center, the driver hit a female nurse with a closed fist as she attempted to remove an intravenous needle from his arm and pinched her left upper thigh and refused to release it.

In the driver's pants were two bottles, containing five full and two partial Xanax tablets and a methadone pill.

The innocent 2-year old child sustained cuts and possible internal injuries.

There are too many of this type of driver on the road. It is crucial that you protect your family with uninsured motorist coverage on your automobile accident policy. Without it, you could be left responsible for medical bills and lost wages not paid by your PIP. Check your policy today to confirm that you have uninsured motorist coverage. Remember, "full coverage" does not necessarily mean that you have uninsured motorist coverage.

For a free review of your automobile insurance declaration page or for more information about your rights after a Florida car accident, click here to contact Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Insurance companies have attorneys looking out for their best interest, so should you!

Motorcyclist Dies in St. Petersburg Head-On Car Accident on Fourth of July

Phillip L. Newcomb, a 41-year-old motorcyclist, was killed in a head-on crash Saturday night when an oncoming car driven by Robert Cooper, veered over a concrete median and collided with him. The accident occurred on 54th Avenue N just east of Park Street, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

This accident is a perfect example of why I end many of my articles with 'Drive Safely and Be Careful for Those Who Don't.' The investigation so far does not reveal any improper driving by the motorcyclist, Phillip Newcomb. Imagine the horror he must have experienced when he saw a car driving straight for him after the car jumped the concrete median, hit a road sign and headed straight for him.

The accident happened at 11:30 p.m. on the Fourth of July. Was the car driver drinking? Did he fall asleep? Those questions remain unanswered at this time. What is clear is that the Fourth of July remained one of the deadliest days to drive.

My thoughts go out to Mr. Newcomb's family. They will never be able to celebrate another July 4th holiday the same again.

Please drive safely--for your sake and your family's sake. Also, watch out for those who drive carelessly. Unfortunately, their actions can end up killing you or a loved one in a car accident.

For more information about your rights and responsibilities after a motorcycle accident, car accident or other personal injury matter, click here to schedule a free case consultation with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Attorney Noyes' personal injury law firm has offices throughout the Tampa Bay area to serve you.

Two of the Deadliest Days to Drive

Car accidents occur every day. Sadly, an average of 115 persons die each day in motor vehicle crashes in the United States -- one every 13 minutes. What are the two most deadliest days of the year to drive? Well, they are coming right up on us.

 

According to studies, July 4th and July 3rd of the two most deadliest day of the year for car accidents. This year may be higher than others because the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday.

 

So, be safe this July 4th weekend. Don't drink and drive. Know where you are going. Don't let your teenager fill their car with other teenagers. Don't become a statistic.

 

Celebrate America's birthday with pride, but be safe doing it. If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, car accident or other personal injury matter over the holiday weekend, click here to send Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes an email and he will get in contact with you even when his office is closed.

FREE Ride Home for You & Your Car This July 4th Weekend

The Fourth of July is full of fun, fireworks and friends. However, it is often accompanied with beer, rum, and vodka. I say, enjoy it all--just don't put you, my friends or me and my family at risk on the road by drinking and driving.

AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser are again encouraging less drunk driving with the Tow to Go program which is available July 3 through July 6.

'Tow to Go' provides a FREE confidential ride home and tow to anyone in a bar or restaurant who may have had too much to drink simply by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Services are offered throughout Florida, Metro Atlanta, Metro Nashville and in Savannah.

"On average we remove over 100 drunk drivers from our roadways during the Independence Day weekend," said Ed Schatzman, Senior Vice President of Automotive Services for AAA Auto Club South. "We expect to be busy this weekend because the holiday falls on a Saturday."

AAA also encourages these simple tips to make sure that you have a safe Independence Day weekend:

• Select a designated driver before going out to with your friends.
• Preprogram in a few cab phone numbers in your cell phone.
• Always keep some cash on you for a cab ride home should you need it.

Enjoy America's birthday, but do it safely! Also, watch out for those who don't.

If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident this Fourth of July weekend, contact Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes for information about your rights and responsibilities. Insurance companies have lawyers working for them--so should you.

Starting Today, Buckle Up or Pay the Consequences

Florida's new seat belt law goes into effect today. Failure to wear one can cost as much as $119.

The new law lets law enforcement pull over vehicles if they see a driver or front-seat passenger not wearing a seat belt even if the car is doing nothing wrong. Before today, investigators could hand out a seat belt citation as a secondary offence only if motorists were stopped for another moving violation.

Something that is not new, but often unknown, is that if you are involved in a car accident and were not wearing your seatbelt, Florida Statute 316.614(10) states that your failure to wear a seat belt in a car accident can be comparative negligence on your part. As a result, a jury could reduce an automobile accident settlement because the injured person was not wearing their seat belt.

So, buckle up to avoid a ticket and drive safely to avoid a car accident. For more information about your rights after a Florida car accident, click here to schedule a free consultation with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes.

Child's Toy Leads to Car Accident

This could happen to any parent of small children. A child's toy in the car leads to a car accident.

Recently, Florida Highway Patrol reported that too many toys in the car caused a car accident. Troopers say Roberto Reyes was driving with his two kids. Reyes told troopers he signaled to turn into his wife's place of employment when a toy rolled under the brake and prevented him from stopping the car. As a result, he crashed his car into the gas vents on a 7-11 property. After impact, one of the children had an apparent head injury. Both children were taken to the hospital for observation.

It is very important that all drivers make sure that the area around their feet is clear from obstructions. Whether it be the old rippled-up car mat, a child's toy, a cell phone, or other object that falls, it is important that you pull over and remove the obstruction before a car accident occurs. You will be held responsible for any car accident that this causes.

Drive safely and be careful of those who don't. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida car accident, you should talk with a personal injury attorney before talking with the insurance companies. Remember, the insurance company has an attorney working for them--so should you!

Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes has been caring for clients after car accidents, motorcycle crashes, workers' comp claims and other personal injury matters for years. His Clearwater personal injury law firm has been serving the Tampa Bay area for over 54 years. Click here to schedule a free case evaluation with Personal Injury Matthew Noyes.

Watch Video of Effects of Text-Messaging and Driving

Wanna watch a video that is a bit scary, but real? Click here to see Car and Driver's report on reaction time while text-messaging. Car and Driver compared the results of text-messaging to the effects of drunk driving, on the same day and under the exact same conditions using real people.

The focus of the test was solely on the driver's reaction time. All of the driving was done in a straight line on an 11,800-foot runway. Given the prevalence of the BlackBerry, the iPhone, and other text-friendly mobile phones, the test subjects would have devices with full QWERTY keypads and would be familiar with text messaging.

After conducting the texting tests on both drivers at 35 mph and 70 mph, the test subjects then drank alcoholic cocktails until they reached the legal driving limit of 0.08 percent blood-alcohol content. They then went back behind the wheel and ran the identical test without any texting distractions.

The results showed even using a straight road without any traffic, road signals, or pedestrians, and looking just at reaction times, the texting results were even worse than the negative impaired driving results.

Text messaging is on the rise, and undoubtedly, some drivers are sending and receiving messages while driving. In December 2008, more than 110 billion messages were being sent each month, up from less than 10 billion just three years ago.

Watch the video and see for yourself. Text-messaging while driving can cause car accidents. These car accidents can result in death or serious injury to you or your loved one.

Drive safely and watch out for those who don't. If you or a loved one is injured in a Florida automobile accident, motorcycle crash, bicycle accident or other type of personal injury, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights and responsibilities.

Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes has been helping those injured in Florida car accidents and work injuries for years. Click here to schedule a free case consultation. Remember, insurance companies have attorneys, so should you!

Tips to Reduce Injury from Text-Messaging

As part of Driver Distraction Awareness Week, let's talk about text-messaging and driving. Simple--don't do it! Text messaging and driving kills people. Pull over and text if need be. Text message while stopped at a traffic light, but don't text-message and drive.

That being said and clear, let's discuss injuries from text-messaging and a study examining better ways to text-message (while not driving) to reduce injury to not just the thumbs but the neck, arm and hand as well. The study was performed at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Ergonomist Ewa Gustafsson studied mobile phone habits among 56 young adults who text message on a daily basis. Half of the subjects reported problems with the neck, arms or hands, while the other half had no such symptoms.

The study concluded that text-messagers with neck, arm or hand symptoms tend to use their cell phones differently than seen in a healthy control group. 'Those with symptoms more often text messaged hunched over. Just like when using a computer, such posture should be avoided', says Gustafsson. The study also showed that text-messagers with neck, arm or hand problems tended to use one thumb to text instead of two.

The study concluded with these tips to prevent injury while text-messaging:

 1. Don't sit in the same position for a long time; instead try to vary your position.
 2. Use the chair's backrest.
 3. Relieve your forearms by resting them against a desk or your thighs.
 4. Use both thumbs.
 5. Avoid hunching over for a long time.
 6. Give your thumbs a break when typing long messages.
 7. Don't type too fast.

It can never be said too much-don't text-message while driving. You can severely injure yourself or others. It is simply not worth it.

If you or a loved one is injured in a Florida car accident, click here to schedule a free case consultation with Personal Injury Matthew Noyes. Remember, insurance companies have attorneys looking about for their best interest--you should have you looking out for yours!

Make the Best of Distracted Driving Awareness Week

Stay Alert, Stay Focused, Stay Alive .... Just Drive! That is the theme of this week's Distracted Driving Awareness Week.

No one climbs in their car and thinks, today is a good day to have a car accident and kill myself or someone else, but many persons and families are forever changed because of car accidents or motorcycle accidents.

Today starts Distracted Driving Awareness Week. Did you know that distracted driving accounts for 80% of all car accidents? That a sign that some car accidents can be avoided by dedicated to make sure that we are not distracted behind the wheel.

It is easier said than done. In today's multi-tasking world, drivers are often doing two or three things while driving. However, driver distractions are nothing new. There was a time that windshield wipers were the discussion of driver distraction. Now it's cell phones. But, cell phones are not the only distraction. Eating a sandwich, tending to small children, conversing with a passenger or gazing at objects outside the vehicle occur more frequently and can be just as distracting as talking on a cell phone. There is a reason why Florida banned those bikini-clad hot dog vendors on the side of the road.

Some of these car accidents are avoidable and it is up to you and I to change our ways. Let the call go to voice mail. Stop text-messaging when your behind the wheel. Quit eating or grooming while driving. These small steps can save your life or the life of a complete stranger.

Drive safely and watch out for those who don't. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida car accident, talk to a personal injury lawyer. Remember, insurance companies have attorneys looking out for their best interest--so should you! Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes' Clearwater law firm has been caring for clients after car accidents, motorcycle accidents, workers' comp claims and other personal injury matters for over 54 years. Click here to schedule a free case consultation with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes.

The Value of Dad--After A Car Accident and Always

Dads, it ours turn!! On Mother's Day, I discussed how some insurance companies argue that a stay-at-home parent who is injured in a car accident has no lost wage claim, thus minimizing what they do at home.  I posted an article about the value of a stay-at-home mother wherein a report from Salary.com calculated the value of a stay-at-home mom’s work is $117,000 a year. Now, with Father's Day around the corner, it is only fair that we do the same thing for Dads.

According to the same report, the work a stay-at-home father doesevery day is valued between $78,074 and $155,620 (in Clearwater). With duties of general maintenance worker, facilities manager, van driver, computer operator, laundry machine operator, groundskeeper, cook, psychologist, chief executive officer, and day care center teacher, the study shows that stay-at-home dad work a typical 64.4 hour week.

A father working outside of the home puts in another 33.6 hours a week which adds between $39,469 and $88,749 to Dad's value around the house.

You can see what you or your father’s salary should be based on your number of kids and your zip code by clicking here to use Salary.com’s DAD Salary Wizard. You can even print out a fake check to give yourself or your Dad.

Happy Father's Day to all Dads. I know I am truly blessed to have two wonderful kids and every day is Father's Day to me! My Dad passed away several years ago, but I know he is looking down from Heaven with his big smile on me and my brothers and sisters. Love ya, Dad!!

 

Road Rage Survey--Where Do You Fit In?

We have all seen other do them and if we're honest, most of us have probably done some of them ourselves (I know I have). I'm talking about the most irritating driving habits.

A recent survey commissioned by AutoVantage, a national roadside assistance company, highlights bad driving habits, how other drivers react to them, and which cities are the worst for road rage.

According to the survey, the following driving behaviors drove drivers crazy:

    1. Drivers talking on cell phones.
    2. Others drivers driving too fast.
    3. Tailgaters.
    4. Other drivers eating or drinking.
    5. Other drivers texting or emailing while driving.

And how did calm and collective America react to these and other similar behaviors? According to the survey:

    43% by honking their horn at another driver at least monthly 
    36% by cursing other drivers 
    13% by waving their fist or arms 
    10% by making obscene gestures 
    7% by calling the police 
    1% by slamming into the car in front of them

Road rage causes car accidents. Experts say that one way to reduce road rage is to turn off the thumping rock and roll and go classical--like Beethoven or Mozart (my Mom would be proud).

So, which cities have the rudest drivers? Here is the list according to the survey:

    1. New York 
    2. Dallas 
    3. Detroit 
    4. Atlanta 
    5. Minneapolis 
    6. Phoenix 
    7. Miami 
    8. Houston 
    9. Cincinnati 
    10. San Diego 
    11. Tampa, Fla. 
    12. Chicago 
    13. Denver 
    14. Los Angeles and San Francisco (tie) 
    15. Seattle 
    16. Boston 
    17. Philadelphia and St. Louis (tie) 
    18. Washington, D.C. 
    19. Pittsburgh 
    20. Sacramento, Calif. 
    21. Baltimore 
    22. Cleveland 
    23. Portland, Ore.
 
Don't fuel the fire if another driver participates in road rage against you. Ignore it. Turn Mozart louder if need be. Also, try not to engage in road rage yourself. Not every driver is as good of a driver as you are--accept it.

Drive safely and watch out for those who don't. If you are injured in a Florida car accident, click here to schedule a free case evaluation with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes.

Could this New Technology Help with a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc effects many victims of car accidents, motorcycle accidents, workers compensation claims and other personal injury matters (as well as non-personal injury causes). A company, HydroCision Inc., today introduced the "Walk In/Walk Out" option for treatment of herniated discs using their new SpineJet® Percutaneous Access Set.

The new technology for herniated disc procedures uses cutting-with-water fluidjet technology. According to the company, their SpineJet Percutaneous HydroDiscectomy System uses a high velocity water jet to simultaneously cut and remove nucleus to decompress herniated (bulging) discs, quickly, safely, and effectively- without the collateral thermal or mechanical trauma of other surgical modalities - providing relief to patients suffering from back and/or leg pain. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis.

I'm not sure what the docs think of this new technology, but don't be surprised if you start hearing more about this procedure--especially if you are experiencing pain from a herniated disc.

Discuss your treatment plan for your herniated disc with your doctors. However, if your herniated disc is caused by a car accident, motorcycle crash or workers' compensation claim, discuss your legal plan with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Attorney Noyes has been in the personal injury field for over 20 years. His Clearwater personal injury law firm has offices throughout Tampa Bay to serve you.

Fatal Hit & Run Car Accident Reminds Us of Need for Uninsured Motorist Coverage

A hit-and-run car accident--another reason why uninsured motorist coverage is so important.

Sadly, hit-and-run car accidents are on the rise. Last week,53-year-old Geraldine Ford was walking east in a crosswalk at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Moog Road in New Port Richey when a dark-colored pickup truck hit her as he drove north on U.S. Highway 19. Another northbound vehicle, a red sedan, ran over Geraldine Ford again. Neither car stopped as Ms. Ford died in the intersection.

The Florida Highway Patrol is seeking help identifying these two drivers. The pickup truck was possibly a dark blue Chevy Silverado with furniture in its bed. Anyone with information about the crash should call state troopers at (727) 841-4181 or (352) 521-3888, Ext. 173.

This tragic car accident is a reminder that uninsured motorist coverage is very important during these economic times. Many drivers are canceling their automobile insurance coverage, at least their bodily injury liability coverage. If the uninsured motorist causes you injury and you have no uninsured motorist coverage, you will be left responsible for the past and future medical bills and lost wages caused by a negligent driver. Uninsured motorist protects you and your family if this happens. It provides a resource to compensate you for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering following a car accident caused by an uninsured motorist.

Check your automobile insurance policy now--before a car accident. If you don't have uninsured motorist coverage, get it. It's that important.

For more information about your rights after a Florida car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, click here to contact Personal Injury Matthew Noyes. Attorney Noyes' Clearwater personal injury law firm has been caring for clients after automobile accidents, motorcycle crashes, worker comp claims and other personal injury matters since 1955.

Study Focuses on Property Damage and Not Injuries in Car Accidents

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, funded by a consortium of insurance companies, recently conducted tests on various vehicles. Were the tests done to see which car was best designed to reduce injuries in car accidents? Nope! Were the tests done to determine how they can make cars safer in car accidents? Nope! The tests were done to see how much the insurance companies have to pay in property damage after a car accident.

They crashed seven small cars into a barrier representing the bumper of another car at 6 mph, once to the front bumper and once to the rear. They then hit the same barrier at an angle, testing the corner of each bumper, at 3 mph - again once with the front bumper and once to the rear. They calculated the costs associated with repairing the damages from each low-speed crash, and published the total.

Are they even concerned about the injuries to the occupants of the vehicle in a car accident? Institute senior vice president Joe Nolan told the AP that "bumpers should be designed to protect vehicle parts such as grilles and headlights," but in none of the tested cars did the bumper protect those features well. "Damages should cost less than the typical $500 insurance deductible for a collision." Well, we know that means that the insurance companies wouldn't have to pay for anything despite us paying insurance premiums.

If you were at all interested, the test results showed that the Smart Fortwo was best overall. The Chevrolet Aveo, a minicar, is next best. The Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Mini Cooper and Toyota Yaris all received the lowest rating, Poor.

This highlights how the insurance companies are more concerned about their property damage claims and less about the injuries sustained in a car accident. In their quest to try to relate the extent of injuries sustained in a car accident to the amount of property damage, it's no wonder they want the cars to have low property damage costs.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida car accident or motorcycle accident, it is important that you talk with an attorney before talking to the insurance companies. Insurance companies have attorneys working for them--so should you! Click here to schedule a free case consultation with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes.

Insurance Companies Are Taking Away Doctor's Time to Treat Injury Patients

Wouldn't we rather have our doctors spend time treating us and our loved ones than jumping through the hoops and hurdles brought on by the insurance companies?

According to a recent study, physicians spent an average of 3 hours a week – or nearly 3 weeks a year – on administrative activities. Nursing staff spent more than 23 weeks per physician per year, and clerical staff spent 44 weeks per physician per year, interacting with insurance plans. Overall, the cost of these interactions amounts to $31 billion annually.

Physicians in solo or two-person practices spent many more hours interacting with health plans than did those in practices with 10 or more physicians; this was especially true in primary care, the researchers found. And all physicians and staff members spent much more time on authorization, formularies, claims and billing, and credentialing than they did on submitting quality data or on reviewing quality data provided by health plans.

“To get to a health care system that is high-quality and delivers better value for everyone, we have to address the skyrocketing price of health care’s administrative costs,” Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, said in a statement. “Administrative costs will never be zero, but we need to make sure that administrative interactions improve the quality of care by working to make care safer and more efficient, and rewarding health care providers who successfully reduce excessive care and provide the right treatment at the right time.”

I know a lot of fine doctors who agree that the insurance companies get in the way of providing good quality care. Sure, there are doctors who abuse the systems, but don't make the majority of the doctors pay for their the minority's faults.

If drives me crazy when I see insurance adjusters deciding what is proper medical care after my client's workers' compensation accident or car accident. If the insurance company personnel wanted to play doctor, they should have gone to medical or chiropractic school.

For information about your rights to medical care after a Florida car accident, motorcycle accident, workers' compensation claim or other personal injury matter, click here to contact Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Attorney Noyes' Clearwater personal injury law firm has offices throughout Tampa Bay to accommodate your schedule and needs.

Proper Use of Car Seat Saves Baby in Car Accident

A serious car accident didn’t kill or severely injure a 4-month old because he was properly placed in a child car seat.

Molly Santiago was driving her truck with 4-month old Chase Schoppa in it when she unexpectedly veered off the highway. Unfortunately, she overcorrected and lost control of her truck. She went into the median, where it flipped several times. The driver-side door had to be pried off by rescue personnel, and the mother was flown to St. Joseph's Hospital. Little Chace Schoppa was in good condition—thanks to being properly secured in his car seat.

This car accident supports that fact that child car seats can save lives. Tamyne Maxson, a children's advocate at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital since 2005, said that when a child's car seat is installed and used correctly, it can be "extremely effective" at protecting children. It reduces the risk of death by 71 percent for infants or 54 percent for toddlers, she said. But four of five car seats are used incorrectly, she said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has established a “4 Steps for Kids” program to educate parents on how to properly chose and install the correct car seat for your child. The four steps include:

• REAR-FACING SEATS in the back seat from birth to at least 1 year old and at least 20 pounds.
• FORWARD-FACING TODDLER SEATS in the back seat from age 1 and 20 pounds to about age 4 and 40 pounds.
• BOOSTER SEATS in the back seat from about age 4 to at least age 8, unless 4'9" tall.
• SAFETY BELTS at age 8 and older or taller than 4'9". All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death among children ages 2 to 14, due in large part of the nonuse or improper use of the child’s car seat and seat belts. Don’t let your child or grandchild or family member be a statistic. Make sure you read the owner’s manual and properly install the car seat. The few extra minutes can save your life.

For more information about your rights after a Florida car accident, motorcycle accident or other personal injury matter, click here to contact Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Attorney Noyes’ Tampa Bay personal injury law firm has been caring for clients after automobile accidents, workers’ compensation claims and other personal injury cases since 1955.

 

High School Student in Critical Condition After Car Full of Teenagers Crash

Five teens between ages 15 and 17 who recently completed 10th grade at Plant High School piled in a Toyota 4Runner on Monday never thinking something terrible could happen. But it did--A car accident leaving one in critical condition.

The driver, 16-year-old Jason Pyros, reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign at an intersection and was hit by a Pontiac Grand Prix. The car accident was severe enough to push the teenager's car onto the northwest curb, where it overturned. 15-year-old Ashley Simington sustained serious head injuries and remains in critical condition. The teenage driver, Pyros, was cited for violation of the right of way at an intersection.

Parents and teenagers alike need to appreciate that many teenagers in one car sky-rockets the chances of a car accident. The teenagers do not intend to hurt their friends when they are driving, but they are simply not experienced enough to drive with the distractions that often occur in a car full of teenagers. Parents, know who will be in the car with your teenager. Teenagers, don't get in a car full of teenagers--I know they are your friends, but you want them all to save alive. Find another way to get to where you are going and meet them there.

If you or your teenager is injured in a car accident, it is important to understand your rights. When I had my car accident when I was 16-years-old, my parents and I were clueless about what to do. Our personal injury attorney helped us. Click here to schedule a free case consultation with me, Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes.

Drive safely and stay away from those who don't.