Recently, an AAA tow truck driver lost his life in an apparent hit-and-run accident. The AAA service provider was assisting a motorist with a car fire when a second vehicle swerved into the emergency lane and hit the tow truck driver. The tow truck driver died as a result of the accident, which remains under police investigation.
]]> Sadly, even when emergency responders take all possible preventative safety measures while working on the side of the road, they can still become victims of a fatal accident. All drivers are tasked with driving in a manner that is reasonable under the circumstances, including moving over at least one lane away from automobile service providers or roadside workers that are assisting other vehicles. This simple act may reduce the risks emergency responders face while on the job.Should an emergency driver lose their life due to the negligent actions of another, a wrongful death suit may be brought on behalf of the victim's loved ones by a personal representative of the decedent's estate. These types of suits allow a victim's loved ones to recover for financial damages suffered as a result of the accident. Compensation from such a suit could cover medical expenses, funeral expenses or even loss of support. While no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one, these suits may provide families with the closure they need to begin to move on from the accident.
Source: winknews.com, "Hit-and-run crash kills AAA service provider in S. Florida," May 7, 2013
]]>We wanted to write a post about this so that we can emphasize to all of our Polk County readership how important it is not to panic and flee after a car accident.
]]> Authorities say the woman made an improper lane change and sideswiped another vehicle. The drivers of both cars stopped, but apparently, the woman swore at the other driver and drove away. She was later arrested at her home.The woman was booked into jail and charged with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. She later posted $500 bail.
We often work with people who have been injured in car accidents, so we are familiar with how often these incidents are very frightening. It is not uncommon for even calm, rational people to panic and find that their thoughts are in disarray.
That being said, this woman's conduct cannot be condoned. It is very fortunate that there were not serious injuries associated with the incident, but even so, she ought to have exchanged information with the driver and at least expressed an interest in resolving the matter peacefully and fairly. By swearing and leaving the scene, she abdicated not only her legal responsibility, but her social ones as well.
If you are ever unfortunate enough to become involved in a car accident, do your best to remember that help will be available, if you desire it, after the fact.
Source: The Associated Press, "Fla. prosecutor charged with leaving crash scene," May 9, 2013
]]>Drinking slows a person's reaction time. It also may encourage reckless behavior. Unfortunately, it appears that teenagers do not fully understand the dangers of drunk driving. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that one in four teenage drivers admit to drinking and driving.
]]> "The problem we have is that they don't realize the dangers behind it, the crashes that it causes and the crashes that we cover on a day-to-day basis," one law enforcement official said.Drunk driving crashes can lead to serious injuries. Sadly, while entirely preventable, drunk driving accidents frequently cause fatal injuries.
People may set out in their car expecting to have a normal day. However, a drunk driver can deter their plans and leave them with extensive injuries. Someone who is injured by a drunk driver may not know where to turn or what to do. They may need surgery and could be forced to spend a significant amount of time in the hospital.
Accident victims may be able to hold negligent drivers responsible through legal action. After all, innocent people in Florida and beyond should not be faced with financial difficulties as a result of another person's poor decisions. Compensation that is obtained through a civil lawsuit can prove to be highly beneficial as people work to pay off their medical bills.
Source: KKCO, "1 in 4 teens admits driving under the influence," Alicia Gentile, May 1, 2013
]]>Fortunately, an off-duty law enforcement officer and a nurse were nearby and assisted the injured parties. The 2-month-old child sustained the most serious injuries. The infant was first listed in critical condition. Although the 3-year-old child was ejected from the vehicle while still in his car seat, he was released from the hospital shortly after the crash. The children's mother was reportedly in stable condition.
]]> The two people in the SUV sustained only minor injuries. They were, however, taken to a nearby hospital.When accidents of this nature occur, people may be forced to remain in the hospital for an extended period of time. They may have to undergo surgery and rehabilitation. Their medical bills can become difficult to manage. In those instances, accident victims may pursue legal action. Consultation with an experienced attorney is often a good first step for people interested in learning about what legal options they have.
People in Florida and beyond use their vehicles frequently. However, they may forget how much damage a vehicle can do when it is not used properly or when people fail to obey traffic laws. Drivers everywhere must do all that they can to prevent serious accidents like this most recent Winter Haven crash.
Source: Bay News 9, "Infant still critical, mother and toddler stable after Winter Haven crash," April 24, 2013
]]>A recent two-car crash in Florida left five people dead. Officials say that the driver of a Mercedes ran through a red light around 12:30 a.m. and crashed into a Lexus carrying five people ages 14 to 22, causing the vehicle to overturn.
]]> Three of the five occupants in the Lexus were ejected from the back of the vehicle. They were reportedly not wearing seatbelts. The driver was taken by air to the hospital. However, he was later pronounced dead.The driver of the Mercedes, a 21-year-old man, was first listed in serious condition. He is expected to be criminally charged.
The families of the victims may also wish to seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. People who choose to drive recklessly and fatally injure others in the process should be held accountable.
People in Florida who lose a loved one as a result of another person's negligent actions may find it best to consult with an experienced attorney. An attorney will fight for justice and work hard to get families the money they deserve.
Florida residents and people living in other states should remember how important it is to prevent tragic accidents. Drivers who follow posted speed limits, those who remain attentive and avoid drugs and alcohol are less likely to cause serious accidents.
Source: CBS Miami, "Florida City Man Face Charges In Deadly Palm Beach Crash," April 14, 2013
]]>A 73-year-old Florida man was recently involved in a motorcycle accident. Authorities say that the driver of a Subaru Outback turned in front of the man's motorcycle. The man was thrown from his bike and hit by another motorcycle. He was flown to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
]]> The driver of the Subaru was charged with failing to yield while making a left turn. However, he could face additional legal issues.People who lose family members in accidents as a result of a negligent driver may be able to obtain compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. A successful lawsuit may prevent financial hardships. In addition, it may give surviving family members some measure of justice.
As this recent fatal accident shows, motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of suffering serious injuries in an accident because of the lack of protection a motorcycle offers them. Drivers in Florida and beyond should be careful all the time. However, they should be particularly cautious around motorcyclists.
Motorcycle accidents and other fatal traffic accidents are tragic because people can suffer debilitating and sometimes fatal injuries in mere seconds. Drivers need to be sure they are following the posted speed limit and keeping their attention on the road. When a driver engages in reckless behavior they should be held responsible. In some instances, negligent drivers will face criminal charges as well as civil lawsuits for their reckless actions.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "Leesburg man killed in traffic accident," Leslie Postal, April 7, 2013
]]>Earlier today, an SUV collided with a minivan head-in, killing all four people inside. The crash happened on Interstate 95 near Fort Lauderdale. The driver of the SUV was reportedly fleeing from police. He or she was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of the interstate.
]]> The driver of the SUV survived but broke both legs in the crash.Accidents of this nature are so tragic because of how preventable they are. People may get behind the wheel of a vehicle and forget how powerful it can be. A major crash can leave people with serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
It is unclear why the driver of the SUV was fleeing from police. He or she could end up facing criminal charges. However, the driver could face other legal ramifications.
The victims' surviving family members may decide to pursue legal action against the driver. Family members should be compensated when loved ones are injured or killed by a negligent driver.
This story is particularly unique because of the criminal aspects of the case. Florida residents who are involved in more minor crashes may also be able to hold reckless drivers responsible for their behavior. People who drive with little regard for the safety of other motorists should be held responsible.
Anytime a Florida resident is involved in a serious crash it is best to rely on the experience of a skilled legal professional. An attorney will help victims and their family members seek justice.
Source: ABC News, "Wrong-way Driver Crashes Into Van, Killing 4in FL," Associated Press, April3, 2013
The 31-year-old man was involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in 2008. He hit his head on the pavement after his motorcycle was hit by another vehicle. He was left with permanent brain damage as a result of the crash.
]]> The victim was hoping to one day become a mechanic. However, he now requires supervision and relies on his parents to take care of him.In 2010, a lawsuit was filed against the hit-and-run driver for his negligence. Recently, a jury awarded the 31-year-old close to $26 million.
Most people can't imagine what it would be like if a family member suffered a serious brain injury as a result of a negligent driver. Sadly, too many families in Florida and beyond are forced to find out.
Victims and their family members may not know where to turn after a serious accident, especially if they are left with severe injuries. Fortunately, there may be legal options for them to pursue. As this recent story shows, people may be awarded compensation through a civil lawsuit.
While legal options exist that allow victims to hold negligent drivers responsible for their irresponsible behavior, people in Florida and beyond should always be cautious when they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. It is best to avoid serious accidents altogether.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "Jury awards nearly $26M to veteran injured in hit-and-run," Amy Pavuk, March 28, 2013
]]>According to Transportation for America, senior citizens are more likely to be involved in a pedestrian accident. Similar to the national average, 22 percent of pedestrian accident victims in Florida are over the age of 65.
]]> Men are also at a higher risk of being involved in a serious pedestrian accident. MetroPlan Orlando reports that in recent years a majority of victims in fatal pedestrian accidents are men.When someone is involved in a pedestrian accident, that incident can be life-changing. Accident victims often suffer permanent injuries. Sadly, because of their lack of protection many pedestrian accident victims do not survive.
Although MetroPlan says that pedestrian accidents frequently happen in places where there is low lighting, drivers need to be sure they are aware of their surroundings. As always, they should remain attentive and avoid using electronic devices while they are driving.
A pedestrian accident can be devastating. However, victims may be able to obtain compensation to cover expenses related to an accident. People should not face financial difficulties as a result of a driver's negligence.
When someone does decide to pursue legal action against a reckless driver, it is usually best to rely on the experience of a personal injury attorney. An attorney will work to build a case against a negligent driver while a victim can continue focusing on their recovery.
Source: cfnews13.com, "Nearly 3 out of 4 pedestrians killed in Orlando are men," Margaret Kavanagh, March 20, 2013
]]>After the motorcyclist was thrown from his motorcycle, he was run over by another vehicle driving on I-4. The driver of this vehicle stayed at the scene of the accident. Although the motorcyclist had taken the safety precaution of wearing a helmet, he died at the scene of the accident.
]]> Officials are still investigating the accident and have identified the owner of the abandoned Saturn, but have not found the person driving the Saturn at the time of the accident. It is unclear whether the driver who fled is also the registered owner of the Saturn.When investigators do find the driver, he or she will likely face severe consequences both for hitting the motorcyclist and for leaving the scene of the accident. It is unknown whether the driver of the Saturn was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. However, if investigators discover that the driver had been drinking before the collision, he or she could face even more serious charges.
Motorcyclists are all too commonly victims of accidents like this. This motorcyclist had taken safety precautions to protect himself in case he did get into an accident. However, the accident was fatal, nonetheless.
This man's family members may want to consider filing charges against the driver of the Saturn once the driver is identified. If a negligent driver causes an accident, he or she deserves to be held responsible for his or her actions, especially if these actions result in another motorist's death.
Source: WFTV, "Troopers: Motorcyclist killed in I-4 crash in Seminole County," March 10, 2013
]]>After the banner hit his windshield, the motorcyclist crossed the center line into the eastbound lanes of SR-44 and then drove into the road's south shoulder before he hit a wall. Though the man was wearing a helmet, he died at the hospital.
]]> This accident demonstrates the potential danger of colliding with items on the road other than vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. When an object which a person expects to remain stationary, like an advertising banner, suddenly slams into one's windshield, a driver would likely be very alarmed and unsure how to react.It is unclear where the plastic banner advertisement was hanging before it flew into the road and hit the man's windshield. It is possible that the ad belonged to a nearby business or that it was attached to a billboard along the road.
If it is determined that the owner of the sign exhibited negligence in attaching the banner to the post, the sign's owners could potentially be held responsible for the man's death. If a business has an advertisement on the side of the road, it is important for the business to ensure that the sign is securely fastened to its post so this type of accident does not occur.
The family of this man will likely want to know who is responsible for the sign that caused their loved one's death. This man's family members may want to look into filing a suit and seeking compensation, since this man's death appears to have been directly caused by the flyaway advertisement.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "Biker on trike killed in freak crash identified," Desiree Stennett, March 4, 2013
Our firm handles a variety of motor vehicle accident cases. To learn more, please visit our motorcycle accident webpage.
]]>While protective fences are in place to guard fans from debris that may be thrown in the air if an accident occurs, this collision was too serious for the catch fence to provide protection. According to a report, the car that broke apart then broke through the fence protecting the spectators. Debris from this car flew high into the stands. In addition, this car's engine landed in front of one section of fans.
]]> The accident resulted in serious injuries for some fans. One man explains that he received a large cut on his leg where a 3-foot-long piece of metal cut him. A report indicates that 14 people were taken to hospitals for treatment and 14 people were treated on the track. One child was reportedly seriously injured and was in critical condition at a hospital the night of the accident. Another fan reportedly incurred life-threatening injuries.This accident demonstrates the possibility of being seriously injured when driving a racecar or attending a race like this one. Even though there was a protective fence installed as protection for the fans, this fence could not withstand the weight and force of a speeding racecar.
While this accident will likely create very difficult times for many involved, it may also prompt NASCAR to look into the cause of the accident and improve their safety provisions for spectators and driers alike. Any fans who suffered injuries in this event could look into filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "More than 2 dozen fans, including child, hurt at NASCAR race in Daytona," Georg Diaz, Susan Jacobson, and Desiree Stennett, Feb. 23, 2013
]]>A 4-year-old boy who was sitting on the bench with his family when the crash occurred broke both of his legs in the accident. The little boy's family says that he is recovering from the injuries and will be using a wheelchair to get around for the next 6 to 8 weeks. The family is likely glad that the boy was not more seriously injured. However, the little boy's family members still cannot understand how the driver who ran into the bench could run from the scene of the accident.
]]> According to a report, the teenage driver was arrested after he turned himself in to authorities five days after the accident. Officials were able to connect him to the crash by a piece of his car's headlight that was left at the scene of the accident. When authorities found the car that matched the piece of broken headlight, the vehicle had been set on fire.Deputies report that "they have enough from eyewitnesses to put [the teenager] behind bars." This teen not only faces charges for leaving the scene of a crash involving injury, but as his license was suspended, he also faces charges for driving with a suspended or revoked license and for burglary of an unoccupied structure.
The family of the little boy who was injured in this hit-and-run accident may want to consider seeking compensation for medical costs or pain and suffering that resulted from this accident.
Source: WKMG Orlando, "Deputies: Driver in hit-and-run arrested," Feb. 18, 2013
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