motorycle accident dui law firm coral springs

DUI Driver Triggers Motorcycle Accident in Coral Springs, Resulting in Hospitalization of Motorcyclist

by Distracted DrivingDUI AccidentsMotorcycle AccidentsPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury Lawyer

A 46-year-old man from Lake Worth, identified as Pascual Diegoandres, has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) following his alleged involvement causing a motorcycle accident that resulted in severe injuries to a motorcyclist in Coral Springs earlier this month, according to a police report.

Diegoandres now faces a total of eight charges related to DUI and other driving offenses stemming from the incident on January 10 in the 3800 block of Lyons Road, near the entrance to Rivera Palms.

According to a witness statement, Diegoandres, who was driving a pickup truck, reportedly turned into the path of a motorcyclist, causing the motorcycle to crash.

The injured motorcyclist was swiftly transported to Broward Health North in Deerfield Beach, where medical professionals treated him for a pelvis fracture, broken right femur, broken right shoulder, bruised lung, and cuts to his arm.

Upon police contact with Diegoandres, they noted the presence of alcohol odor and observed bloodshot eyes. Additionally, Diegoandres lacked a driver’s license and presented a passport as his identification.

Following the administration of a sobriety test, Diegoandres was taken into custody.

Diegoandres informed the police that he had consumed three beers that day. Law enforcement discovered an almost empty, cold beer can of Corona Extra in his truck.

 

motorcycle accident injury

The Devastating Reality of DUI Motorcycle Accidents

Imagine that: you’re navigating Coral Springs’ streets on your bike, following the rules, when suddenly, a vehicle driven by someone under the influence slams into you. The impact throws you off your bike, leaving you injured and disoriented. The aftermath is a blur of flashing lights, sirens, and excruciating pain.

The physical and emotional toll of a DUI motorcycle accident is immense. You’re likely facing:

  • Severe injuries: Broken bones, road rash, internal trauma, and spinal cord injuries are just some of the potential consequences.
  • Mounting medical bills: The cost of treating these injuries can quickly spiral out of control.
  • Lost wages: Your ability to work may be compromised, leaving you financially vulnerable.
  • Emotional trauma: Dealing with the shock, fear, and anger of the accident can take a significant toll on your mental well-being.

broward county motorcycle scooter injury lawyer

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney on Your Side

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a motorcycle accident caused by a DUI driver in Coral Springs, it’s crucial to comprehend the legal implications. DUI-related accidents add layers of complexity to an already intricate legal landscape. Our skilled attorneys at The South Florida Injury Law Firm specialize in navigating through these complexities, ensuring that your rights are protected.

Here’s how we can help:

  • Thorough investigation: We’ll meticulously gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case against the DUI driver.
  • Understanding DUI Laws: With extensive knowledge of DUI laws in Florida, our attorneys can effectively navigate the legal system to hold the impaired driver accountable for their actions. This includes pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in DUI cases. We’ll aggressively negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Advocacy for Motorcyclists’ Rights: As passionate advocates for motorcyclists’ rights, we understand the unique challenges faced by riders. Our legal team is committed to fighting for your rights and seeking justice on your behalf.
  • Trial-tested representation: If reaching a favorable settlement isn’t possible, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for the justice you deserve.

Don’t Let a DUI Driver Steal Your Future

The aftermath of a DUI motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming, but remember, you’re not alone. At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we’re committed to helping you navigate this difficult time and get back on your feet.

Contact us for a consultation, and let our experienced attorneys navigate the complexities of the legal system while you focus on your recovery. Your rights matter, and we’re dedicated to ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

miami broward spring break 2023 accident attorney

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida

by Auto AccidentsChildren Injuries & AccidentsDUI AccidentsMotorcycle AccidentsMulti Car AccidentsParking Lot AccidentsPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury ClaimsPersonal Injury Protection (PIP)Ride Sharing AccidentsUber AccidentsVacation Injuries

As personal injury attorneys in South Florida, we know that spring break can be a time of fun and relaxation for many people. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of increased risk on the roads, as more tourists and party-goers flock to the area.

According to a study conducted by the University of Miami, the 14 most popular spring break destinations, including South Florida, saw a 9.1% increase in auto accidents

Here, we’ll take a closer look at the issue of car accidents during spring break in South Florida and what you can do if you are involved in an accident.

Why Are Car Accidents More Common During Spring Break?

Spring break is a time when many college students and tourists come to South Florida to enjoy the warm weather and beach parties. While this can be a fun time, it also means that there are more people on the roads, and many of them may not be familiar with the area or local driving laws. This can lead to a higher risk of accidents, particularly if drivers are distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or simply not paying attention to the road.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 1 DUI Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Common Causes of Car Accidents During Spring Break

At South Florida Injury Law Firm, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of car accidents during spring break. Here are some of the factors that can contribute to car accidents during this time of year:

Increased traffic

With more people on the roads during spring break, traffic can be heavier and more congested than usual. This can lead to more accidents, especially in areas where there are a lot of tourists and visitors who may be unfamiliar with the local roads.

Impaired driving

Unfortunately, spring break is also a time when many people engage in excessive drinking and drug use. This can lead to impaired driving, which is a leading cause of car accidents during this time of year.

Distracted driving

With so much to see and do during spring break, it’s easy to become distracted while driving. This can include texting or using social media, taking photos or videos, or even just looking at the sights and sounds around you.

Road construction

There is a number of ongoing road construction and maintenance being performed on major roads throughout South Florida and is also a common time for road construction projects to begin, which can lead to traffic disruptions and increased risk of accidents.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 2 DUI Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Driving under the influence

Many people come to South Florida to party, and unfortunately, this often leads to an increase in drunk driving accidents.

Speeding

With so many people on the roads, drivers may feel pressure to get to their destination quickly, which can lead to speeding and reckless driving.

Inexperienced drivers

Many tourists and college students may not be familiar with the area or local driving laws, which can lead to confusion and accidents.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 3 DUI Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

What Should You Do If You’re Involved in an Accident During Spring Break?

If you are involved in a car accident during spring break in South Florida, it’s important to take the following steps:

Call the police

Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to call the police and have them document the accident. This can be important if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or if you need to pursue legal action.

Seek medical attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention to make sure that you don’t have any hidden injuries. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.

Gather evidence

Take photos of the accident scene, get contact information from any witnesses, and make note of any relevant details about the accident.

Exchange information

Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident.

Contact an attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident during spring break, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your injuries.

How Can You Stay Safe During Spring Break?

If you’re planning to visit South Florida for spring break, there are several things you can do to stay safe on the roads, including:

Avoid distracted driving

Put your phone away and avoid other distractions while driving.

Don’t drink and drive

If you plan to drink, make sure that you have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.

Obey traffic laws

Follow the speed limit and other traffic laws to avoid accidents.

Be aware of your surroundings

Pay attention to other drivers and pedestrians on the roads, and be aware of any hazards or obstacles.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 4 DUI Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Spring break can be a fun and exciting time in South Florida, but it’s important to remember that the roads can be dangerous during this time. By following the tips outlined in this blog post and staying aware of your surroundings, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident. If you are injured in an accident during spring break, be sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we have extensive experience helping clients who have been injured in car accidents during spring break. We understand the unique challenges that this time of year can present, and we are dedicated to helping our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Why You Should Be Careful On the Road Thanksgiving Eve

Why You Should Be Extra Careful On the Road Thanksgiving Eve

by Auto AccidentsDUI Accidents

You’ve probably heard about the dangers of driving on Thanksgiving. After the big meal, roads often fill up with people driving back home. Or, in recent years, to camp out at their store of choice to make sure they’re first in line for Black Friday deals.

 

These are people likely to be feeling a bit drowsy from all the food. Not to mention the fact that many of them have probably had one too many alcoholic beverages. The night after Thanksgiving can be a scary time to be on the road.

 

However, the night before may be even more dangerous.

 

 

“Blackout Wednesday”

 

You may not have heard yet, but the night before the big feast has gotten the notorious nickname of “Blackout Wednesday.” Why? Quite simply, because of all the people who end up getting blackout drunk.

 

If you’re out at the bars on Blackout Wednesday, you’ll probably see a lot of college kids back to see their hometown friends, or adults who would rather not think about what the conversation at the dinner table will be like with their extended family the next day. Unfortunately, all of these people have to head home eventually, and many end up driving themselves.

 

All that drunk driving means more traffic fatalities on the road. In fact, hundreds of people are killed by drunk drivers every year on Blackout Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day.

 

If You Are Hit By a Drunk Driver

 

Drunk Driving Accidents Boca Raton

If you go out Thanksgiving Eve, make sure you have a designated driver and take the right steps to avoid a DUI accident. Unfortunately, even if your designated driver sticks to their promises all night, obeys all traffic laws, and your crew is respectful as passengers, you still run the risk of getting into an accident with a drunk driver.

 

Use the following tips to give yourself and everyone with you the best chance at staying safe and getting the compensation you deserve if an accident does occur due to another driver’s negligence.

 

Be Extra Cautious Out on the Road

It’s not easy after a few drinks, but make sure everyone in your car is wearing their seat belt and isn’t doing anything to distract your driver. If the driver needs directions, make sure they hand their phone or navigation system to a passenger. Also make sure your driver isn’t speeding or running any red lights.

 

If your damages exceed what your insurance can cover, you may have to take your case to court. Taking all of the above precautions will reduce any arguments the drunk driver could have regarding your level of fault in the accident.

 

Call the Police

For the most part, you want to treat this accident like any other accident, documenting evidence and getting all information you need. In addition to this, though, make sure everyone sticks around until the police arrive.

 

You’re always supposed to call the cops, but in a typical fender bender this is a step that many people understandably skip. You can’t do that if drunk driving is involved, and you don’t want to. Making sure the other driver gets a chemical test is key to proving that they were intoxicated at the time of the accident.

 

See a Doctor Quickly

Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner if you can, but be sure to get checked out by a doctor within the next two weeks so you can file a claim for the appropriate amount of medical bills. Your personal injury protection will only cover you if you seek medical treatment within 14 days of your accident.

 

For claims of under $10,000, you can receive compensation regardless of whether you or the other driver in the accident were consuming alcohol. If you sustain permanent injuries or your injuries exceed $10,000, however, the other driver’s BAC will definitely come into play. Their insurance company will be more willing to make a fair settlement offer if that means they can avoid a DUI lawsuit.

 

Meet with a Florida Auto Accident Lawyer. After an accident, a personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you need for any damages and losses you may have suffered at the hands of a drunk driver.

 

 

 

 

south florida thunderstorm rain auto accidents

Keeping Safe While Driving In South Florida Rain

by Auto AccidentsDistracted DrivingDUI AccidentsMedical MalpracticePedestrian AccidentsPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury ClaimsVacation Injuries

Living in South Florida, it’s inevitable to deal with rain. According to statistics by US Climate Data, the West Palm Beach alone area receives 62 inches of precipitation annually. When researchers ranked the top 10 wettest cities to live in, two of which are in South Florida (Miami and West Palm Beach).

 

Driving  in South Florida is a dangerous and even deadly situation to be in under wet conditions. More than 7 thousand people lose their life in weather-related auto accidents.
According to statistics by US Climate Data, the West Palm Beach area receives 62 inches of precipitation annually.
When researchers ranked the top 10 wettest cities to live in, two of which are in South Florida (Miami and West Palm Beach).

 

The AMA (American Meteorological Society) published a study that highlights the increase of dangerous road conditions and the elevated risk involved.

 

“[Scott] Stevens, a data analyst and meteorologist at the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, and colleagues looked at 125,012 fatal car crashes in the Lower 48 states from 2006 to 2011, factoring in how many cars are on the road, to calculate the risk of a fatal accident. While other studies have used police reports and the nearest weather station to calculate rain and snow conditions, Stevens said his is the first study to use more precise weather radar data. It was able to distinguish how hard the rain or snow was falling to come up with results showing an increase in fatal crashes even in rain of less than one-tenth of an inch per hour.”

 

All the evidence points to the same: when the road is wet, your chance of being involved in an accident can drastically increase. As the visibility level lowers due to rain and how the road becomes slippery when water has accumulated on it.

Hydroplaning becomes an issue when rain is especially heavy – a common occurrence in Florida. Hydroplaning refers to a situation when a car starts to slide uncontrollably because of the tires encountering more water that it can scatter. As the water carries the car, the brakes and other controls become useless. Quick turns and movements on wet roads can also cause the vehicle to hydroplane as well.

 

 

The Hazard of Hazard Lights

You may see other drivers with hazard lights flashing to indicate they are moving slower than surrounding traffic during stormy conditions. But in Florida, it’s actually illegal to use hazard lights while driving unless you are part of a funeral procession. Flashing lights were designed with the express purpose of indicating a hazard to other drivers, and they should only be activated when your vehicle is a hazard on the side of the road. Using them under any other circumstance is not only unnecessary, but it also causes confusion. If it’s raining, the only lights you should turn on are your headlights.

Rainy weather may make driving more difficult, but it does not relieve drivers of their responsibilities behind the wheel. With proper vehicle maintenance, knowledge of local laws and a bit of common sense, you can travel safer during a downpour along with a helpful tips to keep in mind.

 

 

Keeping Safe While Driving In South Florida Rain 5 DUI Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

5 Tips to avoid an auto accident
in slippery road conditions

Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Tires with weak tread may not grip a wet road as well as newer tires with thicker tread. Make sure your tires are safe for the roads.
Before setting out when rain is present or forecasted, it is even more important than normal to make sure your tires are in good shape and have adequate tread depth since bald tires can increase the risk of hydroplaning.

Gust Awareness
Drive at a speed that compensates for high speed gusts that can otherwise impact your vehicle.
Watch out for larger vehicles.
Larger vehicles are much harder to control when it is windy and can have difficulty staying in their lane.

Maintain Distance
Maintain a large distance with the car in front of you. Cars may have difficulty stopping due to wet conditions. Brake earlier than usual, and apply less force to increase the stopping distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you while also alerting the driver behind you that you are reducing your speed.

Know Anything Can Happen
Often times during storms, other drivers fail to drive safely. Make sure to watch around you and drive defensively.

Get There Safe, Not Fast
Getting to your destination without an accident is more important than keeping a schedule. Maintain a safe speed limit and be sure to obey all traffic rules and signals. Drive more slowly, take turns slowly, and be sure to give your fellow motorists ample following distance.

In other words, when it rains, whether heavy or light, slow it down. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others when driving in the rain is adjusting how you drive according to the current weather conditions.

 

 

Keeping Safe While Driving In South Florida Rain 6 DUI Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Have you been involved in an
auto accident under rainy conditions?

Sadly, even riders who follow the above tips can still end up hurt by a reckless or distracted driver.
Determining which driver is at fault for an accident requires an investigation of the collision. The investigation involves the review of all pieces of evidence that are available, such as photographs or video surveillance of the accident, testimony from any witnesses to the accident, and a digital reconstruction of the accident that incorporates all relevant factors, such as the rainy weather.

If you were hurt in an auto accident because of a drunk, distracted, or otherwise reckless driver, you can call The South Florida Injury Law Firm anytime at (954) 488-JEFF – we’re available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Complete our online form to get a free case evaluation and our team will assist with the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your health . Remember, the consultation is completely free! That means you don’t owe us anything until we recover for you.

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Auto Accident Liabilities: Finding Who Is At Fault

by Auto AccidentsBike AccidentsDriving SleepyDUI AccidentsMotorcycle AccidentsMulti Car AccidentsNo-Fault LawsPersonal Injury Law Suit

Accidents happen every day. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,452,000 police-reported accidents in one recent year. That’s an AVERAGE of over 17,000 accidents per day! Thankfully, a great deal of these are minor accidents. Regardless of the severity of the accident, there is one critical factor that all insurance companies will want to know:  Who is at fault?

 

Determining liability in a car accident—whether pursued through the insurance company’s claim process or through a personal injury lawsuit—will only be paid out if the injured plaintiff can prove negligence.
There are times when the blame is clear, such as in most rear-end accidents. However, there are other times when there is more than one individual at fault.

 

 

Here is a look at some common car accident scenarios and the process of evaluation that goes into determining fault.

 

  1. Left-turn Accidents

    Left-turn accidents occur when one vehicle is going straight through the intersection while another car is making a left turn and collides into the side of the straight-moving vehicle. Like rear-end accidents, liability is generally easy to determine. Left-turning vehicles have a lower priority in this scenario, meaning that—unless there is a green arrow—they must yield to those moving straight through the intersection. A study from the federal government discovered that the left-turning driver most often committed a critical error, such as “turning with an obstructed view,” “misjudgment of gap or speed,” “inadequate surveillance,” or “false assumption of the other driver’s intentions.”These are all errors that place liability for an accident at the hands of the left-turning driver.

    Are there ever cases where the other driver is at fault, though?

    Yes. While rare, the driver of the straight-moving car may incur some liability for an accident. One such circumstance is in the case of an accident in which the driver of the straight moving car was traveling at a speed far in excess of the speed limit, making it impossible for the turning driver to either see him or her in time or to calculate how much time he or she has to complete the turn.

  2. T-Bone Accidents

    In a collision where one vehicle rear-ends another, the driver of the trailing vehicle is at fault far more often than the leading vehicle. Lawyers will look for signs of distraction, speeding, and following too close on the part of the trailing driver, while also keeping in mind that the lead driver could share blame. Mechanical failure can also contribute to these accidents, so lawyers will pay attention to any signs of a defective part.

    Typically, in a T-bone accident, one vehicle comes flying through an intersection without stopping. The driver might miss the presence of a stop sign or fail to notice that a light turned red. Drunk driving or distracted driving can increase the risk of a T-bone accident. Usually, in these scenarios, you might assume the driver who struck the side door of a vehicle bears liability for the accident. However, you should ask several questions to help determine liability in this scenario.Auto Accident Liabilities: Finding Who Is At Fault 7 DUI Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

  3. Running The Light

    Which driver ran the light? In an intersection with a red light, consider which driver ignored traffic laws and came through the intersection without stopping for a red light. Usually, other drivers can easily confirm which driver ignored the light.Which driver ignored a stop sign? In an accident at an intersection with a stop sign, the driver responsible for the accident may have failed to stop for the stop sign or came through the intersection after another driver had already started progressing through the intersection.

    Were both drivers moving at the time of the accident?

    Sometimes, in a T-bone accident, one driver might strike another, stationary vehicle. Sometimes, a car might stall in the middle of the intersection or get stuck due to traffic. While drivers should try to avoid sitting in an intersection, sometimes, circumstances make it impossible to avoid it completely. If one vehicle had to stop, and another one strikes it in the side, the driver who moved after the other vehicle stopped bears liability for the accident.

  4. Head-on Collisions

    Perhaps one of the most deadly types of accidents is a head-on collision. Sometimes referred to as a frontal crash, this type of accident occurs when two vehicles strike one another while traveling in opposite directions. When the fronts of two vehicles collide, it is often at high speed.Survival may depend upon the stretch of road, the reaction time of one or both drivers, and the type of vehicles involved. With the front end of the car receiving the brunt of the impact, larger and heavier vehicles protect occupants better than smaller, lightweight cars.

    Consider the weights of the following vehicles and the force of the impact when they meet, head-on, at high speeds:
    Car (SUV): 3,778 pounds
    Pickup truck: 5,217 pounds
    Minivan: 4,485 pounds

  5. Single-Car Accidents

    Single-car accidents occur when a motorist loses control of a vehicle rolls over, drives off the road, or collides with a stationary object. On the surface, one might assume single-car accidents are always the fault of the driver. But that isn’t the case. Drivers in single-car accidents too-often blame themselves for a crash. In fact, as often as not, fault for single-car accidents lies elsewhere.To begin, even without a collision there can still be another motorist who causes a single-car accident. Take, for example, the common scenario in which a car swerves and crashes into a tree or road barrier in reaction to erratic driving by a second vehicle that goes unharmed. In that case, the driver of the second vehicle has fault, even though he wasn’t technically involved in the accident.

Similar to other scenarios above, automotive manufacturers and municipal road contractors may also have fault for single car accidents if their actions create unsafe conditions leading to a crash. Another party who could have fault for a single-vehicle accident is a drug manufacturer, if it markets a medication with dangerous side-effects without warning about them, leading a driver to fall asleep or to become disoriented behind the wheel.

 

 

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

The most important step immediately after a car accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, accept transport to the nearest hospital. Internal injuries are often invisible to the naked eye while causing serious harm to your organs. Only a medical professional can determine the true extent of your injuries.

Do provide as much information as you can to law enforcement. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and if you are too injured to do so, ask a witness to take them for you. Collect the contact information for witnesses and most importantly, try to remain calm. Do not approach or talk to the other driver.

 

 

How a Florida Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Fight Back

 

As we said at the outset, fault forms the core of the inquiry into who has legal liability for a car accident and the damage it inflicts on innocent victims. Accordingly, lawyers, insurance adjusters, judges, and juries focus a significant amount of effort on determining fault in car accident cases.

 

Finding fault means investigating facts in detail. An attorney representing a client injured in a car accident will usually try to collect as much evidence as possible about the accident, and then (sometimes with the help of forensic experts) will piece that evidence together to form a picture of whose actions led to the collision or accident. In performing this task, lawyers pursue the facts as far as they go until there is no longer a provable, reasonably foreseeable connection between someone’s actions and the accident and injuries.

The more time and information you can provide to your lawyer to do this work, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Once fault has been determined, a personal injury attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit and fair compensation.

 

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A skilled Florida personal injury attorney can ease your burden in dealing with all of this and help you fight to get the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free case review. We will look over the details of your situation and let you know what options are available to you.

 

 

When your life has been turned upside down due to another’s negligence and you are drowning in bills and struggling to recover, you want to make sure you work with the best law firm you can find.

 

What is the difference between a high-quality injury firm and one that will only do the bare minimum?

The people who work there. That is why The South Florida Injury Law Firm is made up of some of the most well-respected and successful injury attorneys around.

Our lawyers have more than 60 years of combined injury law experience, and they have handled just about every type of Florida injury case you can imagine. They are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an elite group of attorneys who have helped settle injury cases worth more than a million dollars. They have been named to Florida Trend’s Legal Elite. They are recognized by the Florida Workers’ Advocates group.

Perhaps even more importantly, they have received glowing reviews from clients – and they get results.

Teen Drivers: Why Floridians Should Steer Clear This Season

Teen Drivers: Why Floridians Should Steer Clear This Season

by Auto AccidentsDUI AccidentsTexting & Driving

Teen Drivers: Why Floridians Should Steer Clear This Season

In one recent Ohio accident, a 17-year-old driver was speeding and overcorrected, which ejected two teens from the vehicle and injured the other passengers. One of those teens was killed in the crash.

The reason the driver was speeding? The teens were running late to prom.

Over 5,000 teens are injured in car accidents every year across the nation during prom and graduation season, and one-third of teen driver accidents involve alcohol use. A full one-third of people under age 21 who die in accidents do so during graduation season, and many of them die in car accidents. Because of this, the months of April, May, and June are known as the most dangerous months for teens to be on the road.

It doesn’t end with teens, though – all Florida drivers need to be cautious. Even in the best of times, teens don’t typically drive with the same caution older drivers use. They take more risks and are less likely to make responsible choices in sudden situations. Teens are much more likely to be distracted drivers due to phone use, conversations, and peer pressure from teen passengers.

Now imagine that magnified by the lure of high school ending and the freedom of adulthood coming. Of teens wanting to have one last hurrah with their friends before they head off to college. That’s where we are right now.

Drinking and Driving on Prom or Graduation Night

Too many teens choose to celebrate these important life events with binge drinking. On graduation night, the percentage of alcohol-related fatal accidents moves up from 33 percent to 40 percent.

Teens often underestimate the risks of drunk driving. They may assume that someone at the party hasn’t had anything to drink and is safe to drive, but that’s frequently not the case.

If you are in an accident with a teen driver, the teen’s negligence may have caused your injuries, and you owe it to yourself and your family to hold them accountable for their actions and sue for compensation.

Understanding Florida Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit against a teen, here are the basics of car accident laws in Florida.

First, you must file a claim within four years of the date of the accident. If you don’t file within four years, you have no rights to compensation.

The court system will look at all parties involved in the accident and assign percentages of fault to each party. Your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.

For example, if you were speeding when the accident occurred, you may be held responsible for 20 percent of the accident. If the court decides to award you $100,000 for your injuries, that means the maximum amount you can actually receive under the pure comparative negligence rule is $80,000.

South Florida DUI Accident Lawyers

Florida also has a no-fault insurance law, which means that each driver is covered first by $10,000 in personal injury protection insurance. This applies no matter who is at fault for the accident. You can file for additional compensation only if the accident caused serious injuries. The courts also place caps on the amount of damages you can recover.

Want to learn more? Reach out today for a free consultation. One of our skilled Florida injury attorneys will be able to look at the facts of your case and tell you what options are available to you. 

About the Author: 

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for the South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.

How to Avoid a Valentine's Day Drunk Driving Accident in Florida

How to Avoid a Valentine’s Day Drunk Driving Accident in Florida

by DUI Accidents

How to Avoid a Valentine's Day Drunk Driving Accident in Florida

We don’t tend to think of Valentine’s Day as a “drinking holiday” like some others, but many people do drink when they go on Valentine’s dates. A lot of people.

 

In fact, One breathalyzer company collected data from 100,000 anonymous users and found that Valentine’s Day ranks as the third most popular American holiday for people to register as legally drunk on breathalyzer tests. The average blood alcohol content level on Valentine’s Day is 0.081, outranked only by New Year’s Eve at 0.095 and Super Bowl Sunday at 0.087. The findings also reveal that people may begin drinking earlier in the day on Valentine’s Day as compared to other holidays.

 

Like Erin Lynch. On Valentine’s Day in 2016, the Boston-area woman was allegedly driving drunk when she crashed into another driver. That’s bad enough, but the officers who asked to see her license after the crash reported that she actually drank wine in front of them. Police recovered a bottle of wine and a wine glass from the scene, and she was transported to a local hospital and charged with various crimes.

 

Now, chances are your night won’t end like Ms. Lynch’s, but why even take the risk? Celebrate Valentine’s Day without the use of alcohol by trying one of these Valentine’s Day date ideas that don’t involve drinking.

 

Cook a Meal Together

 

If you want a delicious meal without the waiting time and inflated prices, skip the restaurant and cook a meal together. Choose your favorite cuisine or try a new recipe. Whatever kind of meal you prepare, have fun in the kitchen together. You can make an alcohol-free sparkling drink to accompany your meal.

 

Go for a Walk

 

An evening stroll can be a wonderful bonding experience. Watch the sunset together or star gaze while holding hands. Spending time outside is proven to boost your mood – why not do it together?

 

Go Shopping

 

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a shopping date. Visit a used book store or a thrift shop and find an inexpensive gift for each other.

 

Read to Each Other

 

If you both like to read, choose love poems or romantic passages and read them out loud to one another as personal expressions of love.

 

Play Video Games

 

Many of us grew up playing video games for fun and healthy competition, but they can also be a great way to bond. So if you’re both into the idea, break out your console and play an old-school game together to get closer with pixels.

 

Share a Dessert

 

Beat the crowds by visiting a pastry shop or an ice cream parlor and share a dessert for a sweet and inexpensive Valentine’s date.

 

Take a Class Together

 

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Would you like to learn how to dance? Sign up to take a class together. You can find a class on almost any topic. Choose one that suits both your interests and enjoy learning together.

 

Take a Road Trip

 

A quick overnight road trip can help you break away from life’s stresses and enjoy one-on-one time together. Book a night at a bed-and-breakfast or choose a hotel with an ocean view.

 

Visit a Spa

 

A couples’ massage is a relaxing and romantic choice for both of you.

 

With these tips, you can enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day without the chance of driving drunk. However, you might notice that many of the above tips still involve going out, and even if you don’t drink, others still will.

 

Not drinking will reduce your risk of personal injury, but it won’t eliminate it. If you’re hurt by a drunk driver, fight back with the help of a knowledgeable Florida personal injury attorney.

 

 

About the Author: 

 

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for the South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.

Boca Raton DUI Accident Attorney

How to Recognize an Intoxicated Driver

by DUI Accidents

Though you yourself may be a skilled, responsible, and cautious driver, there will always be other dangerous drivers on Florida roadways that threaten the safety of you and your family.

 

As a driver, you can reduce the risk of serious auto accident by abiding by traffic laws and abstaining from drinking and driving. But how do you protect yourself if another driver on your commute is drunk or otherwise intoxicated? What about when the very laws that are supposed to protect you actually help people drive drunk?

 

You can avoid becoming a victim of a DUI accident by remaining vigilant while driving, and keeping an eye out for these common signs of intoxication among other drivers:

 

Swerving. You can often identify a drunk driver by the way they veer in and out of lanes. Oftentimes, drunk drivers swerve because their perception of distance is impaired and their ability to focus is challenged.

 

Making overly wide turns. Similarly, drunk drivers often exaggerate turns and other basic maneuvers because their distance perception is impaired.

 

Straddling the lane divide. You may notice that drunk drivers stay very close to the center lane divider in order to try and avoid veering off the road.

 

Braking erratically. Drinking will cause a driver’s reaction time to slow, so it’s not uncommon to see intoxicated drivers brake erratically in delayed response to a traffic signal, object, or other car.

 

Driving unnecessarily slow. Drunk drivers will often drive 10 mph below the speed limit in an attempt to be cautious and avoid notice.

 

Tailgating. You may notice that drunk drivers will follow other vehicles closely, hoping to straighten out their own driving by imitating others.

 

Signaling inconsistently. Drunk drivers often fail to signal or use signals that are inconsistent with their actions—for instance, signaling a left turn but turning right.

 

Neglecting to use headlights. In their drunken haze, intoxicated drivers may fail to dim their brights or neglect to use their headlights entirely at night.

 

Striking or almost striking an object, curb, or other car.  Drunk drivers often suffer from blurred vision, hindered reaction time, and drowsiness, making them more prone to collide into curbs and other objects.

 

Driving on the wrong side of the road. Drunk drivers may drive on the wrong side of the road or on the shoulder, or turn the wrong way down a one-way street without even realizing their error.

 

What to Do if You Spot a Drunk Driver

 

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So what do you do if you spot a drunk driver and believe that your own safety might be jeopardized? To keep you and your family out of harm’s way, follow the steps below if you spot a drunk driver on the road:

 

  1. Distance yourself as much as possible from the vehicle of the driver you believe is drunk.
  2. Do not attempt to pass the suspected drunk driver’s vehicle.
  3. Note their license plate number and vehicle make, model, and color. But remember—do not endanger yourself while trying to collect this information.
  4. Pull over and report the suspected impaired driver to the police. Provide officers with the vehicle’s location and the direction of travel. Describe the vehicle and the driver’s behavior.

 

If you do become a victim of a drunk driving accident despite your own efforts to avoid it, contact a DUI accident attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and overall pain and suffering. By holding the drunk driver accountable, you and your attorney can work to prevent drunk driving accidents from happening in the future.

 

About the Author:

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for The South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.

 

Boca Raton DUI Accidents Lawyer

Loophole in Law Keeps Drunk Drivers on Our Streets

by DUI AccidentsUncategorized

Boca Raton DUI Accidents Lawyer

If you or a family member has even been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you probably understand why Florida DUI laws are so strict. Tough DUI laws not only encourage drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking,” quote=” Tough DUI laws not only encourage drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking, they allow officers to pull over drivers they have reason to believe are intoxicated. By doing so, they remove these dangerous drivers from the road, and make our streets and highways safer for other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

 

But a newly discovered loophole in the law is unleashing many drunk drivers back onto the road after they’ve been pulled over. It was local criminal defense attorney Warren Redlich that brought attention to this loophole, pointing out that a driver can avoid being charged with a DUI simply by refusing to roll down their window. By keeping the car window up, a driver makes it much harder for officers to smell alcohol, hear slurred speech, or detect other indications of intoxication.

 

As Redlich explained to reporters from NBC Miami, “normally what [police officers] look for is: Do you have impaired speech? Do you have impaired motor coordination? Does he smell of alcohol? If you don’t roll down your window and don’t speak, you’ve taken away some of those.”

 

According to Redlich, drivers should refrain from rolling down their windows entirely, and instead show a card that reads “I remain silent. No searches. I want my lawyer,” along with their license, registration, and insurance.

 

Today, YouTube videos of drivers following Redlich’s advice are going viral, with many clips depicting drivers refusing to roll down their windows and simply being waved through DUI checkpoints.

 

Why Is this Loophole So Dangerous?

 

West Palm Beach DUI Accidents Attorneu

Redlich and drivers who employ his tactic to skirt DUI checkpoints argue that they are asserting their rights. In actuality, they are making Florida roads much more dangerous for everyone around them. DUI checkpoints exist to keep intoxicated drivers off the road, and this loophole allows them to pass through the checkpoint and continue on driving along our roads, where they can easily cause auto accidents, injury, and destruction.

 

It is likely that the only individuals who would resort to such a loophole are drivers who are trying to hide alcohol on their breath, slurred speech, and delayed responses—the very people DUI laws are meant to keep off the road. People who have been drinking—even if they are not quite over the legal limit—are a big threat to their fellow drivers, pedestrians, and surroundings. The common negative effects of alcohol consumption on a driver include:

 

  • Reduced coordination
  • Limited capacity to track moving objects
  • Slowed response to emergency situations
  • Difficulty steering
  • Difficulty controlling speed
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Impaired perception
  • Limited capacity for processing information

 

With this loophole, impaired or intoxicated drivers suffering from these and other alcoholic effects are allowed to continue driving on Florida roadways, where they are likely to cause problems, including accident and injury.

 

If you or someone you love has been injured due to a drunk driver who was released back onto the road because of this legal loophole, contact a top DUI accident attorney. A skilled attorney will be able to help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, repair fees, and overall pain and suffering. What’s more, you’ll be able to raise awareness of the negative consequences of this unfortunate loophole in our vital Florida DUI laws.

 

About the Author:

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for The South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.