Upon investigation, authorities learned that the suspect had previously been cited for leaving the scene of the accident and that his mother owned a Lexus SUV matching the description of the vehicle in question. Further investigation revealed that the Lexus had been taken to a body shop for repairs. They were able to match the casting numbers of the new headlight on the vehicle to the ones found at the scene of the accident.
]]> The young man told his parents he was at a friend's home and the car had been damaged while he was inside. However, he reportedly admitted his guilt to police when questioned. He stated that he was reading a text on his cell phone when the accident occurred. Since his license was suspended, he decided to drive away, believing he had hit another car. He has been charged with tampering with evidence, failure to stop at the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license in connection with the fatal crash.A personal injury attorney may be able to help the family of a wrongful death victim recover damages. The loved ones of the victim of a fatal bicycle accident may be entitled to payment of medical costs, funeral expenses and sums for pain, suffering and mental anguish such as loss of love and affection.
Source: CBS Miami, "Sunrise Man Charged In Deadly Super Bowl Sunday Hit & Run", May 13, 2013
]]>On May 2, the driver of the pickup truck was arrested for drunk driving and vehicular homicide as well as other charges. The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is .08 percent. The driver's blood alcohol level was reportedly .234, nearly three times that amount. It was not stated whether the driver was injured in the accident. It is also not known yet whether or not he has an attorney.
]]> A person who operates a motor vehicle has an obligation to other persons on the road to drive carefully, so as not to injure anyone. When that person fails to meet that obligation, causing injury, he or she may be legally responsible for paying compensation to the victims. In a wrongful death case, damages typically include lost earning potential of the victims, funeral costs and any medical bills incurred prior to death. A spouse, dependent child or parent of an accident victim may also be able to recover damages for the loss of the relationship with the deceased family member.A wrongful death attorney is typically brought in by the estate of the deceased in cases like this. When a person dies without a will, a personal injury attorney may be able to assist family members by appointing an administrator for the estate established, negotiating a settlement with the wrongdoer or any insurance company or filing a civil complaint for damages.
Source: Gainesville.com, "Florida man charged in car crash that killed 3", The Associated Press, May 03, 2013
]]>Take paramedics who respond to the scene of injury-causing accidents. The dangerous event has more often than not concluded and the paramedic is there to work hard to save lives and not become injured themselves. For one paramedic this week, his helpful efforts were rewarded with an injury that left him unable to return to work.
]]> The paramedics had responded to a report that a woman had been vomiting out the side of her vehicle and then passed out over the steering wheel. It didn't take long for the witness or the paramedics to determine that the cause of the unconsciousness was alcohol, but the concern in these situations can be alcohol poisoning and other dangers that required the paramedics to transport her to a nearby hospital for treatment.On the way, the 21-year-old woman woke up. When she learned about her trip, she lashed out at the paramedics and bit one of them on the finger. She had bit down so hard that her teeth went straight through the nail and into the bone.
The paramedic was forced to seek treatment for his own injuries. Doctors told him that he would require a series of antibiotics and further testing to ensure that no diseases were contracted as a result of the incident. As for the finger, it would take a period of time to heal, preventing him from providing life-saving treatment of his own.
Source: Star Tribune, "Drunk woman bites, breaks paramedic's finger on ride to HCMC," Paul Walsh, March 29, 2013
]]>A man was recently arrested this week after police took him into custody over not his first, second, third or even fourth drunk driving offense. It was his seventh. The 51-year-old man was pursued after he attempted to evade police, but his car was eventually stopped by his own actions. The man collided with a fence lining the roadway and a power line nearby, stopping his forward progression.
]]> When officers pulled the driver's information, they found that he had been convicted of a DUI in the years 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002 and the last one in 2007. As in many cases, the first several offenses were charged as misdemeanors. However, the last and two in 2002 and in 2007 were charged and convicted as felonies.In this case, residents were lucky that the fence or the pole was not another motor vehicle carrying other innocent people. Sadly, every day there are accidents in Florida and across the entire nation that end with serious or even fatal injuries.
Source: Magic Valley, "Twin Falls Man Gets $1M Bond on 7th DUI Charge, Eluding Deputies," Alison Gene Smith, March 27, 2013
Our personal injury law firm provides assistance to victims of drunk driving accidents in Florida.
]]>According to initial accident reports, the collision occurred on Saturday morning. A car was driving in one direction when it suddenly drifted over the center lane. At the same time a pickup truck was being driven in the opposite direction and the two vehicles filled with college students on spring break collided. Police do not believe at this point that alcohol was a factor in the crash, but the investigation continues as they attempt to determine why the car veered out of its lane.
]]> The driver of the car was a female student from Ohio State University. She and the front seat passenger -- also a classmate -- did not make it off of the accident scene but were pronounced dead by first responders. Two other classmates has been riding in the back seat and were transported to a local emergency room where they remain in critical condition at the time of the report.In the truck were five students from Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma and Southeast Missouri State. All five of the students were also taken to the emergency room of a nearby hospital. Four of these students, including the driver suffered serious injuries while the fifth was reportedly able to walk away with minor injuries.
Source: The Lantern, "2 Ohio State students die in spring break car accident," Kayla Byler, March 17, 2013
]]>These injuries can include things as small as a cut, a sprain or a single broken bone. They also include pretty much everything in between from a poisoning or a respiratory disorder to an amputation or even a fatality. Whether the injury is small or great, employers are required by law to record the injury. When it is more serious -- a fatality or the hospitalization of three or more employees -- there is an added verbal notification requirement. These lists are not a secret; in fact, the deadline is quickly approaching for the Form 300A postings.
]]> Some readers may be saying, "Okay, take a step back. What is a Form 300A posting?" Remember that list? This is simply the requirement that certain employers put this list up on display each year where employees can readily access and view it -- even the few employers that can boast a zero-injury workplace still need to make that information available.Of course, there are exceptions. Those who employ 10 or fewer employees are not mandated to post this list. There are also some industries such as retail or finance that do not have to tack it on the wall. The April 30 deadline for posting these forms is quickly approaching. Have you seen your employer's injury list yet?
Source: Risk & Insurance, "Deadline to post injury/illness tallies approaching quickly," March 4, 2013
Our Gainesville Workers' Compensation page provides information about many different kinds of workplace injuries from car accidents to asbestos exposure. Our firm handles these types of cases with diligence and care.
]]>A week celebrating the acknowledgement of the benefits of sleep is also a great time to remind us of the dangers associated with drowsy driving. Getting behind the wheel of a car when a driver is exhausted is often compared to drinking and driving because of the seriousness risk it poses to other drivers and the eerie parallel of the symptoms.
]]> Have you ever experienced being on the verge of too tired to stay awake? It is when you might say that you are just "resting your eyes." You might find yourself dropping your head for a few seconds... much like a person who has had a few drinks. You might find yourself taking a couple moments to respond to a question... much like a person whose response time has been affected by alcohol.Drunk driving receives a lot of attention in the media, students are educated about the dangers, they are shown live demonstrations, allowed to wear "drunk goggles" and even talked to by real victims. These are great lessons, but not much attention is given to drowsy driving that can lead to just as serious injuries or even fatal results as accidents involving alcohol.
Source: Chicago Tribune, "DuPage Medical Group's Sleep Lab honors National Sleep Awareness Month," March 1, 2013
Our Gainesville automobile accidents firm handles cases involving drowsy driving and other types of negligent behavior. Visit our website to learn more.
]]>In response to the increased number of teens and accidents, most states have some kind of graduated driver license program. These programs helped reduce the number of teen accidents by placing time, passenger, cellphone and other restrictions on these new drivers. The accidents went down, but now that the programs have been around for a while and the accident numbers are doing more than inching up again.
]]> Increasing barely describes the 19 percent nationwide jump in the number of teen-driver fatalities in the first six months of 2012. While the economy may be playing a role in the increase -- the better the economy gets, the more kids can afford to drive - highway safety consultants that helped compile the data used in the statistics said believes these laws have run their course "as is."There is no doubt that these laws have helped and will continue to help, but as with everything, improvement can be made. The laws have been around long enough to understand which state programs are working or which specific portions are successful and what ones are not.
Source: WLTX-TV, "Deaths Surge Among Teen Drivers," Larry Copeland, Feb. 26, 2013
Whether you are a teen driver who was injured or someone else, our Gainesville car accident page provides information and access to those who can help.
]]>One teenage girl, who was involved in a car accident at the age of 12, is now using her experience and its consequences to begin to educate communities around her. The now 15-year-old teenager suffered a brain injury in the 2009 accident that left her with permanent disabilities. Those disabilities consist of difficulties with spatial awareness that will never allow her to drive, an inability to pick up on many everyday social cues, as well as forgetfulness.
]]> While she will not be receiving any keys to the family car on her sweet 16 birthday, she is using the lemons that life handed her to make lemonade. She has begun to raise both money and awareness for those who like her have suffered from brain injuries. She is also speaking to community leaders about what it is like for a teenager to live with permanent disabilities due to brain injuries.Since her injuries indicate no visible disability, some people often misunderstand the teenager and her lack of social cue acknowledgement (she cannot pick up on sarcasm for example). She is hoping that her work in raising awareness makes it easier not only on her, but on others in a similar situation.
If you or someone you know has suffered in a car accident as the result of another's negligence, please contact an attorney practiced in personal injury. Their skill and knowledge will help you explore the legal remedies that make the most sense to pursue.
Source: American-Statesman, "Teenager with brain injury educates public," Claire Osborn, Feb. 8, 2013
]]>Recently, an accident on North Main Street in Gainesville left a scooter driver with severe injuries. According to authorities, the 51-year-old woman was riding her scooter during the evening when she was hit by a car. The car reportedly attempted to make a left turn into a gas station right in the path of the scooter driver. The 51-year-old was headed north, while the driver of the car was southbound. As the two vehicles collided, the woman was thrown from her scooter.
]]> According to reports, the woman suffered a compound fracture on her right leg, as well as an injury to her right hip. She also suffered a head injury. Authorities say she has a good chance of recovering. As of the morning following the crash, she was in the intensive care unit at the Shands at the University of Florida.Although scooter drivers and bikers have every right to share Gainesville roadways, they are often left to fear for their safety due to the distracted and negligent behavior of other drivers. Negligence can occur in many ways including texting while driving, ignoring red lights and making illegal turns. If the driver in this accident is found to have acted negligently, the scooter driver may be able to obtain compensation to cover her mounting medical bills, as well as for pain and suffering and possible lost wages.
Source: The Gainesville Sun, "Woman on scooter seriously injured in crash," Cindy Swirko, Jan. 30, 2013
]]>The collisions happened due to low visibility caused by a mix of fog and smoke from a brush fire. The highway was reportedly closed at midnight due to visibility issues, but reopened at 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 29. The crashes began within 30 minutes of the road reopening. The decision to reopen the roads has been criticized and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement says the decision was "based on incomplete information and not enough monitoring."
]]> Since the accidents, improvements have been made in response to the tragic incident. A watch supervisor is now assigned to each troop to oversee all significant incidents. More than 6,000 Florida Turnpike Enterprise radio communication members, as well as reserve troopers, have been trained on road closure procedures and protocols. Those protocols are also reviewed annually with the Florida Forest Service.While the crash is considered to be one of the deadliest in North Central Florida history, it has brought big changes, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Cameras were installed along I-75 to help monitor traffic and see live images of the roadways. The department plans to start a $3-million project next year that will help keep motorists safe during low visibility. The funds will help install changeable message signs along the interstate, as well as vehicle detectors that measure speed and sensors that will measure visibility.
Along with improvements came lawsuits. Litigation has been waged against the state from victims who were injured in the crash or lost loved ones. Attorneys say although the state may not be 100 percent at fault, they do hold some responsibility. State sovereign immunity law puts a cap of no more than $200,000 per person or no more than $300,000 per incident, unless a waiver is approved.
Source: Miami Herald, "Improvements, lawsuits mark I-75 crash anniversary," Kyle Hightower, Jan. 27, 2013
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