South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

The entire month of May has been designated as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and safety advocates across the nation are using this time to help raise awareness about our two-wheeled friends, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Motorcyclists face some of the steepest risks for fatal accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere. These travelers are oftentimes overlooked by passenger-vehicle drivers and are put in some risky situations. Florida provides perfect riding weather year round and brings motorcyclists from around the nation. With these conditions, Florida has continuously been ranked as the most dangerous state in the country for these kinds of accidents. Drivers beware.

Our Boca Raton motorcycle accident attorneys understand that Florida is the most dangerous state in the country for these types of accidents, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). We're asking all passenger vehicle drivers to keep an eye out for these vulnerable motorists. Be sure to look twice before making a maneuver in traffic. That extra second can help to prevent a death. Do you part to make our roadways safer and vow to be a more cautious and alert driver.

"It is important for both motorists and motorcyclists to be aware of one another," said David Teater with the National Safety Council.

Safety Tips from the National Safety Council:

For Motorcyclists:

-Avoid riding in poor weather conditions. Shoddy weather reduces your visibility and a driver's ability to see you.

-Remember to always stay out of drivers' blind spots. Make yourself seen.

-Always use your turn signals and make your maneuvers in traffic as predictable as possible.

For Motorists:

-Never follow a motorcyclist too closely. Allow them with plenty of room on our roadways.

-Be careful when making maneuvers in traffic, especially at intersections and when making turns. The number one kind of motorcycle accidents happen with a motorist fails to see a motorcyclist when turning.

-Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle. They follow the same rules of the road as we do as should be treated the same.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics:

-Nearly 50 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle.

-Most motorcycle accidents happen when another vehicle turns left into a motorcycle.

-Nearly 40 percent of motorcycle drivers who are killed in an accident were speeding at the time of the accident, compared to roughly 25 percent of car drivers in fatal auto accidents.

Help to make our roadways safer for everyone and join us in promoting Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. By working together we can help to save lives on our roadways. Take that extra look for motorcyclists to help keep our roadways accident free!

Continue reading "Accidents in Boca Raton and Elsewhere Targeted in National Campaign" »

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is reporting yet another fatal intersection accident in Boca Raton. This recent accident took the life of a western Boca Raton man. This incident took place at the intersection of Boca Chase Drive and State Road 7, according to The Palm Beach Post News.

Accident reports indicate that the man's vehicle was hit on the driver's side as he attempted to pass through the intersection from eastbound Boca Chase Drive. The vehicle that hit the man's car was a newer Ford and reports conclude that the Ford's driver didn't stop at the right light in the southbound lane of State Road 7.

The red light-running driver sustained minor injuries. The law-abiding driver is now dead. Both drivers were wearing a seat belt when the collision occurred. Officers don't believe that drugs or alcohol were factors in this accident. It has not been concluded if any charges will be filed.

Our Boca Raton personal injury attorneys understand that intersections are a common backdrop for motor vehicle crashes because it's these locations where traffic interacts. Within these crossings, we've got motor vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians and all the actions that contribute to common driving conflicts. According to information from the National Automotive Sampling System-General Estimates System (NASS-GES) and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), nearly 2,310,000 (or about 40 percent) of the more than 5,810,000 auto accidents that happened in the U.S. in 2008 happened at intersection-related locations.

What's even worse about these kinds of accidents is that a large majority of them, more than 95 percent to be exact, were the fault of driver actions. Less than 3 percent of these accidents were attributed to environmental or vehicle factors. All in all, we need to improve our driving habits and exercise better defensive driving skills near these roadways to help cut down, and ultimately eliminate, these kinds of accidents.

Safe Driving Tips for Traveling through Intersections:

-Signals lie. Never drive through an intersection while traveling at the posted speed limit. Always reduce your speed when approaching an intersection, even when your lane of traffic has a green light. You may have the right-of-way, but that green light isn't physically stopping the traffic in other lanes. Don't trust other drivers and expect the unexpected. Slowing down your speed of travel allows you more time to react to another driver's mistake.

-Green lights. When your traffic light turns green, you're urged to wait a second or two before proceeding. This few seconds of extra time allows red light-runners to pass through. When you're stopped at a traffic light, you never want to jackrabbit into the intersection as soon as your lane's traffic light turns green. At the same time, you never want to roll through a light that changes from red to green just as you approach the intersection.

-Pay attention. At intersections especially, you always want to curb the distractions in your vehicle. You need all of your senses working in every direction in these areas to help to sense any possible danger and to reduce your risks of being involved in a potentially fatal accident.

-Turn signals. While they can be useful, you can't always trust them. This is especially true on motorcycles, as their turn signals aren't self-canceling and can stay on even when the driver has absolutely no intention of turning.

Continue reading "Another Intersection Car Accident in Boca Raton Turns Fatal" »

As we recently reported on our South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, we are in the heart of Daytona Beach Bike Week 2012. This year's event marks the 71st Anniversary of the event and this year it's taking place from the 9th through the 18th of March.

Our Boca Raton motorcycle accident lawyers would like to warn motorists around the state about the increase in motorcycle traffic we're seeing on our roadways. While many drivers fail to recognize the vulnerability of these drivers, we're asking all motorists to treat these two-wheeled motorists just like any other vehicle on our roadways. These small vehicles have the same rights to our roadways as you and I. Remember to be cautious and courteous around these travelers, especially during Bike Week when thousands and thousands of bikers from across the country venture to the Sunshine State for the big event.

Daytona Beach Bike Week 2012 Events:

-Hogs on the Hill, March 18th, 10:00 a.m.: This event is a parade that will also include a motorcycle exhibit, food, entertainment and more. The first 100 people to register for this event will receive a free t-shirt!

-Fastlane's Antique Bike Show, March 17th, 12:00 p.m.: Participants are welcome to register for free from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The show will begin and bikes will be judged at 3:00 p.m. Winners will receive both cash and trophy prizes.

-Daytona Beach Community Foundation Motorcycle Drawing, March 17th, 3:00 p.m.: This is what many look forward to every year, the drawing for a custom motorcycle. The drawing will be held at Riverfront Park on Beach St. in Downtown Daytona Beach.

-Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona, March 17th: This is a free concert in the Coca-Cola Pavilion. Jackyl, Charley Brechtal Band & LA Pussycats will be performing.

-Daytona 200, March 17th: This event will be at the ending point of the Official Bike Week Parade, the Daytona International Speedway.

-Roar Motorcycles, March 17th, 10:00 a.m.: This is an event for the ladies only. It will include a free lunch, a bike contest, a Cris Sommer Simmons book signing, gourmet coffee and tea, a pampering tent and a hospitality tent.

With all of these events, and much more, it's no wonder why so many bikers flock to the state for this huge event. As we round out this year's Bike Week, again we remind motorists to be cautious for the increase in motorcycle traffic on our roadways.

We plea for this help because, if you remember, the state of Florida was ranked as the second most dangerous state in the country for motorcycle accidents in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Big ol' Texas was the only state ahead of us.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Accidents in Boca Raton Likely with Bike Week Here!" »

As we recently reported on our South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, a young motorcyclist was killed in an accident on Route 7. The biker was hit as he was making a U-turn and was stuck by the vehicle of an oncoming motorist. Unfortunately, accidents like this are not uncommon -- typically because motorcyclists are overlooked by passenger-vehicle drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Florida was ranked as the second most dangerous state in the country in 2009 for motorcycle accidents -- Texas was most dangerous.

More than 385 motorcycle drivers were killed during the year in the state of Florida.

Our Boca Raton motorcycle accident lawyers would like to warn drivers in the state about the increase in motorcyclists we can expect to see on our roadways in the next few weeks. This year's Daytona Beach Bike Week will be taking place from March 9th through March 18th. This event marks the 71st anniversary of the "World's Largest Motorcycle Event" and hundreds of thousands of bikers from across the country are expected to be in Florida to join the festivities.

One of the most popular events during bike week is the Community Appreciate Parade. This parade had been an iconic event for decades, but was stopped back in 2005 when the Daytona 200 was changed from a Sunday event to a Saturday event. It was changed because transportation officials didn't think that they'd be able to move the nearly 10,000 bikers from the Ocean Center to the Speedway. The parade moved down International Speedway Boulevard.

Since then, officers and other local officials have demonstrated that Daytona Beach is capable of handling this kind of event. Every year since 2005, riders have asked event coordinators to bring back the parade. Guess what? It's back!

Earlier in the year, Speedway Officials, City Officials and the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce gathered to go over all of the details regarding the parade and made the announcement that it would return.

Those who are interested in joining the parade are asked to gather at the Ocean Center on Saturday, March 17th between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. At 9:00 a.m. the parade will begin and bikers will start at the Ocean Center and will be escorted by the Daytona Beach Police Department Motorcycle Unit. The parade runs for more than 5 miles.

"Harley-Davidson Insurance has been a welcome partner for the last two years and we are delighted that they have chosen to expand that role here at Bike Week in Daytona Beach. Having a company the caliber of Harley-Davidson Insurance as Presenting Sponsor furthers our commitment to forging affiliations with sponsor partners that are leaders in the industry," said Bike Week Festival Task Force Co-Chairman Bob Coleman.

Continue reading "Increasing Risks for Motorcycle Accidents in Florida with Daytona Beach Bike Week" »

A recent motorcycle accident in Boca Raton killed a 21-year-old rider. The accident happened at the intersection of South Central Park Boulevard and State Road 7. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, the motorcyclist was making a U-turn at the intersection when he was struck by an oncoming motorist.

According to Boca News Now, the motorcyclist was thrown off of his motorcycle in the collision and landed on the east shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle of the man who struck the motorcyclist was hit by another car. Then a third passenger car was hit at the intersection. All of the vehicles came to rest in the center lane of State Road 7. As of yet, none of the drivers are facing any charges.

We talk about it all the time -- the dangers of riding a motorcycle in the state of Florida. Risks for motorcycle accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere in the state are some of the highest in the country because of the beautiful weather our state provides us with all year. Every day is motorcycle season in the Sunshine State. These risks are also elevated because of the heavy presence of tourists and motorists who are unfamiliar with the roadways.

In the state of Florida, if you already have a Florida driver's license then you can get a motorcycle endorsement on the driver's license you hold. To obtain your motorcycle endorsement you must show proof that you have completed the Florida Rider Program.

Motorcyclists are asked to remain aware and cautious on our roadways. Often, motorcyclists are overlooked by passenger car drivers. For this reason, defensive driving is the best defense against a motorcycle-car accident. Consider the following tips to help you to drive safely among the drivers who may not acknowledge your presence.

Defensive Motorcycling Tips from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP):

-Wear a helmet. It's your best defense against serious injury and death in the event of an accident.

-Consider wearing face and eye protection, too.

-Never drink before operating a motorcycle.

-Make sure you're properly licensed. All states require you to have a motorcycle license.

-Always follow the rules of the road, especially speed limits. About 40 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents happen when a cyclist is speeding.

-Keep an eye on hazards on the road, including holes, large cracks and bumps.

-Watch out for vehicles coming from driveways and side streets.

-Always drive with your headlights on so that motorists are more likely to see you.

-Never ride with someone until you're skilled at riding in all kinds of conditions.

-Make sure passengers can reach the footrest on your bike.

-Don't let passengers on the bike until you've started it.

-Instruct your passengers to lean with you when making turns.

-Tell passengers to keep away from the muffler to avoid burns.

-Limit talking with passengers while on a motorcycle.

-Stay out of the blind spots of other vehicles.

-Never tailgate or cut off a car.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Accident in Boca Raton Kills Rider during U-Turn" »

The holidays make for a dangerous time on our roadways. The risks for car accidents in Lauderdale Lakes and elsewhere increase significantly as we see more and more drivers on the road during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA), the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and many other safe-driving advocates are all working together to increase road safety through the remainder of the busy holiday season.

Our Lauderdale Lakes car accident attorneys understand that enforcement and educational efforts are all underway to help raise awareness among drivers about the dangers we'll be facing during the rest of holiday season. The National Safety Council (NSC) has recently launched its predictions for roadway fatalities for the 2011 Christmas and New Year's holidays. Drivers are urged to be cautious on our roadways to help to reduce these risks.

2011 Christmas Day holiday:

The NSC considers the Christmas holiday period as the time from Friday evening on December 23rd through Monday evening on December 26th. During the 3.25 holiday period, the Council is predicting that there will be nearly 300 roadway fatalities and another 29,000 injuries that will require professional medical attention.

Each year, the number of fatalities decreases during this holiday period. Still, in 2009 there were nearly 250 people who died on U.S. roadways during this short holiday.

The NSC asks all motorists to wear a seat belt during the Christmas holiday, regardless of how far they'll be traveling. The council says that these safety devices are nearly 50 percent effective in preserving lives in the event of a traffic accident. About 100 lives may be saved because of these devices. Another 75 people could be saved if all motorists were to buckle up during the holiday period.

2011 New Year's Day holiday:

The NSC considers the New Year's Day holiday period as the time from Friday evening on December 30th through Monday evening on January 2nd. During the 3.25 holiday period, the council is predicting nearly 300 fatalities and another 30,000 injuries that will require professional medical attention.

The number of actual fatalities during this time decreased from 2005 to 2006 to 2007, but then again increased in 2008 and 2009. In 2009, nearly 460 people died because of traffic accidents during this short holiday.

The NSC again asks all motorists to wear a seat belt during the New Year's holiday regardless of how far you'll be traveling. The council says that these safety devices are nearly 50 percent effective in preserving lives in the event of a traffic accident. About 110 lives may be saved because of these devices. Another 75 people could be saved if all motorists were to buckle up during the holiday period.

Continue reading "Hundreds Expected to Die in Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Elsewhere During Holidays" »

A feature of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles could help to make sure your family is notified in a timely manner in the event of a serious car accident in Boca Raton or elsewhere. Motorists are now able to register the names and numbers of emergency contacts with the Department.

To promote ongoing awareness of the program, Governor Rick Scott held a statewide Register Your Emergency Contact Information Week. During this time, residents were urged to visit the DHSMV to register vital contact information that can be used in the event of an accident. The DHSMV teamed up with the Division of Emergency Management to help to get all Florida residents on board with the new program. Residents are still able to register this information with the Department.

Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys understand how important this type of information can be. Unfortunately, there are many times when family members are not notified in a timely manner after a serious car accident because the information cannot be retrieved from the victim. With this information on file with the Department, officials can contact your loved ones more quickly.

"As we celebrate Register Your Emergency Contact Information Week this first week of October, please register and encourage your friends and family members to do so, too," said Julie L. Jones, the Executive Director for the DHSMV.

There have already been more than 5 million people register their emergency contact information with the Department. The new program hopes to obtain this important information from Florida's 15.5 million licensed drivers.

Once you've registered with the program, residents with either an identification card or a driver's license will be able to submit two contacts to the Department to notify in the event of an emergency, such as a traffic accident. Don't worry! The information is only to be used by law enforcement offices in the event of an accident.

Bryan W. Koon, the Florida Division of Emergency Management Director, says that the program is 100 percent voluntary but he still urges residents to get registered as this information can help to ensure that you're connected with your loved ones in a timely manner.

Singing up only takes a minute. You can do it from any computer. Just visit the DHSMV's website. If you don't have access to a computer, you can still register at any Florida driver's license office or county tax collector office. This program is completely free!

The program was started after a motorcycle accident that killed Tiffiany Olson in December of 2005. In this case, officials were unable to notify her mother in a timely manner. They were unable to retrieve emergency contact information from Tiffiany. Tiffiany's mother, Christine Olson, brought the idea of the program to Rep. Bill Galvano and the idea took off.

Continue reading "New Program to Register Emergency Contacts before a Car Accident in Boca Raton or Elsewhere" »

As we recently reported on our South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles released a press release stating that Florida has in fact experienced a decrease in the number of roadway fatalities.

Unfortunately, we pointed out that in these statistics pedestrian accidents and certain other fatalities were not noted.

The Sun Sentinel reports that the number of fatal pedestrian accidents in Florida has increased by nearly 4 percent from 2009 to 2010. There were nearly 500 pedestrian fatalities in the state during 2010 alone.

Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys understand that much more needs to be done to keep travelers safe on our roadways. Florida is still plagued with distracted, drunk and speedy drivers. While there may have been a decrease in come categories of traffic accidents, there has in fact been a significant increase in many others. This is no time to let our guard down. Safe and alert driving habits are more important now than ever.

According to USA TODAY, Florida was ranked as the deadliest state in the country for pedestrians and bicyclists. Four out of the top 10 most dangerous metro areas were in Florida. Our state has unfortunately been in the top three for this danger list every single year since 2001.

"We're trying to figure out root causes and how we can fix it," says Marianne Trussell, chief safety officer for Florida's Department of Transportation.

Many experts believe that the number of these roadway fatalities is so high because of the rapid development of the state. Florida has grown more than any other state in the country, from just under 3 million in 1950 to nearly 19 million in 2010.

Others believe that the number of fatalities has to do with the number of tourists that our state sees every year. In 2009, there were more than 80 million tourists who visited Florida.

Lastly, some even blame our beautiful weather. Since we've got rays of sunshine all year long, many set out to enjoy some fun in the sun. People are more likely to travel and to get outside when the weather allows. In Florida, that's year round.

2009-2010 Florida Highway Patrol Statistics:

-Speeding citations: Approximately 322,000.

-DUI arrests: Nearly 10,000.

-Drug-related arrests: More than 4,000.

-Seat belt citations: Nearly 140,500.

-Total Statewide roadway fatalities: More than 2,500.

-Alcohol-related roadway fatalities: More than 1,000

-Motorcyclist fatalities: More than 400.

-Pedestrian deaths: Nearly 500.

-Bicyclist fatalities: Nearly 100.

-Accident investigations: More than 217,000.

-Patrol vehicle mileage: More than 36,000,000.

-Commercial vehicle citations: Nearly 563,000.

-License revocation (DUI): More than 45,000.

-License revocation (habitual offender): Nearly 21,000.

-Fatality rate (fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled): 1.30.

As you can see from the numbers listed above, our roadways are anything but safe. Drivers are urged to be on their best behavior on our roadways to help reduce the risks of an accident with a careless driver.

Continue reading "Traffic Fatalities in Florida Still High Despite Recent Report" »

There's one thing residents can agree one when it comes to red-light cameras: they're costing drivers a lot of money. More than 20,000 red-light tickets have been issued in Palm Beach County alone over the last 18 months. These tickets have totaled more than $3 million dollars in fines and have done nothing to decrease the number of accidents, according to News Channel 6.

As we previously reported on our South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, drivers in Boca Raton that are busted by these cameras running a red light will be fined $158. These fines are a small price to pay, in the eyes of local government, to help prevent car accident in Boca Raton.

The problem is officials aren't seeing much of a reduction in accidents. The good news is that these violations do not include points on a person's driver's license. The fines from these tickets are distributed like this - with the city getting $75, the state getting $67.20 and the county receiving $15.80.

Our Naples car accident attorneys recognize that the installation of these cameras is seemingly inevitable as they're popping up at more and more intersections across Florida. Many claim their main focus is to prevent intersection car accidents. Florida statistics aren't showing that they're doing their job as intersection accident statistics remain constant.

West Palm Beach reported a 33 percent and a 36 percent decline in intersection accidents at two of the four red light intersections. Officials took last year's accident statistics and compared them to this year's totals to reach these conclusions.

However, there was no change in the number of accidents at the corner of Australian and 25th. What's even more alarming is that officers saw accidents increase by 100 percent at the corner of Parker and Summit.

"In my opinion, they're going to cause more rear end collisions," said Boca Raton Deputy Mayor Susan Haynie. She voted against the cameras and lost.

A national study concludes that the number of accidents have reduced since cameras were installed at some intersections, yet a 2008 Florida study shows they don't.

"There's a lot of different factors involved when you're looking at those sorts of things," said West Palm Beach Assistant Police Chief Dennis Crispo. "If we can save one life, I think we're doing a great job," he said.

Cameras were installed in Juno Beach back in December and officers report that they have yet to see a drop in the number of collisions.

"I'd say it's very early on in the program and I think you need to give it more time," said Lt. David Gregg of the Juno Beach Police Department.

All of the departments with intersection cameras say that they've seen more people slowing down and not crossing over the white line.

"In some cases there may be a safety benefit but the jury's still out," said Boca Raton Deputy Mayor Susan Haynie.

Continue reading "Car Accidents in Boca Raton Yet to See a Decrease since Installation of Red-Light Cameras " »

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) just announced its most important safety initiatives for the year. Their targeting "most wanted" drivers through this awareness campaign and initiatives. They've got an agenda and it includes teen drivers, drunk drivers and motorcyclists. The NTSB is publicizing their safety recommendations as a result of its investigations of car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere. The Board pushes these recommendations because when they're implemented motorist safety continues to be at risk.

Our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys understand that these targeted motorists could be some of the most at-risk drivers on our roadways. It is important to take information provided by the NTSB and apply it to your everyday driving habits. At times, drivers can become lackadaisical behind the wheel and forget that their actions could potentially end someone's life if not their own. The NTSB aims to bring back awareness in drivers to make everyone's day a little safer.

The first group of motorists that were targeted on the most wanted list were young, inexperienced teen drivers. They were targeted because car accidents continue to be the number one cause of death for teens in the United States. Car accidents kill eight teens every day. More teens die from motor-vehicle accidents than cancer, gun violence or drugs. From 2000 to 2009, more than 58,000 teens, age 15- to 20-years-old, died in traffic accidents.

The NTSB suggests that every state enact a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system. This is a system that allows young, novice drivers to gain road exposure through a number of driving-privilege levels. Teens should start off driving in low-risk situations and, as driving restrictions are lifted, they should be gradually exposed to a fuller driving experience.

What states should do to better educate teen drivers:

-Start teens off with a learner's permit, allowing teens to drive with the supervision of a licensed driver.

-Limit nighttime driving hours.

-Set a limit for the number of passengers that may be in the vehicle with a teen driver.

-Prohibit the use of cell phones and texting devices by drivers in this age group.

A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concluded that states with a strong teen driver safety program typically witness a 40 percent lower rate of injury crash involvement among 16-year-old drivers

The NTSB is also targeting drunk drivers. It is estimated that someone dies in an accident that involves an alcohol-impaired driver every 48 minutes. Nearly 11,000 people died in the United States in 2009 because of these accidents. Roughly a third of all traffic accidents that happen every year involve a drunk driver. This is a statistic that hasn't changed in the last ten years. As a matter of fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that a driver makes nearly 90 impaired driving trips before they're arrested for drinking and driving. Florida witnessed more than 900 traffic accident fatalities because of intoxicated drivers in 2009 alone.

The NTSB recommends that states continue to perform sobriety checkpoints and administrative license revocation to target impaired drivers. They also suggest that states start to limit plea bargaining and diversion programs. States should also trying using alternatives including dedicated jail and treatment facilities, home detention with electronic monitoring and intensive supervision probation to help stop offenders from recommitting the dangerous driving habit.

Lastly, they're focusing on motorcyclists. It is estimated that more than 10 motorcyclists are killed every single day in the United States. From 1997 to 2009, the number of yearly motorcycle deaths doubled from 2,116 to 4,462. Motorcycles only represent about 3 percent of the vehicles on our roadways, but they account for nearly 15 percent of all highway deaths. The NTSB is pushing for stricter helmet use and laws.

The NTSB will continue to make recommendations to help ensure motorist safety, but these recommendations are only effective if the public is receptive to these recommendations and makes genuine attempts to take the proper safety precautions on our roadways.

Continue reading "NTSB Releases Most Wanted Motorist List to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Boca Raton and Elsewhere" »

A car traveling against traffic caused an early morning car accident in Boca Raton that killed one and left one suffering from minor injuries, according The Palm Beach Post.

A Coconut Creek motorcyclist was headed northbound on State Road 7 at roughly 3 a.m. when a car approached him headed southbound in the northbound lanes, according to a report released by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Our Boca Raton personal injury lawyers would like to remind visitors that May is National Motorcycle Safety Month and to be extra cautious and aware of the increasing number of motorcyclists on our roadways.

Both vehicles swerved to avoid a collision with one another, but they swerved in the same direction. The motorcycle slammed into the front passenger door of the vehicle. The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and was pronounced dead on the scene, according to ABC 25.

Investigators have concluded that the driver of the passenger vehicle was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident.

The National Safety Council (NSC) announced that May will be used to encourage motorists to safely share the road with motorcyclists and urge them to practice extra caution when these two-wheeled vehicles are nearby. Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to accidents than any other driver. Many accidents happen because of their small size. Motorcycles are often hidden in the blind spots of vehicles. It is important for motorists to always check, and double check, for the presence of motorcyclists before entering or leaving a lane of traffic.

Motorcyclist fatalities increased more that 130 percent between 1998 and 2008, according to the NSC. It has been estimated that the mileage death rate for motorcyclists in 2007 was more than 35 percent higher than that of passenger-vehicle occupants.

"Throughout spring and summer the number of motorcyclists on the road will increase. It is important for both motorists and motorcyclists to be aware of one another," said David Teater, NSC senior director of Transportation Initiatives. "To better defend themselves, motorcyclists should follow the rules of the roadway and wear protective gear, including a Department of Transportation compliant helmet."

In 2009, nearly 4,600 fatalities resulted from accidents involving motorcycles. In addition, more than 84,000 were injured. Last year, Florida experienced nearly 550 motorcycle rider fatalities -- more than anywhere else in the United States.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers short instructional videos to motorists to offer tips to help keep them safe on our roadways.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed in Wrong Way DUI Accident in Boca Raton" »

A recent motorcycle accident in Orlando has Boca Raton personal injury lawyers reminding motorcyclists who are headed to Daytona for Bike Week to use extra caution on Florida roadways. The popularity of this event increases the likelihood of motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Naples and elsewhere in the state.

March 4th marks the start of the 70th annual Daytona Bike Week. This popular 10-day event attracts over half a million people each year. Loads of activities which include street festivals, parties, concerts and motorcycle races, make it the most popular motorcycle rally in the United States.

We are reminded of the tragedies that can occur in traveling to these events by My Fox Orlando, which reported about a recent crash on Florida's Turnpike. The roadway was shut down for several hours after the Orange County Fire Department responded to a motorcycle crash involving a semi tractor and trailer. A wrecker was needed to lift the front axles of the truck off of the victim who was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Tampa Bay Online reminds motorcyclists to use extra caution this week. It is reported that 60% of Florida vehicle-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers of the vehicles according to Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition.

Motorists should use the following safety tips in looking for bikers on the roadways:
-Use extra caution when making left turns as most crashes between motorcycles and vehicles occur when making a left-hand turn.

- Not all motorcycles are loud so look twice and save a life.

-Distracted drivers are often the cause of motorcycle accidents so pay attention and don't get distracted. Taking your eyes away from the road doubles the risk of getting into a crash.

-Motorcycles aren't always visible so drive with the expectation they are there even if you can't always see them. Looking for a helmet, tires, or shadow beside vehicles you can't see around is often helpful in spotting bikers.

-Be mindful of blind spots before merging or changing lanes, especially when traffic is congested.

-Pay particular attention to side streets where motorcycles may not see you and pull out in front of you.

Bike Week is popular among bike enthusiasts, family, and friends who enjoy getting out to partake in the many activities and festivities that occur throughout the week. Motorists are reminded to be extra careful in watching for motorcyclists on congested highways and streets in order to avoid a South Florida car accident.

Continue reading "Bike Week increases risk of motorcycle accidents in Boca Raton, West Palm" »

Our Boca Raton injury lawyers know that for Florida motorcycle enthusiasts it's always a good time of year to be riding. With that in mind, an early evening wreck between a car a motorcycle along U.S. 41 last week is a grim reminder that when motorcycles and passenger cars mix, it is often with tragic results.

A 40-year-old Naples man spent two days in critical condition at Lee Memorial Hospital before succumbing to his injuries Thursday morning. A 30-year-old woman driving a 2007 Toyota Yaris failed to yield at the Abiaka Way intersection and struck the victim last Saturday, the Naples News reports.

Upon impact, the motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and landed in the intersection. He was not wearing a helmet. The driver of the Toyota, along with a 4-year-old passenger, were transported to Naples Community Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and released.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that between 2008 and 2009 there was a 25 percent drop in the number of motorcyclists killed on Florida roads, from 502 in 2008 to 376 in 2009. Still, in 2009, motorcycle fatalities represented 15.7 percent of all Florida traffic-related deaths, making the state one of the nation's most dangerous for riders.

The number of Florida motorcyclists injured in crashes also fell by 12.7 percent from 8,519 in 2009 to 7,435 in 2008. Florida motorcycle passengers also saw, on average, a 13 percent drop in fatalities and injuries caused by a motorcycle-involved Florida car accident.

Overall, the number of motorcycle crashes statewide fell by more than 1,300 - from 9,618 in 2008 to 8,313 in 2009.

Over the last decade the number of motorcycle-linked fatal Florida car accidents steadily climbed, from 252 deaths in 2001 to a peak number of 521 in 2006. Since 2006, the number of motorcycle fatalities has dropped. The number of injures also saw explosive increases since 2000. In 2009, the number of motorcyclists injured in Florida car accidents fell by more than 1,000, reaching the lowest number since 2005.

In 2009, 367 men and 9 women were killed Florida motorcycle accidents. As the economy improves, let's all do our part to ensure the number of serious and fatal accidents continues to decline.

Look twice and save a life

Continue reading "Motorcycle accidents a winter risk in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton" »

South Florida motorcycle accident attorneys know that as Florida continues to blossom as destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, it is also growing in popularity for home-grown riders. In fact, nationwide as interest in motorcycling increases, so have the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities. Motorcycle accidents accounted for 5 percent of all traffic crashes in 1997, compared nearly 18 percent in 2008. This trend is mirrored across Florida as well.

The Florida Department of Transportation reports that from 2006 to 2008, about 94 percent of motorcyclists fatally injured in Florida motorcycle crashes were state residents. In 2008, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties were among the highest for reported motorcycle fatalities.

An early September two-motorcycle crash on U.S. 1 illustrates the dangers faced by Florida motorcycle enthusiasts. A Harley rider was killed after sustaining a head injury when her bike struck the back of a Victory as the pair attempted to change lanes at the same time, Florida Today reports.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are 6.2 million registered motorcycles nationwide. Because of their open construction, and because they are less stable and less visible, 8 in 10 motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. In contrast, just 20 percent of car accidents result in injury or death. The NHTSA offers a few common-sense suggestions that can help motorcycles stay safe and uninjured:

~ Before hitting the open road, motorcyclists should take a rider-safety training course and obtain whatever State license is required.

~ Motorcyclists need to make sure they are outfitted with bike that properly fits their ability, and rely upon gear, like gloves, goggles, a helmet and boots to provide additional protection in the event of a crash.

~ Motorcyclists need to pay extra attention at intersections, which is where most motorcycle and car accidents happen.

~ Motorcyclists need to ride thinking they are invisible to their four-wheeled counterparts and avoid riding in a car driver's blind spot.

~ Given the more supple maneuverability of a bike, riders need to be more cautious of road conditions in inclement weather.

Continue reading "South Brevard fatal motorcycle crash spotlights highway hazards for Florida bikers" »

While more Americans are "hitting the road" these days, in 2009 the number of fatal car accidents nationwide dropped to their lowest number since 1950. Injuries also fell their lowest rates ever recorded, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports.

But the real sunny spot across the nation is Florida, where the number of fatal Florida car accidents has dropped more than anywhere else in the country. From 2008 to 2009, the Sunshine State reported an astonishing 422 fewer fatalities. Throw alcohol into the mix, and again, numbers are down. Nationwide, alcohol-related fatal car accidents declined by 7.4 percent, claiming 872 fewer lives in 2009.

Our Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers are hesitant to celebrate: Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties continued to report the most accidents in the state. And Florida ranked third, behind California and Texas, for the most traffic fatalities nationwide.

Still, we welcome the good news that fatal accidents are down across the board, whether riding in or driving a vehicle - four wheeled or two wheeled, motorized or not - even walking on or near roadways in the U.S. is the safest it has ever been, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports.

Among the findings:
Total Traffic-Fatalities: 33,808 (down 9.7 percent)
Total Traffic-Injuries: 2.217 million (down 5.5 percent)
Passenger Vehicles-Fatalities: 23,382 (down 8.2 percent)
Passenger Vehicles-Injuries: 1.976 million (down 4.6 percent)
Large Trucks-Fatalities: 503 (down 26 percent)
Large Trucks-Injuries: 17,000 (down 26 percent)
Motorcycles-Fatalities: 4,462 (down 16 percent)
Motorcycles-Injuries: 90,000 (down 6.3 percent)

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland credits seat belt use and aggressive anti-drunk driving enforcement campaigns for the downturn, but notes "we are still losing more than 30,000 lives a year on our highways, and about a third of these involve drunk driving." And, despite the trend, for Americans aged 3-34, car accidents remain the leading cause of death.

Continue reading "Florida leads nation in reduction in traffic fatalities; South Florida remains state's most dangerous area for car accidents" »