South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

Accidents in parking lots in Boca Raton are most likely to happen during the month of December. During this time, residents throughout the state are out combing our malls and shopping centers for the perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family members. This is when parking lots are crowded and lurking with dangers, but with the proper safety strategies shoppers can help to reduce the risks of an accident during this busy time of the year.

Boca Raton injury attorneys understand that the holidays are supposed to be a pleasant time of the year. But they can quickly turn disastrous if we're not careful. There are risks of car accidents, pedestrian accidents, robberies and muggings in parking lots during this time.

Hollander Law Firm offers you these parking lot safety tips to help prevent becoming a victim of a crime:

-Always remain aware of your surroundings. Never allow yourself to get distracted by children, shopping bags, cell phones, etc.

-You should never walk alone at night. You should always walk with a friend, a coworker, a security guard or a police officer.

-Always have your keys in your hand and ready to get into the car. Drivers are urged to keep a whistle on car keys to use if something happens.

-You should always walk with a purpose. Recent studies have concluded that those who walk quickly and purposefully are less likely to become the victim of a predator. This type of walking sends a signal that you're not an easy target.

-Keep one of your hands free at all times. This will allow you to fight off a would-be attacker.

-Always remember where you parked so you're not spending too much time walking through a parking lot.

-You should always walk in the middle of ramps and aisles instead of using the stairs of a parking garage or an elevator. Stairs and elevators are an easy place for these individuals to prey on their victims.

-You should always walk in areas that are well lit. Back into a parking space when you can so you can exit more easily.

-You should steer clear of parking spots next to vans and other large vehicles. Attackers can easily hide near these vehicles and get to your quicker.

-Only unlock the driver's door when getting in. Always lock the door behind you.

-Before you get into your car, look around the inside to make sure it hasn't been broken into and that no one is in there.

-Limit the time you spend idling in your car. Once you're in, start moving.

-Make sure you know where emergency telephones, security guards and parking lot attendants are located.

-Never keep any form of identification on your car keys. If you lose them or they get stolen, a thief may be able to find you, your house or your car.

-Be sure to always report suspicious activity. If you feel like someone's following you, you should run to a lighted area or towards people who can help to find assistance.

Motorists and pedestrians are urged to be cautious around one another when traveling in our busy parking lots through the holidays, too. Let's make this a safe holiday season and escape with no injuries. Happy Holidays and safe shopping.

Continue reading "Parking Lot Accidents in Boca Raton Common through Holiday Season" »

Children and elderly pedestrians are most commonly the victims of back-over car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere throughout Florida. These accidents are so common that the U.S. Department of Transportation is pushing for mandatory back-up cameras on all vehicles. Drivers are urged to be extremely cautious when reversing a vehicle as pedestrians can easily be overlooked and unfortunately run over.

"There is no more tragic accident than for a parent or caregiver to back out of a garage or driveway and kill or injure an undetected child playing behind the vehicle," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Our Boca Raton pedestrian accident attorneys understand the number of back-over accidents typically increase during each holiday season. During this time, vehicular traffic increases and drivers don't provide full attention to their surroundings when reversing. These back-up accidents are most likely to occur in driveways and in parking lots. As residents and tourists gather and friends' and family members' houses for holiday gatherings and motorists across the state flock to local shopping centers, the risk for back-up accidents increases significantly. Luckily, there are a few precautionary steps that we can all take to help prevent these types of accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that there are more than 290 fatalities and nearly 20,000 injuries that happen each year because of back-over accidents. Nearly 230 of these fatalities involve a vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds, like the average passenger vehicle. Nearly 45 percent of these fatalities occur to children who are under the age of 5, which is an alarmingly high percentage for any type of accident.

Approximately 35 percent of these victims are pedestrians who are over the age of 70.

Safety tips to keep children safe from back-over accidents:

-Teach your young ones never to play in our around vehicles.

-Always supervise children when they have to be around vehicles.

-Hold your child's hand when walking through a parking lot.

-Before you get in your vehicle to reverse, walk around it to make sure the area is clear.

-Teach your children to stand away a vehicle when a driver gets in one.

-Children should wait on a sidewalk or on the grass while a vehicle is backing out of a driveway or a parking spot.

-Children should never leave bicycles or toys on the driveway.

-Make sure you look behind you when you're reversing your vehicle just in case someone dashes behind your car unexpectedly.

-If you drive an SUV or another large vehicle, roll down the windows as you back up so you can hear what's going on outside your vehicle. Larger vehicles have larger blind spots.

-Although some vehicles come equipped with back-up cameras, don't rely on them. A driver's eye and awareness is still the best defense against a back-up accident.

Continue reading "Back-Up Accidents Common Occurrences through Busy Holiday Season" »

Halloween is right around the corner and our Boca Raton child injury attorneys and the Boca Raton Police Services Department are here to share some important tips with you and your little trick-or-treater to help reduce the risks of accidents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you child is about four times more likely to be injured on Halloween night than during any other holiday night of the year. Children can be involved in traffic-related pedestrian accidents in Boca Raton, they can be abducted by strangers, they can consume dangerous candy that has been tampered with, or they can be injured by trip and fall hazards.

"Kids can be safe trick or treating this season by following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines," said Dr. Andre Creese, of the Lawnwood Regional Medical Center.

Boca Raton Police Services Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these safety tips:

Trick-or-Treating:

-Wear brightly-colored clothing, wear reflective tape or carry a flashlight to help make sure motorists see you.

-Plan a route. Chose a trick-or-treating path that is away from busy traffic and that has sidewalks and crosswalks

-Only approach houses that are well-lit.

-Never enter a stranger's house. Accept all candy at the door.

-Make sure that all costumes are equipped with comfortable shoes. Make sure costumes are short enough to prevent a trip and fall hazard.

-Make sure everyone's fed before heading out to prevent snacking on candy before it's been examined by an adult.

-Consider using face makeup instead of a mask. Masks obstruct your line of vision.

-Don't walk through people's yards. Be respectful.

Halloween at Home:

-Before trick-or-treaters come knocking, make sure that sidewalks, driveways and front porches have been cleared of trip and fall hazards.

-Make sure all of your exterior house lights are on and working.

-Restrain all pets. Children are oftentimes intimidated by animals.

-Never leave candles or lit jack-o-lanterns unattended.

-Consider handing out healthy treats or non-food items like spider rings, toothbrushes, bubbles, etc.

-Make sure all wet surfaces are wiped up and yard debris is clear from walkways.

-Examine all candy before handing it over to children. Be sure to remove all items that have been opened or look like they've been tampered with.

Halloween on the Roadway:

-Never drink and drive.

-Be extremely cautious for little one roaming through residential areas.

-When dropping off children, do it so that they can exit the vehicle on the side away from passing vehicles.

-Avoid late-night driving.

-Be super careful when pulling into or backing out of your driveway. Children are oftentimes overlooked in the dangerous scenarios.

We would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween and ask that you follow these simple safety tips to help prevent any real scares this year.

Continue reading "Boca Raton Child Injury Risks Skyrocket Halloween Night" »

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" »

As we recently discussed on our South Florida injury Lawyer Blog, South Florida pedestrian accidents are by far more frequent and more severe than those in other areas of the nation. Four of the five most dangerous cities for pedestrians in America are located right here in Florida.

In an attempt to reduce these types of accidents, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recently released a report that analyzed pedestrian accidents and provided officials with options for reducing the risks of these accidents. According to the AAA report, there were more than 4,000 pedestrian fatalities that occurred on U.S. roadways in 2009. Speed is a leading factor in determining severity of injury.

Our Boca Raton pedestrian accident attorneys believe some of the suggestions that AAA has made to help reduce the risks of serious and fatal pedestrian accidents are worthy of consideration.

First, the Foundation encourages local governments to reduce the speed limits in areas where there is a heavy population of pedestrians. If these speed limits cannot be reduced because of the high demand for quick-moving traffic, AAA recommends that officials construct some sort of physical barrier that would separate pedestrians and motor-vehicle traffic. Lastly, AAA recommends that safe-vehicle technology be enhanced and improved to detect pedestrians within range.

AAA reported that there were more than 4,000 pedestrians that died as the result of traffic-related accidents in the United States in 2009. During the same year, roughly 59,000 individuals were injured in these same types of incidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 500 pedestrian fatalities in Florida in 2009. Most of these accidents happened when an inattentive driver was speeding in an area that was populated with pedestrians.

Florida pedestrian laws according to the Florida Department of Transportation:

-When sidewalks are available, a pedestrian shall not walk along the portion of a roadway that is paved specifically for vehicular traffic.

-No one who is riding a toy, a coaster or using roller skates is allowed to travel along the roadway unless crossing the street.

-Pedestrians are prohibited from walking along freeways or interstates.

-Pedestrians are not allowed to stand on the portion of a roadway that is paved for vehicle use.

-Pedestrians are required to yield to other vehicles in areas that are considered an intersection crosswalk.

-A pedestrian is not allowed to cross between adjacent signalized intersections.

-When there are no traffic lights or signs, a driver must yield to the right-of-way to the pedestrian.

-Pedestrians are not allowed to suddenly leave a curb and walk or run into the path of an oncoming vehicle which is so close that it is considered impossible for the driver to yield.

Pedestrians are urged to stay away from fast-moving traffic in areas which have not been designed to be pedestrian friendly. The AAA foundation concluded that the risks of injury and death for pedestrians are directly correlated with the speed of vehicles. The faster the speed of a vehicle, the higher your risks are for being seriously injured.

Miami Dade was ranked as the most dangerous county in the state of Florida. From 2000 to 2009, this county witnessed nearly 800 pedestrian fatalities. Following close behind this county was Broward County, Hillsborough County, Orange County and Palm Beach County.

Continue reading "Officials Urged to Analyze AAA Report to Reduce Risks of South Florida Pedestrian Accidents" »

Pedestrian activity is at a higher rate in Florida than other states not only because we have many tourist attractions that draw outsiders to visit, but also because we have plenty of warm sunshine throughout the year which makes Florida an attractive state to escape to.

It comes as no surprise to Boca Raton pedestrian accident attorneys that Florida ranks pretty high among states for the most pedestrian fatalities each year. Florida ranked second in 2009, only behind California.

The compelling truth is that considering the number of tourists, older adult population and youth we have, which are generally more at risk, it is no wonder that pedestrian accidents in Fort Myers, Boca Raton, Naples and elsewhere register at such a high number compared to other states. Pedestrians are at risk when motorists drive distracted or speed so if you are involved in an accident consult a personal injury attorney so you can be aware of your rights immediately.

The statewide Pedestrian Crash Statistics composed of data gathered from 2005-2009 were put together for the Florida Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. The report broke down the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities by district; in our case our general area falls under Districts 1 and 4. The report looked at some crash characteristics which include site location, age, gender, race, intoxication levels, and lighting to name a few.
The report published the following results:

• The rate of pedestrian fatalities in Florida was double the national rate in 2009 and consistently higher over the course of the five years studied.


• District 1 had the highest percentage of fatal pedestrian crashes from 2005-2009 than any other district at 10 percent.


• Almost 15,000 pedestrian accidents were not located at intersections, compared to 12,869 that did occur at an intersection.


• A high percentage of accidents in six of seven districts were on undivided multiple lane roadways which did not contain a median. The only exception was District 4 where accountability was almost symmetrical at 48 percent of accidents occurred with no median and 50 percent occurred on roadways with a median.


• Every district reported that the majority of pedestrian crashes happened during daylight hours.


• 84 percent of pedestrian crashes reported no intoxication as a cause compared to 5 percent of crashes that reported alcohol or drugs as a factor in the accident.


• The ethnicity most at risk in each district was White, followed by African American and Hispanic.


• The highest percentage of victims in all seven districts were male.


• Every age group is at risk of a fatal pedestrian accident according to the report.

Some areas of Florida are taking action in hopes of reducing pedestrian accidents in areas that have a lot of foot traffic.

Pedestrians in Fort Myers Beach are being protected by the installation of ground-level pedestrian signs placed in the middle of the street. Wink News Now reports that locals are willing to pay out of pocket to purchase more signs to place along busy roadways in order to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents. The bright red caution signs cost about $400 a piece but have shown positive results since placing them on Estero Boulevard.

Continue reading "Undivided Roadways and Non-intersections a High Risk for Pedestrians in Fort Myers Accidents" »

Starting on August 22, motorists will be required to slow their speed in front of Seminole Ridge High School twice a day. County workers are to install flashing lights on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in front of the high school before the doors open for the school year. The warning lights will drop the previously 45 mph speed zone to a new 20 mph school speed limit zone, according to The Palm Beach Post.

These reduced speed limit zones are placed in front of schools and are activated as students arrive each morning and depart each afternoon to reduce the the student's risk of becoming involved in a pedestrian accident in Boca Raton or elsewhere.

Our Boca Raton personal injury attorneys understand that many school zones require reduced speed limits as some are located in areas with a heavy and speedy traffic flow. Many motorists will fly through these areas with no concern for school starting or ending. We need to take all of the precautionary measures to help keep our young students safe this upcoming school year.

"We had a lot of issues with speeders. We've had some close calls," West Boca Principal Mark Stenner said. "We are hopeful this is going to slow things down a bit."

This new speed zone comes after residents throughout the area voiced their concerns to their elected officials. A number of schools throughout the area are now being regulated with the new flashing lights and reduced speed zones after communities joined together to rally against the unsafe roadways.

"It's about the safety of our children," said Burdick, a former School Board member elected to the County Commission in November.

According to Indian Trail Improvement District Board member Ralph Bair, that stretch of road has a history of near-accidents involving students and motor vehicles.

Late last year, a 17-year-old student was struck and injured by one of the school's buses just north of the school as he was crossing Seminole Pratt and Whitney Road. After that incident, friends, family, parents, and elected officials like school board member Marcia Andrews, marched along the road with signs demanding a new speed zone.

"It's certainly better than what we had before," Andrews said of the new speed zone and lights. "We have to make sure we keep it safe for all our students. There is no price tag on a person's life."

Earlier this year, county commissioners asked engineers to study the roads around high schools in the county to see if any others were in need of speed zones, said Deputy County Engineer Tanya McConnell.

The only other high schools that have warranted speed zones for the upcoming year are West Boca Raton High School and John I. Leonard High School in Greenacres.

Seminole Ridge High School is also looking into extending the sidewalk on the east side of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road another 2 miles north to Orange Boulevard to make it safer for students. As of now, the sidewalks only extend only about a third of a mile north of the school to a nearby shopping center.

"There's no place for kids to walk and when it is wet they walk on the road," Bair said.

Continue reading "Local School Revamps School Zone to Help Prevent Pedestrian Accidents in West Palm" »

A USA Today article reports that Florida remains one of the deadliest states for pedestrians.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers are aware of the Transportation for America pedestrian safety report and warn all Floridians to be careful to avoid a pedestrian accident in Boca Raton, Fort Myers and elsewhere in the state.

According to a study by Transportation for America, a safety advocacy coalition, Florida holds four of the top five slots for the deadliest urban areas for pedestrians.

Study statistics pertaining to Florida included:

-From 2000 through 2009, 5,163 pedestrians were killed in Florida.

-In Florida from 2000 through 2007, the average Hispanic pedestrian death rate was 3.5 per 100,000 people. This rate is 37 percent higher than the non-Hispanic white rate that is 2.5. The average African-American pedestrian death rate was 3.7 per 100,000; this is almost 48 percent greater than for non-Hispanic whites.

-From 2000 through 2007, 853 senior (65 and older) Floridians were killed in pedestrian accidents. Florida's older pedestrian's death rate is 3.7 per 100,000 residents. By comparison the death rate for those under age 65 is 2.7 per 100,000 residents. This ranks Florida 7th nationally in death rate for pedestrians over the age of 65.

-270 pedestrians 15 years old and younger died in Florida between 2000 and 2007.

-Florida ranks first nationally with an overall Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI) of 182.8. By comparison, the safest state in the nation is Vermont with an overall PDI of 11.2. The U.S. overall PDI is 56.8.

According to the study, more than 47,700 pedestrians nationwide were killed in traffic accidents in the last 10 years, and at least 688,000 were injured. Car crash deaths have dropped 27 percent over the past decade, while pedestrian deaths have fallen 14 percent.

National statistics include:

-Roads that are eligible to get federal funding for improvement or construction nationally suffered 67 percent of all pedestrian deaths.

-Almost 60 percent of pedestrian deaths happened on streets with a 40 mph speed limit or higher. Pedestrians have a slim chance (15 percent) of surviving a crash with a vehicle going 40 mph. By lowering traffic speed from 40 mph to 30 mph, a pedestrian's survival rate increases to 55 percent.

-More than 40 percent of the 47,452 pedestrian fatalities in which the location of the collision is known happened on roads with no crosswalks. Arterial roads are high-speed, wide and high-capacity thoroughfares that usually lack crosswalks and sidewalks. Pedestrian fatalities in crosswalks happen about 10 percent of the time.

-Nationally, people older than 65 are almost twice as likely to be killed while walking as those under 65. Between 2000 and 2007, there were 8,458 pedestrians killed who were 65 and older.

-According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pedestrian injuries are the third-leading cause of death for children 15 and younger. Nationally, between 2000 and 2007, 3,880 pedestrians 15 years old and and younger died.

Top Florida counties for pedestrian deaths from 2000 to 2009:

-Miami-Dade County: 753

-Broward County: 463

-Hillsborough County: 375

-Orange County: 371

-Palm Beach County: 339

Leading metro areas pedestrian deaths from 2000 to 2009:

-Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach: 1555

-Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: 905

-Orlando-Kissimmee: 557

-Jacksonville: 342

-Cape Coral-Fort Myers: 178

Continue reading "Florida Regions Top the Danger List for Pedestrian Accidents" »

Florida had the unfortunate distinction of reporting the largest increase in fatal pedestrian accidents of any state in the nation last year. Nationwide, pedestrian fatalities rose for the first 6 months of 2010 for the first time in several years, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported.

West Palm Beach accident attorneys are frequently called to handle the tragic accidents that often occur when a pedestrian's rights are violated.

Last year, 8 states reported a double-digit increase in the number of pedestrian deaths, led by Florida (up 35) and Arizona (up 21).

Formerly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), researcher Dr. James Hedlund completed the first of its kind pedestrian fatality report on a state-by-state basis.

The study Spotlight on Safety: Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State revealed that 7 more pedestrian deaths occurred during the first 6 months of 2010. In 2009, there were a total of 1,884 pedestrians that died from January through June; in 2010 that number was 1,891. With an average drop of 200 deaths per year since 2005, the slight increase is a concern.

On the other hand, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a continued decline in traffic deaths for the first half of 2010. The 2nd quarter of 2010 marked the 17th consecutive quarter of decreasing traffic deaths.

"Nationally, pedestrian fatalities account for about 12 percent of overall traffic deaths, a small but significant portion. Given that we have made so much progress in this area, GHSA is concerned to see this reversal," said GHSA Chairman Vernon F. Betkey Jr. "One factor may be the increased distractions for both pedestrians and drivers. Anyone who travels in a busy city has seen countless pedestrians engrossed in conversation or listening to music while crossing a busy street. Just as drivers need to focus on driving safely, pedestrians need to focus on walking safely - without distractions."

Pedestrian deaths vary a great deal from state to state. In 2009, states with large populations and urban areas like California, Florida, Texas and New York combined for 41% of pedestrian deaths nationally.

Compare that to 12% of pedestrian deaths nationally when you pooled the 25 states (including the District of Columbia) with the least pedestrian deaths.

The report indicated there is no sole cause or countermeasure that would dramatically increase pedestrian safety. Some states use a mixture of enforcement, educational and environmental procedures to improve pedestrian safety.

The responsibility of protecting pedestrians needs to be shared by both motorists and pedestrians. There is room for everyone if we all work together and pay attention.

Continue reading "Florida led nation in increase in pedestrian accidents " »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging motorists to use extra caution in an effort to reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents in West Palm Beach and elsewhere as the clocks roll back and everyone adjusts to making the evening commute in the dark.

Our West Palm Beach Accident Lawyers know that the risk of all types of traffic accidents increases at night. But the risk of serious and fatal injuries that frequently result from pedestrian accidents has safety advocates preaching extra caution to be on the lookout for walkers.

Florida is consistently among the most dangerous states in the nation for pedestrian accidents. In 2008, more than 10 percent of the nation's 4,378 fatal pedestrian accidents occurred here in Florida. In all, 490 people were killed in Florida pedestrian accidents; only California reported more deaths.

Nearly 40 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents occur in the hours surrounding dusk or dawn, with a full one-fourth of all accidents reported between 4 and 8 p.m. As drivers get used to driving again in the dark, motorists are also at increased risk of being involved in distracted driving accidents.

The agency encourages pedestrians to carry flashlights and wear reflective clothing or material.

Other safety tips for Florida drivers and pedestrians include:

DRIVERS
-Slow down at dusk; more time is required to see and react to events around you.
-Don't count on pedestrians to hear your approach.
-Keep windshields and mirrors clean and clear. Make sure windshield wiper fluid is full and that wipers and defrosters are in proper working order.

WALKERS
-Carry a flashlight and/or wear reflective tape or clothing. Take a flashlight and make sure a driver sees you before proceeding.
-Don't count on traffic signals. Drivers may be distracted or ignore them.
-Don't cross between vehicles and avoid jaywalking -- use crosswalks whenever possible.
-Use sidewalks.
-Walk facing traffic.

Continue reading "Early dark brings increased risk of West Palm Beach pedestrian accidents" »

Immokalee sees more pedestrian and bicycle crashes than any other town in Collier County, and community leaders are pushing for ways to make the streets safer for foot, bicycle and vehicle traffic, the Naples Daily News reports.

South Florida pedestrian accident lawyers know that Florida is second only to California for pedestrian-related traffic fatalities - that in 2008, 490 pedestrians were killed walking alongside Florida roads. From 2007-2010, the Immokalee Fire Control responded to 87 calls involving vehicle-pedestrian accidents. Since last December, the Naples Daily News has covered five traffic accident involving pedestrians in Immokalee, one fatal.

Thanks to a $129,000 Florida Department of Transportation pedestrian traffic safety project, the community just completed a sidewalk and crosswalk addition near Main Street that leaders hope will offset the number of pedestrian-related traffic accidents in that area. Meanwhile, community officials have submitted a grant application seeking funding to install motion-sensitive flashing light-guards at nine crosswalks around town.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are a handful of simple tips and precautions walkers and drivers can follow to make their time on the road safer:

FOR PEDESTRIANS:
~ Make yourself visible: wear bright colors during the day and carry a flashlight and wear reflective gear when walking at dusk and dawn and during the night.
~ Be alert: don't rely on crosswalks, traffic signals or the attention of drivers to protect you. Make eye contact with drivers before entering any roadway and look before entering a crosswalk. Ditch the cell phone and the ear buds, pay attention to your surroundings.
~ Be a safe walker: if there is a sidewalk, use it; if not, walk facing traffic.
~ Obey traffic laws: in short, don't jaywalk.

FOR DRIVERS:
~ Look beyond the road and expect the unexpected: make it a habit to scan sidewalks and shoulders. When making a turn, look for foot-traffic as well as fellow drivers.
~ Respect crosswalks: yield to pedestrians when signage and signaling indicate they have the right-of-way. When in parking lots, drive slowly and anticipate that both kids and adults are likely to pop out from behind a vehicle unexpectedly.
~ Drive responsibly: follow the speed limit, traffic laws and don't drive distracted or impaired. Be especially on alert at or near school-zones and public parks where children are likely to gather.

Continue reading "Study aims to reduce Immokalee pedestrian accidents" »

A pair of deaths was reported over the weekend involving bicycle and motorcycle riders -- a reminder to motorists to watch out for our two-wheeled friends as we head into fall and prepare for the start of the tourist season.

A Lake Worth bicycle accident has claimed the life of a Palm Springs man, the Sun-Sentinel reported. The man died of his injuries nearly three weeks after being struck on the sidewalk of 10th Avenue North, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

The bike collided with the passenger side of a 2003 Honda Element that was pulling out of a private driveway. The victim died on Saturday at Delray Medical Center.

Also on Saturday, a Coral Springs motorcycle accident claimed the life of a 38-year-old woman. The Sun-Sentinel reported the woman was riding westbound on Royal Palm Boulevard, west of University Drive, when she was involved in an accident with a pickup truck.

Her 44-year-old husband was hospitalized in critical condition. Police say the accident happened when the pickup truck's driver failed to yield while changing lanes.

While the numbers of serious and fatal motorcycle and bicycle accidents have declined, Florida remains among the deadliest states in the nation for riders. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports 100 cyclists were killed last year and 4,376 were injured. Florida motorcycle accidents killed 402 riders and injured more than 8,000.

Continue reading "Fort Lauderdale area bicycle accident, motorcycle accident, a reminder to motorists" »

A former police officer who caused a fatal Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident has been sentenced to 60 days in jail, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

The officer was found not guilty of vehicular homicide during a trial last month in which the jury convicted him of misdemeanor reckless driving. The officer was also sentenced to six months probation, fined $250 and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.

The officer had just gone off duty and was headed home shortly after 5 a.m. in June 2006. He was traveling down Federal Highway at speeds of up to 90 mph when he slammed into a pedestrian, throwing her 112 feet.

Jurors never learned that the officer was fired from the department in August 2007 after an internal investigation determined he drove his cruiser 90 mph or faster in the month before the accident and that he twice reached speeds of 114 mph or faster on A1A.

Car accidents involving law enforcement officers in South Florida are a fairly common occurrence. Earlier this month, our South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog reported the case of a woman who was hit on her scooter by a Palm Beach sheriff's van.

And ABC 7 is reporting that authorities are investigating whether an improper police pursuit led to a deadly Fort Myers car accident.

In that case, deputies were chasing two burglary suspects last July when an unmarked sheriff's SUV hit and killed a motorist. The accident occurred in a 45 mph zone on Palm Beach Boulevard, while the deputy's speed was estimated at 84 mph.

The media account said a copy of the sheriff's operating manual says unmarked sheriff's vehicles "shall not be engaged in high speed pursuits except under extreme and extenuating circumstances."

Motorists have a legal obligation to pull over for emergency vehicles with activated lights. But law enforcement has an obligation, first and foremost, to the safety of the motoring public. When a motorist is seriously injured or killed in a car accident with a law enforcement vehicle, he or she may be entitled to compensation for injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering and rehabilitation.

Continue reading "Police officers blamed for fatal accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers" »

As we reported last week on our South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, fatal Florida traffic accidents declined last year to 2,563, compared to the 2,983 reported in 2008.

While drivers were most frequently killed, a look at the statistics just released by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reveals that Florida pedestrian accidents continue to be a primary concern, claiming nearly as many lives as fatal accidents involving motor-vehicle passengers.

When it comes to Florida car accidents, more than 100 motorists were injured for each motorist killed in an accident last year. Consulting an experienced Palm Beach car accident lawyer is a critical step toward protecting the rights of someone who has been injured in a car accident. Frequently, the extent of the injuries may not be known until months or even years after an accident. This can be particularly true of head, back and neck injuries. Failure to make a claim for injury may prevent you from seeking a future recovery and can have a dramatic impact on the financial well-being of you and your family in the event that you later suffer serious medical complications or become unable to work as a result of a traffic accident in South Florida.

Florida traffic accidents in 2009:

Florida Car Accidents: 1,120 drivers killed/ 120,248 injured. A total of 486 passengers were killed and 57,479 were injured.

Florida Motorcycle Accidents: 376 riders were killed and 7,435 were injured.

Florida Bicycle Accidents: 99 riders were killed and 4,376 were injured.

Florida Pedestrian Accidents: 482 were killed and 7,676 were injured.

Pedestrians ages 35 to 54 were most likely to be killed in an accident. Pedestrians crossing away from an intersection and those walking along the road were most likely to be struck and killed by a passing vehicle. Those two behaviors contributed to a total of 361 of 482 fatal pedestrian accidents.

Continue reading "A hundred motorists injured for every fatal Florida traffic accident in 2009" »

More than 235,000 Florida car accidents were reported in 2009, claiming 2,563 lives and injuring more than 197,000 motorists, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle's annual report.

Somewhere in Florida an accident happens every 2 minutes, every day, all year long. While the 2,563 fatalities recorded in 2009 represents a four-year trend of declining traffic deaths, it still means that more than seven motorists a day are killed on Florida roads. A South Florida injury lawyer should be contacted whenever a motorist is involved in a traffic accident. Frequently, injuries resulting from an accident are not readily apparent. Head, back and neck injuries, in particular, can take months or even years to develop. Failure to protect yourself in the wake of a car accident can result in an inability to collect damages for long-term medical problems, loss of work or medical expenses.

A look at the numbers:

Traffic Accidents: 235,778

Fatal Accidents: 2,372

Traffic Fatalities: 2,563

Injuries: 197,214

Alcohol-related Fatalities: 1,004

Pedestrian Accidents: 8,248 crashes killed 482 pedestrians and injured 7,676.

Bicycle Accidents: 4,774 crashes killed 100 riders and injured 4,376.

Motorcycle Accidents: 8,313 accidents killed 402 riders and injured 7,435.

Understanding the factors that cause an accident can help protect a motorist from being involved in one. These statistics make several important points. First and foremost is the issue of Florida drunk driving accidents, which continue to be responsible for more than one-third of fatal accidents in Florida.

And, while motorcycle accidents declined by 25 percent last year, more than 400 riders were killed on the road, accounting for 1 in every 6 traffic fatalities.

The time of day also played a role. Friday at 4 p.m. was the most dangerous time on Florida roads; a total of 2,921 accidents were reported during the four o'clock hour. Sunday during the midnight hour -- Saturday night, in other words -- was the deadliest time on the road; 33 people were killed in accidents shortly after midnight Saturday.

Continue reading "A Florida car accident occurs every other minute, killing more than 7 motorists per day" »