Attorney Blog

What Kind of Evidence Can Your Truck Accident Lawyer Find?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Florida truck accidents are usually very serious. Over 85 percent of the victims who are injured or killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer or dump truck are the occupants of passenger cars. In a recent article, the Ormond Beach truck accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert pointed out how important it was for these victims to secure evidence of the truck’s liability immediately after the accident has occurred.
What sort of evidence can you find on the scene of a Florida truck crash?
An experienced and skilled tractor-trailer accident lawyer will take steps to secure or guarantee access to a wide range of information and potential evidence, such as:

The vehicles and the accident scene: An expert accident reconstruction may be necessary, as well as a forensic analysis of the vehicles. Pictures of debris, vehicles, road signs, and tire marks, as well as witness and police reports can all be invaluable.
Electronic data: Trucks and cars have navigation systems and black boxes that provide useful information about speed, hours traveled, and the “last stop event.” Cell phones can also be a crucial source of evidence about what happened before the crash.
Papers: Truck drivers and motor carriers are required to fill out a lot of paperwork starting with the driver’s logbook registering hours of service. Other papers include pickup and delivery records and manifests, fuel receipts, weigh tickets, lease agreements, CDL, truck registration, repair and maintenance papers, credit card receipts, etc.
Truck driver and motor carrier files: These can include driver qualification and medical records, driver recruitment files and traffic violation records, motor carrier evaluation files, insurance agreements, corporate structure and affiliated companies, truck lease and ownership documents, and trailer ownership documents.

The starting assumption of any Florida large truck accident case is that proving the motor carrier’s fault is not a foregone conclusion. You may be entitled to compensation even if you think you caused the crash, and you may have to fight tooth and nail for your rights even if the crash was obviously caused by the truck driver.
If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by someone else, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert PA today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or send our lawyers an email to arrange a free consultation.

Havoc In The Traffic Flow: The Danger Of Impulsive Drivers In Florida

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Think before you act. For some motorists in Florida, this seems like a maxim they’ve never heard of. For starters, everything must go fast, and there is no time for thinking.
The impulsive driver who, in a split-second, crosses all lanes to reach for the exit he nearly missed, may have saved the few minutes a detour through the next exit would have cost him, but this happened at the risk of causing a very serious accident.
We have all been there. We are all subject to reacting impulsively when something unexpected comes up. A dog darts across the road; the exit is left, not right; the right lane is much faster; this is the EZ-pass lane; I forgot my cell phone. Suddenly, you change course, and even if you know where you are going, the vehicles behind you didn’t expect you to do this. A split-second decision ends in a major crash or car pile-up.
The Florida traffic code, and common sense, tells us that motor vehicles need to signal their intention to make a left or right turn at least 100 feet before turning. No vehicle may turn at an intersection unless it is positioned in the appropriate lane to do so.
For Florida motorists, the attitude must be that safety should always come first. Do not swerve, change lanes, brake or turn unless it is safe to do so, and accept that time is not precious to the point of risking your life and the lives of others. If you missed the exit, there are other exits down the road that will lead you to your destination just the same.
If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by someone else, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert PA today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or send our lawyers an email to arrange a free consultation.

Hydroplaning May Be Due To How Florida Roads Are Built

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hydroplaning, when your vehicle enters a water pond at a high speed and loses its grip on the pavement, was the subject of a recent article posted on this website. It is really a frightening experience when your car suddenly starts jerking, does not respond to either steering wheel or brakes, and starts spinning violently. Hydroplaning is likely to end in nasty collisions with other vehicles, guardrails, trees or other obstacles. A cautious driver can prevent almost all situations leading to hydroplaning by slowing down in heavy rainfall, and by looking out for depressions and water accumulation on the highway.

Car hydroplaning accidents in Florida have increased dramatically since the speed limit on Interstate highways was raised up to 70 mph. Most of today’s highway network consists of very wide roads of three or more lanes, which can catch and accumulating a huge quantity of rainwater without any evacuation path except on the right shoulder.

Several highway situations create a propensity for hydroplaning, such as:

Wide pavements on a grade;
Surfaces with little texture;
Deep wheel ruts;
Roadway curve transitions, especially on downhill grades;
Transitions from downhill to uphill;
Water accumulating along the shoulder;
Any road pavement without a cross-slope.

Driving slowly and watching the way water flows or builds up on the roadway is all you need to avoid being caught in a frightening hydroplaning crash in Florida.

If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by someone else, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert PA today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412, or send our lawyers an email to arrange a free consultation.

Biker Group Riding in Florida Is Serious Business

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

As any motorcyclist will tell you, if riding solo is exciting, group riding is a lot of fun. Sharing the joys of motorcycling in Florida with others can be exhilarating. Groups are an incentive for the individualistic biker to go beyond his or her limits and discover new territory.

Group riding, however, needs to be well organized in order to be safe. If motorcycle accidents in Florida can result in terrible injuries, imagine what it might do to bikers riding in close formation. There is a surprising array of topics covered by most serious group riding rules, such as:

Who are the lead riders?
In what formation do we ride?
Do we wear distinctive colors?
Do we block intersections to prevent the group from splitting?
What do we do if there is a breakdown?
What happens if one or more bikers are separated from the group?
How do we change lanes, enter or leave a highway?
How long do we ride, when do we stop and refuel?
Do we cross the state border, and what are the legal requirements?
Do we keep riding if it starts raining?

A crucial element of safe group riding is the ability for bikers in the front to signal dangers or their intentions to those in the back. Most groups use a widely accepted set of hand and foot signals to indicate turns or hazards (left and right), formation changes (from staggered to single-file or vice-versa), speed up, slow down and stop.

Florida motorcyclists who travel in groups need to make sure they agree on these rules that are so necessary to keep them safe in traffic.

If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by someone else, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert PA today toll free at (800) 556-8890 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting and locally at (386) 673-4412 begin_of_the_skype_highlightingor send our lawyers an email to arrange a free consultation.

Trying To Understand Teen Driver Accidents in Florida

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Looking more closely at serious and fatal car crashes in Florida caused by teen drivers, the unpleasant facts show us where the risks are:

In the 15 to 19 driver age group, males are almost twice as likely to be killed in a car crash than females;
The more passengers in the car, the higher the risk of an accident if the car is driven by an unsupervised teen driver;
The risk of a serious accident for teen drivers is more than two times higher in their first year of driving than in the four subsequent years.

Teen driving accidents in Florida are also better understood when looking at the behavior of young drivers and car occupants as revealed by studies made in Florida and other U.S. states:

Teen drivers tailgate the preceding car more often, and often drive at speeds that do not allow them to avoid an unexpected obstacle;
Many teens do not wear a seatbelt at all times;
Twenty-six percent of male drivers in the 15-20 age group involved in fatal accidents had been drinking. Thirty-seven percent were speeding when the crash occurred.
The influence of alcohol on the crash rate of a teen driver is far higher than for drivers in other age groups;
Twenty-five percent of drivers aged 15 to 20 who died in a car crash had a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit of 0.08.
Fifty-six percent of all fatal teen driver accidents occur on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, and half of them between 3 p.m. and midnight.

If you have been hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by someone else, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert PA today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or send our lawyers an email to arrange a free consultation.

What Are Florida Truck Weigh Stations For?

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Florida has 39 weigh stations considered by truck drivers to be fitted with some of the best and most trucker-friendly infrastructure in the country. A state-of-the-art weigh-in-motion system allows the truck to quickly pass through, unless the truck is overweight and triggers the alarm or the truck is randomly chosen for an in-depth inspection.

Weigh stations are control and inspection points where a truck's gross and axle weight are tested. The purpose of weigh stations is to enforce federal, state and local regulations and to prevent deadly tractor-trailer crashes in Florida. Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) inspectors have the authority to check for other violations, such as an improper entry in the log book, a cracked rim or worn-out tires.

For most 18-wheelers, the federal weight limit (gross weight) is 80,000 pounds, unless the truck operates under a special overweight permit for a particular trip.

The maximum axle weight is also an important element of truck driving safety: Drive and trailer axle weights cannot exceed 22,000 pounds per axle.

Why is a truck's weight so important? 18-wheelers that are overloaded or operated with unevenly distributed cargo can be the cause of serious accidents, for many reasons, including:

Risk of accelerated brake wear;
Very slow uphill and excessive downhill speed;
Higher risk of rolling over and cargo spillage;
Inefficient brake power distribution and longer braking distance;
Tire blow-out;
Uneven wheel grip on the pavement.

Truck drivers and motor carriers have the responsibility to prevent deadly truck crashes by all available means. In passenger car fatal collisions with large trucks, 85 percent of the victims are the occupants of passenger cars.

If you have been hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by someone else, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert PA today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or send our lawyers an email to arrange a free consultation.

Volusia/Flagler drivers should be cautious of deer on the roadways

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

It's fall in Florida which means deer mating season. Ormond and Daytona Beach drivers, as well as all drivers in Volusia and Flager county should take extra precaution when driving on our roadways. The odds of an animal strike, especially involving deer, will likely increase over the next month. Animal strikes are more common on two lane roads, but anyone who has travelled on I-4 or I-95 in the early evening has likely seen deer meandering about on the side of the highway.

Animal strikes with your vehicle are generally not covered by insurance unless you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage will cover damages to vehicles caused by animal strikes. If you are unsure if you have this type of coverage, contact your insurance agent and inquire. We will also gladly review your insurance policy with you at Johnson & Gilbert, P.A.

If you have questions about an automobile accident, please contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Rushing Through An Intersection In Florida Or Russian Roulette?

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The odds may be a bit different, but the result could be the same: a devastating impact causing severe injuries or death. Most serious car crashes in Florida occur at intersections, which does not prevent countless Florida motorists from approaching them at high speed, sometimes even accelerating if the traffic light turns yellow.

There are several good reasons to slow down when you are about to enter an intersection, even one that has traffic lights, like:

You are less likely to be rear-ended if you need to stop suddenly;
If the lights turn to yellow, you are able to stop and won't feel the need to accelerate;
You have more time to watch for oncoming vehicles turning left and crossing your path;
You have a better view of vehicles on the through lanes that fail to stop or have a right of way;
You are less likely to run over pedestrians or bicyclists.

On some Florida intersections the danger of an accident is raised substantially because of the traffic's dense flow and speed. Many traffic lanes and large trucks may obscure the view and confuse drivers. During peak hours, commuters tend to resist anything that slows them down and sometimes rush through intersections when traffic lights have already turned red.

If you drive through dangerous intersections every working day, consider alternative routes that, even if longer, may be a lot safer in the long run.

If you have been hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by someone else, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert PA today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412, or send our lawyers an email to arrange a free consultation.

Daytona 2011 Biketoberfest successful, but ends with 6 fatalities

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Daytona and Ormond Beach saw plenty of bikers out for this year's Biketoberfest. The weather was beautiful which contributed to many motorcycles on our local roads. Unfortunately, increases in traffic may have contributed to 6 fatalities during this year's event. This marked a significant increase in fatalities over years past. The last two years reported only 1 fatality during Daytona's Biketoberfest event.

Some of this year's fatalities involved crashes with motor vehicles while others were single motorcycles only. When there are large events in our area, traffic increases leading to more accidents. When traveling on the local roadways, excersise extreme caution. Never assume that other drivers see you, whether on a bike or in a car. Increased awareness of your surroundings can often assist in avoiding serious injuries or death.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle or car accident, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Daytona Beach Biketoberfest 2011 begins with two accidents

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Daytona Beach's 2011 Biketoberfest is off and running. Unfortunately, opening day has seen two separate accidents, one with a fatality. The weather should be beautiful for this year's event. However, nice weather will likely draw more motorcycles onto the roads of Volusia and Flagler county. Always use caution when traveling the local roads and highways. Bikers and car drivers alike share responsibility for taking extra precaution when driving during this event. Keep an eye on traffic at all times. Pay attention to traffic safety devices. Biketoberfest is a joyful event for the Daytona Beach area. Take care when traveling this weekend and help avoid further tragedy during this event.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle or car accident, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Intrastate Florida Truckers Do Not Need To Rest

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Florida truck driver Laurie Clarke, who was interviewed while taking a break at an Interstate 4 truck rest area in Seminole County, knows how fatigue affects truckers. "Towards the end of the shift, I get tired, no doubt about it," says Clarke, aged 41, who has seen tired truck drivers weaving all over the road. Today, after a series of disastrous truck crashes caused by driver fatigue, renewed discussions are under way to tighten the hours-of-service rules in the trucking industry.

The American Trucking Associations, who represent the motor carrier industry, see it differently and argue that toughening hours-of-service rules is unnecessary and will serve only to drive up costs for trucking companies in a difficult economic situation. "It is hard to understand what the basis would be to change the rules," says Dave Osiecki, the organization's senior vice president for police and regulatory affairs, arguing that the number of fatal tractor-trailer crashes is down.

On a daily basis, truck drivers on interstate haulage are limited to 14 hours of work with no more than 11 hours of driving. But interstate drivers often feel pressured to maximize their driving time even if they need to rest. Traffic is very stressful and requires constant attention for long consecutive hours without the possibility of a break.

Intrastate truck drivers, who work solely in Florida, can drive longer than their colleagues in interstate driving: up to 12 hours of driving in a 16-hour work day. These rules have not been reviewed since 2005, and are clearly causing a serious risk to truckers and motorists who share the road with them.

The Daytona Beach car, truck and motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are dedicated to the safety of their clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash in Central East or North East Florida, call us today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or send us an email to arrange a free consultation.

You Know You Are Not At Fault, But Can You Prove It?

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Apart from certain obvious cases of recklessness or intentional misconduct, most crashes are caused by negligence. In a Florida car, truck or motorcycle accident, it may not be enough to be convinced that the other party caused the crash. If the other party disagrees, and hasn't signed any written confirmation that they accept responsibility for the accident, you will have to prove it.

How do you prove fault in a Florida car crash?

Police reports: Police generally do not show up unless there are injuries involved. When they do, they generally make a report, which is often a simple recollection of what they saw and what they could find out on the scene. Police officers often issue tickets to offenders of traffic violations, and will file charges in more serious cases. Police reports are important because they come with a presumption of impartiality and accuracy.

State Traffic Laws: Also called the vehicle code, these laws are often condensed in a user-friendly Rules-of-the-Road booklet, probably available on-line and certainly at your local DMV. Some states have different rules regarding right-of-way in merging lanes, for instance, others about the use of headlights in rainy weather, or texting while driving. Be sure to study and select the relevant code sections applicable to your case.

No-fault accident situations: Certain kinds of accidents are almost always the fault of one driver and not the other. This is the case in most rear-end crashes and left-turn collisions.

Investigation: In serious crashes where the victim has a lot at stake, it may be wise to ask your motor vehicle accident legal counsel to conduct a thorough investigation, collecting all possible evidence about the other party (cell phone use, traffic and criminal record, etc.) and using an accident reconstruction expert to determine exactly what happened. This is particularly important in the case of a crash with an 18-wheeler, where the other party is a motor carrier.

The Daytona Beach car, truck and motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are dedicated to the safety of their clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash in Central East or North East Florida, call us today toll free at (800) 556-8890 or locally at (386) 673-4412, or send us an email to arrange a free consultation.

Truck Driving May Be Hazardous To Your Health

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Why a truck driver's health condition is important to Florida motorists

Close to 85 percent of the victims of 18-wheeler crashes in Florida are the occupants of passenger cars. This is hardly surprising when you compare the size and mass of a tractor-trailer and that of a car. Even if some of these devastating accidents are caused by the passenger car, a sizeable number of large truck crashes in Florida result from a truck driver error.

Truck drivers lead a harsh life, in most cases. Their job may seem appealing at first sight, and from a distance, but the reality is different. There are many reasons why a truck driver's health could deteriorate over the years to a point where driving a truck becomes dangerous for the driver and other motorists on the road. Some of these reasons are:

Most interstate long-haul drivers are paid by the mile, and the system keeps them under constant pressure to drive more;
Most tractor-trailer drivers work away from home, for long periods, far from the comfort of home cooking, grocery stores, regular meals and exercise;
When truck drivers manage to find a parking space at a truck stop, the food served is usually unhealthy processed food, high in sugar and fat, low in nutrients. Many drivers eat snacks and sandwiches on the road during their driving time, and drink sodas or coffee to stay alert;
Truck drivers often work irregular hours, alternating day and night work, long waiting times and short sleep periods, and high stress to meet deadlines;
It is far more difficult for truck drivers than for the average person to do a minimum amount of cardio, core or muscular exercise.

Many truck drivers, after a few years, develop back aches, overweight, headaches, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, respiratory problems or other serious health issues that they treat with various drugs. Drugs, most of the time, deal with the symptoms and produce their own range of side effects.

The immediate risks of a deteriorating health condition and drug-induced effects are fatigue, drowsiness, slow reaction time, lack of focus and sudden seizures or strokes.

The Daytona Beach truck accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are dedicated to the safety of their clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash in Central East or North East Florida, call us today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or send us an email to arrange a free consultation.

Orlando drivers rank low in driver safety

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A recent survey of 193 cities throughout the United States ranks Orlando as one of the worst on driver safety. Orlando ranked 145 out of 193 surveyed. The safest city in Florida is Port St. Lucie which ranked 30th. Poor driving habits can obviously lead to an automobile accident. However, by taking a little extra time, being aware of your surroundings and mindful of other drivers, accidents can be avoided.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident, please feel free to contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Making Sure Your Daytona Beach Teen Driver Doesn't Have To Learn The Hard Way

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Every day, Florida teenagers are killed and injured in devastating accidents, due to a simple lack of attention. Worse, every day teenagers kill and injure other people - motorists, bikers, and pedestrians - for the same reason.

In 2009, nationwide, almost 5,000 people were killed and some 500,000 were injured in accidents caused by distraction and inattention. Dialing a cell phone while driving increases the risk of a crash as much as six times. Texting increases the collision risk 23 times.

If teenage drivers don't lose much sleep about this, their parents should and probably do.

What are parents of young, inexperienced drivers to do?

Set a good example. This is the first and most important rule. Kids learn from their parents, far more than you would think. If you use your smart phone in the car, how are you to tell your teenager that it is criminal to do so?
Talk to your teen. Discuss the risks and responsibilities of driving. Show them the statistics and facts of distracted driving crashes. Show them the Faces of Distracted Driving, the NHTSA videos of real stories.
Establish ground rules. Set up family rules about texting and using a cell phone in the car. Enlarge the agreement to include rules about safety belt use, speed limits and traffic violations. Agree on how to control and enforce the rules.
Educate yourself and others. Get involved in education and promotion campaigns and gather information on the subject that you can share with others.

The Daytona Beach car accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are dedicated to the safety of their clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in Central East or North East Florida, call us today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or send us an email to arrange a free consultation.

Are Florida's Highways Made Unsafe by Truck Drivers Paid by the Mile?

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

18-wheeler crashes in Florida make regular headlines because of the amount of devastation they usually cause. Far too often, a truck driver mistake caused the accident, and, while it can be hard to pinpoint the precise nature of the mistake, fatigue and drowsiness are often prime suspects.

In a separate article on Florida truck driver hours-of-service we explained what the rules are, why they are difficult to enforce and how long working hours seriously affect the ability to drive. The truck driver's focus and reaction speed will collapse under the combined effects of sleep deprivation, disturbed circadian rhythm and time-on-task fatigue.

Why would an exhausted truck driver take so many risks to keep on trucking?

The short answer is: because most drivers are paid by the mile. This is worth explaining further because paying truck drivers by the mile has many consequences:

Most drivers get paid less than what was originally suggested when they signed up for work. Being paid by the mile, their pay follows the volume of work available, and they will grab whatever is offered irrespective of the number of hours already worked in the week;
Motor carriers do not pay overtime or compensation for long or changing hours of work. What they usually do is to put the driver under intense pressure to deliver the goods on time.
The driver, not the carrier, is shouldering the cost of time lost due to congested roads, loading/unloading and waiting time or mechanical problems.
Paid by the mile, the truck driver will not only drive more, but also faster.

Whereas 63 percent of the short-haul (less-than-truckload LTL) carriers pay their drivers by the hour, the overwhelming majority of interstate, full-load, carriers pay by the mile. Many truck drivers, and especially the independent owner-operators working under a leasing agreement for large motor carriers, are unhappy with their work and financial situation.

This is not likely to contribute to the safety of our roads.

The Daytona Beach truck accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are dedicated to the safety of their clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in Central or North Florida, call us today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

What Are People Doing While Driving in Florida?

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Can you imagine the captain of a mega-cruiser entering the harbor while scrolling down emails on a smart phone? Or the airline pilot approaching the landing strip and reaching for wraps and coffee? Difficult, because these professionals are in charge, have been drilled and don't want to die. The result: they focus on the task at hand.

In many instances, this should also be the attitude of motor vehicle drivers. They certainly don't want to be the victim of a serious car crash in Florida. The problem is they often have a very low perception of being in charge - driving is just another activity, like eating or jogging - and they have never been drilled.

For too many people, the car is a place where they keep on doing the things they do all day, like:

Eating and drinking, hot and cold;
Talking, laughing and gesturing;
Grooming and reprimanding kids;
Using cell or smart phones to dial, talk, listen, read or send messages;
Surfing the internet;
Petting the dog;
Applying makeup, shaving;
Reading a book, news, or office papers;
Looking for an address, place to park, person in the crowd;
Changing clothes;
Watching a video or movie;
Programming the navigation system.

There isn't really an end to the list. And there seems to be no end to the misery of people hurt and killed in motor vehicle crashes in Florida caused by distracted driving.

Let's get back to driving. Let's focus on driving.

The Daytona Beach motor vehicle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are dedicated to the safety of their clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in Central or North Florida, call us today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Truck Driver Shortage Will Grow Next Year

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Freight Transportation Research (FTR) Associates is an influential transport industry organization. In a June 9, 2011 meeting, a FTR Associates economists declared that the trucking industry's well-publicized driver shortage will grow next year as fewer new hires replace retiring drivers and drivers removed due to immigration and trucking regulations.

A senior FTR consultant said the retiring Baby Boom generation drivers will create a huge gap in the number of available drivers, only getting worse with an estimated 300,000 drivers sidelined due to poor driving records and tougher immigration laws. Truck driver shortage is expected to grow from 150,000 this year to 300,000 in 2012 and 350,000 in 2013.

What does a truck driver shortage mean to Florida motorists?

What happens with truck driving is more than just a rhetorical question for all of us who share the road daily with massive tractor-trailers. The freight haulage business is highly competitive, and motor carriers struggling to find personnel to operate their trucks will do whatever it takes not to lose business. This means a higher risk of serious truck crashes in Florida, as motor carriers feel an increased pressure to:

Retain drivers with poor records;
Keep aging drivers at work, even if they are not fit;
Increase working hours as much as possible;
Lower qualification standards when hiring.

Some motor carriers are already inclined to bend a few rules, about hours-of-service, record keeping or truck maintenance, whenever their interests are at stake. An acute driver shortage will certainly be conducive to more of the same, and this is bad news.

Truck drivers and motor carriers share a great responsibility to keep our highways safe and avoid at all costs the devastating effects of driver fatigue, driver failure due to health issues and drugs and improperly maintained brakes and tires.

The Daytona Beach car accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are dedicated to the safety of their clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash in Central or North Florida, call us today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

What Should You Look At When Shopping For A Safer Car In Florida?

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Many Floridians drive a lot. When buying a new car, they expect their car to ride 100,000 miles or more. This is where we recommend a pause and a bit of meditation.

100,000 miles is the equivalent of going around our planet four times.
If you were planning for such a long trip, would you really expect it to be a smooth ride, without a hitch, without any sort of accident?
If you were thinking of the number of passengers - kids, grandparents, friends, colleagues - you'd be carrying in your auto, wouldn't it make sense to think about its safety features, along with the mileage, comfort, engine power and color?
If you would reflect on the time you will spend driving this car - at an average speed of 40 mph, 100,000 miles mean 2,500 hours or almost 313 days of 8-hours-per-day driving - wouldn't you give a little more value to your own safety, and have a close look at the car's safety rating?

Safety ratings: what should you look for?
The subject is too vast to be discussed in a few words. First of all, there are excellent websites on the crashworthiness and safety features of most models marketed in Florida, resulting in ratings that make comparisons easy.

Second, you should know what is important, so you can go to the point and avoid getting bogged down in technical details. What is important?

Vehicle type and category: Start your research by selecting the type of vehicle you want to buy. There is a huge budget and usage difference between a Ford F-150, a Chrysler 300 or a Chevrolet Cobalt. You can then limit your study to the category you have selected.

Crashworthiness: The way a car reacts to side, front and rear impacts. This is essential in multiple vehicle crashes.

Rollover testing: A combination of measurements of how "top-heavy" the vehicle is and how vulnerable it is to tipping up in a severe turning maneuver. Rollover accidents are lethal and very frequent for certain types of vehicles.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC): According to NHTSA estimates, ESC reduces single-vehicle crashes of passenger cars by 26 percent and of SUVs by 48 percent.

Side Air Bags: These are crucial in side-impact crashes. Here again, NHTSA studies have shown that between 700 and 1,000 lives could be saved every year if all vehicles were outfitted with side air bags.

Other recent safety features include tire pressure monitoring systems, forward crash warning and lane departure warning. Look at your budget again and decide if, on your next long journey around the globe, you need more gadgets to distract you, or gadgets to save your life.

The Daytona Beach car accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are dedicated to the safety of their clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in Central or North Florida, call us today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Florida Biker: Is Your Helmet DOT-Approved?

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

We have seen too many cases of motorcycle crashes in Florida not to be one hundred percent behind wearing a bike helmet. In a separate article we discussed how to purchase a motorcycle helmet, but your choice should always be restricted to those helmets that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

What is a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet?

DOT-approved helmets have been certified as meeting rigorous safety standards. All serious helmet manufacturers or importers will ensure their products get the DOT certification, because in states with mandatory helmet laws and in many insurance contracts, only DOT-approved helmets qualify. Helmets that do not qualify are likely to offer insufficient or no protection. If you are going to wear a helmet, choose a DOT-approved one. Each approved model undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it meets safety regulations, including impact tests, drop tests and tests to verify if the helmet remains securely on the rider's head during travel and in an accident. All helmets should have at least a 210 degree field of vision.

How do you know if a helmet is DOT-approved?

Look at the DOT sticker, usually found at the back of the helmet, towards the bottom. You will normally also find a DOT label sewn into the lining.

The Daytona Beach motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are dedicated to the safety of their clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Central or North Florida, call us today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Florida Truck Drivers Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Lurking Danger of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a well known health issue commonly described as abnormal pauses in breathing or very low breathing during sleep, caused in most cases by a physical block to airflow.

Most people also know that sleep apnea increases with age, smoking and obesity.

The main effects of sleep apnea are daytime fatigue, impaired reaction time and vision problems. Other effects may include decreased vigilance, motivation, judgment or information processing.

Whereas sleep apnea can impair anyone's life, from machine operators to car drivers, the issue of sleep apnea among truck drivers has been the subject of much debate recently for two main reasons:

Accidents caused by large trucks are devastating and kill or injure predominantly the occupants of other vehicles;
Long-haul truck drivers do not generally lead healthy lives, both in terms of eating and of sleeping or resting.

In other words there are in proportion far more truck drivers who do not find the place, the money and the time to exercise and eat wholesome meals, which means that they tend to put on more weight than those who lead a regular lives around their homes. And truck drivers are subjected to challenging work schedules, with long and irregular service hours and short rest time, making the quality of sleep much more important.

Many industry observers think that testing truck drivers for sleep apnea should come sooner rather than later. The facts are:

The consequences and cost of keeping a drowsy truck driver behind the wheel can be dramatic;
Sleep apnea can be treated relatively easily using a CPAP-device (continuous positive airway pressure) that doesn't cost much more than $400.

The Daytona Beach truck accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are dedicated to the safety of their clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler crash in Central or North Florida, call us today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Florida Motorcyclists Singing and Riding in the Rain.

Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Come rain or come shine, in Florida we have both. Motorcyclists hope for shine, but should prepare for rain. How do you prepare for a ride in rainy weather?

Wear appropriate clothes and protective gear: In rainy weather, you are likely to need warmer clothing. The temperature may drop considerably, and you will feel the chill of wind on your wet clothes. Wear rainproof gear and a helmet and make sure the face shield or goggles you wear are well ventilated and sprayed with anti-mist product. Put on your boots, gloves, elbow and knee armor to protect you in case you slide and fall in a crash.
Be visible: Motorists will have even more trouble seeing you in heavy rain, which means you certainly want to put on your lights and wear a reflector vest.
Slow down and keep your distance: Beware of all other vehicles that need a far longer distance to come to a stop, as does your own motorcycle. When decelerating, use the rear brake first and gradually, so as not to block the wheel, and be even more careful using the front brake.
If you know your ride in the rain is going to last, you may consider deflating your tires. A lower tire pressure increases the contact surface on the slippery road.

Riding through heavy rain is challenging and requires skills and experience. Build those up from a low base, riding very slowly at first and increasing your speed gradually. Do not try to follow more experienced or reckless riders who are traveling at a higher speed than you are comfortable with.

If the weather conditions become too much to handle, with strong wind gusts and lightning, find shelter immediately. Florida has by far the highest incidence of lightning-related injuries and deaths in the U.S.A., so please do not underestimate the risks you take.

The Daytona Beach motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are dedicated to the safety of their clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Central or North Florida, call us today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412, or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Downtown Traffic Can Be a Serious Challenge for Florida Bicyclists.

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A few tips for bicycle riders could spare them a crash and nasty injuries:

Ride in the middle of the right lane: Avoid riding on a path close to the curb or parked vehicles and don't worry about frustrated drivers at your back. Doing this prevents you from running into open car doors. You also have a better chance to be spotted by vehicles coming from your right, at an intersection or out of a parking lot, and to avoid a vehicle as it comes into your path.
Ride like a car, walk like a pedestrian: Make smart choices. Drive with the traffic, never the wrong way, which would make a crash not just more likely but also more severe. When traffic is too dense for you to turn left, or at busy intersections, stop and cross with pedestrians. Avoid riding your bicycle on sidewalks and crosswalks where you could hurt a child or frighten a pedestrian.
Choose the best route for bicycles: Adjust your route to your bicycle and choose the ones with wide lanes, paved shoulders and less traffic. Many cities have special lanes for cyclists, and Google Maps even has an option showing directions for bicycles.
Forget the MP3: Headphones are bad on a bicycle. You need to be able to hear what is approaching far more than if you were comfortably seated in a car. Don't forget, you are the vulnerable one in this contest.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash in the Central and North Florida area call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Don't lose your head in a Florida motorcycle crash.

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

As with many things, a motorcycle ride is appealing because it is free of constraints: no seatbelts, no air conditioning, no metal and glass cage, and a lean and powerful engine that swerves past clumsy and oversized vehicles. Yet the modern day horseman should know that the price to pay for the exhilarating sense of freedom and power is often very steep.

If a rider is not protected by a helmet, most motorcycle accidents will result in serious head injuries. In some cases, even a helmet might not save a biker from death or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

What is TBI?

TBI is a closed or penetrating traumatic injury to the brain. The trauma can be caused by a direct impact or by the internal shock of the brain against the skull, or both. Beyond the primary injury, secondary injuries appear after the shock caused by a change in the cerebral blood flow and the pressure build-up from swelling. The consequences range from complete recovery (after a mild concussion) to death, but many TBIs result in long lasting or lifetime:

Communication troubles;
Dizziness and headaches;
Loss of balance;
Loss of memory;
Loss of sensation, hearing, smell;
Disability

Over the long term, certain cases of TBI require hundreds or even millions of dollars to cover medical bills, rehabilitation, physical therapy, home care and adaptive services. This is a very steep price indeed.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in the Central and North Florida area call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Daytona Beach installs red-light cameras

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Driving safely around the Daytona Beach area can be challenging enough without adding speed to the equation. Daytona's many events including Bike Week, Spring Break and Race weeks are just a few of the many events that bring increased traffic to our roads. However, those prone to speeding through yellow traffic signals (of which I am occasionally guilty) will need to take extra precautions from now on. Daytona Beach has installed 4 red-light cameras in the area designed to catch drivers speeding through traffic signals. These fines can be expensive! Therefore, take caution and allow a little extra time to avoid an unnecessary ticket and also avoid potentially deadly accidents.

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Fewer passenger van rollovers in Florida.

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Are passenger vans safe?

Vans carrying up to 15 passengers have a low safety reputation in Florida because of a much higher accident rate than other vehicles, resulting in an unacceptable number of fatalities and serious injuries. In 2001, 137 people died in 15-passenger vans, of which 93 were killed in rollovers. Even though these nationwide figures do not appear to be high, they indicate a very high accident rate considering the low number of passenger vans on America's roads compared to other vehicles.

Passenger vans handle quite differently from smaller passenger cars. There are various reasons why these vehicles are involved in far more crashes:

They are longer, higher and wider;
The driver relies on side mirrors to view what's happening in the back and along the sides;
The brake system is undersized in relation to the total weight when fully loaded;
They often ride with tires that are worn and improperly inflated;
When loaded, the center of gravity is higher than for passenger cars, making roll-overs more likely.

In many cases, passenger vans, especially airport shuttles, ride non-stop, leaving little time for servicing and maintenance, and are frequently driven by young and inexperienced drivers, not necessarily familiar with the way these vans handle on the road.

Should you be worried about taking the airport shuttle?

Things have improved dramatically since 2003. In 2006, the total number of fatalities had already dropped to 58, while the number of people killed in rollovers plummeted to 30. The trend has most probably continued since, even if more recent statistics are not available.

One important safety factor is in your own hands: the use of safety belts. Most passenger van rollover fatalities were passengers that did not buckle up, while statistics have shown that seat belt usage is much lower in these vans than in passenger cars.

Another important rollover factor is the tire air pressure and thread depth. Finally, fully loaded vans are twice as likely to roll over as vans carrying fewer than 10 passengers and their luggage.

So the answer is yes, you can take the shuttle, but avoid the crowded ones and those with worn-out, underinflated tires, and beware of very young or speeding drivers. In all cases, buckle up!

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car, van or truck crash, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412, or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation on your case.

Daytona Beach Bike Week 2011 has second fatality

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Daytona Beach is heading into the second weekend of Bike Week 2011. The weather has been nice and bikers appear to be out in force. Unfortunately, the first fatality of a visiting biker was reported outside of Astor, FL. The accident did not involve any other motorcycles or vehicles. This is the second fatality for one of Daytona Beach's biggest annual events. Earlier in the week a pedestrian was hit and killed by a motorcycle.

Both motorcyclist and pedestrians alike should be cautious when traveling Volusia county roads and highways. There are many thousands of bikers on the road so pay attention to your surroundings and help avoid serious injuries and accidents.

If you or someone you know is injured, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Whom do you fight against after a Florida truck accident?

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Devastating accidents with large trucks bring their daily share of misery on Florida’s roadways. If not killed, victims are often left with debilitating injuries that could last a lifetime. In most cases, the truck driver gets away either unhurt or with light injuries. If the crash was caused or aggravated by the truck, the victims can file a claim for compensation in order to cope with the terrible consequences of the accident. As we mentioned in a recent article motor carriers and their insurers will probably fight tooth and nail to deny or limit the compensation to which victims are entitled.

One reason why such cases need to be handled by experienced Florida truck accident lawyers is that it is not even clear, in many cases, whom you will fight against. The trucking business involves many commercial parties whose interests are intertwined. This means liable parties could be:

The truck owner: This is the normal case, but semi-trucks have a tractor unit and a trailer, and they may belong to different parties.
The truck driver: This could be the case in a one-truck, owner operated business.
The driver’s employer: Employers are liable for the negligence or recklessness of their employees acting in the scope of their employment.
The owner of the cargo: While not frequent, some injuries can be aggravated or sustained because of the spilled cargo, if the cargo owner is found to have been negligent in packing, conditioning or securing it.
A parent company: Whether the employer of the driver or owner of the truck, sometimes the liable company has no net worth to speak of, and would rather go bankrupt than face a large claim. An experienced truck accident lawyer will find out what the corporate links are with better fitted parent companies.
A manufacturer: The crash could have been caused by a defective component or poorly designed tractor or trailer.
A maintenance company: Many motor carriers entrust the maintenance of their truck fleet to specialized maintenance firms. Their technician could have been at the origin of malfunctioning brakes, the loss of a wheel, or any other problem that caused the accident.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an 18-wheeler crash, you need the support of an experienced and determined attorney focused on truck accidents in North and Central Florida; call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Florida has two of America's worst speed traps

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Drivers in Florida beware! A recent survey shows that Jacksonville, FL ranks 5th in the country for worst speed traps. Orlando, FL trails right behind at #7. Most attribute the rankings to the sheer number of cars on our busy highways from out of state visitors mixed with local traffic. The bottom line is be mindful of your speed to avoid a costly ticket. Florida already has two of the most dangerous highways in the country, I-95 and I-4. Since I-95 runs through Jacksonville and I-4 through Orlando, watch your speed and keep an eye out for fellow drivers. Avoid speeding tickets and potentially deadly accidents. Our highways are dangerous enough without adding excess speed to the mixture.

If you are involved in an automobile accident, please contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise in Florida

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, Florida ranks #2 in the nation for pedestrian fatalities. According to the latest figures, in 2010 there were 36 more pedestrian fatalities than the previous year. The Daytona Beach area had several pedestrian fatalities last year. As I have written before, pedestrians, bicyclist and autos must share Volusia county roads. Pedestrians should never assume that they have the "right of way". Even if it were true, it provides little solace if a pedestrian is killed or severely injured. Florida's warm weather contributes to the number of pedestrians in the Daytona/Ormond and Flagler Beach areas. When walking on our roads or beaches, keep an eye on traffic. Never assume that you are visible to oncoming traffic. By taking extra precautions, hopefully we can reverse the dangerous trend of increasing pedestrian fatalities.

If you have questions regarding an accident, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Medication & Florida Car Accidents - Is There a Connection?

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

We all know that drinking and driving don’t mix and that illegal drugs impair you just the same. People caught driving under the influence face stiff penalties in Florida.

What most drivers do not realize however, is that prescription and over-the-counter medication can also affect your driving skills and can increase the potential for injuring others and causing fatalities. While not sanctioned the same way as in the case of alcohol or ecstasy, drivers who cause a serious accident while impaired by medication will carry the burden of guilt for life.

Medication impairs your body in a variety of ways, affecting cognition, judgment, reflexes, and motor skills. People may be able to see an object in front of them, but be so relaxed that they do not react until it is too late. Or they might be so excited that they do not even see the object in time to avoid a crash. Some drugs may blur your vision or make you tired. They could raise or lower your blood pressure or make you react too quickly, too slowly or not at all.

According to a number of studies, the effects of certain drugs on your driving ability are seriously underestimated. For instance:

Sedating antidepressants have the same effect as driving drunk;
10 mg of Valium causes greater driving impairment than a blood alcohol concentration of 0.1;
Over-the-counter decongestant pills, or drugs to relieve pain, nausea, allergies or cold and cough can cause drowsiness, anxiety and dizziness;
Many diabetes, blood pressure, ulcer or insomnia prescription drugs have side effects that seriously affect your driving skills.

If you need to drive while taking drugs, talk to your physician or pharmacist about the intensity, timing and duration of the side effects. Be especially alert if you combine different drugs.

Auto accidents in Florida will not be kept under control by legislation and enforcement alone. Everyone has to recognize his or her own responsibility in keeping the roads safe.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car crash caused by someone else, you may need the support of an experienced and determined attorney focused on car, truck and motorcycle accidents in North and Central Florida. Call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Can Florida car accident victims get compensation for mental or emotional injuries?

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Immediately after a Florida auto accident, all attention and resources focus on the victims’ injuries, namely the physical injuries that can be seen, documented and treated.

Gradually, for some accident survivors, injuries that are more difficult to deal with come to light, mental and emotional injuries that keep you awake at night and prevent you from feeling normal again.

Mental and emotional scars can be very serious.

In a separate article on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) we have described how PTSD can:

Get worse with each passing month and year;
Affect your and your family’s life to the point of destroying it;
Make you gradually unable to work as before;
And have a very negative effect on your health.

Many crash victims who suffer from serious and long-lasting emotional and mental distress believe it can’t be treated or that it will cure itself with time, and end up negating the symptoms either by exhausting self-control, or by the abuse of drugs or alcohol.

Children and adolescents are even more subject to the psychological damage created by a traumatic car crash. If not handled professionally, these scars could seriously hamper their happiness and life potential.

Are you entitled to compensation?

To the same extent as you are entitled to a settlement for your physical injuries, you can claim compensation for mental and emotional injuries. There are several aspects to such a claim:

Detailed description and evidence of the symptoms;
Cost of medical and psychological therapy;
Loss of wages as a consequence of the mental and emotional distress;
Loss of consortium, lifestyle or life enjoyment.

Only an experienced Florida auto accident attorney can help you build the case for emotional and mental injuries, and help you reach a settlement with the defendants that will allow you to re-build your life.

If you need help, and the support of an experienced and determined attorney focused on car, truck and motorcycle accidents in North and Central Florida, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Florida's roads can be hazardous during rainy weather

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Drivers in the Ormond/Daytona and Flagler Beach areas know full well how quickly bad weather can strike. During heavy rain storms, our streets can be submerged quickly. I-4 and I-95 are already dangerous highways, but rain makes them even more treachorous. When driving in bad conditions, it is important to take extra precautions while navigating roadways around Volusia and Flagler County. The following tips will be helpful to avoid potential dangers when driving in bad weather:

1) Check your tire treads. Worn tires will have more of a tendency to lose traction on wet roads
2) Check air pressure to ensure maximum traction
3) Keep wiper blades clean, and when worn, replace
4) Keep headlights operational and lenses clean
5) Follow other vehicles at a safe distance. This will allow extra time for sudden stops and reduce road spray on windshields

These are just a few tips to help improve safety while driving in bad weather. If you have been injured in an auto accident and have questions, please contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890

To save your case after a Florida truck accident you need to act now.

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

The terrible truth is that even though an accident with an 18-wheeler in Florida can be devastating, you still need to act swiftly to save your case and defend your rights to compensation.

Many victims of truck crashes in Florida are killed or suffer life-changing injuries. The surviving and uninjured members of the family are in a state of anguish and despair.

In contrast, many motor carriers operating these big rigs have clear instructions after a wreck: go to the scene, talk to witnesses, remove all the evidence you can, make sure we don’t get the blame.

Why would motor carriers act like this?

Trucking companies operate hundreds or thousands of trucks and go through traffic accidents on a routine basis. In most cases, their driver is only slightly injured. While they may feel sorry for the other victims, in many cases their first priority is to defend their financial interests. And there is a lot at stake. Not only is the compensation due to victims killed or severely injured in a truck accident likely to be a substantial amount, but motor carriers and their drivers have to abide by the many regulations of the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Their defensive position can be weakened if they are found to be in breach of any important rules.

What can an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer do to help you?

The key to a successful defense of your rights is to launch your own investigation immediately. Several critical elements are:

Asking for the police report;

Getting statements from witnesses;
Combing and analyzing the scene, taking pictures, reconstructing the succession of events, looking at the vehicles, road debris, road surface, etc;
Requesting the truck’s papers, instruments and log book, the driver’s qualification file and the motor carrier’s truck maintenance and safety records;
Obtaining the alcohol and drug test results as well as the truck driver’s cell phone record;
Deciding whether an expert should be involved to make tests on the wrecked truck.

If the truck driver has exceeded the allowed hours-of-service time, if the log book has been tampered with, if the truck’s brakes aren’t balanced or perform poorly, if the truck’s tires are worn out and/or if the driver had been texting while driving, these elements can be critical to your case.

If you need help, and the support of an experienced and determined attorney focused on truck accidents in North and Central East Florida, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 or locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Be wary of talking to at-fault parties' insurance company

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

I continually hear from prospective clients involved in auto accidents in the Daytona/Ormond beach area, that the at-fault parties' insurance company wants to talk to them about their "medical" care. BE CAUTIOUS!!! Florida is a no-fault state. This means that an at-fault parties' insurance company is not going to be providing medical care in most circumstances (there may be exceptions if you are a pedestrian or on a bicycle). However, if you are in a vehicle, odds are that the at-fault's insurance will not be providing medical benefits. Your personal injury protection (PIP) provides for medical payments, regardless of fault. So unless you are a pedestrian or on a bicycle and have no car of your own, there is likely no need to speak to the at-fault insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

Therefore, if you are injured in an accident, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. at 1-800-556-8890 for a free consultation before speaking with the at-fault parties' insurance company.

Mistakes people make after a car crash in Florida.

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Don’t say you’re sorry, don’t say you didn’t see it coming, don’t say anything until later on.

It’s all very natural and human after a traumatic event like a car crash to feel relieved that the injuries do not seem to be serious or to apologize profusely if you think you are at fault.

But when you look at what can happen if you make declarations or agree to a settlement on the spot, because all you want is to get over it and head home, it is certainly wiser to stop all discussions and tell the other party that you will contact them at a later date.

Why is it better to discuss the accident at a later date?

Let’s consider three important elements of an auto accident in Florida: fault, injuries and material damage.

Fault: Oftentimes, there are several causes leading to the accident and injuries. For instance, your vision was obstructed by an illegally parked car, the other driver was speeding, or didn’t use the turn signal, or didn’t have the headlights on, or was driving under the influence. Maybe the other driver didn’t have the minimum insurance, or drove without a license, or his car wasn’t registered.

Injuries: Your body has been submitted to the shock and stress of a car crash, and produces endorphins (hormones) that will temporarily alleviate the pain. At a later point, you may start feeling pain, and medical tests could reveal more serious injuries than you would have thought of at the scene of the accident. This can be true for brain injuries (concussions) or neck and back injuries, for instance. Even some broken bones are not immediately apparent.

Material damage: With a superficial look at your car showing no apparent damage, you could be tempted to say, “It’s nothing; the car is fine.” After a few days, however, your car may show a tendency to steer to the left, or you hear a rattling noise when you brake. What if your mechanic diagnoses some major repairs to be done urgently? It will be difficult to reverse course and prove that the damage was caused by the accident.

Even if insurance companies require policy holders to report a car accident as soon as possible, take the necessary time to check everything thoroughly before agreeing to and signing anything.

If you need help, and the support of an experienced and determined attorney focused on car and motorcycle accidents in North and Central East Florida, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. would like to wish everyone a Happy and safe New Year! Although we wish everyone a safe and prosperous year, we realize that accidents happen. If you or someone you know is injured in a car accident, or needs to claim Workers' Compensation or claim Social Security Disability, please do not hesitate to contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation.

Teens and Trucks in Florida: Don't Cut It Close With A Truck, Don't Cut Your Life Short!

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Large trucks and passenger cars handle differently. This, in short, is the message coming across to young drivers in a new program offering tips on driving around semi-trucks and buses to parents, educators and teens.

More than 5,000 teens were killed in accidents with large trucks in the United States over the past four years. Many novice drivers in Florida and elsewhere are not aware of the dynamics of a big rig, and fail to recognize key factors such as their destructive power, much longer stopping distance, blind spots, slow reaction time, wide turns and the toll of terrible injuries and death after a collision.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has recently launched a campaign aiming at reducing accidents involving large trucks and teen drivers. The program provides an instructor’s manual, student workbook, DVD, brochures and one-page handout. This material is very instructive and useful for teens and adults alike and can be ordered or downloaded on the CVSA’s Teens and Trucks website.

After a collision with a commercial vehicle, bus or truck you have probably suffered a lot of damage. It is possible that terrible injuries or even the death of a loved one has changed your life forever. If you need help, and the support of an experienced and determined attorney focused on car and truck accidents in North and Central East Florida, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

A closer look at what "paralysis" means after a serious Florida car crash injury.

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Paralysis, to most people, means a complete loss of feeling and movement of the limbs. But spinal cord injuries are very different in the way they damage the spinal column and cord, and how the all important nerve cells are affected. Therefore, no two victims of auto accidents with spinal injuries will experience the same symptoms.

Doctors will first classify paralysis as “complete” or “incomplete.” Complete paralysis results in the complete loss of function below the point of injury (POI). Fortunately, most spinal cord injuries result in incomplete paralysis allowing some feeling and/or movement below the POI. This is in part due to the emergency care team’s focus on immediately reducing the compression of the spinal cord due to swelling, broken bones and foreign matter.

Incomplete paralysis varies widely, depending on the location of the injury and damage to the cord and nerve cells. The five basic types of incomplete paralysis are:

Anterior cord syndrome: This is caused by damage to the front of the spinal cord and results in impaired movement as well as loss of touch, pain and temperature sensation below the POI. In most cases, some movement can be recovered with time.

Central cord syndrome: When damage occurs to the center of the spinal cord, it can result in paralysis of the arms, but some leg function is preserved. Here again, some recovery is possible.

Posterior cord syndrome: This appears when the back of the spinal cord is hurt; the victim will lose movement and preserve sensation on one side of the body, and experience the reverse on the other side.

Cauda Equina lesion: When the nerves of the lower first and second lumbar region are injured, the patient will experience partial or complete loss of sensation. Sometimes, the nerves will regenerate and the sensory function will recover.

Florida victims of car accidents involving spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries are facing terrible challenges. If the accident was caused by the negligence or recklessness of someone else, they could be entitled to compensation for medical and rehabilitation treatment, home care and adaptive services, loss of income, pain and suffering.

A claim of this size and complexity will however be fought vigorously by the defendant which is why a legal counsel like Johnson & Gilbert can offer a crucial support. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash in the state of Florida, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Daytona Beach area sees spike in pedestrian fatalities

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Unfortunately, Daytona Beach and Volusia county reported several pedestrian fatalities during November, 2010. As the holidays are quickly approaching, it follows that more people will be in our area. I encourage drivers and pedestrians alike to obey all traffic devices and pay extra attention when traveling on our area roadways. With the increased traffic during the holidays, it is important to be watchful of your surroundings and take notice of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Error on the side of caution rather than assuming you have the right of way or that an approaching vehicle sees you.

Looking closer at Florida motorcycle accidents

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study sheds some light on what causes motorcycle accidents in Florida and elsewhere in the country. Some salient points are worth mentioning:

Older motorcyclists: In 2008, 51 percent of motorcyclists killed in crashes were aged 40 or more, up from 33 percent ten years earlier. This statistic contrasts with the younger age groups, in which fatalities have sharply declined in the last ten years. One reason for this trend is that motorcycle ownership by 40-year-olds has increased sharply over the same period.

Are bikers speeding? One of the great pleasures of motorcycle riding derives from the engine’s relative power.

Unfortunately, speeding is involved in 35 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes, compared with 23 percent for passenger cars, 19 percent for light trucks, and eight percent for large trucks.

Are some motorcycles more dangerous than others? The answer is straightforward: supersports — motorcycles built on racing platforms and modified for street use — are styled aerodynamically, light-weight, popular among those less than 30, and can reach speeds up to 190 miles per hour. In 2005, these bikes contributed to 22.5 drivers killed per 10,000 registered bikes, as compared with 10.7 deaths for other sports models and 5.7 to 6.5 for standard and cruiser models. Not surprisingly, speed was a far more prevalent factor in supersport fatal crashes (57 percent) than for standard and cruiser bikes (27 percent).

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are great fans of motorcycles and passionately support bikers’ rights. The most important biker right is that of full and fair compensation for those who have fallen victim to a serious accident caused by someone else.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Florida motorcycle accident, then call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412, or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

How do you survive a rollover crash in Florida?

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

In a recent article, we shared some thoughts on rollover crashes in Daytona Beach and elsewhere in Florida. We tried to clarify the questions many people ask, such as: Does a rollover crash occur because of the driver or the car?

The important thing to consider, however, is how to survive rollover crashes and avoid the terrible injuries so often associated with them. A few things to think over include:

Choice of vehicle: A recent study by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) shows that a vehicle’s roof strength is a key factor in the severity of injuries sustained in rollover crashes. Mid-size SUVs are generally stronger than passenger cars, and do not have the higher center of gravity of larger SUVs, pick-ups, and vans that tend to roll over more easily.

Recent model: Newer cars are outfitted with multiple airbags and electronic stability control (ESC) systems that have proven to be a critical factor in reducing rollover injuries and accidents.

Safety belt: About half of all rollover fatalities occur when people are partly or completely ejected from the vehicle. Being firmly strapped to the seat is the best way to survive.

Check the load: If you have decided to travel with a full carload of passengers and most of your outdoor gear on the roof, you need to change your way of driving. Your vehicle won’t behave as it usually does, since it has become top-heavy.

Don’t speed: Excessive speed is at the origin of most rollover accidents, and rollovers almost never happen at low speed.

Rollovers, like many traffic accidents, can have terrible consequences and shatter the lives of those who fall victim to the negligence or carelessness of another individual. For the survivors, sometimes severely injured, healing and recovering will be a long process, which can only be successful if they obtain full and just compensation for their pain, suffering, and losses.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in the state of Florida, call the attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412, or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

How to Drive in Wet Weather

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

While hurricane season is about to wind down, Florida will likely be inundated this weekend with tropical rain. In this state, it is a good idea to know how to drive in wet weather safely in order to avoid Florida car accidents. Most people do nothing to prepare to drive when the weather is bad. Shouldn’t you be prepared?

Frankly, you should not drive at all if you are upset or feel like you are in rush. Maybe you have to run out for those last supplies for an upcoming storm, but it is a far better idea to be prepared early. Do not drive if you are tired or during your normal sleep period if you can help it.

Make sure you are set to drive and that you are comfortable. You need to feel comfortable in your clothes and comfortable in your vehicle. There should be nothing distracting you in your driving environment.

Obviously, you should make sure your vehicle is ready to be out on the road in bad weather. Is the windshield clean? Do the wipers work right? Are your tires in good shape? Do you have any mechanical problems with your car? If you have to clean your windshield or headlights while you are diving, then do so.

Most of all, do not drive in rain so hard that you can’t see. Stop and wait until visibility improves. Just get off the road.

You really need to learn how to drive when traction is bad. If you think you are going to be out more than you would like in bad weather, go to a parking lot and practice in the rain.

We all have emergencies, and sometimes we must drive in wet weather. Just be prepared.

The Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. understands the serious nature of automobile accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Daytona Beach car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident.

Visit our website for your free copy of It’s Not Rocket Science, It’s Worker’s Comp.

How to Improve Your Motor Scooter Riding and Safety

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) publishes a booklet for people interested in Department of Transportation-approved, street-legal motor scooters. The booklet is compiled from publications, organizations, and the observations and interviews of experts. It is designed to introduce motor scooter riders to their new riding environment, and deals with the responsibilities that riders have to themselves and to others on the roadways. The aim is to help riders enjoy their scooters by operating them more skillfully and safely.

The MSF booklet provides basic information, but it is product-independent, so readers must familiarize themselves with their own particular scooter. Because of the differences between products as well as federal, state, and local laws, those interested in operating scooters in any one particular area should consult local regulatory agencies as well.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a non-profit organization, sponsored by major manufacturers of motorcycles and scooters, which promotes safe and responsible motorcycle use. It has set internationally recognized standards to promote motorcycle safety, and works with federal agencies, state and local agencies, the military, and others to improve rider education courses, operator licensing, and public information. The goal is to provide a lifetime of safety for motorcycle enthusiasts.

The Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. understands the serious nature of automobile, truck and motorcycle accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Florida car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident.

Distracted Driving

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Distractions while driving, such as texting and talking on cellular phones have become an increasing problem and are rapidly becoming a leading cause of accidents, especially with younger drivers. Although Florida has not outlawed texting while driving, many states have. I will admit that I have texted while driving and without question use my cellular frequently while on the road (a necessary evil when running a law practice), but I know the dangers involved and support a ban on texting while driving. Volusia county has dangerous roads and also has the dubious distinction of having the intersection of two of the most dangerous highways in the country, I-95 and I-4. Distractions should be minimized in order to avoid the dangers of Florida's highways. Be safe, pay attention to the road and drivers around you.

If you have been injured, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Some Tips that Every Driver Should Know

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Every driver on the road should follow these tips to help prevent automobile accidents.

Don't use the fast or passing lane if you can avoid it. If you use the right lane or center lane you have more room to maneuver if a problem requires you to change lanes quickly. The left lane is where most accidents happen.
Always scan the area ahead. Look much farther than just the car in front of you. You need to have an idea of what is happening far ahead to avoid coming onto a surprise incident in the road. You can decrease your chances of a rear end collision.
Always be aware of blind spots. Both cars and trucks have blind spots. Sometimes they just can't see you, and likewise, sometimes you can see them. You cannot just rely on your rearview mirrors and you cannot rely on the other drivers' rearview mirrors. Turn around to look in lanes that you cannot see with your mirrors and try to avoid driving in others' blind spots.
Put your hands in the right driving position, which is the 9 and 3 o'clock position. You will get maximum vehicle control in these positions. Avoid the 12 o'clock position or both hands at the bottom of the steering wheel.
Get your seat close enough to the steering wheel to avoid fatigue. That means being close enough to rest your wrist on top of the wheel with your arm stretched out and your back on the seat.

We'll provide more tips in the future.

The Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. understands the serious nature of automobile, truck and motorcycle accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Daytona Beach car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident.

Pedestrians need to follow road signs and look both ways before crossing

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

It is an all too common occurrence in the Daytona/Ormond beach area...a pedestrian was struck and killed while crossing the road. Unfortunately, many beaches in our area are only accessible by crossing A1A. Due to the heavy traffic this time of year, pedestrians need to take extra care when crossing a roadway. Traffic devices MUST be obeyed! Look both ways before crossing. It is common to hear "pedestrians have the right of way"...although true in most cases, this is of little consolation if you are struck and seriously injured or killed by a motorist. Everyone using the roadways in Daytona/Ormond and Flagler beach share responsibility in making our area safer. As a pedestrian, NEVER ASSUME that a motorist sees you. Check traffic before crossing, even if you have a crossing signal. Always cross in a designated walkway and make sure you have plenty of time to cross if you see oncoming traffic. Exercising a little caution could help avoid serious injury or death.

Hours of Service

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Did you know that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limits the number of hours that a truck driver can work? If a truck is in interstate commerce, the agency governs their work hours. State regulators govern hours worked within a state. Bus drivers’ hours are also regulated. There are only a certain number of hours that a driver can work, and drivers must rest between each driving shift.

The Department of Transportation enforces FMCSA regulations. The GMCSA is part of the DOT. Both truck and bus drivers have to record their hours worked. Most use a logbook that details hours spent driving and hours spent resting. Automated on-board recorders are preferred but not required. They note the amount of time spent driving.

The reason hours are regulated is simple. The rules are to prevent driver fatigue, a major cause of on-road truck crashes. All of us have problems if we get off our normal 21- to 24-hour work schedule. We have to maintain a normal sleep/work schedule. You have to have a minimum amount of rest and drivers are required to do so. You also need longer periods of rest to ward off cumulative fatigue. Fatigue effects add up if you don't get enough rest.

The DOT has officers in every state. They enforce the Hours of Service rules. They often use weigh station stops to check HOS requirements. The DOT can force drivers to stop and rest, and they can negatively affect a carrier's safety rating. Unfortunately, drivers too often try to get around the rules. That is one reason that on-board recorders are preferred.

The Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. understands the serious nature of automobile, truck and motorcycle accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Daytona Beach car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident.

Be Safe When Riding a Motorcycle

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A motorcycle safety program is a necessity when you decide you want to start riding one. Courses will teach you the fundamentals of safety, but there are some additional skills that they rarely teach.

For example, if you ever do lose control of your bike, squeeze both levers fast.

Hills can offer extra challenges. You often just can't see what might be coming at you from over the hill. Buy yourself some extra time by moving away from the center line before you crest the hill. Don't be caught in the way of an oncoming vehicle.

You should always place your best driver in the drag position when you are riding in a group. He or she will often be the first person to handle an accident. The drag position person is the one who obtains a new lane for the group, and he is in a great position to recommend changes in the group's riding positions.

Changing lanes in a group is also a challenge. If you are changing into a slower-moving lane, move into the lane one at a time, moving from first bike to last. The drag bike is the last to change. When the first bike changes lanes and maintains speed, it will open the lane for you and others, allowing you space to make your lane change. This allows the group to change lanes in minimal time. The group maintains speed until the last bike has changed lanes, and then can adjust speed as a group.

The Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. understands the serious nature of automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Florida motorcycle accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident.

The Risk of a Car Accident During Pregnancy - Should You Avoid Traveling?

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

You can safely travel while pregnant, but you must take precautions. Although it may be tiring, travel during your fist and second trimesters generally should not inconvenience you.

Don't overdo rest—do need to stay active. But be sure to take frequent breaks in your travel time. Make sure good medical care is available wherever you travel, and that climate, food, or altitude will not become a problem for you.
If you drive, make sure you wear your seat belt.

Make sure to consult your doctor before traveling, even during your first and second trimesters. You should take his advice, and also take general precautions.

Don't travel if you are having problems, like bleeding or cramping. Don't travel if you are having problems sitting in a car or doing a lot of walking, or if you are experiencing swelling—you may not enjoy the trip. Don't travel if your pregnancy is high-risk.

It is inadvisable to travel during your third trimester. You could go into labor at any time, your water could break, and a doctor might not accept you as a patient.

If you cannot avoid traveling, make sure you discuss your situation with your doctor. Also, check with your doctor if your partner is planning to travel.

At the Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A., we recognize the seriousness of injuries if you are involved in an accident while pregnant. For a free case evaluation, call a Florida car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890.

Drinking and Driving Never Mix

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Let's face it: most Americans like to take a drink now and then. Drinking is usually harmless, but there is a time when it can be very, very dangerous. That is why you should never drink and drive.

Did you know that over 16,000 Americans die each year in alcohol-related accidents? Driving and drinking is a deadly combination. The young are especially vulnerable. Sixty percent of all accidents involving drivers aged 16–24 were caused by alcohol. One person is killed every half hour by drunk driving. The consequences of drunk driving, even without an accident, can be serious: over 1.5 million people are arrested each year on DWI charges. Even if you do not drink and drive yourself, you have a one-in-three chance of being involved in an alcohol-related accident each year.

It can happen to you, or to a friend or family member, so the easiest decision to make about drinking and driving is “just don't do it.”

If you have a problem, you can get help. Organizations like the American Automobile Association have programs available to fight the problem of drinking while driving. Do not hesitate to contact them.

Is there any safe drinking? Legally you can be considered drunk if your alcohol level is .08% to .10% but it is best not to drive if you have been drinking at all.

When it comes to drinking and driving, it is better to be safe than sorry.

You can find more information here about drinking and driving.

The Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. understands the serious nature of automobile accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Florida car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident.

Second beach driving fatality in Volusia county for 2010

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

For the second time in 2010, a fatality has occurred on one of Volusia county's beaches. A 4 year old boy was struck and killed by a truck on New Smyrna beach recently. Just this past March, a 4 year old girl was killed while on the beach. At Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. our heart felt sympathy goes out to the families who have experienced such tragedy. Volusia county has some of the only beaches in the country that allow vehicles on the beach. Although nostalgic, there are safety risk when beach-goers and cars/trucks are sharing the same space.

Remember, car friendly beaches pose risk to sunbathers and beach-goers. Exercise extra caution when walking to and from the ocean and never assume that a vehicle will spot you. No matter which side of the debate you may be on, everyone should agree that both drivers and beach-goers share a responsibility to be cautious and pay extra attention in an attempt to avoid tragic accidents

Aging Affects Driving

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Let's face it. The older you get, the more difficult it is to maintain safe and secure driving habits. But it's not impossible. You just have to be aware of what you are doing.

Aging can affect your vision. Your eyesight diminishes as you age, and we get most of the information we need to drive well through our vision.

You can require ten times as much light to see well when you are 60 as when you were 19. Drivers over 40 take nearly twice as long to focus as younger drivers. As we age, we are more sensitive to glare. It takes us longer to see some colors, and we lose our ability to judge how fast cars are going.

It is important to get an eye exam every two years. If necessary, drive only during daylight hours. Turn you head frequently to see what is going on around you. Keep your car clean. Keep your mirrors adjusted, and get a bigger rear-view mirror. Don't let anything distract you.

It is also important to be able to hear well while you drive. Most of us experience some hearing loss after we turn 65, and even more after the age of 75. You need to listen for sirens, horns, and warnings, so get regular hearing checkups. You can minimize the effects of aging on your driving with careful attention to the changes in your senses.

The Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. understands the serious nature of automobile accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Florida car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident.

Buckle up Daytona/Ormond beach drivers

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Just a warning to drivers and passengers in the Daytona/Ormond beach area...put your seat belts on! Florida law requires drivers and passengers to buckle up or risk a ticket. The law used to only allow tickets for those not wearing safety belts when pulled over for another traffic offense. However, now the law allows tickets to be issued for a seat belt violation alone. Overall, Florida has seen an approximate 10% increase in citations for seat belt violations. Some counties, like Brevard, have seen much larger increases...189% in the last year. Yikes!!

So remember to buckle up whether a driver or passenger. Not only could it save your life, but save you money.

Daytona/Ormond Beach bicyclist must obey traffic devices

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Everyday while on my way to my Ormond Beach office, I travel along scenic A1A. Weather permitting, there are many people riding their bicycles along AIA and its sidewalks. What amazes me is many bicyclist disregard the crossing signals at intersections. What is even more surprising is that many bicyclist have a child seat hooked behind them with a small child riding along. Just this morning at the intersection of Granada Blvd and A1A in Ormond Beach, a mother with her infant strapped behind, crossed Granada Blvd without even seeming to look at the big red hand indicating "do not cross". Not only does this endanger the rider, but also the young child along for the ride. Even though pedestrians and bicyclist have the right of way when in a cross walk, this is of little solace when struck by a car because the rider ignored the traffic device.

I urge those on bicycles, especially with children, to pay attention to traffic signs and signals and do not assume that automobiles or trucks will give you the right of way. This dangerous assumption could have tragic consequences.

Florida motor vehicles fatalities in 2009 at record low

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

State officials in Florida have reported record low fatalities in 2009 based on miles driven. Daytona Beach and all areas of Florida have seen a steady decline in highway fatalities since 2005. Officials credit the reduction to several factors including the mandatory seat belt laws and other new laws such as the "move over" law which requires all drivers to move over a lane if safety or emergency vehicles are on the road side. Unfortunately, there was still over 2000 fatalities in 2009. However, the downward trend appears to show that Florida's highway safety laws are having a positive effect.

Driving While Using an Electronic Device is Dangerous

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

The reason driving while using an electronic device is dangerous is simple. It distracts the driver from his or her most important priority-driving.

There are three main types of distractions:

• Visual
• Cognitive
• Manual

These distractions can cause you to take your eyes or mind off the road or lose momentary control of the wheel.

Hand-held devices are often the cause of the distraction

Texting is the most alarming of all distractions because if involves all three major distractions. The source of this information is distraction.gov

Other distractions include:

• Using a cell phone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming
• Reading (including maps)
• Using a PDA or navigation system
• Watching a video
• Changing the radio station, CD, or MP3 player.

Use a cell phone and activity in the part of your brain activity devoted to driving decreases by 37 percent. Nearly 6000 fatalities involving a distracted driver occur every year. Younger drivers are those most affected by such driving. Use a hand-held device and you are four times more likely to get into an injury-causing accident. Use a cell phone and the distraction is the equivalent of being legally drunk in most states.

Distracted driving is a serious national problem. Besides the loss of life, over a half million people have been injured in accidents in which at least one driver was distracted while driving. Even this statistic may not represent the size of the problem, since it is likely that such driving is under-reported.

Unfortunately, the problem is likely to get worse as more and more of the young are using electronic devices while driving. It is estimated that up to 800,000 vehicles are being driven at any one time during the day while the driver is using a hand-held device.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a driver using a hand-held device, the Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. can help. Our firm will investigate the cause of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Florida car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident.

Texting – Most Alarming Distraction

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Of all distractions, including ones like eating and drinking, texting is the most alarming. The reason is that it involves three types of distractions.

The statistics surrounding distracted driving are significant. According to a Carnegie Mellon study, using a cell phone reduces driving-related brain activity by 37 percent. Almost 6000 people died in crashes in 2008 involving a distracted driver. Most likely, this is under-reported. About a half million people were injured during the same period. Inexperienced drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes.

The last statistic is palpable. Not only are young drivers inexperienced, they are also very prone to cell-phone use and texting while driving.

In addition to the above, drivers using hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into injury-causing crashes. And driving while using a cell phone affects driver reaction time as much as driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent. This is above the legal limit in all states. Texting while driving is much like driving under the influence.

Problems Seem to be Increasing

Unfortunately, the problem seems to be increasing nationwide. Use of electronic devices is exploding among people of all ages, but especially among those in the high -risk group under the age of 20. There is no easy solution to the problem, but it is one worth seriously addressing.

The Ormond Beach law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. understands the serious nature of automobile accidents and the injuries they can cause. Our firm will investigate the causes of the accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Daytona Beach car accident attorney today at 800-556-8890 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident.

Two of the nations deadliest highways intersect in Daytona Beach

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Daytona Beach drivers Beware! A recent study conducted by the web news site Daily Beast has shown that Florida's I-95 is the deadliest highway in the nation. Unfortunately, many drivers in the Daytona, Ormond and Flagler Beach areas must travel on I-95 on a regular basis. Daytona Beach is also the intersecting point of I-95 and I-4. Florida's I-4 is ranked the 3rd most dangerous! I have written many times on our website about highway safety. Since two of the three deadliest highways in the country intersect in Daytona Beach, it is all the more important to drive safely, watch the road and pay attention to the traffic around you.

If you are injured in an automobile accident, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Florida Motorcycle Accidents and Reducing Your Risk

Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Florida roadways are a popular place to ride motorcycles. Unfortunately, if you are a motorcyclist, you are at risk of being seriously injured in a Florida motorcycle accident. As you already know, motorcycles do not offer the same protection as cars.

A motorcycle crash can leave you or a loved one with a debilitating injury. You might find yourself unable to work and experience a loss of wages. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help reduce the risk of being involved in a serious motorcycle collision.

The first thing you should realize, though it may seem obvious, is to always make sure that you and any passengers riding with you are wearing a helmet. A head injury can cause a lifetime of paralysis and may even prove fatal. A helmet can reduce your risks of suffering a serious brain injury.

Also, make sure that you become familiar with the basic functions of all levers and buttons that are equipped on the bike. Riding a motorcycle requires a unique set of skills to navigate the roadways. Understanding the equipment on your bike can save your life if you have to make a split second decision.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Florida motorcycle accident, you should contact one of our experienced Daytona Beach motorcycle accident attorneys at our law firm at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890.

All the more reason for drivers in Daytona Beach to obtain good car insurance

Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Florida drivers now have the dubious distinction of being some of the worst drivers in the country. All the more reason to make sure that you purchase adequate insurance, including uninsured motorist coverage. Summer is almost here and there will be more traffic on the roads around Daytona, Ormond and Flagler Beach. Be careful and get proper insurance coverage

Another Reason to Buckle Up in Florida

Tue, 25 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Did you know that you could be ticketed and fined $100 for not wearing a seatbelt in Florida? However, that's not the only thing you need to know about the Florida seatbelt law.

Also, in our state, not wearing a seatbelt is now a primary offense meaning that you can be pulled over for not wearing it. Previously, it was considered a secondary offense, meaning you could only be cited for not being buckled up after being pulled over for another reason.

As you know, being involved in a Florida car accident can be serious. It can lead to a permanent injury affecting your personal life and also impacting your ability to work.

If you have been hurt in a Florida auto accident and were not wearing a seatbelt, it could cost you dearly. The attorney representing the other driver or the insurance company may cite Florida’s “seatbelt defense.” If it can be proven that your seatbelt was operational at the time of the accident and you failed to use it, then it is possible that the amount of your overall claim could be decreased significantly.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Florida car accident caused by another driver, you should contact an experienced Ormond Beach accident attorney at our law firm at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890.

How much will injured workers get paid by workers' compensation in Ormond Beach?

Fri, 14 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Injured workers in the Ormond/Daytona Beach areas, as well as throughout Florida, are entitled to lost wages when injured on the job. Lost wages paid by the workers' compensation carrier are based on an employee's average weekly wage or AWW. The AWW is based on approximately 13 weeks of earnings prior to the injury and include overtime and fringe benefits like health insurance if the employer has discontinued providing health insurance. Once the AWW has been calculated, the amount of lost wages will be 2/3 of the AWW if an authorized doctor has the employee on a "no work" status and 64% of AWW if the authorized doctor has the injured worker on work limitations which the employer cannot accommodate.

If you have questions regarding your workers' compensation benefits, please contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. at 1-800-556-8890 for a free consultation.

Injured workers in Daytona Beach are entitled to have the cost of employer provided health benefits included in lost wages, if the benefit is taken away

Thu, 13 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

It is not uncommon to have employers in the Daytona Beach area provide health insurance for their employees. These benefits can be paid in full or in part by an employer to allow employees access to health care through an employer's group policy. This is an incentive to attract employees to Volusia County, including Daytona, Ormond and Flagler Beach. However, if an employee is injured on the job and is losing time from work, sometimes the employers will stop paying their portion of health insurance for that injured worker. Usually this is an issue when an employee is not drawing a pay check directly from the employer, but is receiving workers' compensation checks. In the event that an employer stops contributing its portion of health insurance benefits, the Workers' Compensation carrier must add the amount of money the employer contributed to the injured workers average weekly wage (AWW) calculation. For example, assume an employee's AWW was $350.00 per week. While working, the employer provided health insurance at its expense which cost $25.00 per week. If the employer no longer provides this contribution to health insurance, then the injured worker's AWW will be adjusted by $25.00 making the new AWW $400.00.

If you have been injured on the job and have questions regarding your AWW or any other questions about your workers' compensation case, please contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. at 1-800-556-8890 for a free consultation.

Daytona Beach/When do you become Medicare eligible when claiming disability?

Tue, 11 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

I have represented many Social Security Disability applicants in the Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando and the surrounding areas. A frequent question involves entitlement to Medicare benefits. If you are entitled to Social Security Disability, then you are entitled to receive Medicare benefits. However, Medicare benefits are not provided until you have received two (2) years of Disability payments. In other words, once you start receiving Social Security Disability benefits, you must receive 2 years of benefits before you can receive medical care through Medicare. For example, you have a Social Security Hearing and a Judge rules that you are entitled to SSD benefits starting November 5, 2008. Under this scenario you would be Medicare eligible in May of 2011. However, lets say a Judge determines that your SSD entitlement began November 5, 2007, then your Medicare entitlement would start in May of 2010. If you have questions regarding your Social Security Disability claim, please feel free to contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Daytona Beach Car Accident Leaves Six Hurt

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Daytona Beach car accident involving three vehicles leaves six people injured. The incident took place at approximately 5:00 PM on Saturday evening, April 24, 2010, at the intersection of International Speedway Boulevard and Williamson Boulevard.

According to Daytona Beach Fire Lt. Larry Stoney, a white sedan was traveling westbound on International Speedway Boulevard and made a left turn onto Williamson Boulevard and into the path of a silver truck. The truck was traveling eastbound. The force of the impact caused the truck to slam into a third vehicle, sending the two vehicles into a nearby ditch.

The three-vehicle crash left six people injured. Rescue crews transported all six victims to Halifax Health Medical Center where they were treated for injuries sustained in the wreck. Three of the victims had to be extricated from the white sedan. The extent of their injuries was not made known.

Stoney reported that there were four children involved in the crash. Fortunately, none of them suffered any injuries.

The Daytona Beach accident is still under investigation by local authorities.

This is a terrible accident and our thoughts go out to all of the victims during this difficult time. We wish them all a speedy recovery.

Tips for those involved in motorcycle accidents in the Daytona Beach area

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas has more than its fair share of motorcycles on the roads. This is true even without the special events like Bike Week and Biketoberfest which attracts hundreds of thousands of bikers each year. Unfortunately the number of motorcycles on our roads leads to increased motorcycle accidents. These accidents are often the result of other driver's negligence. If you are involved in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, following a few helpful tips will assist in pursuing a personal injury case:

-If possible, get the at-fault driver's personal info; address, insurance, license plate;
-Contact local law enforcement and have an accident report filled out;
-Seek medical attention, even if you are not sure you are injured. Many times injuries will manifest themselves at a later date;
-Take pictures of the accident site and property damage, even if you only have a cell phone camera;
-If there are witnesses, obtain information such as names, phone numbers and addresses.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident and have questions, please contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for free consultation at 1-800-556-8890

Florida Lexus Accidents May Have Been Averted

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

It wasn’t too long ago that Toyota was in the news due to gas pedals issues in certain models. Toyota is paying a $16.4 million fine for violations, but there is more trouble on the horizon as Toyota announces the recall of the 2010 Lexus GX 460.

The announcement follows a recent article published by Consumer Reports (CR) that highlights the potential risks of the SUV rolling over while turning. According to CR, they tested a GX 460 on their handling course and discovered, when pushed to its limits, the model’s electronic stability control system did not regain control of the SUV until after the rear of the vehicle became almost sideways.

Fortunately, Toyota believes that they have identified the problem and report it as being a software issue. Starting at the end of April, owners of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 will be able to take their car in to have the problem fixed.

The Lexus GX 460, which costs over $50,000, has been on the market for approximately three months. If you are considering purchasing one you should take the time to make sure the vehicle you are buying is safe and the necessary repairs have been done on the vehicle.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Florida Lexus accident, you should contact one of our experienced Daytona Beach accident attorneys at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890.

Volusia County/"Phantom Vehicles" and resulting personal injuries

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

In Florida, including the Daytona Beach area, many automobile and motorcycle accidents are caused by "phantom vehicles". These vehicles cause accidents by their actions, but do not stay at the scene or realize that an accident has occurred. A common scenario is when a car cuts off another driver on the highway, and as a result, a driver loses control by swerving or braking too hard resulting in an accident. Either the at fault driver does not see the accident occur or chooses not to stop. If you are injured by this "phantom vehicle", do you have insurance to cover you for your injuries? Unfortunately, most times the "phantom" is never found (thus the name "phantom"). In Florida, if the at fault driver cannot be identified, then obviously a claim for damages cannot be made against that driver. However, if you carry an uninsured motorist policy or UM policy, you would be able to make a claim for permanent injuries due to the accident. I cannot overstate the importance of uninsured motorist coverage.

If you do not carry a UM policy, contact your insurance agent to inquire about the amounts of coverage available and the costs involved. If you have been in an accident and have questions, please contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Injured workers in Volusia County/Nurse Case Managers/Friend or Foe?

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

If making a workers' compensation claim in Daytona Beach, or for that matter, anywhere in Florida, it is very likely that the workers' compensation insurance company will assign a Nurse Case Manager to your case. These Nurse Case Managers (NCM), are supposed to help coordinate medical care in order to expedite necessary treatment for your workers' compensation injury. Sounds nice doesn't it? If only it were true in all cases. Unfortunately, many times, Nurse Case Managers work harder against you than for you. Remember who is paying for their services...the insurance carrier. It is not uncommon for NCMs to actually argue with treating doctors over recommended treatments or work status. Why? To save money for their employer, the workers' compensation carrier.

Now there are some exceptions. Some NCMs actually have your best interest in mind and truly work with the doctors and insurance company to provide appropriate, expedient medical care. Sadly, these NCMs are becoming a rare breed.

If you have a workers' compensation case and have questions regarding the above, please feel free to contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for free consultation at 1-800-556-8890 or request a copy of my free book on Florida's Workers' Comp

Daytona Beach/Social Security Disability/Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

I have handled many claims for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income in the Daytona Beach, Orlando and Jacksonville areas. Many times, an applicant's record of earnings is incomplete or absent in the file received from the Social Security Administration prior to hearing. Recently, I have gone to the hearing with my client only to learn upon reviewing the Judge's file, that my client has earned income for a period of claimed disability or for the entire period of claimed disability! This should seem obvious, but if you are making money in excess of what Social Security determines to be Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), you cannot claim disability for that period. For example, in 2009, earnings of $980 per month are considered SGA. Therefore, if you make more than this amount, you cannot be found disabled, even if you would have otherwise been found disabled. This includes income from a business that does not require your actual physical involvement. It does not matter if someone else runs the business. If you show income in excess of SGA, you will likely be unable to sustain a claim for disability.

If you have questions regarding your claim for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

It is unwise to play "chicken" with a tractor-trailor

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Driving back to Daytona Beach from Orlando after a Social Security hearing, I was amazed at some of the driving habits of those traveling on I-4. I routinely witnessed cars cutting off semi-trucks and refusing to move as semis were attempting to merge into traffic, even though there was plenty of room. As I have stated in other articles, semi-trucks do not need to be feared, but you absolutely need to respect them! I actually witnessed one driver almost daring a semi to pull into traffic in front of his car, almost playing "Chicken" with a tractor-trailer! This is very unwise given the truck likely outweighs a car by several tons. Even if you think you are in the right, or have the right of way, never assume that the semi driver sees your vehicle. Remember, these trucks are large and have blind spots. If it is safe to do so, allow room for these large trucks to merge onto the highway or change lanes if necessary, even if you feel you have the right of way. By following simple, safe driving practices, accidents can be avoided. If you have questions regarding an auto accident, please contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Autos, motorcycles and semi-trucks must share Florida's busy highways

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many drivers are apprehensive about driving around semi-trucks on Florida's highways. Florida's highways are heavily traveled, especially in Volusia county where I-4 and I-95 meet. It is inevitable that you are going to be traveling around semi-trucks on our highways. However, there is no need to fear semi-trucks, but they do command respect. By following a few safety tips, drivers can learn to share our roads and highways safely and avoid potentially deadly accidents. Visit safety tips to learn how to share the roads safely. If you have questions regarding the above or have been involved in motor vehicle accident, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Knee Pain? You May Qualify for Florida Workers' Comp Benefits

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Are you suffering from knee pain? If so, rest assured that you are not alone. As a matter of fact, of Americans older than 45, almost one in three report they experience knee pain of some sort.

So, how does knee pain occur? There are many possible causes, including an injury resulting from a work-related accident. It can also be a result of certain medical conditions, such as arthritis or an infection.

No matter the cause, knee pain can lead to a lifetime of discomfort, as well as lasting effects on your home life and your job. The pain may cause you from performing your duties at work leading to a potential loss of wages. You may also find yourself facing a mountain of medical bills.

If your knee pain is from an on-the-job injury, you should understand that you might be able to receive financial benefits under Florida workers’ compensation. An experienced Daytona Beach workers’ compensation attorney can help you with your workers’ comp claim.

For more information, contact us today at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890. Also, be sure to read the article, Knee Injuries & Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits.

Four fatalities during Daytona's Bike Week.

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Daytona Beach Bike Week 2010 came to an end on Sunday, March 7th. Unfortunately, there were 4 fatalities this year. However, this number is down from past years. Three of the fatalities involved single motorcycle accidents. The fourth was the result of two motorcycles coming in contact with each other. All in all, officials feel this was a good Bike Week. They attribute the reduced fatalities over years past to more mature drivers and the weather which included colder temps and a few rainy days. Although it is unfortunate that there were fatalities, I was pleased to see the numbers reduced over last year. I was equally pleased to see that none of the accidents involved collisions with cars (an all to common occurrence in the past). Bike Week is a great event for the Daytona Beach area. Safe driving practices make the event all the more enjoyable. If you have questions or would like more information safe driving practices, please contact our office for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890 or visit our website to see other articles and blogs regarding motor vehicles and motorcycle safety.

There have been 2 fatalities during Daytona's Bike Week 2010, neither rider was wearing a helmet

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

There have been two fatalities during Daytona Beach's Bike Week so far. Both fatalities involved motorcycle riders without helmets. Statistics show that failure to wear a helmet significantly increases the chance of serious injury when involved in a motorcycle accident. Even though Florida does not require all operators of motorcycles to wear helmets, wearing them improves your chances of surviving an accident. Bike Week is a festive event. There are thousands of motorcycles on the roads. Unfortunately, with the increase in traffic, accidents will occur. Take extra safety precautions when traveling around Volusia and surrounding counties. Obey traffic signals and look out for other riders/drivers. Visit Johnson & Gilbert's website for more information on how to decrease the chances of serious injury while enjoying Bike Week.

Wet roads pose hazardous conditions during Bike Week

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Weather for Daytona's Bike Week 2010 has been less than perfect. Aside from the cold temperatures, there has been considerable rain. Unfortunately, rain on our roads can cause hazardous conditions for bikers and auto drivers alike. There has already been one fatality involving a motorcycle this Bike week and several accidents with minor injuries (I actually witnessed one on A1A yesterday). Take care when operating a motorcycle on wet roads, particularly after a rain shower. Roads can be slick immediately following a rain storm. Hopefully the rain will clear out for the remainder of Bike Week so that everyone can enjoy the festivities. Remember, keep an eye on the roads and traffic to avoid potential accidents. Have fun and be safe!

Applying for Florida Bipolar SSDI Benefits

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Do you or someone you know suffer from bipolar disorder? You probably do in the light of the fact that bipolar disorder affects almost 6 million adult Americans. Bipolar disorder is a condition that can be serious if not treated. Unfortunately, many patients don’t seek the appropriate care and treatment.

Now, you may be wondering what exactly is bipolar disorder. Also called manic depression, bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme changes in a person’s mood, behavior and thought, which may also be accompanied by a long period of depression lasting anywhere from hours to a month.

Bipolar disorder can have drastic effects on a person’s life. Not only might it affect their family life, but the condition can also keep someone from working, eventually leading to a loss of wages.

The good news is that if you suffer from bipolar disorder, you might be eligible for Social Security benefits. As you can imagine, the process of applying for these benefits might prove to be a daunting task. You should seek an expert to help you with the process, even if you have already been turned down for Social Security benefits.

If you or someone you know is considering filing for Social Security benefits or have applied but have been turned down, you should contact an experienced Daytona Beach Social Security attorney at the Law Firm of Johnson & Gilbert at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890.

Daytona Beach Bike Week 2010

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Bike Week 2010 has arrived in Daytona Beach. This event is a big draw for motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the country. Volusia and Flagler county's roads will be crowded with bikes, cars and pedestrians. The large number of visitors increases the chances of being involved in an accident if caution is not exercised. Bikers, drivers and pedestrians alike need to use extra care in negotiating the streets and highways of the area. Take extra time to get where you are going. Keep an eye out for other drivers and pedestrians in order to help prevent accidents. Daytona Beach Bike Week is a fun event. Using extra caution when traveling will help everyone enjoy the event and avoid the unfortunate consequences of an accident or injury. However, if you or someone you know is involved in an accident, please feel free to contact Johnson & Gilbert for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890. You can also check out other articles on our website regarding motorcycle safety.

We at Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. wish everyone a fun and safe Bike Week 2010!

Depression and a claim for Social Security Disability

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

At a recent Social Security Disability hearing in Daytona Beach, FL my client was alleging disability based on a variety of physical problems. However, my client had a semi-skilled work background with some transferable skills. Based on the skill level, and her physcial complaints alone, she was not going to be found disabled. However, she was also alleging depression and was taking medication through her primary care physician. Although she was not treating with a psychiatrist, a mental health care evaluation was the key to winning the case. It turned out that since she was depressed, the mental health care professional gave an opinion that she could work, but only in jobs with routine, simple task. This fact allowed a finding of disability because she was unable to perform semi-skilled work. Therefore, if you are alleging depression as a component of your Social Security claim, it is important to discuss with your doctor how the depression effects your ability to perform task. If you have questions regarding your claim for Social Security, please contact our office at 1-800-556-8890 for a free consultation.

Negotiating a Florida Car Accident Claim Can Be Challenging

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Have you or someone you know been involved in a Florida car accident recently? Have you begun the process of filing a claim to receive a settlement? If so, then you know what a frustrating task it can be to negotiate with the insurance company.

Unfortunately, many insurance companies and adjusters try to take advantage of victims by offering low settlements and sometimes even denying claims. You need to understand that the adjuster is not your friend; he or she is an employee of the insurance company. Insurance adjusters’ loyalty is to the insurance companies, especially in light of the fact that the insurance companies are the ones paying their salaries.

If you have recently been injured in a Daytona Beach car accident then you have enough to deal with. You have some options if you feel that the adjuster in treating you unfairly.

First, you need to know that you can try to negotiate a higher settlement. You may also want to request to speak with a supervisor. Lastly, and most importantly, you should consider contacting a Daytona Beach car accident attorney, who will be on your side.

For more information, read the article, You Have Options When Negotiating a Florida Car Accident Claim.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, you should contact an experienced Ormond Beach car accident attorney at the Law Firm of Johnson & Gilbert at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890.

Is Your Family Entitled to Social Security Benefits in Florida?

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

You may already be receiving Florida disability benefits from Social Security. What if you learned that some of your family members may also be eligible for benefits on your record?

The Social Security Administration has created "family benefits" to offset the impact a disability has on the entire household. Under this program, a spouse, divorced spouse, children and a disabled child may be entitled to receive benefits as well.

The Social Security's website states that "each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit up to 50 percent of your disability rate." There are limits to family benefits and you should contact an expert to learn more.

If you already receive Social Security benefits then you need to find out if anyone else in your family is eligible to receive benefits. In this instance, the government is here to help and you might as well take advantage of it.

If you or someone you know has applied for Social Security benefits and have been denied or if you need help with the application process, you should contact an experienced Daytona Beach disability lawyer at the Law Firm of Johnson & Gilbert at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890.

For more information on this topic, read the article, Your Family Could Be Entitled to Social Security Benefits in Florida.

Florida's Workers' Compensation laws provide for "death benefits"

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Florida's Workers' Compensation laws provide, if death results from an accident within one (1) year thereafter or follows continuous disability and results from the accident within 5 (5) years thereafter, the employer shall pay funeral expenses not to exceed $7500 and compensation not to exceed $150,000.

The payment of these benefits and the amounts paid are based on the relationship of those claiming benefits to the deceased worker. e.g. spouse, children, siblings, etc. If you or someone you know has questions regarding Florida's Workers' Compensation death benefits, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-556-8890 for a free consultation. You can also find out more information about Florida's Work Comp laws by requesting a free copy of my book.

In most cases, Florida's Work Comp system does not cover "stress" only claims.

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

In most instances, Florida's Workers' Compensation laws to not allow workers' compensation claims for "stress" only. There is an exception that applies to Firefighters and Police officers, however; for almost everyone else, a claim cannot be made for stress only. Often times I hear from potential clients that their job is stressful, or a fellow employee causes them stress and as a result they suffer from anxiety or depression. Unfortunately, Florida's laws will not provide workers' compensation coverage for this scenario. Florida law only allows for claims involving stress when the stress is accompanied by physical trauma. In other words, if you have physical injury that results in stress, depression or anxiety, the workers' comp carrier should provide medically necessary treatment for the mental condition. If you have been injured and have questions regarding the above, or about your workers' compensation claim, contact us at 1-800-556-8890 or request a free copy of my book on Florida's Workers' Compensation.

Drivers are Distracted on Florida Roads

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Do you remember a time before cell phones and texting? It seems like a long time ago. However, one thing we can agree on, the Florida roadways were probably a bit safer without the technological distractions.

The problem is that many people don’t believe that cell phones distract or impair their driving. Perhaps, you are one of them. Would is shock you to know that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute have found that 80 percent of car accidents and 65 percent of near-crashes studied occurred within three seconds of a distraction?

It doesn’t take much convincing to understand how the mere seconds it takes to dial or text might be considered one of these potential distractions.

Are you convinced yet? The study also found that reaching inside the vehicle for an object increases the risk of being involved in a crash. How many of us have taken the time to reach for our phones to either call someone or to answer it?

There are obviously other distractions that can lead to a potential auto accident. For more information, read the article titled What’s Distracting Drivers in Florida?

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, you should contact an experienced Ormond Beach accident attorney at the Law Firm of Johnson & Gilbert at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890.

Florida bicyclists are bound by the same traffic laws as other vehicles

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Bicyclists are bound by the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. All road signs and traffic signals must be obeyed or tragic consequences could result. Just recently a New Symrna beach man was killed when he ran a red light while riding his bicycle. Volusia county roads are always busy. Bicyclists need to pay extra attention to their surroundings in order to avoid potentially deadly accidents. Never assume the other driver will see you and take action to avoid an accident. This applies when operating any vehicle, but is especially important when riding a bicycle or motorcycle. For more information regarding bicycle safety and your rights in Florida, see my library article on the subject.

Did You Know You Could Develop PTSD from a Car Accident?

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Florida car accident can be a traumatic event and something that you often relive in your mind. Survivors of car accidents have been known to suffer from a debilitating condition known as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Posttraumatic stress disorder results from a traumatic event where you feel that you are helpless or in immense danger. That is why many war veterans and crime victims experience this condition.

Some of the PTSD symptoms include flashbacks of the auto accident, nightmares, emotional numbness, anger, sleep problems and trouble with concentration. People suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder may start to avoid activities they once enjoyed and may have difficulty maintaining close relationships. PTSD has even led some people to become abusers of drugs or alcohol

There are treatment options available for PTSD, so if you think you may be experiencing the symptoms or that a loved one may be suffering, you should get prompt medical attention.

Posttraumatic stress disorder is a very real injury that can result from a car accident or motorcycle accident. If you have developed this disorder and the crash was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to obtain compensation. Contact an Ormond Beach accident attorney at Johnson & Gilbert at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890 for legal advice.

Be sure to read the article, A Car Accident Can Trigger Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, for more information on this topic.

Watch what you "tweet"

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Social networking through sites such as Twitter and Facebook could potentially damage your personal injury case. Courts have been allowing posts found on social networks into evidence to show conduct from the injured person which could adversely affect their case (e.g. photos of a personal injury client dancing when they are alleging debilitating back pain). As such, be careful what you post and what others are posting to your page. Twitter and Facebook posts could be used by the insurance company's lawyers to defend their case and discredit yours.

For more information on how to protect yourself from potentially damaging social networking post, check out my article "Use caution when posting on social networks"

How to Prevent a Work-Related Back Injury

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

As you probably already know, back injuries are one of the most common work-related injuries you can suffer while at work. Back injuries can have life altering ramifications and can make it hard to just get through the day. There are things you can do to help prevent a work-related back injury.

Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve muscles, reducing the chances of a back injury. Paying attention to your posture is also key. Poor posture can increase the stress level on your back leading to an injury. When picking up objects, whether they are light or heavy, you should always lift the right way. Always make sure that your legs are doing most of the work while lifting, not your back.

Three other steps you can take to protect your back from injury include evaluating your work area, changing your position often and focusing on building coordination. For more information on these tips, refer to the article titled, Six Tips to Prevent Back Injuries at Work.

Did you know that if you suffer a back injury while on-the-job, you may be entitled to worker’s compensation? You should seek legal advice to find out if you are eligible for benefits under the Florida Workers Compensation Law.

If you or someone you know has suffered a back injury while at work, you should contact an experienced Daytona Beach, Florida workers compensation attorney at the Law Firm of Johnson & Gilbert at (800) 556-8890.

2010's Safest Cars

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you watch TV, then you are inundated with commercials by car manufacturers claiming to have the safest cars on the road. It seems that we can’t get away from these ads. We would all like to think that the car we are driving in everyday is safe. So, what are the safest cars on the road?

Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety produces a list and gives out awards for the safest cars. This year, for the first time, the criteria included a roof strength test to measure the protection if a car becomes involved in a rollover accident.

The awards are based on a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in the front, side, rear and in rollover accidents. The report includes winners from all vehicle classes, which include large cars, midsize cars, small cars, midsize SUVs and small SUV’s.

Some of the winners for 2010 include Subaru, Ford, Volvo, Volkswagen/Audi, Chrysler, Nissan and Kia. For a more detailed list of the safest cars, read the article, Safest Cars for 2010.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, you should contact an experienced Daytona Beach accident attorney at the Law Firm of Johnson & Gilbert at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890.

Death Benefits under Florida's Workers' Compensation law

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Florida's workers' compensation laws provide benefits to the families of workers who are killed on the job or subsequently die from their injuries. These benefits include funeral expenses not to exceed $7500. This amount is due within 14 days after the insurance company receives the bill. In addition, up to $150,000 is payable to family members of the deceased worker. The relationship to the worker (spouse, child, sibling, parent), will determine the percentage of death benefits to be paid. This area of the workers' compensation law can be complex. For more information, you can contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation or request a free copy of my book "It's Not Rocket Science, It's Workers' Compensation".

Motorcycle Accidents Can be Caused by Brake Problems

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

The increase in motorcycle deaths is staggering. Between 1997 and 2007, the number of motorcycle deaths has more than doubled. As a matter of fact, in 2007, there were 5,037 deaths reported.

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including the negligence of other drivers to bad road conditions. However, there is another prevalent cause of motorcycle accidents. Reports have identified improper braking as a major cause of motorcycle accidents.

As most motorcyclists know, the braking systems on motorcycles are dramatically different than the braking systems found on cars. Motorcycles generally contain separate controls for the front and rear brakes that require the driver to determine how much pressure to apply on each control when braking.

Too much pressure on either of these controls can cause the wheels on the motorcycle to become locked, leading to an accident. This is commonly found with less experienced drivers having to make the quick decision.

When the wheels become locked, the motorcycle can become unstable, leading to a serious accident. As you know, the list of possible injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents is extensive. The accident can be life altering and lead to paralysis and even death.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should contact an experienced Florida accident attorney at the Law Firm of Johnson & Gilbert at (800) 556-8890.

Do You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Imagine sitting at work and being unable to type on the keyboard because your hands and wrists hurt too much. This painful scenario can be caused by a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

However, typing may not be the only cause. Many assembly line workers and employees that have jobs that require repetitive activity can also suffer from this condition. Long hours of typing without rest and activities that require repetitive flexing and extending of the tendons for long periods of time can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused when a key nerve in the wrist becomes compressed causing excruciating pain. The symptoms generally start with pain, weakness or numbness in the hand area. The pain can generally be felt up the arm and accompanied with a tingling sensation during the day. The good news is, if properly treated, most people who suffer from the condition fully recover.

A major factor for victims who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome is that it can affect their ability to perform their job at work. They may experience a loss of wages and may have to pay for physical therapy. It is important for victims to understand that they have rights and may be eligible to receive Florida workers compensation benefits.

If you or someone you know is suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from job duties, you should contact an experienced Daytona Beach workers compensation attorney at the Law Firm of Johnson & Gilbert at (800) 556-8890.

Florida injured workers must report the injury within 30 days

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Florida's Workers' Compensation laws provide lost wages and medical care for those who are injured in the course and scope of their employment. However, in order to preserve your rights to these benefits, you must notify your employer within 30 days of the injury. Notification can be done verbally or in writing to anyone in a supervisory capacity. I am often amazed when I hear an injured worker's case has been denied because they waited a few days to report the injury. I hear all types of reasons for delaying the initial report..."It was the weekend"; "I thought I would get better"; "I didn't want to jeopardize my job". The point is, it doesn't matter! As long as notice is given within 30 days, the legal requirement has been met. No reason need be given for the delay and an employer cannot deny benefits on this basis, regardless of whether the "company" policy requires immediate reporting. A company's policy cannot trump Florida law.

If you have been injured on the job and have questions, or your case has been denied, contact a Florida Workers' Compensation attorney at Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. at 1-800-556-8890 for a free consultation. You can also request a free copy of our workers' compensation book which contains useful information regarding Florida's Workers' Compensation system.

Pedestrians and Bicyclist are frequently injured in Florida by negligent drivers

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

You do not have to be traveling in an automobile or truck to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. Everyday pedestrians or bicyclist are injured or killed when struck by a motor vehicle. Just recently, a pedestrian was killed in Orange City while crossing 17-92. Florida is a "no-fault" state, but licensed drivers in Florida are required to carry Personal Injury Protection. If a pedestrian or bicyclist is injured by the negligence of another, PIP is the source of insurance coverage to pay for medical expenses and lost wages. If an injured pedestrian or bicyclist owns a car and has PIP insurance, then your PIP should be utilized for medical care. If that person does not own a car, but lives with a "resident relative" who does, then that relatives PIP should be used. If neither of these apply and the negligent driver has PIP coverage (or lives with a resident relative with PIP coverage), then the injured person can use the driver's PIP for medical care and lost wages.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident or have questions regarding your rights, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890 or through our website, Mylegalneeds.com.

Dayona Biketoberfest brings many motorcycles, but also accidents

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Daytona Beach held it's annual Biketoberfest October 15th-18th. Cool weather allowed bikers to enjoy the roads around Daytona and Ormond Beach. Over 100,000 bikers filled Volusia and Flagler county roads over the 4 day event. Unfortunately, with that many bikers on the road, accidents were bound to happen. Of course, a special event is not necessary for accidents to occur. Just this passed Monday, two motorcyclist were injured at Seabreeze and A1A when an elderly woman hit them with her SUV. One rider received severe leg injuries, the other suffered head injuries, which may have been worse except for wearing a helmet. Statistics show that wearing a helmet can reduce severe head trauma.

If you or someone you know is injured in a motorcycle accident, do not trust that case to flashy advertising by reputed "motorcycle attorneys". As a former Harley rider myself, I know the joys of riding a motorcycle, but I also know the perils. At Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. we have years of experience in representing accident victims. Contact us for a free consultation at 1-800-556-8890.

Orlando area teens offered free driving classes

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for young drivers age 16-20. However, students in Orlando and Orange county now have an opportunity to participate in free driving lessons. National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 18th-24th. Orange County students may enroll for 6 hours of behind-the-wheel and classroom instruction. Students who enroll will receive a voucher for $260 for the driving lessons. 4400 teenagers were killed last year in motor vehicle accidents. This program, made available through the Dori Slosberg Driver Education Safety Act, is designed to reduce this figure. The Doris Slosberg Act allows Florida counties to add $5 to traffic tickets to be used for driver education. Students who wish to take advantage of this opportunity need to check with their academic advisor.

Motorcycle Deaths Jumped in 2008

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

The latest statistics show that motorcycle fatalities went up in 2008, despite the fact that car accident deaths went down. Motorcycle accident deaths have been on the rise over the past decade and have more than doubled since 1997.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 5,091 people were killed in motorcycle accidents across the nation. That represents 14 percent of all accident fatalities in the United States. Riders in the age group of 40 years and older accounted for half of the deaths in 2008.

This significant increase in motorcycle deaths makes you wonder what is causing this alarming trend. Could it be that motorists are more distracted by cell phones, text messaging and other gadgets? Or could it just be that there are more motorcyclists on the road and therefore more accidents?

There are some precautions that can be taken to help reduce the likelihood of sustaining a fatal injury in a Florida motorcycle accident, including wearing a helmet. Florida does not require that every driver wear a motorcycle helmet, but doing so could save your life in a serious motorcycle crash.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Daytona Beach or other area in Florida, you should contact Johnson & Gilbert at 800-556-8890 for legal advice. You may be entitled to compensation.

Alcohol Detection Devices May Be Available in the Future

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety program, which is a partnership between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, is looking into the technology for an alcohol detection device. A recent survey suggests that the public is ready for such a device.

Drunk driving accidents claimed the lives of 11,773 people in 2008. These collisions involved drivers with BACs of 0.08 percent or higher. If there was a way to cut down on the number of drunk driving accidents and deaths, would you support it?

A little over a thousand people were surveyed asking if they liked the idea of using advanced technology to stop a driver who has had too much to drink, from starting their car. Approximately 2 of 3 respondents liked the idea and even more surprising is that 40 percent said they would want one of these devices in their vehicles.

Only time will tell if vehicles will start coming equipped with alcohol detection devices or if they will be offered as an option. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Daytona Beach car accident caused by a drunk driver, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890 for legal advice. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Free book on Florida's Workers' Comp system

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

My recently published book "It's Not Rocket Science, It's Workers' Comp" provides useful, simple to follow information about Florida's unnecessarily complex workers' compensation system. As a product of Florida's legislature, our workers' comp laws are naturally complex, confusing and filled with contradictory language. However, fear not! Get a free copy of my book which will guide you through our workers' comp system. In it you will find information regarding the types of benefits you are entitled to as well as information to help avoid the many pitfalls of our comp system. I have over 17 years of workers' compensation experience and have represented both the insurance companies and injured workers. However, during the last 15 years of my practice I have represented only injured workers.

If you have been injured on the job and would like a free consultation, please contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. at 1-800-556-8890 or visit us at JohnsonGilbertlaw.com

Over 250,000 Florida Car Accidents In One Year

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

When it comes to car accidents and motorcycle accidents, Florida is considered one of the most dangerous states. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in just one year (2007), there were 256,206 traffic accidents. That is an average of 702 crashes a day!

Not all of these accidents resulted in injuries and fatalities, as 117,658 of the collisions only led to property damage. However, there were 135,601 injury accidents out of the 256,206 reported collisions and 2,947 fatal crashes. What is especially staggering is that there were 366,917 drivers involved in Florida accidents.

In 2007, 3,221 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in Florida and another 212,149 were injured.

Motorcyclists are often the victims of accidents and in 2007, there were 9,205 reported motorcycle accidents across the state. There were also 8,129 pedestrian accidents and 4,847 bicycle accidents that year.

An interesting fact included in the Florida Traffic Crash Statistics Report is that drivers between the age of 15 and 19 were involved in more collisions than any other age group and were more likely to be involved in fatal crashes.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, Holly Hill or other area in Volusia County, you should contact an experienced Daytona Beach car accident lawyer who can explain your legal rights. Call Johnson & Gilbert, P. A. today at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890.

Motorcyclist are 30 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclist are over 30 times more likely to suffer a fatal motor vehicle accident than those who are traveling in a passenger vehicle. Even what would normally be considered a "fender bender" for a passenger vehicle could be devastating for a motorcycle rider.

As anyone knows who lives in the Daytona Beach area, motorcycles are a common site in our community, especially during Biketoberfest and Bike Week. At Johnson & Gilbert, we encourage everyone using our roads to look out for each other. Motorcycles are easily lost in the blind spots of passenger vehicles. Likewise, those on motorcycles should never assume that another vehicle sees them. Those riders and drivers who are cautious in traffic are less likely to be involved in an accident and avoid serious injury. We must share our roads with all types of vehicles so stay alert and avoid becoming a statistic.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact Johnson & Gilbert at 1-800-556-8890 for a free consultation.

Rural routes in Volusia and Flager county pose risk of car/wildlife strikes

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Rural routes around Volusia and Flagler county provide beautiful scenery, but also pose additional risk of wildlife strikes with your vehicle. Just this weekend, a deer jumped in front of my car while driving on Highbridge road in northern Volusia county, luckily we missed each other, but some are not so lucky. Make sure you have the right insurance to protect both yourself and your car should you strike a deer or other animal which causes damage to your car. Comprehensive and Collision coverage is designed to cover vehicle damage as a result of this type of incident. For more information, you can check out my library article on animal strikes and insurance coverage to compensate for damages to your vehicle.

Florida Workers' Compensation Facts

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have sustained a Florida work injury or have become ill from your job, you may be entitled to benefits under workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation, also referred to as workers’ comp, is a type of insurance that allows you to obtain medical care and compensation for lost wages.

In Florida, an employer within the construction industry who has more than one employee is required to obtain workers’ compensation insurance, even if the employer is out-of-state. In non-construction industries, any employer who has four or more part or full-time employees must have this coverage.

As an injured worker, you are entitled to medical benefits that include doctor’s visits, hospitalization, physical therapy, medical exams, prescriptions and other authorized medical expenses. You are also entitled to compensation for your lost wages, which is usually equal to 66 2/3% of your average weekly income. This compensation is meant to help you financially while you recover from your work injuries.

There are other Florida workers’ comp benefits, such as impairment benefits, permanent total disability benefits and death benefits.

You should contact a Florida workers’ compensation attorney at Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. at 1-(800) 556-8890 for assistance with your workers’ comp claim.

Statistics show increase in motorcycle fatalities since Florida's passage of "no helmet" law

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Florida's repeal of the helmet law in 2000 has resulted in an increase of the number of fatalities due to head injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents. There has also been a significant increase in the number of closed head injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents without the use of protective head gear. At Johnson & Gilbert, we do not advocate whether one should ride with a helmet or not. As adults of the age 21 and over, Florida law gives you the right to make that decision. However, it is important to know the increased risk involved with riding without a helmet. For more information, you can see my library article with more statistics or you can contact us at 1-800-556-8890.

Uninsured motorist coverage is valuable coverage

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

One of our lawyers was just recently involved in a terrible accident outside of Daytona Beach while driving on I-4. She was bumped from behind by another driver causing her SUV to roll several times, landing in oncoming traffic. Although her SUV's safety features likely saved her life, she still suffered serious injuries. If she had not carried an uninsured motorist policy (UM), she would likely not be able to recover any monetary damages as a result of the other driver's negligence. The at-fault driver did not carry a bodily injury policy, an all to common occurrence in Florida.

I cannot emphasize enough the value of these uninsured motorist policies. Since bodily injury is not required coverage in Florida, it is essential to carry an uninsured motorist policy to protect yourself when you are injured by the negligence of another driver. These inexpensive policies can be the only source of recovery for injuries you suffer due to the negligence of someone else.

Florida's highways are dangerous. There are accidents almost daily on I-4 and I-95. These accidents do not discriminate based on your profession. Anyone can be involved in an accident. Make sure your are protected. If you have been involved in an accident or have questions regarding insurance requirements in Florida, contact Johnson & Gilbert at 1-800-556-8890 for a free consultation.

A Florida Car Accident Can Leave You Paralyzed

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Car accidents can lead to serious, permanent injuries. Accident victims have been known to suffer debilitating injuries from crashes, including paralysis. If you or someone you love has become paralyzed from a Florida auto accident, you need to be aware of your legal rights.

Paralysis either affects the entire body, which is known as quadriplegia, or just the lower area, which is known as paraplegia. Both types of paralysis can change life as you know it. When you become paralyzed, you are forced to face a life that is extremely altered and you must adapt to your condition. Some people who are partially paralyzed are able to walk, but many others have to use wheelchairs.

In addition to facing the challenges of paralysis, there are also many other health complications that may arise. For example, bed sores, pneumonia, osteoporosis, thrombosis, breathing difficulty and other health problems have been linked to paralysis.

Medical treatment and rehabilitation following a car accident that leads to paralysis can be expensive. Families are often placed under financial distress, as the medical bills add up and income dwindles. If your car accident was caused by negligence, you should hold the other driver accountable and may be entitled to compensation. Even though financial compensation cannot undo what has happened to you, it can help ease the financial burden from your injuries.

Contact a Central Florida car accident attorney at the Law Offices of Johnson & Gilbert at (800) 556-8890 for legal advice today.

Driving while texting may become unlawful/daytona beach/Florida

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Drivers in Daytona Beach and throughout Florida could soon see blue and red flashing lights in the rear view mirror if they are driving while texting. The Federal Government is seeking passage of a law that would make it unlawful for drivers to text while driving. Currently, 14 states already have laws that prohibit this activity, but Florida is not one of them. Recent studies have shown that truck drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident while texting. This is compared to drivers being 4 times more likely to be involved in a car accident while talking on a cell phone. If the bill passes, any state that does not outlaw driving while texting within 2 years would risk losing 25% of their federal highway funds. Although not illegal now, this measure is gaining in popularity. We will keep an eye on this bill and will post updates as more information is available.

You Need to Be Aware of the Symptoms of a Concussion

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

There are many types of injuries that can result from a Central Florida car accident, including a concussion. This type of injury is also referred to as head trauma or brain injury.

Concussions affect millions of people every year and car accidents are often to blame. Most concussions will heal themselves with little complication, but some cases can become serious. It is important to recognize the signs of concussion so that you know when to seek medical attention.

Some of the symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, lack of coordination, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, seizures, confusion and loss of consciousness. There are warning signs that indicate a more serious situation, which include persistent headache, vomiting or extreme weakness. Any time you suspect a concussion, you should talk with your doctor who will be able to monitor you or your family member.

If you suffered a concussion from a Florida auto accident and the other driver caused the crash, you should hold that person accountable. You may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries by pursing a legal action against the other driver. Contact a Central Florida auto accident attorney at the law firm of Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890 for a legal consultation.

Smoking and alcohol can affect a claim for Social Security Disability

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

When filing for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income, you can bet that if you are a smoker and/or like to partake in occasional "social" cocktails, you will likely be questioned about those habits by the Social Security Judge if required to go to hearing. The significance of these habits will depend on the medical conditions you are alleging causes your disability. For example, if you are alleging disability due to COPD or some other pulmonary dysfunction, and you still smoke...well, you are unlikely to garner any sympathy from the Judge. Likewise, if you have chronic liver problems, such as cirrhosis, and you still drink...again, not great facts for the Judge to consider. However, even if your disability does not involve the above, many Judges (some more than others) have a real problem with smokers and drinkers. Even if you are alleging a disabling back condition, many Judges feel that smoking exacerbates your pain. I have had this happen, even when the Judge's medical expert testifies that there is no relation between increased pain and smoking. In short, it is generally advisable to try and quit or cutback on these perceived "bad habits" prior to going before the Judge. Although smoking and drinking may have no affect on your medical condition, Judges can still be prejudiced against those habits, thereby creating an extra obstacle in obtaining disability.

Social Security Disability claims increase during bad economy

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

The most recent forum issue of NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives) has confirmed what I had previously published in our Social Security library regarding an increase in claims for Social Security Disability during bad economic times. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is projecting an additional 500,000 disability claims will be filed over the next two years as a direct result of our economic climate. This is over and above the anticipated increase in claims being filed by baby boomers who are reaching their peak disability years. You can read my article in our library section of our website. Regardless of whether a claim is initiated by the economy or due to being a baby boomer, remember the common factor needed by all applicants is medical evidence. Good medical records and regular treatment are of immeasurable benefit in proving disability claims.

A Florida Car Accident Can be a Pain in the Neck

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

An auto accident in Florida can lead to all sorts of injuries, including one of the most common – whiplash. A whiplash injury is often caused by a rear end collision or other type of motor vehicle accident.

Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are overextended in an accident and can lead to damage of the soft tissues and bone structures. Even though whiplash is not life threatening, it can still be incredibly painful and may lead to a long road to recovery.

If you have been injured in a Florida car accident, you need to be aware of whiplash symptoms so that you can get the appropriate treatment. Some of the signs of whiplash include neck pain and/or stiffness, headache, shoulder pain, dizziness, fatigue, back pain, ringing in the ears, jaw pain and vision problems. Occasionally, someone suffering from whiplash will also develop “whiplash associated disorder” symptoms, which include depression, anger, anxiety, stress, insomnia and frustration.

When an auto accident is caused by another driver, you may be able to hold that person accountable for your injuries. Contact an experienced Daytona Beach car accident attorney at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890 for a legal consultation.

Filing a workers' comp claim in a bad economy

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

In a bad economy, jobs can be harder to find. Nevertheless, when you are injured on the job, you should not be afraid to file a valid workers' comp claim for fear of losing that job. Florida's laws protect injured workers from retaliation from an employer for filing a valid workers' compensation claim. Many work accidents can cause serious injuries, some of which may not be evident until several days or weeks have past. Failure to pursue your claim out of concern for your job, could result in a denial of needed medical care if your claim in not filed timely. For more information, you can check out my library article regarding workers' compensation in a bad economy. If you would like to discuss your workers' compensation claim, contact Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. for a free consultation.

When traveling I-4 or I-95, be cautious if your vehicle becomes disabled

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Traveling on I-95 and I-4 can be dangerous. Over the years there have been many tragic car accidents involving stalled or broken down vehicles which are struck by a moving car or truck. Just recently there was a fatality on I-95 involving a tractor trailer striking a disabled vehicle near Ormond Beach. If you have to pull to side of the road for any reason, always try to pull your vehicle as far over on the shoulder as is safely possible. Always put on your vehicle's hazard lights. If you must get out of the vehicle, try to stay as far away from the road as possible and always keep your eyes on moving traffic. It is also advisable to keep an emergency roadside kit in your car which usually contains emergency lights and reflective signs to place around your disabled car. Just remember that these highways are dangerous! Anytime you must pull off of the road, be cautious and stay alert, it could save your life.

Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income and HIV/AIDS

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

I recently added an article to our web page library regarding the rapidly increasing HIV infection rates in the south, including Florida. Complications from the virus as well as side effects of treatment can cause debilitating physical problems. These problems can lead to difficulty in maintaining gainful employment, thus resulting in a claim for Social Security Disability. Medical evidence is always important, especially in HIV/AIDS cases. Check out Claims for Social Security Disability based on HIV/AIDS or contact Johnson & Gilbert if you would like more information on how to improve the chances of obtaining disability with a HIV/AIDS diagnosis.

Florida's Workers' Compensation laws are complex, know your rights

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Florida's Workers' Compensation laws are complex. If you are injured on the job, there are always many questions. It is important that you know your legal rights. Lost wages and medical care are just some of the benefits an injured worker in Florida may be entitled to receive. However, if you are unaware of your rights, it is very easy to make a mistake which could jeopardize your workers' compensation case. For this reason, I have written a book that provides a simple guide through our overly complex Workers' Compensation system. If you have been injured on the job, request a free copy of "It's Not Rocket Science, It's Workers Comp" by clicking here. At Johnson & Gilbert P.A., we have represented thousands of injured workers in the Daytona Beach area and throughout Central Florida. Let our many years of experience help arm you with the knowledge necessary to successfully navigate our Workers' Compensation system. If you have had a work place accident, contact us for a free consultation.

A Florida Car Accident Can Lead to Spinal Cord Injury

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Florida car accident can be devastating emotionally, financially and physically. Some car accident victims sustain serious injuries that lead to lifelong conditions. Spinal cord injuries are often caused by car crashes and can greatly impact the lives of the victims. If you or someone you love has sustained a spinal cord injury from an auto accident, you need to be aware of the complications associated with this type of injury and the compensation available when negligence was involved.

Many spinal cord injuries result in paralysis, either complete or incomplete. A spinal cord injury that causes paralysis in the majority of the body is known as quadriplegia. An injury that paralyzes only the lower body is known as paraplegia.

There are several complications associated with spinal cord injury cases, including problems with bowel or bladder function, breathing difficulties, inability to regulate heart rate, limb stiffness, abnormally high blood pressure, osteoporosis and gallbladder stones. These issues can make living life with a spinal cord injury especially difficult.

You can pursue financial compensation when the other driver is to blame for your car accident. If you have sustained a spinal cord injury, you should contact a Florida auto accident lawyer at the Law Firm of Johnson & Gilbert at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890 for legal advice.

Daytona Beach Personal Injury/Seat Belt Law

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Florida has passed a new seat belt law that went into effect on 6/30/09. The new, stricter law was enacted in an effort to reduce injuries for those involved in car accidents. The new law, named the Slosberg-Marchetti Law, allows law enforcement to issue a $30 fine for failure to buckle up. Previously, an officer could only issue a ticket if you were not wearing your seat belt when pulled over for some other driving offense. Now if you are spotted not wearing a seat belt, you can be pulled over and fined for that reason alone. Statistically speaking, the new law should save lives and prevent more serious injuries if involved in a car wreck. 29% of unrestrained occupants are ejected during a car crash, and 74% of those ejected suffer fatal injuries. In addition, unrestrained car accident victims generally have much larger medical expenses due to their injuries. At Johnson & Gilbert, we strongly urge all drivers and passengers in Florida to buckle up for safety. If you, or someone you know is involved in a car accident, please contact us to discuss your rights. Remember, you may not need an attorney, but you need to know your rights!

Florida's New Workers' Compensation law

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

An amended version of Florida's Workers' Compensation law goes into effect today. Florida's Legislature in their infinite wisdom (or more appropriately, lack therof) has seen fit to essentially eliminate insurance company paid attorneys fees for lawyers representing injured workers. This is a big victory for the insurance industry which convinced our politicians that they were in need of further bail out at the expense of Florida's workers. The new law will make it harder for injured workers in Daytona Beach, as well as the entire state, to obtain benefits if they are injured on the job. However, injured workers in our area can rest assured that Johnson & Gilbert will continue to fight to obtain benefits to which you are entitled. If you would like more information on how this new law could affect your workers' compensation claim, or if you would like to discuss your workers' compensation case, please click here

Daytona Beach Florida Workers' Compensation Book

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Lance Gilbert has just published a book regarding the workers' compensation system in Florida. It's an easy to read book explaining some easy tips on how to navigate the system. You can request a free copy of this book by clicking here

Kathie

Deltona Pedestrian Talking on Cell Phone Walks to Her Death

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Shivon Walker, 28, of Deltona, was driving her Chrysler van westbound on Howland Boulevard on December 21, at 6.20 p.m. Traveling within the 45 mph speed limit, she crossed the green lights at the Courtland Boulevard intersection. It was dark, and even though the Chrysler’s headlights were on, Walker did not see the pedestrian crossing Howland Boulevard, and hit her. The victim, Shinnique Comer, aged 26, also of Deltona, died instantly.
When Comer crossed the road, she was talking on her cell phone, never looked up, did not see the red pedestrian light, the van, or any other vehicle in the moving traffic and kept walking to her death.
Rachel Garay was a passenger in another vehicle riding west on Howland, that had stopped at the red light at the same intersection. When the light turned green, Garay’s car moved forward, saw Comer crossing the boulevard at the opposite end of the intersection and was able to avoid the pedestrian on account of the car’s low speed. Walker’s van, traveling in the right lane, could not stop in time and struck Comer.
Garay later declared to the Volusia County Sheriff’s investigators that the driver of the car she was in had honked and flicked her lights, to no avail.
The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert send their most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Shinnique Comer following this tragic pedestrian accident in Florida.

Seminole County Deputy Sheriff Killed in Motorcycle Crash

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Deputy Matt Miller, 53, was trying to catch up with a vehicle speeding westward on Maitland Boulevard when he struck a red Volkswagen Jetta at the intersection of Maitland and Gateway Drive. The Jetta was heading east on Maitland when the driver, Abel Romero Linfernal, 28, of Altamonte Springs, turned left at Gateway Drive into Miller’s path.
The Jetta flipped and landed on its roof under the impact. The collision was fatal to Deputy Miller, who died at the scene. Linfernal was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger later declared that Miller had activated his lights and siren but was not in a high-speed pursuit. “Matt Miller had worked at the Sheriff’s Office for 24 years and was a consummate professional,” Eslinger said. “He was very highly skilled and loved working traffic and at the Sheriff’s Office,” he added.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol investigating the Florida motorcycle crash, the accident occurred at 1.15 p.m. on Monday. According to a witness, the collision was like an explosion, very loud and sudden, without the sound of screeching tires.
The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert join the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Matt Miller in their grief.

Two Separate Florida Motorcycle Accidents Have Tragic Outcomes

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Two bikers were involved in two separate Florida motorcycle crashes on Wednesday.
In Brevard County, Justis Brewer, age 29, of Cocoa, was traveling eastbound at high speed on State Road 528 when he lost control of his motorcycle and, veering to the right, struck the guardrail on the south shoulder. Brewer was thrown off his bike and hit a barrier wall.
Emergency crews took the injured motorcyclist to Holmes Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. According to Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Kim Montes, Brewer was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The accident occurred at 2:25 a.m. near State Road 401 and shut down all eastbound traffic for several hours.
Later on the same day, in Weirsdale, John E. Sandham attempted to pass a stopped vehicle on the right shoulder at the intersection of County Road 42 and County Road 25, when his 2001 Yamaha V-Star motorcycle struck a minivan. Sandham, aged 48, of Titusville, was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Sandham was wearing a helmet when he crashed.
Both the minivan driver, James A. Cole, 46, and passenger Paula A. Adcock, 32, were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and were unhurt. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly before 5 p.m. and shut down the state roads for more than two hours.
The motorcycle attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert wish John E. Sandham a speedy recovery and send the family and friends of Justis Brewer their most sincere condolences.

Ormond Beach Man Killed After Losing Control of Pickup Truck

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The investigation has so far not been able to uncover why Trenton Turner lost control of his vehicle last Tuesday at about 9:30 p.m. Traveling southbound in the right-hand lane on Interstate 95, near State Road 40, Turner’s pickup truck started skidding on the wet pavement.
According to Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Kim Montes, the out-of-control Toyota truck slid across the highway’s three lanes and struck the median guardrail. Bouncing back, the pickup cut across the path of a southbound tractor-trailer. The semi-truck was in the center lane when the front end of Turner’s Toyota hit its left side.
Turner was pronounced dead at the scene. The tractor-trailer driver, Luis Rivera, of Tampa, was unhurt.
The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert send their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Trenton Turner.
This tragic Florida accident reminds all Central Florida motorists how easily one can lose control of a vehicle in rainy weather. The coefficient of friction (COF) is what determines the grip of tires on the pavement. On a dry road good tires should have a COF of 0.7, the COF drops to 0.4 on a wet surface. In other words, when riding on a wet road drivers should be aware that they lose close to 43% of their tire traction and should reduce their speed accordingly.

Florida Elders Hang On To Their Driving Privileges

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Florida’s population counts a higher proportion of people aged 65 and over than most other states. A large proportion of these senior citizens do not know how to get around without a car, when they will no longer be able to drive safely. As a result, many elderly drivers keep on driving as long as possible and are at a disproportionate risk of being involved in a Florida car accident.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) wants to address the issue of aging road users and create a strategy to make Florida’s roads safer. The FDOT awarded a $475,000 grant to the Pepper Institute, part of Florida State University, to study the problem and assist in establishing the strategy. According to Professor of Sociology John Reynolds, “The bottom-line measure of success for the grant from the FDOT is that we reduce the number of fatalities, injuries and crashes that involve older adults in Florida.”
The initial survey conducted by the institute revealed that 83 percent of respondents aged 65 and older and 92 percent of those aged between 50 and 64 reported having “no transportation retirement plan.” While 23 percent declared that they would rely on family, friends and neighbors, the largest group (36 percent) said that they had no plan or had never thought about the issue. A few (4 percent) replied that they would rely on a community driver program or paratransit service.

Daytona Beach Accidents Kill 2

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two separate accidents left two people dead in Volusia County last Saturday. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 55-year-old Philip Rizzuto, of Edgewater, driving a 2003 Ford pickup truck, entered southbound I-95 from State Road 44 at a high speed. Rizzuto lost control of the truck and crossed the west shoulder of I-95, where his truck rolled over and struck a tree.

FHP spokeswoman Sgt. Kim Montes declared that the crash happened at 1.30 p.m. and is still under investigation.

Montes further reported that the Florida Highway Patrol is also on the lookout for the driver of a tractor-trailer involved in a hit-and-run accident that left a 66-year-old woman dead.

The accident occurred on the northbound lanes of I-95 near mile marker 274. When the tractor-trailer changed lanes, it hit a motor home towing a passenger car. The driver, Thomas Gentry, aged 66, of Titusville, lost control of the motor home and struck a sign as the vehicle entered the grass shoulder. According to FHP troopers, the camper then hit an embankment, crossed the U.S.1 entrance ramp and struck a fence.

While Thomas Gentry, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered only minor injuries, Sandra Gentry, unrestrained in the passenger seat, was killed in the crash.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert convey their most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

Four-Car Crash In Lake Mary Kills 1 In Jeep Fire

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A four-car accident on Interstate 4 ended up in a huge fireball when a Jeep Cherokee was rear-ended and caught fire, killing its driver.

Traffic was slowing down and coming to a halt on the westbound lanes of I-4 last Wednesday around 6 p.m., east of Lake Mary Boulevard. A 31-year-old woman, Chemwapuwa Jackson, of Altamonte Springs, failed to slow down her SUV and crashed into the rear of a Jeep Cherokee, which slammed into two other cars. The crash triggered an explosion, and the Cherokee burst into flames, the fire quickly spreading to the SUV behind.

Emergency crews were able to extract the driver of the Cherokee, and he was transported to Orlando Regional Hospital with severe burns and in extremely critical condition.

A male passenger in the Cherokee died in the fire. The occupants of the other two vehicles were not injured. Jackson was taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford for treatment of minor injuries.

A spokesperson from the Florida Highway Patrol declared that Jackson would likely be charged, but that they first had to conclude the crash investigation.

The names of the occupants of the Jeep Cherokee have not been released.

In an email sent to news agencies after it had been questioned on the explosion, Chrysler declared, “This was a tragic, high-speed crash with an SUV involving a Jeep Grand Cherokee that is more than 11 years old, and you have no insight into how a peer vehicle might have performed in a similar, violent, high-speed rear impact.”

76-Year-Old Pedestrian Dies From Injuries In Flagler Hit-And-Run Accident

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Francoise Pecqueur, a native of France, had been enjoying a lively retirement in Palm Coast for several years. Last Thursday evening, she was walking north on Columbia Lane in the Palm Harbor area, just beyond Colchester Lane, when she was hit by a 2007 PT Cruiser.

As reported by the Florida Highway Patrol, Jamesine Fischer, aged 55, driving north on Colchester, alleged that she did not see Pecqueur. The PT Cruiser’s right side hit Pecqueur, who was thrown onto the east shoulder of the road. The impact from this Florida pedestrian accident cracked the right side of the windshield and left a fabric mark on the hood. Fischer did not stop, and declared later that she thought she had hit a dog.

When an emergency team came to the scene, they first thought the victim had fallen, but hospital staff contradicted this, saying Pecqueur’s injuries were not consistent with a fall.

Pecqueur was taken to Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach in critical condition, and died on Thursday.

Later in the night, the Florida Highway Patrol began to investigate the accident and ended up at the Fischer residence, impounding the car. Charges against Jamesine Fischer are pending.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert send their warmest feelings of sympathy to the family and friends of Francoise Pecqueur.

Justice Sought 2.5 Years After Child Was Killed In Orlando DUI Crash

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

John Molnar was driving his Cadillac back home in Polk County when, on Turkey Lake Road near Westgate Lakes Resorts, he struck the side of a PT Cruiser.

In the rented PT Cruiser were Roberto Zepka and Elizabeth Manzanilla and their three children, Isabella, aged 2, Sophia, 6 and Alexander, 11. They were having a great time visiting Orlando’s numerous attractions, and had just been to Sea World.

Isabella, in a car seat on the side where the Cadillac hit, was fatally injured. She died two days later. Alexander sustained a fractured skull and recovered. He has suffered regular panic attacks ever since the crash. Sophia has had fears of dying when going to sleep.

Zepka, age 45, a Brazilian national, and Manzanilla, 42, a native of Venezuela, live in Durham, N.C. They have now returned to Orlando to attend a hearing for John Molnar, age 38. When Molnar was arrested after the deadly Florida crash in August 2009, he showed signs of being intoxicated. Two blood tests revealed his BAC was 0.133 and 0.129 percent, much higher than the legal limit of 0.08.

Molnar’s records show several violations for speeding, reckless driving and drunken driving.

He now faces charges of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide that could earn him up to 15 years in prison each.

Crooks Bring Florida Car Insurance Costs Out of Control

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police arrested five people in Orlando on Thursday, suspected of filing fake car crash insurance claims. According to officials, the suspects were charged with insurance fraud, patient brokering and intentionally staging a car crash in Orange County.

Lufaite Olizia, Tracey McFarlane and three other persons involved in the staged crash were booked into the Orange County jail.

Fake crash claims have cost Florida drivers dearly. Average insurance bills have increased 100 percent to reach $600 per year. Most of the increase is attributed to fraud.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott was in Orlando on that same day to discuss with auto insurance representatives and lawmakers possible legislation changes to modify Florida's no-fault protection system.

Olizia and McFarlane allegedly promised the three other arrested suspects, Pierre Antoine Joseph, Madeline Emile and Yolande Denise Roberts, $1,000 each if they filed medical claims.

They told the so-called "passengers" to obtain treatment for their supposed injuries in a health care and rehab center in Orlando.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater declared in a news release that Florida families could not afford to spend more on insurance costs in these tough economic times. He added, "It is my mission to stamp out auto insurance fraud and to ensure these cheats who are making money off the backs of Florida drivers serve real time."

Polk County Crash Kills Woman, Injures 5

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Melissa Dawn Crossman, age 46, of Lake Placid, was driving a Ford Taurus northbound on U.S. 27 when she suddenly steered to the left, crossed the centerline and struck two oncoming vehicles, a blue Dodge Dynasty and beige Buick Rainier.

The accident occurred last Friday around 4.30 p.m. north of C.R. 630 in Frostproof.

Crossman died at the scene, while her boyfriend, Randolph Douglas Vanerzee, 46, and his son, Douglas James Vanerzee, 19, were transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Difficult weather conditions prevented airlifting by helicopter.

The occupants of the Dodge Dynasty, Matthew John Bass, age 35, and Kylen L. Pisklo, age 33, of Sebring, suffered minor injuries and were treated at Florida Heartland Hospital. Diana Lynn Gross, age 59, of Frostproof, the driver of the Buick Rainier, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center

According to officials, alcohol did not seem to be involved in the accident. Police closed the southbound lanes of U.S. 27 until 10 p.m.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert convey their most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Melissa Dawn Crossman, and wish all injured victims of this tragic accident a speedy and full recovery.

St. Augustine Accident Kills Port Orange Woman on I-95

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Cynthia M. Meister was driving her Mercury Cougar northbound in the center lane of Interstate 95 when she suddenly steered to the right, hit a car driven by Eduard P. Kostornov, kept on traveling onto the right shoulder, and struck two trees.

The Mercury's air bag was deployed under the impact but could not save Meister, aged 46, of Port Orange, who died at the scene. She had not been wearing a seat belt, according to Florida Highway Patrol officials.

Kostornov, aged 42, of Sarasota, was not injured in this Florida auto accident.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert send their deepest feelings of sympathy to the family and friends of Cynthia M. Meister.

Even though it is impossible to speculate on what difference a buckled up seat belt would have made in this case, a recent Florida Department of Transportation study has pointed out significant differences in seat belt use in various age groups, ethnic groups, by road type and vehicle type.

The study also highlights a lower seat belt use in our Central region (83.5% for males and 89.2% for females), as opposed to North (85.8% for males and 90.9% for females) and South (86.3% for males and 92.6% for females).

Hit-and-Run Crash Ends With Resignation Of Seminole County Deputy

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The accident occurred on September 11th, when Sgt. Frank Valentin, age 50, who was driving northbound on Lake Emma Road, suddenly slammed on the brakes to avoid a dog. Riding his motorcycle behind Valentin, Jeffrey Herrin rear-ended Valentin's unmarked police car, and was seriously injured in the crash. Herrin broke both his wrists and suffered injuries to the pelvis.

Valentin failed to stop and was arrested some 15 minutes later by a trooper, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report. Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. James Clark said Valentin was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage and bodily injury. Valentin's pay was suspended during the investigation and he resigned last week.

Hit-and-run crashes have become commonplace, and this creates terrible hardship for victims who have nowhere to turn to. Hit-and-run accidents mostly involve passenger cars striking pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. In these crashes, the damage to the passenger car is often light, allowing the car driver to flee, while the injuries to the victim are often serious or deadly.

It is important that witnesses of hit-and-run accidents come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits.

4 Motorcyclists Killed in 2 Separate Volusia County Crashes

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Al R. Hopkins was traveling eastward on Taylor Road when he decided to turn left into the Westport Square shopping plaza. His pickup truck moved into the path of a westbound motorcycle that crashed into its right side.

The motorcyclists, Randall D. Allen, age 40, and his wife Laura J. Allen, age 44, were both thrown from the motorcycle and were pronounced dead on the scene. The accident occurred Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in Port Orange, near Williamson Boulevard. Both victims were from Apopka.

Port Orange Assistant Police Chief Wayne Miller declared that Hopkins, of Port Orange, was charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter, DUI, DUI with property damage, resisting arrest without violence, refusal to submit to a breath test and refusal to sign and accept citation.

The same day, State Troopers reported another bike crash on Interstate 4 near DeLand that killed Allison Sellers, 32, and Javier Remonsanzol, 34, both from Sanford.

When their motorcycle was hit by an SUV at 4:30 p.m., the driver, Remonsanzol, fell on the roadway and was struck by several passing vehicles, while Sellers was thrown onto the shoulder, according to Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Kim Montes. The SUV failed to stop and ran away. A Ford Explorer that might have been the vehicle involved in the crash was later found broken down, but the woman in the vehicle has not been charged yet pending further investigation, Montes said.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert send their most sincere feelings of sympathy to the family and friends of the four victims of these tragic Florida motorcycle accidents.

16 People Injured, 5 Killed in Two Marion County Crashes

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The appalling succession of deadly crashes on Interstate 75 continues. A collision on Saturday left four people dead near the County Road 326 exit, while another crash on Sunday claimed the life of a driver and injured two children.

On Sunday, according to the Marion County Fire Rescue Department, John H. Rogers, aged 61, of Lady Lake, was traveling with two children southbound on I-75 when, for a reason thus far unknown, he lost control of his van and rolled over near mile marker 344. Rogers was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both children were taken to Shands University of Florida Children's Hospital; a girl, Ashlyn Kubusheski, aged 7, in serious condition, was transported by ambulance, while a 6-year-old boy, Casey Kubusheski, was airlifted by helicopter in critical condition.

The boy's condition was later improved to serious. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, it is not known whether the driver and two children were restrained.

Fire Rescue spokesman Nick Fortuna described the accident on Saturday as involving 11 vehicles. The crash was triggered between mile marker 358 and 360 at around 3:00 p.m. when Darrian George, aged 17, from Tucker, Ga., lost control of his Chevrolet Tahoe while traveling south on I-75. The Tahoe crossed the grass median where the vehicle rolled over several times, ejecting six of the eight occupants.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Darrian George was killed, as well as a 30-year-old woman and two children. One passenger had been wearing a seatbelt, and suffered only minor injuries.

How the other vehicles got involved in this Florida crash is unknown at this time, while the FHP continues its investigation. A total of 14 people were injured in this accident.

Truck Driver Killed While Walking Over To Help Accident Victims near Daytona

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

When James Darnell Collier, aged 37, saw the wrecked vehicle along Interstate 4, seven miles west of the International Speedway Boulevard exit in Daytona Beach, he did not hesitate to stop his truck on the highway's shoulder to see if help was needed.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Collier was wearing a reflective vest and walking over to the crashed car, when, around 2 a.m., an eastbound Kia Sedona approached the scene, swerved to the right to avoid the wrecked car and hit Collier on the highway's shoulder. The FHP said Collier was pronounced dead at the scene.

Collier, of Jacksonville, had loaded cargo in Orlando and was heading towards Jacksonville with his 14-year-old nephew, Darnell Collier, who was asleep in the cab. The boy was woken up by police officers who broke the news that his uncle had been hit while walking over to help victims of a crash. "I thought it was a joke," Darnell later said, "but I looked outside and saw all the cop cars and I broke down crying."

The Florida crash is still under investigation and tests are pending to see if the Sedona driver, Dennis Ruddoi, aged 60, of Casselberry, may have been driving while intoxicated.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert would like to express their most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of James Darnell Collier.

After Lake County Crash, Driver's Son Waits Along Road and Is Killed By Car

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

On a dark, curved stretch of County Road 44, Steven Hayes was driving his pickup with his son Nathan, aged 10, when he saw a tree blocking both lanes near Eustis, Lake County. After thunderstorms, the pavement was wet and Hayes had trouble stopping and avoiding the downed tree. Swerving the truck to the left, Hayes hit a tree near Eldorado Drive.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman, Kim Montes, both occupants were okay at that point but Hayes had to move the vehicle away. He told his son to stand on the shoulder on the opposite side of the road while calling a friend to report the crash.

Minutes later, a Chevrolet Lumina entered the same curve, with Richard Sineath, aged 73, behind the wheel. At the last moment, Sineath saw the tree and Hayes's truck, swerved to the right and struck Nathan.

Hayes and his friend performed CPR on the injured boy until an emergency crew was able to transport him to a nearby hospital. The boy died soon after this Florida crash.

Montes said that charges are not expected to be filed and clarified that Hayes had done what was reasonable. "He put his son in what he thought was a safe place. It's just a misfortune," she added. No one else was injured.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert send their most heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Nathan Hayes.

Lake County Civic Leader Pleads Guilty in DUI Manslaughter Case

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Bruce Duncan, a former assistant public defender, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in the sentencing hearing for the drunk-driving accident in Florida that killed Herbert Muller as he was riding his motorcycle in October 2009.

Defense lawyers had called on friends and colleagues to testify about Duncan's long career as a civic leader and community activist, and his remorseful plea for forgiveness.

Family, friends and fellow motorcyclists had gathered at the hearing to ask for justice for the death of Herbert Muller, a 61-year-old postal worker and Vietnam War veteran, of Mount Dora, who was killed when Duncan turned his pickup truck into the path of his motorcycle. Duncan had been drinking half a bottle of vodka and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.16, twice the legal limit.

Duncan faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The prosecution is requesting 12-and-a-half, while the defense attorneys ask for four years in prison with 10 years probation.

Duncan has vowed to start a scholarship in Muller's honor and to speak to groups about the evils of drinking and driving.

Lake County Circuit Judge Michael Takac declared he needs more time before deciding on a sentence, which is now expected to be pronounced at the end of the month.

Orange City University High School Student Seriously Injured By Teacher's Car

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A University High School teacher, Geeta Laloo, aged 48, of Palm Coast, was traveling westbound on Rhode Island Avenue when she hit a 14-year-old boy, Zachary Buckert, who was crossing Rhode Island Avenue with another student at Carpenter Avenue.

The Florida car accident happened at 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday. According to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) spokeswoman Sgt. Kim Montes, it was a low-speed impact that nevertheless seriously injured Buckert. The boy was airlifted to Halifax Health Medical Center.

The FHP issued a citation to Laloo for violation of a pedestrian's right of way. Laloo has been employed by Volusia County schools for 6 years. Currently teaching computer and business classes, she has lost two loved ones in traffic crashes and regularly teaches road safety.

Laloo lost her spouse and a niece in a car accident, and in 1999 her son was hurt when a truck slammed into the back of the family car.

Laloo is still trying to understand what happened. She says she was driving slowly, foot on the brake, and was looking carefully in all directions.

Nancy Wait, the Volusia County Schools spokeswoman, said they are trying to support all those involved in the accident. The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert wish young Zachary Buckert a speedy recovery.

Running Red Light, Orange County School Bus Crashes Into Car

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Florida crash occurred early Thursday when a bus that was not carrying children ran a red light at the intersection of Old Winter Garden Road and Good Homes Road, crashing into a Kia sedan.

The bus driver, 32-year-old Joinel Jorcelin, was in serious condition when he was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC). Investigators said the driver of the Kia, 52-year-old Cang Trung To was in critical condition and is fighting for his life at ORMC. Florida Highway Patrol troopers said the bus hit the Kia at the driver's door, damaging the car to such extent that the driver had to be extricated by emergency personnel, according to a WFTV.com report.

Bus driver Jorcelin had been with the school district for five years, investigators said. The District Transportation Management declared that deciding a course of action will have to wait until a full crash report is made available. Jerry Huckeba of Orange County Schools said: "We rely greatly on what Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) gives us as far as a report on incidents. As with any incidents like this, we're going to spend a lot of time investigating."

The school district performs drug and alcohol tests whenever there is an accident with injuries involving a driver. The FHP declared it will view on-board video from the bus that may confirm who was at fault, and that charges are pending.

Orange County Motorcycle Crash Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Hurt

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

An Orange County deputy attempted to pull over a speeding motorcyclist and his passenger at the Beachline when the crash occurred.

The motorcycle rider slowed down to pull over, and was hit from behind by a coming pickup truck that failed to reduce its speed. Troopers said the truck ran into the back of the motorcycle and threw both riders off.

According to a report by ClickOrlando.com both motorcyclists suffered critical injuries. One man was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center and is expected to live, and a woman was airlifted to Florida Hospital East, where she was pronounced dead, troopers said.

The crash occurred last Saturday on State Road 520. The westbound lanes of SR 520 remained closed while troopers investigated the accident.

This tragic event illustrates again the terrible consequences the slightest distraction or mistake has on unprotected motorcyclists.

Motorcycles have powerful engines in relation to their weight and slow down quickly when decelerating, without even a need to use brakes. What would have been, for a car, a small rear-end collision with the truck coming from behind became a deadly crash sending two motorcyclists flying to terrible injuries.

Witnessing countless crashes caused by other motorists, our attorneys will never stop advocating more cautious and defensive motorcycle riding and the use of protective gear.

Truck Stop Shortage In Florida Addressed By Federal Funds

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a recent article, the Sun Sentinel reported that the Federal Highway Administration has awarded $1 million to the state of Florida to add a new truck stop with 90 truck parking spaces near the junction of Interstate 595, Florida's Turnpike and State Road 7.

Every time an 18-wheeler parks on a highway shoulder or exit ramp, other motorists are at an increased risk of collision. Truckers have often no choice. "We have trucks parking all over the place," says Jeff Weidner, a Florida Department of Transportation project manager, "along the road, under bridges, in park-and-ride lots." Some roads, like Interstate 95, carry as many as 10,000 trucks a day.

While motorists do not often crash into parked tractor-trailers, the shortage of truck stops has more dangerous consequences, ironically brought about by the Department of Transportation's safety rules. The hours-of-service regulation prohibits drivers to drive more than 11 consecutive hours. This means that there are peak hours when most truck drivers, tired after so many hours of driving, converge to the few parking lots that are available in the region where they happen to be. Not only do they want to stop, wash, eat and rest, they must do it immediately.

The Florida 595 Truck Stop will open in May 2012. The nearest full-service truck stop along the I-595 was 60 miles away in Port St. Lucie, with only 35 parking spots for 18-wheelers.

Florida Motorcyclists To Claim Their Anger in Lake County Court

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A DailyCommercial.com news post reports the anger of Florida's largest motorcycle rights group, ABATE, at the public officials lining up to speak on behalf of Bruce Duncan, who is charged with DUI manslaughter in an October 2009 crash that killed a 61-year-old motorcyclist, Herbert "Steve" Muller.

Members of ABATE's Lake County chapter will turn out in great numbers on September 19th in Tavares, when former assistant public defender and assistant Lake County attorney Bruce Duncan will be sentenced.

Having heard that Florida State Representative H. Marlene, Circuit Judges G. Richard Singletary and T. Michael Johnson, Lake-Sumter Community College President Dr. Charles Mojock, Tavares City Administrator John Drury, Lake EMS Executive Director Jim Judge and 14 other community leaders are planning to testify in defense of Duncan. The motorcyclists' rights group feels the time has come to stand up against a gross attempt to hamper the course of due justice.

Abate's public relations trustee David Rich declared: "The pending testimony by these elected and appointed officials is nothing more than a total abuse of their positions. These government and community officials are put in their occupations to work in the best interests of taxpayers, not to defend the actions of a personal friend that got drunk, made the wrong decision to drive his truck, and allegedly caused a crash that killed a biker."

Duncan reportedly turned his pickup into Muller's path while driving home from a Florida Gators football game. He had a half-empty bottle of vodka in his truck and a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16, twice the legal limit.

Orlando Crash Kills Adult, Child, and Injures 6

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Around 8:40 Friday morning, sitting at the intersection of south Rio Grande Avenue and Grand Street near Clear Lake, Cloverly Livingston waited for a white car full of kids to make a left turn.

The white car spun around and was hit by a red SUV slamming into its passenger door. The impact killed Gabriel Caillot, aged 43, and Gaeton Valceus, aged 11, instantly.

Witnesses rushed to try to help, but three girls in the white car, Julissa Valceus, 7, Emmanuelle Agelie Paul, 12 and Abigialle Caillot, 10, were trapped in the backseat. Emergency responders had to cut through the roof to get them out, according to a CFNews13.com report.

The driver of the red SUV, 28-year-old Yahaira Ramirez, and passengers Desiree Leija, aged 1, and Diomaris Vasquez, aged 8, were taken to a local hospital in serious condition.

Witnesses said it was the worst crash they had ever seen, but it was not immediately clear what was the cause of it.

Horrific Orlando crashes like this one are a reminder of how important it is to drive defensively, always on the look-out for possible mistakes and unforeseen events. This is especially true when children are in the car who are, not just physically but also emotionally, very vulnerable in a car accident.

Cocoa Village Now Ranks No.1 in Brevard As Most Likely Place To Crash

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

"If you try to maintain the speed limit, they will run you over," says Ovril Chong-You, pointing at the State Road 520-Brevard Avenue intersection right across from his office.

Chong-You and his partner Rose Moore, co-owners of Access PhotoGraphics, moved from Rockledge to Cocoa Village last month, according to a Florida Today report, and have already witnessed two Brevard crashes.

According to Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) the one-block section of SR 520 from Brevard to Delannoy Avenue is the most likely place on the Space Coast to get into a fender-bender.

Other portions of Cocoa Village - on Florida Avenue and Forrest Avenue - rank sixth and ninth respectively on the TPO's top ten crash-rate list.

Brevard officials consider the crash list to decide where and how to spend federal and state funds for road infrastructure.

The No.2 location on the crash-rate list is westbound Eau Gallie Boulevard in Melbourne, between Pineapple and Highland Avenues, while the third place on the top-ten list is a barrier-island location: State Road A1A between SR 520 and Marion Lane in Cocoa Beach.

Tourists swarm this commercial corridor, and frequent stop-and-go traffic generates rear-end collisions.

According to Jane Lim-Yap, senior planner with Kittelson & Associates, of Orlando, total crashes dropped 14 percent across Brevard County this year, probably due to the sluggish economy and the ongoing Interstate 95 construction.

Alachua County Patrol Car in Emergency Lane Demolished in Crash

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Gainesville Gazette reports that an Alachua County deputy, Sgt. Scott Ulrich, was outside his 2007 Crown Victoria patrol car on the west emergency lane of southbound Interstate 75, when the car was hit by another vehicle Monday morning at about 6 a.m.

The Florida Highway Patrol said Ulrich, an Alachua County deputy since December 1996, was responding to an earlier crash. FHP Trooper Keith Davis said the patrol car was hit by a four-door 2003 BMW driven by Nevada Tawanna Bass, 34, of Georgia. She and her passenger, Ursula Germaine Twyman, 39, of Lauderdale, were transported to North Florida Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

Davis further confirmed that Ulrich had properly parked the patrol car with its emergency lights activated. The collision may be partly explained by the heavy rain that poured down at the time of the crash, which occurred near mile marker 391, about a mile north of the 39th Avenue interchange where Ulrich was attending to a multiple-vehicle accident.

No other injuries were reported in this Florida crash. The collision blocked all three southbound lanes for more than 90 minutes. Drivers going south were detoured off the interstate at U.S. 441. No charges had been filed yet at the time of the report, pending further investigation.

Seminole Woods Two-Vehicle Crash Leaves 4 Seriously Injured

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Lisa Bianco, 42, of Bunnell, was driving a Pontiac Montana van east on Seminole Woods Boulevard with her two children, Madison, aged 7, and Lincoln, aged 5. When she attempted to make a left turn to enter the Integra Woods complex, she violated the right of way of oncoming traffic, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Traveling westward was Daniel Legault, aged 39, in a Supercharged Ford Mustang. The van cut into his path and the two vehicles collided head-on in the westbound lane.

Bianco's van rolled on its right side and came to rest on its roof, ejecting Lincoln onto the sidewalk north of the roadway.

FlaglerLive.com further reports that a neighbor, whose home was in front of the road where the wreck took place, heard the noise he described as "a big explosion" and came out to help the child on the sidewalk.

Lisa Bianco was taken to Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach with serious injuries. Both children were taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando and are said to be in critical condition.

The driver of the Mustang, Legault, was in serious condition and taken to Shands Hospital in Gainesville following this serious Florida crash.

Motorists Running Off Roadway Cause 2 Fatal Crashes in Clay and Duval

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two separate accidents in Jacksonville and Clay County are being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol, Jacksonville.com reports.

On Tuesday at 11:10 p.m., Michael A. Cayton, aged 31, of Middleburg, was driving southbound on County Road 209 north of Talisman Drive when he lost control for an unknown reason.

Crashing through a fence, Cayton's truck hit an above-ground swimming pool and crashed through another fence before coming to a standstill. Cayton was taken to Shands Jacksonville hospital where he was pronounced dead. He had been wearing a seatbelt.

On Wednesday at 3:40 a.m., George Emery Dunlap, aged 74, of Jacksonville, was traveling southbound on Florida 9A when his Ford van rode off the highway for an unknown reason, struck a concrete wall at the Lee Road overpass and caught fire. Dunlap died at the scene.

According to Highway Patrol Lt. Bill Leeper, there were no signs that Dunlap applied the brakes before striking the barrier.

Many crashes are caused by drivers steering out of their lanes for unexplained reasons. The cause may be distraction, but when this happens, there is usually a sudden reaction, and braking and turning marks are clearly visible. Oftentimes, a driver has suffered a medical issue, which is more probable in the case of elderly drivers.

Orlando Family Devastated By Crash

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Brandon Lee Benton, aged 27, was driving a 1996 Chevy sport utility vehicle east on Colonial Drive last Friday when he failed to stop for a red light. The SUV struck a 1997 Dodge Stratus that was heading south towards the intersection on Chuluota Road. The Stratus had a green signal.

The driver of the Stratus, John Allan Knorr, 42, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center (OMRC) in critical condition. His son, Matthew, aged 17, was a passenger and was pronounced dead on the scene, according to a report by the Orlando Sentinel.

Matthew Knorr, the middle child of three and an East River High School rising senior, enjoyed hunting, a pastime he'd learned from his grandfather. Matthew relished spending weekends with his grandparents, helping them with shopping, mowing the grass, anything.

Above all, Matthew loved being with his dad, a disabled former mechanic. "They were basically inseparable," says Jessica Knorr, John's wife and Matthew's mother. Jessica remains by her husband's side at OMRC while he battles for his life.

John Knorr had recently purchased Matthew a used pick-up truck. The boy hoped to get his driver's license in November after his 18th birthday.

Benton, the SUV driver, suffered only minor injuries and was not hospitalized. The Florida crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.

Man Who Killed Teen In Hit-and-Run Crash Had Failed To Activate Breathalyzer Interlock

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

WFTV.com reports that Florida State Troopers arrested Eric Wydra last Thursday. Wydra was driving a Pontiac Grand-Am when he allegedly hit 15-year-old Anthony Rodriguez in November last year, killing him. At the time of the Florida crash, Wydra didn't have a license because it was revoked. He has been charged with leaving the scene of the crash.

According to Kim Montes, spokeswoman for the Florida Highway patrol in Orange County, Wydra had been convicted of drunken driving twice in the past, and required to install a breathalyzer ignition interlock device in his car. Back in May 2010, the system was installed and verified by the examiner. With an interlock system, the driver has to blow into the device which will prevent the engine ignition if a higher than legal alcohol content is detected.

In June, Wydra failed to show up for the regular check-ups to see if the system is still in place. The vendor notified him that if he did not show up, the device would be turned off, preventing him from using his car. Wydra simply got rid of the car and bought himself a Pontiac, the car involved in the hit-and-run crash that killed Rodriguez.

Montes admits there is a serious problem with the enforcement of driving license suspension and DUI convictions: "We have 100,000 drivers that are suspended at this time and should not be behind the wheel, and this is an ongoing problem," she said.

Red-Light Cameras Are Coming To Kissimmee

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

By mid-August, Kissimmee hopes to have 10 cameras in action at the city's busiest intersections, and will become the first jurisdiction in Osceola County to install red-light cameras.

Among Central Florida cities, only Orlando has more cameras, 17 of them, but spread over a wider area and with heavier traffic than Kissimmee, according to an Orlando Sentinel report.

Vice-Mayor and City Commissioner Art Otero declared: "Many people drive in our streets very aggressively. The light changes to yellow or red, and some people think it means, ‘Go faster.' We want to curb this behavior and have a safer city."

The City approved the use of the cameras in 2009 but had to hold back until the Legislature passed a law authorizing their use. The registered owner of a vehicle caught running a red light will get a $158 ticket by mail. Of this amount, the state keeps $75. The remainder is used to pay the camera supplier, Arizona-based Redflex Traffic Systems, and to set up a review system.

In the review system, each image of a potential violation is reviewed by law enforcement before a citation is issued. The cost of this review system is expected to be high, meaning the cameras are not expected to be a big money-maker for Kissimmee.

Mayer Jim Swan however thinks it is a public safety issue, and the cameras are a good tool to prevent Florida accidents.

Motorcyclist Dies In Crash Near Ormond Beach

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Robert Steven O'Neill, aged 24, was approaching the L.B. Knox drawbridge on High Bridge Road, near John Anderson Road north of Ormond Beach. The drawbridge signals were activated, but O'Neill, attempting to stop, lost control of his 2004 Kawasaki.

Falling from the bike, O'Neill landed on the roadway and was pronounced dead at the scene, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

This tragic accident reminds all bikers that speed and inexperience are the first cause of motorcycle crashes in Florida.

Far too many motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle crashes, indicating a loss of control by the biker. Speed and inexperience are linked, obviously, because an experienced, well-trained motorcyclist is capable of riding at higher speeds than the novice biker. Experience and training also bring along prudence and the capacity for immediately adjusting speed to potential obstacles.

Every day, there are reports in Florida of bikers skidding out of a curve, being unable to avoid a sudden obstacle, sliding on a wet surface or rear-ending a stopping vehicle at an intersection.

Motorcycle riding is not for everyone, and is inherently dangerous because bikers are vulnerable. The first thing every biker should do is training. The second is to buy adequate protective gear. The third is to ride defensively. The fourth is to enjoy the ride.

Florida One Of 17 States Still Not Banning Texting

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A recent Ocala.com report stresses the point that Florida is one of an increasingly small group of states that does not think it necessary to ban texting while driving, despite the overwhelming correlation between texting and fatal or severe motor vehicle accidents in Florida.

Indiana and Maine have become the latest states to ban texting while driving, along with 33 other states, the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

The Legislature considered several bills concerning the use of hand-held devices during its recent session, which ended May 6th. One would have prohibited drivers younger than 18 from using cell phones while driving; another would have required the DMV to educate drivers about the dangers of using handheld devices while driving.

The first passed the Legislature but was not signed by Gov. Rick Scott. The latter died in the Communications, Energy and Public Utilities committee.

An earlier proposed bill died in the Transportation committee.

In a recent News article, we pointed out that, at a speed of 60 mph, a car travels 28 yards in one second. Texting typically keeps the driver's eyes of the road for periods of 3 to 5 seconds, interrupted by a split-second glance to the front. Is it surprising to find out that texting increases the risk of a serious crash as much as 23 times?

Texting and driving should be banned in Florida, and soon.

Palm Coast Woman Critically Injured In Single-Vehicle Crash

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Doreen E. Silva was heading north on the inside lane of U.S.1 when her 2009 Nissan Versa drifted onto the shoulder. According to a witness, Silva overcorrected, and her car spun across the northbound lanes to hit a highway sign and a tree, ending up rolling over onto its roof.

Silva was taken to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach where she was said to be in critical condition Sunday night, the News Journal reports.

Why did Silva's car veer towards the shoulder? The answer is not known, but her overcorrection suggests that she was distracted for a second or two.

Many motorists do not realize, as they fumble with a cell phone or coffee cup, that a car travels 28 yards per second, at a speed of 60 miles per hour.

Two seconds of inattention is enough to allow your vehicle to ride 56 yards off the lane, towards the shoulder or another lane. When the driver suddenly realizes he or she is about to run off the road, or about to hit another vehicle, the result is panic and overreaction.

Just as we hope that Mrs. Silva will soon recover from her injuries, we urge our readers to stay focused on the road, remembering the math: 1 second equals 28 yards.

Head-On Collision Kills Family of 3, Injures 2 Others in Osceola County

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Just before 11 p.m. on Monday, 17-year-old Adolfo Carmenate was driving his small, white Honda eastbound on Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee. In the car were Yaritza DeJesus Campos, aged 17, and 1-year-old Yadiel Carmenate. Attempting to change lanes, the driver apparently lost control of the car, entered into the westbound lane and struck an oncoming pickup truck head-on, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

All three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene of this Florida accident. The driver of the pickup truck, Mayra Santiago, 49, and her passenger, Esteban Rivera-Fuentes, 24, were pulled out of the vehicle and taken by helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center, apparently with minor injuries.

Investigators said the teenagers were wearing seat belts and the child was restrained in a car seat. The exact cause of the accident is not known at this time. Some witnesses said the Honda may have been speeding, while investigators noted the car was riding on a spare tire which could have been a cause of the crash. Alcohol and drugs are not considered to have played a role in the accident.

There is very little you can do to avoid a car crossing the median towards you. It all happens in a split second. The only thing Florida motorists can do to limit the risks of accidents caused by drivers losing control of their vehicles is to campaign and vote for strict law enforcement regarding drivers' qualifications.

Man Arrested For Merritt Island Hit And Run Accident That Injured 7-Year Old

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two weeks ago, Maximillian Guevara, aged 7, of Merritt Island, was riding his bicycle westbound on Alma Boulevard when a 1997 Ford pickup truck crossed into his path. Maximillian's bicycle struck the truck, and he was seriously injured in the Florida crash. The boy was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando according to reports in Florida Today.

Maximilian is now wheelchair-bound for at least the next eight weeks with a broken leg, a broken rib, several stitches to his left arm and an issue with one of his lungs.

"It's a miracle that he is going to be OK," his mother declared to Florida Today, adding, "Our lives have been thrown upside-down, with all the doctor appointments, the physical therapy and my work cleaning houses."

Brian Berka, 41, of Merritt Island, was later arrested at his mother's house by Florida Highway Patrol troopers, and confessed to fleeing the scene of the accident.

A search by Brevard County sheriff's deputies led to the discovery of the damaged pickup truck in a Target store parking lot several blocks from the crash site.

Berka has an extensive arrest record involving burglary, fraud and drugs, as well as several traffic violations. He was released from state prison after serving a five-year sentence on a theft charge.

Motorcyclist Killed In Daytona Beach Car Wreck.

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The accident occurred Sunday afternoon, when William Lee Hughes, aged 54, of Port Orange, was riding north on his motorcycle on Tomoka Farms Road. Crossing the intersection with International Speedway Boulevard, Hughes's motorcycle struck a westbound car allegedly running the traffic light at International Speedway Boulevard. According to a report by Examiner.com, the motorcycle hit the left-front fender of the car, driven by Lakecia S. Harris, aged 31, of Deland, and Hughes was thrown from his bike and suffered fatal injuries. Harris received minor injuries.

Sgt. Kim Montes of the Florida Highway Patrol says alcohol was not a factor in the motorcycle accident. The crash closed west-bound International Speedway Boulevard at Tomoka Farms Road for several hours while troopers conducted their investigation. Charges are pending.

The motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert send their most sincere condolences to the family and friends of William Lee Hughes.

Once again, a tragic accident shows how vulnerable bikers are. They are vulnerable to the mistakes of others, or to their own mistakes, with a terrible price to pay. It would seem like much too often, other drivers simply do not see motorcyclists. They see trucks and cars, either big or brightly colored, but motorcycles escape their attention. As motorcycle fans, the attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert constantly remind Florida motorcyclists to be extremely careful, wary of other vehicles at intersections, and to wear adequate protective gear at all times.

Click-It or Ticket Campaign Starts Now in Florida

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

James Billings, 75, of Leesburg, died early last Friday when his pickup hit a loaded log truck. A second person was killed the same day in Altoona where car passenger Jessica Walker, 26, of Ocala, was ejected in a two-vehicle crash. None of the victims were wearing a seatbelt.

These are but a few of the countless auto accidents attended by the Florida Highway Patrol resulting in fatalities and serious injuries that could have been avoided had the car occupants buckled up. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) declared that law enforcement will be making a round-the-clock sweep for motorists who fail to wear a safety belt. According to NHTSA data, in 2009 in Florida, 344,511 safety belt citations were issued.

The good news is that, with the advent of the primary seatbelt law, Florida's seatbelt usage has climbed to an all-time high of 87.5 percent, DailyCommercial.com reports.

It has been calculated that 908 traffic accident fatalities could have been avoided in Florida in 2010 had the vehicle occupants been restrained with a seatbelt.

The campaign's website, www.clickitfla.com features informative facts and figures that include the estimated yearly number of fatalities due to lack of safety belt use in the following counties:

Volusia: 39
Brevard: 26
Orange: 55
Duval: 38
Polk: 53

Three Unrestrained Passengers Ejected From SUV in Beachline Rollover Crash

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a thus far unexplained single-vehicle crash, a black SUV rolled over several times on State Road 528 near mile marker 2, ejecting 9-year-old twins and one 21-year-old female passenger, Evelyn Dolores Pineda. The driver, Maria Dolores Camacho, 42, of Orlando and mother of the twins, was apparently unhurt while two male passengers, 21-year-old Emilio Quinones and 22-year-old Johnny Valentine Velazquez were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center.

One of the two 9-year-old boys and a 1-year-old boy were taken to Winnie Palmer Hospital along with Pineda, MyFoxOrlando.com reports.

According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, the three ejected passengers were not wearing seatbelts, while all other occupants had been restrained.

There is no better, if frightening, illustration of the necessity to wear seatbelts at all times, in the front or back, and to keep children adequately restrained in booster or safety seats.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert sincerely hope that all injured car occupants will soon recover from this traumatic experience.

The difference a seatbelt makes is more spectacularly displayed in rollover accidents than in any other type of crash. Most unrestrained car occupants are ejected in a rollover crash, and the majority of ejected occupants are killed in the accident.

Woman Dies From Injuries in Last Month's Brevard County Six-Car Pileup

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Cheryl A. Browne, aged 53, was seriously hurt in the April 19th accident, but rescuers thought her injuries were not life threatening. She passed away last week of causes directly related to the accident, according to the Brevard County Medical Examiner.

As reported by Florida Today, 27-year-old Brigham Reed Clark had been taking prescription drugs and was text-messaging when his Ford F-150 truck slammed into the back of a Chrysler PT Cruiser which had stopped at a red light on U.S. 192. The Chrysler's back portion was entirely compacted into the front seats, and the car was pushed 20 feet forward, slamming into four other vehicles.

While seven people were hurt in the pileup, Clark was shocked but not injured. Sgt. Kim Montes, a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) spokeswoman said the FHP had been told there were only minor injuries, which meant the FHP went forward with a routine investigation. Browne was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Clark declared he was texting while driving and had taken prescription medication. By law, troopers could not forcibly draw blood from Clark because the crash did not involve a serious injury. Browne later returned to her Palm Bay home where she died early Friday last week, from causes that were not specified but are said to be directly related to the accident.

Now the FHP will have to conduct a complete homicide investigation.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert send their heartfelt sympathy to the two daughters, husband, relatives and friends of Mrs. Browne.

Three-Vehicle Crash on St. John's River Bridge Kills One Woman

Fri, 27 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Helen M. Miller was driving her 2000 Dodge Caravan eastwards across the bridge on State Road 46 between Sanford and Geneva. She veered off onto the wrong side of the road, sideswiping an oncoming tow truck. The impact sent the Caravan rotating and smashing into a 1998 Ford F-150 truck traveling behind the tow truck. The Caravan ended its course on the north portion of the bridge, facing northeast.

The tow truck was sent crashing into the bridge's northern concrete wall. The Ford pick-up truck also hit the wall and ended hanging partially over the wall.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Miller was taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The Ford truck driver, Lambert J. Eichner, 25, was transported to the same hospital with minor injuries. The tow-truck driver, Jose M. Torres, 48, also suffered minor injuries but was not hospitalized.

The bridge was closed during several hours as crews investigated the crash and cleared the road.

Many reports of tragic motor vehicle accidents in Florida tell the story but do not explain why the crash happened. What is the cause of the thousands of single-vehicle crashes, red-light-running wrecks, head-on collisions and rear-ending accidents? Is it speeding, driving under the influence, distraction, falling asleep or a heart attack?

Why do vehicles suddenly cross the median to hit someone in the opposite traffic lane? Why do cars fail to stop? Why do motorcycles veer off the lane in a curve? Why do SUVs roll over into the embankment?

There may be a serious problem with more and more drivers who do not see the responsibility associated with driving, for whom driving is a harmless occupation that can be done any way they want.

Four Years After Titusville Teen Fatalities: New Law Targeting House Party Drinking.

Wed, 25 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Morgan Gordon, 16, and Chelsea Beck, 17, died tragically in a single-car accident in 2006. A few months later in 2007, Shane Alvarez and Brian Popovich, both 19, and Cassady Pullins, 16, were killed in a motorcycle crash.

In both cases, the teenagers had been drinking at house parties before hitting the road. Tyler Winik, 16 years old at the time and a friend of Gordon's and Beck's, went on a mission to promote tougher state laws against drinking at house parties. According to the Florida Today report, Brevard County commissioners were among those who supported the effort, ending with the recent bill approved by Florida lawmakers, now sent to Governor Rick Scott for signature.

The bill increases the penalty for second or subsequent offense violating the open house party statute, and the charge if a minor is seriously injured or killed as a result of drinking alcohol or taking drugs at a house party.

Coming at graduation time when many high school seniors prepare to celebrate, this bill is a reminder that parents are the first in line to combat teenage drunken driving and need to take all necessary steps to prevent tragedy.

It also shows how the persistence of one person, Tyler Winik, can make a difference.

Do Red Light Cameras Reduce Accidents in Florida?

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A February 2011 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) finds that camera enforcement in 14 large U.S. cities reduced the rate of fatal red-light-running crashes by 24 percent, the National Safety Council reports.

In its conclusions the IIHS also estimates that the rate of all fatal crashes, not just red-light-running, was 17 percent lower than what would have been expected without cameras.

The study covered fatal intersection crashes from 2004 to 2008 in 14 cities with red-light cameras and 48 cities without camera enforcement. According to the IIHS, had red light cameras been in place during the same period in all 99 U.S. cities with populations more than 200,000, a total of 815 deaths could have been avoided.

Commenting on the study, the Governors Highway Safety Association reminds drivers that nearly two-thirds of intersection crash fatalities are people other than the lawbreaking driver. Cameras at intersections have proven to inhibit drivers who tend to accelerate when lights turn to red, instead of coming to a halt. Most vehicles reduce their speed at intersections fitted with cameras.

Florida can do better, ranking in the top five highest intersection crash fatalities nationwide. Every year, more cities and counties install red-light cameras, and it is hoped that Florida will follow the trend in order to bring appalling highway accident statistics under control.

Experience has shown that when rules are enforced, they are obeyed.

Two Motorcycle Riders Critically Injured in Orange County

Fri, 13 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A passenger car with five people on board crashed head-on with a motorcycle last Sunday near the intersection of Silver Star Road and North-Apopka-Vineland Road in West Orange County.

The two people riding the motorcycle were thrown 50 feet from the bike. They were transported to Orlando Regional Healthcare Center and are in a critical condition. Neither of them was wearing a helmet, according to a report from WFTV.com.

The five occupants of the car were two adults and two children, who had to be treated for non-life threatening injuries, and one two-month old baby who was restrained in a child safety seat and was not injured.

The Florida Highway Patrol did not immediately explain what caused the collision.

The sad reality of motorcycling is that bikers are vulnerable, whatever the cause of the accident. Estimates on motorcycle crash causation show that a motorcyclist error is responsible for the crash in 37 percent of the cases, whereas in 50 percent of the crashes the primary contributing factor was an error on the part of the other vehicle driver.

Motorcyclist Killed in Terrible Orlando Crash

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Motorcycle crashes do not make for pleasant news. Last Tuesday's awful accident shows just how bad it can be. According to the Orlando Sentinel, a 2007 Toyota was at a stop sign in the left turn lane of the eastbound International Drive at State Road 535. Motorcyclist Scott Brush, arriving at the intersection traveling southbound on S.R. 535, had the right-of-way when the Toyota pulled directly into his path. The motorcycle struck the Toyota's left side, pinning the biker to the car that continued to travel, dragging the motorcyclist until it came to a rest in the northbound lanes of S.R.535.

Scott Brush, aged 30, died at the scene. The Toyota driver, Jesse Reeve, 21, of Celebration, explained he had not seen the biker arriving. The Florida Highway Patrol troopers said charges are pending.

The motorcycle accident lawyers of Johnson & Gilbert send their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Scott Brush.

Without any real protection, motorcyclists are vulnerable in the case of a violent crash. A distracted driver is enough to ruin your life, and we all know how distracted drivers can be. No matter how experienced and careful you are, on the road your life is also in other peoples' hands.

Eight Florida Motorcyclists Involved In Various Almost Simultaneous Crashes.

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

What happened in Pinellas Park Wednesday night?

Eight Florida bikers got involved in accidents resulting in seven people being injured, six of them bikers. One motorcyclist suffered very serious injuries; the other victims are expected to recover soon, according to a detailed report from TampaBay.com.

In the first 9 p.m. incident, three motorcycles were speeding when one of the riders struck the back of a Lincoln that had just made a U-turn and was riding slowly. The biker was thrown 200 feet and suffered life-threatening injuries. The Lincoln driver suffered minor injuries.

The two other motorcycles were laid down by their riders, one of them sliding 250 feet. They were both seriously injured.

A second crash occurred about an hour later when a car struck metal debris that was thrown into a passing motorcycle. The biker and the car came to a stop as both vehicles were disabled. Troopers arrived to investigate the incident. This is when three motorcyclists drove by, one of them slowing down to look at the scene and another hitting him in the back. A third motorcyclist arriving at high speed tried to stop, hit the second one and was thrown off his bike.

Three of the six motorcyclists involved in the crashes wore helmets.

Orange County Deputy Says Crash Was Caused By Failing Brakes.

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shane Dickens was responding to a call last Thursday, traveling south on Orange Blossom Trail, when he approached Landstreet Road. Trying to move into center lane, his brakes failed and he ended up into the northbound lanes instead, where he struck an oncoming Ford van.

The driver of the van, Zaida Fontanez and her passenger suffered minor injuries and were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, as well as Dickens, also suffering from minor injuries, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Deputy Dickens later declared that his cruiser's brakes had failed, causing him to lose control of the car. The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating.

Car crashes caused by defective auto parts are rare, but happen nevertheless. At times, auto accidents are caused or aggravated by malfunctioning or poorly designed cars without anyone noticing it, the cause being attributed to a driver error. If that is the case, an expert investigation may uncover the truth and you might file a product liability claim against the car or part manufacturer or dealer.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash caused by someone else, call the Ormond Beach accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert immediately for a FREE discussion of your case.

Elderly Hilliard Driver Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last Friday in Nassau County, Pearl Andrew Simmons, aged 77, was driving his Toyota Camry on County Road 108 and failed to stop at a red light at the intersection with U.S.1.

The Toyota came into the path of a Chevrolet Trailblazer and was hit on the driver's side, killing Simmons instantly. The SUV driver, Larry Dean Brooker Jr., of Green Cove Springs had minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing a seatbelt, according to the Highway Patrol.

According to the Jacksonville.com report the crash occurred at 2 a.m. and the reason why Simmons failed to stop is not known at this time.

The Ormond Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert send their most heartfelt feelings of sympathy to the family and friends of Pearl Andrew Simmons.

Losing someone you love in an accident is a devastating experience. No matter how careful you drive, there is always the possibility of the completely unexpected behavior of a driver who is distracted, drowsy, under the influence, reckless or having a medical issue.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash caused by someone else, call the Ormond Beach accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert immediately for a FREE discussion of your case.

Motorist killed in Orange County auto accident

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), a 53-year-old man from Orlando was killed Saturday night in a two-car crash at the curve linking Zell Drive and United Way.

Orlando Medina was driving his Dodge Neon southbound on United Way, when Leslie Pimentel, driving a Lexus SUV westbound on Zell Drive, turned right into United Way but crossed the double yellow line into Medina's lane, and struck the Dodge Neon on the driver's side, the Orlando Sentinel report said.

Medina was pronounced dead at the scene. Pimentel, 29, and her passengers Jorge Felix, 28, and Maria Pimentel, 20, were unhurt, the FHP said.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert express their most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Orlando Medina.

This is another tragedy caused by inexperienced or distracted drivers, doing unspeakable damage to unsuspecting motorists. Whatever the compensation received for wrongful death it will never replace the loss of life.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash caused by someone else, call the Ormond Beach accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert immediately for a FREE discussion on your case.

The Distressing Truth of Single-Vehicle Accidents.

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, a 16-year old girl was killed in a single-vehicle accident Saturday just before midnight. The girl, Shaklyia M. Chess of Palm Coast, was driving a 1995 Infinity on U.S.1 south of Bunnell when she went toward the median, then corrected her car to the right. The car slid across the southbound lanes to the right shoulder then spun counterclockwise and slammed into trees.

The Florida Highway patrol said that further information would be provided as it becomes available.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim.

Nationwide in 2009, 53 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths occurred in single-vehicle crashes. In Florida the proportion is about the same, 52 percent, which represents 788 fatalities. This is a distressingly high number considering that most of these accidents are entirely avoidable.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call the Ormond Beach accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert immediately for a FREE discussion of your case.

Putting the Brakes on 18-Wheelers in Florida

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Semi-trailer trucks that weigh up to 80,000 lbs., roughly 20 times the mass of a car with passengers, need a 20 to 80 percent longer distance to come to a stop than a passenger vehicle. The sensible thing to do for the government is to impose a maximum speed on these large trucks, and for motor carriers to make sure truck drivers cannot exceed the speed limit. This means the mandatory use of speed governors.

What are speed governors?

Electronic on-board speed governors are standard equipment on most trucks since 1992 but are presently used only at the motor carrier's discretion. Similar systems are compulsory in Australia, the most populated provinces of Canada and the European Union, all countries with a lower fatal truck accident rate than the United States.

In Florida, as in all other U.S. states, a number of motor carriers use speed governors, while others deactivate the system. Some set the limit at 65 mph, others at a higher speed. There is no uniformity because speed limiters are not regulated by law and motor carriers' motivations differ considerably. For example, motor carriers may want to:

Prevent accidents that are more likely to occur at high speed, like jackknifing, tire blow-outs, roll-overs, etc.;
Keep gas mileage under control, as fuel consumption increases exponentially with speed;
Avoid speeding tickets that are bad for the driver, the motor carrier's record and the cost of insurance.

Any progress?

With the impetus of Road Safe America, an independent organization dedicated to reducing collisions between heavy commercial vehicles and passenger cars, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently filed a Grant Decision on a petition to require speed governors to be set on all heavy commercial vehicles at 68 mph. This is a major move forward towards the passage of a law making these devices mandatory in all states.

Is everyone moving in the same direction?

Most large trucking firms tend to agree that speed limiters are necessary. The public is certainly in favor too, as car drivers feel very uneasy when overtaken by a massive truck at 80 mph. The same cannot always be said for truck drivers who are paid by the mile, exactly the right incentive to drive as quickly as possible. This is probably the strongest argument to impose a speed limiting device on all large trucks as soon as possible.

If you have been involved in a truck accident in North and Central Florida, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert PA today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412, or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

St. Augustine biker hit by car suffers catastrophic injuries.

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last Tuesday, Patrick Whelan, a 46-year-old motorcyclist of St. Augustine, was struck by a Ford SUV whose driver was attempting to make a left turn from U.S. 1 onto Palencia Village and entered Whelan's lane. Whelan was ejected from his motorcycle and landed in the intersection. He was airlifted to Shands Jacksonville Hospital. His leg was severed in the accident and he is suffering from other serious injuries, according to the St. Augustine Record.

Whelan is the owner of the St. George Tavern on St. George Street in St. Augustine. The driver of the Ford SUV was not injured.

Just like car motorists suffer death and terrible injuries when colliding with heavy trucks, motorcycle riders are regularly the victims of accidents caused by larger vehicles, with the same consequences. In a previous fatal motorcycle accident reported this same week, the cause must have been distracted driving.

In this case, the crash could have been caused by either distraction or by a lack of visibility of the motorcyclist. A surprising number of bike crashes are the result of the other vehicle driver not seeing the motorcyclist. Studies have shown that wearing a bright or fluorescent vest and keeping the headlights on helps reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call the Ormond Beach accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert immediately for a FREE discussion of your case.

Motorcyclist killed by car running red light near Sanford.

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Tuesday afternoon, 35-year old John Urban Bennett of Sanford was riding his 2006 Harley-Davidson westbound on County Road 427 at 2.05 p.m., when he was hit at the intersection by a 2008 Dodge passenger car exiting State Road 417.

Trying to avoid the crash, Bennett toppled over and slid underneath the Dodge. Critically wounded, the biker was taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford where he died.

According to the Orlando Sentinel report, the Dodge driver, 36-year-old Jennifer Hackney, ran the red light at the intersection. The driver and a passenger, Stefanie Kelly Graziano, 27, were not injured.

The motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert wish to express their warmest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Bennett.

It is hard not to be revolted by the terrible price paid by innocent victims of someone else's distraction. As we have continuously outlined in our Articles, Blog entries and News messages, driving is a serious matter, a huge responsibility with terrible consequences if taken lightly.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call the Ormond Beach accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert immediately for a FREE discussion of your case.

Volusia / Brevard wildfire a factor in trooper's hit-and-run crash on I-95.

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Even though the 17,000-acre Iron Horse forest fire along the Volusia - Brevard county line has been contained since last Sunday, various hot spots continue to smolder and smoke.

The smoke, added to the early morning fog, caused visibility problems on Interstate 95 and was a contributing factor in a crash involving a semi-trailer and a Florida Highway Patrol cruiser on Tuesday.

According to a Daytona Beach News Journal report, Sergeant Jeffrey Holmes was driving north at 05.10 a.m., patrolling the fire zone. Visibility was quickly dropping, and troopers were preparing to shut down the highway. Driving slowly, Holmes was suddenly rear-ended by a large truck, and pushed off the road while the semi-trailer disappeared in the fog.

Holmes suffered only minor injuries that did not require transportation to the hospital, but his car was totaled. The accident happened two miles north of Brevard County Road 5A, close to where five cars had crashed the previous morning.

FHP spokesman Montes reminded that a speed limit of 70 mph is only valid in ideal weather conditions and that drivers are obliged to adjust their speed in more dangerous weather conditions.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash caused by someone else, call the Ormond Beach accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert immediately for a FREE discussion of your case.

Motorcyclist dies in Winter Garden crash

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 39-year old man was killed early on Sunday when he lost control of his 2005 Harley-Davidson.

Riding northbound on Avalon Road, the biker left the roadway in a curve, about a mile north of Flemings Road, hit a barbed-wire fence and was thrown into a tree. According to a Sun Sentinel report, the man was pronounced dead on the scene.

Approximately 25 percent of all bike crashes are single vehicle accidents like this one. While some of them are caused by sudden obstacles, like deer, pedestrians, fallen trees, etc., two-thirds are due to biker errors.

What common errors do Florida motorcyclists make?

The typical error in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash is a slide-out and fall, due to overbraking. Another is running wide on a curve, as reported above, due to excess speed or under-cornering.

This being said, some 75 percent of all motorcycle crashes involve multiple vehicles, and in two-thirds of these cases, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcyclist’s right-of-way. The failure of passenger car and commercial vehicle drivers to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is a critical and predominant factor.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Helmet saves Titusville motorcyclist's life.

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last Monday afternoon, riding his Suzuki motorcycle at high speed northbound on Mount Vernon Avenue, David Sigmore, 37 years old from Titusville, somehow veered into the southbound lane and struck a 1987 Ford Mustang head-on.

According to a Florida Today report, witnesses saw the motorcycle land at quite a distance behind the Mustang, Sigmore hitting the pavement violently on his head.

“Because he didn’t have serious head injuries, we are convinced his helmet saved his life,” one witness said. Sigmore was flown by helicopter to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, his overall condition being described as serious.

The driver of the Mustang, Joseph Thomas Higgins, 36, of Titusville was not injured.

In Brevard County, of the 15 deadly motorcycle accidents last year, only 5 of the riders were wearing a helmet. “This bike crash is certainly something that people who don’t wear helmets should see and learn from,” Titusville’s Lt. Todd Hutchinson said.

In a recent article on motorcycle helmet use in Florida we pointed out that:
•    Helmets are very effective in reducing crash fatalities and serious head injuries;
•    Helmets do not have any noticeable disadvantages;
•    Mandatory helmet laws dramatically reduce motorcycle crash fatalities;
•    And helmet use significantly reduces the cost of medical treatment born by the community.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Will texting while driving be banned in Florida this year?

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Megan Warman, a senior at Crestview High School, was buried last weekend. She was fatally injured on January 27 in a rollover accident. Megan was texting when her Chevrolet Cavalier veered into the median and crashed.

Her wrecked car has been towed to the high school parking lot to remind students of the dangers of texting while driving. The school and Megan’s family now want to raise the students’ and the public’s awareness of the risks of texting and distracted driving.

Megan’s uncle had warned her that the car would be taken away if she was ever caught texting behind the wheel, according to the NWF Daily News, adding that lecturing is not good enough. Young drivers simply do not realize the speed with which they can lose control of their vehicle. It takes less than two seconds for a car to steer away from the lane and hit the guardrail. Most of the 5,500 people who died in texting while driving accidents in the country were aged 20 or younger.

While DUI-laws have not eliminated drunken driving in Florida, the absence of stringent rules and strict enforcement would probably have made the situation far worse. Everyone agrees that banning texting while driving is the necessary first step. In 2010 a Senate bill on distracted driving passed 34-4 but died in the House. There is hope that renewed efforts in 2011 will be more successful.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle crash caused by distracted driving, drunken driving or texting while driving, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Central Florida accidents bring traffic to a halt.

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last Monday morning was bad for commuters in Central Florida, as an unusual series of truck and car crashes brought traffic to a stop at several key locations, Wesh.com reports.

A pickup truck pulling a trailer overturned on the southbound lanes of I-95 near New Smyrna, Volusia County, blocking all lanes for more than 45 minutes.

Other accidents at around the same time included one near State Road 434 that jammed the westbound lanes on I-4 from Lake Mary (Seminole County) to Maitland (Orange County) and one near Michigan Street and Kaley Avenue in Orlando, blocking two lanes of I-4.

A fourth crash, near mile marker 108 on I-4 forced the highway patrol to close two lanes.

Hundreds of thousands of Floridians rely on their cars to get to work. For most people, there is no escaping the rush hour traffic day after day, which is precisely when most accidents occur. The dangers of peak hour traffic are many:

Very dense flow of vehicles, riding very closely to each other
Sudden slowdowns and stops
Vehicles changing lanes
Distracted drivers, talking on the phone or texting
Drivers stressed by delays and slow moving flow
Confusing work zones with narrow lanes

Is there a way you can avoid rush hour traffic? Can you do more from home? Can you change your itinerary? Think about it. If you can’t avoid the peak hour traffic, make sure you leave on time.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

3-car Baker County crash leaves 5 people injured.

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early last Saturday, three cars collided north of Glen St. Mary, on County Road 125 at Odis Yarborough Road. A Chevy Blazer driven by Tony Carl Morgan, aged 29, of Sanderson, drifted out of its lane on a creek bridge and crashed head-on with a 1995 Ford pick-up, driven by David Paul Yale, aged 33, also of Sanderson.

The Blazer driver was critically injured and two passengers, Ventura Rodriguez, 40, of Macclenny, and Kevin Draut, 24, suffered serious injuries. The Ford’s driver and a passenger, Amanda Proffit, 32, of Hilliard, had critical and serious injuries respectively.

All injured victims were taken to Shands Medical Center in Jacksonville according to the Jacksonville.com report. None of them had been wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident.

A 1999 Dodge Durango traveling behind the Ford could not avoid striking the pick-up. Fortunately, neither the driver, Brenda Louise Wilkerson, aged 27 of Glen St. Mary, nor her two passengers, Cedric Larry, aged 28 of Macclenny, and Jayden Larry, aged 3, were hurt. They had all been wearing their seatbelts.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert extend their warmest sympathy to the injured victims of this accident and wish them all a speedy recovery.

Whatever the cause of this accident may have been, the facts illustrate once again the importance of buckling up, which we never tire of repeating on our published website pages.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Florida auto insurance fraud hits us all.

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent report by InsuranceNewsNet Florida tops all states for staged accidents. In 2010, dubious claims jumped 64 percent in the Orlando area, 52 percent in the Tampa area, and 13 percent in Miami, the state total reaching 2,779, up 39 percent from the previous year.

Auto insurance fraud has become more widespread and better organized, increasing the financial losses suffered by insurance companies and making it more difficult for them to detect and combat fraud effectively. In the end, all car and vehicle owners suffer as insurers increase their rates to compensate huge losses.

The fraud scheme starts with the recruitment of willing participants who stage crashes involving two or three cars and three to five people. The “injured victims” are sent to storefront clinics for dubious treatments. These clinics then bill insurers the $10,000 limit on the participants’ personal injury coverage.

Taking advantage of the state’s no-fault auto accident coverage, the criminals can repeat the same fraud scheme indefinitely with little risk of being caught. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are preparing draft legislation to curb auto-insurance fraud of this type.

A sound accident insurance coverage system is essential to protect the driver and his or her passengers. This requires healthy competition between insurance companies to keep rates as low as possible, and cannot be distorted by large scale fraud schemes that benefit criminals at the expense of the larger public.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car or motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Tanker truck fire kills two and damages bridge in Brevard County.

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last Friday, at around 3.30 p.m. a tanker carrying 2,000 gallons of gasoline collided with a small pickup truck. Both vehicles were traveling westbound on SR 528 when the pickup, traveling behind the tanker, somehow lost control and stroke the right rear side of the tanker. The pickup rolled over several times while the semi-truck continued through a barrier wall into the eastbound lanes of SR 528 and burst in flames, according to a MyFox Orlando report.

The spectacular ensuing explosion and fire inflicted considerable damage to the 528 overpass on Courtenay Parkway and made it impossible to identify immediately the two people killed in the crash. It is expected that repairs to the bridge could take 6 weeks.

Drivers losing control?

In countless cases reported by the media every week, catastrophic accidents like this one are caused by drivers “losing control.” There is something unnerving about losing control being a cause of accidents. Are drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol, are they watching videos, are they texting, or simply unwrapping sandwiches? Or are they angry, speeding, reckless or simply inexperienced?

It seems many of these drivers do not understand the seriousness of driving and do not realize how devastating an out-of-control vehicle can be, to themselves and to others.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Ford F-150 truck rolls over killing one passenger

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last week, Fort White resident Jesse Ward, 31, was driving his Ford truck north on Southwest Old Wire Road when he lost control of his vehicle on a curve near Herlong Street, according to a North Florida Herald report. The truck veered off to the west shoulder and overturned.

Ward was seriously injured, as was one passenger, Lee Posey of Branford. Another passenger, Dennis Fleming, 28 of Fort White was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert want to share their deepest sympathy with the family and friends of Dennis Fleming and wish the injured survivors a speedy recovery.

The tragedy of the loss of a young man in an accident that could have been avoided is a terrible burden for their loving relatives and the accident survivors. In our law office, we are daily in contact with Florida victims of car, truck and motorcycle accidents and we have fought countless times to obtain just compensation for their pain, suffering, medical bills and loss of wages.

In a recent article we talked about the dangers of rollover accidents in Florida. We want to share what we know about accidents with our clients and with the public to help them avoid mistakes, reduce the risks and manage the consequences of a crash. Look at the various pages of our website for information relevant to your case.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Cars ram into buildings in multiple Palm Bay accidents

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Monday at 1:50 p.m. in front of the Turner Square shopping complex at Jupiter and Eldron Boulevards, the driver of a Honda Accord, trying to avoid hitting a Chevrolet Camaro, slammed the gas pedal instead of the brake and crashed into a storefront.

The driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to Palm Bay Hospital. The building, a leasing office for the shopping center, suffered moderate damage to the structure, according to a report by Florida Today.

On the previous day, a 66-year-old woman sent her Chevrolet Tracker through the front of Sam’s Liquor at the Palm Crossing shopping center on Palm Bay Road in West Melbourne. The driver, Monique Blanchard of Palm Bay declared that the gas pedal on her SUV got stuck.

These accidents have fortunately resulted only in material damage and light injuries. It is, however, worrying to watch how the erratic behavior of some drivers would possibly cause terrible injuries and death to unsuspecting pedestrians in crowded shopping center parking lots.

As we stressed in a recent article, there has to be a time when elderly car owners should consider giving up their driving privileges. The rate of accidents increases dramatically with old age and ill health, making such a painful decision necessary to save lives.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car or motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Davenport couple killed in collision with a car near Polk City.

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Riding a Honda Goldwing motorcycle west on Deen Still Road east of State Road 33 on Sunday morning, Edward Ira Sparks, 61, and his wife, Judith Ann, 52, were hit by a Saturn car heading east crossing over into their lane. Both motorcyclists were killed on the spot.

The driver of the Saturn, Shawn Douglas Crosswell, 19, of Lakeland, apparently lost control of his car, according to a report by The Ledger.com and suffered only minor injuries.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are deeply saddened by this terrible news and express their heartfelt condolences to the family of the victims.

Once again, distressing headlines show the dangers of inexperienced, distracted or reckless drivers on Florida’s roads. The damage inflicted by such irresponsible behavior can be immense and victims of such accidents are often helpless, at times having to face grief, pain, suffering, enormous medical bills, loss of income and extensive material damage.

In the greater Central and North Florida area, the car and motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert have the experience, compassion and determination to help victims defend their rights and obtain a just settlement.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car or motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Orlando car crash kills one and injures police officer and passenger.

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

An Orlando Police Department officer was driving south on Grand National Drive just before 4 a.m. last Monday when he struck a Chrysler passenger car on the driver’s side, killing the driver and injuring the passenger.

The passenger and police officer were both taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries.

OPD and the Florida Highway Patrol are investigating the crash, and at the time of this report by Click Orlando it was unclear who had the right of way, though preliminary reports indicated the police officer did.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert send their warmest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased victim of this terrible accident.

Tragic car crashes like this one are unfortunately quite frequent in Florida and could happen even to the most law abiding, prudent and experienced drivers.

For many Florida crash victims, apart from grieving the loss of a loved one, or the pain and suffering of terrible injuries, the prospects can be daunting: loss of income, material damage and accumulating medical bills. Filing a claim for equitable compensation can be a long and arduous process with an uncertain outcome. If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Three-vehicle crash east of Lake Wales kills truck driver and injures three.

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

The accident happened at 7 a.m. on Saturday near the intersection of State Road 60 East and County Road 630 North. Travelling west on S.R. 60 were a semi tractor-trailer driven by 47 –year-old Steven Vance Gatlin, of Lakeland, and a minivan with 50-year-old James Alfonso Huggins, also of Lakeland, behind the wheel.

According to a report by NewsChief.com the semi-truck, for unknown reasons, started steering away from its lane and entered the eastbound lane into the path of an oncoming pick-up truck driven by David Theodore Alban, 43 years old, from Loxahatchee.

The semi-truck hit the left side of the pickup, causing it to rotate counterclockwise. The semi-truck rotated clockwise, jack-knifed and ended up overturning on the south shoulder.

In the meantime, the pickup entered the westbound lane of S.R. 60, collided with the minivan and started rotating clockwise, leaving the highway on the south shoulder, where it overturned.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol the semi-truck driver, Gatlin, was pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup driver, Alban, suffered minor injuries while the driver of the minivan and his passenger, Catherine D. Huggins, also of Lakeland, were both taken to Lake Wales Medical Center to treat their injuries.

We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased Steven Vance Gatlin and hope that the injured victims of this terrible accident will soon recover.

As this accident is still under investigation, it is not possible to comment on its cause. We only lament its devastating effects, and will keep on informing our readers about the dangers on Florida’s highways and the safety precautions all should heed.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car or motorcycle crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Should you carry more car insurance than required in Florida?

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Most states have laws stating the minimum amount of car insurance coverage required in order to drive a motor vehicle. In Florida, the limits are set at $10,000 for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 for Property Damage Liability (PDL).

Are these amounts enough? The answer is a resounding NO, and there are many reasons for that:

Low coverage insurance policies only look cheaper. In the event of a crash, you may end up having to pay most of your own medical expenses, your own property damage, and you could be facing enormous liability claims from the other party if you were at fault;
PIP protects you regardless of whether you are at fault or not, as well as your family members and those passengers who lack PIP. If your health care plan covers all your medical expenses if you caused a road accident, you may not need additional PIP, but if it doesn’t or if you don’t have health insurance, $10,000 will not carry you very far and you should consider increasing the amount.
PDL covers the damage to the other party’s vehicle and property if you caused the accident. Here again, the minimum amount may only cover a small part of the amount you are liable for and doesn’t cover any of the costs of repairing your own vehicle.
Even experienced and careful drivers make mistakes. Rear-ending a car on a wet or frozen roadway can be enough to make you the responsible party. If you caused injury or death to others, you could be facing financial ruin without Bodily Injury Liability insurance, which will cover the injury-related compensation owed to the other party, including legal representation if you get sued.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car or motorcycle crash caused by a reckless, negligent, distracted or drunken driver, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Emergency contact information: saving lives when every second counts.

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many traffic accidents in Florida end up with people killed or severely injured. The emergency services’ rapid reactions and split-second decisions save many lives. In some cases the injured victim is unconscious or unable to talk, so how do ER medics and surgeons get the vital information about the patient they are trying to save? And who is going to inform the family that their loved one had an accident?

Since 2006 you can register your emergency contact information (ECI) with the Florida department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and 4 million Floridians have already done so. By giving the names and information of two contacts to be notified if you are involved in a serious car, motorcycle or truck crash in Florida, you avoid what happened to Christine Olson who took the initiative and made ECI possible.

When her daughter Tiffany was injured five years ago in Manatee County her family could not be located for more than six hours. By then, it was too late; Tiffany had died from her injuries.

Christine Olson founded TIFF (To Inform Families First) because she does not want other families to suffer like she did.

Just like St. Augustine, which just published the story, we are also spreading the word and asking you to register with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department, or to update your information if it has become outdated.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car, motorcycle or truck crash caused by a reckless, negligent, distracted or drunken driver, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Tire blowout sends tractor-trailer into I-95 median

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

In the early morning hours of Saturday, a southbound semi-truck blew a tire between LPGA Boulevard and International Speedway Boulevard. The driver could not prevent the truck from lurching into the median, where it caught fire. According to a report by the Daytona Beach News Journal, nobody was seriously hurt in the accident.

Hazardous materials started seeping from a number of leaking drums, but Daytona Beach and Volusia County firefighters were able to control the fire within 20 minutes.

Several hours were needed to clean up the leaked material and the damage to the roadway.

Later, a Florida DOT spokesman indicated that pavement work was going to be necessary due to the corrosive nature of the leaked product.

Luckily, in this case there were no fatalities or serious injuries, probably due to the absence of traffic at the time of the accident. At a different hour or on another day this crash could have had a very different outcome.

The size of the truck, the tire blowout, the dangerous cargo, the loss of control (weight, cargo shift, speed)—these are all the ingredients of terrible Florida truck accidents.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash caused by a large truck, 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer, you are probably facing enormous difficulties: medical bills, long term rehabilitation, loss of income, pain and suffering. Getting compensation from the motor carrier and their insurers could add to your burden because they are often skilled at hiding damaging evidence and defending their financial interests. You should call the Ormond Beach truck accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Family reunion ends tragically on I-95 in Palm Coast.

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Hugo Campos-Leon, aged 18, was driving a 1996 Ford Expedition on I-95 heading for Eustis after a family reunion in North Carolina. In the car were four other adults and four children of the Salgado and Leon families. When the car blew a tire the driver lost control and hit several trees before flipping, according to a report by MyFoxOrlando.

All five adults were killed in the crash: Fidel Salgado, 36, Ana Lilia Figueroa-Garcia, 34, Maria Mercedez Corona-Leon, 28 and Maria Celia Leon De Corona, 48. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, most of the victims were ejected from the car and only two were wearing a seatbelt.

The children, Jairo Salgado, 6, Liset Villanueva-Leon, 6, Aldo Villanueva-Leon, 6 and Dayanna Salgado, 6 were injured but their injuries were not considered life-threatening.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are shocked by this tragedy and want to express their warmest sympathy to the Salgado and Leon families and their friends and relatives.

We can only recommend and insist on checking the car before heading for a long trip, including the tires’ wear and pressure. It is also sad that another tragedy was necessary to show once again how important it is to wear a seatbelt in the front and the back of the car, adults and children alike.

The Florida bikers' freedom to suffer brain damage

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

In a recent report, CNBC.com mentions a Gainesville Sun editorial that offers compelling arguments in favor of reinstating the mandatory motorcycle helmet law in Florida.

Just before the mandatory helmet law was repealed, 164 people died in motorcycle accidents in Florida (1999). Last year the number of fatalities reached 402. In Florida and across the country, motorcycle deaths are rising even as other traffic-related fatalities are constantly decreasing.

Nationwide, most states had mandatory helmet laws in 1998, when 2,294 people died in bike crashes. In 2009, the number of victims had increased to 4,400.

The National Safety Transportation Board keeps on hammering the fact that head injuries are a leading cause of motorcycle deaths, and that bikers who crash without the protection of a helmet are three times more likely to sustain brain injuries than those who wear a helmet.

The Gainesville Sun further argues that wearing a protective helmet should not be considered an assault on an individual’s personal freedom. It is the community who bears the brunt of the heavily subsidized health care required by traumatic brain injuries (estimated to be a staggering $310,000 per motorcyclist involved in a crash), and the welfare of their surviving family members.

The Ormond Beach motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert are passionate bikers and want bikers to be able to enjoy their rides safely. For motorcyclists, this requires driving safely, abiding by traffic regulations and wearing protective gear. But even so, many bikers are hurt by the reckless or careless behavior of other drivers, ensuing in terrible injuries or even death.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car, motorcycle or truck crash caused by reckless, negligent, distracted or drunken drivers, call immediately the Ormond Beach motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Reckless driving leaves a trail of fire in Orange County, FL

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Florida is used to unconventional behavior, but this is unlike anything we have seen in a long time. Thursday morning at around 3:00 a.m. a black BMW driving at anywhere between 90 and 110 miles per hour on Old Winter Garden Road hit the curb, snapped a tree in half, hopped a fence, hit a sign, and then struck a couple of limousines and a trailer. The limos and the trailer immediately caught fire, but that didn’t stop the car from flipping on its roof and crashing into the Orlando West self-storage facility. According to a report by WFTV.com, witnesses never heard the brakes screech and were all convinced that the car’s driver would never outlive such a violent collision.

Incredibly, it later appeared that the 20-year old driver, Natasha Persaud, actually survived the crash and was transported to the Orlando Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating what happened and why.

In the bizarre circumstances of this accident, the damage is mostly material and quite miraculously no one got seriously hurt. But this is a spectacular exception to the rule. The rule is that reckless driving kills and injures people on Florida’s highways every day.

If you or a loved one has been involved and hurt in a car, motorcycle or truck crash caused by reckless, negligent, distracted or drunken drivers, call immediately the Ormond Beach auto accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Professor airlifted to hospital after St. Augustine, FL scooter crash

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Robert Nicholas Panepinto, a 49-year old professor at Flagler College, was struck on Thursday afternoon by a car while riding on a scooter, according to a report by the St. Augustine Record. The crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. near Ocean Trace Road. Panepinto was travelling south on his scooter on A1A in the left turn lane. A Toyota sedan, driven by Kent Andrews, 54, was driving north in the inside lane and failed to stop for the red light at the intersection, hitting the scooter as it turned left.

The professor was airlifted to Shands Jacksonville in critical condition.

We sincerely hope that professor Panepinto will soon recover from his injuries and we extend our warmest sympathies to him and his family and friends.

Road accidents like this one leave a trail of devastation behind: loss of life, pain and suffering from terrible injuries — sometimes with long lasting or lifetime disabilities —, huge medical bills, loss of income. When the accident is caused by a careless driver, the victim and his loved ones cannot rebuild their lives without compensation. The sad reality is that many cases involving serious and long lasting injuries are bitterly fought by the defendant party, usually an insurance company who wants to protect their financial interests and shortchange the just settlement to which the victims are entitled.

If you have been involved in a car, motorcycle or truck crash caused by someone else, call immediately the Ormond Beach motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Crash with truck injures 62-year-old motorcyclist in Micco, Brevard Co

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

On U.S. 1 near Steamboat Drive, a motorcycle collided with and skidded beneath a tow truck. The seriously injured biker was later found by paramedics some 20 feet from the crash site, and immediately transported by helicopter to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne. North and southbound lanes were briefly shut down, allowing the Florida Highway Patrol to investigate the accident. The injured motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet, according to a Florida Today report.

In a recent blog post we commented on a few of the main causes of serious motorcycle crashes in Florida. A recent study shows a steep increase to 51 percent in 2008, up from 33 percent ten years earlier, in fatal motorcycle accidents for the age group of 40 years or more.

Another major cause of fatal bike crashes is speeding. The study shows that motorcycles are far more likely to be involved in high-speed crashes than passenger cars.

And, of course, we cannot stress enough the importance of wearing a helmet. Most national studies have shown ample evidence of the five- to seven-fold increase in the accident fatality rate of motorcyclists who do not wear safety helmets.

Unfortunately, even prudent and experienced bikers can be hurt or killed in accidents caused by reckless, negligent, distracted, or drunken drivers of passenger cars or trucks. If you or someone you love has been the victim of such an accident, then you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering, medical expenses, and loss of income. Call the Ormond Beach motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert immediately for a FREE discussion of your case.

Two-car accident in Frontenac leaves two women hospitalized

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

On October 28, 2010 at about 3 p.m. near the intersection of U.S. 1 and Broadway Boulevard, a Toyota Matrix hit a Chrysler minivan. The impact severely injured the driver of the Toyota, aged 74, and of the Chrysler, aged 70, who both were taken by helicopter to Holmes Regional Medical Center.

According to Florida Today, the Brevard County officials have not released the names of the victims, and the Florida Highway Patrol is now investigating the cause of the crash.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert wish the two injured victims a speedy recovery.

Having witnessed countless car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, we can only give our readers and clients more information about the risks of driving, dangerous spots, safety precautions, and reckless behavior. But many accidents are caused by others, and this is where we can really help you, having fought for the rights of so many victims to get the compensation they deserve.

After a serious car accident caused by someone else, victims may be left facing huge medical bills, pain and suffering, the prospect of long term or lifetime disability, and loss of income. Facing powerful insurance companies, they may get only a fraction of what is needed to rebuild their lives. In order to get the best legal support, call the Ormond Beach car accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Ormond Beach Hockey Player Killed by Car

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sunday morning, October 31, 2010, 25-year-old Connor MacDonald died after he was hit by a car trying to cross U.S. 1, south of Interstate 95. According to News Journal and the Florida Highway Patrol, the car, a Honda Civic, was driven by Karen Frentz, 48. MacDonald was a well-known hockey player both in Florida and Canada.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert send their warmest sympathy to the family and friends of Connor MacDonald in these moments of great loss and grief.

Every day, similar accidents happen in North East Florida, causing damage to drivers, passengers, bikers, or pedestrians. Caused by lack of experience, recklessness, distraction, or negligence, car accidents can be lethal or inflict terrible injuries, such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, internal wounds, and multiple fractures.

After a serious car accident caused by someone else, victims often struggle to get the settlement to which they are entitled. Facing heartless insurance companies without strong legal support, they may get only a fraction of what they need to compensate for pain, suffering, medical expenses, and losses. In order to know your rights, call the North East Florida car accident attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert for a FREE discussion of your case.

Truck driver falls asleep at the wheel on Interstate 4 in Florida

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The driver of a semi-tractor trailer fell asleep at the wheel while driving, and the subsequent accident tied up traffic for hours on Interstate 4.

The driver claims he does not know what happened. He felt tired and then woke up after the accident.

According to witnesses the driver was weaving in and out of traffic before the crash. Florida Highway Patrol troopers checked the driver’s logbook and he was found to be in compliance. He had delivered a load on Monday night from Biloxi, MS and dropped it off on Tuesday. He was returning to Biloxi with an empty load. The accident happened near the SR 436 interchange going eastbound on I-4. The driver has been charged with careless driving.

Federal regulations govern the number of hours that a semi-tractor truck driver can drive per day. Regulations also govern how many hours of sleep the driver is expected to get each night. Drivers are supposed to log in their driving start and stop time and how many hours they slept.

Unfortunately, drivers routinely falsify their log books and ignore regulations while driving. GPS records can sometimes verify those log books or show discrepancies. A tired driver is a threat to safety, especially since some will use simulants to stay awake.

Drivers are not supposed to drive more than ten consecutive hours or more than eleven hours in a day. There are more regulations governing time on the road and log books are supposed to accurately record those events.

Horse euthanized after traffic accident on Interstate 595

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sadly, a horse was recently euthanized after a crash on Interstate 595. The accident clogged eastbound traffic for about 90 minutes.

The owner of the horse was very upset at the site of the crash. The accident occurred near the intersection of I-595 and Hiatus Road. Her father rushed to the accident site to comfort her.

The horse, a mare, was in a horse trailer heading from Broward Country to Orlando. The vehicle jackknifed going east early in the morning. It then struck a wall.

The driver and a passenger were not injured but were still taken to a hospital for evaluation.

The back portion of the horse trailer was hanging over a road barrier leading to a drop. Fire rescue personnel cut the front portion of the trailer to free the horse. The horse was obviously in pain from items landing on top of her.

After a doctor determined that the horse would never stand again, essential for a horse’s life, the mare was sedated and put to sleep.

The owner had only had the horse for about two weeks and was transporting it to family property in Orlando. She was going to pick up another of her horses to return it to Broward County.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Morning Crash Near Jacksonville, FL Takes the Life of School Teacher

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Pascagoula, Mississippi schoolteacher was killed in a morning accident near Jacksonville, FL. Our condolences go out to her family and friends.

The victim was the wife of a Moss Point, MS deputy police chief. She was visiting Florida with her daughter, a spokesman said.

She was a teacher at the Singing River Elementary in Gautier and had been with the school district for 31 years. She was considered a “go-to” person, someone that everybody went to when they needed something. She loved children and they returned the feeling.

Recently the victim had been helping the niece of a lifelong friend navigate her attendance at the elementary school. She was a person all could rely upon.

Friends, colleague and employees of the school district were in shock over this tragic accident, according to the victim’s friend.

Details of the accident were still unavailable to family and friends in the Pascagoula area as of Friday, and the victim’s husband was traveling to Florida to find out just what happened. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Each year over 40,000 people are killed in traffic accidents in the United States. In 2004 alone in Florida there were over 260,000 traffic accidents, an average of close to 700 per day. There were over 360, 000 drivers involved in those accidents. There were almost 3,000 fatal crashes with over 3,250 people killed. The number of fatal crashes was almost 3,000. There were over 140,000 injury crashes in the state, and over 225,000 Floridians were injured.

Traffic accidents and fatalities in Florida are a serious issue, and drivers should take every precaution to avoid being involved.

Gulf Breeze, Florida resident killed in accident during cross-country

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Just days away from finishing his bicycle ride in Jacksonville, FL, a man who was riding across America was killed in an auto accident. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. The victim was riding across the country to raise money for the victims of the BP oil spill.

The rider, a resident of Gulf Breeze, FL, was hit by a pickup truck near Panama City, FL. He was 66 years old and a former administrator at Louisiana State University.

The driver of the pickup truck drove onto the shoulder of the road. There, he hit the back of the victim’s bike, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The victim was thrown into a ditch and was pronounced dead at the scene.

He had ridden over 2000 miles and was just hours away from completing his journey across America when the accident happened. The victim had a long career in athletics and was once an assistant athletic director at Florida State University. He also coached track at North Dakota State University and the University of Missouri.

Friends noted that he loved to ride his bicycle and had been affected by the oil spill. He thought he could combine his love for riding with a way to help victims of the spill. It is unknown how much money had been collected during the ride.

He had been soliciting donations through his church’s website and was updating his journey through a blog that included pictures.

Bad Weather Facilitates Florida Accident on I-75

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recently, 26 people and 15 vehicles were involved in a traffic accident that began when a 16 year old’s car began hydroplaning. This set off a chain reaction on Interstate 75. The crash occurred during torrential rain resulting from tropical storm Nicole.

No one was injured in any life threatening manner. However, three victims were injured seriously and another 13 people received minor injuries. The accident took place in the northbound lanes of I-75 during the worst of the storm that dumped at least an inch of rain on the highway, as reported by the National Weather Service.

According to authorities, it took more than six hours for the accident to be cleared so traffic could return to normal.
The 16-year-old driver lost control of his four door Nissan as a result of hydroplaning. The car left the roadway before stopping in the west side emergency lane and crossing into one traffic lane.

Charges are pending against the driver for failure to use proper care when special hazards exist.

Another driver stopped to help the 16-year-old and got out of her truck. Her vehicle was then hit by other cars trying to stop, and she was injured. The Good Samaritan was taken the University of Florida hospital in serious condition.

Another 13 drivers tried to avoid the scene by steering away from those that had slowed or stopped. Conditions, however, prevented them from avoiding a collision.

Elderly woman killed in Bay County, Florida traffic accident

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman was killed in a Bay County traffic accident. Our condolences go out to her friends and family.

An 86-year-old man was driving on State Road 77. A driver of an SUV did not yield to a red light at the intersection of highway 388 and crashed into the 86-year-old’s car. One of his passengers, an 81-year-old woman, was killed in the accident.

The 86-year-old man and the other passengers in his car, a 76-year-old and an 86-year-old, are in the hospital. They are in serious and critical conditions.

Charges are pending against the driver who failed to yield and apparently caused the accident.

While it appears that age was not a factor in this accident and the elderly driver was not at fault, age does affect driving eventually. The aging driver can take measures to protect himself and those who share the road with him.

As you age, you should take precautions:

Have your hearing and vision checked regularly.

Know your medications and how they may affect your driving.

Stay physically fit.

Check your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.

Avoid driving under stressful conditions.

Plan your route in advance so you don’t have to worry about navigating while you drive.

Make sure your vehicle is up to date with large mirrors, good visibility and power options that help you drive.

Keep your driving skills active and well practiced.

Avoid alcohol since it affects older drivers particularly badly.

If you take precautions, you should be able to drive safely as you age.

Golfer Azinger recovering from accident near Bradenton, Florida

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Golfer Paul Azinger was involved in a motorcycle accident near his Bradenton home. He is currently recovering.

As Azinger was traveling north on 75th West street on his BMW motorcycle, a motorist made a left turn onto the street. Azinger laid the bike down to avoid a collision with the car, reported the Florida Highway Patrol.

The driver of the car was issued a citation for violation of right of way. Azinger fortunately was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. He was taken to Blake Medical Center as a result of his injuries. Azinger is 50 years old. He is now recovering at home.

His agent reported that Azinger is suffering from some bruises and abrasions and will not be able to play golf for about 10 weeks. This probably cut his rookie season on the Champions Tour short.

Azinger had to cancel his appearance at The Villages near Orlando for promotion of his book, Cracking the Code. The book details Azinger’s role as captain of the US team in the 2008 Ryder Cup in Europe. His strategy helped the team to their victory.

Azinger is expected to participate in this year’s Ryder Cup as a commentator, though his injuries will keep him out of golf for at least the next 2 ½ months.

Azinger did not comment but his manager reiterated how sore he was thus keeping him out of golf.

Azinger grew up in Sarasota and once set the course record at the Bobby Jones Golf Complex. He began his professional career afterwards, and won 12 PGA tour victories. His lone major title was the 1993 PGA Championship.

Man Given the Gift of Life after Truck Accident Near Ocala, Florida

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Thanks to a kidney donated by his daughter, Andrea Miller, who died in a car accident, Dale Jensen has been given the gift of life. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Jensen and his family.

Mr. Jensen was on an organ transplant list for over two years before getting the kidney from his daughter. He just received it at the end of August.

As Mr. Jensen stated, it was a miracle. He feels he is now a living miracle.

The whole incident started innocently enough with a phone call that his daughter had not picked up her son from school. Mr. Jensen stated that this was very unusual because his daughter just did not make those sorts of mistakes.

When Mr. Jensen went to pick up the child, he was told that there had been an accident. It occurred on County Road 328 near Ms. Miller's house.

Mr. Jensen headed down 328 to find out more. He found the road blocked and a semi-truck laying in a ditch with its front smashed. The road was blocked off.

Mr. Jensen immediately felt uneasy.

Florida Highway Patrol reported that Ms. Miller was driving west while the semi-truck was headed in the opposite direction.

As Ms. Miller drove through standing water, she lost control of her car and over-corrected.

Unfortunately, the semi-truck could not avoid Ms. Miller's car and collided with it .

Doctors first thought that Ms. Miller would recover though she had broken both arms and legs.

“They really gave us hope,” Jensen said.

Unfortunately, the situation turned bad almost immediately, and the family was advised to call other members.

Mr. Jensen reported that he could tell Ms. Miller was just hanging on. His son broke the sad news to Mr. Jensen after one of his daily dialysis sessions. The decision was made that Ms. Miller would want to donate a kidney to her father.

Mr. Jensen cannot express how he felt.

Ms. Miller died at 11 PM one night and the next morning, Mr. Jensen received one of her kidneys.

Truck Accident and Fire Near Boynton Beach, Florida

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Interstate Highway 95 recently saw an early morning accident involving a tanker truck. The accident closed two northbound lanes. The lanes were reopened as soon as possible but some serious delays were encountered.

Traffic had to slow to a crawl when a fuel tanker truck with 9000 gallons of fuel caught fire at about 7:30 in the morning. Information was scarce about fuel that may have been spilled. The traffic backup went past Boynton Beach Boulevard, and drivers were advised to seek alternative routes. Some alternate routes at this point of the interstate include the Florida Turnpike, Congress Avenue or Military Trail.

One eyewitness reported, “I was heading south and came upon this before there was any police activity. I couldn't believe cars were slowing down to look at it. I hopped into the right lane and got out of there as fast as possible. If that tanker blew, all the on lookers would have went up with it.”

It should almost go without saying that “rubber necking” to view the grisly details of an automobile or truck accident is never a good idea. It is a road distraction that can lead to another crash with serious consequences.

There were accidents in other parts of the country and commuters were inconvenienced in several locations during the morning commute.

Two southbound I-95 lanes at Blue Heron Boulevard were closed but reopened a short time later. A crash also blocked the middle lane near 45th Street and I-95. Again, this accident occurred during the middle of rush hour.

Pickup Truck Crashes on Interstate 595 near Davie, Florida

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A very unusual accident along Interstate 595 put a pickup truck atop a highway retaining wall and the hood of a Ford Mustang near Davie, Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol reported only minor injuries from the truck crash.

As usual, motorists along I-595 slowed down to get a better view of the truck resting on the wall close to plunging into a clump of trees and mangroves below.

The incident took place in the late afternoon on I-595 going westbound near State Road 7.

The 1996 Chevy pickup truck was being driven by a youth in his late teens. His truck was struck from behind by a 2005 Honda Civic. The truck was forced across the westbound lanes of the Interstate. It overturned and landed on top of the retaining wall and the blue 1995 Ford Mustang.

The driver of the truck, the Mustang and the Honda all suffered minor injuries but the vehicles were all heavily damaged.
The driver of the Honda is facing charges for reckless driving.

Of course, traffic was held up as workers cleared the traffic scene and took the truck off the retaining wall and the Ford Mustang.

Pickup truck accident rates are about twice the average for all vehicles, and 60% of all fatalities of pickup truck passengers are found not wearing their seat belts. Drivers and passengers of pickup trucks should take every precaution when traveling.

Two Die in Putnam County, Florida Crash

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Sunday morning of August 8, two people died in a Putnam County crash when their sport utility vehicle swerved to avoid hitting an animal in the road. Five passengers were in the vehicle, three of whom were injured. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased—one of whom was a student at University Christian School—and our hopes for a speedy recovery to the injured.

The principal of University Christian high school was shocked to hear of the student's death. He said the teenager was well liked and popular among her peers. She was unafraid to express her opinions and easily made friends with those around her. She was very involved with the spiritual activities at the school, and she will be sadly missed.

Unfortunately, her death was the third to strike the school's community in the past seven months. A student was killed earlier this year, and a campus minister died earlier in the summer after being struck by a car. The principal expressed his belief that God's word is truth, but none are guaranteed another day.

The vehicle, a 2003 Chevrolet, was traveling east on Florida 100 about two miles from Country Road 309D. The SUV swerved and crossed the center line, hitting trees as it went into the woods. It then overturned several times. Of the seven people in the SUV, three were thrown from the vehicle.

Two occupants suffered minor injuries (both were wearing seat belts). Three other occupants—only one of whom was wearing a seat belt—suffered more serious injuries. The two fatalities were not wearing seat belts. Alcohol was not a factor in the accident.

The driver was taken to Putnam Community Hospital, and the passengers were treated at Shands at the University of Florida.

Motorcycle Accident Kills Ormond Beach Resident

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

An Ormond Beach man has been killed in a motorcycle accident on I-95 neat Titusville. Our condolences to his family and friends.

The twenty-seven-year-old man was a passenger on a 2007 Kawasaki.

The driver, a thirty-three-year-old man from Jacksonville, failed to take a gentle turn and hit the guard rail near Garden Street.

Source: http://daytonasun.com/Articles/Local-News/Ormond-Beach-Man-Dies-in-Motorcycle-Wreck.html

Hit and Run Accidents - Jacksonville

A thirty-three-year-old Jacksonville Beach man was arrested for a hit-and-run accident. The crash took place in the 300 block of First Street North.

There have been four other recent hit-and-run accidents in the Jacksonville area. No further arrests have been made.
In one case, a car hit a utility pole at Ninth Street and Eighth Avenue North. Other incidents took place in the 1600 block of Sixth Street South, at Third Street South and Marsh Landing Parkway, and in the 3700 block of Third Street South.

Source: http://jacksonville.com/community/shorelines/2010-08-09/story/police-briefs-jacksonville-beaches-area-stabbing-car-thefts

Hit and Run Law

Florida law requires that the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash stop immediately at or near the scene. The driver must remain at the scene until he or she has fulfilled his or her obligations under the law. Violation of this requirement is a third-degree felony.

In the event of a fatal crash, failure to stop is a second degree felony.

Source: http://www.deadlyroads.com/laws/florida-hit-and-run-laws.shtml

Motorcycle Accident Kills One on I-95 in Brevard

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A motorcycle passenger died in an accident on I-95 near State Road 406 in Brevard County. The victim was a resident of Ormond Beach. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim.

At about 11:00 PM, the driver and his passenger were traveling south on a Kawasaki motorcycle in the inside lane of I-95. The driver failed to negotiate a curve in the highway, and the motorcycle struck the guardrail. The victim was thrown off the cycle. He was not wearing a helmet. The driver was wearing a helmet and suffered minor injuries.

Motorcycle Safety Facts

74 percent of motorcycle fatality victims were not wearing a helmet in one year in Illinois, and 35 percent of fatal crashes involved victims with a blood-alcohol level or .08 or more
Estimates are that over 1,800 motorcyclists were saved in 2008 because they were wearing helmets
More than 800 additional lives could be saved if all motorcyclists wore helmets
Motorcycle fatalities increased over 100% in ten years, from 1998 to 2008
There are more than one million registered motorcycles in the US

Every motorcycle rider and passenger should protect themselves as much as possible, and wear the safest helmet available.

Accidents Clog I-95 In Brevard

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

The first of several accidents this week occurred when a car veered off the road on I-95 near State Road 407 in Titusville. There were three fatalities in that accident.

The next serious accident stopped I-95 traffic near Rockledge. Three people were thrown from the car and two others were trapped after the vehicle exited the highway and went into the woods. There was at least one fatality.

Several other accidents happened on Interstate 95 at about the same time, but no serious injuries were reported.
The accidents occurred during heavy rains in Brevard County.

Driving in the rain
Driving in the rain requires that you take special precautions to avoid accidents.

• Go slowly; you require a greater distance to stop when the roads are wet.

• Water pools in outside lanes, so stay near the middle.

• Increase your following distance from the car in front of you.

• Follow the tracks of the car ahead of you.

• Large trucks and buses create spray that can reduce your vision if you follow too closely. When you pass, do so quickly and safely.

• Always watch out for brake lights in front of you.

• Try not to use your brakes. Decelerate to slow down.

• Keep your headlights or running lights on so you can see better and so that others can see you.

• Replace your old wipers

• Don't drive off the road or you may become stuck.

• Never drive when conditions do not allow for good visibility. Night driving in the rain makes it especially hard to see ahead.

• Don't drive through running water unless you can see the bottom.

• If you drive through a puddle make sure it is not deeper than the bottom of your doors.

• Don't splash pedestrians.

• Avoid driving during heavy thunderstorms.

Driving through bad weather and rain means taking more precautions. Always take them.

Police Pursuit Ends in Hollywood, FL Crash

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A high speed pursuit resulted in a crash on I-95 near Hollywood, Florida. Police were searching for the car and its occupants after a home burglary.

The suspects' car was spotted on I-95 near Sheridan Street. The police followed the car into Miami-Dade County. At that point the Florida Highway patrol and Miami-Dade Police also began following the vehicle.

A chase ensued, and the car crashed near Miami Gardens Drive and southbound I-95. The suspects were taken into custody and may be charged with the burglary. No injuries were reported.

Highway accidents take tens of thousands of lives each year in America. In most years there more American fatalities are caused by car accidents than occurred during the entire Vietnam war. In addition, more than three million are injured each year in traffic crashes. These accidents cost the country over $100 billion annually in medical costs and property damage. That is almost $400 million lost each day on America's roadways.

With a limited staff, the U.S. Office of Highway Safety focuses on investigating accidents that are likely to challenge the public's confidence in the highway transportation system. The goal is to recommend safety regulations that will prevent more accidents in the future. High public interest will also cause the office to investigate certain types of accidents.

This is a change of priorities for the Safety Board. Previously, it primarily investigated single major crashes. The change was made in order to better represent typical accidents on American highways. The Safety Board is constantly working to make America's roadways safer.

Young Boy Dies in Daytona Beach Accident

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Volusia County Council has called for action to consider the safety of beach driving after the death of a four-year-old boy, which was the second fatality of a child on the beach in four months.

Council members considered several options, including putting the issue before voters, commissioning a study to find ways to make the beach safer, or gradually ending beach driving.

The young victim was struck and run over by a truck as he ran toward the water near the Crawford Road beach approach in New Smyrna Beach. He was declared dead at the Bert Fish Medical Center. Our sympathies go out to his family.
The boy's parents live in Deltona. The father is employed by Freedom Fire Protection in Sanford. The company has set up a trust fund for the family.

The highway patrol's investigation is ongoing.

Investigators do not believe the truck was speeding or that the driver suffered any impairment, but the driver has been cited for thirty-four traffic violations since 1994. These violations include failure to obey a traffic signal, speeding, and careless driving.

Investigations continue in the death of a young English girl on Daytona Beach last March. She was struck by a Georgia woman as she crossed busy traffic lanes.

Two other beach-goers have been struck this year, and several pedestrians are injured each year. This area is one of the few in the country that allows cars and other vehicles on the beach.

One councilman suggested the creation of more no-auto zones on the beach so that parents would not have to worry about their children being struck.

The councilman will pitch his idea at the next council meeting.

County officials state that they cannot take cars off the beach since the county charter from 1986 guarantees the right to drive on the beach. Taking the cars off the beach would require that the county create adequate off-beach parking for beach-goers.

A councilwoman suggested the adoption of a three- to five-year plan to provide more parking and take cars off the beach.
Several council members said they would support a council-wide referendum on the issue.

Beach driving is a long-standing tradition in Volusia County. Photos show horses and buggies on the beach long before cars were invented. Driving on the beach is allowed for about seventeen miles out of forty.

Some residents with property near the beach support a ban on beach driving. Beachgoers have mixed feelings about a ban. Some wish the old tradition to continue, but some would support a ban.

One beach-goer stated that he believed the accident to be a fluke, and that accidents can be prevented by beefing up beach patrols on busy days like the weekend.

Two Fatal Accidents on Florida Highways

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Motorcycle Accident

A motorcyclist smashed into the side of a Geo Prism after it pulled out in front of him on Goldenrod Road about a mile north of State Road 408. The driver of the Prism was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The motorcyclist died at the scene. We extend our condolences to his family and friends.

You can find more information here.

One killed and five injured in Brevard Accident
Five Jacksonville residents were injured, and one was killed ,in an accident north of the Wickham Road exit on I-95 in Brevard County.

A Toyota SUV lost control as it was traveling south, hydroplaning on a wet road. The SUV flipped and ejected its passengers. Three of the six passengers were thrown from the vehicle.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased, who was one of the passengers.

The other five occupants of the SUV were seriously injured. They were all taken to the hospital.

More information is available here.

Fiery Crash Kills Couple on I-295

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A horrific accident closed southbound I-298 just south of Blanding Boulevard in Jacksonville. The accident resulted in the death of a fifty-four-year-old man and his fifty-five-year-old wife.
At about 9:30 one morning, the couple were driving on I-295 when the man swerved and lost control of the vehicle. It is not known why he swerved.

The vehicle, an SUV, drove across the grassy shoulder of the road and hit a large metal post.

Both victims were killed at the scene. Our deepest condolences to their friends and family.

You can find more information here about accident.

BREVARD COUNTY MOTORCYCLIST INJURED ON I-95

A Brevard County motorcyclist collided with a lawnmower alongside a highway entrance ramp.

Police found the injured and unconscious motorcyclist at the southbound rest stop at mile marker 169. He was treated by paramedics and transported to the hospital.

The entrance to the rest area was briefly blocked following the accident.

Interstate 95 Closed After Truck Strike Utility Pole

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A truck accident closed the westbound lanes of Belvedere Road near the Intestate 95 exchange by West Palm Beach.
The freeway was closed for several hours after a truck hit a pole, and vehicles approaching I-95 from the west had to be diverted. The roadway was not reopened until 9:30 that evening.

The roadway had been closed since noon that day after a truck carrying two 76-foot-long concrete poles collided with a utility pole while exiting Interstate 95 going north.

Officials noted that this type of accident happens about two to three times per year.

The truck driver reported that he was making a left turn onto Belvedere Road when he heard a car horn honking from the inside lane. The sound startled him and he took his eyes off the road while making the turn, which caused him to collide with the pole.

The truck driver reported that he is relatively new to the job, and that he is now concerned about his job after this crash.
Officials reported that a temporary wooden pole had to be erected to get street lights working again.

Court Ruling Allows Florida Accident Victim to Stay in Her Home

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. District Court in Jacksonville, FL ruled that the state of Florida must provide Michele Haddad with services that will allow her to live in her home. Haddad has successfully lived in the community since suffering quadriplegia resulting from a motorcycle accident with a drunk driver in 2007, but she may have to enter a nursing home due to a change in her caregiver situation. She has been waiting for a community-based Medicaid waiver for two years. She told the state she needed increased services, but was told that she could only obtain them if she entered a nursing home for sixty days.

Based on the Americans with Disabilities Act's integration mandate, the United States argued that Haddad would suffer harm if she had to enter a nursing home to receive services.

In the Olmstead decision eleven years ago, the court decreed that unnecessary separation of people with disabilities marks them as unworthy of community life. The United States government sought to ensure that people with disabilities can receive services, participate in their communities, and have contact with those without such medical problems, and to reaffirm the right of Americans with disabilities to live on their own.

Naked Man Causes Five Car Accident On I-95

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

A naked man yelling he was Jesus caused a five-vehicle accident on Saturday, June 5, 2010 near exit 16 on I-95. The accident injured three people, destroyed a tractor-trailer truck, and slowed traffic to a crawl for six hours.

Police responded to a call reporting a naked man on I-95 near exit 14. When they approached him, he jumped into a car and drove away. He was finally pulled over near exit 16.

At that point, a distracted driver stopped short to get a better view of the police incident. A tractor-trailer driver slammed on his brakes to avoid the stopped car. The truck jackknifed and hit four cars before flipping over.

Firefighters arrived at the scene and took over three hours to get the truck driver out of his vehicle. It took two fire crews to rescue the driver. The driver's hand, head, arms, and legs had been pinned in the truck.

Firefighters had to use almost every tool they had to extract the driver. For a while, rescue units could only see the driver's elbow.

Eventually paramedics arrived, and they were able to crawl into the vehicle to treat the driver. EMS trauma workers took the driver to Norwalk Hospital.

Fire crews also had to clean up diesel fuel that was leaking from the destroyed tractor trailer. A road sign hit by the truck also fell onto a Darien police cruiser at the scene.

The accident completely closed I-95 from exit 14 to exit 16 for hours. Two lanes were closed from about 6:00 AM until 11:00 AM, and all lanes were reopened by noon.

Further investigation is pending.

Four-Year-Old Girl Killed in Daytona Beach Accident

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

In a tragic Daytona Beach accident, a four-year-old British girl was killed on the beach as the driver of a car panicked and ran over her. Our sympathies go out to the family and friends of the young victim.

The girl was walking with her great uncle when she stepped into the path of an oncoming vehicle in the driving lane that runs along Daytona Beach. Though the driver was traveling below the posted 10 mph speed limit, the victim was sent flying after the driver panicked and hit the accelerator instead of the brakes.

The young victim had been raised by her great uncle and his wife and was with them vacationing in Florida, where the family apparently has a holiday home. The family visited Daytona Beach regularly.

In Daytona Beach, the driving lanes are clearly marked, but the beach was crowded that day and high tide had brought holiday revelers closer to the driving lane.

While police were still investigating the accident, it does not appear as that the driver was driving under the influence or speeding. She faces minor charges in the incident, as witnesses told police the young girl ran into the driving lane.

VICTIM RUN OVER IN BEACH ACCIDENT

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

You might call Carol Dalton lucky in a way. She survived being run over by a truck on the beach.

She related her story while lying in an hospital bed. She was resting in a low chair on Daytona Beach when suddenly she was run over by a large truck. The beach-patrol truck had been traveling south when the driver was distracted by a child. The result was that Carol was run over by that truck.

The truck ran over the side of Carol's face, her chest and her leg. After it came to a stop, her leg was pinned under the truck. She screamed and began crying.

Finally, someone released Carol's chair, pushed it down, and freed her.

She has scars from the truck on both her face and chest. One leg was fractured by the vehicle and the other leg was badly cut. The beach patrol driver apologized to her and stated that he just had not seen her on the beach.

The accident is still under investigation by the Volusia County beach patrol. Daytona Beach does have beach driving lanes, but this accident demonstrates how careful all drivers on the beach must be to watch out for people enjoying the beach.

You can find out more here.

AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS EMPHASIZE SEATBELT USE

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

After losing control of his SUV on I-95, a Florida man was ejected from his vehicle and critically injured. The driver was not wearing his seat belt.

Driving north on I-95 near Scottsmoor, the man drove his 1994 Nissan Pathfinder onto the median. It rolled over and he was thrown from the vehicle. He was taken to the Holmes Region Medical Center.

Not only was the man not wearing his seat belt, but he had received a citation for not wearing a seat belt earlier that same day. The ticket had been issued as part of the "Click It or Ticket" National Campaign.

For more information, see this site.

Women killed in single car accident

One woman was injured and another killed in a single-vehicle accident near Ormond Beach.

The driver was traveling west in a Ford pickup truck on State Road 40 from Chesser Hammock Road when she suddenly veered from the center of the lane and over corrected, causing the pickup to rotate clockwise and crashing into a ditch on the side of the road.

The truck then rammed into a tree and overturned, ejecting both the driver and her passenger. The passenger died at the scene. Our condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims.

According the Florida Highway Patrol, neither victim was wearing a seat belt. You can find more information here.

Two Killed In Automobile Accidents On I-95

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Authorities report that a man and woman were killed in two separate accidents while traveling on I-95.

Melanie Luce, 57, of Ormond Beach was pronounced dead in late May in a single -car accident on I-95. She was traveling north when her Jeep Liberty moved off the highway onto the shoulder for no apparent reason. Her car hit several trees and turned over. There were no passengers in the car.

Luce was wearing her seat belt, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Our condolences go out to her family and friends.

In an unrelated truck accident near New Smyrna Beach, a sixty-year-old Edgewater man died in an early -morning accident on I-95 south of State Highway 44. The victim has not been named pending notification of family.

He died after a tractor trailer collided with his SUV from the rear. Both vehicles were traveling north on the Interstate.

The SUV turned over onto its roof. The tractor trailer stopped after continuing on for several hundred feet.

The SUV driver died at the scene. A female passenger was taken to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach. She was in serious condition.

The early morning crash closed the Interstate for more than five hours. Upon completion of the investigation, charges may be filed.

Jacksonville Auto Accidents Keep Rescue Workers Busy

Wed, 26 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A series of Jacksonville auto accidents leave rescue workers busy into the early morning. The first crash took place on Friday evening, May 7, 2010.

It all started when a female driver who was heading southbound on Crown Road drifted into a parked vehicle. A nineteen-year-old man from Nassau County was struck while leaning against the parked vehicle.

Rescue crews transported the unidentified victim to a nearby hospital. His injuries have been described as life-threatening.

The second accident occurred just after midnight at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and University Boulevard West. That is when a car, making a left turn onto University, was struck by a motorcycle. The motorcyclist continued on for another 800 to 900 feet before finally losing control of the bike and coming to rest in a parking lot.

The unidentified motorcyclist was transported to Shands Jacksonville Hospital and treated for life-threatening injuries. Police have indicated that speed may have been a contributing factor.

A third crash occurred on Saturday morning at approximately 2:45 AM on Interstate 295 near the Firestone Road overpass. That is when a driver lost control of his speeding vehicle after making an attempt to avoid traffic.

The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. A 22-year-old passenger was taken to Shands Jacksonville Hospital where he was listed in good condition.

We send our thoughts and condolences out to all of those who have been affected by these unfortunate accidents.

Leesburg Car Accident Claims the Life of 1, Sends 4 Others to Hospital

Mon, 17 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Leesburg car accident involving three vehicles claims the life of one person and sends four others to the hospital. The incident took place at approximately 12:15 PM on Saturday afternoon, May 8, 2010, along U.S. Highway 27.

According to police, the accident occurred when a car made an erratic turn onto U.S. Highway 27 from Gunston Street. The driver failed to make a proper stop and turned into the far left lane and into the path of a Chrysler. In an attempt to avoid the first car, the Chrysler swerved into oncoming traffic and into the path of a Toyota where it struck the Toyota head-on.

There were four people inside the Chrysler at the time of the collision. One of those passengers lost their life as a result of the accident. Rescue crews transported the other three occupants to a local hospital. Their conditions were not made known.

The driver of the third vehicle was also taken to a nearby hospital. There was no one else reported in the car.

According to reports, the driver of the first car fled the accident scene. The car failed to stop and continued north on U.S. Highway 27.

The Leesburg auto accident is still under investigation by local authorities. Police are still searching for the driver of the first vehicle.

This is a terrible accident and our thoughts and condolences go out to all of those who have been affected by it.

Jacksonville Motorcycle Accident Claims the Life of a Navy Man

Tue, 11 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Jacksonville motorcycle accident claims the life of a Navy man after he loses control and crashes his bike on a poorly lit street. The incident took place at approximately 11:30 PM on Wednesday evening, May 5, 2010, along Ashley Melisse Boulevard.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, a motorcyclist traveling westbound on Ashley Melisse Boulevard near Kernan Boulevard lost control of his bike and slammed into a tree after hitting a curb near his home on Soaring Flight Way. According to reports, the street that the accident occurred on was poorly lit which may have contributed to the fatal crash.

The motorcyclist, a Navy man, has been identified as 27-year-old Robert N. Herve. He was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the motorcycle crash. Detective Darrell Edmonds reported that Herve was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The late night Jacksonville motorcycle accident is still under investigation by local authorities. It is unclear if any other vehicles were involved in the fatal wreck.

Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, even if helmets are worn. This is a terrible accident and our thoughts and condolences go out to Mr. Herve’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Mims Motorcycle Accident Leaves One Seriously Injured

Thu, 06 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Mims motorcycle accident leaves one person seriously injured after a motorcycle and car collide along U.S. 1. The incident took place at approximately 12:00 PM on Thursday afternoon, April 29, 2010, near Aurantia Road.

According to reports, the collision took place between a motorcycle and a car near the 4700 block of U.S. 1, near Aurantia Road. At least one person was badly injured in the two-vehicle wreck.

Rescue crews transported the unidentified motorcyclist by air to Holmes Medical Center in Melbourne where he was treated for injuries sustained in the wreck. The extent of the victim’s injuries were unclear, however, the biker’s injuries were described as serious.

It was unclear as to whether anyone else was injured in the motorcycle wreck. The driver’s identity was not made known.

“It’s a car versus a motorcycle and one of the victims is in serious condition,” said Brevard County Fire-Rescue spokesperson Orlando Dominguez.

The Mims motorcycle crash is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Investigators have yet to determine what caused the accident or who may have been at fault.

Motorcycle accidents can be serious. We send our thoughts to everyone who has been affected by this incident. We wish the victims a speedy recovery.

New Smyrna Beach Motorcycle Accident Claims Life of Woman

Wed, 05 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A New Smyrna Beach motorcycle accident claims the life of an elderly woman after the three-wheeler loses control, ejecting her from the bike. The incident took place at approximately 2:30 PM on Friday afternoon, April 23, 2010, on U.S. 1.

According to New Smyrna Beach police Sgt. Shane Riggle, the driver of a three-wheeled motorcycle veered to avoid a construction cone while traveling southbound on U.S. 1, near Arts Center Avenue. The passenger, 74-year-old Glenda Gene Dubon, was thrown from the bike.

Rescue crews transported Dubon to Bert Fish Medical Center. She was later taken to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach where she was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the accident. Police report that she was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.

The identity of the male driver was not immediately made known. It was unclear as to whether he sustained injuries in the accident.

The incident took place in a construction zone along U.S. 1. The construction zone is part of a road surface repaving project by the state of Florida.

The fatal New Smyrna Beach motorcycle accident is still under investigation by local authorities.

This is a terrible accident and our thoughts and condolences go out to all of those who have been affected by this tragedy.

Orlando Car Accident Has Tragic Ending

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

An Orlando car accident claims the life of a woman after her boyfriend allegedly stabs her and then runs over her with their BMW. The violent incident took place on Saturday evening, April 24, 2010.

At approximately 11:00 PM that evening, police received a call from a woman in the road near the intersection of Dean Road and J. Blanchard Trail. The woman, 35-year-old Berlitz Alvelo, told 911 that she had been stabbed and run over by her boyfriend, 25-year-old Jose Antonio Maisonet-Maldonado.

Maisonet-Maldonado’s BMW was later spotted near the intersection of University Boulevard and Goldenrod Road. However, Maisonet-Maldonado was able to successfully evade police.

Police later received a report that the BMW had struck two other vehicles under Interstate 4 on Colonial Drive. Maisonet-Maldonado broadsided one vehicle; however, no one in that car was injured. Unfortunately, the occupants of the second vehicle, a red BMW, were not so lucky. The incident left 28-year-old Amanda Taylor and 22-year-old Francesca Jeffery with fatal wounds.

The force of the impact sent Maisonet-Maldonado’s BMW into a concrete bridge pylon after striking a sign. He was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center where he was listed in serious condition.

The Orlando accident is still under investigation by local authorities. Maisonet-Maldonado is expected to be booked into jail as soon as he is released from the hospital.

This is an unfortunate incident and our thoughts and condolences go out to all of those who have been affected by this tragedy.

Jacksonville Car Accident Claims the Life of Elderly Woman

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Jacksonville car accident involving two vehicles claims the life of an elderly woman after she pulls in front of and is struck by a pickup truck. The incident took place at approximately 6:45 AM on Tuesday morning, April 20, 2010, along Lane Avenue.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the victim had just pulled out of a side street just south of San Juan Avenue and onto Lane Avenue. That is when her car was struck by a pickup truck, which was heading southbound.

Rescue crews pronounced her dead at the accident scene. She has been identified as Lennis Y. Boyette, 81, of Jacksonville. Police did not comment on whether she was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.

Fortunately, the driver of the pickup truck was not injured in the accident. The driver’s identity has not been made known.

The fatal Jacksonville car accident is still under investigation by local authorities. However, the Sheriff’s Office has indicated that a preliminary report that includes statements from witnesses shows that it may have been Boyette’s fault. She appeared to have violated the other driver’s right-of-way.

This is a terrible accident and our thoughts and condolences go out to Ms. Boyette’s family and friends during this difficult time.

New Smyrna Beach Accident Sends Pedestrian to Hospital

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

A New Smyrna Beach car accident sends a pedestrian to the hospital after she is struck by a car when she darts in front of the vehicle. The incident took place on Saturday morning, April 3, 2010.

According to authorities, an unidentified Orlando woman was struck by a car after she darted in front of it. Rescue crews transported the woman by helicopter to Halifax Health Medical Center where she was treated for injuries sustained in the accident.

The victim’s condition was not made known, however, according to Volusia County Beach Patrol Capt. Scott Petersohn, the woman was alert and communicating to rescue crews.

The identity of the driver has not been made known. It was unclear as to whether the driver was injured as a result of the accident.

This is not the first pedestrian accident reported in the area. According to reports, there have been five traffic-related deaths on the beach since 1983. A 4-year-old girl lost her life two weeks ago after she was struck while crossing traffic lanes on the beach.

The New Smyrna Beach pedestrian accident is still under investigation by local authorities. It was unclear whether charges will be brought forth.

Pedestrian accidents can be serious. We wish the victim a speedy recovery during this difficult time.

Daytona Beach Car Accident Leaves Pedestrian in Critical Condition

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Daytona Beach car accident involving an alleged homeless man leaves him in critical condition and fighting for his life after he is struck by a car. The incident took place on Saturday evening, April 3, 2010, along Martin Luther King Boulevard.

According to the Daytona Beach Fire Department, the man was crossing Martin Luther King Boulevard when he was struck by a sedan. The force of the impact threw the man about 20 feet. Rescue crews transported the unidentified man, believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s, to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

The victim was listed in critical condition. He has been reported as suffering traumatic head injuries and was unresponsive when crews arrived on the scene. He was unable to breathe on his own when he reached the hospital.

The Daytona Beach pedestrian accident is still under investigation by local authorities. The cause of the accident has not been made known and it is unclear whether the unidentified driver who hit the man will face any charges. No other details concerning the accident were made available.

This is a terrible accident and we wish the victim a speedy recovery during this difficult time.

Orlando Car Accident Leaves Two Injured

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

An Orlando car accident involving two pick-up trucks sends two to the hospital after the two vehicles collide. The incident took place at approximately 1:00 AM on Sunday morning, March 28, 2010, along Interstate 95 outside of Orlando.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2001 Ford pick-up truck was hit by a 2007 Ford pick-up truck that was heading the wrong way along Interstate 95 near mile marker 229. The driver of the 2001 Ford truck attempted to swerve, but was unable to avoid the wreck.

The driver of the 2001 Ford has been identified at Michael A. Lima of Fort Lauderdale. Rescue crews transported Lima to Parrish Medical Center in Titusville. The extent of his injuries was not clear.

Police have identified the driver of the 2007 Ford who caused the accident as Harry C. Brown, 62, of Astor. He was taken to Orlando Medical Center and treated for injuries sustained in the two-vehicle crash. Details concerning Brown’s injuries were unknown.

The Orlando auto accident is still under investigation by local authorities. It was unclear as to why Brown was driving the wrong way along the interstate.

This is an unfortunate accident. We wish both victims a speedy recovery.

Cocoa Beach Motorcycle Accident Leaves Man Behind Bars

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Cocoa Beach motorcycle accident leaves a man behind bars after he turns in front of a motorcycle and then flees the accident scene. The incident took place at approximately 6:00 PM on Sunday evening, March 14, 2010, at the intersection of State Road A1A and 1st Street.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Kenneth Elmore, 31, of Orlando, turned into the path of a 2005 Honda motorcycle, causing the bike to hit the car. Elmore then fled the scene but was later apprehended and placed behind bars.

The motorcyclist, Dax Davis, 37, of Cocoa Beach, along with his passenger, were transported by rescue crews to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne where they were treated for injuries sustained in the accident.

Davis’ passenger has been identified as 43-year-old Valerie Shumate. Davis suffered minor injuries while Shumate’s injuries were described as critical. Neither of the motorcyclists were wearing helmets at the time of the accident.

Troopers reported that Elmore, driving a 2007 Ford Focus, was heading southbound on SR A1A and changed lanes to turn onto 1st Street when the accident occurred.

The Cocoa Beach motorcycle accident is still under investigation by local authorities.

Motorcycle accidents can be serious. We wish both victims a speedy recovery.

Jacksonville Auto Accident Results in the Death of 3-Year-Old

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Jacksonville car accident involving two vehicles leaves a 3-year-old child dead and sends five others to the hospital. The incident took place at the beginning of March, 2010, along Interstate 95.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 1997 Cadillac stalled on Interstate 95 on the Trout River Bridge when a sport utility vehicle (SUV) slammed into the vehicle. Troopers reported that the SUV was unable to avoid the Cadillac resulting in the fatal wreck.

A 3-year-old child was killed in the two-vehicle accident. Reports indicate that the child not only wasn’t strapped in a car seat, but was not wearing a seatbelt.

Rescue crews transported three other children and two adults to the hospital where they were treated for injuries sustained in the accident. Details concerning their injuries and conditions were not made available.

The fatal Jacksonville auto accident is still under investigation by local authorities. It has not been determined as to why the 3-year-old child was not strapped in a car seat.

This is an unfortunate incident and our thoughts and condolences go out to the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time. We would also like to with the other victims a speedy recovery.

Daytona Beach Motorcycle Accident Leaves Man in Critical Condition

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Daytona Beach motorcycle accident leaves a man in critical condition and causes two other vehicles to collide after the motorcyclist loses control of his bike. The incident took place just before midnight on Saturday, March 13, 2010, along International Speedway Boulevard.

According to witnesses, the motorcycle was seen traveling along International Speedway Boulevard at speeds in excess of 80 mph. The motorcyclist apparently lost control of his bike and was thrown from it.

The motorcyclist has been identified as Todd Alan Stultz, 43, of Flagler Beach. Rescue crews transported Stultz to a nearby hospital where he was treated for severe head injuries and trauma sustained in the accident. He was listed in critical condition.

According to a police report, Stultz was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. He was found approximately 30-60 feet from the bike.

The motorcycle accident caused a vehicle to rear-end another vehicle as the drivers made an attempt to avoid the motorcyclist who was lying facedown in the road. Fortunately, there were no other injuries reported.

The Daytona Beach motorcycle accident is still under investigation by local authorities. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined.

Motorcycle accidents can be serious and we wish Mr. Stultz a speedy recovery.

Volusia County Car Accident Leaves Pedestrian Dead

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Volusia County car accident leaves a pedestrian dead after the man was struck while crossing a busy interstate. The incident took place at a approximately 10:00 PM on Sunday evening, March 7, 2010, along Interstate 4 near mile marker 123.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a local man was crossing Interstate 4 from the outside shoulder to the inside divided median when he was struck by a 2005 GMC pickup truck. The victim has been identified at William Adams, 63, of Orlando.

Rescue crews transported Adams to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach. He was later pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the accident.

The driver of the pickup truck has been identified as Joshua Tolbert, 24, of Dacula, Georgia. Nichole Tolbert, 22, also from Georgia, was in the truck at the time of the accident. Neither of them were hurt in the incident.

It was unclear as to why Adams was crossing the interstate; however, police located a broken down car near the accident scene. It has not been determined if that car belonged to Adams.

The fatal Volusia County pedestrian accident is still under investigation by local authorities.

It can be a hard time dealing with a fatal car accident. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time.

New Smyrna Beach Motorcycle Accident Kills One

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A New Smyrna Beach motorcycle accident leaves one woman dead after she is thrown from a bike that she was on the back of. The incident took place at approximately 4:30 PM on Sunday afternoon, February 28, 2010, near South Atlantic and 5th Avenue.

According to reports, the unidentified woman was riding on the back of a motorcycle when the incident occurred. The force of the impact caused her to be thrown from the bike where she died from injuries sustained in the accident.

Another accident involving a motorcycle occurred in Oak Hill along U.S. 1. According to troopers, a vehicle pulled out of a local restaurant and into the path of a group of motorcyclists, who were traveling northbound on U.S. 1.

According to reports, one of the motorcycles rear-ended the vehicle causing a second motorcyclist to slam into the first bike.

Rescue crews airlifted one of the bikers to Halifax Regional Medical Center where they were treated for injuries resulting from the Oak Hill motorcycle accident. The victim was listed in critical condition. The second motorcyclist was taken to Bert Fish Medical Center. The biker’s condition was not made available.

Byrne was not injured in the accident.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to all of those who have been impacted by these accidents.