Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Florida parking lots are a high-risk area for car accidents and Florida pedestrian accidents. Parking lots involve a lot of cars zipping around, many pedestrians headed to their cars, and many drivers who are distracted with getting that ideal parking spot. Although accidents in parking lots are usually low-speed collisions and therefore do not cause much damage, pedestrian accidents in parking lots can still lead to serious Florida brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries.

As well, some motorists drive very quickly in parking lots, which can make car accidents much more serious. Since most stores rely on trucks for delivery of inventory, parking lots can also mean that cars and pedestrians share the space with large commercial trucks. A Florida pedestrian involving a truck – even a truck moving at a slow speed – is still likely to be fatal. Therefore, it is important not to get complacent about parking lot accidents.

If you have been in a Florida car accident in a parking lot, even if it's just a fender bender, pull the cars to a safe location to prevent a secondary accident. Exchange phone numbers with anyone involved and with any witnesses. Call the police and your insurance company to file a report. Even if the accident was relatively minor, you may still need to make a claim to have your car repainted – small damage can still be expensive to fix. If you decide to file a claim later on or realize that the damage was more severe than you thought, having some documentation is important and filing insurance and police reports is important to ensure good documentation. Take photos of the accident and note down the conditions, location, date, time, and weather at the time of the accident.

If the car accident is more serious and you cannot move your car, get out of your car and put on your emergency flashers to ensure that no one rear ends you. If anyone is injured, get medical help immediately. Take photos of any conditions that may have contributed to the accident – such as an incorrectly parked car or poor paving. If anyone is injured or if the accident involved a drunk driver or commercial car or truck, you will want to possibly contact a personal injury attorney. You will also want to contact a personal injury attorney if the damages are considerable.

Although car accidents in parking lots are usually low-risk, you want to avoid them, and you can often do so simply by parking further away from other cars and especially from larger trucks. You can also help prevent accidents in parking lots by driving slowly and by using signal lights to indicate turns. Use extra caution when entering or exiting parking spots or the parking lot itself – these are the highest risk times for a car accident in a parking lot.

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In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that Florida led the US in bicycle accidents. Although the numbers of bicycle accident fatalities in the state has been dropping slowly since 1991, the state still sees many such accidents and according to at least one Florida newspaper, twenty percent of traffic fatalities in five Florida countries (Broward County, Indian River County, Martin County, Palm Beach County, and St. Lucie County) in 2009 were attributed to pedestrian and bicycle accidents.

There are many things that cause Florida car accidents involving bicyclists. One problem is that there are many motorists and many bicycle enthusiasts in Florida, which means two very different types of vehicles sharing the road. Some counties have been trying to build more bicycle-only paths and lanes to keep bicyclists and cars apart. In May 2011, for example, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties proposed a new trail for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-car traffic.

The summer is an especially dangerous time for Florida bicycle accidents. More cyclists take the opportunity to head outside and more tourists can mean more car traffic in Florida, as well. Vacations and time away from work also mean more chances for people to hop into their cars or on their bikes, meaning more traffic. Luckily, we can all work together to prevent Florida car accidents and bike accidents this summer.

Bicyclists can help by riding safe. That means riding on bicycle trails or bike lanes where possible. When no such options are available, it is safest for bicyclists to ride with the flow of traffic on the far right, closest to the right hand side of the street. Bicyclists can also wear reflective clothing, maintain good eye contact with drivers around them, and use hand signals to ensure that drivers are aware of their intended direction.

Motorists can help by staying alert for bicyclists. In many car accidents involving passenger cars, motorists claim that they simply did not see a bicyclist in time. Stay alert when passing popular areas for bicyclists and never drive in the bicycle lane. Give bicyclists plenty of room and become familiar with the hand signals that bicyclists to indicate turns.

Both bicyclists and motorists can avoid traffic accidents by driving sober and alert. While motorists tend to be the focus of awareness campaigns, both bicyclists and motorists are dangerous on the road when driving under the influence or when driving tired. Both on a bike and in a car, you need good response times and a good focus. If you are tired or intoxicated, take a cab or get a friend to drive you safely home.

Continue reading " This Summer, Let's Work Together to Lower the Florida Car Accident Rate Involving Bicycles " »

Florida has the unfortunate distinction of being first in the country for pedestrian accidents. Florida pedestrian accidents are especially prevalent in four areas of the state: the Orlando-Kissimmee are, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach communities, and Jacksonville. Summer is an especially dangerous time for Florida car accidents involving pedestrians, as there are often more drivers and more pedestrians on the roads, taking part in summer activities.

This year, we can all work together to prevent Florida pedestrian accidents:

1) If you are a pedestrian, cross at designated crosswalks and obey all traffic signals. If there is not crosswalks where you will be crossing, cross at a corner and pay special attention to traffic. Avoid restricted areas where drivers do not expect to see pedestrians – such as freeways.

2) If you are a driver, pay attention to pedestrians as well as other traffic. If you are driving in an area with no sidewalks, be aware that pedestrians will be sharing the road with you. If you are driving in an area with many parks or walking trails, stay alert for pedestrians.

3) Stay visible. This applies especially to pedestrians, who should wear light or reflective clothing, especially when outside at dark. Cars should always use headlights after dark or on overcast days. If one of your lights is not working correctly, fix it immediately. Being seen by other drivers and by pedestrians is an important way to prevent accidents.

4) Stay alert. Distracted driving and distracted pedestrians are both a danger on the road. Distracted drivers are unlikely to see a pedestrian in time to avoid a collision. Pedestrians who are listening to music, talking on a cell phone, or texting may also not be aware enough of traffic to obey the laws and walk safely.

5) Never allow your young children to play near roadways. Pedestrian accidents involving children are very common – and especially tragic. Children are more likely to sustain fatal brain injuries in a pedestrian accident, due to their smaller size. Keep your children supervised at all times.

6) Never drive or walk drunk or under the influence of drugs. Every driver is aware of the risk of Florida drunk driving accidents, but pedestrians who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to be in a pedestrian accident as well. If you are under the influence, do not walk or drive home. Have a friend help you home or take a taxi.

Continue reading " Preventing Florida Pedestrian Accidents This Summer " »

Tired drivers are a danger on the road and cause many Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents each year. Tired drivers are more likely to cause a Florida truck accident or car accident because their thinking is muddy and their reaction times are slow. Some studies have found that driving tired can reduce response times as much as driving drunk. According to medical experts, getting a good night's sleep – the kind of sleep that can make you safer as a driver -- involves practicing good sleep hygiene. This means:

1) Creating a good atmosphere for sleep. Do your best to create a quiet, dark, and comfortable sleep environment. Experts recommend a room temperature of 65 F for optimal sleep. Dark, heavy curtains can help block out light and ear plugs or a solid window can help create a quiet atmosphere. Scientists have found that sudden loud noises can interrupt quality sleep and leave sleepers more tired in the morning, even if the sleeper did not fully wake up at the noise.

2) Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Doing so helps you fall asleep more easily and allows you to create a solid sleep-wake cycle, which can help you feel more rested and can help ensure a quality sleep.

3) Create a soothing ritual for going to sleep. To create a good sleeping and waking schedule, start relaxing a good thirty minutes to one hour before your bedtime. Avoid any stimulants during this time – including TV, nicotine, or caffeine. Try to avoid exercise four to six hours before your ideal bedtime, as it will keep you awake longer. Sipping a soothing warm drink, relaxing, reading quietly, or listening to soothing music can help get your body and mind ready for sleep and can help you fall asleep more easily.

4) Choose a bed that supports good sleep. Be fussy about your bed and carefully search out the right pillows, mattress, and bed position that you need for the best sleep. Choose comfortable sheets and make sure that you change them often. An inviting and comfortable bed can mean a better sleep and fewer aches in the morning.

Continue reading " Good Sleep Hygiene Can Help Prevent Florida Car Accidents " »

Many parents try to teach their new teen drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving in Florida, or about the dangers of distracted driving. However, younger children are also at risk in Florida car accidents. In fact, the National Center for Heath Statistics reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for children under the age of 14. There are many ways that parents can teach young children to be safer in cars:

1) Teach your young children to be cautious about getting in a car with a driver who may be drunk. While most youngsters are taught to never get in a car with a stranger, teach children to look for the signs of a drunk driver and teach them to call you instead of getting in the car.

2) Teach your children to wear seat belts at all times. Younger children should always be placed in an age-appropriate safety seat. However, once children are old enough to wear a seat belt, they should be taught about the importance of safety belts and should be encouraged to wear a seat belt at all times.

3) Teach your children not to distract a driver. Younger children can inadvertently distract the driver, without realizing the danger. When driving with a younger child, make sure that they have an activity that can distract them during the trip. As well, be sure to explain to children the importance of not distracting any driver they are getting a drive from.

4) Teach pre-teens about the dangers of too many passengers. Many teens and pre-teens drive around with older friends with cars, and this means that many young drivers ferry around cars full of friends. This can be distracting and dangerous, especially for a younger and less experienced driver. Make sure that you explain to your younger teens about the dangers of distracted driving and the dangers of too many passengers in a car.

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Fatigued driving is a major cause of Florida truck accidents and car accidents. Fatigue can be an especial problem in the summer because:

1) The summer sun can be bad for proper rest and sleep. Since the days are longer in the summer, you may naturally be getting less sleep. If your bedroom is filled with sunlight in the morning, you may be waking up much earlier than you need to – especially if you are a night owl. Consider investing in dark, heavy curtains to keep out the sun in the mornings in order to get a restful sleep.

2) Late nights. The summer is often filled with social events, parties, and holidays, which can mean lots of late nights. When planning your social calendar, plan to get home safely from each event if you have been drinking. Planning well ahead is one of the best ways to avoid Florida drunk driving accidents. As well, try to get rest during the day when you know you will be up late. If you feel too tired to drive, take your body's cues seriously and take a nap or call a cab rather than getting behind the wheel.

3) It can be difficult to sleep in the heat. Summer nights can make restful sleep difficult. Hot, dry nights can be uncomfortable and in many places insects can also be an issue. To combat the issue, use a humidifier and a fan or air conditioner to create a pleasant sleeping environment. Add a good-quality screen to your window and a mosquito net to your bed to ensure that insects do not disturb your rest.

4) Heat and light during the day can make it hard to drive. Even if you are rested, hot and sunny days can give you a headache and make you feel exhausted. Heat exhaustion and sun stroke can make it impossible to drive and even simple dehydration can make it difficult to stay alert and focused. Make sure to keep hydrated and wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Continue reading " Why Summer Can Mean More Fatigued Drivers on the Road " »

Summer can mean more distractions and therefore more Florida car accidents. There are many causes for distraction in the summer months:

1) A busier schedule. While the dog days of summer are meant to be a more relaxing time, for many people they are anything but. There are children's camp activities and summer plans, a busier social life, wedding season, and many more distractions. A hectic schedule in the summer months can mean being emotionally distracted and unable to focus. It can also mean sleepless nights, late nights, and cell phones ringing while you are trying to drive. To avoid an accident, consider slowing down your schedule where possible and make a good effort to get a good night's sleep.

2) More bustle on the streets. The streets are busier during the summer months, as visitors and local families take advantage of Florida's green spaces, attractions, and beautiful weather. As well, many municipalities introduce special street events, live street entertainments, and billboards to attract visitors. These can all distract drivers and can cause other drivers on the road to rubberneck, as well.

3) More drivers. There tend to be more drivers on the roads during the summer, thanks to no school and thanks to the visitors who visit the state. Extra drivers and cars on the road can mean traffic, aggressive driving, and a higher risk of Florida car accidents due to the congestion on the roads.

4) Road work. Another contributor to congestion, road work is distracting because it can be hard to resist a peek at a new construction or a new project. However, it is important to stay focused on driving and to slow down in these construction areas.

5) Passengers. Whether you are ferrying the kids to summer activities or going on a family road trip, you are likely to have more passengers in your car more often during the summer months. Passengers can easily distract you with chatting and by pointing out sights on the road. Try to keep passengers quiet by having them check a map or do something else for you while you drive.

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Now that the summer is headed our way, there are some new dangers on the roads. Look out for these hazards to help prevent Florida car accidents:

1) Recreational vehicles. At this time of year, many people take out ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles, and other types of similar vehicles for fun. When these vehicles share the road with you, you need to be extra cautious to avoid a collision. Also, while people are not supposed to use motorized scooters, golf carts, or ride-on mowers on roads, some do, so be alert for these hazards as well.

2) More pedestrians. Visitors and Florida residents alike enjoy the summer days by heading out for walks. Many people take advantage of lazy summer days to take strolls or try jogging. Keep alert, especially at intersections and in areas near walking trails. Give pedestrians plenty of room and be prepared for the unexpected. Together, we can help lower the rate of Florida pedestrian accidents.

3) Weather conditions. While most of us consider winter weather to be a hazard, summer has its own hazards. Hot, dry days can make it hard to concentrate on driving, for example, while sunny days can make visibility very difficult. As well, high heat can cause older cars to overheat and function poorly. Keep bottled water, sunscreen, and sunglasses in your car so that you can stay comfortable and focused on the road.

4) Road work. At this time of year, many municipalities start building projects and road repair. In these areas, slow down and follow signs or indicators. Stay alert for workers or work vehicles, which pose an additional obstacle for driver. Where possible, learn about road work on your route ahead of time and take an alternate route to avoid traffic and the risks of construction areas.

Continue reading " Summer Road Dangers to Avoid " »

Florida drunk driving accidents are a highly preventable cause of injuries and fatalities year round, but there are certain hazards that make drunk driving even more of a menace during the summer:

1) Summer holidays. College kids are home from school and the summer is filled with long weekends and holidays, leading to parties where alcohol is served. Many police departments set up road checks and sobriety checks during holidays, knowing that more people choose to drink and drive during holiday weekends.

2) Summer barbecues and cookouts. Summer is a time for having a beer by the lake or a few cold ones with a barbecue. Unfortunately, Florida car accidents sometimes happen when someone decides to drive after drinking. In many cases, the driver is not even aware that they are over the legal limit because they have only had a small amount of alcohol. It's best to avoid driving even if you have had only one or two drinks.

3) More cars on the road. During the summer, there are more cars on Florida's roads. Tourists arrive for the season, more parents are shuttling children to summer events, and students home from college are driving on the roads as well. More crowded roads and drinking and driving are a terrible mix, making a car accident more likely.

4) Heat and sunlight. Bright light and heat enhance the soporific effects of alcohol, making it even more likely that someone who has been drinking will fall asleep or have trouble concentrating behind the wheel. For this reason, it is very important to avoid driving, even if you have had only a small number of drinks.

5) Cabins and vacation homes. At this time of year, many people open their cottages, cabins, and vacation homes for entertainment. When alcohol is served at these parties, it can be a problem, as vacation homes are often far from public transit or taxi stands, making it hard to get home safely after drinking. For this reason, it is important to have a plan in place ahead of time to get home safely.

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