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While many of us focus on drunk driving or distracted driving as prevalent causes of car accidents, in some cases, car accidents are results of pre-existing medical conditions. If you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami car crash attorneys understand that proving fault in a personal injury case involving a crash caused by a driver’s medical condition is not easy, but we understand how to navigate this type of claim.

A 2011 study conduced by the National Institute of Health found that chronic medical conditions most likely to increase accident risks include alcoholism, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, diabetes, and dementia. Of course, poor eyesight can make it unsafe for a person to drive as well. Florida has some of the most lenient laws in the country when it comes to prohibiting motorists with medical conditions from operating a motor vehicle. Essentially, the state relies on confidential reports from other motorists, after which it conducts an investigation, which includes requesting the driver’s medical records and reviewing the driver’s history.

In many car accident cases, the issue of fault is relatively straightforward because one driver was clearly negligent (i.e., did not stop at a stop sign, ran a red light, etc.). Negligence occurs when a person causes injuries or death by failing to use reasonable care behind the wheel. In the context of car accident cases, reasonable care is defined as how a sensible or prudent driver would have operated the motor vehicle in the same or similar circumstances. For example, if a driver’s excessive speeding caused an accident, he or she would be liable for the crash and any resulting harm.

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Spots utility vehicles (SUVs) are commonplace in Florida and throughout the United States. If you have been injured in an SUV accident that was not your fault, you might be able to make a financial recovery for your losses. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our experienced Miami auto accident attorneys will take the time to address your concerns and fully answer your questions in order to help you move on with your life.

A 15-year old Florida high school student was struck by an SUV as he attempted to cross the street in Northwest Jacksonville, according to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The accident took place at Dunn Avenue early in the morning last month when a Jeep allegedly hit the student who was attempting to cross multiple lanes of traffic to reach his bus stop. Immediately after the accident, the driver of the jeep pulled over to help the young man. Thankfully, the teenager survived but he was transported a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. The FHP is still investigating the matter.

Liability for SUV Accidents 

In most cases, the cause of an SUV accident is driver error. If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in an SUV accident, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver. Lawsuits involving SUV accidents are typically rooted in the legal theory of negligence. Negligence is the failure to use reasonable care resulting in damage or injury to another.

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Florida is home to a number of beautiful and world-renowned golf courses. While most people operate golf carts without incident, the reality is that accidents do happen. If you were injured in a golf cart accident, you could potentially recover compensation for your injuries. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our seasoned Miami personal injury attorneys understand that golf cart accidents can be just as serious as car accidents. With years of experience, we know how to help you seek recovery.

An 88-year-old man who drove his 2000 Yamaha golf cart into to the path of a Chevy pickup truck died as a result of his injuries at Ocala Regional Medical Center earlier this month. According to a report by the Florida Highway Patrol, the golf cart was traveling south on a trail adjacent to Cazaras Avenue and was struck when he tried to cross at a trail crossing without yielding. The golf cart driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

Establishing Negligence for Golf Cart Accidents

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Florida has strict laws regarding a person’s responsibilities following a car accident. If you were injured in a hit and run accident, it is vital to consult an experienced Miami personal injury attorney immediately. Sadly, hit and run accidents are fairly common occurrences. These accidents are complicated because the search for the fleeing driver can be long, and in some cases the driver may never be found. We understand the different aspects of Florida hit and run laws and can apply our knowledge to your case.

Three lineman were hit, the third of whom died, in fatal hit-and-run accident in Florida last month. The accident took place around 7:00 p.m. when three lineman were working to restore power lost during Hurricane Michael near State Road 77 in Chipley. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), a driver headed northbound on the road completely departed from it and ended up striking the three lineman. Immediately after the accident, the driver of the car fled the scene on foot but was found shortly after. The driver was arrested and charges against him are currently pending as FHP continues to investigate the incident.

Hit and Run Accidents in Florida

In Florida, a hit and run collision occurs when one vehicle strikes another vehicle and then leaves the scene of an accident when the crash involves death, bodily injury or property damage. If you are a victim of a hit and run accident, you may not always be able to locate the at-fault driver to hold him or her responsible for the accident. However, you can seek compensation for your losses through our own insurance company. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that all drivers must have personal injury protection coverage (PIP). The claim process can be complicated when you cannot identify the driver so it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side who understands the unique challenges associated with hit and run accidents.

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Unfortunately, train accidents are more common than you may think. In fact, every 115 minutes, a train somewhere in the United States strikes a person or vehicle. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a train accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our seasoned Miami train accident attorneys can provide aggressive representation for those injured in life-changing train accidents.

Earlier this month, an 11-year-old Florida girl died after she was hit by an Amtrak train while crossing the tracks, according to police. The girl had headphones in her ears and was looking at her cell phone when the train hit her. The train conductor tried to blow the horn and brake multiple times but could not stop in time. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

Train accidents have been on the rise in Florida for the past few years. There were 27 trespassers who died in Florida in 2012, 28 in 2013, 36 in 2014, and 35 in the first nine months of 2015. These figures are even higher than those for New York. According to statistics compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration focusing on train accidents in South Florida, the number of people killed on train tracks in 2017 rose when compared to previous years. Twenty-three people died in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties through September this year, compared with 14 in all of 2016. These figures include individuals being killed accidentally as well as people using the tracks for suicides.

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Sadly, drowsy driving is the cause of many preventable accidents every year. If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by drowsy driving, it is essential to contact a reliable Miami car accident attorney without delay. We will work tirelessly to help you make the financial recovery you rightfully deserve for your injuries.

Just last month, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers said a drowsy driver caused a serious accident at a toll plaza in Winter Haven. Toll both cameras captured the wreck and showed the pickup truck being pushed forward after an SUV crashed into the back of the truck, causing the truck to slam into a camera, light display and two control panels at the toll booth plaza. The victim who was driving the truck broke his leg as a result of the accident and had a seizure that led him to be put in intensive care. Law enforcement highlighted that accidents at tollbooths are rare since the posted speed limits are low. 

Drowsy Driving Accidents in Florida

Drowsy driving, also known as tired driving or fatigued driving, refers to the operation of an automobile while being cognitively impaired due to lack of sleep. Just like drunk driving, drowsy driving can result in impaired judgment and delayed reactions, which can substantially raise the risk of accidents on the road. Unfortunately, drowsy driving accidents injure too many Floridians every year. FHP data shows that there were 4,329 accidents caused by drowsy driving in 2017, which led to 28 deaths. Across the country, data reveals that drowsy driving is responsible for 100,000 collisions.

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Teenage drivers are more likely to be involved in auto accidents than any other age group due to inexperience behind the wheel. If you have been injured in an accident involving a teen driver, our Miami auto accident lawyers can advise you of your options. If we accept your case, you can trust that we will tirelessly protect your rights through the entire legal process.

Car accidents are still the leading cause of teen deaths in the US. Given this reality, it is vital for parents and teenagers to have ongoing discussions about how to be safe and responsible behind the wheel. Last month, a survey released by Hum by Verizon during National Teen Driver Safety Week shed some light on how parents need to be an example of safe driving for their children. The evaluation, which surveyed 1,000 US teen drivers, revealed that 79 percent of these drivers stated that they depend on their parents or guardians beyond any other figures to be role models for their driving.

Unfortunately, parents do not always set the right example. The survey found that 80 percent of teenage drivers have seen their parent or guardian drive in an unsafe manner in the past year alone; 57 percent of teenage drivers have seen their parents drive over the posted speed limit; 46 percent of teenage drivers have seen their parents slam on the brakes; and 25 percent have seen their parents drive while not wearing a seat belt or make an illegal maneuver while driving.

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Medical professionals have an obligation to deliver competent care to each and every patient. When this does not happen, the consequences can be devastating for a patient’s health and future well-being. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a medical professional’s error, misconduct or negligence, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries through a medical malpractice lawsuit. Medical malpractice lawsuits in any state are complex and Florida is no exception; but, you can take solace in the fact that our reputable Miami medical malpractice attorneys will investigate the facts of your case and determine the viability of your claim.

Medical Malpractice in Florida

In Florida, you can sue a doctor or other medical professional for medical malpractice if you believe you suffered an injury due to that medical professional’s error or misconduct. Medical malpractice takes place when a medical professional, through an act or omission, causes injury to a patient by failing to adhere to the generally accepted standard of care. This standard of care refers to the level of care that a medical professional practicing in the same specialty of medicine would have used under the same circumstances. You should be aware that there is no need to show intent in medical malpractice claims. Rather, you must simply show that the medical professional’s failure to adhere to the standard of care (for whatever reason) was a direct cause of your injury.

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A number of people in Florida and across the country suffer from a serious nicotine addiction, which they satisfy by smoking cigarettes. If you or your loved one has developed an illness due to a nicotine addiction after using cigarettes, you may be able to recover compensation for the injury. Our highly reputable Miami injury lawyers have represented numerous smokers and their families in personal injury cases, and can represent you as well. These cases are extremely tricky so having an experienced attorney advocating for you can be the difference between winning and losing a case.

Products Liability Cases

Consumers expect products to be safe. While it is now commonly understood that smoking is bad for your health, this was not always the case. People were already addicted to cigarettes long before tobacco companies began warning smokers of the risks on the packages. This intentional disregard for public health often makes tobacco companies and cigarette manufacturers susceptible to products liability lawsuits. These lawsuits intend to hold manufacturers accountable for placing hazardous products into the stream of commerce.

Wrongful Death Case Caused by Dangerous Product

Florida’s highest court recently published an opinion rebuffing a lower court’s ruling to enforce a seemingly clear-cut rule pertaining to the extent of compensation a party filing a wrongful death claim in the state is allowed to recover. The Supreme Court determined that the court had made a mistake in failing to defer to the jury decision and the trial court ruling in not allowing the defendant’s request to lessen the total compensation given by the jury to the plaintiff.

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Highway accidents can be particularly devastating as all vehicles are traveling at high speeds. If you have been harmed in a highway accident, you must contact a Miami personal injury attorney immediately. We will get to the bottom of what happened in your case and help you understand your legal rights and options. Accident victims only have a limited time to file claims in Florida courts so it is imperative to get legal help as quickly as possible after the wreck.

A 58-year-old man recently died after being struck by a car on the Florida Turnpike. C.F. had pulled over to the side of the road when his 2010 Ford Escape began to overheat, according to an accident report from the Florida Highway Patrol. As C.F. exited his car, he was hit by a 2017 Jeep Renegade that had drifted into the emergency lane and died on the spot. The accident took place around 8:30 a.m. in Summerfield. The Ford’s passenger and the Jeep’s driver were not injured. Law enforcement said that charges are pending against the driver of the Jeep. So far, there is no known reason for why her car drifted but authorities have confirmed that alcohol did not play a part in the accident.

Common Causes of Highway Accidents in Florida

The highway is usually a quick and convenient way for a person to get from one place to another but it can also be a dangerous place if drivers do not exercise caution behind the wheel. Highway accidents can have a variety of causes, including but not limited to:

  • Drunk driving;
  • Excessive speeding;
  • Adverse weather conditions;
  • Unsafe lane changes;
  • Distracted driving; and/or
  • Poorly marked construction zones.

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