Articles Posted in Car Accidents

Published on:

By

carIf you or a loved one has been injured in a chain reaction accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have legal options and should reach out to a knowledgeable Miami car crash attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we understand that the legal process is stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We are prepared to answer your questions and address your concerns in regard to your case.

Earlier this year, a Florida National Guard soldier died and five others were injured in a chain reaction crash involving military vehicles in Sebring. An initial investigation revealed that three Palletized Load System vehicles (similar to a semitrailer truck) collided in a chain reaction crash. The convoy was traveling north on the highway when the third vehicle failed to stop for a red light in time and hit the second vehicle. The driver of that vehicle sustained fatal injuries and had to be extricated from the damaged vehicles. No civilians were involved in the accident.

Chain reaction accidents, also commonly known as multi-vehicle accidents, take place when more than two cars hit each other in a chain of rear-end accidents. Unfortunately, chain reaction accidents are more common than you may think. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that more than 15,000 people are killed in chain reaction accidents every year, and about 57.2 percent of crashes involve two or more vehicles. In addition, a total of 12 percent of the measured crashes involved three or more vehicles. The NHTSA also reports that around 40 percent of all car accident fatalities arise from multi-vehicle crashes.

Continue reading →
Published on:

By

accidentThe rise of technology has been convenient for a lot of day-to-day tasks. With the click of a button, we can figure out the nearest restaurant and how to get there. But there is a downside as well. Technology-related distractions, such as the use of cell phones, have contributed to many accidents on the road. If a driver who was using their cell phone behind the wheel has injured you, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami distracted driving accident lawyers are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm that they cause.

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, the United States has seen a 14 percent spike in roadway fatalities over the last two years. It has also seen the biggest back-to-back increase in auto accident death rates per mile driven in more than 50 years. In 2016 alone, over 37,000 people died in roadway accidents. This group includes drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Many blame the increase in accidents on technology-related distractions, such as cell phones. Official figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation rebut this sentiment, showing that only about 9 percent of traffic deaths are caused by distracted driving in general and even fewer specifically by phone use. However, the National Safety Council (NSC) has challenged this data, pointing out that police reports often lack the ability to record technology-related distractions as the cause of an accident. Additionally, many times, the report is contingent on the driver admitting to the distraction, which leads to systematic undercounting. Both the NSC and a recent study by Cambridge Mobile Telematics claim that cell phones play a much larger role in accidents than official figures show. In fact, the NSC claims that based on the under-reporting of distracted driving crashes, the number of fatal crashes that actually take place each year could be double what is recorded in federal data.

Continue reading →
Published on:

By

halloweenHalloween is an entertaining occasion for both children and adults as they get to dress up, participate in trick-or-treating, and attend Halloween parties. While Halloween can be exciting, the reality is that accidents and injuries do occur on this day. If you or someone close to you was injured in an accident that was not your fault on Halloween, we can help. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami personal injury attorneys have the skill, experience, and determination to handle your case.

While we have heard horror stories about poisoned candy and razor blades hidden in apples, the biggest danger on Halloween is that of car accidents. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that between 2009 and 2013, 43 percent of all motor vehicle deaths that took place on Halloween night resulted from a drunk driving-related crash. In addition, 26 percent of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween involved a drunk driver in 2013. According to the Safe Kids USA organization, children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween night than at any other time of the year.

Just because it is Halloween does not mean that drivers do not need to follow the rules of the road. Drivers who cause an accident by driving carelessly will likely be liable for any resulting harm under the theory of negligence. Negligence occurs when a person causes injuries or death because he or she failed to act as a reasonably prudent person would act under the same or similar circumstances. For example, a reasonably prudent driver would not speed in residential areas in Halloween, understanding the risk of hitting children who may be trick-or-treating. As a result, a driver who causes an accident in this way would be liable for the resulting harm.

Continue reading →

Published on:

By

roadThere are many factors that can cause accidents on the road in Florida and throughout the United States. Collisions with animals and wildlife can have catastrophic, even deadly consequences. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident involving an animal on the road, it is important to reach out to a skilled Miami car crash attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we are available to analyze the facts of your case and help you understand your legal rights and options.

Car accidents involving wildlife are more common than you may think. According to the Defenders of Wildlife’s fact sheet that there are approximately 725,000 to 1.5 million wildlife-vehicle collisions each year in the United States. Some of these accidents occur in Florida, which is why it is important for drivers to know their rights in the aftermath of such crashes.

Earlier this year, a crash with an alligator sent a woman’s car into a wipeout on I-75. The driver of the car survived the deadly encounter, although the accident left her with a cut under her eye and some bruising. By the time she saw the alligator in front of her Ford Escape, there was no chance of avoiding it. She hit the gator, and her vehicle went into a counter-clockwise spin before overturning at least half a dozen times.

Continue reading →

Published on:

By

elderFor many elders in Florida, driving allows them the freedom and independence to get where they want to go without having to ask anyone else. If you are an elder who has been hurt in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we can help. Alternatively, if you have been injured in an accident caused by an elder’s negligence, we can also help. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami car accident attorneys have the experience and dedication to handle your case. You can rest assured that we will vigorously advocate for your rights at every step of the way.

The reality is that elderly drivers are more likely to be involved in a car crash. The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) also found that 40.1 million licensed drivers were aged 65 and older across the United States in 2015. That same year, 6,165 people age 65 and older were killed in traffic crashes. This represents approximately 18 percent of all Americans killed on the road. Furthermore, 240,000 older individuals were injured in traffic crashes in 2015.

For elder drivers, a number of factors can make it challenging to drive, such as a natural decline in vision and reaction time, which can contribute to errors behind the wheel. In Florida, drivers over the age of 80 must pass a vision test before renewing their license. The NHTSA reports that older drivers sometimes have a hard time recognizing still objects and moving objects, which can affect their perception of vehicles and pedestrians.

Continue reading →

Published on:

By

rainHeavy winds, rain, and flooding that take place during a tropical storm or hurricane in Florida are nothing to take lightly. These weather conditions often lead to serious car accidents that result in long-term injuries and even death. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a weather-related accident in Florida, you need to reach out to a skilled Miami auto accident attorney who can evaluate the facts of your case. You can rest assured that we will advise you on a sensible course of action so that you can get the compensation you deserve for your harm.

Each year, there are 5,870,000 auto accidents across the United States. According to the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, approximately 23 percent of those accidents are caused by hazardous weather and poor visibility. This means that over a million crashes a year are weather-related. Weather-related crashes are defined as crashes that take place in adverse weather, such as rain, sleet, snow, fog, severe crosswinds, blowing sand, or slick pavement. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that almost 6,000 people are killed each year and over 445,000 are injured in weather-related crashes on an annual basis.

Tropical storms and hurricanes can create dangerous conditions due to the following factors:  poor visibility, decreased traction on road surfaces, lane obstructions, and lane submersions. These factors significantly increase the potential of an accident. When adverse conditions exist, it is the responsibility of each motorist to use additional care behind the wheel. For example, drivers should keep their headlights on and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel at all times. Drivers should also move slowly and give other drivers plenty of space. Of course, if a motorist is caught in the center of a tropical storm or hurricane, there may be some things that are out of a motorist’s control, no matter how much care and caution that motorist uses.

Continue reading →
Published on:

By

crashCar accidents can cause serious injuries and even death, resulting in high medical costs and other significant expenses. If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by a mechanical defect or malfunction, we can help. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami car accident attorneys will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve for your harm. With years of experience, we have helped many South Florida clients resolve their injury claims and can help you as well.

While many car crashes are caused by driver negligence, some accidents occur because of mechanical issues. Mechanical problems can cause a driver to lose control of the car and get into an accident. Many types of mechanical defects or malfunctions can cause car accidents, including:

  • Seat belt injuries;
Continue reading →
Published on:

By

lawyerIf you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our firm helps clients through every part of the legal process, including preparing clients for statements and Examinations Under Oath (EUO). Our firm has extensive experience in handling insurance cases for Florida clients. An EUO could have serious consequences for your case, which is why you should reach out to a seasoned Miami car accident attorney regarding the matter and even take that attorney with you to the proceeding.

After an automobile accident, if an insured party files a claim for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits under an automobile insurance policy or a policy for medical payment coverage or uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, that party is very likely going to have to attend an EUO. Similarly, if you were a passenger in someone’s car at the time of an accident and are seeking UM coverage, you will likely be required to give the insurance company a statement of EUO.

The EUO is a proceeding in which the insured is asked questions by the insurance company’s representative, typically an attorney, in the presence of a certified court reporter under oath. Put another way, after an automobile accident involving injuries, an EUO gives an opportunity for a representative of a car insurance carrier to get answers from the insured under oath. As a policyholder, you are required to comply as part of the auto insurance company’s accident claims investigation process.

Continue reading →

Published on:

By

truckTruck accidents can have devastating consequences for people in the smaller vehicle involved. If you or your loved one was injured in an underride accident, it is imperative to seek the help of a Miami truck accident attorney without delay. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we can help you hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation you deserve for your harm. For years, we have vigorously advocated for South Florida victims and can do the same for you.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 400 people die each year due to underride accidents. The NHTSA further estimates that more than 5,000 occupants of passenger vehicles sustain severe injuries in these types of crashes on an annual basis.

Underride accidents typically occur when a passenger vehicle collides with a truck and runs under it. Even at relatively low speeds, these accidents can lead to serious injuries and even death to drivers and passengers in the car. There are two types of truck underride accidents that may happen:  side underride collisions and rear underride collisions. A side underride collision happens when a passenger car slams into the side of a truck and then slides under it. A rear underride collision occurs when a passenger vehicle runs under the rear of a truck or semi-trailer.

Continue reading →

Published on:

By

angerWhile everyone should obey traffic laws, the reality is that each year, a number of people in Florida and throughout the United States get into accidents due to road rage. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a crash involving road rage, it is important to speak to a skilled Miami attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we are committed to pursuing the compensation you deserve. We understand that any incident involving road rage can be very stressful and even traumatic, which is why we will handle your case with the utmost compassion.

In Florida, aggressive driving consists of engaging in at least two of the following behaviors:  excessive speeding, changing lanes or passing improperly, tailgating, failing to yield, and failing to obey traffic signs. Road rage differs from aggressive driving in that road rage may escalate into a criminal offense, such as an assault or an incident involving a weapon. While a driver can face both criminal and civil claims, our firm focuses on helping clients recover damages through civil claims.

According to the Trace, a non-profit news organization that covers gun issues, road rage incidents involving firearms have more than doubled from 247 in 2014 to 620 in 2016. The report found that there were 1,319 road rage incidents from January 2014 to December 2016. Nationwide, at least 354 people were injured and 136 people killed in such incidents. Florida contributed the most to this tally with 146 incidents, making it the worst state for road rage involving guns.

Continue reading →