Articles Posted in Car Accidents

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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 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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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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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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Limousines are often used to transport a large group of people to and from special occasions such as proms, weddings and birthday parties. Limo accidents can change a person’s life in an instant. In many cases, limo accidents lead to death. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a limo accident cause by a limo driver’s negligence, our Miami injury attorneys can help you build a solid case so you can recover the compensation you are rightfully owed for your harm.

Earlier this month, 20 people died in a limousine crash as they headed to a birthday celebration in New York. Among the deceased were four sisters, other relatives and friends. The accident occurred when the limo ran a stop sign and crashed into the parked SUV outside a store, killing all 18 people inside the vehicle, including the driver and two pedestrians on the road. It was later discovered that the limousine operating company had been cited with a variety of safety violations, and had failed an inspection. In fact, the vehicle had been declared “unserviceable” last month. In addition, the limo driver did not have the commercial license the law requires.

Liability in Florida Limo Accidents

While the incident took place in New York, limousine accidents also lead to devastating injuries in Florida. As a limousine passenger, you may have special legal protections. There are complex rules and regulations that pertain to the operation of limousines, which are considered “common carriers” under Florida law. A common carrier is defined as an individual or company that offers transportation of people or goods for money. A common carrier is held to an extremely high standard and is required to provide safe means of transportation passengers.

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Bus accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured in a bus accident, you need to contact a Miami bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. With years of experience, we know how to uncover the cause of the accident and help you pursue compensation in your case. We know that it is very stressful to deal with a bus accident, which is why we will make every attempt to resolve your case with compassion.

Last week, a school bus wound up partly inside a backyard swimming pool after a separate accident involving a Jeep. The wreck took place in in the Pine Hills area where the driver of the Jeep veered to stop from hitting a lifeless cat on the road and collided into the bus, causing the bus to crash into the fence and ultimately careening into a backyard pool. The bus was carrying nine children, but fortunately no one was hurt in the wreck. The owner of the house was able to help everyone inside the bus exit the vehicle through its rear door, which stayed elevated above the edge of the pool.

Liability in Florida School Bus Accidents

Due to the sheer size and weight of buses, the injuries caused by a collision are often severe and debilitating. This is especially true on school buses where children are often young and more susceptible to harm.  In the vast majority of cases, a bus accident is caused by negligence either on the part of the bus driver or another driver on the road. Negligence is the failure of one person to take reasonable care to avoid causing injury or loss to another person. The behavior typically consists of actions but can also consist of omissions when there is some duty to act. Essentially, negligence consists of any error or inattentiveness behind the wheel that leads to a preventable accident. For instance, if a truck rear ends a bus because the truck driver was texting and driving, the truck driver will likely be liable for the resulting harm.

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If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a keyless ignition, you need to contact an experienced Miami car accident attorney who can assist you in securing the compensation you need to deal with your injuries. Whether you were injured due to carbon monoxide poisoning or a rollaway accident, we will evaluate the circumstances of your case and help protect your rights every step of the way.

Keyless Ignitions and Potential Problems

Keyless ignition systems in automobiles have been increasing in popularity over the last decade, presumably due to their convenience and ease of use. A keyless ignition allows a car to be started without a physical key being placed in the ignition. Rather, a key fob is a small device with built in authentication protocol that allows whoever possesses it to start the car.

While key fobs are undoubtedly very convenient, they can also pose safety concerns. The two biggest problems reported by drivers with a keyless entry relate to carbon monoxide poisoning and rollaway accidents. If a car is not turned off, it will continue to run even if the key fob is far away from it. This can lead to a deadly build of toxic fumes in an enclosed space, such as a garage, and may ultimately lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Keyless ignition cars can also cause serious rollaway accidents when they are turned off but not put in park. In other words, if drivers forget to turn off their car and simply exit the vehicle, the car can roll away and cause serious injury and even death to other people.

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Rear end collisions may not immediately result in catastrophic injuries the way some other types of accidents do. However, the injuries can manifest later, after some time has passed. If you or someone you know has been injured in a rear end accident, you should consult a Miami rear end accident attorney who can help protect your rights. We will help you seek the maximum possible amount of compensation in your case.

34-year-old Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte informed the police that he had been involved in a car accident last week in Florida, according to a 911 call. In the call, Lochte can be heard telling the 911 operator that he caused a rear-end accident, striking the vehicle in front of him. Lochte was driving a Porsche at the time of the incident and the car he hit was a Nissan. Apparently, the driver in front of Lochte slammed on his breaks and while Lochte tried to veer right, he still ended up striking the vehicle. The Nissan driver was rushed to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Lochte was cited for careless driving but there is no mention of alcohol in the police report.

Fault in Rear End Accidents

All drivers in Florida have a responsibility to behave in a careful and reasonable manner while they are operating a motor vehicle. Overall, this is achieved when the driver obeys traffic laws and drives in a safe way. This includes changing lanes appropriate, abiding by the speed limit and giving other drivers the right-of-way then it is appropriate. When motorists fail to obey the rules, dangerous accidents can take place, including rear end accidents.

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