Orlando Injury Info

Final Weekend of Daytona Beach Bike Week

ctodds — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:00:14 +0000

With Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida coming to an end this weekend, the cold weather seems to have kept the usual big crowds a little smaller this year. But, the weather should be warmer for the final weekend and that means more bikes and traffic on the road. According to WESH Channel 2, Daytona Beach Fire Department reports that since last Friday there have only been 19 crashes involving motorcycles. In the past, the Daytona Beach Fire Department has responded to as many as 15 accidents per day during the event. To help respond to accidents more quickly, the Fire Department created its “Motor Medic” Team which uses motorcycles to get to accident scenes that might otherwise be hard to get to because of heavy crowds and traffic.

But this year, “We’re not seeing the types of injuries that we’re normally used to seeing because of the crowd numbers”, says Lt. Larry Stoney of the DBFD. With more bikers heading over to the beach for the final weekend, the risk of motorcycle accidents and crashes with injuries will likely increase, so Earle & Smith reminds you to drive safe, practice defensive driving, and watch out for other bikers and motorists under the influence of alcohol.

“Click it or Ticket” Starts Today

ctodds — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:51:18 +0000

Today is the start of Florida’s “Click it or Ticket” program that runs from March 1st through March 15th. For the next two weeks, Florida law enforcement officers will be aggressively ticketing motorists who are not wearing their seatbelts. Obviously, seatbelts save lives and help prevent injuries in all types of trucking and motor vehicle accidents. In our Orlando law firm, we see still see serious injuries from automobile accidents even where a seatbelt was worn, so we remind you and your family to be safe and make sure you “click it”.

Florida Legislature to Address Texting While Driving

ctodds — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:27:15 +0000

With Florida’s regular legislative session approaching, supporters of a ban against texting while driving are optimistic that legislation will finally pass during the upcoming session. As reported by the Miami Herald, lawmakers have introduced 17 bills on the issue this year. So far, at least 35 lawmakers are sponsors or co-sponsors of bills banning texting while driving and Governor Charlie Crist has also announced his support. At least 28 other states have limited texting while driving in some fashion.

“Florida is ready to say we are no longer going to tolerate this irresponsible activity,” said state Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota. Many studies have been publicized over the past several months showing how texting can lead to car accidents and deaths from automobile crashes. As I’ve written about previously on this blog, one study by Virginia Tech’s Transportation Institute found that drivers of heavy trucks were 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash if texting, and drivers using an electronic device were six times more likely to have an automobile accident.

However, there are some interests that will try to block any of these measures and supporters have compared the texting issue to Florida’s mandatory seatbelt law which took 10 years to pass. Much of the opposition to the mandatory seatbelt law centered around concerns that it was a government intrusion on a driver’s freedom to choose whether or not to wear a seatbelt. “I think there are people who were concerned and that we were trying to regulate persons’ lives,” said state Sen. Frederica Wilson of Miami, who has twice sponsored similar legislation. “I think now because of national attention it will pass.”

However, many questions about how far the law will go need to be addressed. Should it apply to all drivers or just teenagers? Also, just as in the prior debate on the seatbelt issue, should police be able to stop drivers for texting or only charge drivers with texting if they first commit some other offense? Either way, although we all enjoy the convenience of staying in touch with friends, family, and work through texting, the time of texting while driving may be over in Florida. That’s a good thing for public safety on Florida’s roadways. To tell us what you think, vote in our poll on our facebook page or leave a comment.

No More Texting for Truck Drivers

ctodds — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:35:30 +0000

On January 26, 2010, U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced new federal policy to expressly prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. The rule goes into effect immediately and is the latest action taken by the Department to restrict distracted driving which can cause serious automobile and trucking accidents. The new regulation follows a series of actions taken by the Department to fight distracted driving since the national summit on the issue last September. “We want the drivers of big rigs and buses and those who share the roads with them to be safe,” said Secretary LaHood. “This is an important safety step and we will be taking more to eliminate the threat of distracted driving.”
The new enforcement policy is the result of the Department’s interpretation of standing rules. Commercial truck and bus drivers who text while driving may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750. Texting while driving can be just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than driving under the influence. If a driver takes their eyes off the road for just a few seconds, bad things can happen. If you’d like more information on steps taken by the Department to combat distracted driving, visit www.distraction.gov.

Giant arena video screen: What Magic want, Magic get – OrlandoSentinel.com

ctodds — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:38:49 +0000

Giant arena video screen: What Magic want, Magic get – OrlandoSentinel.com

Posted using ShareThis

Orlando Approves Giant Video Screen to Face I-4

ctodds — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:39:51 +0000

As reported by The Orlando Sentinel, in a 5-2 vote, Orlando’s City Council approved placement of the giant video screen on the arena that will face I-4. To get the votes needed, Magic execs proposed new rules that the screen would only display two full-motion video clips per minute and each clip can be no longer than five seconds. In between video clips, still images that change every eight seconds will be displayed. Hopefully, those changes will be enough to reduce the distraction to drivers and lower the risk of automobile accidents on I-4. Even with the changes, Patty Sheehan voted against the video screen. “Would I drive with my eyes closed for five seconds? Of course not,” Sheehan said. “I hope I’m wrong. I hope there’s not going to be a 15-car pileup.” Vote in our poll and tell us what you think on our facebook page at facebook.com/OrlandoInjuryLawyers.

Orlando pedestrians in cross hairs at crosswalks – OrlandoSentinel.com

ctodds — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:01:03 +0000

Orlando pedestrians in cross hairs at crosswalks – OrlandoSentinel.com

Posted using ShareThis

FHP Offers Tips for Safe Thanksgiving Travel

ctodds — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:15:08 +0000

Today, the Florida Highway Patrol announced its efforts to reduce the number of automobile accidents during the Thanksgiving holiday. The holiday weekend results in a high volume of traffic because of family travel and tourism which could result in a higher number of traffic crashes. Therefore, FHP will increase its presence on Florida’s roads by increasing the number of officers on patrol, including personnel normally assigned to administrative duties. Troopers will be on the lookout for DUI, speeding, following too closely, and other aggressive driving behaviors. Florida Highway Patrol recommends the following travel safety tips for the busy travel weekend:

• Get plenty of rest before setting out on a long trip
• Observe and obey all speed limits
• Allow plenty of time to reach your destinations
• Drive sober, and only sober
• Buckle up!
• Eliminate distractions: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the stereo – these are all examples of things that can take your eyes off the road, which is exactly what you want to avoid.
• Prepare your vehicle: Check fluids for proper levels, i.e. oil, gas and windshield wipers, and ensure your tires have adequate pressure and are in good condition.

If you plan to travel over the holiday, remember to take your time getting to your destination. Long car rides can be an annoyance, but they can also be an opportunity to spend more time with family. The law firm of Earle & Smith would like to wish you and your family a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Walking in Orlando May Be Hazardous to Your Health

ctodds — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:21:57 +0000

As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, a new study just released has determined that metro Orlando has the most dangerous streets in the country for pedestrians in areas of at least one million residents. The study determined that the problem in Orlando, like much of the country, is that roads are wide and built primarily for automobiles to travel at higher speeds and not designed with pedestrians in mind. In Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties, 115 people were killed after being hit by cars or trucks during 2007 through 2008. That number is considered extremely high because relatively few people walk in the area, instead opting to drive or take public transportation. According to the study by the Transportation For America and the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership, “the few people who do walk in Orlando face a relatively high risk of being killed.” The study’s “pedestrian danger index” ranked Orlando number one because of its high fatality rate of 2.9 deaths per 100,000 residents despite the small number of residents who walk to work. The group advocates making pedestrians a priorty in transportation planning to make roadways safer for pedestrians.

The Orlando Sentinel conducted its own analysis of Florida crash data between 2007 and 2008 and found that:

-Seminole, Orange, Lake and Osceola counties had 1,887 crashes involving motor vehicles and pedestrians.

-115 pedestrians were killed, including 66 in Orange County, 18 in Lake, 16 in Osceola and 15 in Seminole.

-At least 839 pedestrians in the region were injured, including 181 who were seriously injured.

-Eighteen pedestrians were killed along Colonial Drive or just past Colonial on its cross streets, while 17 more died on or just past Orange Blossom Trail. Nine more died on Semoran Boulevard, seven on U.S. Highway 192, and five more on State Road 44. See map below of more dangerous intersections.

-942 bicyclists were struck by motor vehicles in Central Florida which led to thirty deaths.

These numbers are staggering and unfortunate. At the law firm of Earle & Smith, we’ve had the privilege of helping pedestrians and bicyclists who have been injured in accidents with careless automobile drivers. Most of the time, the offending motorists say they never even saw our client before hitting them. Pedestrians must use sidewalks and crosswalks, watch out for motor vehicles, and carefully follow the rules of the road, especially traffic signals. For more tips on pedestrian and bicycle safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Map of Dangerous Intersections in Central Florida:

View Larger Map

Do you really need a lawyer for your auto accident?

ctodds — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:34:53 +0000

At the law firm of Earle & Smith, we talk to clients all over Central Florida who have questions after being in an automobile accident. Questions often arise such as, “Who is responsible for my damages”, “What are my rights?”, and “Do I have a case?”. For specific answers to these questions we recommend that you consult with an experienced attorney. Generally, whether or not you have a claim depends on who was at fault for the accident and if you were injured as a result of the accident. Damages typically include the amount of your past medical bills, the amount of future medical bills, past lost wages, loss of earning capacity in the future, and pain and suffering if your injury is permanent.

At our Orlando law firm, we sometimes talk to clients who didn’t seek an attorney right away because they didn’t think they actually needed a lawyer to help them. They assumed the insurance company would do the right thing and pay them the proper amount for their claim. Some insurance companies are easier to deal with than others, but some companies take an aggressive position and fight valid claims or dispute the amount of a claim to avoid paying full value. Just recently I requested settlement for a client who was injured in a car accident and has several thousand dollars in medical bills. The insurance company’s response to my settlement request – $150. That doesn’t even cover the cost of one doctor visit, much less the cost of several months of treatment that my client needed. If all insurance companies worked just as hard to settle claims as some do to deny claims, we would have far less litigation, but that’s just not the way things are done anymore. Too often, big insurance companies are putting profits ahead of people. So even if you don’t think you need a lawyer, it may be a good idea to talk to one anyway. Consultations for accident cases are free at our firm, so email or give us a call if we can answer any questions you may have about your Florida accident case.