Car Accidents Due to Reliance on Car Automation

Lane Assist Technology and Other Inventions Affect Car Accident Claims

With the newest innovations in car technology come new ways of looking at motor vehicle safety. This is a cycle that has repeated itself throughout history when it comes to automobiles. The advent of more powerful engines called for new safety features, more cars on the road called for better traffic regulation, and now autonomous vehicle technology is changing at how we look at car accidents and liability. Driverless vehicles have long been an idea in science fiction now made a reality by several companies in silicon valley. While cars may be able to drive themselves and provide automated assistance to drivers, there are still many kinks that need to be worked out. This technology is far from perfect and many people find themselves relying on it only to end up in dangerous situations. 

Florida Car Accident Injury Claims 

Those that suffer severe injuries in a car accident because of the negligence of a liable party deserve compensation. People can find themselves being the victims af a car accident because of another driver’s overreliance on automated vehicle technology or perhaps because of an automated vehicle. In this case, a car accident victim may be able to seek compensation for their injuries by filing a car accident injury claim.  By proving the negligence of the liable party at-fault for the accident, a claimant can make their case for receiving a settlement that can help stabilize their lives after suffering a number of damages. Car accidents can cause severe damages to those involved like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, lost earning potential, and even wrongful death. 

Handling a car accident injury claim on your own is strongly recommended against. While you can make the attempt on your own, it should be known that there are a number of ways that a claimant can reduce the value of their claim by accident. Insurance companies will do everything in their power to take advantage of your lack of knowledge and experience in order to diminish your claim’s value. Consider enlisting the professional assistance of Dolman Law Group. Our attorneys specialize in handling car accident cases involving autonomous vehicle technology. To schedule a free consultation either fill out an online contact form or call our office at (727) 451-6900.

Autonomous Vehicle Technology Can Cause Accidents

While the intention of many autonomous vehicle technologies is to enhance or assist in a driver’s riding experience, they can also contribute to a driver’s negligent driving behavior. There has been growing anxiety over how drive-assist technologies and autonomous driving technologies lead to driver overreliance which can lead to accidents. Many of these technologies are not foolproof and must be handled with a grain of salt yet many entrust them with their lives and consequently the lives of other drivers on the road. 

Accidents Involving Driver Assistance Technology

One of the most notorious examples of driver assistance technology is the autopilot mode that is featured on several models of Tesla electric cars. The feature in itself is actually quite advanced and is capable of limited autonomous driving capabilities. But that is just it. Its autonomous driving abilities are not fully able to handle all the possible hazards that can be encountered on the road. 

Unfortunately, there have been several drivers that have not taken these limitations to heart and ended up putting too much trust into the autopilot feature. The autopilot feature does come with a warning system when there are hazards but this has not proven to be enough in several situations. Several drivers had engaged in distractions such as eating and drinking or using smartphones while relying on autopilots to drive the vehicle only to end up in fatal accidents. This has led many to speculate that the increase in autopilot technologies will exacerbate the already growing problem of driver distraction that is one of the biggest contributors towards car accidents in this country. 

Lane Assist Technology and Car Accidents

Lane assist technology or lane departure technology as it is otherwise known is a driver assistance technology that alerts a driver whenever their vehicle veers out of the lane that they are driving in. This system is featured as a safety failsafe so that drivers that may be getting drowsy will be awakened by an alert if they begin to nod off and drift into another lane or if someone is distracted and doesn't realize that there is a turn that will lead to them crossing into another lane. This technology has its merits but only as a failsafe. Drivers should be sure to not rely on a system like this in order to engage with driver distractions or they risk an accident occurring. 

Driver Assistance Technology and Car Accident Claims

When it comes to seeking compensation after being involved in a car accident because someone was over-reliant on driver-assist or autonomous vehicle technology then there may be several parties that may be liable for your injuries. Naturally, there is the driver that was at-fault for the accident but the maker of the vehicle’s driver-assist technology may be liable as well as we have seen with lawsuits against Tesla over their car’s autopilot feature’s contribution to car accidents. 

Injured in a Car Accident? Contact a Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer at Dolman Law Group

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision, you might qualify for financial compensation for your injuries. The key will be whether you can show the person who struck you was at fault for the crash. Often, when drivers speed, they are engaging in reckless behavior which makes them legally accountable for other people’s injuries.

In Florida, few law firms can match our depth of experience and dedication to our clients. We have helped hundreds of clients reach favorable settlements or jury verdicts. To schedule a free consultation to talk about your injuries, please call 727-451-6900 or submit our contact sheet. 

Dolman Law Group

800 North Belcher Road

Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/florida-personal-injury-lawyer/

Mental Trauma After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Psychological Damage

A motorcycle accident can occur in the blink of an eye. Thousands of motorcyclists find themselves involved in serious motorcycle accidents every year when a vehicle seemingly comes out of nowhere and collides with them. Accidents such as these can have severe consequences for a motorcyclist. The most significant consequence would be the damage that these kinds of accidents do to a motorcyclist. Most of us only think of the more obvious physical damages to a person’s body that these accidents cause but there is also the potential for someone to suffer severe mental trauma that can have an incredibly negative effect on their psychological state. 

St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Claims

The physical and mental trauma sustained by motorcyclists involved in accidents deserves compensation should their accident have been caused by the negligence of another party. A motorcyclist can seek this compensation by filing a motorcycle accident injury claim against such a negligent party. In order to ensure that a claim is successful, a plaintiff must be able to prove that the liable party was negligent and that their negligence contributed to the accident. 

In order to do so the evidence must be gathered, witnesses contacted, and experts consulted. On top of this, a plaintiff will have to negotiate the settlement and adhere to the rules of this legal process. This can be incredibly difficult for someone with no experience handling these cases and insurance companies will take advantage of this. Consider speaking to Dolman Law Group about how we can help you get the compensation you need. Our skilled lawyers are waiting to speak to you in a free consultation about your case. To schedule a free consultation with Dolman Law Group you can either contact us online or call our office at (727) 222-6922. 

PTSD After a Motorcycle Accident

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental condition caused by extremely traumatic experiences. People that develop PTSD have to cope with an array of symptoms that typically disrupt their lives. Careers, relationships, even simply leaving the house can be complicated by PTSD and ruin someone’s financial and emotional state. 

Symptoms of PTSD 

The symptoms of PTSD typically fall into four categories that include intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, as well as changes in physical and emotional reactions. Intrusive memories consist of recurring memories of the trauma that caused the PTSD, flashbacks of the event as though it is happening, and nightmares. Avoidance can consist of symptoms such as avoidance of mention of the accident, avoiding people or places that are reminders of the accident, and avoiding motorcycles or driving in general. 

Changes in physical and emotional reactions can include easily being startled, self-destructive behavior, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and aggressive behaviors. Negative changes in thinking in mood can include hopelessness about the future, memory issues, difficulty maintaining relationships, lack of interest in once-beloved activities, and emotional numbness.

Depression After a Motorcycle Accident

When someone suffers a severe motorcycle accident injury there may be a chance that they will develop depression. Severe injuries such as a spinal injury or traumatic brain injury can cause permanent damage and lifelong disability. This negative impact on a motorcycle accident victim’s life can lead to an extreme level of melancholy that can go as far as influence someone’s health, career, and ruin their life in general. In extreme cases, severe depression can even lead to self-destructive tendencies that may get to the point that someone may attempt to take their own life. 

• Common symptoms of depression include 
• Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
• Pessimism and hopelessness
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Loss of interest in things once pleasurable, including sex
• Overeating, or loss of appetite
• Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won't go away
• Digestive problems that don't get better, even with treatment
• Persistent feelings of anxiety or sadness
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Treatment for Mental Conditions Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Mental conditions caused by a motorcycle accident can be helped and treated through a combination of trauma-focused psychotherapies administered by an accredited healthcare professional as well as medication to help manage the symptoms that may arise. Treatment for these mental conditions does not come cheap and the expenses can pile up since the process can take some time. 

The compensation needed to afford this treatment for motorcycle accident caused mental issues is considerable. With this comes increased stakes for those that may have to dispense this compensation because of their negligent actions. They will fight much harder to ensure a claim’s value is reduced which means that a plaintiff will require the expert assistance of an attorney experienced in motorcycle accident injury cases.

Seek an Experienced St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Riding is a lifestyle, one that not every attorney understands. If you are suffering from severe injuries, including brain injuries, road rash, spinal injuries, or psychological injuries, as the result of a Florida motorcycle accident, it is important to contact a Florida personal injury attorney to discuss your case. You are entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering if another driver was negligent, and you should not be afraid to contact a personal injury attorney and explain to him what you are looking for. 

Most personal injury attorneys do not charge you anything out-of-pocket. Take advantage of your no-risk, free consultation with the Dolman Law Group, your premier personal injury and motorcycle lawyers in the greater Tampa Bay area. They are here to fight for your right to compensation, and they can advise you as to whether you have a claim for personal injuries under Florida law. Dolman Law Group offers free consultations to those that have suffered motorcycle accident injuries due to negligence. 

To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer, please call us at (727) 222-6922 or contact us online today.

Dolman Law Group

1663 1st Ave S.

St. Petersburg, FL 33712

(727) 222-6922

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/st-petersburg-motorcycle-accident-attorney/ 

Common Neck Injuries in Personal Injury Cases

Types of Neck Injuries Experienced in Accidents

Accidents of all kinds have a way of inflicting severe injuries to those involved. Injuries ranging from burns to mental trauma cause millions of dollars in damages every year and leave accident victims reeling. Among some of the most damaging injuries that accident victims can sustain are injuries to the neck. Our neck occupies a particularly integral space between two of the other most dangerous areas to be injured; the head and the spine. Like these other areas, neck injuries have long-term and permanent effects that can ruin a person’s life or at the very least, disrupt it significantly.

Clearwater Neck Injury Claims

Those that have suffered severe neck injuries in an accident such as a trip and fall or a car accident may be able to seek compensation for the damages that they suffered through a personal injury claim. When an accident is caused by a liable party’s negligence then an accident victim has the right to take legal action against that responsible party that caused their injuries. Neck injuries can cause damages such as extensive medical expenses to cover treatment and recovery, lost wages from time spent out of commission because of an injury, as well as pain and suffering caused by the trauma of the whole ordeal. These damages and more can be compensated with the success of a personal injury claim.

Personal injury claims involving neck injuries have the potential to take a massive amount of work and resources to successfully pursue. Attempting to handle a personal injury claim all on your own is strongly advised against since plaintiffs will be going in with little knowledge of the many pitfalls and tricks a defense may use to minimize the amount a plaintiff can get through a personal injury claim. Consider the lawyers of Dolman Law Group as your legal representation in this difficult time. We offer free consultations to those that have been seriously injured in accidents caused by negligence. To schedule your free consultation with Dolman Law Group you can either fill out an online contact form or call our Clearwater office at 727-451-6900.

Common Neck Injury Causes

Much like many other severe injuries, neck injuries can occur thanks to negligence caused by accidents of numerous types. Some of the most common types of accidents that cause neck injuries include the following.

• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Sports Injuries

Common Types of Neck Injuries Caused by Accidents 

Neck Sprain

A neck sprain is when the connective bands of tissue in the neck called ligaments are injured. This injury to the ligaments can come from extreme twisting of the neck, repeated stress on the ligaments, and overstretching of the joints in the cervical spine. Neck sprains can come in a variety of levels of intensity where the more mild instances of neck sprain recover after some rest and soothing of the neck with ice or heat and more extreme cases where a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Whiplash Neck Injuries

One of the most common neck injuries and injuries in general suffered by car accident victims is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when a person’s head experiences a wild jerk in a direction as a result of deacceleration. This jerking movement has the potential to cause severe injury to the components of the spine in the form of intense strain and herniated discs that can affect spinal joints, spinal nerve roots, and even the spinal cord. This damage can sometimes go beyond simply causing pain and limiting a person’s neck mobility but can potentially affect someone’s nerves.

Herniated Disc

When someone suffers a herniated disc, the soft gelatinous substance contained at the center of the discs in your spine called the nucleus pulposus escapes. This jelly-like substance can leak out and touch a nerve root. When this happens a person can experience pain, discomfort, numbness, and burning sensation. Tears in the outer layer fibers of the disc can lead to herniation. These tears can occur because of repeated or sudden forceful stress on the spinal joint.

Neck Fracture

A neck fracture is a break in a cervical bone in the spine. These breaks are often the result of direct trauma suffered to the neck. A neck fracture can also occur as a result of degenerative conditions that wear down cervical bone to the point of breaking. Neck fractures have the potential to cause a number of issues to the cervical spine located in the neck. There is a chance for severe nerve damage as well as general damage to the mobility afforded by the neck.

Cervical Dislocation

The cervical bones located in the neck can sometimes move out of their position in what is called cervical dislocation. This cervical dislocation can occur because of degenerative conditions that weaken the ligaments holding cervical bones in place or because of direct trauma that damages the ligaments directly. Cervical dislocation can cause damage to the nerves in the cervical spine and even damage the spinal cord itself. 

Seek an Experienced Clearwater Personal Injury Lawsuit

Neck injury cases can be difficult to prove, and you want a lawyer on your side who can advocate for your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. While money can never truly undo the damage that was done, it can serve to compensate you for your pain, suffering, inconvenience, loss of use, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

If you or a loved one suffered a neck injury as a result of an accident, consider speaking to the lawyers of Sibley Dolman about your legal options in seeking compensation. The skilled team of litigation attorneys at Dolman Law Group are as effective at the negotiating table as they are in the courtroom. Our compassionate lawyers can advocate for you throughout your case and work toward bringing your case to a favorable and profitable conclusion. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a Clearwater catastrophic injury lawyer, please call us at 727-451-6900 or contact us online.

Dolman Law Group

800 North Belcher Road

Clearwater, Florida 33765

727-451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/back-neck-injury-attorneys/

Certain Motorcycles are More Likely to Cause Accidents

What Motorcycle Types Have Most Accident Risk

Every motorcyclist has to make the decision as to which motorcycle they will choose to ride. This decision is often made according to motorcyclist’s budget, personal tastes, and the kind of riding that they will be doing. When choosing a motorcycle, some riders may think about how safe a bike may be and whether some motorcycles may be more prone to accident involvement than others. There are absolutely some vehicles that have been shown to run a higher risk for a number of reasons. However, it is important to remember that motorcycle accidents can occur regardless of whatever type of motorcycle you ride. In fact, even the best riders with the safest motorcycle available can become involved in severe motorcycle accidents that cause significant injury. 

Florida Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawsuits

Motorcyclists that suffer significant injuries in accidents can end up having their entire lives turned upside down. The experience of being involved in an accident can, of course, affect a motorcyclist’s health but it can also cause damages in other parts of their lives such as their finances, career, and general quality of life. Motorcyclists can seek compensation for these damages that they’ve suffered by filing a motorcycle accident injury lawsuit. In order to file a motorcycle accident injury lawsuit, a motorcycle accident victim must have been involved in an accident that was caused by a liable party’s negligence. This could be a driver, a motorcycle manufacturer, or even the government depending on the circumstances of the accident. Regardless of the liable party, a plaintiff must be able to prove that they were negligent and that the liable party’s negligence is what caused the accident that injured them. 

This can often prove to be an involved process requiring extensive investigation, analysis of evidence, and negotiation with the defendant. This can be quite difficult to undertake as someone who is recovering from a motorcycle accident injury and likely has little experience with the legal nuance of a personal injury case. That is why it is within a plaintiff's best interest to consider enlisting the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Dolman Law Group offers free consultations to those that have been involved in motorcycle accidents and want to know what their legal options are. To schedule your free consultation you can either fill out an online contact form or call the Dolman Law Group Clearwater office at (727) 451-6900.

Types of Motorcycles and Their Level’s of Accident Risk

Different types of motorcycles will all come with different levels of risk according to factors such as their speed, acceleration, stability, size, accessibility, and handling. One of the primary factors that contribute to an increased chance for motorcycle accidents is speed. It is one of the biggest reasons why motorcyclists end up in life-threatening accidents across the country. Accidents caused by high speed cause worse injuries and increase the chance of fatalities. When a motorcycle travels at high speed, the time to react to dangerous road hazards decreases and the maneuvering needed to drive defensively becomes all the more difficult. 

Street Bikes/Performance Racing Motorcycles

Easily the most dangerous type of motorcycle for someone to ride is a high performance “street bike” also known as a racing or supersport bike. These motorcycles are built to allow the rider to push the limits of speed which coincidentally is linked to increased motorcycle accidents and fatalities. It should also be noted that a high-performance motorcycle is one of the least accessible on the market with handling that takes a great deal of experience to drive with efficiently. New motorcyclists may be attracted to the flashy looks and promise of speed that comes with this type of motorcycle only to realize they are unequipped to handle them.

In 2010 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ran a study that compared the fatality rates between supersport bikes and cruiser style motorcycles. The study discovered that despite supersport bikes occupying a significantly smaller percentage of bikes on the road compared to cruiser bikes in the country, the number of fatalities associated with supersport bikes was significantly higher than cruiser bikes. Supersport bikes actually had four times as many fatalities as cruiser bikes per 10,000 registered riders. Even though supersport bikes are considered higher risk, cruiser bikes still make up a massive percentage of motorcycle accidents across the country thanks to their popularization in biker culture and their handling requiring experienced riders.

Starter Bikes

On the opposite side of the spectrum is beginner or starter bikes that present a significantly lower level of motorcycle accident risk. These motorcycles are generally lower in horsepower and speed with a much more standard configuration that allows riders ease of handling and learning. Despite the many benefits of these entry-level motorcycles, there is still a very high risk of accident involvement compared to cars. Motorcycles will always struggle with safety regardless of the type of bike so riders should always remember to take safety as seriously as possible to minimize this risk. 

Seek an Experienced Clearwater Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Riding is a lifestyle, one that not every attorney understands. If you are suffering from severe injuries, including brain injuries, road rash, spinal injuries, or psychological injuries, as the result of a Florida motorcycle accident, it is important to contact a Florida personal injury attorney to discuss your case. You are entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering if another driver was negligent, and you should not be afraid to contact a personal injury attorney and explain to him what you are looking for. 

Most personal injury attorneys do not charge you anything out-of-pocket. Take advantage of your no-risk, free consultation with the Dolman Law Group, your premier personal injury and motorcycle lawyers in the greater Tampa Bay area. They are here to fight for your right to compensation, and they can advise you as to whether you have a claim for personal injuries under Florida law. Contact them today online or at (727) 451-6900.

Dolman Law Group

800 North Belcher Road

Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/motorcycle-accident-attorneys/

Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia Error Medical Malpractice

When someone seeks medical treatment for a health condition or injury they do so with the expectation that the medical professionals providing their treatment will do so with the utmost care to ensure that additional injuries are not suffered. Whether it is full blown invasive surgery or a more simple procedure, the use of anesthesia is common to help the treatment process go smoothly. Depending on the situation, patients may need anesthesia to ensure that they don’t feel the incredible pain that comes with certain procedures. The administration of anesthesia to patients is a very delicate and complex task that requires the utmost level of knowledge and professionalism gathered from years of schooling and experience. While many people that have anesthesia administered to them have the whole process go smoothly, there are some instances where miscalculations, a failure to check medical history, and negligence in general lead to the administration of anesthesia to cause severe injuries to the patient.

Anesthesia Injury Medical Malpractice Claims

Injuries caused by anesthesia errors have the potential to cause significant damages to patients. These damages can seriously affect the lives of those who have suffered as a result of medical error. Patients injured by anesthesia errors may be able to recoup the damages that they suffered as a result of their injuries. Filing a medical malpractice claim can not only get you the compensation you need to cover the costs of medical expenses and lost wages but can also help ensure that those responsible for your injuries are held accountable. Dolman Law Group is a law firm that provides specialized and experienced legal representation to those that have suffered injuries caused by medical errors. Allow us to help you in this trying time while you recover from your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with Dolman Law Group call (727) 451-6900 or fill out one of our online contact forms.

What is Anesthesia Error Malpractice?

The practice of administering anesthesia to patients before they go into surgery is a remarkably complex one. Every single patient is different and therefore requires different dosages, types of dosages, and mixtures of different drugs to be effectively put under and remain anesthetized effectively for the entirety of a surgery. Sometimes this is not done correctly because some members of the medical staff like the anesthesiologist, may end up being negligent in their duties resulting in an injurious error of some kind. Anesthesia errors are not always considered medical malpractice and compensable. In order for an anesthesia injury to be considered medical malpractice, it must satisfy several criteria, chief among them is a violation of the standard of care. The standard of care is the level at which the average, prudent provider in a given community would practice.

In the context of anesthesia, the standard of care is the level of professional care that is expected of a medical treatment provider. This is determined via comparison to other medical treatment providers in the same field. For example, if an anesthesiologist makes a medical error when administering anesthesia to a patient and it is found that the mistake was made because the anesthesiologist neglected to do something other anesthesiologists would do, then they would likely be considered guilty of medical malpractice. It is also important that the negligence on the part of the anesthesiologist also be directly related to the injury the patient suffered.

How do Anesthesia Injuries Occur?

Drugs are essential to the practice of medicine yet they also hold the potential to cause great harm. In anesthesiology, the use of drugs to render a patient numb and/or unconscious can cause injuries in a number of ways.

• The dosage of the anesthesia could be too little and a patient can regain consciousness during surgery.
• The dosage of anesthesia could be too strong and cause respiratory or neural injuries to patients.
• Patients could have a negative reaction to anesthesia because of an allergy.
• The type of anesthesia used could have a negative reaction to other drugs in a patient’s system and cause a wide array of health issues like clotting, hear issues, excessive bleeding, etc.
• A patient can be given the wrong anesthesia altogether and suffer complications.
• The timing of anesthesia administered to the patient can be incorrect and lead to a patient being rendered unconscious too early or too late so that they regain consciousness during surgery.
• Something can go wrong during the monitoring of anesthesia and the patient’s state during surgery. This could be because of faulty equipment or an anesthesiologist’s error when it comes to altering the dosage as needed during surgery.
• The patient may not have had the proper instructions given to them by their physician when it comes to not eating or drinking within a certain time of being given anesthesia.

Common Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Medical Malpractice

• Heart attack
• Hypoxia
• Tooth damage due to the placing of the breathing tube (intubation) during the operation
• Sore throat and/or damage to the larynx
• Allergic reaction from the anesthesia (known as anaphylaxis)
• Respiratory issues
• Pneumonia
• Birth defects with pregnant mothers
• Stroke
• Nerve Damage
• Post-operative pain
• Blood clotting
• Death
• Anesthesia awareness (the person regains consciousness during the operation).

Seek an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured because of the neglect of a healthcare provider, then do not hesitate to contact Dolman Law Group about receiving a free consultation on your claim. Our skilled lawyers have the expertise you will need to secure the settlement that you deserve. Allow Dolman Law Group to assist you in holding those liable for your injuries responsible while you recuperate.

Dolman Law Group is an experienced personal injury firm representing the Clearwater–Tampa–St Pete area, and all of Florida. We specialize in medical malpractice suits with a focus on helping clients to recover and rebuild. If you or someone you love has suffered due to an anesthesia error, contact us for a free consultation. One of our skilled malpractice attorneys will perform a free case evaluation to see to it that you get the justice you deserve. Call today at (727) 451-6900 or contact us here.

Dolman Law Group

800 North Belcher Road

Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/medical-malpractice-attorneys/

Clearwater Pedestrian Killed by Car in Accident

Elderly Pedestrian Involved in Accident Results in Fatality

Friday night on May 10th a pedestrian was killed by a car while attempting to cross the street. Police have reported that the pedestrian named Jeffrey Bickel age 57, attempted to cross the street around the 2200 block of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard at around 9:50 pm. He reportedly attempted to make his way across the street without utilizing the crosswalk when he was hit by a car traveling eastbound. Upon being hit by the vehicle, Jeffrey Bickel was rushed via ambulance to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg where he succumbed to the injuries he suffered in the pedestrian accident and died.

Pedestrian accidents such as these are growing more common in Florida. Many people every year find themselves in the street at the wrong time and place and end up being struck by a motor vehicle which results in them either being killed or suffering severe injuries. In certain instances, a pedestrian accident may be the fault of another party and cause significant injuries that can seriously affect the life of an innocent pedestrian that did nothing wrong. Someone in this situation may feel that they are entitled to some form of compensation for the injuries that they suffered at the hands of someone else’s negligence and they would be right. By filing a pedestrian accident claim, a pedestrian accident victim can seek compensation for damages suffered such as extensive medical bills, lost wages, disability, as well as pain and suffering to name a few.

Clearwater Pedestrian Accident Claims

In order to file a pedestrian accident claim, a plaintiff must be able to prove that they suffered a severe injury as a result of the accident, they must be able to prove that the party liable for their injuries were negligent and that their negligence caused the accident. While a plaintiff may know that an accident was another party’s fault because of some negligence, proving it is another matter altogether, as is dealing with the legal process, and negotiating all while recovering from a severe injury.

Therefore, it is within a pedestrian accident victim’s best interest to seek out an experienced attorney with a track record of successful pedestrian accident cases. Dolman Law Group has been handling pedestrian accident cases for years and has successfully recovered settlements that plaintiffs not only needed but deserved. Dolman law group offers free consultations to those curious about what kind of legal action can be taken after a pedestrian accident. To schedule your free consultation you can either fill out a contact form online or call us at 727-451-6900.

Recent Pinellas Pedestrian Accident Causes and Risks

Every pedestrian accident is unique although there are certain trends that have been observed when it comes to what tends to cause these accidents and what increases risk. Take for example the pedestrian accident that involved Mr. Bickel. In his case, there were several things that are common across many other pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrian Accidents Tend to Occur at Night

According to pedestrian accident statistics, the most common time for people walking to be hit by motor vehicles is at night between 7pm and 5am when there is the least amount of light to reveal pedestrians to drivers and vice versa. It is also speculated that night time is a setting for so many pedestrian accidents because it is when drivers will most likely encounter pedestrians that may be under the influence or vice versa. Naturally being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair you regardless of whether you are driving or walking and it increases the risk of an accident occurring. Which brings us to our next point.

Pedestrian Accidents Happen Away From Crosswalks

One of the most common places where pedestrian accidents take place is away from crosswalks and in the middle of the street. Crosswalks may be within sight but many pedestrians decide that they’d rather shave off a few seconds from their route rather than play it safe which often has serious consequences. It doesn’t even have to be a crosswalk. Many types of designated street crossings are neglected and pedestrians pay the price. It should be noted that ignoring crosswalks and jaywalking not only puts you at risk for being involved in a pedestrian accident but it can also have a negative effect on your claim.

Comparative Negligence and Pedestrian Accidents

In Florida, there is a policy called comparative negligence. This policy applies not only to pedestrian accidents but car accidents, motorcycle accidents, etc. and ensures that both parties involved are held responsible for their actions. Comparative negligence makes it so that a plaintiff in an accident claim has the amount of negligence that they contributed to the accident taken into account via percentage which is then deducted from the settlement they receive. For example, if a plaintiff in a pedestrian accident claim was jaywalking before the accident occurred, then that would be seen as contributed negligence and then be taken into account as perhaps 40% contributed negligence that would then be deducted from the possible settlement they would receive. In the end, they would only receive 70% of the money they possibly could have.

Seek an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one was a pedestrian struck by an automobile, motorcycle, or RV please call the Dolman Law Group for a free consultation. Our attorneys know the importance of staying up to date on the latest medical research involving TBI and its long-lasting effects. Dolman Law Group handles numerous cases involving those who have suffered a brain injury. Our team of attorneys and paralegals will work tirelessly to ensure your rights for present and future compensation are upheld.

Dolman Law has the skilled attorneys and the resources to achieve the maximum financial settlement for your case. We offer a free evaluation at our offices or even at your hospital bedside. Call us today or fill out the easy form on this site. Speak with a pedestrian accident attorney before the facts become harder to find. To schedule a free consultation with Dolman Law Group please fill out one of our online contact forms or call us at 727-451-6900.

Dolman Law Group

800 North Belcher Road

Clearwater, FL 33765

727-451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/pedestrian-accident-attorneys/