Florida Motor Vehicle Crashes do not Always Involve Two Cars

Did you know that, in Florida, a “motor vehicle” is defined as an automobile, motorcycle, truck, semi-truck, tractor-trailer or any vehicle used to transport persons or property in the state that is propelled by power? Although the majority of Florida car accidents involved two automobiles, Florida personal injury and motor vehicle laws cover more than simply car v. car accidents. Truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian knockdown accidents are also common occurrences in Florida, especially during tourist seasons.

Florida Truck Accidents

Because trucks, semi-trucks, and tractor-trailers are among the largest vehicles permitted on Florida roads, truck v. car or truck v. motorcycle accidents are among the most fatal in Florida. This is because trucks weigh 20-30 times more than traditional motor vehicles and have greater ground clearance. This means that smaller cars cannot only get caught under trucks but they will take the brunt impact of the force of the crash.

Further, it is reported that semi-trailers with a full load take 20-40% more time to stop than motorcycles or traditional motor vehicles. This means that truck drivers need to keep a greater than recommended distance between themselves and the vehicles ahead of them - especially when roads are wet. However, in heavy traffic conditions, this is often not the case and it is rare to see a truck with a 200-foot clearance between itself and the nearest vehicle. Unfortunately, of the approximately 4,000 people who die each year as the result of a truck crash, nearly 70% of those killed were not truck occupants.

Pedestrian v. Motor Vehicle Accidents

Pedestrian “knock down” accidents occur when a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle, impacts a pedestrian, i.e., walker, runner, or shopper. The following are common types of pedestrian accidents in Florida:

• Crosswalk Accidents: Occur when a pedestrian is legally in a crosswalk at the time of the accident and a vehicle fails to give pedestrians the right-of-way, striking them within the crosswalk. This commonly occurs when a vehicle is making a right on red over a crosswalk or has a green light and does not understand that the pedestrians also have a right-of-way.
• Back-Over Accidents: Occur when a vehicle is backing up, such as pulling into or out of a parking space, and strikes a pedestrian while in reverse. Back-over accidents are common in parking lots when cars may be blocking a driver’s view to the left or right and shoppers are quickly and consistently crossing the path of parked vehicles;
• Speeding/Loss of Control Accidents: This type of accident includes sideswiping a pedestrian on a sidewalk or hitting a pedestrian after the loss of control of a vehicle. Many times, such accidents can result in a pedestrian being “run over” and trapped under the vehicle or crushed between the vehicle and a stationary object, such as a building. These accidents are some of the most dangerous to the life and health of pedestrians because they can be high-speed collisions.

Drivers often panic after a pedestrian accident as they know even a slight impact can result in severe injuries to the pedestrian, especially if the pedestrian falls backward and is unable to break his fall with his arms. This may result in traumatic brain injury or even death, as even the slow moving force of a three-ton vehicle is enough to cause severe injuries due to the transfer of force from the car to the pedestrian. Florida law requires the driver of a vehicle to remain at the scene of the crash if he or she has caused personal injuries to a pedestrian. Failure to do so is considered a hit-and-run, and it is a felony in Florida.

Florida Motorcycle Accidents and Laws

Motorcycle accidents, especially involving untrained riders, are also some of the most deadly traffic accidents, as riders are not afforded the same protection as those in a traditional motor vehicle. If a rider is impacted and caused to fall off her bike, then she is at the mercy of the open road.

Florida law grants motorcyclists the same right to use public roads and highways as drivers of traditional motor vehicles, but riders may not overtake and pass a vehicle when it is in the same lane occupied by that vehicle, they may not operate between lanes of traffic, and they may not operate side-by-side in the same lane. Drivers will not be expecting this traffic-defying behavior, and even if the motorcyclists himself is not injured, it may frighten and distract other drivers on the road, causing a chain reaction accident. It is important that riders take the time to learn the Florida rules of the road, purchase the correct safety gear, and take extra safety training, as 90 percent of riders involved in motorcycle accidents have not taken specialized motorcycle training courses.

Florida Bicyclists and Sharing the Road

Generally, Florida bicyclists are entitled to the same rights on roadways as traditional motor vehicles and must obey the same traffic laws. Some drivers, however, get nervous when driving next to or passing a bicyclist, and this anxiety can in itself cause a motor vehicle accident. Similar to pedestrian accidents, because motor vehicles drastically outweigh bicycles, the cyclists will take the brunt force of the impact even if the cyclist is traveling faster than the vehicle itself. This can cause serious, if not fatal injuries to a rider.

Contact a Clearwater Personal Injury Attorney Today to Assert your Rights to the Road

With more vehicles taking to Florida roads each year, it is important to know your rights as a pedestrian, rider, or cyclist if you are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. You are entitled to coverage for your medical bills from the driver’s no-fault policy, and you are entitled to the same compensation as another driver would be. As long as you were following recommended safety protocols, the court cannot penalize you for choosing your vehicle. If you have been injured in an accident, the Dolman Law Group can help fight for your rights. They are your premier personal injuries lawyers in the greater Tampa Bay area no matter what type of accident you were involved in. Call them today at 727-451-6900 for a free, no-risk consultation.  

Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/

Litigating Your Florida Personal Injury Case and the Judge’s Role

Did you know that almost 97% of all civil cases litigated in the United States never go to trial? Whether the cases settle or are dismissed by the judge, it is rare that an attorney will stand before both a judge and jury to try your case. Accordingly, what is the role of a judge in a Florida personal injury case if most matters are settled between the parties?

Overview of the Florida Judicial System

Like most states, Florida courts are divided into the following levels, listed from highest to lowest:

• One Supreme Court; 
• Five District Courts of Appeals; 
• Twenty Circuit Courts; 
• Sixty-seven County Courts, and 
• Drug and Juvenile Courts, which are special judicial divisions. 

The County and Circuit courts are known as “trial courts,” meaning that they are where litigation is initially filed and litigated to conclusion. The District Court of Appeals and Supreme Court are appellate courts, where the losing party can file an appeal from the decision of the trial court. The first appeal is filed in the district court of appeals, and the losing party on appeal may petition the Florida Supreme Court for review. Personal injury litigation in Florida is generally filed in the Florida county court for the district in which the injury occurred or where the defendant lives. So if the injury occurred in Hillsborough County, the personal injury action would be filed in the 13th circuit.

Personal Injury Threshold in Florida

If you were injured in a car accident, because Florida is a “no-fault” state, you may be prohibited from filing litigation if your injuries do not meet Florida’s personal injury “threshold.” Under Florida’s personal injury liability law, you cannot be sued for another’s personal injuries, even if you caused the car accident, unless those injuries are above a certain medical threshold. Such “thresholds” are generally only applicable in no-fault states such as Florida, where drivers are required to carry $10,000 in personal injury coverage to pay for medical expenses that arise out of car accidents.

Because the circuit courts in Florida are inundated with personal injury claims from car accidents, the no-fault law is designed to reduce litigation by “guaranteeing” you some form of compensation regardless of who is at fault for the accident. As a result, if you wish to recover damages beyond mere economic damages, e.g., medical bills, lost wages, and transportation expenses, your injury has to meet “threshold.”

There are four categories of injuries that meet the “threshold” standard:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function;
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability;
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, and 
• Death.

Although you can file litigation without first proving that your injuries meet the threshold, the defendant in a personal injury case may file a motion early on in the litigation asking the judge to dismiss your case because your injuries do not meet this standard. After submitting medical evidence, the judge will have to determine whether the threshold is met and the litigation can go forward.

Litigating a Personal Injury Claim

When you seek the assistance of an attorney after suffering from personal injuries, your attorney will generally file a claim for personal injuries with the defendant’s insurance company, if there is one. The insurance company may investigate the matter, and your attorney will submit medical evidence on your behalf depicting your injuries. Depending on the limits of the insurance policy and the nature of your injuries, your attorney may be able to settle your case without the need to file a case in Florida’s court system.

However, if the defendant did not have an insurance policy, and your injuries are so severe that the insurance limits will not serve to compensate you, or the company refuses to settle, your attorney may have to file litigation on your behalf. This starts with filing a complaint, which literally complains to the court about your injuries. The defendant will then respond to the complaint, and you will enter the “discovery” phase of litigation. This is the longest stage of the process, as the parties will exchange and review evidentiary information. At this point, the parties may begin to file different “motions,” or arguments to be reviewed and decided by the judge on different issues. Such motions can include asking the judge to dismiss the case because it is not valid or asking the judge to make a decision on the evidence because it is so clear that the defendant is liable there is no need to take the case to a jury.

Judge v. Jury

Generally, if your case goes to trial, the judge acts as the decider of law, so if the question presented to the court is one of how Florida law should be interpreted or applied, it is decided by the judge. The jury, however, acts as the trier of fact, meaning that if the question is whether the defendant rear-ended you or whether you suffered certain injuries, the jury decides who is correct and the amount of damages that should be awarded to you. The United States Constitution guarantees you the right to a jury trial for civil matters, however, you are permitted to waive this right and elect to have the judge act as a jury would.

Post-Trial and Appeal Process

After the jury makes its decision, the judge may have the authority to step in and override the jury if its decision is clearly against the evidence presented. However, the judge may also determine that an award amount is either too high or too low and ask the parties to agree to accept a reduction or an increase in amount. If either one or more of the parties disagree with the decision of the judge or jury, they may be permitted to appeal that decision. The appellate court may uphold, overturn, or remand the issue on appeal, and you may even have to have another trial.

Contact a Clearwater Personal Injury Attorney Today

The Dolman Law Group can help guide you through the Florida litigation process to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your personal injuries. Their attorneys are your premier personal injury lawyers in the greater Tampa Bay area, and they are here to fight for you. Contact them today at (727) 451-6900 for a free, no-risk consultation about your car accident.

Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/auto-accidents-attorneys/

Falls Can Happen in Any Workplace

Many people spend 40 hours or more per week working, and many jobs require that you go to an office or work-site to perform your duties. Since accidents can happen anywhere and because people spend so much time at work, it only makes sense that there is a risk of accidents and injuries during your work hours. One of the most common workplace accidents occurs when someone suffers a fall.

When you think of falling at work, you may first think about window-washers, roofers, utility repairmen, and other jobs that require you to be high off the ground. While falls are certainly a risk in those types of jobs, they are also surprisingly common in workplaces that normally would be considered low-risk.

At Dolman Law Group, our Clearwater workplace injury lawyers help victims of falls at work receive workers’ compensation coverage for all of their necessary medical treatments and the income they may lose while they recover from their injuries. If you’ve suffered injuries from a fall, please discuss what happened with a member of our highly experienced legal team as soon as possible.

Falls from Heights

Many work-related falls do happen from high places, and, as you may imagine, the injuries that result are often severe. Some high places from which people may fall at work include:

• Scaffolding
• Roofs
• Stairs
• Ladders
• Platforms
• Landings
• Cranes or similar equipment
• Bridge beams
• Stepladders

While many falls happen because proper safety precautions were not taken - including necessary safety equipment and training - many others can happen even if all necessary precautions were taken. The good news is that workers' compensation benefits are available whether or not your employer was negligent or the fall was purely accidental.

Even a fall from a few feet off the ground can result in traumatic injuries that require extensive medical attention. Some of the most common injuries can include:

-Traumatic brain injury (TBI) - Many people who fall from heights hit their heads on either the ground or an object on the ground. Anytime someone hits his or her head, there is the potential to suffer a TBI, which can range from a concussion to a catastrophic brain injury that leaves that person in a coma and/or with permanent disabilities.

-Spinal cord injury - When fall victims hit the ground, the spinal cord can easily be damaged. Any damage to the spine can disrupt the functioning of the body below the point of injury, including movement abilities, sensation, bladder and bowel functioning, or even lung functioning if the injury is near the neck.

-Broken bones - Some broken bones are relatively straightforward to treat, though they require medical treatment and time for the bone to heal. More serious falls can result in compound fractures that may require surgery and the insertion of pins, screws, and other hardware to support the bone. The recovery time for such fractures can be months, and there may be permanent impairments.

-Back and neck injuries - Another common injury from a fall is damage to the soft tissue of the back or neck. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons can all be torn, sprained, or strained and can significantly restrict movement and can cause chronic pain. Most back and neck injuries require dedicated physical therapy and may continue to be an issue for years to come.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls may happen on level ground, but that does not necessarily mean the injuries are not serious. Many slip and fall victims hit their heads, break a bone, or suffer damage to the tissue in their neck, back, or spinal cord, all of which need to be evaluated and properly treated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Slip and falls commonly result in medical bills and lost wages from missed work, which workers' compensation should reimburse. 

While falls from heights often happen in higher-risk work environments, slips and trips can happen absolutely anywhere. An office worker may not expect to be injured at work until they suddenly slip on a wet floor at work and find themselves on the ground and in pain. These injuries should be covered just as thoroughly as injuries from falls that appears to be more serious.

Your Rights as a Workplace Fall Victim

The law in Florida protects workers who sustain injuries at work that require medical treatment and/or cause them to miss work. Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance that should provide coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and any short-term or long-term disabilities stemming from the fall. Following a workplace fall, it is imperative that you notify your supervisor and seek medical attention to stabilize and diagnose your injuries as soon as possible.

Your employer should make a claim with its insurer, and if it does not, you may pursue a claim yourself. In too many situations, valid claims are partially or completely denied for a variety of reasons. If you experience any difficulty with your workers' comp claim, you should not hesitate to call an experienced lawyer who can help you with this process to help you receive the benefits you need.

Contact a Clearwater, Florida, Workers' Compensation Attorney for Help Today

Whether you have fallen off scaffolding or slipped and fell in an office building, you deserve to recover the full benefits to which you are entitled under Florida's workers' compensation laws. All too often, the severity of injuries from falls can be questioned and a workers' comp insurer will try to limit your claim. To make sure all of your medical bills and lost wages are properly covered, you should not delay in calling Dolman Law Group for assistance.

At Dolman Law Group in Clearwater, our workers’ compensation lawyers have helped clients with a wide range of work-related injuries, from sprains and strains to life-changing spinal cord injuries, among many others. We can protect your rights following a workplace accident, so please contact our office online or call 727-451-6900 for a free consultation today.

Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/workers-compensation-attorneys/