Item: Flaxman Law Group
Rating: 5
Author: Clara Barman

At This Time of Year, Florida Pedestrian Accidents are a Concern for Drivers

Published on: November 16, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

During the holidays and the weeks leading up to the holidays, Florida car accidents often increase in frequency. There are many reasons for this. Many of us are driving more often to take care of holiday errands and visits. As well, slippery roads can easily lead to car accidents. Shorter days and less visibility are a contributing factor to many accidents at this time of year and unfortunately, Florida drunk driving accidents are also more common at this time of year, as some motorists partake of good cheer and decide to drive home.

Florida pedestrian accidents are also more common at this time of year. Unfortunately, many of us are in crowded store parking lots, rushing about with our to-do lists. High stress and more traffic in pedestrian and car shared areas can lead to more accidents. As well, there are often more pedestrians about as people walk from store to store or head out to visit friends. There are also more delivery persons making deliveries, meaning more people walking about. Now is the time to do your part to prevent Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Here’s how:

1) Have a plan for getting home safely. If you decide to drink at a holiday event, make sure that you have money to get home or a plan to get home. Preventing Florida drunk driving accidents starts with planning ahead.

2) Be alert for more pedestrians and more cars on the roads. More trucks are on the roads at this time of year, too, as stores go into overdrive to meet consumer demand. Adjust your driving.

3) Adjust your driving to weather conditions. It gets darker at this time of year, which means less visibility. At the same time, holiday lights can cause glare or distract drivers. Wet roads can further compound these problems, especially with more people on the road. Slow down, use your lights and wipers, and stay alert.

4) Note and respect new pedestrian areas. Some stores create new pedestrian areas in order to encourage shoppers. These pedestrian areas may result in closed parking lots or closed streets. Stay tuned to traffic updates on your radio so that you can anticipate and respect these pedestrian areas.

5) Put away your mobile device. Distracted driving is deadly at any time of year, but it is especially dangerous during the holidays, when extra traffic and poorer lighting put you at even greater risk. Your phone conversation or text is not worth the heartbreak you would cause a family this holiday season if you caused an accident. Put your mobile device away and turn it off when driving.

6) Get your car tuned up. Make sure your breaks are in good working order, your tires are in top shape and your wipers and wiper fluid are ready for wet weather. When your car is in good shape, it responds better and allows you to avoid collisions more easily.

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Common Florida Driver Errors

Published on: August 12, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

A few basic errors by Florida drivers result in a disproportionate number of Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents. Among the riskiest behaviors are:

1) Speeding. About two out of three polled drivers admit to speeding on occasion. However, even going 5 miles an hour over the speed limit can put you at an increased risk of car accidents, especially in bad weather or with poor road conditions. Many Florida car accidents are caused by people simply driving too quickly for Florida conditions. About one third of all fatal car accidents are caused at least in part by speeding. Speeding can increase your risk of an accident up to sixfold, but usually only saves a few minutes of time.

2) Not giving right of way. Florida drivers are busy drivers, and even courteous drivers sometimes fail to follow right-of-way rules. About 40% of all car accidents and Florida truck accidents take place at intersections, meaning that right of way rules played at least a part in the collision.

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Florida Drunk Driving Laws

Published on: July 15, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

There are many Florida laws which govern drinking and driving as well as drinking in the state. Despite the laws, however, Florida pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents continue to be caused by alcohol. In 2008, Florida saw 1,041 drunk driving fatalities, making it the third state in the nation for the total number of DUI fatalities. If you have been injured in a Florida drunk driving accident, you will want to be aware of these laws:

1) Florida laws regarding legal age to consume, buy, or possess alcohol: In Florida, you must be at least 21 years of age to buy, drink, or possess alcohol. A first conviction for underage drinking or possession can lead to a $500 fine and 60 days incarceration while a second offence can result in a year of incarceration and a $1000 fine. It is also illegal to sell, give, or serve alcohol to minors. If someone serves a minor in a bar and that minor then causes a car accident, the establishment serving the alcohol can be held partly liable for the accident under Florida’s dram shop laws.

2) Florida laws regarding open containers of alcohol in cars: Unless open containers of alcohol are stored in a locked trunk or other secured area, they are not permitted in motor vehicles in Florida. Open containers include not only cups and alcohol but also any bottle, flask, or can that has been opened and contains any amount of alcohol.

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Liability in Florida Teen Drinking and Driving Accidents

Published on: July 6, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

Although the legal drinking age in the US is 21, many teenagers do drink. In some cases, teens ask older adults to buy alcohol for them or rely on fake ID in order to procure drinks. When teens become licensed to drive, underage drinking becomes even more of a problem. Each year, underage Florida drinkers cause some of Florida’s drunk driving accidents. These accidents lead to spinal cord injuries, fatalities, brain injuries, and other life-altering injuries.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident involving an underage drinker, there may be several people who are liable for the accident. The insurance company of the driver will generally cover part of your medical costs, lost income, and other expenses associated with your accident. However, in cases where an underage person has been granted access to alcohol and has then caused an accident because of drunk driving, other parties may be held liable as well.

Florida’s dram shop law, sometimes called the drunk driving law, allows victims who have been injured in a drunk driving accident to pursue legal action against the licensed companies who have knowingly served alcohol to a minor. Victims can pursue hotels, bars, restaurants – or anyone who serves alcohol to minors. If a bar or other licensed venue overlooks an obviously fake ID or fails to ID a young driver, that licensed venue may be held party liable if the patron then gets into an accident after leaving the establishment.

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