TRAFFIC TICKET OPTIONS!
You have three options when you receive a traffic ticket. However, there is a fourth traffic ticket option that no one should do. This option can transform a minor traffic ticket into a major problem.
Never ignore your traffic ticket and do nothing. Failing to act when you receive a traffic ticket can cause you to incur additional fees/fines and possible suspension of your driver’s license.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR TRAFFIC TICKET
The following are the three options you have available:
- Simply pay the ticket. Remember paying the ticket may also result in points on your driver’s license and an increase in your insurance costs.
- Pay the ticket and elect traffic school. This means you are paying the ticket and paying the cost of traffic school. Most schools require you to spend at least four hours in their classroom. While traffic school is available online, you still need to spend the four-hour equivalent of being in a classroom.
- Fight your traffic ticket. This means that you do not have to pay your ticket until the end of your trial, and if you get it dismissed, you will not have to pay for anything!
CONTACT
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system that has been molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let the Tampa traffic ticket attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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ROLLOVER CRASHES
Rollover crashes are caused when there is an extreme shift in the weight of a vehicle that causes it to tip over onto its side or roof. In some cases, a vehicle could complete several rotations before coming to a stop.
Often these are some of the worst accidents that can occur. Due to the amount of force applied to the occupants in the vehicle a rollover crashes are usually fatal. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, nearly 85% of all rollover-related fatalities are the result of single-vehicle crashes.
This means that most rollover crashes and fatalities do not involve any other vehicle. Suggesting that a driver’s behavior (distraction, inattentiveness, speeding, and impaired driving) plays a significant role in rollover crashes.
Statics of a rollover crash
The fatality rate in a rollover crash is higher than other automobile accidents. Luckily this type of crash is rare. For instance, NHSA (National Highway Safety Administration) states:
- Of the nearly 9.1 million passenger car, SUV, pickup, and van crashes in 2010, only 1% involved a rollover.
- However, these rollover crashes accounted for nearly 35%of all deaths from passenger vehicles.
- In 2010 alone, more than 7,600 people died in rollover crashes and the majority of them (69%) were not wearing safety belts.
Avoiding a rollover crash
The news is not all bad. When seen in terms of rollover-fatalities per million registered vehicles, all vehicle types have improved, and SUVs have improved the most. Common sense and routine maintenance can greatly increase your odds of avoiding a rollover and walking away from one if it happens. Here are some survival tips:
- Newer is better. Choose a vehicle with the most up-to-date safety systems. Especially important are electronic stability control and side-curtain airbags.
- Wear safety belts. Belts help keep you in the seat, so you are not tossed around in a rollover crash.
- Check the tires. At least once a month check all the tires are properly inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and that they are in good shape.
- Watch the load. Overloading any vehicle, particularly SUVs and pickups, decreases its stability. The worst practice is to place heavy loads on the roof. Try to stay well within the load ratings specified by the manufacturer.
- Watch your speed. Speed makes a vehicle’s tendencies to roll over more severe, and it also makes more demands on a driver’s attention and skill.
- Beware on country roads. Almost three-quarters of fatal rollovers occur in rural areas on roads where the speed limit is 55 mph or more.
CONTACT
RHINO Lawyers know that car accidents can happen at any time. After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from a car accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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DRIVING HABITS THAT CAUSE ACCIDENTS
It is important for every driver to stay safe while on the road. However, with all the distractions of life, we sometimes forget and that’s when an accident can happen. RHINO Lawyers want to keep you in the driver’s seat with a clean record. Here are some common driving habits that cause accidents.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol continues to be a problem on the road. In Florida, there were 17,748 alcohol-related crashes in 2010. So yes, impaired driving tops the list of accident-causing behaviors in Florida or any state.
Speeding
Speeding continues to be the number one cited driver-related factor in highway fatal crashes. Speed limits are in place for the safety of people who are on or about our roadways. That’s because the faster you go, the higher the chances are that you’ll get into a serious accident. Just slow down!
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can be an activity that takes your concentration off the road like texting and eating. Activities that take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road put you at risk of an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, states that “in 2011 3,331 people died in distraction-affected accidents.”
Aggressive Driving
Most people consider themselves good drivers, but stress can turn even the most courteous driver into an aggressive one. Aggressive driving contributes to 5 million car accidents each year. Most people don’t even realize these driving habits are aggressive: rolling stops, speeding through yellow lights, not yielding the right of way, preventing a merge, honking the horn, failing to signal, tailgating, or weaving through traffic. Being mindful of these behaviors will make your daily travels safer.
Using Your Phone
While most states have made talking and texting on your cell phone illegal, using hands-free is still allowed. However, this can still be distracting. When you are distracted while driving you to put yourself and others at risk. It’s safer to put your phone away until you reach your destination.
Failure to Yield Right of Way
Every-day drivers forget to follow this very simple rule. Waiting to turn left against oncoming traffic, yielding to the driver on your right at a 4-way stop, allowing pedestrians to cross safely could prevent many unnecessary accidents.
Lastly, it’s always important to obey traffic signs, pay attention to your surroundings, and exercise caution on the road. For more preventative techniques try brushing up on your knowledge and skills with a Florida traffic school course.
CONTACT
After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Wishing you the happiness of good friends, the joy of a happy family, and the wonder of the holiday season. Here is a yummy recipe for the holidays. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
pumpkin cheesecake recipe for Thanksgiving
by Todd Wilbur
READY IN: 1hr 44mins SERVES: 8
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar, plus
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 3 eggs
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1⁄4 teaspoon allspice
- whipped cream
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make the crust by combining the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and 1 sugar in a medium bowl.
- Stir well enough to coat all the crumbs with the butter, but not so much as to turn the mixture into a paste.
- Keep it crumbly.
- Put foil partway up the outside part of an 8-inch springform pan.
- Press the crumbs onto the bottom and about two-thirds of the way up the sides of the springform pan.
- You don’t want the crust to form all of the way up the back of each slice of cheesecake.
- Bake the crust for 5 minutes, then set aside until you are ready to fill it.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the cream cheese, 1 C sugar, and vanilla.
- Mix with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice and continue beating until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the filling into the pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes.
- The top will turn a bit darker at this point.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool.
- When the cheesecake has come to room temperature, put it into the refrigerator.
- When the cheesecake has chilled, remove the pan sides and cut the cake into 8 equal pieces.
- Serve with a generous portion of whipped cream on top.
CONTACT
Injured or Arrested? Our mission is to form a lasting partnership with every client. Our personal injury team’s passion is the people we help and the lives that we help change. Don’t become just another case.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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CONSTRUCTION ZONE ACCIDENTS
Each year, hundreds of road construction workers across the country die in work zones due to construction zone accidents. One of the top causes is drivers who pass on the outside of the construction zone. And, collide with workers, equipment, or other vehicles. Drivers passing through work zones need to pay attention, follow instructions, and observe the speed limits.
However, construction zones can be dangerous for passersby as well. According to a study conducted by the WorkZoneSafety.org, in 2017 construction zones were the sites of roughly 94,000 vehicular accidents, leading to over 37,000 injuries, not to mention damage to property.
Work zones containing incorrect, improper, or confusing signage; insufficient warnings on lane closures, merges, or shifts; sudden speed changes; missing cones or barrels at key points; dangerously uneven pavement or unblocked, unmarked holes in the road; poor lighting; and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway in a reckless manner are a few of the hazards that may lead to accidents.
Road repair/construction is an inevitability. Roadways in a state of disrepair will be a source of danger to motorists so they need repairing. Yet, it needs completion with the highest standards of safety and care in mind. All the situations mentioned before are completely avoidable.
CONTACT A TAMPA CONSTRUCTION ZONE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
If you are involved in an accident at a road construction zone, you may file a claim against a worker, the construction company, the city, or other entity involved in the situation. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from the accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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WRONG WAY CRASHES
Wrong-way driving crashes occur when a driver does not observe the posted traffic sign, travels the wrong direction in the lane and collides with another vehicle. Unfortunately, these crashes are all too common.
If you were involved in a wrong-way crash, you may not know what to do. A car accident attorney like RHINO Lawyers can help. With our free consultation, we can inform you of your rights under the law.
TIPS FOR AVOIDING A WRONG-WAY CRASH
These crashes are more prevalent at night, dusk, and dawn. Considering, most wrong-way crashes are head-on crashes following these safety tips from the FLHSMV could help you avoid a crash:
- Stay Right at Night. This will help you to avoid crashes with wrong-way drivers.
- Call 911 immediately. Immediately reduce your speed and pull off the roadway to report the wrong-way driver.
- Stay alert. Do not drive distracted and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Learn and obey all traffic signs. If you drive past a wrong way sign, turn around immediately. When you see a posted red sign, think: “Stop.” “Do Not Enter.” “Wrong-Way.”
- Look for FDOT dynamic messaging signs for wrong-way driver alerts. When you see an alert, reduce your speed, move over to the right and proceed with extreme caution.
CONTACT
RHINO Lawyers know that car accidents can happen at any time. After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from a car accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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DANGERS OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Don’t Let Social Media Destroy Your Car Accident Claim
Social media has become a major part of our daily lives over the last decade. With many kids and adults using social outlets like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with friends, family, and share stories of their life. Unfortunately, these sites can become your worst enemy if you suffer injuries from a car accident.
Incidentally, most people have the temptation to share their car accident on social media. However, this is a terrible idea. Posting pictures of your accident, your injuries, or even commenting on your condition you risk hurting your case. At RHINO Lawyers we want to help you avoid that risk.
It is important to seek legal representation quickly. The more time that passes since your accident, the more chances for losing evidence and for making these and other simple mistakes that could hurt your case. Contact our personal injury team today so we can help you protect and get the most from your injury case.
Call RHINO Lawyers at 844.329.3491 or complete the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” and we will answer your questions and review the facts of your case.
How They Use Social Media Against You
For instance, if you file a personal injury claim, the insurance company or the opposing party will likely research you on social media. Here are four ways your social media posts can damage your case:
- Accident Scene Photos – The other side can use these photos and take them out of context to weaken your claim.
- Talking about the Accident – Everything you post on social media they can use against you. Therefore, don’t mention your case at all. This includes posts about lawyer meetings, doctor’s appointments, and case frustrations. Even comments with good intentions can be construed in negative ways by the other insurance company.
- Comments from Witnesses or Friends – Posting a status update about your accident could attract comments from someone that may have seen it or the people with you. These too can be twisted and taken out of context to weaken your case.
- Posting about your Medical Condition – Avoid posting updates about your injuries while you are recovering. The defense can use this information to suggest that your injuries were not as serious as you are claiming.
Information Unrelated to your Claim Can Hurt You
Surprisingly, even posting updates that don’t reference your injury can still hurt your claim. For example, if you injured your back in a car accident and are seeking compensation for your pain and suffering, don’t post photos of your recent trip to Disney World. Even if the photos of you don’t show you doing any strenuous physical activities, they could show a picture of you smiling and laughing to a jury. And use it as proof that your injuries are not as serious as you are claiming.
Safe Practices for Social Media after an Accident Claim
So, with insurance companies, their adjusters, investigators, and defense attorneys trying to find “dirt” on a person who is making the injury claim they are handling. Social media makes for an easy source to find this information. Here are a few tips you can follow if you have a personal injury claim.
- Set account to private – setting accounts to “private” will make it more difficult for investigators to access your profiles. Use H2 privacy settings to prevent being tagged in images, or being mentioned, on any social media sites.
- Don’t post anything – Yes, we said it! Don’t post anything. However, we know that is not always possible so if you must post something DON’T post about the accident, injuries, anything related to travel, or physical activities.
- Don’t accept friend requests – Insurance agents may pose as alternate personas to access your account. Also, do not accept requests from your insurance adjuster as they have no business sending you any friend requests on social media.
Contact RHINO Lawyers
Lastly, do not use social media to discuss your car accident claim. It’s best to keep all details about the accident, injuries, and the claim progress to yourself. Remember, the less you say after an accident, the better off your claim will be.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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DAMAGES CAN GO BEYOND PAIN & SUFFERING
If you’ve been injured in a car or truck wreck, there’s no question that pain and suffering are some of the most serious harms you may have to endure. These are the injuries that affect your quality of life and the very essence of who you are. But, many people don’t realize that damages can go way beyond pain and suffering. There are a myriad other ways a serious accident can impact their lives.
The following list, while not exhaustive or complete, is designed to give you an idea about some of the different types of damages that may be available to you (in addition to pain and suffering) if you suffer injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence in a motor vehicle wreck:
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As you can see from this list, it is vitally important that you receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine the injuries and harm you’ve sustained after an accident. Your lawyer will use this information to help him or her decide what would constitute a fair and full settlement and jury verdict with respect to the injuries you have suffered.
CONTACT
RHINO Lawyers know that car accidents can happen at any time. After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from a car accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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MOVING VIOLATION POINT SYSTEM
Receiving a traffic ticket is a nuisance and inconvenience. In many cases, a traffic ticket will raise your insurance rate and follow you for years. Others could cause you to lose your license or result in jail time.
Even the most common traffic violation can be damaging if you accrue too many points. Which moving violations incur points? Here is a list of common violations and the associated moving violation point system:
3 POINT VIOLATIONS
- CARELESS DRIVING
- SPEEDING
- Fail to stop at STEADY RED signal
- TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE Fail to obey traffic control device (sign)
4 POINT VIOLATIONS
- RECKLESS DRIVING
- Violation of 316.183(2), 316.187, or 316.189, Speed in excess of 50 MPH
- SCHOOL BUS – failure to stop for (school election available to have adjudication withheld)
6 POINT VIOLATIONS
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Speeding resulting in an accident
- A moving violation resulting in bodily harm
Points are assigned based on the type of conviction and remain on the driver record for at least three years from the date of disposition (conviction). If a driver accumulates too many points in a set time frame, their driving privileges will be suspended.
| POINTS | SUSPENSION |
| 12 points within 12 months | 30-day suspension |
| 18 points within 18 months | Three-month suspension |
| 24 points within 36 months | One-year suspension |
While you can remove points from your driving record, tickets in Florida are not dismissed or removed by taking a BDI course (Basic Driver Improvement course). The only way you can keep a traffic ticket off your record is to prove you were not breaking the law or fight your ticket in court and win. If you’re planning to fight your ticket, you should consider hiring an attorney to represent you.
CONTACT
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system that has been molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let the Tampa traffic ticket attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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HOLIDAY ROAD SAFETY TIPS
Fall is officially upon us, which means that the holiday season is about to begin. From Halloween until the New Year, you can bet that many Americans will be traveling to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. If you plan on traveling to celebrate with family and friends, you’ll need to prepare your car for colder weather travel and for emergencies. Here are some holiday road safety tips from RHINO Lawyers to ensure that your holidays are fun-filled and safe.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Though we have some of the warmest winters. There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of getting into a crash or needing roadside assistance while driving this holiday season. Here are some useful tips to help get you prepared:
- Make sure your car is ready. Basic maintenance is essential to maintaining the life of your vehicle. Just follow the maintenance schedule found in your owner’s manual. Because being stranded on the side of the road is not fun in any temperature.
- Check your tires. Your tires lose air faster at colder temperatures. While this is not as much of a concern for Florida residents, your tires do wear down. Check your tires’ tread and tire pressure often to make sure they don’t need rotating or replaced. If you aren’t sure about your tires, a tire shop attendant will check them for you.
- Be prepared for anything. Carry emergency supplies with you when you travel. Things like water, nutrition bars, a first-aid kit, and other emergency supplies are beneficial in case you are involved in a crash or are left stuck by a weather occurrence that causes an extensive delay.
- Don’t Drive Drowsy or Under the Influence. Driving drowsy or under the influence can affect your ability to drive, don’t get behind the wheel as you’re more at risk to cause a crash. Instead, use an option like UBER or Lyft to get you home safely.
Bad Winter Weather Driving Safety Tips
Whether you do see snow flurries this winter or you travel to a snowy destination here are a few things to make your travels safer:
- Check the weather forecast before traveling. Being caught in a blizzard by surprise or a thunderstorm is no way to spend your holiday.
- Let someone know where you’re going. Make sure to give them addresses to where you plan on staying and information about the other people that you are traveling with. Additionally, check in with your loved ones regularly so they don’t worry.
- Before heading out defrost your car. Take the time to clear the snow off your entire car and double-check that you can see out of all the windows.
- Reduce driving speed and increase your following distance. When road conditions this will ensure you have enough time to come to a safe stop.
What to Do After an Accident
Even, after all, we do to prevent an accident, it still can happen. If you find yourself in this position RHINO Lawyers recommend doing the following:
- After the accident, immediately put your emergency lights on to warn other drivers. If possible, move your car to a safe place.
- If you are not alone, check your passengers for injuries, and if needed call emergency numbers. Call the police if another vehicle has been involved or if you need further assistance.
- Exchange required insurance information with the other driver. Do not discuss the accident with the other person; wait until the police arrive.
CONTACT TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
If you receive a ticket or you’re in an accident this holiday season contact RHINO Lawyers. We can help and guide you through a system that has been molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our personal injury team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let the Tampa traffic ticket attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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