News

Head-On Wrong-Way Crash Injures One in Tampa Bay

A 37-year-old woman was driving the wrong way on I-275 and struck another car head-on seriously injuring its driver. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the wrong-way driver was driving a 2017 Subaru Forester north in the southbound lanes of I-275 near mile marker 26.5. It was around 3:15 a.m., Friday, March 22, 2019, when she struck a 2013 Buick Verano.

Right after the collision, the Subaru burst into flames, but the driver escaped in time. However, they took the driver of the Buick to Bayfront Health, St. Petersburg with serious bodily injury. The Subaru driver was charged with DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury.

Head-On Collision Accidents

When someone is involved in a head-on collision, they are at more risk of death and serious injury according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The head-on collision accounts for only 2% of all accidents in a year. Yet, they account for 10 percent of all fatalities. They are also responsible for some of the most traumatic injuries of all crash types.

Head-On Collision Injuries

The reason a head-on collision is so dangerous is because the impact is comprised of the speed and weight of both vehicles coming to a dead stop simultaneously. This throws the occupants of the car around. Thrusting them forward, backward and side to side inside of the vehicle.

Also, head-on collisions severely damage the vehicles. Cushing the passenger compartments leaving little room for those inside. Because of these dynamics, there are injuries common to a head-on collision:

• Blunt Force Trauma: The vast majority of fatalities come from the impact of the person into whatever is in front of them.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Not always fatal and happens with the impact of the body at the time of collision.
• Thoracic Spine Injury: (Whiplash) This injury is not necessarily fatal, but it often results in paralysis. It comes from the collision throwing the body forward, stretching the spine and the neck, and then violently compressing when thrown back into the seat.
• Broken Bones: Skull fractures, facial bones, ribs and extremities such as wrists, ankles legs.

Do I need an Attorney if I’m injured in a Head-On Collision?

Before you speak to anyone from an insurance company, it’s best to talk to an experienced auto accident attorney who knows the law and is experienced in personal injury claims and head-on collision. The personal injury team at RHINO Lawyers have that knowledge and experience and can get you the compensation you deserve.

RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”

Hit-and-Run Driver Sought After Injuring Two in Tampa

Police are looking for a driver of a blue 2019 Nissan Rogue. They believe a hit-and-run around 9:45 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2019, involved the driver. Witnesses say that the Nissan struck a Toyota Sienna Van being used as a taxi to transport a 91-year-old man. The van sustained significant damage. They took the man and the driver of the van to AdventHealth with significant injuries.

Police posted a picture of a blue 2019 Nissan Rouge similar to the one involved in the accident. Except that there will be significant damage to the one involved. Police are also offering a cash reward for information. As well as, asking anyone who knows of anything or witnessed the incident to call them at 813 247-8200. They can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).

Hit-and-Run Accidents

When a driver involved in an accident flees, it creates a higher risk for anyone injured in an accident. This is because anyone uninjured in the accident are able to call for help and even administer first aid to the victim.

In today’s world, people have cell phones, and if anyone else is around they can also call for help. Though, this can’t be relied upon in every case. In some cases, any delay in getting help can mean the injured person’s chance of survival goes down. Plus, their injuries might become more severe.

Injuries at Further Risk in a Hit-and-Run

There are many types of injuries that can happen in a hit-and-run with some putting the victim at a higher risk of death or more serious injury. They are:

• Neck Injuries: You need to stabilize neck injuries quickly because delays might cause more problems.
• Deep lacerations: Any loss-of-blood injuries can put the victim in danger if first aid is delayed.
• Punctured Lungs: Broken ribs can lead to a punctured lung which can deprive a person of their ability to breathe and get oxygen.
• Heart Attack: The stress of an accident can cause a heart attack, and a quick response from EMS can make a difference.
• Pregnancy/Delivery: An accident can put a pregnant woman into labor, and the quicker the response, the more likely there will be a good outcome.

Can I Receive Compensation for a Hit-and-Run?

Also, when a driver flees, unless they find the driver the victim is often left to face the financial burden without compensation. However, they have some resources that someone can use to compensate them for their injuries if the driver is never found:

• Medpay: This is a provision that drivers can get on their own policy that will pay for medical bills regardless of who is at fault or injured. So long as involvement included the insured or their vehicle.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This works similar to Medpay, but it pays medical bills and other damages like pain and suffering and loss of wages. It also pays out regardless of the person injured or at fault. So long as involvement included the insured or their vehicle.
• Uninsured/Underinsured: Most insurance policies have uninsured/underinsured provisions. These will pay those covered by the policy for all personal injury damages; if the other driver is underinsured or has no insurance. This can include not finding a hit-and-run driver, so long as they were at fault in the accident.

Florida Auto Insurance

Florida law requires every auto insurance policy to have PIP. This would cover damages and losses stemming from a hit-and-run car accident. Since PIP pays for medical bills also, Florida drivers do not need to get Medpay.

Florida does not require motorists to have uninsured/underinsured, but most drivers carry this as it as a small add-on charge and can provide compensation in cases of a hit-and-run. However, the insured must ask specifically for this coverage.

Do I need an Attorney for a Hit-and-Run?

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, you need to talk to an auto accident attorney who can evaluate your circumstances and find all sources of compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait around for them to find the other driver, act quickly and get the right advice.

RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” Our personal injury team describes our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”

Pedestrian Accidents in St. Pete Causes One Death

Two pedestrians injured and one pedestrian died in accidents overnight Saturday and early Sunday morning, March 17, 2019. St. Petersburg Police responded to a call that a 74-year-old man was injured in a crosswalk at 28th Street N near Central Avenue about 8:30 p.m. They took the man the hospital in serious condition. Then the police arrested the driver of a Ford F-150 that had fled the scene.

Then around 1:20 a.m. in Seminole, a driver in a Mazda hit a 41-year-old man who was crossing Starkey Road near the intersection of Park Boulevard. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s office, the pedestrian died of his injuries. The man reportedly did not use a crosswalk. They pronounced him dead at the scene

The third accident happened near downtown St. Petersburg, around 2:30 a.m. where hundreds had gathered to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. A Chevy Impala hit a 34-year-old man at 4th Street South and 3rd Avenue. The St. Petersburg police said that the victims suffered life-threatening injuries. They took him to Bayfront Hospital for treatment.

Who’s at Fault When a Pedestrian is Hit Crossing the Street?

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 5,000 pedestrians die each year in auto accidents with the vast majority of them have died trying to cross a street. Since generally speaking, they made roads primarily for motorized vehicles. Therefore, outside of crosswalks, vehicles have the right-of-way. Though, many feel that the pedestrian is likely at fault if a car stricks a pedestrian.

There is support for this idea. The NHTSA also reports that out of all street crossing deaths by pedestrians, only 600 a year happen while the pedestrian was inside a crosswalk.

This means that when pedestrians properly use a crosswalk, motorists are less likely to hit them. However, this doesn’t mean that any time a car hits a pedestrian crossing the outside a crosswalk, it’s the fault of the pedestrian.

Motorists and Pedestrians are to use Due Caution

The bottom line is that before finding a motorist or pedestrian negligent, the other side must prove that they didn’t use the proper care under the circumstances. It works like this: a pedestrian injured crossing the street needs to prove the negligence of the driver of the vehicle that hit them. This means that the person failed to use the care and caution that was due to the pedestrian under the circumstances.

To determine due caution, the court will look to see if the driver acted using the level of due care that other drivers would use in a similar circumstance. If the driver did, then he or she wasn’t negligent. However, if the driver didn’t, then he acted negligently.

Next, the court looks at whether the victim was negligent. If they find he or she was, then this could either defeat the claim or reduce the amount of compensation awarded. For this, the court will look at whether the pedestrian acted using the same care and caution that other pedestrians would use in similar circumstances.

This means that if a vehicle hits a pedestrian, whether outside or inside a crosswalk, liability isn’t automatically assumed on the part of the driver or the pedestrian. Rather they will look at the actions of each considering the circumstances.

What if I’m Injured Crossing the Street?

If you are in an accident as a pedestrian, don’t assume that it’s your fault even if you were in the road and didn’t have the right-of-way. The insurance company will tell you that it was your fault, and the driver shouldn’t have to pay.

However, talk to someone who will tell you the law. Talk to an attorney who can evaluate your case and then get you compensation for your injuries.

Contact a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer

After any crash involving a serious injury or a fatality, you should speak to our personal injury team. If you or a loved one was in a crash similar to these, contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation. RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”

Driver Injured in Tampa Box Truck Crash

On Wednesday, March 13, 2019, a box truck crashed into a sedan. Severely damaging the sedan and trapping the driver inside. The crash happened around 5 a.m. at the intersection of East Hillsborough Avenue and North 30^th Street in Tampa. They closed Hillsborough Avenue for several hours as EMS workers had to cut the driver from the car. Paramedics immediately transported him to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Jaws of Life.

To save the life of the driver, first responders cut him out of his vehicle. Every day, people are freed from their vehicles by firefighters and EMS workers who use specially designed and very powerful tools.

Patented in 1961, the Jaws of Life became the first of these tools. Today, first responders use hydraulic rescue tools. Additionally, almost every county in the nation has one or has access to one.

The tools use liquid hydraulics to provide power to “jaws” that can be brought together or separated with great force. They can also cut through steel, sheet metal, and other composites used in automobiles.

Contact a Lawyer After a Crash with a Box Truck.

While we’re not certain if the trucker was at fault, we do know that truck accident cases are complex cases. As a result, they often involve multiple parties such as the trucker, truck owner, trucking company, and insurance companies. In the event you’re injured in a crash involving a box truck or a semi-truck, you’re going to want to consult with a Tampa truck accident lawyer. Involved in a crash similar to this? Contact us today for a friendly, free consultation and case evaluation.

Lastly, RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” Our personal injury team describes our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”

Motorcycle Rider Killed Passenger Injured in Dade City

A man riding a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja died when his motorcycle collided with a Chevy K1500 pickup truck. Paramedics took the passenger of the bike to a local hospital with serious injuries. The accident happened around 8:30 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2019, at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City North.

The Florida Highway Patrol says that the Ninja was traveling north on U.S. 301 and the Chevy Pickup was westbound on Pioneer Museum Rd. and pulled into the path of the Ninja. The rider of the Ninja tried to miss the truck but struck its back left quarter panel.

Tragically, the rider of the bike died at the scene, and paramedics took the passenger to St. Joseph’s Hospital in serious condition. Luckily, the pickup driver did not sustain any injuries.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to many federal studies, a motorcycle rider involved in a crash is six times more likely to be killed than the typical passenger vehicle driver or occupant.

An NHTSA study showed that in 2017, there were 40,000 people who died in auto accidents, and of those, 12.5 of those deaths (5,000) were motorcycle riders and passengers yet motorcycles make up only 3 percent of all vehicles registered.

It gets even scarier when you compare the fatality rates of motorcycle riders to passenger vehicles. The fatality rate looks at the number of fatalities of different vehicle types per 100 million miles traveled. The passenger vehicle rate in 2017 was 1.1, and motorcycle riders’ rate for the same year was 5.6 This is almost a 500 percent increase in the risk of death when a person is riding a motorcycle.

Why so Dangerous?

The biggest factor behind the dangers of motorcycle riding is a concept called driver “tunneling.” This means that a typical car driver has tunnel vision for motorcycle riders. The driver will look right at a motorcycle and still not “see” it. Experts say that it is because of the low profile of the motorcycle compared to a car. In addition, drivers have conditioned themselves to look out for cars not motorcycles, pedestrians or bike riders.

Another reason is the risk that motorcycle riders take. A disproportionate of motorcycle crashes are due to the speed of the motorcycle. Also, motorcycle riders are more likely to drive aggressively and weave in and out of traffic.

The third reason is impairment. Around 40 percent of all motorcycle deaths have some connection to alcohol consumption, and 25 percent of motorcycle riders who died had a BAC over the legal limit. So when you group tunneling, aggressive driving, and impairment together, it is understandable why motorcycle riders the high fatality rate.

Liability for Passenger on a Motorcycle

Motorcycle passengers have the same liability as anyone injured in a crash. The person who was negligent is responsible for all damages which includes a motorcycle passenger. In a typical motorcycle accident that is the other driver’s fault, the rider of the motorcycle will be covered by the other driver’s insurance. That same coverage applies to motorcycle passengers as well.

Another issue is when the motorcycle rider is at fault for their passenger’s injuries. When this happens then the rider is responsible for his or her negligence. A passenger in a car is always covered by the driver’s insurance policy. All 50 states require coverage for car passengers as part of the mandatory insurance for drivers.

However, for motorcycle passengers, there are a few differences. In Florida, the law requires car drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP). This pays out for all medical bills associated with an accident for the covered driver regardless of who’s at fault.

In Florida, this isn’t required for motorcycles so that if the motorcycle passenger is injured, then he or she might not be able to collect compensation for their medical bills under the PIP provision. But this doesn’t mean there is no coverage because general liability for all vehicles and their passengers is required in Florida meaning that whoever is at fault, their insurance will pay for all damages.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you are injured or a loved one is killed in a motorcycle crash similar to this one, you need to talk to our personal injury team. The coverage issues can be confusing, and many times and insurance company will wrongly tell you that there is no coverage when coverage exists. Don’t take their word for it, talk to a professional who is on your side.

RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!” Talk to one of our attorneys today!

Multiple Vehicle Crash in Feather Sound Ends Tragically

A man driving a 2019 Nissan Sentra caused a multiple vehicle crash when he collided with a 2008 Honda Civic. Then he hit a 2017 Honda Accord killing the driver of the Nissan. The crash happened in Feather Sound at the intersection of Ulmerton and 34^th Street N. around 4 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2019.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol trooper at the scene, the Nissan was traveling west on Ulmerton Road when it turned left into the path of the Civic. The Nissan then spun and hit the Accord that was waiting to take a left turn from Ulmerton onto 34^th Street.

Unfortunately, the driver of the Nissan died at the scene. Paramedics took his passenger, along with the occupants of the Civic to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Multi-Vehicle Crashes

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration considers a multi-vehicle crash any collision that involves three or more vehicles. When this happens, the risk of serious injury and fatalities go up considerably.

The reason for this is the dynamics of a multi-vehicle crash. In all types of multi-vehicle crashes, there are often multiple impacts to the same car. As a result, occupants suffer multiple hits. Each impact has the ability to injure someone worse or cause death.

There are two primary types of multi-car collisions. First, one being a chain-reaction crash. This is where one collision sets off events that cause the involvement of other cars. These often happen on busy and crowded highways and streets. In many cases, a car endures two or more impacts thus causing greater injuries.

Others are pileup crashes where motorists on a freeway or highway are unable to stop when going at high speeds. They then crash into whatever is in front of them, and sometimes it is a vehicle that has already been in a wreck.

What to do if Involved in a Multi-Car Crash

If you get in a multi-vehicle accident, experts say to stay in your car. This might seem counter-intuitive, as many feel that they should get out of their car in case someone else hits their car. However, this is the reason to stay in your car with the seatbelt on. Unlike, a pedestrian being hit by a 4,000 lb hunk of steel and plastic. A damaged car offers more protection.

This doesn’t mean you suspend common sense, if there is a fire or you see or smell leaking fuel, for example, then you need to get out of your car and to a safe place.

How is Fault Determined?

Determining fault in a multi-car crash is sometimes difficult, and in multi-car crashes, it’s even more problematic. However, it all boils down to which person was negligent. Accident investigators will do their best to see which car struck which other car and in what order, but at the end of the day, they do not determine fault.

Unfortunately, after any major accident involving injuries, many insurers are likely to blame you for your injuries.

Do I Need an Attorney?

It’s up to each injured person whether they get an attorney. However, in multi-car wrecks, there are typically several insurance companies covering the many vehicles, and each one is going to point the finger at the other where liability is concerned. So the best thing to do is to talk to an attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you of your options.

If you were involved in a crash similar to this one, contact our personal injury team today for a free consultation and case evaluation. RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”

WHAT DO I DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT?

Driving for most people is a part of daily life. Car are all over the roadways, and almost everyone needs to get where they’re going immediately. With this, accidents in Florida are extremely high. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 388,032 car accidents in 2017. These are the reported accidents. In fact, due to not reporting accidents the number is likely higher.

The statistics also broke down the number of injuries related to the crashes (246,285 out of 388,032) and that March was the month with the highest accident rate. Most accidents were on Fridays, between 4 pm-5 pm, and involved someone in the range of 25-34 years of age. Many factors contribute to car accidents, such as:

• • Texting while driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Adjusting the radio/sound system
  • Inclement weather conditions

These factors play an important role in the causes of auto accidents. Motorcycle accidents are also a high risk, with the injuries on motorcycles having the ability to be more severe in nature. After all this risk of being on the road, many people ask “what do I do after an accident?”

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP?

Once you feel the impact of the other vehicle, adrenaline is running through your veins. You didn’t expect the accident, and now you must deal with the other driver. Immediately after the crash, make sure you are okay. This sounds standard, but this is a traumatic experience so take a second to breathe and make sure nothing on you is hit, cut or bleeding. If you are able, do the following steps:

• Call 911 or the local police.
• Collect the names, addresses and telephone numbers from everyone involved and around the scene (independent witnesses), and take the driver’s license number of the driver(s), license plate numbers of any vehicle involved, and any insurance information.
• Take photographs and/or video of any vehicle involved, injuries, accident location.
• If there is a chance you are or may be injured, seek medical attention immediately.
• Call our office at 844-RHINO-77 so we can begin our crash investigation and make sure the proper steps are taken to protect you.

HOW DO I GET MY CAR FIXED?

Once we come on your case, we are able to help you set up your property damage claim. The property damage is the most frustrating part because most people need their car to go to work, pick up their children, buy groceries, etc. Our office helps you get this set up by contacting all insurance companies and starting the process of getting the at-fault driver’s insurance to start fixing your car. We also look into getting you into a rental car so you can drive normally while your vehicle is getting repaired. Most law firms do not help their clients with the property damage, but we believe that making sure your car is getting repaired immediately is an important part of helping you.

I’M INJURED AND NEED TO HAVE TREATMENT, WHERE DO I GO?

Unfortunately, injuries are common in auto accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles stated that out of the 388,032 accidents reported, 246,285 of them involved an injury. This equates to injuries in roughly 63% of accidents. Sometimes, injuries take some time before you start feeling the effects. In Florida, you have fourteen (14) days to see someone to preserve certain benefits that you may be entitled to.

Our office wants to get you the best treatment and we realize each injury is different. That is why it is important to seek qualified medical providers who are able to help you with getting better. We communicate with our clients to make sure they are getting the help they deserve.

HOW SOON SHOULD I CALL A LAWYER?

Calling a lawyer is a big decision. Once you complete the steps at the scene, give our personal injury team a call and at the very least we can walk you through how we can help you. If you have additional questions about an accident you were in and injuries suffered as a result, contact the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers. We will explore all options of the accident, including all insurance areas to make sure you are getting the help you deserve.

Scooter Rider Injured Riding on I-75

Early Tuesday, March 4, 2019, a car hit a person riding a scooter in the far-right lane on I-75 near Fletcher Avenue. Severely injuring the scooter rider. The Florida Highway Patrol says that the 32-year-old scooter rider injured was driving slowly in the outside lane and was rear-ended by a 2011 Toyota Sienna.

The impact threw the rider several feet over the guardrail and on the grass. Paramedics took him to Tampa General Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Police cited both drivers, the scooter driver for impeding traffic and the Toyota driver for careless driving.

Tampa Bay Scooters

Electric scooters are becoming a popular alternative transportation in many of the nation’s cities. Companies like Bird, Lime, Skip, and Spin have cropped up over the last few years. They place scooters all over the city and riders can rent them and then drop them wherever they are when finished.

This has caused cities some problems and many detractors feel that the scooters are a nuisance and a safety hazard, while supporters say that it’s an inexpensive way for the city to provide transportation to thousands of people a day. Either way, it puts a lot of scooters on the streets.

As of March 1, 2019, Tampa Bay has not yet joined in the list of cities offering scooters as a means of transportation. There are expectations that scooters will be coming soon to Tampa Bay.

Scooter Rider Accidents

Regardless of whether or when Tampa Bay gets their scooter program, scooters are still being used by people as a cheap way to get around the city. Many of these are the motorized scooters, also called mopeds. Electric scooters are smaller and people ride them standing up.

Florida law prohibits electric scooter on the state’s roads but allows motorized scooters on the roadways and are treated as vehicles so long as they meet the minimum requirements for headlights, brake, tail and turn lights, etc. However, they are not allowed on the freeways unless the motor is 50 cc’s or more.

The problem with motor scooters is that they have a low profile and many times aren’t seen by drivers of cars. Some riders will zip around in and out of traffic while others will be going too slow and frustrate drivers.

This causes accidents, and when that happens, the law allows the injured person to seek compensation just like they would in a typical vehicle accident.

Common Scooter Rider Injuries

Scooters are small, lightweight, and they leave the rider fairly unprotected. The cars and other vehicles might outweigh a typical scooter as much as 20 times. This puts the scooter operator at a huge disadvantage when a car or truck and a scooter collide. Some of the common injuries of a scooter accident are:

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Broken Bones (legs, wrists, and ribs most common)
• Road Rash
• Deep Bruises
• Deep Lacerations

Do I need an Attorney?

If you are injured in a scooter-motor vehicle accident, chances are you are seriously injured and are experiencing substantial financial losses. Many people wonder if they need an attorney or if the insurance company will take care of them.

Consult with our personal injury team. The insurance company doesn’t make money by paying out too much for their claims. So put someone on your side who knows the law and will use it to get the highest compensation allowed.

RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”

Motorcycle Rider Severely Injured in Left Turn Crash

A car struck a motorcycle, ejecting the rider from his bike and causing severe injuries. The accident happened around 3:47, Tuesday, March 3, 2019, on Hillsborough Ave. just east of Webb Road.

The Florida Highway Patrol said that a 2001 Crown Victoria turned left in front of the motorcycle, causing the vehicles to collide. The motorcycle rider went to the pavement and sustained serious injuries.

Officials at the scene say that the injured motorcycle rider’s arm was partially severed. Paramedics took him to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Consequently, the accident is still under investigation, and there is no word at this time if any charges will be filed. Sometimes drivers will be given a careless driving ticket for pulling into oncoming traffic.

Motorcycle Rider Injury

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), a rider of a motorcycle is 28 times more likely to die in a crash and five times more likely to suffer serious injuries compared to occupants in a typical passenger car.

Unfortunately, many people who take a left in front of a motorcyclist say “they never saw the motorcycle”. While, left-hand turn accidents are, by far, the most common type of crash. This occurs when a car pulls into the path of the motorcycle, leaving the motorcyclist no good options.

Almost every bike crash ends with the injured rider on the pavement. This adds to the likelihood of severe injury or death. Also, cars outweigh motorcycles by as much as 10 times. This weight disparity also contributes to the motorcyclist’s injuries.

Do I need an attorney?

If you sustain injuries riding your bike, you need to talk to an attorney. They can give you good advice and evaluate your claim. Don’t talk to the insurance company until you get the facts. Better yet, leave it all to the professionals and concentrate on recovering from your injuries. Unfortunately, many insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible, or even blame you for your injuries.

Contact a Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

After any crash, if there is a serious injury or loss of a loved one, contact a motorcycle accident attorney.

RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!”

Lastly, anyone injured due to the negligence of another driver in Florida should contact us for a free consultation. Our personal injury team will offer you advice to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Head-On Collision on US 301 in Florida Injures Four

The driver of a 2010 Toyota Tundra was driving in the wrong lanes of U.S. 301 when his car struck an oncoming vehicle injuring four. According to a Florida Highway Patrol officer at the scene, the driver of the Tundra was traveling north in the southbound lanes of the highway and that alcohol was a factor in the head-on collision.

The second car in the accident was also a Toyota Tundra but its year is 2015. The accident happened a little after midnight Sunday, March 3, 2019. Paramedics took all three occupants of the 2015 Tundra and the driver of the 2010 Tundra to a local hospital and listed in serious condition. FHP says that charges are pending against the driver of the 2010 Tundra.

Head-On Crashes

Head-on collisions are especially violent and cause significant property damage, injuries, and fatalities. In fact, head-on collisions are the leading type of crash for causing fatalities. According to a study from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, head-on crashes only make up 2 percent of all crashes in the U.S. but makeup over 10 percent of all fatalities.

The Danger of a Head-on Collision

The impact of a head-on collision is made of the mass and momentum of two vehicles both typically going at speeds higher than 50 miles an hour. Violent head-on collisions often cause cars to roll over, catch on fire or fly off the roadway. This increases the likelihood of more serious injuries. Also, with many head-on collisions, a car might drift over the centerline quickly giving the other driver no chance to take defensive actions.

Common Injuries

The violence of a head-on collision increases the chance that the injuries will be severe and the risk of death high. Because of this, head-on collisions have common injuries associated with it:

• Blunt Force Trauma
• Head Injuries/Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Internal Injuries/Bleeding
• Airbag injuries

Losses and Damages that Come from Head-On Crashes

In any accident, a person is entitled to certain monetary damages from the at-fault driver. This usually comes from an insurance company that is often reluctant to pay a reasonable amount for the losses sustained.

However, the law allows for an injured person to claim certain financial losses as damages. Under Florida law a person involved in a head-on collision, and injured, you are entitled to certain damages. They are:

• Medical Bills
• Lost wages, past, and future
• Permanent injuries/disabilities or disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life/consortium
• Wrongful Death compensation
• Emotional distress

While money alone does not make the person whole again. Struggling with the physical and emotional aspects of a traumatic accident becomes more difficult as the financial losses add up creating more anxiety and stress. Many victims of these accidents wonder if they need to get an attorney. In most cases, the answer is yes. You need to understand your rights and what you are entitled to under the law so you can make the best decision.

Contact a Tampa Bay Area Car Accident Attorney Today

Even if you don’t hire an attorney, you need to speak to one that knows the law and can evaluate your case. Talk to an Attorney at RHINO Lawyers today. Our personal injury team is ready to start working for you to get you the compensation you deserve.