Car Crashed into a Home Sending Two to Hospital
A car crashed into a home interrupting a man’s breakfast early Friday morning, March 1, 2019.
According to Fox 13, the car entered a bedroom of the house after blowing through a stop sign and leaving the road. According to police, the driver of the car was showing off his car to a friend and failed to stop at a stop sign at 126th Ave North and Wild Acres Way.
Paramedics took two people to the hospital. And neighbors say that this has happened before under similar circumstances. Two years ago, a car blew through the same intersection and crashed into the home next door injuring a woman in her bed.
However, in the present crash, they charged the driver of the car with driving without a license and failing to stop at a stop sign.
Cars Crashing Into Buildings
According to a report from the Texas Traffic Institute at Texas A&M, cars crash into buildings over 60 times a day across the country. Homes make up a small percentage of those accidents with the most being retail stores such as restaurants and strip malls.
The report cited the greatest factor being the location of the building. Those buildings closest to parking lots have the highest risk of being struck. The driver mistaking the brake for the gas pedal is the most common reason for a building crash. Then the car is accidentally driven into the building.
Common Car Crash Injuries
When a car crashes into a building, there is a lot of flying debris that can act like shrapnel. Also, the impact itself can cause serious injury. A few other common injuries include deep lacerations, broken bones and head trauma. As many of the victims are sitting or standing in what they thought was a safe place. Another problem with these crashes is that people generally feel safe from car accidents inside a building and fail to take defensive measures thus putting them at further risk of injury.
What Should I do?
A person injured by a car while inside a building, will sometimes not consider seeking compensation from the driver. Because they don’t look at it as a typical auto accident. Or others feel that their injuries might not be severe enough to warrant seeking compensation. However, the best thing to do is to talk to an attorney who knows the law and can give you advice and a case evaluation. This attorney can also discuss your potential areas of compensation.
If you have been injured is a similar incident talk to a professional who can evaluate your claim to see what you are entitled to. The following are possible damages that come naturally from vehicle-building collisions:
- Medical Bills
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress/PTSD
- Lost Time From Work
- Property Damage (Cell phones, other personal items)
- Permanent Disability
Contact a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer
Always speak to an attorney after an accident resulting in a serious injury.
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!”
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Teen Critical in Rollover Hit-and-Run in Sarasota
A KIA minivan allegedly turned in front of an Audi sedan. This caused the Audi to flip and roll over many times critically injuring its driver. The crash was caught on video. It showed the KIA taking a left turn off of U.S. 41 into the path of the Audi which then swerved attempting to avoid a collision. But the KIA clipped the driver’s side rear quarter panel of the Audi causing it to roll over several times.
The crash happened Thursday morning, February 28, 2019. And, could be seen on from a video captured by a hotel security camera. The crash ejected the driver of the Audi. Consequently, after waiting around for about seven seconds the driver of the KIA took off.
The dramatic video showed the contact between the vehicles and the Audi flipping several times hitting at least two parked cars before coming to a rest on its hood in the parking lot. Police are looking for the driver of a white KIA Sedona, and are asking anyone with information on the incident to call them at (941) 751-8350.
Hit-and-Run Crashes
Hit-and-run crashes are in the increase in the United States while the number of auto crashes per capita has been on the decline in the last decade. According to a study by the American Automobile Association, there were 2,049 hit-and-run fatalities in 2018, a 60 percent increase from 2009 while in the same decade, there was a 10 percent decrease in all vehicle accident fatalities.
There is an average of 682,000 hit-and-run crashes yearly making that one every 14 minutes or 102 a day. Per capita, Florida shares the top spot in hit-and-run fatalities with New Mexico and Louisiana.
Why Do People Leave the Scene?
Although it’s unclear why the driver in the above-mentioned accident left the scene after the crash. People leave the scene of crashes for several reasons:
- Not aware they hit someone: Although this is a common excuse, in some cases it turns out to be true. If the impact is slight enough, and the driver is distracted, he or she might not be aware.
- Impaired: Some drivers fell that getting in trouble for leaving the scene of an accident is less trouble than getting a DUI charge.
- No license/warrant for arrest: Many people run because they are driving without a license or have a warrant for their arrest, and they don’t want to get into further trouble.
Hit-and-Run Fatalities
When a person is a victim of a hit-and-run, their chances of death go up, according to statistics. At first blush this doesn’t seem to make sense as the accident itself doesn’t seem to be any different in a hit-and-run, just that the driver fled.
However, experts give a couple of reasons why there are higher fatalities with a hit-and-run. First, many times, help for the victim is delayed. This happens when no one is around to witness the accident, and the driver flees leaving the victim alone with no help. In many cases, it’s critical the victim receives immediate first aid like when the car is on fire or they have severe bleeding. It the other driver takes off, the victim is unable to receive that critical help.
Second, some hit-and-run drivers have stated that it was the seriousness of the accident that made them leave. They felt that they would be in great trouble, so they simply took off. Although it seems illogically when looking at it from hindsight, experts say that people don’t always act sensibly and logically when they are under great stress.
Hit-and-Run Liability
A person’s auto insurance usually covers the liability of an accident. Yet, an unknown driver can cause problems for the victim. This puts stress on the victim as they try to figure out how they are going to cover their bills. If law enforcement catches the driver, then that driver’s insurance will pay for the damages.
However, the injured have fewer options when they never find the at-fault driver. One thing might be to check their own policy for a “Medpay” or “personal injury policy” (PIP) which will pay the injured person no matter who was at fault. Typically, Medpay will only pay for medical bills, while PIP will pay for medical bills plus a few other losses like lost wages.
However, if the injured person’s insurance doesn’t cover that, then there may not be any coverage available. Some cities or states have victims’ funds that might cover some losses, but this, not a certainty.
Do I need an Attorney?
Always speak to an attorney after any hit-and-run or head-on collision accident resulting in a serious injury.
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!
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Car Crashes into Buildings – Who is Liable in Florida?
A car crashed through the wall of a business injuring an occupant of the building. The accident happened around 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 27, 2019. According to witnesses at the scene, it appeared that the driver of the Fusion hit her gas instead of the brake and came through the front of the building.
The driver had just left the office which is occupied by an insurance company and got into her car attempting to back out of the handicapped spot when she lurched forward instead. This injured one person inside the office with significant cuts and scrapes. Paramedics took them to a local hospital.
Car and Building Crashes
Cars crashing into buildings occurs over 60 times a day across the United States, according to the Texas Traffic Institute at Texas A&M University. Out of those, restaurants and other retail stores make up 43 percent of all building collisions causing over $300 million in damages.
The location of the building is a primary factor in the likelihood of a car-building accident. Although it would seem that high traffic areas such as convenience stores and gas stations would be high on the list, it is office buildings and strip-mall retail stores. Why? Because most happen by someone hitting the gas instead of the brake when leaving or parking.
Most of these types of buildings have parking stalls facing the storefront putting the stores at risk for a collision.
It catches people off guard when cars crash through buildings. In addition, they have no time to take defensive positions. The first danger is being impacted by the car itself, and then there is a fair amount of flying debris. This can result in deep lacerations, broken bones and head trauma.
What Should I do?
The first thing to do is to get treatment for your injuries. When at the scene, and if you are able, get as much information as you can, or have someone there do it for you. Pictures of the damage will help out later if a trial is needed.
Then when you have been treated and can focus on other things, call an attorney. Some people in building-vehicle accidents don’t think about getting an attorney because it wasn’t a traditional car accident. However, the driver of the car is responsible for his or her actions and will typically have insurance.
Contact a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer
Always speak to an attorney after an accident resulting in a serious injury.
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!”
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DUI Head-On Collision Kills One Injures One in Lithia
The driver of Toyota Yaris allegedly drifted across the centerline and hit a Chevrolet pickup truck in a head-on collision. The driver of the Toyota died at the scene. However, they airlifted driver of the pickup to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. Paramedics took the passenger in the Toyota to a nearby hospital with unspecified injuries.
According to Tampa Bay Reporter, the accident happened on County Road 39 in Lithia around 4:30 p.m., Thursday, February 28, 2019. The Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office states they suspect alcohol and drugs were a factor in the crash. Pending clean-up and investigation, authorities closed the road in both directions for several hours.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions have the highest risk of fatalities than any other accident type according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. This is primarily because of the speed of most head-on collisions. The momentum of both vehicles compounds the impact.
Head-on collisions can be categorized into two types: Centerline drift and wrong-way driving (WWD). Both produce similar impacts and injuries, but they happen for a significantly different reason and under separate circumstances.
Centerline Drift
Centerline drift accidents occur when one car drifts over the median and into oncoming traffic. The vast majority (85%) of centerline drift head-on crashes happen on non-divided, two-lane rural highways.
While driving a driver can drift the car a few feet for almost any reason. Many times, they can merely correct with no harm done. However, on non-divided highways, there are only a few feet between cars that are passing each other at 50+ miles an hour.
Common causes of centerline drift:
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence is the number one reason for centerline drift crashes. Alcohol is still the primary cause of impaired driving, however, marijuana impairment is increasing at a rapid pace due to the number of states that have legalized recreational marijuana.
- Drowsy/Fatigue Driving: Sleepiness or fatigue can cause a driver to doze off. Most of the time, the road bumps or the sensation of drifting will jerk the driver awake. However, other times the person crosses the centerline into oncoming traffic.
- Distracted Driving: On non-divided highways, it takes less than a second of drift the few feet into the oncoming lane, and thus any distraction can be deadly. Cell phone/texting is the number one distracted driving cause. Others are eating, make-up/shaving, radio/CD player, interacting with other passengers.
Wrong-way Driving (WWD)
Wrong-way driving (WWD) is another type of head-on collision and it happens only 15 percent of the time. According to the NHTSA, WWD happens when a car enters a divided highway and travels against the designated direction of that lane. This happens when someone enters the freeway from an off-ramp or turns the wrong way when crossing a divided highway.
Common causes of WWD are:
- Impaired Driving: The NHTSA reports that impaired drivers cause over 60 percent of all WWD crashes. Almost all WWD comes from an error in judgment or in observance of the driver. Impaired drivers by definition have diminished reasoning and judgment.
- Visibility: Most WWD happens at night, and poor visibility can cause someone to miss the signs and/or become confused as to where to go.
- Poor Signage: Often time, the signs that show proper direction or the warning signs are either in poor repair or insufficient in design. This can cause even an awake and unimpaired driver to make a mistake.
- Purposeful WWD: In a small percentage but a significant number of accidents the driver will enter the wrong way on purpose in an attempt to end their life or harm others.
DUI and Head-On Collisions
Impaired driving is the number one cause of both types of head-on collisions. For centerline drift cases, the impairment contributes to the likelihood that the driver will drift across the centerline. This is especially hideous as it puts others at extreme risk of injury and death. It’s also a fact that the impaired driver has a statistically higher chance of surviving the accident than those in the other car.
In a WWD, impairment contributes to the driver entering the wrong direction on a divided highway. While there could be other reasons like poor signage or bad visibility, impaired driving makes the mistake more likely. Once going the wrong way, impairment is likely to reduce the ability of the driver to recognize that they are going the wrong way.
Common Injuries With Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes are typified by high-impact collisions and thus produce common injuries. Some of them are:
- Blunt Force Trauma
- Head Injuries/Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Internal Injuries/Bleeding
- Airbag injuries
Contact a Tampa Bay Area Car Accident Attorney Today
Always speak to an attorney after any head-on collision accident resulting in a serious injury.
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!”
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Crash on U.S. 41 Leaves People Trapped in Their Car
On February 24, 2019, a terrible crash occurred on U.S. 41. Two vehicles collided injuring four people. As a result, they had to extract two people from their cars. According to a Pasco County Fire and Rescue official at the scene, both victims were trapped in their cars for a time until the correct equipment and personnel arrived.
Police temporarily closed U.S. 41 during the rescue but has since reopened. All four are at a local hospital. Authorities had not filed charges against either driver at the time of the report.
Jaws of Life and Injuries
Emergency personnel will often use the Jaws of Life. A trademarked name for the first one developed. Another tool is the hydraulic rescue tool. They allow EMS workers to pry, cut and spread parts of a vehicle to allow rescuers to free a trapped person by the crash. Since its invention in 1961, it has saved countless lives and made injuries less severe.
The tools use liquid hydraulics to provide power to the tool which usually has two “jaws” that can be brought together or separated with great force. First responders used them to cut through steel, sheet metal and other composites in automobiles. The jaws can also be used to spread things apart so that rescuers can get at the victim to treat them and then free them from the car.
The EMS personnel will assess the situation of a trapped person. Then if needed they will have the Jaws of Life brought to the crash scene. Typically, each responding unit has a person in charge, based on rank or seniority, and this person will make the call to use the tool. In most cases, a responding EMS unit will have at least one person trained to use the device.
Do I need an Auto Accident Attorney?
Always speak to an attorney after an accident resulting in a serious injury.
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!”
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Multi-Car Crash in Riverview FL Kills Good Samaritan
A Buick sedan rear-ended a pickup stopped on the highway in Riverview in the far right lane. A retired firefighter got out to help out, and a Toyota Camry hit both cars and the retired firefighter killing him instantly. One vehicle in the multi-car crash burst into flames because of the impact with the Camry. The accident happened 4:30 a.m. Sunday, February 24, 2019, on I-75 near the U.S. 301 exit.
Police at the scene say that the driver of the pickup truck was intoxicated and had been driving slow then speeding up and then stopping inexplicably. The Florida Highway Patrol says that several motorists had called in to complain about the driver of the pickup. He was arrested and charged with DUI, and police say that more charges are likely.
Multi-Car Crashes and Secondary Crashes
Some of the most dangerous crashes happen after a collision has already occurred. A person survives the first crash. However, a second crash caused by new arrivers that can’t slow down in time kills the person. Someone stops to help people in the first crash. Then a secondary crash injures or kills them.
The Federal Highway Association defines a secondary crash as “a crash occurring as a result of a previous crash.” The difference between a secondary crash and a typical multi-vehicle crash is that there is a connection between the crashes and there is typically time between the primary and secondary crash.
This is important because there is a chance for first responders to reduce the risk of secondary crashes. Each year, there are over 10,000 secondary crashes reported to the National Highway Transportation Administration. According to a study in the International Journal of Transportation Science and Technology, around 18 percent of all freeway fatalities happen as a result of secondary crashes.
Factors for Secondary Crashes
Freeways, as opposed to two-lane highways, carry a higher risk of secondary crashes. There are also other factors that lead to secondary crashes. They are:
- Number of lanes: The higher the number the higher the risk.
- Time: For each minute that the accident remains, there is a 2.8 percent increase in the risk of a secondary crash.
- Visibility: Rain/snowstorms, fog, lack of road lights and any other visibility limiting conditions increase the risk of secondary crashes.
- Speed: The faster the car, the more time it takes to stop after the driver is aware of the problem.
- Traffic Congestion: Highly congested lanes lower the risk of a secondary crash as cars are going slow. However, heavy traffic where the speeds are high is a risk factor of secondary crashes.
- Road Design: Tight turns or hills that can block the view of the roadway are factors.
Secondary Crashes and Liability
Typically, the at-fault driver in a crash is responsible for the damages that resulted from the crash. However, this becomes a bit murky after a secondary crash. Is the at-fault person in the first crash on the hook for all other crashes? Or maybe just a few of the secondary crashes are the first person’s fault, the rest belong to the other drivers who failed to stop?
In personal injury law, each person is liable for their negligent acts as long as the damages were foreseeable. This means that for every injury you look at the cause and whether it’s reasonable to say that the subsequent damages were foreseeable.
For example, if a drunk driver was the instigator of a secondary crash, this would not be the fault of the primary at-fault driver. However, if a crash happened and then a few minutes later a second car hit the cars that were already there, a court might place some of the blame on the first at-fault driver.
Do I need an Auto Accident Attorney?
You need to speak to an attorney if you are involved in a secondary crash that resulted in an injury. In the event, a loved one is lost you should also learn about Florida’s wrongful death claims. The insurance company will look at every possible angle to point the finger of blame away from their client. Don’t talk to the insurance agent, talk to your own attorney first. So don’t go it alone, call an attorney who can deal with the insurance companies. Contact the RHINO Lawyers who can stand up to the insurance company bullies and take them head-on! Anyone injured due to the negligence of another driver in Florida can come in for a free consultation and our personal injury team will offer you advice.
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Tampa Rearend Crash Results in Rollover – DUI Related?
A Toyota Camry allegedly rear-ended a Hyundai Elantra causing the Camry to flip and roll over several times. The rollover accident happened just after 1:15 a.m., Saturday, February 23, 2019. A Florida Highway Patrol officer said that the driver of both cars were injured and the driver of the Camry was in serious condition and taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
The FHP also says that the driver of the Camry was possibly intoxicated, and charges are likely. The rear-end crash happened on northbound I-275 approaching State Road 60 in Hillsborough County.
DUI Rollover Crash
Second, only to head-on Collisions in risk of fatality, a rollover crash can cause serious injury to the occupants of the car. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, roll-over crashes have a much higher fatality rate than a typical two-car accident. Out of the 9 million vehicle crashes in 2010, for example, only 2 percent (140,000) were roll-overs. However, nearly 35 percent of all traffic fatalities came from roll-over crashes.
Two factors greatly impact the risk of death or serious injury in a rollover: ejection and a seatbelt. A person ejected from a vehicle has an increased risk of death. The NHTSA reported that 81 percent of full ejections ended in death for the occupant. If the person was wearing their seatbelt, the risk of ejection greatly diminished.
Seatbelts and Rollover Accidents
In a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, seatbelts reduce the risk of an ejection during a rollover accident from 20 percent to .03 percent. This means wearing a seatbelt reduces the chance of an ejection in a rollover to almost zero. Also, since the person didn’t leave the vehicle, their chance of survival went significantly up.
Roll-Over Liability
In all personal injury cases, the person who is negligent is going to be liable for the damages. The driver of the car that rolled over vehicle typically causes a rollover accident. This means that victims sometimes have to sue the driver of the car of which they were an occupant.
Since the issue of a seatbelt greatly impacts the likelihood of a serious injury or death in a rollover. Thus, becoming an issue for liability. The insurance company will try to make the case that a person wearing a seatbelt would have less injuries or none at all.
This sounds logical, but the truth is not wearing your seatbelt doesn’t automatically make you not eligible for compensation for your injuries. However, it may reduce the amount you will get, depending on the circumstances.
Do I need an Attorney?
Unfortunately, if you are involved in a rollover accident or rear-end crash where injury occurred, eventually you will have to deal with the financial loss that comes with it. The best thing to do—after you take care of your immediate medical needs—is to talk to someone who can advise you of your rights and legal options. This doesn’t mean that you have to retain an attorney, but speaking to one can give you the correct information to make a decision.
Contact a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer
So, after any crash, contact an attorney if there is a serious injury or loss of a loved one. RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!”
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.
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Clearwater Man Killed In Harley Davidson Crash
A 66-year-old motorcycle rider died when a driver allegedly turned into the path of the motorcycle. Both the car and the motorcycle were traveling on Old Coachman Road when the KIA suddenly took a U-turn right in the path of the motorcycle rider. Thrown from his Harley Davidson the rider hit the front windshield of a 2014 KIA. The rider of another motorcycle attempted to swerve to avoid the accident. Causing them to lay the bike down, and it slid and hit the rear of the KIA.
Paramedics took the rider of the Harley Davidson to the hospital where he later died. However, they were able to treat the rider of the second motorcycles’ injuries at the scene. Police say that the crash happened around 9:30 a.m., Saturday, February 23, 2019, on Old Coachman Road, and that at the time, charges against the driver of the KIA were pending.
Motorists Causing Motorcycle Rider Crashes:
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), in two-thirds of car-motorcycle accidents, the collision is caused by the driver of the car failing to yield to the right-of-way of the motorcycle. In these accidents, the rider of a motorcycle is 28 times more likely to die. The rider is five-time more likely to sustain significant injuries than those in other vehicle collisions.
Along with having a lower profile, motorcycles are much lighter than cars. This puts the motorcycle rider at a great disadvantage in a collision. Also, almost always the impact throws the motorcycle rider off the bike. As a result, they hit the ground with great force.
Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The best thing to do after a motorcycle crash is to focus on getting immediate medical treatment. And, then once out of danger, talk to an attorney who can advise you and evaluate your case. If the insurance company calls, don’t talk. It’s not personal, but they have a job to do, and that is to pay you as little as the law allows. It is strongly recommended to speak with a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer after any motorcycle crash resulting in a serious injury or death.
So don’t go it alone, call an attorney in Tampa who can deal with the insurance companies. Contact the RHINO Lawyers who can stand up to the insurance company bullies and take them head-on! Anyone injured due to the negligence of another driver in Florida can come in for a free consultation and our personal injury team will offer you advice and help you deserve.
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Reckless Driver Overturns Trailer Injuring Two
The reckless driver of a black Acura weaved in and out of traffic causing a tractor-trailer to jackknife and then turn over spilling hazardous material. The accident happened on northbound I-75 just south of B. Downs Boulevard around noon on Thursday, February 21, 2019.
Police say that the 27-year-old female driver of the Acura approached the semi in the far-right lane at a high rate of speed, then swerved into the far-left lane and then veered back across all four lanes and struck the tractor-trailer in the front wheel causing it to turn over. Another motorist caught the incident on his dashcam.
Police arrested the driver of the Acura and charged them with reckless driving. Then they called a hazmat team to clean up the contents of the trailer. Authorities say that the accident injured two people, but it’s unknown which car they were in or who they were.
Aggressive Driving Crashes
Aggressive driving is one of those things that is difficult to define but you know it when you see it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) defines aggressive driving as occurring when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.”
Basically it’s driving fast in and out of traffic, cutting people off and sometimes throwing a few hand gestures out when people honk or react. There are no direct statistics on aggressive driving. However, the NHTSA’s Fatal Accident Report states that some of the contributing factors found in aggressive driving were factors in 56 percent of all fatal crashes from 2003 to 2007. Some of those factors are:
- Excessive Speed
- Following improperly
- Improper or erratic lane changing
- Illegal driving on road shoulder, in a ditch, or on sidewalk or median
- Passing where prohibited
- Operating the vehicle in an erratic, reckless, careless, or negligent manner or suddenly changing speeds
- Not yielding right of way
- Failure to obey traffic signs, traffic control devices, or traffic officers, failure to observe safety zone traffic laws
- Failure to observe warnings or instructions on vehicle displaying them
- Failing to signal
This might seem a bit misleading because many of these factors that were present in a fatality did not definitively show that “aggressive driving” was involved. However, the NHTSA does attribute a high rate of speed as a factor in 26 percent of all fatalities and it is a central component to aggressive driving.
How to Protect Yourself from Aggressive Driving Accidents
The state of Utah’s Zero Tolerance Initiative has focused on aggressive driving as a significant cause of injuries and fatalities. They make recommendations to drivers who encounter aggressive driving:
- Wear your seat belt. If your encounter with an aggressive driver results in a crash, your seat belt will significantly reduce your chances of being injured or killed.
- Don’t play their game. Back off and let them go on their way. Remember, it’s not a competition and it’s not your job to teach them a lesson.
- Ignore honking and rude gestures. Don’t respond and don’t make eye contact. It will only escalate the hostile feelings.
- If you can do so safely, contact police with the vehicle description, license number, the location and direction of travel.
The initiative also addresses the aggressive drivers in an effort to make drivers aware of the danger they put themselves and others in when they drive aggressively:
- Plan ahead to avoid the worst congestion and allow yourself plenty of time to travel.
- Take a deep breath, chat with a companion, listen to music. Getting stressed and upset will not get you there any faster and it might shorten your life.
- Don’t drive when you are feeling angry, upset or fatigued.
- Driving should not be a race. Leave your competitive instincts at home or save them for the field.
- Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Courteous driving encourages other drivers to be courteous. Aggressive driving influences others to drive aggressively.
What if I’m Injured by an Aggressive Driver?
If you find yourself a victim of an aggressive driver, first do not engage with the driver if they are still at the scene. Many times, these incidences lead to violent road rage behavior. Stay in your car and call the authorities.
Then the next thing to do—if you can safely–get information of the vehicle by memorizing the plate or taking a picture. Be careful not to engage with aggressive drive while doing so. Then focus on your injuries and medical treatment, this is more important in the short term.
There is a good chance someone from the insurance company for the driver will try to talk to you about the incident. Don’t speak to them before you talk to an attorney. Even if you don’t hire one to help you with your claim, most law firms have a free consultation where you can get advice and an evaluation of your case.
If you talk to the insurance agent unprotected, they might take something you said and try to make the incident your fault. If you do decide to have representation, then get an attorney who can stand up to the insurance companies and their lawyers and fight for you.
Contact a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer
After any crash, contact an attorney if there is a serious injury or loss of a loved one. RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!”
Anyone injured due to the negligence of another driver in Florida should us for a free consultation. Our personal injury team will offer you advice to help you get the compensation you deserve.
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Multi-Car Vehicle Crash on I-275 Sends one to Hospital
Five vehicles tangled injuring at least one motorist Friday around 2 p.m. February 17, 2019. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the multi-car crash involved several vehicles which struck each other on I-275 near the Lois Avenue exit.
They towed three of the vehicles due to sustaining a fair amount of damage. The impact was significant enough to cause one of the drivers severe chest pains. Paramedics took them to a local hospital. It’s unknown if drugs or alcohol played a part in the crash. The Florida Highway Patrol said that the incident was still under investigation.
Multiple Car Wrecks
When more than two cars collide, the risks to those involved go up. Naturally, this is because there are more cars involved. Yet, the dynamics of a multi-car crash create the prospect of multiple impacts for any one car involved. There are typically two types of multi-vehicle accidents: chain reaction and pile-up.
Chain Reaction Crashes
A chain-reaction crash happens when two cars collide which creates a chain of events that cause other cars to collide as well. The most dangerous of multi-vehicle crashes happen on non-divided highways and freeways. This is because the vehicles involved are traveling at higher speeds and have significant momentum. These types of crashes are known for extensive damage, rollovers, cars crossing the median and/or leaving the roadway.
Pile-Up Crashes
Pile-up collisions are those that happen when cars approaching another accident or a stopped vehicle blocking the road and are unable to slow or stop in time. In fact, pile-up crash impacts can happen one right after another or in some cases up to an hour later as cars continue to back up due to the primary accident. Click the chain-reaction crash video to watch the shocking pile-up unfold on an icy freeway.
Problems with Multi-Car Crashes
In multi-car crashes, the greatest increase to the risk of death and injury occurs when there are secondary impacts. Also, many times a chain-reaction crash becomes compounded by a series of pile-up collisions with people trying to stop for the chain-reaction crash.
How is Fault Determined?
At the time of the accident and soon after, determining fault is often of little concern. Over time, this can change when the financial losses become overwhelming. Then fault will be important as you try to figure out if you can be compensated for your injuries.
At the time of the accident, the police will investigate the scene and issue a report on what happened. They usually refrain from concluding who is at fault, however, the report will be used by insurance agents, attorneys, and the courts to help determine who is responsible.
Comparative Fault
In states like Florida, they sometimes spread out fault in percentages. Whereas, each person bears a certain percentage of fault. If you are injured, and your percentage of fault is lower than the other drivers, then you can still be compensated, but your portion of the fault will lower your compensation.
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 vehicles involved, and each one is going to point the finger at the other where liability is concerned. So talking to an attorney to be advised of the law is a good idea.
Contact a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer
After any crash, contact an attorney if there is a serious injury or loss of a loved one. RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!”
Anyone injured due to the negligence of another driver in Florida may should us for a free consultation. Our personal injury team will offer you advice to help you get the compensation you deserve.
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