Fatal Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Crash
A fatal hit-and-run on Saturday, March 30, 2019, killed the rider after throwing them and their passenger off the bike and onto the pavement. Tragically, the operator of the motorcycle died from his wounds, and they took the passenger to a nearby hospital where she is recovering.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of the car, a 2001 Hyundai, then fled the scene leaving the victims on the pavement. Police are still looking for the driver, and it’s unclear at this time if alcohol was a factor. Once found the driver is potentially facing felony charges of leaving the scene of an accident with serious injury. (Update: 4/1/2019 the driver turned themselves in and received a charge with leaving the scene of a fatal crash and hit-and-run crash with serious injury.)
Hit-and-Run Accidents
A victim of a hit-and-run accident faces a unique risk caused by the fleeing driver. Many times, the injured person in an accident is unconscious or unable to assist themselves even to get help. If no Good Samaritans are nearby, this delay could mean the victim is more seriously injured or dies.
Also, victims of a hit-and-run feel twice victimized, once by the accident and again when the person flees. This often adds to the stress and anxiety that already accompanies a motor vehicle accident.
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: 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. A quick response from EMS can make a difference.
- Pregnancy/Delivery: An accident can put a pregnant woman into labor. The quicker the response, the more likely there will be a good outcome.
Liability in a Hit-and-Run
For some victims, the hit-and-run driver adds a third victimization when the bills begin piling up. Because the at-fault driver isn’t known, the person is unable to collect from that person’s insurance, and the victim wonders how they will pay their bills.
However, if they don’t find the driver there are some resources that someone can use to compensate them for their injuries:
- 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 the insured or their vehicle is involved.
- 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 at the insured or their vehicle is involved.
- Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM): 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.
Do I need an Attorney?
If a hit-and-run driver injures you or a loved one, you need to talk to an attorney. They can evaluate your circumstances and find all sources of compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait for the other driver to be found, act quickly and get the right advice.
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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Can Reckless Driving Be Expunged in Florida?
As per Florida Statute 316.192, reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with “a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Any number of driving behaviors can constitute reckless driving. Those might include:
- Following a vehicle too closely.
- Intentionally running a red light or other traffic control devices.
- Weaving in and out of traffic.
Fleeing a law enforcement
Fleeing a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle is also reckless driving. The offense is generally a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida. Punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Under certain circumstances, reckless driving is a felony.
A closed and dismissed charge
A closed and dismissed reckless driving charge can get expunged. That includes compliance with all terms and conditions of supervisory court orders. As well as, payment of all fines and costs with successful completion of any probation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement determines whether a person is eligible to have a reckless driving charge expunged. If a person is eligible. The department will issue a certificate of eligibility for expunction to accompany any actual petition to expunge. A person previously adjudicated guilty of any misdemeanor or a felony crime found to be delinquent as a minor, he or she is not eligible for expunction.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court where the arrest occurred destroys the expunged file. They also delete any pertinent records from the Circuit Court Clerk’s database. In addition, they order the arresting law enforcement agency to destroy its records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will still maintain a record of the arrest. It’s likely that the Federal Bureau of Investigation will also retain a record. Take notice the law allows only one criminal record to get expunged in your lifetime. If numerous charges result from your charge of reckless driving. The court may, in its sound discretion, order expunction of more than one charge.
Contact Tampa’s Traffic Ticket Lawyer, RHINO Lawyers
If you received this type of ticket or a careless driving ticket, contact the RHINO Lawyers.
We are a tough, thick-skinned law firm. In fact, we offer a robust approach to traffic ticket defense and all Florida driver’s license issues. Our criminal defense team knows the importance of keeping you in the driver’s seat with a clean driving record. Moving violations can easily result in dramatically increased automobile insurance rates, substantial fines, and even driver’s license suspension. Disputing your citation is your only chance of getting it dismissed, even if you think you are “guilty.”
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!”
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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!”
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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!”
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How Long Does Reckless Driving Stay on Record?
As per Florida Statute 316.192, a person drives recklessly when he or she operates a vehicle in “willful or wanton disregard of persons or property.” A charge of reckless driving is taken seriously by Florida prosecutors and judges.
Some Florida DUI charges can get reduced to reckless driving. Given the facts of a case, law enforcement, insurance companies, and potential employers are all able to read between the lines on reckless driving cases. Although some people equate reckless driving with careless driving, there is a dramatic difference between the two.
A first reckless driving conviction is punishable by up to six months in jail. As well as, a fine not to exceed $500. Penalties on a second conviction double. Under some circumstances, you can receive a felony charge from reckless driving. On top of the possible criminal charges, there are other consequences from a reckless driving conviction.
You will receive four points on your driver’s license. You can also expect that your insurance premiums are going to dramatically increase for the next three years. A conviction can also impact job, educational and housing opportunities. Even a non-conviction of a reckless driving charge can stay with you for the rest of your life. Unless you are eligible to have the charge expunged.
You don’t want that charge following you around forever. So, before bringing a petition for expungement before a court; you’ll need to obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Given the number of people seeking expungements; you can expect that it will take at least six months to obtain a decision on a certificate. So make sure that you plan ahead. Always remember the law allows one expungement of a charge in your lifetime unless otherwise ordered by a court.
Contact Tampa’s Traffic Ticket Lawyer, RHINO Lawyers
If you received this type of ticket or a careless driving ticket, contact the RHINO Lawyers.
Our criminal defense team is a tough, thick-skinned law firm offering a robust approach to traffic ticket defense and all Florida driver’s license issues. We know the importance of keeping you in the driver’s seat with a clean driving record. Moving violations can easily result in dramatically increased automobile insurance rates, substantial fines, and even driver’s license suspension. Disputing your citation is your only chance of getting it dismissed, even if you think you are “guilty.”
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 30th 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!”
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What To Do If You Receive a Red Light Camera Violation
Why did I receive a Notice of Violation?
To start with, it is based upon images captured. So, the automated system determined your vehicle committed a red light camera violation. And, as the vehicle owner, they mail the Notice of Violation to you.
How much is the fine?
Actually, each red light camera violation citations carry a $158 statutory penalty. Yet, you will not receive points against your driving record.
Pay your fine within 30 days or you will receive a “Uniform Traffic Citation.” You may also receive increased penalties and court costs.
How much time do I have to pay my Red Light Camera Violation Notice?
You must pay the civil penalty on or before the due date on your Notice of Violation.
What are my options?
1. Pay the fine.
- Pay online. Log on to www.ViolationInfo.com by entering your notice number and PIN number shown in the red box on the front right of your notice. Click the pay button. They charge a convenience fee of $4.00 at the time of payment.
- Pay by mail. Mail your check or money order, payable to Automated Traffic Control Violation System, in the enclosed envelope along with the coupon printed at the bottom of the notice. Write the notice number and the license plate number on your check or money order. Do not mail cash. The mailing address is: P.O. Box 742503, Cincinnati, OH 45274-2503.
- Pay by credit card. Call toll-free 1-866-790-4111 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. They charge a convenience fee of $4.00 at the time of payment.
2. To Contest the Violation.
- If you choose to appear before an official of the county court or plead not guilty, do not respond to this Notice of Violation for failure to stop at a traffic signal.
- You will receive a Uniform Traffic Citation within 60 days of the violation date via certified mail.
- The county clerk’s office will provide you with instructions on how you should proceed.
3. Submission of Affidavit.
- As the registered owner of the vehicle, responsibility for the violation and the payment of a $158.00 penalty falls on you. Unless in compliance with Florida Statute § 316.0083(1)(d)1.a-d, you establish by a sworn affidavit that a statutory exemption applies.
- If you assert that the vehicle was in the care, custody, or control of another person, you must provide the name, address, date of birth, and, if known, the driver’s license number of the person who leased, rented, or otherwise had care, custody, or control of the vehicle at the time of the violation. ACCEPTANCE OF THIS ASSERTION BY THE TAMPA Police Department WILL RESULT IN THE ISSUANCE OF A UNIFORM TRAFFIC CITATION TO THE PERSON NAMED IN THE AFFIDAVIT. If the vehicle was stolen, then the affidavit must include a copy of a police report showing the vehicle to have been stolen.
They recommend getting them the affidavit or payment eight (8) days prior to the due date specified on the front page of this notice. So, it is appropriately processed. Otherwise, they issue a UTC at a higher cost. Mail the affidavit to:
PO Box 22091, Tempe, AZ 85286-2091
QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please contact customer service toll-free at 1-866-225-8875
What happens if I ignore the Notice of Violation?
If you fail to respond, they issue a Uniform Traffic Citation (“UTC”) to you. YOU MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COURT FEES AND COSTS. Upon issuance of a UTC, you shall have the remedies specified in Florida Statutes § 318.14, which include the right to have a hearing before a designated official, who shall determine whether an infraction has been committed. If the official concludes you did not commit an infraction, they will not impose costs or penalties. If the official concludes you committed an infraction, the official may impose an additional civil penalty not to exceed $500 and court fees and costs.
Will I receive any points on my driving record for this infraction?
No. The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles doesn’t receive these civil infractions.
Will my insurance rates be affected?
No. This is a civil infraction, and it is not reported to any insurance agencies.
What if I was issued a citation from an officer for the same offense?
If you assert that a law enforcement officer issued the UTC for the violation of Florida Statute § 316.074(1) and 316.075(1)(C)1. So, you must include the serial number of the UTC with a sworn affidavit. For faster processing, you can include a copy of the UTC.
My payment has already been sent; will I still be charged late fees?
You will NOT receive late fees when your payment is postmarked on or before the due date located on the front of your Notice of Violation.
I paid the violation; why did I receive another notice?
The notice you just received could be for additional violations or it could be a second notice for a delinquent citation. If it is a delinquent notice, chances are that your payment and the notice crossed in the mail. But, it can take as many as 10 business days to show in the system once it has reached our office. Call 1-866-790-4111 to confirm they received your payment.
Do I have to pay my fine on the day of the hearing?
You must pay the full fine amount within 60 days of a liable judgment.
Can I be denied my legal rights as part of this “automated” program?
No. Anyone may appeal their citation to the city of Tampa or the municipal courts. A traffic ticket attorney can assist. So, call the criminal defense team at RHINO Lawyers today.
Will the county or city change the yellow light times to catch more violators and make more money?
No. The State of Florida sets the yellow light time cycle for every intersection in Florida and, in close conjunction with our city, each camera will be routinely reviewed to ensure compliance with the law.
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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!
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7 Interesting Driving Citation Statistics
Chances are you’ve probably heard someone else complaining about how bad drivers from a particular state are, and chances are we have all been at least a little guilty of this type of stereotyping ourselves. However, the truth of the matter is though that every state has plenty of really bad drivers these days. So, of course, this leads to some very interesting driving citation statistics that range from surprising to just plain scary.
1. The #1 Way U.S. Residents Interact with Police
The most common way the average person in this country will interact with the police is in a traffic stop of some sort. Thus, it was estimated that 44% of all face-to-face contact between individuals and police officers was for a driving citation. In fact, about half of all those stops result in a traffic ticket. Today there are over 195 million licensed drivers on the roads (both unrestricted and commercial licenses). So, it’s safe to assume these numbers have only grown.
2. 41M People Get Speeding Citations
There are 195 million licensed drivers on the road, and on average every year 41 million of them receive driving citations. That means you have around a 20% chance of getting a citation yourself (we’re rounding off the numbers here, of course, but that’s close). In order to reach that number each year, though, law enforcement officers have to write out a significant number of tickets each and every day.
3. 112,000 Driving Citation a Day
Police officers issue about 112,000 driving citations a day on average. In fact, even if you don’t have far to drive, there are countless ways you could get caught speeding. Here are a few ways drivers are caught.
- Police speed traps.
- Caught on red-light cameras.
- Drive past a police car without paying attention.
4. Average Ticket Costs $152
Every state attaches different fines for its citations, but on average, you can expect to pay about $152 for an average ticket. However, do a little math on that, and these tickets will bring in $17,024,000 a day to police forces across the country. That is a pretty good chunk of change. While you think you may know how to avoid speeding tickets on your own, you still need to use Trapster for a little additional help while on the road.
5. Over $6 Billion in Annual Revenue
Hundreds of dollars for each ticket, tens of millions of dollars every day, and all of a sudden, the number of citations every year will bring in around $6 billion. A lot of this money goes to new road construction and other city improvements.
6. Only 5% Contested Speeding Tickets in Court
No matter how angry a speeding ticket might make us, there is actually only a small fraction of the 41 million people who ever contest a ticket. In fact, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, around 85% of the people pulled over felt the reason was legitimate.
7. The 10 States with the Highest Number of Tickets Issued
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- California
- Texas
- Georgia
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
Lastly, these driving citation statistics may not be all that surprising to some people, but hopefully, they serve as a good reminder that there are a lot of vigilant police officers out there, and with a little help from the criminal defense team at RHINO Lawyers, you can avoid contributing to next year’s stats.
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