DISTRACTED DRIVING A DEADLY MIX
To begin with, most people associate distracted driving with using a cell phone. While using a cell phone while driving is common. Especially, texting while driving. However, using a cell phone is not the only form of distracted driving.
In fact, the NHTSA says distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from driving. For this reason, it could include many activities. So, here is a list of other activities considered distracted driving.
- Talking on cell phone
- Texting
- Eating and/or drinking
- Using a GPS
- Updating social media sites or apps
- Checking email
- Using a phone’s camera or video app
- Reading
- Grooming
- Rubbernecking
- Attending to children or pets
- Adjusting the radio or music
- Talking to other passengers
Manual Distractions While Driving
First, manual distractions while driving involve taking one or both hands off the steering wheel. And, almost every distracted driver will take at least one hand off the wheel. But this makes it difficult to properly steer. And, nearly impossible to make an emergency maneuver. Furthermore, this dangerous distraction could cause you to veer off the road or into oncoming traffic.
Visual Distractions
Actually, visual distractions are the most common with drivers. To tell the truth, this makes sense. Because taking your eyes off the road is an action that takes your attention away from driving. For example, a visual impairment could include these actions texting, looking at billboards, grooming, and more.
With this in mind, these distractions hinder a driver’s ability to consistently evaluate their surroundings. Which is important for every driver’s safety. As well as, for the safety of other vehicles on the road. Moreover, the CDC states a person texting will take their eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. Which at 55 miles per hour the person could travel the length of a football field.
Cognitive Distractions
Finally, we have cognitive distractions. Unfortunately, these are less straightforward than the other types. Because these distractions cause the driver’s mind to wander. Such as, when a driver talks to another person, daydreaming and listening to the radio.
Furthermore, cognitive distractions are deceiving. Considering, the driver has a full view of the road. Although, the driver loses concentration on the road and has a higher chance of an accident. Due to the fact, they are not able to think fast and react to potential hazards.
Distracted Driving Crashes
Incidentally, a car accident caused by distracted driving could have a tragic ending for the people involved. In fact, NHTSA said in 2017, distracted driving claimed 3,166 lives. However, these accidents are not limited to only car accidents. For one thing, our Tampa auto accident attorneys see a variety of these cases including:
- Motorcycle Accidents – Granted, it is a bad idea to take your eyes off the road and hands off the handlebars while riding a motorcycle. Consequently, riders could have a distracted driver hit them and cause serious injuries or death.
- Truck Accidents – For one thing, with many truck drivers working long hours driving their minds can wander. As well as, most drivers use navigation systems like Waze, Google Maps, and Garmin which can also distract them from the road.
- Pedestrian Accidents – While, a distracted driver could hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Additionally, they could hit a person exiting a car. Or, swerve off the road and strike a person on the sidewalk.
- Drunk or Impaired Drivers – Actually, when you add drugs or alcohol to these distractive action’s things get extremely dangerous. Because impaired drivers already have slower reactions to things happening around them.
- Bicycle Accidents – Similarly, bicyclists face the same risk of injury or death as a pedestrian. Because they don’t have the same protection an automobile provides. In addition, cyclists have all the for distractive driving as a motorist.
- Uber or Lyft Driver and Passenger Accidents – Likewise, it goes for Uber and Lyft drivers. Considering, they drive long hours like truck drivers they face the same risks from navigation systems and daydreaming.
Preventing Distracted Driving
Finally, we should use education to prevent distracted driving. So, new drivers learn and current drives learn the activities that cause distracted driving. Because, many of these activities consist of more than one distracting activity, like texting and adjusting the radio. So, here are the top ways for everyone to avoid distractions on the road.
- Turn your cell phone off, put it on “do not disturb”, or airplane mode.
- Consume food and drinks before driving.
- Program your GPS before pulling out of the driveway or pull over to a safe place to park and program.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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DON’T HANDLE CAR ACCIDENTS ALONE
To start with, you do not need to hire an attorney after a car accident that was not your fault. However, if the accident damages your car and you receive injuries it is a good idea. Since an auto accident attorney can help you recover damages and avoid liability for the accident.
Additionally, an auto accident attorney can use their knowledge of relevant laws to help protect your rights. As well as, handling all the paperwork and filing deadlines. Thus, allowing you to focus on recovering and getting your life back to normal.
WHY Speak to a car accident attorney
First, when you hire a lawyer, they will gather the evidence needed to support your claim. For example, they will get the police reports, statements from witnesses, and medical records. As well as, any information on your lost wages. Then, they will use this information to calculate the amount of compensation you deserve.
More importantly, an attorney will file a lawsuit on your behalf. Not to mention, they will use their knowledge to anticipate possible defenses. As a matter of fact, they will most likely be familiar with the opposing counsel’s strengths and weaknesses.
Furthermore, you should not talk to or negotiate with the insurance company without an attorney. In all honesty, insurance companies are for profit. And, they do not make money by paying damages. So, they will try to find a way to reduce or eliminate your compensation. An auto accident attorney can keep you from falling for their tricks.
A Lawyer HELPS calculate damages
Secondly, the average person doesn’t have the experience with calculating eligible compensation from an accident. But, an accident attorney does. In fact, they will review all the circumstances of the accident. Then, they will use that information to file for numerous damages. For example:
- Future Medical Expenses – A lawyer will anticipate future expenses you will incur from your injuries.
- Lost Wages – Money you did not make due to missing work while recovering from your injury.
- Reduced Earning Capacity – Your injuries limit your ability to work. Either on a short-term or long-term basis.
- Pain and Suffering – Injuries that affect your quality of life and your very essence.
- Punitive Damages – You could receive these if you can prove the at-fault driver was malicious or reckless.
filing lawsuit and negotIating settlement
Incidentally, after an accident, the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. But, their insurance will only pay up to the limits of the policy. Thus, you would need to pursue the driver individually for compensation.
Actually, this is why you need an attorney helping you with your case. Specifically, they will calculate your damages from the accident. Then your attorney pursues the at-fault person outside of court trying to negotiate a settlement before filing a lawsuit.
CONTACT A TAMPA CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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ACCIDENT VICTIMS MAKE MISTAKES
To begin with, dealing with the aftermath of an automobile accident is stressful. Considering, the cost of treatments, missing work, and long doctor appointments. Unfortunately, these accident victims make mistakes during treatments and doctors’ visits that hurt their case.
In fact, many times an innocent mistake has a huge impact on the personal injury case. Particularly, these mistakes can make so you are unable to prove your case. So, you end up not receiving fair compensation for your injuries. With this in mind, here are some common mistakes to avoid making during treatments.
Victim Waits To Get Medical Attention
First, as an auto accident victim in Florida, you have the responsibility of proving you suffered injuries. Regardless, if you think you the pain will go away. In all honesty, this is a bad idea. Due to the fact, both insurance companies and juries see the waiting for treatment as not severe enough for compensation.
Though, we understand the hope for minor injuries and avoiding a doctor. But, you should have all accident injuries checked. Thus, don’t ignore the pain no matter the severity. So, go to the hospital or see a doctor that specializes in auto injuries as soon as possible.
Accident Victim Misses Appointments
Next, missing or being late to appointments can ruin your case. Since the insurance company and jury will get to review your medical records. Thus, when you miss or show up late for an appointment the doctor notates this in your file. Unfortunately, insurance companies and juries view you as not injured or not committed to getting better.
By the same token, no showing or showing up late to appoints will aggravate the doctor. Besides, this is disrespectful. And, an angry doctor does not make a good witness. While understand missing some appointments. In the event that, you will miss or be late to an appointment call the doctor immediately to let them know or reschedule. Also, make sure the doctor’s office documents it in your file.
Concealing Your Past Medical History
Before treatment, your doctor will ask about your past medical history. More importantly, you need to answer all questions honestly. Because your doctor will use your medical history when diagnosing and treating you. In addition, incomplete information will affect the treatment you receive.
Not to mention, it will only hurt your case. In fact, when doctors don’t have all the information the insurance company and the jury will reject their medical opinion. Furthermore, the insurance company will review your medical history. So, they can get an idea of your health before the accident. Thus, trying to conceal anything will only work against you.
Telling Your Doctor About the Case
Namely, your doctor needs to concentrate on treating your injuries. Hence, they will need to know about the accident and where you hurt. But, your doctor does not need to know you filed a lawsuit. Overall, making the mistake of sharing this information is unnecessary and will hurt your case.
Admittedly, most doctors want to avoid involvement in a lawsuit. Thus, talking about your case with your doctor could cause them to not want to treat you. As well as, they might not reach important conclusions about your injuries. In addition, your doctor will likely note the conversation in your file. And, the insurance company will try to use it to shine a bad light on you.
Not Completing Your Treatment
Even though, your pain is subsiding don’t end your treatment before healing completely. So, ending your treatment before medical release will hurt your case. Because, when you stop treatment early the insurance company and jury assume the treatment healed you.
By the same token, large gaps in treatment suggest the same thing. As well as, it gives the impression you healed and suffered a new injury. However, it is understandable to miss a treatment. Still, it’s better to avoid any gaps in treatment. Although, if you can’t avoid missing a session, contact the doctor and document the reason.
As I have said, with an injury it is always best to seek medical care until completely healed. Or, your doctor says there is nothing more they can do to help your injury.
Failing to Cooperate with Depression or Anxiety Treatments
Whereas, the accident causes pain by injuring your body. Subsequently, those injuries can lead to anxiety or depression. Unfortunately, this is all too common in accident victims. Yet, you can’t overcome these psychological conditions without treatment.
Thus, it is important to report these symptoms to your doctor. Otherwise, your doctor can’t prescribe treatment and it won’t appear in your file. Additionally, making the mistake of not seeking treatment for your injury-related depression or anxiety the insurance company and jury will not compensate for it.
Accident Victims Discounting Pain
After, starting treatments many people feel like whiners or complainers if they talk about their pain during each visit. So, some will try to tough it out and not let the doctor know about the pain. However, failing to have your pain documented is a huge mistake. Because the doctor needs to know this information to properly treat your injuries.
As a matter of fact, one of the best ways to document your pain is to keep a daily journal. Then, your doctor could use it to help document your chart with your day-to-day pain. Yet, if you don’t report your pain or limitations, they will not make it into your file. As a result, the insurance company and jury will not believe you are in pain. Nor, will the court accept your testimony about your pain.
Failure to Keep Medical File
Finally, besides documenting your pain from the accident, you should keep your own medical file. In fact, it is important to track every medical provider that treats your injury. Including, the tracking of work restrictions, doctors’ orders, and treatment referrals. All in all, tracking this information is helpful to your case and attorney. So, not maintaining a file is a huge oversight on your part.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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SPRING CYCLING AVOID INJURIES
To begin with, Florida pretty much has good cycling weather year-round. However, the temperatures have risen. So, cyclists from all over North America are descending on Florida streets. Unfortunately, that means a rise in bike-car and bike-truck accidents. Typically, the cyclists are on the losing end.
Secondly, cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists on the road. But, negligent motorists or careless drivers can cause serious injury to a cyclist. Granted, bicyclists can receive damages for medical bills, lost income and, property damage. As well as, for pain and suffering. Yet, if you are partially responsible the amount received in damages gets reduced.
Causes of Bike-Car Accidents
Notably, in 2019 the FLHSMV reported 6,628 bike-car accidents. In addition, 142 of these cycling crashes resulted in a fatality. Considering, how susceptible cyclists are to injury it is important to know some of the main causes of bike-car accidents. So, here are some dangers cyclists face.
- Failure to yield when entering the road – When entering a roadway, the law requires all motorists to yield to on-coming traffic. In fact, that includes yielding to bicyclists.
- Passing without safe distance – All motorists must leave 3 feet around a cyclist when passing. It’s the law.
- Right turn crashes – These collisions occur when a motorist fails to use their turn signal, or they make a sudden turn crossing the cyclists’ path.
- Road Hazards – Things like road debris, potholes, and cracks in the pavement pose a danger to bicyclists. Because they can cause a cyclist to lose control of the bike.
Avoid Injuries Cycling Safety
In all honesty, cyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries when involved in a collision with a car or truck. Therefore, to avoid a crash or injury cyclists can take certain precautions. So, here are some safety tips for cyclists to follow:
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet and securely fasten the strap.
- Stay visible. Wear bright colors when riding or wear something that reflects light (reflective shoes, reflective tape, etc.)
- Pay attention. Do not wear headphones so that you can hear the traffic and pedestrians around you. Never text and ride.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as possible. Use bike lanes whenever you can.
- Obey all traffic laws, including signs, signals, and lane markings, when riding on the roadway. If crossing a roadway upon or along a crosswalk, abide by pedestrian crossing guidelines.
- If riding between the hours of sunset and sunrise, Florida Law requires the use of a headlight lamp which exhibits a white light visible for 500 feet. Also, it requires the rear of the bike equipped with a taillight lamp and reflector visible for 600 feet.
Motorists Safety Reminders
Although, bicycle safety is important for both the cyclist and motorist. FLHSMV (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) states motorists must pay special attention when driving around cyclists. So, here are some safety tips for motorists to follow:
- Drivers MUST give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance when driving alongside or passing them. It’s the law.
- When turning, yield to any bicyclist in the bike lane and make your turn behind the cyclist.
- Avoid using high beam headlights when you see a bicyclist approaching.
- Before opening a car door, check for bicyclists who may be approaching from behind.
Liability in A Bike-Car Accident
Regarding, injuries from a bike-car or bike-truck accident, you can sue the responsible party for damages. Not to mention, as a victim Florida states you have 4 years from the date of the accident to file the claim. More importantly, you can recover damages from the at-fault party if you can prove liability.
At any rate, you as a cyclist have the same legal rights and duties as motorists in Florida. Yet, many drivers do not use care when sharing the road. For example, a distracted driver may not see you cycling and could collide with you.
Then, you can assert your personal injury claim under negligence. Due to the fact, they failed to use reasonable care. Thus, holding the at-fault party liable for injuries caused by the accident.
Damages and Compensation in a Cycling Accident
Furthermore, victims of a bike accident can recover damages. As a matter of fact, you can receive compensation for current medical bills and future medical bills. As well as, for loss of income, and property damage. Also, family members of a person that dies from the accident can recover damages through a wrongful death claim.
So, if you are in a bike-car or bike-truck accident, you could receive compensation. Hence, our Tampa auto accident lawyers will review your case. Then, we will work to protect your legal rights so you can get the outcome you deserve.
CONTACT A TAMPA BIKE-AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a bike-car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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PULLED OVER KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
To begin with, most people get pulled over or encounter law enforcement at some point. Though, these encounters can make most law-abiding drivers nervous and stressed. In fact, these traffic stops are stressful for the officer as well. Still, law enforcement is required to treat everyone equally. Yet, knowing your rights when pulled over can help the unpleasantness of the situation.
Your Rights When Pulled Over
First, is it important to know your rights when pulled over or stopped by law enforcement. Because knowing your rights will allow you to exercise your rights properly for the situation. Unfortunately, some people either misinformed or don’t know. Thus, can worsen the situation. So, according to the ACLU, your right includes:
- Remain Silent – You have the right to remain silent. But you must inform the officer when exercising this right.
- No Consent to Search – While an officer may ask to search, you have the right to refuse. Thus, if you do not consent you should let them know in a calm and clear manner. However, remember they can search without consent if they probable cause.
- Right to Leave – Unless the officer places you under arrest, you can leave. Also, Florida has a temporary detention period, but it must happen on or around the area of the initial stop.
- Legal Representation – Additionally, you have the right to speak to an attorney. As a matter of fact, you should request an attorney before giving a statement.
What to Do When Pulled Over
Second, an officer could pull you over for multiple reasons. Nonetheless, if a law enforcement officer pulls you over you need to cooperate. In all honesty, if you remain calm and follow these tips you could help lessen the anxiety of the situation.
- Slow down and pull over to a safe location off the road.
- Turn your car off and turn on your interior light if it is between dusk and dawn.
- Put your hands on the steering wheel to keep them where the officer can see them.
- Remain in your car, unless the officer requests it.
- If you have a weapon in the car inform the officer of its location.
- Comply with request for a license, registration, and proof of insurance. And tell the officer before reaching for documents that are not visible.
- Answer the officer’s questions honestly and politely. And, it is ok to ask for clarification if you do not understand something.
- If they issue you a ticket sign it. Incidentally, not signing could get you arrested.
Got Arrested
Finally, if you get arrested do not resist. Granted, you may feel the arrest is unfair just remain calm. Next, the officer will inform you of your rights. Specifically, they will read to you what is commonly known as your “Miranda Rights.” Since they cannot use anything you say against you in trial without explaining your rights.
For this reason, we recommend you let them know you want to remain silent and immediately ask for an attorney. In addition, you do not need to explain or sign anything. Also, if you cannot afford an attorney the state will provide one. Furthermore, they allow you to make one local call. And, if you request to speak to your attorney they cannot listen without your consent.
CONTACT TAMPA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
In short, RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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