DISTRACTED DRIVING IS A VACATION NIGHTMARE
To start with, as we progress through this age of technology, distracted driving has become an increasing threat to our roadways. Not to mention, it becomes even more dangerous when you are on unfamiliar roads. In fact, for many people traveling this summer, distracted driving is a vacation nightmare.
Unfortunately, often distracted driving accidents have a tragic ending for the people involved. Moreover, NHTSA said distracted driving claimed 3,166 lives in 2017. Yet, these accidents are not limited to only automobile accidents. For one thing, our Tampa auto accident attorneys see a variety of these cases. Like, motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents.
Thus, if your next vacation includes driving, you should prepare. Specifically, you should look up and acquaint yourself with local laws and roads. As this could help reduce the likelihood of potential distractions.
Vacationers Threatened By Distracted Driving
First, with millions of students out of school and families hitting the road for vacation, it makes summer “the most distracted time of the year.” Because with this surge of people driving comes an increase in distracted driving.
In all honesty, most drivers know they should not use their cell phones while driving. Yet, when on vacation, many forget. Especially, while driving on unfamiliar roads, using the GPS app on their phone for directions or sending a travel update to loved ones. In fact, these common acts make summer driving exceptionally dangerous.
So, don’t let distracted driving become a vacation nightmare for you this summer.
State to State Distracted Driving Conditions
Second, living in the U.S., you can experience a multitude of driving conditions and situations on a road trip. So, distractions while driving go beyond mobile devices and other electronics. For instance, depending on the state, distractions could come from nature or the stress of overly congested roads. Like, seeing large-horned rams driving through the mountains of Colorado or the extreme traffic of New York City.
As a result, it is important to be aware of the environment, local culture, and traffic conditions of the state you visit on vacation. Because everyday distractions worsen in an unfamiliar environment. So, drive smart on your vacation and reduce the amount of distractions while driving.
Tips For Avoiding An Accident While Traveling
Finally, while driving on a road trip is fun, it also increases your risk for a distracted driving car crash. So, don’t have your vacation ruined with a distracted driving accident. Instead, follow these tips to improve the safety of your trip.
- Pre-trip Inspection – First, take your car in to have it inspected. So, your mechanic can make sure your car is working properly. Like, the brakes, good tires, and the engine is running well.
- Know Your Route – Second, review the roads you will take on a map. As well as, check online for road closures, lodging, gas stations, and food.
- Choose a Navigator – Third, even if you use a GPS or phone app for navigation, pick someone in the car to be your eyes. As they can inform you of road changes and turns.
- Don’t Drive Tired – Fourth, make sure you get enough rest before leaving on your trip. Because drowsy driving is dangerous, too. Also, you should break up your driving to avoid drowsy driving throughout the trip.
- Roadside Emergency Kit – Fifth, don’t forget to pack a roadside emergency kit. Because breaking down in a remote area is stressful. So, having a basic kit will help keep you safe if an emergency happens.
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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VALUE OF A PERSONAL INJURY CASE
To begin with, attorneys use many factors to determine the value of a personal injury case. In fact, these factors include both economic and non-economic damages. Like, the severity of the injury and other costs related to your auto accident injury. So, after an auto accident, it is common to wonder about compensation for your injuries.
Furthermore, the insurance company has its own formulas for determining the value of your personal injury claim. Thus, it is important to consult with an attorney. Because they know state laws. As well as, the important circumstances of your case to calculate the value for you. Our Tampa personal injury attorneys can review your case and provide an estimate for how much yours is worth.
Evaluating Your Personal Injury Damages
First, a personal injury attorney will review the amount of damages you incurred from the auto accident. Next, they will add an estimated dollar amount to the list of damages you suffered. For example, we listed some common damages used when evaluating a claim.
- Current and projected medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Lost wages, both current and projected
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Damaged relationships
- Property damage
Even though a lawyer can calculate an estimate of your damages, it does not mean you will get that amount. Unfortunately, they will need to consider a lot more before finalizing a settlement value.
How Fault Affects The Value Of Your Claim
Second, the amount or level of fault affects the amount of compensation for your claim. In fact, depending on your state laws the amount of fault will reduce compensation a jury can award. So, when you share fault in the accident that caused your injuries it will reduce the value of your claim.
Thus, when your negligence or carelessness is a factor in the cause of the accident, your state law could lower the amount of damages received. Because each state is different, the amount they lower your compensation will depend on the state the accident occurred.
Negligence and Personal Injury Cases
Third, when your negligence or carelessness plays a role in the accident your state will follow one of three basic rules. Furthermore, these will reduce the amount of damages by the percentage of fault. Or, cut it entirely! With this in mind, we have listed a breakdown of the three negligence rules.
- Pure Comparative Negligence – As for, comparative negligence it lowers damages by the percentage of fault for the accident. By the way, Florida uses this rule to help determine the amount of damages.
- Modified Comparative Negligence – Similarly, modified comparative negligence reduces the amount of damages by the percentage of fault for the accident. But, when the fault is 50 percent or greater they do not allow you to collect damages. Also, percentage limits vary by state.
- Contributory Negligence – So, contributory negligence is the most strict rule of the three. As a matter of fact, any percentage of fault will prevent you from collecting damages.
Case Expenses
Finally, when calculating damages for your claim, your attorney will take into account the case expenses. For example, they may need to pay an expert witness. Or, pay to have the deposition testimony transcribed. Then your attorney will compare these costs with your estimated recovery to make sure the lawsuit has value.
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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TEEN DRIVER SAFETY
To begin with, diving is a privilege for anyone, but especially for teens. And, with it comes a sense of freedom. But, as a parent, the safety of your teen is very important. Thus, it is important to prepare your child with basic teen driver safety. In fact, these driver safety tips are perfect for all levels of driving experience.
SAFETY TIPS FOR TEENS
First, it is difficult to protect your teen once they drive off in the car. So, we put these eight safety tips together to help you educate your teen on basic driver safety.
- Buckle Up – For one thing, wearing your seatbelt is the law! Furthermore, wearing your seatbelt increases your chances of surviving an auto accident by 50%.
- Obey The Speed Limit – Unfortunately, this is a big factor for teenagers. Consequently, not following the speed limit increases your chances of having an accident.
- Learn The Controls – Granted, this seems obvious. But, everyone should know how their car operates. For instance, knowing how to adjust your seatbelt and mirrors are vital for your safety.
- Your Cars Blind Spots – Incidentally, blind spot accidents are common with teen drivers. So, it is important to remember to check your mirrors and use your directional signal when changing lanes. As a matter of fact, you should do this even with a newer car equipped with warning indicators.
- Friendly Driving – Next, be courteous and friendly to other drivers. Because driving angry can lead to road rage or worse an accident.
- Use Your Signals – Always be predictable and indicate your intentions while driving. Additionally, you should watch for other drivers signaling a turn or lane change.
- Allow Room For Stopping – As, a good rule of thumb you should allow one car length for ten miles per hour of speed. Yet, this is not always possible due to traffic. In addition, you should never tailgate.
- Watch The Road – Above all, keep your eyes on the road. Specifically, put your cell phone down, don’t put on makeup, or eat while driving. Because distracted driving is dangerous.
LEADING CAUSE OF TEEN ACCIDENTS
In all honesty, next to distracted driving, speeding is one of the leading causes of teen accidents. In fact, the NHTSA states 32% of fatal teenage auto accidents were due to speeding. So, get involved and be a good role model for your teen driver. Because kids learn from their parent’s actions.
LAWS FOR TEEN DRIVERS
In addition, to the normal traffic laws, minors have other laws to follow to protect their right to drive. These laws also have penalties for teenage drivers that violate them.
- No Moving Violation Convictions – Minor’s that receive a moving violation while they have their learner’s permit will extend the time of the learner’s permit for a year from the conviction or till the age of 18.
- School Attendance – Not attending school could suspend their driving privilege or keep them from getting their license until they can provide proof, they have attended school for a minimum of 30 days in a row.
- Using Alcohol – Florida has a zero-tolerance policy. Drivers under 21 caught with a .02% or more will receive an automatic 6-month suspension of their license. If they get caught twice, they lose it for one year.
- 6+ points in 12 months – Your teen will have their license restricted to “business only” driving for a 12-month period or until the age of 18.
- Tobacco Possession Conviction – Minor’s convicted of tobacco possession will have their license revoked for a minimum of 30 days.
ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF TEEN DRIVERS
As for, parents with teen driving, we know your teen driver’s safety is a top priority. Thus, you may want to know what you can do to keep them safe on the road? For this reason, we put together some tips to help you.
- Open Communication – First, we recommend talking with your teen driver about safe driving and unsafe driving. Because speaking with them will help them understand the dangers associated with driving. But, this should not be a one-sided conversation. So, encourage your teen to ask questions and bring up concerns they have with driving.
- Create Rules – Second, set rules for your teen using the car. Like, no using a cell phone in the car and limiting the number of passengers they can have in the car. As this can reduce some of the common risky behaviors.
- Use an App – Luckily, with smartphones, we now have apps that can track your teens driving habits. Thus, your teen may drive safer if they know you are tracking how they drive.
- Zero Tolerance – Though, this should go without saying, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE! Besides, underage drinking is illegal. So, is driving under the influence of alcohol. With this in mind, make it clear to your teen it is unacceptable, and you have zero tolerance.
- Lead by Example – As I stated before kids learn from their parent’s actions. Thus, it is important for you to set the example. So, don’t drive aggressively and obey the speed limit. And, always wear your seatbelt. Because they are always watching.
- Limit Night Driving – Finally, night driving poses all-new dangers for teen drivers. So, practice driving at night with them. As this will help build their skills and help them to be more aware while driving.
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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SEARCHING VEHICLES DURING A TRAFFIC STOP
To begin with, law enforcement officers pull over traffic offenders every day. In fact, the officer will likely ask for documents like driver’s license and proof of insurance. As well as, they might ask to search your vehicle during the traffic stop.
Even though you have the right to refuse a vehicle search, an officer has a couple of situations they can search without permission. So, it is important to know your rights for searching your vehicle during a traffic stop.
The 4th Amendment And Traffic Stops
First, the Fourth Amendment protects you from unlawful searches. In fact, this amendment applies to your home, business, and your car. Incidentally, traffic stops are the most common place you will interact with law enforcement. So, it is important to know when they can and can’t search your car.
Typically, law enforcement officers need a search warrant to conduct a search. But, there are exceptions in place that allow them to conduct a search without a search warrant.
Consent To Search
With regard to traffic stops, police officers do not necessarily have the right to search your car. Yet, they may ask you if they can search your vehicle. But, if you say yes, you waive your Fourth Amendment rights. And, if you do not consent and clearly tell the officer no, the law requires them to comply.
Search With Probable Cause
On the other hand, a law enforcement officer may search your vehicle during a traffic stop if they have probable cause. For instance, if the officer sees a weapon, drug paraphernalia, or even the smell of drugs they can search your car.
In any event, the officer needs a viable reason to search your car. Unfortunately, some law enforcement exploit this exception to conduct search. Although, without clear probable cause the search is illegal.
Search During An Arrest
Additionally, police officers can search your car during arrestable traffic offenses. Specifically, they will conduct the search to secure evidence. As well as, for their own safety. But, even with an arrest, they have limitations on searches. For one thing, they cannot search your car for evidence if you get arrested for DWLS (Driving While License Suspended).
How to handle a traffic stop with a vehicle search
Finally, law enforcement generally treats every citizen justly during traffic stops. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. So, we put together a few things you can do to keep the situation from escalating during a traffic stop.
- Remain calm
- Don’t argue or resist
- Keep your hands visible
- Only reach for something when the officer requests
- Comply with lawful requests
Remember, you and your passengers have the right to remain silent. And, if they search or stop you illegally you have the right to dispute it in court. In all honesty, when this happens you need a Tampa criminal defense attorney. So, contact the RHINO Lawyers team.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
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.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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COMMON AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES
First of all, auto accident victims can suffer a variety of injuries. Yet, most accident victims receive one or more of these six common auto accident injuries.
In fact, these common auto accident injuries result from different circumstances of the crash. For instance, the injuries caused in the accident usually fit within these categories:
- Impact – As for impact injuries, these occur when a part of a person’s body hits part of the interior of the vehicle. Or, when a motorcyclist hits part of their surrounding environment.
- Penetrating – Typically consist of scrapes and lacerations.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Notably, after an auto accident, most people sustain soft tissue injuries. Thus, making it the most common auto accident injury. Specifically, a soft tissue injury refers to an injury to the body’s connective tissue. For example,
- muscles
- ligaments
- tendons
As a matter of fact, whiplash is one form of soft tissue damage. Because it results from a sudden stretch of the muscles and ligaments. Due to the high-energy movements caused by impact. Not to mention, these high-energy movements are responsible for spinal injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Consequently, a serious auto accident can result in spinal cord injuries. Thus, causing the victim paralysis or a life-altering disability. But sometimes they get lucky. And, herniated disks so the damage is not as catastrophic.
Although, these injuries are not always recognizable like head injuries. So, it is important to see a doctor after an accident. Because they can check and review your injuries thoroughly.
Head and Brain Injuries
Additionally, auto accidents can result in a head or brain injury. As a result, of the collision, your head hits a window, steering wheel, or another interior part of the car. Thus, causing scrapes, cuts, and bruises. Or, worse case a traumatic brain injury. Whereas, less severe crashes leave you with a concussion or skull fractures.
Scrapes and Lacerations
Furthermore, in a collision, you could sustain scrapes and lacerations. Usually, loose items like cell phones, purses, and grocery bags become projectiles. Thus, causing these injuries. Notably, some of the more serious cuts will leave you with scarring that can last forever.
Bone Fractures
Like, soft tissue damage, broken bones are very common in auto accident injuries. Admittedly, the severity and effect of broken bones differ from person to person. Thus, auto accident victims are often left with long-lasting pain. Yet, the more serious car, truck, and motorcycle accidents could lead to the amputation of the injured limb.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Even though, most auto accidents result in physical injury, you could also suffer psychological injuries. Particularly, you could suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Thus, making your daily routines upsetting and hopeless. Although, others experience depression and anxiety from the accident.
In all honesty, if you struggle with any psychological injuries after an accident you should get professional help. Because therapy can give you the support needed to heal.
Avoid Car Accident Injuries
Granted, you can’t control or predict the actions of other drivers. Yet, as a driver, you have things you can do to help avoid car accident injuries. For instance, these can help reduce your chances of injury.
- Wear a Seatbelt – Specifically, you should always wear a seatbelt. Because it could save your life.
- Obey the Speed Limit – Actually, high speeds increase the severity of auto accidents.
- Vehicle Maintenance – Finally, keep up on your vehicle maintenance. As a well-maintained car is less likely to have an accident from equipment failure.
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.
Read More