EVENT DATA RECORDERS AND AUTO ACCIDENTS
First of all car accidents happen all the time without impartial witnesses to recount the accident. But did you know car manufacturers have been installing event data recorders (EDR) since 2014? In fact, some car manufacturers were installing these before 2014. Considering, EDR’s are like a plane’s black box, it could help piece together how the crash happened.
What is An Event Data Recorder (EDR)?
Like, a flight-event recorder or “black box” records an event data recorder documents information about your car before a crash. But, it does not record video or audio. Instead, in the event of an accident, an EDR records electronic data about your driving. Admittedly, the event data recorder will permanently save the information if your airbag deploys. Otherwise, it overwrites the data after some time. Because of this, the information collected is time-sensitive.
What Information Does My Event Data Recorder Keep After An Accident?
Event data records have evolved over the years from only monitoring airbags. Actually, now these they collect 30 plus types of data from your car. Typically, saving a few seconds of information before and during the crash. Unless your airbag deploys then it will save around 20 seconds of data. Furthermore, here are some key data points it collects that can help shed light on the accident.
- Time and date of your accident
- Your speed at the time of the crash
- Depth of accelerator pedal
- Steering wheel direction
- Seat position
- Braking pattern
- Throttle position
- If certain warning lights were operating
- Who was wearing a seatbelt
- Airbag deployment status
- Force of impact
Florida EDR Laws
Finally, these data collection devices being in all new vehicles brought concerns about data privacy. So, in 2015 they passed the Driver Privacy Act. Namely, the act made the data collected the property of the vehicle owner or lessee. Since enacted 17 states have established statutes associated with event data recorders.
So, Florida does not have a specific statute around event data recorders. Still, Florida has a computer trespass statute. In fact, statute 815.06 states the following:
“Whoever willfully, knowingly, and without authorization accesses or causes to be accessed any computer, computer system, or computer network commits an offense against computer users and commits a felony of the third degree. – COMPUTER-RELATED CRIMES”
Thus, allowing the interpretation of EDR’s to fit within this general description.
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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UNSAFE ROADS CAUSING CAR ACCIDENTS
First of all, statistically negligent drivers cause most car accidents. But, did you know unsafe roads can also lead to a car accident? In fact, these crashes are most notably after severe weather. So, if you suspect unsafe road conditions contributed to your accident, we can help.
Driving Hazards that Make Unsafe Road Conditions
Next, Florida residents know severe storms occur almost daily during the summer months. Not to mention, the weather we get from hurricane season. As a result, these storms produce a variety of unsafe road conditions. Thus, the following are some of the most common hazards.
- Slippery Roads
- Tree limbs and leaves
- Potholes
- Debris in the road
- Sinkholes
- Deteriorated shoulders
While each of these hazards is avoidable in some instances. Unfortunately, not all drives are lucky when they encounter one of these conditions. In fact, the unlucky one can lose control of the vehicle and even crash into another car.
Legal Options for Unsafe Road Accidents
Lastly, anyone injured in an auto accident due to unsafe road conditions can receive compensation. Despite, having protection from most lawsuits, you can sue a government agency. Actually, the Federal Tort Claims Act allows for these claims. Especially, when an injury occurs due to unsafe roads.
But, not every accident from an unsafe road condition constitutes a lawsuit. For this reason, it becomes the burden of the plaintiff to provide proof of neglect. Furthermore, to hold them responsible they need to know about the issue. Plus, they would need time to assess and fix the problem.
For example, if you drive your vehicle during or after a hurricane. And, during this drive, you have an accident due to debris in the road. In this case, you cannot blame them as you took the risk of going out during these extreme conditions. And, they have not had enough time to assess the roads.
Either way, you should always speak to an auto accident attorney after an accident so they can review your case.
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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CHALLENGES OF SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT CLAIMS
To begin with, school bus involved accidents are rare. In fact, car accidents are 70 times more likely according to the NHTSA. Yet, these accidents can still occur. And, receiving compensation for your child’s injury can be more complex. Because the school district brings new challenges to school bus accident claims.
Difference Between School Bus and Car Accident Claims
First, a school bus and car accident claims have many differences. Actually, these two accidents even call for a distinct approach when filing a claim. Even though, they both typically involve a negligent driver. And, that is a key component in auto accident cases.
Consequently, a school bus accident involves the school system. Which is part of and run by the local government. Because the accident involves a government body you must follow special procedures to file a claim. Besides, the school district has sovereign immunity that protects them from most lawsuits.
Who is Liable for the School Bus ACCIDENT?
So, who is liable for your child’s injuries in a school bus accident? Specifically, you would file a claim against the negligent or at-fault individual. Because every accident is different, the person who caused the accident can vary. For instance, the accident could have resulted due to one of the following parties.
- School bus driver
- Manufacturer of the bus or bus parts
- Another motorist
- A private transportation company
- Your school district/local government
As a matter of fact, some cases have more than one party responsible. In that case, a personal injury attorney can help you seek damages from all parties.
Filling An Accident Claim Against the School System
Finally, even though sovereign immunity will protect the school district from most lawsuits. It does not protect them all lawsuits. In fact, Florida law will allow an accident victim to pursue damages. Provided the school district employee’s negligence the caused their injury. So, if your child gets injured in a school bus accident contact an auto accident attorney to help you through the complexities of this type of case.
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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PENALTIES FOR PASSING A STOPPED SCHOOL BUS
To start with, a new school year brings the addition of school buses to the roads. Thus, buses will start taking students to and from school. And, drivers will need to remember there are penalties for passing a stopped school bus.
But, some drivers forget or get distracted ignoring the safety features. Like, the flashing yellow and red lights and the stop sign on the side of the bus. Additionally, they made the rules around stopping for a school bus simple.
- Two-lane roads – all vehicles traveling either direction have to stop.
- Multi-lane roads with a paved center – again all vehicles have to stop.
- Divided roads or highways with a 5ft unpaved median, raised median, or barrier – Any vehicle traveling behind the bus must stop. And, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction do not need to stop but should drive with caution.
Florida Penalties for Passing A Stopped School Bus
Next, like most states, Florida takes this traffic offense seriously. Because when you don’t stop for a school bus loading or unloading kids, you endanger their lives. Thus, Florida Statute 318.18 states the following:
Failure to Stop for School Bus
- 4 points on your license
- Up to a $165 fine
- Mandatory hearing
- A second offense within 5 years adds a suspended license up to 6 months.
Failure to Stop Passing the Side Kids Enter and Exit
- 4 points on your license
- Up to $265 fine
- Mandatory hearing
- A second offense within 5 years adds a suspended license up to 1 year.
A Violation Causing Serious Injury
- 6 points on your license
- Up to $1500 fine
- Mandatory hearing
- A suspended license not less than 1 year.
Additionally, these penalties will increase as of January 1, 2021. Because the Florida Senate and Gov. Ron DeSantis recently approved and passed House Bill 37 doubling the penalties.
SCHOOL BUS RIDER SAFETY TIPS
Even though, riding the bus to school is one of the safest alternatives to parents dropping kids off at school. Unfortunately, drivers fail to follow the rules. Which can result in a citation or worse an accident. So, here are some safety tips to help keep your child safe as they prepare to ride the bus.
- Make sure they give themselves enough time to get to the bus stop.
- Stay alert. So, they can see and hear cars on the road.
- Don’t stand on the edge of the road. Try to stay at least 5 steps from the edge or curb.
- If they need to cross the road always wait for the bus driver to signify it is safe to cross. Even if the bus driver says it is safe, look both ways before crossing.
- Never try to board the bus while it is moving. Always wait for the bus to stop and open the doors indicating it is safe to board.
- The same goes for exiting the bus. They should not get out of their seat to exit until the has stopped.
- While on the bus sit facing forward and don’t hang anything out the window.
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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HOW TO AVOID BACK-TO-SCHOOL ACCIDENTS
As summer break comes to an end the back-to-school season starts. Although back-to-school can be an exciting time for kids and parents, it brings the risk of back-to-school accidents. As a matter of fact, we can all do our part to avoid back-to-school accidents. So, we put together some safety tips for students and parents to follow as school gets back into session.
Back-to-School Bus Rider Safety
First, riding the bus to school is one of the safest alternatives to parents dropping kids off at school. In fact, they designed school buses with safety in mind. Yet, school bus accidents can still happen. So, here are some safety tips to help keep your child safe as they go back-to-school.
- Make sure they give themselves enough time to get to the bus stop.
- Stay alert. So, they can see and hear cars on the road.
- Don’t stand on the edge of the road. Try to stay at least 5 steps from the edge or curb.
- If they need to cross the road always wait for the bus driver to signify it is safe to cross. Even if the bus driver says it is safe, look both ways before crossing.
- Never try to board the bus while it is moving. Always wait for the bus to stop and open the doors indicating it is safe to board.
- The same goes for exiting the bus. They should not get out of their seat to exit until the has stopped.
- While on the bus sit facing forward and don’t hang anything out the window.
Parents and Carpool Driver Safety
Next, if you drive your student or take part in a carpool to get them to school then this is for you. Because drivers need to stay alert and use extra caution in school zones and around school buses. So, here are some tips to help you avoid a back-to-school accident.
- First and foremost, adhere to the speed limit.
- Follow your child’s schools drop off procedures.
- Watch for kids crossing the street and try to make eye contact with them.
- Slow down when approaching a school bus.
- If the bus is flashing red lights stop! In fact, you should stop about 20 feet from the bus.
- Never ever pass a stopped school bus that is allowing kids to get on or off the bus.
Teen Drivers Back-to-School Safety Tips
Finally, we must not forget about the teenage driver. Since car accidents are one of the leading causes of death for teens. Preparation like this is very important. For this reason, we put together some safety precautions to review with your teen.
- Buckle up and do not start driving until everyone in the car has a seatbelt on.
- Put your cell phone away and do not use it while driving.
- Drive the speed limit.
- Limit the number of passengers to help reduce distractions.
- If it is raining turn on your headlights and drive with extra caution.
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