PRE-EXISTING INJURIES & CAR ACCIDENTS
A health issue that exists before an automobile accident is a pre-existing condition. However, pre-existing injuries do not prohibit you from seeking damages from the accident. Consequently, a car accident could aggravate or worsen your pre-existing injuries. This is the “eggshell plaintiff” rule.
The Eggshell Plaintiff Rule
The “eggshell plaintiff” or eggshell skull rule states that a defendant is liable for a plaintiff’s unforeseeable and uncommon reactions to the defendant’s negligent or intentional act. In other words, the negligent party cannot use your pre-existing conditions as a defense.
Insurance Defense
First, to be fair an insurance company should not have to pay for injuries that already exist. Because of this, insurance companies will deny your claim or decrease the amount of compensation when you have pre-existing injuries. This is a way for the insurance company to rebut financial responsibility for the accident. Even though, in most cases, this is not true.
Alternatively, the insurance adjuster could try to get you to settle quickly. They use this strategy to avoid paying the maximum amount. Because they know an auto accident attorney will seek full compensation for your injuries.
Auto Accident Attorney
Due to the chance of insurance denial, accident victims should get legal assistance from an auto accident attorney when a pre-existing injury is aggravated thanks to the carelessness of another party. Complicated cases like these may also require the help of a medical professional to clarify the difference from a previous injury compared to the injury received from the most recent accident.
Personal injury attorneys will facilitate assessments of the damages that someone has sustained, as well as pain and suffering, future medical expenses, the previous amounts of medical expenses accumulated, and loss of earning capabilities.
CONTACT
After a car accident, you may not know your rights. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at 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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ROAD SAFETY IS A TWO-WAY STREET
Road safety is a priority throughout the year. However, with the new year comes new year resolutions. Since most resolutions revolve around fitness, this means people will be exercising. More importantly, they will be out on the street walking, jogging, running, and even cycling.
With so many people heading out onto the road this January it is imperative we remember basic road safety. It starts with following the rules of the road. To keep everyone safe, avoid accidents, and injuries we have put together some safety tips.
Motorist Road Safety
First, we would like to remind motorists to share the road. Be vigilant as cyclists and pedestrians will typically be out in the morning and evenings. Additionally, drivers should follow these tips:
- Turn on their headlights during twilight hours
- Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Adhere to the posted speed limit.
- When turning yield to pedestrians and cyclists.
- Look before opening your car door.
- Be careful when passing stopped vehicles.
- Allow three feet when passing cyclists.
Cyclist Road Safety
Similarly, cyclists will be traveling on the roadways the same as motorists. Therefore, they must follow all the same rules of the road. In addition, to obeying traffic signs and lights cyclists must use signals to indicate if they are stopping or turning. However, here are some other road safety tips cyclists should also follow:
- Do not wear headphones while riding.
- Be predictable, ride with traffic, do not swerve in the lane, and do not pass on the right.
- Be visible – wear reflective clothing, use a front headlight, and rear red light or reflector.
- Wear a helmet.
- Carry identification like driver’s license or ID
Pedestrian Road Safety
Unfortunately, not all areas have sidewalks. As a result, pedestrians could be using the roadways alone side of the motorists and cyclists. Therefore, pedestrians are bond to the same rules of the road. Whether you’re walking or running here are some tips to help keep you safe out on the road.
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Use signaled crosswalks when possible
- Be visible, do not wear dark clothing
- Use a reflective device and wear reflective clothing during twilight hours.
- Carry identification like a driver’s license or ID bracelet.
If You Are Injured
Lastly, it is easy for drivers to forget they are sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians. This can be dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. Unlike the driver of a car, there is no protection for either the cyclist or the pedestrian in a collision. For this reason, an accident with an automobile could lead to serious injury or death.
In most cases of accidents that involve pedestrians or cyclists and an automobile, it is difficult to determine who is at fault. However, if you have an auto accident attorney, they will complete an accident scene investigation. This will help uncover the facts to protect your rights and allow you to recoup the maximum for your injuries.
CONTACT
After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at 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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MOST COMMON TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
For many people, driving is a part of everyday life. So, avoiding a traffic violation is essential for staying behind the wheel. However, most people are guilty of certain traffic violations at some point.
Even the most skilled driver can receive the painful reminder of a traffic ticket. Unfortunately, the reminder doesn’t end with a ticket. You could receive a fine and higher insurance rates as well.
Of course, knowledge of the rules of the road will help you avoid these traffic violations. Here are six of the most common traffic violations to avoid.
Speeding Tickets
It should come as no surprise speeding is the most common moving violation. With this in mind, pay attention to speed limits when driving. Especially in school zones, residential neighborhoods, and construction zones. Being conscious of your speed will help prevent accidents and reckless driving caused by driving too quickly.
Running Red Light
Trying to beat a yellow light could cause you to run a red light. Red light tickets are expensive and could cause your insurance rates to increase. Be mindful when approaching a light at an intersection and stop if the light is changing.
Following Too Closely
To begin with, you should always keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles. Especially, when you are driving in the rain or on wet roads as you will need more time to stop. You can receive a ticket for following another car too closely or tailgating.
Drunk Driving (DUI)
First of all, drinking and driving is very dangerous. When you drive drunk you not only put your life at risk, but you risk the lives of others. Typically, driving under the influence leads to many other traffic violations so it’s best to not drive if you have been drinking.
Wrong-WAY Ticket
Incidentally, most wrong-way drivers are under the influence of alcohol. Wrong-way driving is the number one cause of wrong-way crashes. To avoid wrong-way driving stay alert and watch for one-way street signs. However, if you find yourself traveling the wrong direction stay calm and quickly find a place to turn around.
Unsafe Lane Changing
You can receive a ticket for unsafe lane changes. Not using your turn signals, appropriate hand signals, or not allowing enough space when making a lane change could cause an accident. For this reason, it is important to indicate to other drivers when you want to change lanes. This will help to keep you and everyone else safe.
CONTACT
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system that has been 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 the Tampa traffic ticket attorneys at 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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HOLIDAY GREETING
At this joyous time of year, all of those from our firm wishes to extend our very best wishes to you and yours for a safe, happy and healthy holiday season, and it is our sincere hope that the New Year brings you peace and contentment.
We find there is no better time than the holiday season, to look back with appreciation for your loyalty and trust in us to protect you and your family. Our personal injury team is joyously looking forward to moving into the New Year together.
Thank you to all our clients, friends, and associates who have made the past year so special.
HOLIDAY SUGAR COOKIE TRUFFLES
by Haley D Williams
READY IN: 30mins SERVINGS: 18 sugar cookie truffles
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups (200 g) or 12 sugar cookies¹ about 2 1/2 in diameter
- 4 tablespoons (2 oz or 57 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers, or candy melts
- Sprinkles for decoration
SUGGESTED TOOLS
- Food processor
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Dipping tools
DIRECTIONS
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place sugar cookies in a food processor and process until cookies turn into fine crumbs. Add cream cheese and process again until well-combined and mixture can be pressed into a ball, 1 to 2 minutes.2
- Shape cookies into balls about 1-inch to 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Place on prepared cookie sheet and place in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- While the truffles freeze, melt white chocolate in a medium bowl according to instructions. See notes below for tips on melting chocolate.3
- Remove the cookie truffles from the refrigerator. Using two forks, dip and roll chilled truffles, one at a time, in chocolate coating. Return to lined cookie sheet and immediately top with sprinkles. Repeat process for remaining truffles. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to one month.4
NOTES
- Preferred sugar cookies: Use hard sugar cookies, not soft. I suggest using my cut-out sugar cookie recipe or buying Pepperidge Farm sugar cookies at the store.
- Crumbly dough: If the sugar cookie truffle dough is not firm enough to roll into balls, add a teaspoon or two of milk.
- Melting chocolate: Use melting wafers or candy melts. Microwave at 50% power level in 30-second intervals until chocolate is melted and smooth. Never add water to melted chocolate. If you need to thin out the chocolate, add a tablespoon of shortening or coconut oil.
- Freezing cookie truffles: Truffles can be frozen up to a month in advance. I suggest dipping them in chocolate before freezing for storage. Layer them between a sheet of parchment paper in an airtight container. Defrost them in the refrigerator before serving.
CONTACT
Injured or Arrested? Our mission is to form a lasting partnership with every client. Our passion is the people we help and the lives that we help change. So, don’t become just another case.
Lastly, 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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PROLONGED RECOVERY FROM A CAR ACCIDENT?
Getting the Insurance Company to Pay Gets Tricky…
Many car accident victims experienced back and neck pain. Even insurance companies will agree. When your body gets thrashed around in a violent crash it causes pain and stiffness. Which often requires some medical treatment.
However, if you’re experiencing a prolonged recovery, insurance companies are quick to deny your treatment. Generally, they will first argue that your prolonged treatment wasn’t necessary. Then they will claim that you are malingering (a fancy way to say that you’re faking it).
Next, they may claim that you had some type of pre-existing issue that is really the cause of the pain. Remember that back twinge you had three years ago while helping your brother move? Well, if you got some physical therapy for it, the insurance will claim that’s why you got all of that treatment after your accident.
If for some reason you had delayed receiving care after your accident, the insurance company will also argue that the treatment simply was unrelated to the accident. For example, if you didn’t go to the ER after your accident because you didn’t have health insurance, that may be held against you.
That said, if you’ve been in a car accident, and your recovery is more complicated than you had hoped, give us a call.
CONTACT
RHINO Lawyers know that car accidents can happen at any time. After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from a car accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at 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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TRAFFIC TICKET OPTIONS!
You have three options when you receive a traffic ticket. However, there is a fourth traffic ticket option that no one should do. This option can transform a minor traffic ticket into a major problem.
Never ignore your traffic ticket and do nothing. Failing to act when you receive a traffic ticket can cause you to incur additional fees/fines and possible suspension of your driver’s license.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR TRAFFIC TICKET
The following are the three options you have available:
- Simply pay the ticket. Remember paying the ticket may also result in points on your driver’s license and an increase in your insurance costs.
- Pay the ticket and elect traffic school. This means you are paying the ticket and paying the cost of traffic school. Most schools require you to spend at least four hours in their classroom. While traffic school is available online, you still need to spend the four-hour equivalent of being in a classroom.
- Fight your traffic ticket. This means that you do not have to pay your ticket until the end of your trial, and if you get it dismissed, you will not have to pay for anything!
CONTACT
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system that has been 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 the Tampa traffic ticket attorneys at 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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ROLLOVER CRASHES
Rollover crashes are caused when there is an extreme shift in the weight of a vehicle that causes it to tip over onto its side or roof. In some cases, a vehicle could complete several rotations before coming to a stop.
Often these are some of the worst accidents that can occur. Due to the amount of force applied to the occupants in the vehicle a rollover crashes are usually fatal. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, nearly 85% of all rollover-related fatalities are the result of single-vehicle crashes.
This means that most rollover crashes and fatalities do not involve any other vehicle. Suggesting that a driver’s behavior (distraction, inattentiveness, speeding, and impaired driving) plays a significant role in rollover crashes.
Statics of a rollover crash
The fatality rate in a rollover crash is higher than other automobile accidents. Luckily this type of crash is rare. For instance, NHSA (National Highway Safety Administration) states:
- Of the nearly 9.1 million passenger car, SUV, pickup, and van crashes in 2010, only 1% involved a rollover.
- However, these rollover crashes accounted for nearly 35%of all deaths from passenger vehicles.
- In 2010 alone, more than 7,600 people died in rollover crashes and the majority of them (69%) were not wearing safety belts.
Avoiding a rollover crash
The news is not all bad. When seen in terms of rollover-fatalities per million registered vehicles, all vehicle types have improved, and SUVs have improved the most. Common sense and routine maintenance can greatly increase your odds of avoiding a rollover and walking away from one if it happens. Here are some survival tips:
- Newer is better. Choose a vehicle with the most up-to-date safety systems. Especially important are electronic stability control and side-curtain airbags.
- Wear safety belts. Belts help keep you in the seat, so you are not tossed around in a rollover crash.
- Check the tires. At least once a month check all the tires are properly inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and that they are in good shape.
- Watch the load. Overloading any vehicle, particularly SUVs and pickups, decreases its stability. The worst practice is to place heavy loads on the roof. Try to stay well within the load ratings specified by the manufacturer.
- Watch your speed. Speed makes a vehicle’s tendencies to roll over more severe, and it also makes more demands on a driver’s attention and skill.
- Beware on country roads. Almost three-quarters of fatal rollovers occur in rural areas on roads where the speed limit is 55 mph or more.
CONTACT
RHINO Lawyers know that car accidents can happen at any time. After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from a car accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at 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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DRIVING HABITS THAT CAUSE ACCIDENTS
It is important for every driver to stay safe while on the road. However, with all the distractions of life, we sometimes forget and that’s when an accident can happen. RHINO Lawyers want to keep you in the driver’s seat with a clean record. Here are some common driving habits that cause accidents.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol continues to be a problem on the road. In Florida, there were 17,748 alcohol-related crashes in 2010. So yes, impaired driving tops the list of accident-causing behaviors in Florida or any state.
Speeding
Speeding continues to be the number one cited driver-related factor in highway fatal crashes. Speed limits are in place for the safety of people who are on or about our roadways. That’s because the faster you go, the higher the chances are that you’ll get into a serious accident. Just slow down!
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can be an activity that takes your concentration off the road like texting and eating. Activities that take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road put you at risk of an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, states that “in 2011 3,331 people died in distraction-affected accidents.”
Aggressive Driving
Most people consider themselves good drivers, but stress can turn even the most courteous driver into an aggressive one. Aggressive driving contributes to 5 million car accidents each year. Most people don’t even realize these driving habits are aggressive: rolling stops, speeding through yellow lights, not yielding the right of way, preventing a merge, honking the horn, failing to signal, tailgating, or weaving through traffic. Being mindful of these behaviors will make your daily travels safer.
Using Your Phone
While most states have made talking and texting on your cell phone illegal, using hands-free is still allowed. However, this can still be distracting. When you are distracted while driving you to put yourself and others at risk. It’s safer to put your phone away until you reach your destination.
Failure to Yield Right of Way
Every-day drivers forget to follow this very simple rule. Waiting to turn left against oncoming traffic, yielding to the driver on your right at a 4-way stop, allowing pedestrians to cross safely could prevent many unnecessary accidents.
Lastly, it’s always important to obey traffic signs, pay attention to your surroundings, and exercise caution on the road. For more preventative techniques try brushing up on your knowledge and skills with a Florida traffic school course.
CONTACT
After a car accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at 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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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Wishing you the happiness of good friends, the joy of a happy family, and the wonder of the holiday season. Here is a yummy recipe for the holidays. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
pumpkin cheesecake recipe for Thanksgiving
by Todd Wilbur
READY IN: 1hr 44mins SERVES: 8
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar, plus
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 3 eggs
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1⁄4 teaspoon allspice
- whipped cream
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make the crust by combining the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and 1 sugar in a medium bowl.
- Stir well enough to coat all the crumbs with the butter, but not so much as to turn the mixture into a paste.
- Keep it crumbly.
- Put foil partway up the outside part of an 8-inch springform pan.
- Press the crumbs onto the bottom and about two-thirds of the way up the sides of the springform pan.
- You don’t want the crust to form all of the way up the back of each slice of cheesecake.
- Bake the crust for 5 minutes, then set aside until you are ready to fill it.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the cream cheese, 1 C sugar, and vanilla.
- Mix with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice and continue beating until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the filling into the pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes.
- The top will turn a bit darker at this point.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool.
- When the cheesecake has come to room temperature, put it into the refrigerator.
- When the cheesecake has chilled, remove the pan sides and cut the cake into 8 equal pieces.
- Serve with a generous portion of whipped cream on top.
CONTACT
Injured or Arrested? Our mission is to form a lasting partnership with every client. Our personal injury team’s passion is the people we help and the lives that we help change. Don’t become just another case.
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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CONSTRUCTION ZONE ACCIDENTS
Each year, hundreds of road construction workers across the country die in work zones due to construction zone accidents. One of the top causes is drivers who pass on the outside of the construction zone. And, collide with workers, equipment, or other vehicles. Drivers passing through work zones need to pay attention, follow instructions, and observe the speed limits.
However, construction zones can be dangerous for passersby as well. According to a study conducted by the WorkZoneSafety.org, in 2017 construction zones were the sites of roughly 94,000 vehicular accidents, leading to over 37,000 injuries, not to mention damage to property.
Work zones containing incorrect, improper, or confusing signage; insufficient warnings on lane closures, merges, or shifts; sudden speed changes; missing cones or barrels at key points; dangerously uneven pavement or unblocked, unmarked holes in the road; poor lighting; and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway in a reckless manner are a few of the hazards that may lead to accidents.
Road repair/construction is an inevitability. Roadways in a state of disrepair will be a source of danger to motorists so they need repairing. Yet, it needs completion with the highest standards of safety and care in mind. All the situations mentioned before are completely avoidable.
CONTACT A TAMPA CONSTRUCTION ZONE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
If you are involved in an accident at a road construction zone, you may file a claim against a worker, the construction company, the city, or other entity involved in the situation. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding injuries from the accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at 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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