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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Multiple Vehicle Crash in Feather Sound Ends Tragically
A man driving a 2019 Nissan Sentra caused a multiple vehicle crash when he collided with a 2008 Honda Civic. Then he hit a 2017 Honda Accord killing the driver of the Nissan. The crash happened in Feather Sound at the intersection of Ulmerton and 34th Street N. around 4 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2019.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol trooper at the scene, the Nissan was traveling west on Ulmerton Road when it turned left into the path of the Civic. The Nissan then spun and hit the Accord that was waiting to take a left turn from Ulmerton onto 34th Street.
Unfortunately, the driver of the Nissan died at the scene. Paramedics took his passenger, along with the occupants of the Civic to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration considers a multi-vehicle crash any collision that involves three or more vehicles. When this happens, the risk of serious injury and fatalities go up considerably.
The reason for this is the dynamics of a multi-vehicle crash. In all types of multi-vehicle crashes, there are often multiple impacts to the same car. As a result, occupants suffer multiple hits. Each impact has the ability to injure someone worse or cause death.
There are two primary types of multi-car collisions. First, one being a chain-reaction crash. This is where one collision sets off events that cause the involvement of other cars. These often happen on busy and crowded highways and streets. In many cases, a car endures two or more impacts thus causing greater injuries.
Others are pileup crashes where motorists on a freeway or highway are unable to stop when going at high speeds. They then crash into whatever is in front of them, and sometimes it is a vehicle that has already been in a wreck.
What to do if Involved in a Multi-Car Crash
If you get in a multi-vehicle accident, experts say to stay in your car. This might seem counter-intuitive, as many feel that they should get out of their car in case someone else hits their car. However, this is the reason to stay in your car with the seatbelt on. Unlike, a pedestrian being hit by a 4,000 lb hunk of steel and plastic. A damaged car offers more protection.
This doesn’t mean you suspend common sense, if there is a fire or you see or smell leaking fuel, for example, then you need to get out of your car and to a safe place.
How is Fault Determined?
Determining fault in a multi-car crash is sometimes difficult, and in multi-car crashes, it’s even more problematic. However, it all boils down to which person was negligent. Accident investigators will do their best to see which car struck which other car and in what order, but at the end of the day, they do not determine fault.
Unfortunately, after any major accident involving injuries, many insurers are likely to blame you for your injuries.
Do I Need an Attorney?
It’s up to each injured person whether they get an attorney. However, in multi-car wrecks, there are typically several insurance companies covering the many vehicles, and each one is going to point the finger at the other where liability is concerned. So the best thing to do is to talk to an attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you of your options.
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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WHAT DO I DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
Driving for most people is a part of daily life. Car are all over the roadways, and almost everyone needs to get where they’re going immediately. With this, accidents in Florida are extremely high. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 388,032 car accidents in 2017. These are the reported accidents. In fact, due to not reporting accidents the number is likely higher.
The statistics also broke down the number of injuries related to the crashes (246,285 out of 388,032) and that March was the month with the highest accident rate. Most accidents were on Fridays, between 4 pm-5 pm, and involved someone in the range of 25-34 years of age. Many factors contribute to car accidents, such as:
-
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence
- Adjusting the radio/sound system
- Inclement weather conditions
These factors play an important role in the causes of auto accidents. Motorcycle accidents are also a high risk, with the injuries on motorcycles having the ability to be more severe in nature. After all this risk of being on the road, many people ask “what do I do after an accident?”
WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP?
Once you feel the impact of the other vehicle, adrenaline is running through your veins. You didn’t expect the accident, and now you must deal with the other driver. Immediately after the crash, make sure you are okay. This sounds standard, but this is a traumatic experience so take a second to breathe and make sure nothing on you is hit, cut or bleeding. If you are able, do the following steps:
- Call 911 or the local police.
- Collect the names, addresses and telephone numbers from everyone involved and around the scene (independent witnesses), and take the driver’s license number of the driver(s), license plate numbers of any vehicle involved, and any insurance information.
- Take photographs and/or video of any vehicle involved, injuries, accident location.
- If there is a chance you are or may be injured, seek medical attention immediately.
- Call our office at 844-RHINO-77 so we can begin our crash investigation and make sure the proper steps are taken to protect you.
HOW DO I GET MY CAR FIXED?
Once we come on your case, we are able to help you set up your property damage claim. The property damage is the most frustrating part because most people need their car to go to work, pick up their children, buy groceries, etc. Our office helps you get this set up by contacting all insurance companies and starting the process of getting the at-fault driver’s insurance to start fixing your car. We also look into getting you into a rental car so you can drive normally while your vehicle is getting repaired. Most law firms do not help their clients with the property damage, but we believe that making sure your car is getting repaired immediately is an important part of helping you.
I’M INJURED AND NEED TO HAVE TREATMENT, WHERE DO I GO?
Unfortunately, injuries are common in auto accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles stated that out of the 388,032 accidents reported, 246,285 of them involved an injury. This equates to injuries in roughly 63% of accidents. Sometimes, injuries take some time before you start feeling the effects. In Florida, you have fourteen (14) days to see someone to preserve certain benefits that you may be entitled to.
Our office wants to get you the best treatment and we realize each injury is different. That is why it is important to seek qualified medical providers who are able to help you with getting better. We communicate with our clients to make sure they are getting the help they deserve.
HOW SOON SHOULD I CALL A LAWYER?
Calling a lawyer is a big decision. Once you complete the steps at the scene, give our personal injury team a call and at the very least we can walk you through how we can help you. If you have additional questions about an accident you were in and injuries suffered as a result, contact the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers. We will explore all options of the accident, including all insurance areas to make sure you are getting the help you deserve.
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Public Contact Survey – Police
The most common reason for contact with the police is being a driver in a traffic stop. In 2008, an estimated 44% of face-to-face contacts that U.S. residents had with police occurred for this reason. About half of all traffic stops that year resulted in a traffic ticket. Police search approximately 5% of all drivers during a traffic stop.
These findings are based on the Police-Public Contact Survey (PPCS), a BJS survey that interviews U.S. residents about their contacts with police during the previous 12 months. They asked people who reported more than one instance of face-to-face contact during the year to describe their most recent occurrence. They conduct the PPCS about every three years since 1999.
Public Contact Survey Findings
An estimated 17.7 million persons age 16 or older indicated that their most recent contact with the police in 2008 was as a driver pulled over in a traffic stop. These drivers represented 8.4% of the nation’s 209 million drivers.
Stopped drivers reported speeding as the most common reason for being pulled over in 2008.
In 2008 about 5% of traffic stops led to a search of the driver, the vehicle, or both. Police were more likely to search for male drivers (7.4%) than female drivers (1.6%).
Contact RHINO Lawyers
In short, we will work with you to identify all the risks of your traffic ticket. Above all, we will find the critical information needed to counterbalance those risks. Then, we will charge ahead working directly with your prosecutor. Furthermore, we will demand your case get completely dropped or your charges drastically reduced.
Thus, if you receive a traffic ticket our criminal defense team can help. As a matter of fact, we have won hundreds of cases for our clients in similar circumstances. So, we know what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Lastly, receive your free consultation today. Then, learn more about how the RHINO Lawyers’ defense strategy can work for you.
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Scooter Rider Injured Riding on I-75
Early Tuesday, March 4, 2019, a car hit a person riding a scooter in the far-right lane on I-75 near Fletcher Avenue. Severely injuring the scooter rider. The Florida Highway Patrol says that the 32-year-old scooter rider injured was driving slowly in the outside lane and was rear-ended by a 2011 Toyota Sienna.
The impact threw the rider several feet over the guardrail and on the grass. Paramedics took him to Tampa General Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Police cited both drivers, the scooter driver for impeding traffic and the Toyota driver for careless driving.
Tampa Bay Scooters
Electric scooters are becoming a popular alternative transportation in many of the nation’s cities. Companies like Bird, Lime, Skip, and Spin have cropped up over the last few years. They place scooters all over the city and riders can rent them and then drop them wherever they are when finished.
This has caused cities some problems and many detractors feel that the scooters are a nuisance and a safety hazard, while supporters say that it’s an inexpensive way for the city to provide transportation to thousands of people a day. Either way, it puts a lot of scooters on the streets.
As of March 1, 2019, Tampa Bay has not yet joined in the list of cities offering scooters as a means of transportation. There are expectations that scooters will be coming soon to Tampa Bay.
Scooter Rider Accidents
Regardless of whether or when Tampa Bay gets their scooter program, scooters are still being used by people as a cheap way to get around the city. Many of these are the motorized scooters, also called mopeds. Electric scooters are smaller and people ride them standing up.
Florida law prohibits electric scooter on the state’s roads but allows motorized scooters on the roadways and are treated as vehicles so long as they meet the minimum requirements for headlights, brake, tail and turn lights, etc. However, they are not allowed on the freeways unless the motor is 50 cc’s or more.
The problem with motor scooters is that they have a low profile and many times aren’t seen by drivers of cars. Some riders will zip around in and out of traffic while others will be going too slow and frustrate drivers.
This causes accidents, and when that happens, the law allows the injured person to seek compensation just like they would in a typical vehicle accident.
Common Scooter Rider Injuries
Scooters are small, lightweight, and they leave the rider fairly unprotected. The cars and other vehicles might outweigh a typical scooter as much as 20 times. This puts the scooter operator at a huge disadvantage when a car or truck and a scooter collide. Some of the common injuries of a scooter accident are:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Broken Bones (legs, wrists, and ribs most common)
- Road Rash
- Deep Bruises
- Deep Lacerations
Do I need an Attorney?
If you are injured in a scooter-motor vehicle accident, chances are you are seriously injured and are experiencing substantial financial losses. Many people wonder if they need an attorney or if the insurance company will take care of them.
Consult with our personal injury team. The insurance company doesn’t make money by paying out too much for their claims. So put someone on your side who knows the law and will use it to get the highest compensation allowed.
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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