Jacksonville Personal Injury Blog

A 20-year-old Fort Myers, Florida, man lost control of his truck on Interstate 75 and lost his life. The Florida Highway Patrol reports that the man was heading south at a high rate of speed when the vehicle hit a curve north of the Bayshore Road exit. Because of the speed, the 20-year-old’s vehicle skidded onto the west side of the highway and then overturned four times. The young driver was ejected when his driver’s door opened. Despite the fact that he was wearing his seat belt, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Our condolences go out to the family of this young driver.

Young Driver Traffic Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, young drivers, ages 15-to-20, represent 9 percent of the U.S. population in 2007, and 6 percent of the licensed drivers. But they also represent 19 percent of the fatalities in the United States in 2007.

Approximately two-thirds of the people killed in fatal young-driver crashes are the young drivers themselves or the passengers (of all ages) of the young drivers.

Of the passengers killed riding in vehicles with young drivers, 67 percent are in the same 15-to-20-year-old age group as the drivers. And 56% of the fatal crashes and 57 % of the fatalities involving young drivers occur on rural road-ways.

Continue reading "Fort Myers Man Ejected From Truck" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A 24-year old driver was arrested at Orlando International Airport Tuesday, January 12, 2010 and accused of causing a crash that killed two women in 2008. Authorities had “flagged” his passport after he went to Lebanon last year. The man is facing two counts of DUI manslaughter and two counts of vehicular homicide for a July, 2008 crash that killed a 20-year-old woman and a 19-year-old woman.

The driver was trying to reenter the country when he was arrested on an active warrant. He is being held in jail since FHP considers him a flight risk.

Vehicular Manslaughter
The two young women were traveling north on Dean Road after leaving SR 408 exit, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man reportedly had a blood alcohol level of .085 when he ran a red light driving his 2008 Infinity south on Dean road. He was speeding according to troopers, going 68 mph in a 45 mph zone. The speed literally split the Acura in two, killing the two women at the scene.

Friends of the male driver say he was not leaving the country to avoid prosecution, but to visit his relatives. Our condolences go out to the families of these two girls who have had to wait for justice for so long.

Florida Accident Statistics
Florida drivers ages 15 to 19, have the highest rate per 10,000 licensed drivers of crash involvement (399.04) and drivers 20-24 have the highest rate in fatal crashes (4.24), according to 2008 statistics from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Continue reading "Driver Arrested at Orlando International for Vehicular Manslaughter" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Some budget changes apparently are needed in Miami. But budget cutbacks have also cut back the response time of emergency personnel. In this case, a bicyclist was hit by a car on the busy South Florida causeway into Key Biscayne Sunday, January 17. The car was driven by a man who is facing DUI manslaughter charges. His driving record has previous incidents and he has been accused of battery. But it took rescue personnel 12 minutes to respond. The nearest fire rescue station at Key Biscayne is only opened part time. So Miami-Dade sent rescue personnel from its open station, which is in South Miami, which explains the 12 minute wait.

Unfortunately. that time was too much for the cyclist who did not survive the crash. Both Key Biscayne and the City of Miami Fire Rescue are closer to the scene of the accident. The family issued a statement, “Lives were changed forever, and two families are grieving and going through an extremely difficult time.” The county is launching an investigation.

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of the affected individual. The response time is a strong factor in survivability of a bicycle crash with an automobile.

Florida Bicycle and Passenger Fatalities
While bicycle and passenger fatalities decreased 2.5% from 121 to 118 in 2008, 118 bicyclists were killed in 2008 in Florida. There were also 4,380 injuries during that time period from 4,775 crashes. Unfortunately, car drivers will often tell you they did not see a bicyclist or a motorcycle. That is often because they are not looking.

Continue reading "Emergency Response to Miami Bike Accident Delayed Because of Budget Cuts" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Bike Accident , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A 19-year-old from Atlantic Beach near Jacksonville suffered fatal injuries when the pickup truck in which he was riding got a flat tire and rolled over. The crash happened Thursday afternoon, January 14, 2010 at about 4:15 p.m. on Interstate- 95 and LPGA Boulevard in Daytona Beach.

The teen was one of two passengers ejected from the vehicle, a 2005 Ford, after the driver lost control and the car went into the grass median before overturning twice. He was not wearing a seat belt. The other passenger, a 21-years-old, also of Atlantic Beach, was not wearing his seat belt and was hospitalized. The 29-year-old driver from Atlantic Beach was wearing a seat belt and sustained minor injuries.

Our prayers go out to the family members of the young man who did not survive and the other injured man who was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach and is recovering. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Florida’s New Seat Belt Law
Many people argue that they should not have to wear a seat belt if they do not want to and they refuse to buckle up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 20% of drivers are still not buckling up.

Continue reading "19-Year-Old Killed in Daytona from Flat Tire, Rollover" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury , Rollover Accident , Wrongful Death

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A 24-year-old Merritt Island, Florida woman was killed when the truck she was riding in was struck by an oncoming truck on South Tropical Trail. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the young woman was pronounced dead after the crash, which happened at 5:36 a.m. near Crooked Mile Road.

Traffic investigators say the woman was riding in a 2001 Toyota truck driven by a 26-year-old man from Orlando. According to troopers, the motorist was speeding north on South Tropical Trail. He overcorrected when he drove onto the shoulder of the road, veering into the path of a southbound 1997 Ford truck. A 45-year-old Merritt Island resident was driving the Ford. Both she and the driver were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The crash is under investigation and charges are pending.

We offer our condolences for family and friends of the young woman and our prayers for a full recovery for the injured parties.

Speeding Vehicles Cause Accidents
We do not know the specific causes of this accident or who will be held responsible. But we do know that speed kills. Federal statistics from 2008 indicate that speeding is one of the most prevalent factors in traffic fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says speeding was involved in about 31% of fatal crashes in 2008, causing 11,674 deaths.

Continue reading "Truck Crash Kills Merritt Island Woman" »

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A Clewiston, Florida man faces 12 counts of DUI and causing bodily injury as well as possession of marijuana after the car he was driving hit a Palm Tran bus carrying 13 people. The Naples News reports that the 41-year old man was arrested on January 20, 2010 when his car ran a stop sign, slamming into the bus. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office says the deputy at the scene reported smelling alcohol coming from the man’s car and that the man’s demeanor indicated he was under the influence. According to the deputy, a search of the man’s car uncovered a small bag of marijuana. The bus driver and passengers as well as a passenger in his car were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries.

Our prayers for a speedy recovery go out to all injured in this accident.

Alcohol-Related Accidents in Florida
The Florida Highway Patrol reports that state and local law enforcement agencies in Florida issued almost 65,000 DUI violations in 2008. While alcohol-related fatalities in 2008 were down from 2007 by 6%, 39.5% of all traffic fatalities involved alcohol, the highest it’s been in years. While no one was killed in this accident, one man is accused of driving under the influence and causing the injury of 14 people.

Continue reading "Clewiston Man DUI Hits Bus" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Bus Accident , Drunk Driving Accident , Personal Injury

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A Tallahassee, Florida man died on January 9, 2010, when he crashed into the rear of a semi-tractor-trailer rig on I-10. The 48-year-old man was traveling on I-10 just west of SR 77 near Chipley in Washington County.

The Florida Highway Patrol says he was heading east just before noon when he hit the rear of the tractor-trailer. The driver of the truck said he was on cruise control at 68 mph when he felt a large explosion. When he looked into his rear view mirrors all he saw was dust and debris. The 48-year-old man’s vehicle was actually stuck under the trailer rig. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics from Washington County.

Our condolences go out to the family of this motorist.

When a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing in at over 80,000 pounds collides with an automobile weighing about 3,000 pounds, even if it is a rear-ender, 98 percent of the fatalities occur to people in the passenger vehicles. It sounds as though there was nothing the driver of the big-rig could have done to be safer on the road.

Distracted Driving
Almost weekly we are reporting about people who collide into the back of the vehicles. Dialing a cell phone and texting can contribute to distracted driving. But also, reaching into the back seat, changing the radio, having an argument in the car, and being sleep deprived, may all contribute to a less than safe driver.

According to a study by Virginia Tech last year, dialing a cell phone made the risk of crash or near-crash event 2.8 times as high as non-distracted driving; while talking or listening to a cell phone made the risk of crash or a near-crash event 1.3 times as high as non-distracted driving; and reaching for an object such as an electronic device made the risk of crash or near-crash event 1.4 times as high as non-distracted driving.

In Florida, there were 243,342 traffic crashes in 2008, which averages 665 per day. The type of crash, rear-ending the vehicle in front, tops the list of types of crashes, according to the Florida Highway Patrol in its 2008 statistics. In that year, there were more than 29,000 car accidents in Florida of this nature that resulted in more than 74,000 injuries and 318 deaths.

Nationally, NHTSA finds that at least 25% of police-reported crashes involve some form of driver inattention. That means more than 4,300 crashes each day across the country. And many suspect that estimate is low.

Source article: http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/81075122.html

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Truck Accident , Wrongful Death

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Two big-rigs were involved in a fiery collision the early hours of Tuesday, January 12, 2010, shutting down the Florida Turnpike under the Boggy Creek overpass in Kissimmee, Florida. The crash caused a huge fire when it erupted around 12:30 a.m. filling up the space under the bridge as the flames shot up into the air.

The first vehicle was a Target store delivery big-rig. The driver and passenger in that truck were injured, and are hospitalized with serious injuries. Their survival was amazing considering the cab of the truck was engulfed in fire. Troopers say the fire might have actually started when the refrigeration unit that keeps food cool inside the trailer, was damaged. The food inside the Target truck was a complete loss, along with the cab of the truck.

A Good Samaritan jumped out of his vehicle and helped save the occupants of the first truck. We wish the drivers a swift recovery and are thankful that their injuries were not more serious.

So what happened here? The Florida Highway Patrol says that it appears an 18-wheeler in front of the Target truck blew a tire and was hit in the rear by the Target big-rig. Then a third big-rig hit debris from the initial crash and also sustained damage to its fuel system. Traffic was closed both northbound and southbound and was reopened just after 6 a.m. while crews cleaned up a 200-gallon diesel fuel spill caused by the crash.

The Orlando Sentinel reported the next day that damages to the Boggy Creek Road overpass are estimated to be about $300,000.

The Dangers of Semi Tractor-Trailers
In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that 11,674 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes.

Nearly one-quarter of all large-truck drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2008 had at least one prior speeding conviction, as did 18 percent of passenger car drivers.

263 people lost their lives in 2008 in Florida collisions with a large truck, a number that has been in decline since 2004.

Continue reading "Fiery Semi-Truck Crash Near Orlando" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury , Truck Accident

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Eight people were injured Saturday afternoon, January 16, 2010, when three cars collided. The Florida Highway Patrol says a white pickup truck was traveling southbound on I-295 in Jacksonville, when it lost control. An 18-wheeler hit the truck and went into the median, spinning out of control and hitting a Cadillac that was traveling north. A van carrying eight people traveling northbound had to overcorrect to avoid hitting the collision and overturned in the median. It is reported by First Coast News that all of the injuries are non-life threatening. The injured have been taken to various hospitals.

We are very hopeful that those in the van were not seriously injured and thankful that there were no fatalities or serious injuries reported.

Big-Rigs
Large trucks, also known as tractor-trailers and semis, or eighteen-wheelers, make up only about 3% of the vehicles on the road. However, they account for far more traffic fatalities.

National statistics point to poor driver training, driver fatigue, speeding, overloaded and oversized trucks, brake failure, and poor driving conditions, the inexperience of the driver and a failure to yield the right-of-way, as a cause of trucking accidents.

But in fairness, those who drive 18-wheelers or big-rigs often complain that it is people driving in vehicles that cause accidents with big-rigs.

According to a 2002 study by the American Association of Automobiles, 80 percent of fatal truck-involved crashes are caused by passenger vehicles. A 2006 Virginia Tech analysis of two studies conducted for the Department of Transportation found that 78 percent of crashes were caused by passenger car drivers.

Continue reading "Eight Injured in I-295 Crash" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Truck Accident

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Now that the Consumer Electronics Show has come to a close in Las Vegas, NV, promises have been made that additional technology is soon coming to your dashboard, and to the dismay of safety advocates. Talk about distracted – Intel and Google are turning their attention to bringing the power of the PC to your car. Consider 10-inch screens that show high-definition videos, Web pages and 3-D maps. Expect the infotainment systems to hit the showrooms this year. Navigation systems are more likely to be standard equipment. You’ll be able to pull up a restaurant review and click on a music album with the touch of a finger.

But is this safe? Of course not and you can expect laws to follow technology. There is no question that distracted drivers cause car accidents in Florida, but the pursuit of profit over safety is driving this train. Or car.

You have to love what a Ford systems engineer tells the New York Times. “We are trying to make that driving experience one that is very engaging.” Hello! Driving itself is very engaging, especially if it is done safely.

The auto companies are making some concession to safety. Ford’s built-in Web browser works only when the car is parked. Audi says it will restrict access to potentially distracting functions. The Jaguar will allow the front-seat passenger only view the movie. But unless safety advocates become activated now, expect your car to become the most immersive consumer electronic device most of us own.

Source report: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/technology/07distracted.html?hp

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury

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The Shands Hospital nurse, who was hit by a suspect eluding police, is talking to the media about who may be at fault for her debilitating injuries.It turns out that the suspect who hit her in a crosswalk was being chased by two police officers, who, instead of rendering aid to the nurse, passed by her and continued on their chase. And the Jacksonville Sheriff’s officers did not have on light and sirens that would have alerted her to get out of the crosswalk.

The pedestrian accident in Jacksonville happened last June. Seven months later, the woman has been through ten surgeries. She still uses a walker and is likely she will not be able to return to her former job because of her inability to move, reports First Coast News.

The man who hit her has ready been sentenced to seven years in prison. He apologized to the nurse but claims he didn’t see her in the crosswalk because he was busy watching the police in his rearview mirror. The reason he was being chased – he ran a stop sign in the neighborhood- raising all sorts of questions about the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office chase policy.

We wish a continued recovery for the woman who was injured, perhaps permanently, through no fault of her own.

JSO Chase Policy
The nurse has announced that she is planning to file a lawsuit against JSO for their reckless conduct. Her lawyer has filed notice of claim with the city of Jacksonville. One of the two patrol cars should have stayed with the victim instead of continuing to case a suspect for running a stop sign. It’s called rendering aid and is the number one duty of the office besides protecting the public. JSO failed on both counts.

Fortunately for her case, there is surveillance video that leaves little to the imagination. It shows the nurse being thrown into the road. Then five seconds later, one JSO vehicle cruises past followed by the second car. They did not even slow down to help her, but one of the officers did send a radio transmission into dispatch calling units to Shands.

“There is someone that has just been fun over by a blue Hyundai sedan I’m trying to get caught up [to it] now,” said the officer.

The nurse wants something other than money – a clarification of the JSO police chase policy. Sheriff John Rutherford is calling for an internal investigation of the incident. Ultimately, the investigation will help clarify what exactly is the JSO pursuit policy, and then whether the officers followed it.

Continue reading "Woman Hit by Driver in Jacksonville Police Chase Will File Suit" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury

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This may come as a surprise to many but it appears that rural roads have more traffic fatalities than the nation’s highway system.

This information comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With about 23 % of the population living in rural areas, 56% of the nation’s 37,261 traffic deaths occurred on rural roads, according to NHTSA. That is almost six in 10.

The difference may be explained by the fact that while there are more crashes in urban areas, fewer of them result in fatalities.

Why do more crashes in the country lead to fatalities? One reason may be that drivers are traveling faster on rural roads. They are not as well-engineered as urban highways. And an emergency responder may take longer to get to you, decreasing the chances of survival. For example in Montana, the average response time is about 80 minutes.

37% of car accident fatalities in Florida occurred on rural roads or 1,113 fatalities, compared with 2,978 statewide in 2008.

Continue reading "More Fatal Auto Accidents on Florida's Rural Roads" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A report from the American Automobile Association is giving us a clear picture of just how many of us are texting while behind the wheel. Nearly one out of five U.S. drivers admit they have read or sent a text message while driving, even though nearly everyone in the survey considered that unacceptable behavior. And among those surveyed by the Ford Motor Co., more than 93% of 1,000 licensed drivers say they support a nationwide ban.

It’s these findings that make a ban on texting while driving a key legislative priority for AAA in state capitals.

But so far, only about a dozen states have imposed prohibitions and Florida is not among them, at least not yet. Every year, legislators try to promote some sort of legislation that would restrict wireless communication while behind the wheel, and 2010 promises to be no different. I would predict that this year will make the difference.

Behind the push are recent federal statistics that 58,790 people were killed and 515,000 injured last year in vehicle crashes connected to distracted driving. That may not be an accurate picture as the Florida Highway Patrol is just beginning to include that as a cause of car crashes in Jacksonville and throughout the state on their accident reports.

Source report: http://www.aaafoundation.org/home/

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury

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The tragic death of a 6-year-old Jacksonville girl, hit by a car while she was in a pedestrian crosswalk, has sparked calls for justice. The attorney for the family of this young child wants to know why the driver of the truck that killed the girl wasn’t charged in the accident. And he wants changes in the law to correct what he calls dangerous, but common, misperceptions about crosswalks.

Reconstructing the Accident
According to the Florida Times Union, on December 21, 2009, the young girl, her mother and her 5-year-old brother were crossing San Jose at Kori Road and were only halfway to the median when the light at the intersection changed. All three were hit by a truck whose driver was not cited in the accident. The 6-year-old girl was killed; her brother was not injured, but her mother’s leg and some ribs were broken. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has declined comment on this story.

This is a sad story about the senseless death of a small child. Our prayers and sympathy go out to the family as they try to recover from this tragedy.

The Law Protects Pedestrians
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 16.8% of all traffic fatalities in 2008 were pedestrians. 500 pedestrians were killed in pedestrian accidents on Florida highways in 2008. More than half (308) were killed while crossing a street. While not all those fatalities involved pedestrians in crosswalks, the law is clear that all motorists must yield to pedestrians regardless. According to the Florida Driver’s Handbook, it is “the motorist’s responsibility to do everything possible to avoid colliding with pedestrians” (Section 3.6).

The family’s attorney says pedestrians in crosswalks are in danger because of confusion not only about right-of-way but also of how crosswalk buttons function. He says most people think pushing the button at a crosswalk causes the traffic lights to cycle. This is wrong. He says pushing the button instead serves to extend the cycle, giving pedestrians more time to cross the street. In the case of this young girl, the button was not pushed, so the green light was much shorter and the family got caught in the middle of the street.

Continue reading "Attorney Calls for Charges and Changes in Crosswalk Laws" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Two women were killed Wednesday, January 6, 2010 in Hobe Sound Florida near Stuart, Florida in a two-car collision. The accident occurred around 1 p.m. involving a northbound silver Saturn, driven by a 52-year-old woman and a southbound red Mercury van driven by 73-year-old woman.

The Florida Highway Patrol reports the Saturn overcorrected after veering off of the side of the divided highway of U.S. 1. The car then careened over the center median and into the southbound traffic lanes where the Saturn was struck by the oncoming van. Both vehicles reportedly came to a stop in the middle of the southbound lanes. One of the drivers was pronounced dead at the scene and the other motorist died a short time later.

Our condolences are extended to the families of these two women. In just a moment their lives were extinguished. We are very sorry for your loss.

Construction Hazards on our Roads
We have no more on this accident such as the road condition and whether the individuals involved were wearing seat belts. We do know there is a great deal of road work underway on U.S. highways which contribute to highway deaths. The fact that one driver overcorrected indicates she experienced a drop off the side of the road.

In a recent article in the New York Times, entitled “Efforts Lag to Improve Safety at Work Zones,” reporters note that pavement edge drop-offs are a real hazard that result from so-called road improvements.

Accidents involving road drop-offs kill about 160 people every year and injure 11,000. The edge of a road is supposed to gradually decline into the dirt, but numerous studies have shown that steep drop offs occur when a roadway has not been finished properly or is in the process of being improved. That presents a danger to motorists who tend to overcorrect when they suddenly drop off the edge of a roadway.

In Texas in 2002, seven people were killed when the driver overcorrected into the path of a minivan. It turns out contractors had failed to smooth out the edge of a newly paved lane.

Continue reading "Over Correcting Leads to Two Dead on U.S. 1" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A 30-year-old man from Fort Walton Beach is in serious condition after an argument Sunday night, January 10, led to a car accident in Florida. The 31-year-old driver from Fort Walton Beach, was heading west on SR 188 when she got into an argument with the front passenger. He reportedly grabbed the steering wheel while the car was in motion. The 2004 Nissan ran into the north shoulder and hit a tree. The passenger in the rear of the vehicle was not wearing his seat belt and flew into the front of the vehicle. The car suffered an estimated $7,000 in damages. Charges are pending.

We certainly hope the best for the recovery of the injured individuals. When one is not belted in, they can become a human cannonball thrown inside the vehicle, through a window, or into a windshield. Head injuries are the most common, devastating, and long-lasting effects from an auto accident.

Seat Belt Law
In 2008, Florida had 1,795 traffic deaths of drivers and passengers in Seat belt equipped vehicles. 60% or 1,085 of these people were not wearing their seat belts, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

And consider that air bags will generally not be able to do their job if you are not belted in.
While many argue that individuals should be able to determine whether or not they want to buckle up, the Florida Department of Transportation estimates 3 out of 5 motor vehicle fatalities are directly due to the failure to wear seat belts. That is why Florida joined 28 other states plus the District of Columbia in passing a primary seat belt law last June. An officer can now pull you over and fine you if your only offense is not wearing a seat belt.

Continue reading "Argument Led to Auto Accident" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury

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A 27-year-old woman was critically injured after driving her Toyota sedan into the rear of a semi truck on Interstate 75 early Monday morning January 11. The Florida auto injury accident happened about 1 a.m. near Big Bend Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The injured woman is in Tampa General Hospital in critical condition, while the truck driver of Palm Bay Florida was not injured. We send her our prayers for a swift recovery.

After the woman hit the truck from behind, she spun into the grass median. The FHP will have to determine if she ever applied the brakes. If not, it is likely she was distracted or too tired to be behind the wheel.

Distracted Drivers
An investigator should begin by checking the cell phone records of this driver to see whether she was on the phone before hitting the back of the tractor-trailer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates at least one quarter of crashes involves some form of driver inattention. Distraction is just one form of inattention and is a factor in more than half of these crashes. And distracted driving can include tuning the radio, reaching into the back seat, picking up something from the floor, drinking and smoking, texting, and putting on makeup, among other things.

Following Too Closely
Following a vehicle too closely is called tailgating and it is a form of aggressive driving that gives you few options if you need to stop suddenly.

Want to figure out how closely to follow the vehicle in front? Try the three-second rule. Select a fixed object such as a sign or tree. When the vehicle ahead passed the object slowly count ‘one-one-thousand” “two one-thousand” “three one-thousand” - making sure there is at least three seconds between you and the vehicle in front.

Continue reading "Tampa Woman Tailgating Semi in Critical Condition" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Truck Accident

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The 2010 Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws report is out.

Published by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, a coalition of insurance, consumer, health, safety and law enforcement organizations that promote safer roads and highways, it shows that promoting 15 model laws could save lives on our highways and roads. States are graded on their performance in adopting and maintaining model traffic safety laws. The report concludes that not one state has enacted all of the recommended laws. They include:

• Adult Occupant Protection – Seat belt enforcement and all-ride motorcycle helmet laws.


• Child Passenger Safety – Child booster seat law requiring children ages 4 through 7 be placed in a booster seat.


• Teen Driving Graduated Driver Licensing – This phases in full driving privileges in a three-state process and allows for primary enforcement of the law.


• Impaired Driving - Drunk drivers would face an ignition interlock device if they have violated the law in the past. There would be mandatory blood alcohol testing in fatal crashes and an open container ban.


• Distracted Driving – A ban on text messaging for all drivers unless there is an emergency.

There are almost 40,000 fatalities and 2.3 million injuries at a cost of $230 billion every year.

Every day 102 people were killed on the streets and highways while more than 6,000 are injured.

Continue reading "2010 Highway Safety Report" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Two men riding in a truck in Northeast Florida accidentally flipped over Thursday night and one man lost his life.

A 38-year-old Elkton, Florida man was a passenger in the Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by his friend of St. Augustine. The man who was ejected was not wearing his seat belt when the vehicle traveled into the grass median and overcorrected before it flipped around 9 p.m. There is no word on why the vehicle drifted off the road except that that’s where the road curved. The driver, also not wearing his seat belt, was seriously injured and taken to Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol report, alcohol was involved in the auto accident which occurred on State Road 207 in St. Johns County, south of Meadowbrook Road.

Our condolences go out to the family of the men involved.

Personal injury attorneys in Florida will tell you that wearing a seat belt is essential to saving lives. Whenever we hear a vehicle occupant was ejected, the first question we ask is, was he wearing a seat belt? More often than not, an ejected passenger will suffer a head injury which could ultimately be fatal.

A new survey shows that seatbelt use in Florida is at an all-time high - 85 percent - exceeding the national average of 84 percent. That may be due to the primary seat belt law that went into effect in June. It allows law enforcement to pull drivers over solely for not wearing a seat belt.

Back in 1998, only 57 percent of drivers buckled up.

Continue reading "North Florida Man Killed After SUV Flips" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury

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A single-car wreck in Jacksonville has left one person dead and three injured, including a baby. None of the automobile occupants was wearing a seat belt. The accident happened on Edgewood Avenue and Valley Forge Road Monday morning.

Police report that the three people were heading west when their vehicle suddenly hit a sign and a telephone pole about 6 a.m. and then went airborne, during which time all three occupants were ejected. A 20-year-old woman was taken to Shands Jacksonville where she was pronounced dead.

We know there was fog on the road at the time of the accident and the roads were wet. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is asking for any witnesses to help with information on the case by calling 904-630-0500, or call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS and you can remain anonymous.
In an accident, the insurance company for the other side will argue that there should be little or no liability because the individuals were not wearing a seat belt. The driver’s attorney can argue that wearing a seat belt in this case would not have increased the chance for survival or avoiding injury.

In 2008, The Florida Highway Patrol reports that there were 1,795 traffic deaths of drivers and passengers in the state, 60% or 1,085 of these people were not wearing their seat belts.

And 68 % of the children up to age 17 killed in auto accidents in Florida last year were not using safety equipment such as seat belts or child restraint systems.

Continue reading "Young Woman Killed in Single-Car Wreck" »

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A trucker is dead after an early morning accident on I-95 in northern Flagler County, two miles south of the St. Johns County line in North Florida.

The accident happened after the driver of a tractor-trailer rig was trying to pull back onto I-95 from the emergency lane where he was stopped to check for a problem. Heading south, he was struck from behind by another semi pulling onto the highway. The Florida Highway Patrol says the second truck was pulling onto the highway and the first vehicle just pulled in front of him.

Damage to the first rig was estimated at $100,000. The driver who died was wearing a seat belt. No tickets have been issued in the accident.

Continue reading "I-95 Trucking Death in Flagler County " »

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A six-year-old Jacksonville girl didn’t stand a chance when she was hit by an SUV in a Jacksonville crosswalk Saturday morning. Her mother was pushing a stroller with her five-year-old disabled brother crossing San Jose Boulevard near Kori Road. The three were in the furthest southbound lane when the light turned green and a SUV pulled ahead and hit the little girl, killing her at the scene. Her 38-year-old mother was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries including a few broken ribs and a crushed ankle. The brother was not injured.

First Coast News reports that teddy bears and candles have been placed in the area of the traffic pole marking the accident scene.

The family attorney says the family didn’t have enough time to get across the busy San Jose Boulevard Saturday when she was hit. When Channel 4 tried the crosswalk, they found that if you hit the cross button, it gave you 45 seconds before the light turns green. If you don’t hit the button, it gave you 30 seconds - far too short for the busy road. While it is unclear when the family entered the crosswalk, that really doesn’t matter. State law says the pedestrian has the right of way the entire time they are in the crosswalk, as long as they enter the crosswalk with the walk light. An attorney for the family says it is clear that the family didn’t have enough time to cross the six-lane street.

That puts the burden of proof on the family attorney to prove that the city was not following the mandate for crosswalks and pedestrian safety.

Continue reading "Jacksonville Child Killed in Crosswalk" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Two pedestrians were hit by cars in two separate accidents Monday night. Both are now recovering at Shands Hospital.

The first pedestrian, a 70-year-old man, was hit just before 8 p.m. Monday as he was trying to cross Beach Blvd. near the intersection of St. Johns Bluff. The Florida Highway Patrol says the man stepped out in front a car driven by a 25-year-old. The pedestrian is reported to be in serious condition. Then about an hour later, another pedestrian was hit by a vehicle at the intersection of Timiquana and Brent Street and is reported to be in serious condition.

We offer our condolences to the family and friends of these seriously injured victims. Please keep them in your prayers.

While there is no word yet on whether any charges will be filed, it is not clear whether the drivers stopped on their own. According to Florida Statute Section 316.027 , the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash on public or private property that results in injury must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene and render aid. When a death is involved and the person leaves the scene, they are guilty of a felony in the first degree, punishable by 30 years in state prison.

Jacksonville is the fourth most deadly city for pedestrians, according to a national study released in November. The top three dangerous areas for pedestrians were Orlando-Kissimmee; Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater; and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach. The advocacy group, Transportation for America, measures the “pedestrian danger index,” taking into account the number of fatalities per 100,000 population.

Continue reading "Two Jacksonville Pedestrians in Serious Condition in Separate Car Collisions" »

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A woman driving in the Middleburg community near Jacksonville was fatally injured Sunday after being involved in a two-vehicle accident, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The 67-year-old woman from Venice, Florida was initially hospitalized in critical condition. The accident occurred on Blanding Boulevard at County Road 215. Investigators believe that she drove her Toyota Prius into the path of a southbound Ford SUV, failing to stop at both a stop sign and a flashing red light. The accident happened about 5:15 p.m. so it was still light enough to see. The SUV was driven by a Jacksonville man who suffered minor injuries.

Both individuals were wearing their seat belts. The woman died at Shands Jacksonville hospital.

The Toyota Prius has had its problems with unintentional acceleration.

While the story here does not say if that was a problem it certainly should be considered as part of any investigation. Other drivers have found themselves behind the wheel of the accelerating Prius they have no control over and have reported the incidents to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Continue reading "Woman Dies From Runaway Prius" »

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Toyota has had its share of problems recently with the sudden, unexplained acceleration in some of its vehicles that led to a recall of 4 million vehicles. While the floor mat was initially blamed, Toyota will add additional safety features to prevent the accelerator and brake from applying at the same time as part of the fix.

The company is facing another federal safety probe. Now regulators are trying to understand why Corolla and Matrix cars from model year 2006 are experiencing engine stalling problems. That can occur even at highway speeds and intersections. The 1ZZ-FE engines are named specifically.

The Corolla is a top seller for Toyota, ranking fifth among all vehicle sales this year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched the investigation November 30 after it received 26 complaints from drivers. Neither model is included in the previous recall of 4.2 million cars.

Continue reading "Toyota's New Problem - Stalling" »

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Cheerleaders didn’t feel much like cheering Saturday but members of the River City Rockets team did so anyway for their late team mate.

The 14-year-old and her mother were both killed in a family accident this week. The young girl was trying to park the family GMC Yukon in an Orlando parking lot when the large SUV suddenly lurched forward and fell into a retention pond landing on its roof. Her mother was killed instantly, the girl after the accident. Three other family members got out alive.

“The driver didn’t stop or the vehicle’s brakes didn’t work,” said Trooper Jorge Dedlahoz at the time.

The 14-year-old had been on life support as well at an Orlando hospital but she never recovered. The ninth-grader at Darnell-Cookman Middle /Senior High is being remembered by friends as sweet and smart. The cheerleaders wore bright colored socks in her honor.

The 14-year old girl’s mother never made it out of the vehicle. Divers found her some time later. But the girl’s sister, who is 3-years-old, remains on life support. The mother’s fiancé and his teenage child managed to get out of the vehicle suffering minor injuries.

Continue reading "Teen Driver Dies after Family Drives Into Pond" »

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A Jacksonville woman died when her SUV plunged into a pond in Orlando Saturday afternoon.
She has now been identified as a 35-year-old. Her fiancée was in the car as were two girls. The girls were both hospitalized in critical condition, the fiancée and a 13-year-old suffered minor injuries.

It’s still a mystery how this accident happened. The 2004 GMC Yukon was in the parking lot at the Floridays Resort off South International Drive. For some reason it jumped a curb, went through a fence and overturned after plunging nine feet into the pond.

Orange County deputies rescued the two girls while the others got out of the vehicle themselves. The woman, however, was found hours after the crash. Police have not yet determined who was behind the wheel of the Yukon when it went into the retention pond.

A terrible accident this time of year - the family is in our prayers and we will think of the girls still hospitalized. Police say alcohol was not a factor in this crash and no charges have been filed. There is no word whether anyone was wearing their seat belts.

With all of the water around Florida, the worst nightmare of many is to lose control of your vehicle and plunge into the water. It rarely happens, but if you are wearing your seat belt you, increase your chances of survival. Without a seat belt, you increase your chances of being knocked unconscious, hitting your head on a dashboard for example.

Continue reading "Family Crashes SUV into Orlando Pond" »

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A Sarasota man has died after a motorcycle wreck in Jacksonville this week.

The 40-year-old was hospitalized after the wreck on New Berlin Road in Jacksonville on Tuesday.

The man reportedly lost control of his Kawasaki, while traveling north around 2:15 p.m. He was wearing a helmet say police and there were no other vehicles involved in the crash. The man hit a guard rail and was thrown from the bike. He was pronounced dead at the hospital Thursday night.

In another motorcycle accident in Jacksonville a motorcycle and car collided Thursday night. A 59-year old man was on his Harley when it collided with a Honda Civic at New Kings Road and I-295. Police report the vehicle turned in front of the motorcycle as it was attempting to enter I-295. The rider was thrown from the motorcycle. He was not wearing his helmet. He is listed in critical condition at Shands. The driver and passenger in the Civic were wearing their seat belts and were not injured.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Crash" »

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A young woman was lucky to have survived a Ford Explorer SUV rollover that killed four of her classmates last June.

The teenager was one of nine inside the Explorer on the last day of school all heading to the beach when the car blew a rear tire and rolled. None of the occupants was wearing a seat belt and all were thrown from the car, except the driver, the only one wearing a seat belt.

That happened six months ago.

Tuesday, another SUV injured this woman, this time crashing through the wall of her bedroom narrowly missing the teen as she slept in her bed. The girl says she felt the ceiling fall in on her. Her father found her under four feet of debris after the SUV plowed into the house.

Luckily, a mattress shielded the girl who suffered a broken pelvis, broken ribs, cuts and bruises. It’s fair to say that she is lucky twice, or unlucky twice, depending on how you look at it.

Continue reading "Teen Critically Injured By SUV, Injured Again" »

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A San Diego woman lost her ability to walk after her Ford Explorer rolled over and its roof collapsed on her spine, crushing it. She was awarded $369 million by jurors who sat and listened to the evidence against Ford. That amount was later whittled down to $83 million by an appellate judge.

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the punitive judgment to stand Monday rejecting an appeal from lawyers for Ford Motor Co. They had argued that punitive damages were unfair and unconstitutional since the design of the Ford Explorer met all safety standards set by the government and industry.

It seems that almost weekly we are reporting on Ford Explorer rollovers.

It was an Explorer filled with high school students who rolled on a Jacksonville road killing four of the teens in the Florida SUV rollover accident on the last day of school in June.

Notoriously unstable, until stability control was added, and with a high center of gravity, the Ford Explorer also had an insufficient roof strength that allowed it to collapse. In hearing the case, the jury heard that Ford could have strengthened the roof and avoided catastrophic head injuring for about $20 per vehicle.

Ford was joined by its friends at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in the appeal. The Chamber usually sides with big business no matter what the issue and no matter how morally questionable the product made by the industry (asbestos, cigarettes etc).

Continue reading "$83 Million Judgment Against Ford for Rollover" »

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She was just 18-years old. A young woman from St. Augustine and another teenager were killed Sunday night when the truck they were riding in collided with an ambulance.

It all happened on U.S. 1 near The Avenues Mall. At about 8:20 p.m., the 18-year old woman was riding in the middle of the front seat in a friend’s Chevy Silverado. The former Bartram Trail High School student was not wearing her seat belt, probably because there is not a belt for three people in the front.

Suddenly their truck collided with an ambulance. Law enforcement on the scene was not sure who had the right of way.

The young woman was pronounced dead at Shands Jacksonville. The driver of the truck, a 19-year-old, was also pronounced dead at the hospital Monday night. The other front seat passenger, a 17-year-old from Jacksonville was in critical condition at Shands. The two passengers in the rear were in serious condition. The four others in the pickup truck were not wearing their seat belts either, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Our prayers go out to the families of the two young people killed. The 18-year-old had left high school in 2006 and was in school to become a nurse. Her Facebook and MySpace shows that this beautiful young woman was full of life and loved by many. Many people say they felt blessed to have known her.

Continue reading "18-year-old Dies in St. Augustine Collision" »

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A petite 35-year old woman was a doctor’s office receptionist with a problem.

After purchasing nearly 4,500 doses of painkillers in one year, she got behind the wheel of a Dodge Durango on June 4, 2004 and weaved in and out of traffic before plowing into a man who had helped repair a flat tire on the side of a highway. The 21-year-old young man was killed at the scene. She also hit a 33-year-old man who was helping the other individual. He was injured. The female driver was not.

A lawsuit filed by the families of these afflicted men is pending in the Nevada Supreme Court. It charges that Wal-Mart Stores, CVS, and Walgreen Co. need to be held liable when they do nothing to curb prescription drug abuse.

It’s a precedent setting case that puts all pharmacies on alert. Typically pharmacies have been sued for providing the wrong prescription drug. The pharmacy industry predicts higher prices for all if litigation is allowed to hold them responsible for filling valid prescriptions.

It’s not unlike the situation with bartenders. They too can be held liable if a customer is served too much alcohol and doctors have been sued for failing to warn patients not to drive after taking certain medications.

Under Nevada law, pharmacies share prescription information among doctors, other pharmacists and law-enforcement officials in a database that is reported each month. It’s all intended to track potential drug abuse, such as that by Copening. It is reported to a Prescription Controller Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force which is supposed to send a form letter to the pharmacies the patient has visited to help get the patient into treatment after encouragement by the pharmacist. It sounds like a good intention, but has put pharmacists on the hot seat.

Continue reading "Pharmacies Fear Lawsuits Over Drug Abuse" »

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110,000 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks are being recalled. The announcement was made the day before Thanksgiving, a good time to hope something goes unnoticed.

The problem according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is that road salt used in the winter can cause the underside of the Toyota Tundra’s frame to corrode.
That is the area where the spare tire is mounted and a falling spare tire can cause road hazards. That is also the area where the rear brake lines are located and corrosion can lead to a brake system failure, according to NHTSA.

Tundra trucks from model years 2000 through 2003 can be brought back to the dealer. 20 states are affected where they use chemical de-icers or road salt including: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

Tundra trucks, model years 2000 through 2003, can be brought back to the dealers to be repaired.

Toyota says it will contact owners.

However, the bigger story is Toyota’s announcement that it will reconfigure the accelerator pedal in 4 million recalled vehicles in the U.S. to avoid the pedal from becoming stuck under the floor mats causing unintended acceleration. The pedal will conform with the floor mat and in some models the shape of the floor surface will also be reconfigured.

In addition, the company plans to install a brake override system in the Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models as “an extra measure of confidence.”

Continue reading "Toyota Recall of 110,00 Tundra Trucks" »

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A 14-year-old from Mississippi was killed Saturday in Laurel Hill, Florida while racing at a motocross park in an all-terrain-vehicle, or ATV. The accident happened at the West Florida Motocross Park in Walton County. Witnesses say that the ATV flew into the air after the driver topped a hill, throwing him over the handlebars and onto the ground. At that point, the ATVcrashed on top of him with such force that it split his helmet in half. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

As Christmas approaches, many parents might think getting an ATV for the kids is a good idea. Think again. Recently a five-year-old was killed in South Carolina, a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina, and a three-year-old boy in central Wisconsin. A 15-year-old from Georgia was killed when he lost control of an ATV and crashed in rural Chattooga County. While ATVs were developed as a fun sporting three-wheel vehicle for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, the next generation - the four-wheel version – includes the Yamaha Rhino side-by-side or SXS.

It has two bucket seats, an open cage with roll bar and no doors. The Rhino is a particularly dangerous type of ATV. Described as a “golf cart on steroids,” and a width of 54 inches and a high center of gravity, it is particularly prone to tip, even on flat surfaces or turning at slow speeds.

It’s fair to say this is an example of the tail wagging the dog. The Rhino SXS is new to the market and government regulations have not caught up with design. Classified as a recreational off-highway vehicle, or ROV, it is in a largely unregulated category of vehicle, not low speed, and not cars, and not exactly ATVs because it can go up to 40 mph.

CBS News tells the story of a young mother who went for a ride in the Yamaha Rhino in November 2005. Her husband sat next to her and their 2-year-old was in the back. Traveling down a rocky road in Arizona, the woman tried to turn left and flipped the Rhino causing it to roll onto the driver’s side. The woman hit her head on the roll cage and died instantly. Her husband suffered three skull fractures, while their boy was okay.

Continue reading "Rhinos, Rollovers and Death" »

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Posted In: ATV Accidents , Auto Accidents , Auto Product Liability , Personal Injury , Rollover Accident , Wrongful Death

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The city of Palatka is home to approximately 10,804 and has seen a 7.5% jump in population since 2000. As a popular city in Florida, Palatka only has a population density of 1553 people per square mile in its stretch of 6.96 square miles in size, which is fairly low compared to other cities comparable in size. Situated in Putnam County, a little over 20% of Palatka residents both live and work in the city. With such a large amount of people commuting within and outside of Palatka’s area limits, the reliance on privately owned vehicles is evident.

With the amount of vehicles on the road in Palatka in mind, an unfortunate occurrence of accidents, injuries, and death have been known to occur due to defective vehicles. Whether these catastrophic incidents are brought on by disjointed auto manufacturing standards or the negligence of a particular auto maker, the failure of auto parts can have damaging repercussions for drivers and passengers to endure.

One of the most controversial vehicles when it comes to auto product liability is the 15-passenger van. Despite continuous warnings about the risk and inadequacy of 15-passenger vans provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, consumers still buy and use these vehicles. Defective in their design, 15-passenger vans possess a high center of gravity that creates a vulnerability of “fishtailing” and overturning. Tire inflation which can cause a rollover accident is also a major issue of concern with 15-passenger vans.

When a defective vehicle or poorly designed auto part causes innocent people to suffer serious injury, compensation may be sought on their behalf from negligent parties responsible for manufacturing the vehicle or its parts. The experienced Palatka auto product liability attorneys at Farah and Farah have many years of experience helping defective vehicle injury victims in receiving just restitution. Whether you think that your auto accident and resulting injuries were brought on by a defect in a small passenger vehicle, truck, or 15-passenger van, our Florida personal injury lawyers can help. Please contact Farah and Farah today at our Palatka office for a free consultation:

(386) 328-2889
417 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, Florida 32177


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A bicyclist has been in the hospital and recovering for the last six weeks after a hit-and-run driver nearly killed him while riding on his bicycle.

He was on his bike on McCormick Road in Jacksonville, training for a charity ride, the MS 150, in Daytona. But on October 1, two days before the event, he was hit by a truck, pinning his bike against the railing and throwing him in the air. He says he has no recollection of being hit or of the driver speeding off leaving him behind in the road.

Five broken ribs and a broken shoulder blade, three weeks in the hospital, a drug-induced coma, and 40 pounds lighter, the injured bicyclist is happy to be alive. His wife can’t believe someone left her husband in the road to die.

"I was floored by the disregard that someone had for him. As he said, there was ample bicycle lanes, no reason for this to have happened," she said.

McCormick Road has just received its own bike lane just so accidents like this don’t happen. But they do.

Continue reading "Hit and Run Bicyclist Survives to Tell His Story" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Bike Accident , Hit-and-Run Accident , Personal Injury

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Because of Florida’s weather, we are a perfect place for off-road vehicles.

There are two-passenger motorized vehicles designed for drivers 16 and older that look like a golf cart, go a lot faster, and with a roll cage, resemble a miniature Jeep. Known as ROVs or off-road recreational vehicles, the consumer Product Safety Commission has decided that these vehicles have so many potential problems that mandatory rules will be written to oversee the vehicles.

This comes after more than 100 deaths since 2003, many of them teenagers and young children.

The makers of ROVs proposed their own voluntary regulations, but the CPSC says they fell short. The Consumer Federation of America believes that the industry has been dragging its feet even when facing well-documented hazards caused by these products.

Continue reading "Off-Road Vehicle Increased Oversight" »

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Amelia Island, Florida is situated just off the coast of Florida and is a bustling part of Nassau County. Also referred to as the “Isle of Eight Flags”, Amelia Island has a population of approximately 68,437 within 18.2 square miles. As visitors continue to flock to Amelia Island, tourism thrives and many are drawn to desirable camping sites, sailing spots, and the several festivals hosted by the island every year.

Considering the vast number of visitors and residents throughout Amelia Island, accidents, injuries, and even wrongful death take place as a consequence of vehicles that are defective in some way. Whether these incidents occur because of inefficient auto manufacturing standards or the pure negligence of a particular auto maker, the failure of auto components can inflict several harmful circumstances for drivers and passengers to overcome.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has continuously warned consumers against the potential dangers linked to the inefficiency of 15-passenger vans. However, these vehicles are still purchased and used. 15-passenger vans are poorly designed and create a significantly high center of gravity. Thus, the vehicles have a tendency to “fishtail” and overturn. Tire inflation problems also pose serious issues and can cause a rollover accident to take place.

As an auto product liability injury victim, you may be able to receive compensation from negligent parties to help pay for expenses associated with your grievances. The skilled Amelia Island auto product liability attorneys at Farah and Farah have devoted many years to helping defective vehicle injury victims obtain the restitution that they deserve. Whether you think your auto collision and subsequent injuries were caused by a defect in a small passenger vehicle, truck, or 15-passenger van, our personal injury lawyers can help. Contact Farah and Farah today at our Amelia Island office for a free and confidential consultation of your case:

(904) 261-4440
501 Centre St.
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034


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An 18-year-old who struck and killed a pedestrian drove off Monday night only to be caught by the Florida Highway Patrol three hours later. The male teen was taken into custody for leaving the scene of an accident.

The 65-year-old pedestrian from Jacksonville was found unresponsive at the scene of Timuquana Road and Seaboard Avenue where he had been walking on the side of the road. He died at the scene.

Law enforcement had a good clue where to look for the hit-and-run driver because troopers found a portion of a headlight and side-view mirror from a Ford F-150 pickup truck.

No word on how they found the male driver, but it was good work on their part. The teen driver is now jailed with bond set at $100,000.

If hit by a car going 40 mph, a pedestrian has an 85 percent chance of dying, so when striking someone with a car, it is almost certain there is some injury. To leave that pedestrian in the street with no idea of the extent of injuries or to potentially leave a fatally injured person on the road, turns an accident into a crime and in the eyes of the law is very serious. A conviction of a hit-and-run can bring a 15-year prison term.

His lawyer pled to the judge that the teen is a good kid and was planning to attend college and facing a felony charge and years in prison is extreme punishment. That argument may have fallen on deaf ears. Arguing that the teen is not a flight risk appears to be nonsense when describing someone who left the scene of an accident.

Continue reading "Teen Found and Charged in Hit and Run" »

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As the largest town within the Jacksonville Beach community, Jacksonville Beach has an estimated population of 21,849. The population of Jacksonville Beach has grown by 4% since the year 2000. Often called “Jax Beach”, the popular area is a major section of Duval County. In being called home by thousands, Jacksonville Beach also attracts several tourists throughout the year to its beautiful beaches and vast cultural attractions.

With its immense population and large amount of visitors taking to the road and local highways, it is an ill-fated reality that accidents, injuries, and even death take place in Jacksonville Beach due to defective vehicles. Whether these tragic incidents are caused by the negligence of a particular auto maker or auto manufacturing standards that are unorganized, the breakdown of auto components often create detrimental circumstances for drivers and passengers to endure.

At the head of auto product liability concern, the U.S. Department of Transportation has constantly cautioned consumers about the threat and inadequacy of 15-passenger vans. These vehicles are defectively designed due to possessing a high center of gravity which creates a tendency to “fishtail” and overturn. Additionally, 15-passenger vans have demonstrated serious problems with tire inflation which can cause a rollover collision. These accidents may sometimes lead to a roof caving in and seriously injuring anyone within the van.

Those who have been injured by a defective vehicle or poorly designed auto part have legal rights and deserve to receive compensation from negligent parties. The skilled Jacksonville Beach auto product liability lawyers at Farah and Farah have years of experience helping defective vehicle injury victims obtain the restitution that is owed to them. Whether you believe your auto accident and resulting injuries were brought on by a defect in a small passenger vehicle, truck, or 15-passenger van, our personal injury lawyers may be of assistance. Contact Farah and Farah today at our Jacksonville Beach office for a free consultation of your case:

(904) 249-2585
472 Osceola Avenue
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250


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Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has come out with a Legislative wish list for 2010. He clearly stated he is in favor of a ban on texting while driving this upcoming year, adding new momentum for the state Legislature to finally adopt some bill in 2010 after repeated tries in recent years.

At a Cabinet meeting the governor even prodded the head of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to also support a ban.

“We support limiting texting and driving,” Julie Jones said.

The Department of Transportation estimates 6,000 died on the roads last year in part because of distraction from cell phones. It may be a generational issue.

A study by Vingo Corp. of Massachusetts finds that 60 percent of teens admit to at least reading an incoming message while driving. It’s now the primary way teens send messages. An unbelievable 54 percent say they send more than 500 text messages every month, much more use than making a phone call.

In a recent AAA survey, over two-thirds of respondents admitted they had talked on a cell phone and 21 percent admitted to reading or sending a text while driving.

Continue reading "Crist Supports Texting Ban this Leg Session" »

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The city of Jacksonville has a population of about 805,605 and is the most populated city in the state of Florida. Jacksonville is also the 12th most populous city in the U.S. Covering 874.3 square miles in size, Jacksonville is the biggest city in the country for total land area. As more and more people are drawn to the vast culture and lively nature of Jacksonville, the area’s popularity for tourism also increases. Taking the large amount of inhabitants and visitors throughout Jacksonville into consideration, accidents, injuries, and even wrongful death occur as a result of defective vehicles. Some of these incidents take place due to shoddy auto manufacturing standards or the negligence of a specific auto maker. Nevertheless, the failure of auto components can create numerous life-altering effects for drivers and passengers to endure.

One major point of concern for auto product liability and auto defects pertains to 15-passenger vans. Even with the U.S. Department of Transportation issuing warnings for consumers regarding potential dangers associated with the inefficiency of 15-passenger vans, these vehicles are still purchased and used. 15-passenger vans are defectively designed with a notable high center of gravity which creates a propensity to “fishtail” and overturn. Issues with tire inflation are also a serious problem with 15-passenger vans because this can contribute to a rollover collision.

Individuals who have suffered property damage, physical injury, or emotional trauma from an accident involving a poorly designed auto part or defective vehicle have legitimate legal rights. As an auto product liability injury victim, you may be able to receive compensation from negligent parties to help pay for expenses associated with your grievances. The skilled Jacksonville auto product liability lawyers at Farah and Farah have dedicated many years to assisting defective vehicle injury victims in obtaining the restitution that they deserve. Whether you believe your auto collision and resulting injuries were brought on by a defect in a small passenger vehicle, truck, or 15-passenger van, our personal injury attorneys can help. Contact Farah and Farah today at our Jacksonville office for a free and confidential consultation of your case:

(904) 396-5555
10 West Adams Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202


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A St. Johns Circuit Judge has refused to dismiss manslaughter charges against a 51-year-old woman accused of letting teens drink in her house and doing nothing to stop it.

The Judge said that the woman’s actions “set in motion a chain of events” that ended with the January 11 deaths of an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old.

The two St. Johns County teens were leaving a party at the woman’s home. Friends say they were too drunk to get behind the wheel of a 1991 Ford Thunderbird. The car veered off State Road 13 near Orangedale and hit some trees, bursting into flames. Both teens died. The driver’s blood alcohol level was 0.18, more than twice the legal limit.

The woman’s attorney says that allowing someone to leave your home intoxicated does not merit a manslaughter charge and her defense will be that the kids arrived at her house already intoxicated.

But prosecutors say the woman allowed, provided, or encouraged minors to drink alcohol at the house party and smoke marijuana. And they say this was not the first party hosted by this particular woman, according to prosecutors. She is alleged to have hosted parties in September, two in December 2008, as well as the one in January.

Continue reading "Party-House Mom Facing Manslaughter Charges" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , DRAM Shop Law , Drunk Driving Accident , Personal Injury

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Situated within Columbia County, Florida, Lake City is also known as the “Gateway to Florida.” Lake City is a typical stop for travelers on their way to Southern Florida and is a popular tourist destination. The population in Lake City continues to increase and was recently estimated to be about 12,000. Columbia County, where Lake City is located, has approximately 68,000 inhabitants as of 2006. With such an array of residents and visitors taking to the road, it is an unfortunate actuality that accidents, injuries, and even death take place in Lake City as a result of defective vehicles. Some of these tragic incidents are caused by the negligence of a specific auto maker or are caused by inefficient auto manufacturing standards. No matter what the exact cause, the failure of auto parts can inflict serious ramifications on drivers and passengers.

15-passenger vans are a big concern when it comes to auto product liability and defective auto parts. Despite constant warnings from the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the inefficiently and danger of 15-passenger vans, consumers continue to purchase and travel in these vehicles. One of the issues associated with the vans connects to tire inflation which can contribute to a rollover crash. In addition, these vans are defectively designed and have a high center of gravity which can lead to the van “fishtailing” and/or overturning.

Those who have suffered from a defective vehicle or poorly designed auto part in Lake City have valid legal rights and may be able to obtain compensation from negligent groups. The experienced Lake City auto product liability attorneys at Farah and Farah have many years of experience helping defective vehicle injury victims. Whether you believe your auto accident and subsequent injuries were caused by a defect in a small passenger vehicle, truck, or 15-passenger van, our personal injury lawyers can help. Please contact Farah and Farah today at our Lake City office for a free consultation of your case:

(386) 754-7534
212 N. Marion Ave Suite 208
Lake City, FL 32055


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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Auto Product Liability , Personal Injury , Product Liability , Rollover Accident

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Married for 33 years, a couple, both 67-years-old, were looking forward to spending their retirement in the Palm Coast area of Florida between Daytona and Jacksonville. But that was not to be. On November 13, 2009, a Circuit Court jury in Flagler County granted the husband $5.1 million in the wrongful death of his wife. Back in 2006, she was killed instantly in a wreck between her Honda minivan and a fully loaded tractor-trailer. Her husband suffered a pelvic fracture.

The lawyer for the husband presented evidence that the tired trucker ran a stop sign at a well-known, isolated intersection in the southwest part of the county known as Cody’s Corner. The driver of Palatka was driving for McMaster Sod LLC of Bunnell, Florida.

An attorney argued that the county shared part of the fault for the accident because there was poor signage at the intersection, and there were worn rumble strips just before the stop sign. But the jury didn’t agree, placing 60 percent of the blame on the trucker, and 40 percent on McMaster and no blame on the county.

Some of the most compelling evidence included a Valentine’s card from the first year of the the couple’s marriage that said, “Our happiness is our wealth.”

Our hearts go out to the widower for his loss. No amount of money will replace his wife, whom he obviously adored.

Unfortunately, we are hearing more often about tired truck drivers. With the cost of fuel going up, and jobs scarce, many drivers are pushing beyond the legal limits on time behind the wheel and hiding those hours by keeping a second set of books so they are not fined. Then there are the added distractions on the road today. To stay in touch with their dispatchers and family, the cab of a truck is often filled with electronics so the driver doesn’t have to stop.

Continue reading "Widower Awarded $5 Million for Trucking Accident" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Truck Accident , Wrongful Death

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Police said a work truck struck a private ambulance on the exit ramp of Interstate 95 to the Main Street Bridge on Tuesday morning, snarling traffic to downtown for more than four hours and starting a chain-reaction involving five vehicles that resulted in five injuries.

Initially, a three-car crash in Florida happened around 10:20 a.m. Then, according to police, a paint company truck exiting I-95 struck an ambulance at the site.

"That caused the Century Ambulance to go out of control," Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Lt. R.A. Hartville said. "The pickup truck and the ambulance then, both out of control, struck the rear of the police car as well as one of the occupants of the prior crash."

It was bad news for the patient inside the ambulance when it turned over onto its side. The driver, patient, and two paramedics had to be transported to the hospital with injuries. The driver of the ambulance had to be cut from the cab by Jacksonville Fire-Rescue.

Continue reading "Five Vehicle Wreck" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury

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A 42-year-old St. Augustine, Florida woman was killed Friday night after authorities say she walked in front of a moving car. She was crossing Florida 207 when she was hit by a Honda sedan about 6:20 p.m. The driver was identified as a 55-year-old female from St. Augustine by the Florida Highway Patrol.

In a separate pedestrian accident in Florida about an hour later, a man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries Friday night after he was hit by a car in Northwest Jacksonville. The unidentified man was standing near the center of West Moncrief Road near Raines Avenue waiting for the traffic to clear, said the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Then the driver said the man just darted into traffic about 7:30 p.m. where he was hit. The man was taken to Shands Jacksonville hospital. Charges will not be filed against the driver.

On Tuesday, a pedestrian was struck and killed by an SUV at the rain-drenched intersection of North Main Street near 53rd Street. Police say the man was trying to cross the street when he walked in front of the vehicle.

The Times-Union reports the man’s relative identified him and that he didn’t have a car and walked everywhere he went. He later died at the hospital. No charges have been filed in that case.

Our condolences go out to the family members of these pedestrians, who have every right to cross a street as a car does to drive down one. We are sorry for your loss.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, in 2005 there were 576 pedestrians killed in the state, nearly 8,000 crashes that injured pedestrians and 8,626 pedestrian crashes.

Continue reading "Three Pedestrians Hit in Separate Accidents" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Orange Park, Florida is a prominent suburb of Jacksonville situated in Northeast Clay County. Located south of Jacksonville, Orange Park possesses a dynamic community full of culture and history. Orange Park’s population exceeds 180,000 and has a high population density. In addition to those who call Orange Park home, several visitors and passerby traverse along the local streets and highways in Orange Park.

Within its vast region, residents of Orange Park greatly depend on privately owned autos to get around. With its large population taking to the road, it is an ill-fated reality that accidents, injuries, and even death occur in Orange Park as a consequence of defective vehicles. Some of these catastrophic accidents are brought on by the negligence of a specific auto maker or are caused by disjointed auto manufacturing standards. No matter what the cause, the failure of auto parts can impose life-altering repercussions on drivers and passengers.

One of the most questionable modes of transportation when it comes to auto product liability is the 15-passenger van. Despite continuous words of caution from the U.S. Department of Transportation warning about the inefficiently and danger of 15-passenger vans, consumers continue to purchase and travel in these vehicles. One of the problems associated with the vans relates to tire inflation which can lead to a rollover accident. Also, these vans are defectively designed with a high center of gravity that can lead to the van “fishtailing” and/or overturning.

Those who have suffered from a defective vehicle or poorly designed auto part have legal rights and may be able to acquire compensation from negligent groups. The skilled Orange Park auto product liability lawyers at Farah and Farah have many years of experience helping defective vehicle injury victims. Whether you believe your auto accident and consequent injuries were brought on by a defect in a small passenger vehicle, truck, or 15-passenger van, our personal injury lawyers can assist you. Contact Farah and Farah today at our Orange Park office for a free consultation of your case:

(904) 264-0700
1534 Kingsley Avenue
Orange Park, Florida 32073


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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Auto Product Liability , Personal Injury , Product Liability , Rollover Accident

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If you are driving a Toyota, I hope you are aware of what is going on.

Last month, Toyota announced it was planning its largest recall ever of nearly four million vehicles over the issue of loose floor mats that may be interfering with the accelerator pedal, causing the car to speed out of control.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted an investigation into a high profile crash in California and is raising questions as to whether the floor mats are the only culprit in Toyota and Lexus models.

Last August, a Lexus ES 350, speeding out of control, killed an off-duty California Highway Patrol Officer, his wife, their daughter, and brother-in-law. All four died when the 2009 Lexus in which they were riding, a loaner car from the dealer, plummeted over an embankment in suburban San Diego at more than 100 mph before it burst into flames. The family was able to contact a 9-1-1- operator to say they couldn’t stop the ES 350. The brother-in-law, said the Lexus had no brakes.

Bob Carter, Toyota’s U.S. brand chief told the annual Reuters Summit recently said that speculation about a troubled fuel delivery system, braking, or runaway accelerator system is inaccurate.

"There's no evidence to support any of that," Carter said, adding that the automaker was working closely with the U.S. government to address the planned recall of up to 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles reports Reuters.

Since then, Toyota has warned consumers to remove the driver-side floor mats from eight Toyota models as a safety precaution, including the Prius.

These models are affected by this consumer alert:

• 2007-2010 Camry


• 2005-2010 Avalon


• 2004-2009 Prius


• 2005-2010 Tacoma


• 2007-2010 Tundra


• 2007-2010 ES 350


• 2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350

Continue reading "Toyota's Ongoing Problems" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Auto Product Liability , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Product Liability , Wrongful Death

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Home to the longest-standing port in the continental U.S., the city of St. Augustine is often called “the nation’s oldest city.” Surrounded by beautiful beaches and museums, St. Augustine is home to approximately 12,157 residents and caters to many visitors passing through Northern Florida. As a well traversed area, St. Augustine is situated 60 miles north of Daytona Beach just 5 miles east of Interstate 95, and 40 miles south of Jacksonville.

With the immense population of St. Augustine taking to the road and local highways, it is an unfortunate reality that accidents, injuries, and even death take place due to defective vehicles. Whether these catastrophic incidents are brought on by incompetent auto manufacturing standards or the negligence of a particular auto maker, the failure of auto components can impose many negative consequences on drivers and passengers.

15-passenger vans are one of the most controversial vehicles when it comes to auto product liability issues. The U.S. Department of Transportation has repeatedly warned consumers about potential dangers associated with the inefficiency of 15-passenger vans. These vehicles are improperly designed in that they have a particularly high center of gravity which creates a propensity to “fishtail” and overturn. Problems with tire inflation are also an issue of concern with 15-passenger vans because this can contribute to a rollover accident.

Anyone who has endured injury due to a defective vehicle or poorly designed auto part has legal rights and may be able to obtain recompense from negligent parties based on auto product obligations under the law. The experienced St. Augustine auto product liability attorneys at Farah and Farah have devoted many years to helping defective vehicle injury victims receive the restitution that they deserve. Whether you believe your auto accident and subsequent injuries were caused by a defect in a small passenger vehicle, truck, or 15-passenger van, our personal injury attorneys can help. Contact Farah and Farah today at our St. Augustine office for a free and confidential consultation of your case:

(904) 797-7977
1301 Plantation Island Drive
Suite 206A
St. Augustine, Florida 32080


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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Auto Product Liability , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Product Liability , Rollover Accident

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A 25-year-old Orange park woman lost her life on I-95 Saturday and it was a scene we’ve seen all too often.

The Florida Highway Patrol reports that the woman was heading south on Interstate 95 in Flagler County when she lost control of her 1999 Ford Explorer SUV and crashed Saturday afternoon around 3:15 p.m. The FHP report says that the woman changed lanes to pass slow traffic and that’s when she moved to the shoulder of the road and lost control of the vehicle rolling it several times. The woman was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the Explorer and taken to Halifax Hospital where she was pronounced dead. No one else was reported to be in the SUV and no other vehicles were involved in the auto accident in Florida.

Our hearts go out to the family of this young woman whose life was cut short too soon. This accident never should have happened and I wish we could turn back time for the woman who lost her life.

When I read about this accident I was reminded of the Ford Explorer SUV that was overloaded with young people on the last day of school in June 2009. When a tire blew as the kids from Ed White High School were on their way to the beach, the driver lost control of the Explorer and with none of his passengers wearing their seat belts; all were ejected. Four teens lost their lives that day. That horrific accident is being blamed, at least partially, on the tire which blew out.

An accident investigator is going to want to check the tires on the vehicle involved in the Flagler County accident. There may be a cause of legal action if indeed the tire is determined to be the reason the woman lost control of her vehicle.

The second problem is the earlier model of Ford Explorer.

Continue reading "I-95 Accident Kills Young Woman" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Auto Product Liability , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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The city of Brunswick is situated in southeastern Georgia approximately 30 miles north of Florida. Brunswick is well-known for a variety of reasons, a few of which include being home to the fourth-largest automobile port in the eastern United States and being the center of Georgia’s shrimp and crab industries. Brunswick’s estimated population was 16,235 in 2007 and it had a metropolitan population of 101,792.

In encompassing the twelfth-largest metropolitan area in the state of Georgia, Brunswick residents rely heavily on personally owned automobiles as transport throughout the vast counties of Glynn, Brantley, and McIntosh. With its immense population taking to the road and local highways, it is an unfortunate actuality that accidents, injuries, and even death take place in Brunswick due to defective vehicles. Whether these tragic incidents are caused by incoherent auto manufacturing standards or the negligence of a specific auto maker, the failure of auto components can have detrimental consequences on drivers and passengers.

At the forefront of auto product liability problems, the U.S. Department of Transportation has continually warned consumers about the danger and inefficiency of 15-passenger vans. These vehicles are defectively designed in that they have a high center of gravity which provides a propensity to “fishtail” and overturn. 15-passenger vans also have shown issues with tire inflation which can lead to a rollover accident.

Individuals who have suffered injury due to a defective vehicle or poorly designed auto part have rights and may be able to seek compensation from negligent parties based on auto product obligations under the law. The skilled Brunswick Georgia auto product liability lawyers at Farah and Farah have acquired many years of experience assisting defective vehicle injury victims in obtaining the restitution that they deserve. Whether you believe your auto accident and subsequent injuries were caused by a defect in a small passenger vehicle, truck, or 15-passenger van, our personal injury attorneys can help. Contact Farah and Farah today at our Brunswick, Georgia office for a free consultation of your case:

(912) 466-8896
4216 Coral Park Drive
Suite 107
Brunswick, GA 31520

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Auto Product Liability , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Product Liability , Rollover Accident

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A 17-year-old lost his life early Sunday morning in a three-car accident involving two other teen drivers.

The teen was traveling eastbound on Butler Boulevard at San Pablo Road near the beaches when his car swiped the side of another car that had hit a concrete barrier and was stopped on the side of the road. The driver’s passenger suffered serious injuries and the condition of another passenger was not reported.

Our condolences go out to the teen’s family. Motor vehicle accidents continue to be the leading cause of death among the young. We wish the surviving passengers a speedy recovery.

The Florida Highway Patrol reports that the teen was not wearing a seat belt, while his other passenger was. The third it is uncertain.

All of this happened after an 18-year-old of Jacksonville lost control of her eastbound car and struck the concrete barrier. She and her passenger luckily got out of the car and ran to the side of the road before the car was hit by the oncoming car. They were wearing seat belts and were not injured. A third car, also driven by a teen a 19-year-old of Jacksonville, struck the 18-year-old’s car. It was the two car pile-up into which the 17-year-old drove into at 1:30 Sunday morning.

Young and inexperienced drivers, out late, not wearing seat belts, and likely traveling at excessive speed. Is it any wonder that automobile accidents in Jacksonville and throughout the State of Florida are the leading cause of death for young drivers?

Continue reading "17-Year-Old Dies in Sunday Morning Crash" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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With a population of about 10,800 as of July 2007 estimates, Palatka, Florida has a population density of about 1,553 people located within its 6.96 square mile, city limits. Located in Putnam County, Palatka is a city of commuter residents, with only about 20% of its residents both living and working within the city limits. As such, traffic in Palatka is an issue that all residents have to deal with. Unfortunately, with such an influx of traffic entering and exiting Palatka, vehicular accidents are bound to occur. Motorcycle accidents are one type of accident in particular that afflicts a large number of motorists each year. Fortunately though, a skilled Palatka motorcycle accident attorney can assist an injured individual with all aspects of their personal injury case.

More often than they do in passenger car accidents, catastrophic injuries can render motorcycle accident victims forever impaired. When catastrophic accidents result in brain injury, injured motorists can experience significant setbacks. Hospital fees, physical therapy costs, and even wages lost, both past and future, may be sought from negligent parties that caused the accident. In such instances, it is critical that experienced Palatka brain injury attorneys are consulted so as to protect the rights of injured motorists in a court of law.

If you have been injured in a Palatka motorcycle accident, legal help is available. Don’t hesitate to contact the personal injury law firm of Farah and Farah. Our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys will examine the circumstances of your accident, and will see to it that your rights are not trampled upon in a court of law. If your injuries are catastrophic, our Palatka brain injury lawyers will seek compensatory damages on your behalf to help assist with the costs associated with your accident. If you are injured in Palatka, please contact Farah and Farah for a free consultation of your injury case:

(386) 328-2889
417 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, Florida 32177


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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Brain Injury , Law & Information , Motorcycle Accident , Personal Injury

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A 12-year-old boy lost his life last Saturday afternoon in Palm Bay, Florida in a tragic accident.
The boy was riding as a passenger in a go-kart that was traveling about 30 miles per hour down a dirt road when he was ejected. The go-kart was being driven by a 16-year-old who apparently lost control after avoiding a hole in the road. Another passenger was injured when the go-kart flipped.

A witness called 911 but on the way to the hospital the 12-year-old boy went into cardiac arrest and could not be revived, according to an investigator who arrived at the scene.

Our prayers go out to the family of this young boy who lost his life in a senseless accident. His classmates report that he was in fourth grade and will be greatly missed.

We so often see young people who lose their lives when involved in accidents involving wheels. Scooters, ATVs, and mini-bikes all have the power to go at a high rate of speed and cause permanent traumatic brain injury to a child when he falls off. There is little training to drive a go-kart and helmets are rarely used.

Just this month, a 9-year-old suffered severe burns and lost all ten fingers in a go-kart accident at Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter, Florida. His go-kart flipped over and burst into flames after it allegedly hit some uneven pavement. In that case, the boy’s family has filed a negligence suit against the track for failing to maintain its surface and have fire extinguishers or emergency phones on hand. The boy is lucky to be alive as he was pulled from the burning wreckage.

In August, a 13-year-old also lost his life in a Miami accident when his go-kart was hit by an SUV on a public roadway.

Motorized go-karts are not licensed or equipped to be used on public roadways in Florida. The driver was not cited.

Continue reading "Florida Go-Cart Accident Kills Fourth Grader" »

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Posted In: ATV Accidents , Auto Accidents , Personal Injury , Product Liability , Wrongful Death

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The push is on to ban texting while driving in Florida, one of 32 states where it is still legal to do so. AAA Auto Club is calling for a nationwide ban so that Florida can join 18 states where the practice is illegal.

Expect the 2010 legislative session to have at least two bills introduced by Florida lawmakers. Once again for the third year, Sen. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton plans to push for a prohibition on texting while driving when the legislature convenes in March. And Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota has filed HB 41 for the 2010 session to address the practice.

So far a ban has been unsuccessful and it’s beginning to be not only embarrassing for Florida, but more important, deadly. Five bills to ban the practice were filed in 2007 and in 2009, 11 bills were sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate, but thanks to some pretty heavy lobbying, none passed. The Miami Herald calls the Florida Legislature the handmaiden to the telecommunications industry.

You would think after what happened to Heather Hurd, Florida would wake up. Heather’s Law, as it’s been proposed, is named after one of two Polk County women who was killed in an eight-car pileup caused by a tractor-trailer driver who was texting.

While the Florida Highway Patrol does not have a way to tally up those who die in the state from texting thought the state is beginning to reformat its crash reports to include that information. The best estimate was that in 2008, 15 people were killed in Florida and 1,400 were injured by distracted drivers.

Continue reading "Texting Ban in Florida Finally Considered" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A crash Tuesday night has left one 20-year-old dead and hospitalized two others in the San Jose area of Jacksonville. A man was riding in a sedan when his vehicle was T-boned by a van about 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of Old Kings Road and St. Augustine Road.

The man died at Shands-Jacksonville. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family.

T-bone crashes occur fairly often. In this case, the vehicle had turned left and into the path of the van. The van’s driver had minor injuries as did the vehicle driver.

Generally in a t-bone accident someone has run a light or stop sign at a fairy good speed. These can be the most devastating accidents. More often than not there are fatalities involved because the side of the vehicle has less protection than the front or rear.

The moving violation brings a $204 fine.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says of the 13 crash types identified, running traffic control accounts for 22 percent of all crashes that led to occupant injuries in 45 percent of red-light running crashes, compared to 30 percent in other types of crashes.

Continue reading "San Jose Fatal Crash" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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The “Isle of Eight Flags” is home to Amelia City and Fernandina Beach, and is more commonly known as Amelia Island. Housing a population of a little more than 68,000 people, Amelia Island, Florida is part of the Sea Islands and is 18.2 square miles in land size. With tourism as the island’s main economic source, a large number of tourists and beach-goers visit Amelia Island each year.

Those unfamiliar with Amelia Island’s roads may not exercise the most cautious driving practices while visiting. While all vehicular accidents are dangerous, those involving motorcycles pose an even greater chance of injury occurring, particularly to a motorcyclist that does not have the luxury of being confined within the framework of a car to protect against impact. When such accidents occur, it is essential that an Amelia Island motorcycle accident lawyer is promptly consulted in order to ensure that the rights of the motorcyclist are not infringed upon as an accident victim.

Injuries resulting from vehicular accidents can range from minor bruises to catastrophic brain injury. While it is the hope that no one is injured during an accident, catastrophic injury afflicts motorists all too often, particularly motorcyclists. Such injuries can be life altering, especially brain injuries, and can seriously impair an individual’s ability to lead the life he or she had become accustomed to prior to the incident. When brain injury or any other catastrophic injury does occur, it is critical that an Amelia Island brain injury attorney is consulted to ensure that the negligent party responsible for the accident is held accountable for playing a detrimental role in causing injury.

If you have been injured in an Amelia Island accident while riding your motorcycle, don’t hesitate to contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at the personal injury law firm of Farah and Farah. Our skilled attorneys will examine the circumstances of your accident, and will see to it that your rights are not trampled upon in a court of law. If your injuries are catastrophic, our Amelia Island brain injury lawyers will seek compensatory damages on your behalf to help assist with the costs associated with your accident. If injured, please contact Farah and Farah at our Amelia Island office today for a free consultation of your injury case:

(904) 261-4440
501 Centre St.
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034


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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Brain Injury , Motorcycle Accident , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has a new Web site to focus on the state’s most at-risk drivers – teenagers.

Gov. Crist attended a Teen Driver Safety Summit this week where teen drivers and law enforcement exchanged ideas on how to create the safest possible driving environment for your young drivers.

Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the number one killer of teens. While teens make up six percent of drivers, they are involved in 14 percent of fatal crashes.

The Department has development a driving guide and Web site for parents and teens to use as a resource. The new web site is www.flhsmv.gov/teens.

It describes the state’s graduated license law and offers a log where drivers can add up their minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving before they get their license. TakeTheWheel.net is a Web site by teens that talks to teenagers in an interactive forum for teens to share their driving experiences.

Inexperience behind the wheel, a feeling of invincibility, alcohol, not wearing seat belts – all contribute to the high teen death rate behind the wheel.

The Department reports that the crash rate for teenagers 15 to 19 is 399 per 10,000 drivers, twice as high as their parents, and three to four times higher than their grandparents.That may surprise some.

Continue reading "Teen Driver Safety Week" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury

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Like most coastal locales, Jacksonville Beach, Florida is a popular tourist location that attracts a large number of visitors each year. With a year-round population just shy of 22,000 as of July 2007, Jax Beach has seen a steady increase in its number of residents each year. Only 7.7 miles in land size, Jax Beach can quickly become congested with residents and visitors, particularly its roadways.

With so many people visiting Jacksonville Beach each year, multiple modes of transportation are often incorporated by motorists. Motorcycle travel is especially popular, especially while traveling along a picturesque coast. However, many motorists may not grant some motorcyclists the roadway respect that they rightfully deserve. Furthermore, with dangerous driving practices, such as illegal lane sharing, motorists absolutely have to be vigilant while operating their larger motor vehicles. When motorcycle accidents take place as a result of another driver’s negligence, a skilled Jacksonville Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can help injured victims seek compensation for property damage, medical bills, treatment, and many other expenses brought on by a serious injury.

When motorcycle accidents occur, the potential for catastrophic injury is generally much greater for the motorcyclist than it is for the driver of a passenger car or other larger vehicle. Accidents can be devastating to a motorcyclist, resulting in severe consequences such as a brain injury. With nothing more than a helmet protecting a motorcyclist, the likelihood of such an injury occurring is significant, and the probability that a motorcyclist’s life will be forever altered is likely.

Personal injury sustained during vehicular accidents can be overwhelming, regardless of the type of vehicles involved. Luckily, the motorcycle accident attorneys at the personal injury law firm of Farah and Farah will examine the circumstances of your accident, and will hold negligent parties responsible for your accident accountable for their actions. If you have sustained catastrophic injuries, our brain injury lawyers will see to it that your rights are not infringed upon in a court of law. If you have been injured, please contact Farah and Farah at our Jacksonville Beach office for a free evaluation of your injury case:

(904) 249 2585
472 Osceola Avenue
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250


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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Brain Injury , Motorcycle Accident , Personal Injury

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You’re driving down the road and suddenly something flies off the truck giving you a split second to avoid hitting it.That’s what happened Monday afternoon in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 295.

One vehicle was heading north when it failed to avoid hitting a ladder in the roadway. It then veered toward and across the median near Duval Road, striking two cars, one of them head-on. The driver, a 30-year-old man, was taken to Shands Hospital and is in critical condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with this injured man and his family.

It takes less than five minutes to strap down and double check a ladder, but for this man, it may take a lifetime for him to recover from his injuries. As is the case for any auto accident victim, this man and his family may want to consult with an auto accident lawyer in Jacksonville to see if they qualify to obtain the compensation they may need to help pay for expenses brought on by the accident.

A very similar incident occurred on the Buckman Bridge several years ago when a ladder fell from a truck causing a collision that left one person dead. In that case, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the owner of the vehicle that failed to secure the ladder properly.

It is not uncommon to see debris on our roadways – everything from furniture to construction to garbage. This is almost always due to a failure to properly secure loads on flat-bed or pickup trucks. It can cause you to take evasive action or even smash through a windshield or flatten tires.

Nationally, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that there were 25,217 crashes in the United States directly related to road debris. Of those crashes, 8,012 involved injury to the occupants and 76 were fatal.

Continue reading "Debris Causes Multi-Car Collision on I-295" »

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Jacksonville, Florida is the 12th most populated city in the United States. Housing a little more than 800,000 people at the time of the 2007 U.S. Census, Jacksonville is one of the more popular points of interest in Florida. With a total area of 874.3 square miles, Jacksonville hosts a nice mix of residents, vacationers, and passers-through each and every year.

Commuting in Jacksonville is essential for a variety of reasons. Residents may find themselves commuting to work, vacationers may find themselves commuting to a tourist spot, and passers-through may simply travel over Jacksonville roads while on the way to another location. Regardless, Jacksonville’s roads and highways can be congested places, and alternative methods to traditional automobile travel are often adopted by numerous individuals. Motorcycle travel is one such method of alternative transportation in Jacksonville, and when motorcyclists are injured due to another motorist’s negligence, the cyclist may need the legal advice and assistance of a skilled Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyer.

At Farah and Farah, we understand that the results of a vehicular accident involving a motorcycle can be catastrophic. Motorcyclists do not have the luxury of being surrounded by the reinforced confines of a car, and their direct exposure to impact can lead to grave injury, such as a brain injury, that may leave the individual forever impaired. This is why our experienced Jacksonville brain injury attorneys are also available to assist any brain injury victim who was injured by another person’s negligence, whether in a motorcycle accident or in another type of accident.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Jacksonville or have suffered a brain injury, don’t hesitate to contact the personal injury law firm of Farah and Farah. If your injuries are catastrophic, our brain injury lawyers will examine the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine where negligent action played a contributing role towards your injury. Please contact Farah and Farah at our Jacksonville office for a free consultation of your motorcycle accident or brain injury case:

(904) 396-5555
10 West Adams Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202


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Often referred to as the “Gateway to Florida,” Lake City is located in Columbia County and has become a much desired tourist attraction as well as a stop for those on their way to Southern Florida. Lake City has a population of approximately 12,000 and is situated in a county whose population is only increasing (Columbia County has close to 68,000 inhabitants as of 2006). Within its densely populated area, Lake City comes into contact with its degree of motorcycle accidents as a result of negligent motorists failing to see motorcyclists on the road. When another driver’s negligence causes a motorcyclist to suffer catastrophic injuries, the motorcyclist may be able to seek compensation with the assistance of a skilled Lake City motorcycle accident attorney.

Motorcycle collisions in Lake City can have serious repercussions on a motorcyclist, drastically affecting an injured victim’s quality of life for many years. Brain injuries are one of the most frequent afflictions that affect motorcyclists. The experienced brain injury attorneys at Farah and Farah have been assisting motorcycle victims and other personal injury victims obtain the compensation they need to receive proper medical attention and rehabilitative care after a brain injury.

At Farah and Farah, our personal injury law firm has an invaluable pool of resources and legal knowledge that you need to reach a successful outcome in your injury case. To find out how we may be able to help you receive compensation for pain and suffering, loss of wages, medical treatment, and much more, contact us today. For a free and confidential consultation of your injury case in Lake City, call Farah and Farah at our Lake City office:

(386) 754-7534
212 N. Marion Ave Suite 208
Lake City, FL 32055


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She will spend the next four years in prison for DUI manslaughter. Many are saying she got off lucky. It was bad enough when last April, the 25-year-old woman side-swiped a van on I-295 near San Jose Boulevard. But instead of staying at the scene of the early morning wreck, police say she drove away.

She might have gotten away with it, but when she left the scene, she kept driving and then lost control of her pickup truck on Crown Point Road and struck a tree. As often happens with people who are driving while under the influence of alcohol, she was uninjured, but her 30-year-old male passenger died at the scene. Despite the death of her passenger, the woman took off on foot and was eventually tracked down by K-9 teams.

The woman pled guilty to DUI manslaughter. This week she was sentenced.

We wonder how the family of her passenger feels about her four years behind bars. According to state guidelines, the woman could have received 15 years for a felony in the second degree. Leaving the scene, in this case twice, bumps the sentencing to a first degree felony.

The driver of any vehicle involved in a crash that results in the death of any person is required by Florida law 316.027 to immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash or as close as possible, and remain at the scene.

You are required to stay and render aid and give information to any officer investigating the scene and to give aid to anyone injured at the scene including getting them to a doctor or hospital if that is requested by the injured person.

Continue reading "DUI Hit-and-Run Driver Sentenced" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Hit-and-Run Accident , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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California will begin testing a requirement that drivers convicted of DUI install a device in their vehicle that stops the car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver. The driver’s breath gives him away. A breathalyzer will be installed in the car for five months under the law. Any detection of alcohol and the interlock device will keep the car from starting, even a small amount of alcohol. This is a six-year test pilot project.

A similar law went into effect in Florida in 2003, mandating that some drunken drivers have the ignition interlock device installed in their car.

Florida’s legal intoxication blood-alcohol level is 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more per 210 liters of breath.

Repeat DUI offenders and first-time offenders with a BAC over .15 would have to install the devices. The law would also apply to those who drove under the influence with a child in the car.

The law states that the lock will be installed for six months for first offenders and the lock will not allow the car to start unless the driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) is under 0.05.

With a second conviction, the driver must have an ignition interlock device operated or owned by the convicted person. A third conviction and they get a mandatory placement for a period of not less than two years. A third violation can bring you up to 12 months in jail and the mandatory placement for at least two years. Fines go up from there.

The law also states that for a third or subsequent violation, the offender must complete a DUI treatment course.

If you are pulled over and you do not have an approved interlock device, you will be subject to arrest for violating your driver’s license restriction.

Continue reading "Ignition Devices Could Stop Repeat DUI Offenders" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Law & Information , Personal Injury

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Located in Northeast Clay County, Orange Park is a suburb of Jacksonville situated just south of Jacksonville, Florida. As a lively community rich in history and culture, Orange Park has a great deal to offer. Clay County, which Orange Park is located in, is also a bustling region of Florida. With a population in excess of 180,000 and a high population density, hundreds of residents and visitors take part in the pleasure and thrill of riding motorcycles. Similar to many densely populated cities, Orange Park is not immune to motorcycle accidents that are caused by negligent motorists failing to yield to motorcyclists or even see them on the road.

At Farah and Farah, our skilled Orange Park motorcycle injury lawyers have devoted many years to protecting the rights of motorcycle accident victims. When another driver’s negligence causes a motorcyclist to suffer serious injuries, the motorcyclist may be able to seek compensation to help pay for loss of wages, pain and suffering, medical treatment, and many other financial burdens brought on by a serious injury.

Motorcycle accidents in St. Augustine can have catastrophic repercussions on a motorcyclist, significantly affecting an injured victim’s quality of life for many years, if not indefinitely. Brain injuries are one of the most recurrent injuries that affect motorcyclists when collisions take place. The experienced brain injury attorneys at Farah and Farah have been assisting motorcycle victims and other personal injury victims receive the compensation they require to obtain appropriate medical care and rehabilitative attention after a brain injury.

To learn more about how the attorneys at Farah and Farah may be able to help you receive compensation for the physical suffering, emotional grief, or property damage caused by your motorcycle accident or brain injury accident, contact us at our Orange Park office for a free and confidential consultation of your injury case:

(904) 264-0700
1534 Kingsley Avenue
Orange Park, Florida 32073


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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Brain Injury , Law & Information , Motorcycle Accident , Personal Injury

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St Johns County Sheriff’s Officer, Col. Art May of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Department says he is seeing it more and more. Often it presents as a swerving car. In the past, he would have pulled the driver over assuming they were drunk.

These days he quickly ascertains more often than not that the driver is texting.

Now the St Johns County Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with the AAA Auto Club South. It developed the idea of getting businesses involved to sign a safe-driving pledge to guarantee their employees will not text and drive.

Chamber President Robin Burchfield feels it is a natural to represent businesses in the community in a positive way.

The movement is not limited to Jacksonville. All of the chambers in Florida will be invited to join in the effort to get businesses to sign the no-texting-while-driving pledge.

Ultimately AAA hopes to put pressure on the Florida Legislature to finally pass a law that bans texting while behind the wheel. At the present time it is legal for drivers to text and drive, but an officer like May can cite you for careless driving.

So far no bills have passed in the Legislature and though one was introduced this year, lawmakers adjourned without voting. Expect it to come back again in 2010 when the session convenes on March 2, including Heather’s Law which would prohibit the use of handheld cell phone while driving.

Continue reading "Florida Focus on Dangers of Texting While Driving" »

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