Jacksonville Personal Injury Blog

A 55-year-old Kissimmee man died Sunday afternoon when he lost control of the motorcycle he was driving. The St. Petersburg Times reports the accident happened just west of Brooksville near B.W. Stevenson Road. According to the Florida High Patrol, the man was traveling east on Cortez Boulevard. He lost control of his 2000 Harley-Davidson motorcycle on a curve, hitting a concrete median and a reflective pole before the bike left the highway. The man was thrown from the motorcycle. Hernando County Fire Rescue pronounced him dead at the scene. The FHP said the man was not wearing a helmet. It’s unknown whether alcohol was a factor in the accident.

Our condolences for the loss of this man go out to his family and friends.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to Florida Highway Patrol statistics from 2008, there were 9,618 motorcycle crashes that year. 17.8% of all traffic fatalities affected motorcycle drivers and their passengers. While the number of these fatalities was down from 2007 by 3.3%, 532 motorcyclists and passengers were killed in 2008. 45% of those victims were not wearing helmets.

Helmets Save Lives
In July, 2000, the State of Florida passed a law exempting adult motorcyclists (21 and older) from wearing helmets as long as they had medical insurance in the amount of $10,000. According to a study published in 2004 in the American Journal of Public Health, motorcycle occupant fatalities increased by more than 20% the year after the law was changed. Study author, Andreas Muller, PhD, concludes that “exempting adult motorcycle riders from wearing motorcycle helmets is counterproductive for motorcyclists’ health and unnecessarily increases insurance and medical care expenses.”

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed in Brooksville" »

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

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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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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Brain Injury , Motorcycle Accident , 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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The prominent community of St. Augustine boasts being home to the oldest port in the continental United States and finds itself often referred to as “the nation’s oldest city.” The estimated population of St. Augustine was 12,157 in 2004. With its museums that reflect life of the early Spanish explorers who settled in St. Augustine, beautiful beaches and classic architecture, the city continues to attract numerous tourists in Northern Florida. Considering that St. Augustine is situated approximately 40 miles south of Jacksonville and 60 miles north of Daytona Beach just 5 miles east of Interstate 95, one can only imagine just how many residents and passersby traverse through the area.

With a region that encompasses such a vast area and a population that is only increasing, St. Augustine experiences its share 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 serious injuries, the motorcyclist may be able to seek compensation with the help of an experienced St. Augustine motorcycle accident lawyer.

Motorcycle accidents in St. Augustine can have catastrophic repercussions on a motorcyclist, significantly affecting an injured victim’s quality of life for his or her remaining years. Brain injuries are one of the most frequent calamities that motorcyclists endure, even when a helmet is worn. The skilled brain injury lawyers at Farah and Farah have been helping motorcycle victims and other personal injury victims obtain the compensation they need to receive proper medical attention and rehabilitative care after a brain injury.

The attorneys at Farah and Farah have been protecting the rights of motorcycle and brain injury victims, as well as many other personal injury victims, for over 25 years. Our firm has an invaluable pool of resources and legal knowledge that you need to obtain a successful resolution of your injury case. To find out how we may be able to help you receive compensation for loss of wages, pain and suffering, medical treatment, and much more, contact us today. For a free and confidential consultation of your injury case in St. Augustine, call Farah and Farah at our St. Augustine office:

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


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

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Located about thirty miles north of Florida, the city of Brunswick is situated in southeastern Georgia. Nicknamed “the shrimp capital of the world,” the area is also well-known for being the center of Georgia’s shrimp and crab industries. Home to the fourth-largest automobile port in the eastern United States, the city's economy encompasses agricultural processing, manufacturing, and bulk cargoes. In 2007, the city proper had an approximate population of 16,235 and an estimated metropolitan population of 101,792.

Brunswick’s metropolitan area is the twelfth-largest in the state of Georgia and includes the counties of Glynn, Brantley, and McIntosh. With a region that encompasses such a large area and a population that is on the rise, a handful of residents and visitors alike who ride motorcycles may find themselves involved in a motorcycle accident at no fault of their own. When another driver’s negligence causes a motorcyclist to suffer serious injuries, the motorcyclist may be able to seek compensation with the help of a skilled Brunswick, Georgia motorcycle accident attorney.

Motorcycle accidents in Georgia can have devastating consequences on a motorcyclist, greatly influencing an injured victim’s life forever. Brain injuries are one of the most common calamities that motorcyclists suffer, even when a helmet is used. At Farah and Farah, our experienced brain injury lawyers have been assisting motorcycle victims and other personal injury victims in receiving the compensation they need to receive adequate medical attention so that the road to rehabilitation after a brain injury can be a smooth one.

In devoting over 25 years to assisting injury victims, the dedicated and aggressive attorneys at Farah and Farah are prepared to take on any motorcycle accident or traumatic brain injury case. All you have to do is call. For a free and confidential consultation of your injury case in Georgia, call Farah and Farah at our Brunswick, Georgia office:

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

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

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This is a story that is quite controversial in Jacksonville and raises some interesting issues.
When a DUI crash injures the driver permanently, confining him to a life in a wheelchair, should he be charged with DUI? And although it shouldn’t matter, the person in question happens to be the son of a Chief Judge.

The 25-year-old driver was driving toward Jacksonville Beach last December, when he tried to exit off J. Turner Butler Boulevard onto the Marsh Landing Parkway exit. The young man flipped his truck and he was ejected from the vehicle. He was taken by life-flight to the hospital and spent months clinging to life. No one knew if he had permanent brain damage.

Police say his blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit at .203 at the time of the crash. A beer can was found at the scene, next to his wallet, but finding a beer can on the side of the road is not an unusual occurrence.

Now his attorney says the state attorney’s office is following some bad advice in charging this young driver. A prominent DUI attorney in Jacksonville representing the accused says he can’t understand why someone, now a paraplegic for the rest of his life would still face charges.
Not wanting to look like she is giving the judge’s son a pass, the prosecutor waited until the young man got out of the hospital to file charges. “She is not going to prosecute someone solely because of who they are,” said her office.

The accused in this incident is pleading not guilty.

Our condolences go out to the judge and his family for this tragic turn of events.

Continue reading "Chief Judge's Son, Paralyzed, Now Charged with DUI" »

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Brain Injury , Personal Injury , brain injury

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A man lost control on a motorcycle early Thursday morning on the State Road 312 bridge in St. Augustine, according to police.

He was reportedly racing a car on the well-traveled bridge when he lost control around 1 a.m. But this time the rider was lucky. He was flown to Shands Medical Center in Jacksonville and had a possible broken arm and leg. No word on whether he was wearing a helmet.

Charges may be pending against the motorcyclist. There is no word on what happened to the car he was racing. This was the third crash on the SR-312 bridge this week.

In 2000, when Florida eliminated the legal requirement that motorcycle riders wear helmets, if they are over the age of 21 and carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance, motorcycle fatalities increased by 81 percent. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports there was a 40 percent increase in the number of injured motorcyclists admitted to hospitals.
If you think this doesn’t affect you, think again.

The average head injury treatment was more than $45,000 a decade ago and head-brain-skull injury treatment averaged more than $428,000. By the years 2001 and 2002, those numbers had increased to more than $610,000. Fast-forward seven years and you can see how the cost of treating injuries following a motorcycle accident is an unnecessary burden on society.

Continue reading "Racing Motorcyclist Loses Control in St. Augustine" »

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

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With school now underway, parents of teenage and younger girls might want to know about a new report that points to high school cheerleading as the leading cause of catastrophic high school sports injuries.

The report is released by the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research. High school cheerleading accounted for 65.1 percent of all catastrophic sports injuries among high school females over the past 25 years.

That number was at 55 percent in last year’s study. Researchers believe the actual number of injuries was being underreported.

What kind of injuries? Unlike the past, cheerleaders of today resemble Olympic athletes complete with floor routines involving back flips, pyramids, and flying stunts in the air. If these activities are not taught with a competent coach, traumatic injuries will continue to be a growing part of cheerleading.

In college, cheerleading accounted for 66.7 percent of all female sports catastrophic injuries, up from 59.4 percent.

The medical journal, Pediatrics, published the breakdown in 2006:

• Strains/sprains: 52.4 percent


• Soft tissue injuries: 18.4 percent


• Fractures/dislocations: 16.4 percent


• Lacerations/avulsions: 3.8 percent


• Concussions/closed head injuries: 3.5 percent


• Other: 5.5 percent

Continue reading "Most Dangerous Sport for Girls: Cheerleading" »

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Posted In: Brain Injury , Personal Injury , brain injury

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An 18-month old suffered brain injuries in Jacksonville when she was hit by a car backing up at the Blodget Villas Apartments on June 2. She was in critical condition and had been in a coma as she battled a swelled brain. Saturday, June 27, her family celebrated her welcome home, according to a report. The little girl is walking and talking. She’ll be going to therapy three times a week, but all around is lucky to be alive.

We wish this young child a continued speedy recovery.

Luckily the little girl had a quick thinking grandmother who got her to Shands Hospital about four blocks away. When an accident results in a Florida traumatic brain injury, the intensive care unit can stabilize a patient until the bruised brain heals. In some cases, brain cells can regain their function. Whatever the reason for this miraculous recovery, we are grateful.

The little girl got away from her grandmother in the complex parking lot when she was hit, and unfortunately this is all too common an occurrence. The CDC reports over 9,100 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms due to non traffic, non-crash incidents. By far, backovers caused the bulk of the fatal kids and cars incidents - 44 percent of incidents from 2002 to 2007.
It actually happened again on June 21, when a 19-month-old went to follow her mother taking out the garbage. We have not heard an update on her condition after a truck ran over her hand. The driver simply didn’t see her.

Continue reading "Child Welcomed Home After Being Run Over" »

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Posted In: Brain Injury , Personal Injury

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