Jacksonville Personal Injury Blog

On Christmas Eve, December 24, near Cocoa, a 44-year-old man was hit and killed by a van on U.S. 1. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reports that the collision happened at 7:50 p.m. near City Point north of State Road 528. The pedestrian was trying to cross west-to-east, according to a report in Florida Today, when he was hit by a 59-year-old driving a 2000 Dodge Caravan. The pedestrian was taken to Wuesthoff Medical Center-Rockledge but was pronounced dead. The driver of the van was not injured.

This was the second fatal crash this week in Cocoa. On Thursday night, December 22, a 49-year-old man from Melbourne was killed when he lost control of his 2002 Ford SUV on U.S. 1 north of Cocoa around 8:36 p.m., according to Florida Today. According to the report, the Explorer driver was trying to pass a slower vehicle, but instead went off the road on the right shoulder, overturned, and ended up on its left side. The man inside was hospitalized where he died. He was wearing a seat belt, according to Florida Today, but this crash is under investigation by the FHP. The 2002 model Ford is a few years before the automaker installed electronic stability control because these SUVs are notoriously unstable.

Our condolences go out to this friends and family of both of these men for their losses.

These are very sad tragedies to experience during the holidays. Let’s pray that the survivors recover from their injuries.

Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

Even though we don’t know the cause of these accidents, December is part of a special month to cut down on dangerous driving. Thousands of law enforcement agencies around the country are part of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign which lasts through January 2, 2012. During last year’s holiday season, approximately 35 percent of the traffic deaths in our state were alcohol-related.

This is a very good time to have a designated driver, use mass transit, or call a taxi. And if you see someone intoxicated and driving, driving aggressively, or your car breaks down, call *FHP (*347) to alert the Florida Highway Patrol.

The pedestrian accident attorneys in Jacksonville with the law firm of Farah & Farah would like to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year!

Source:http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20111225/BREAKINGNEWS/111225001/Pedestrian-struck-killed-by-van-U-S-1-north-Cocoa;http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20111223/BREAKINGNEWS/111222019/Driver-49-dies-U-S-1-wreck-near-Cocoa?odyssey=obinsite

There are still many mysteries surrounding this pedestrian and auto collision in Palm Coast, as reported by the Daytona Beach News-Journal. On Thursday, November 10, a 76-year-old Palm Coast woman was out walking her dog around 6 p.m. on the east side of Columbia Lane. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) report, just north of Colechester Lane, a woman driving a Chrysler PT Cruiser north hit the woman with the right side of her vehicle “for unknown reasons”, according to the report.

An investigation is ongoing by the FHP. The car was driven by a 55-year-old woman from the Palm Coast and, according to the newspaper, she lives at the same address as that of a Flagler County School board member. Calls and emails to the home were not returned. Another report in the Sun-Sentinel says the woman is the board member’s wife.

The elderly pedestrian died Saturday, November 12 at Halifax Health Medical Center, two days short of her 77th birthday. The woman was reported to be an active walker who was in good health.

Whatever the reason is for the driver veering off the road, the family is grieving the loss of their mother and grandmother who had bought a dress just that day to wear to her grandson’s upcoming wedding. Our condolences are extended to the family for their loss.

As the FHP investigation continues, there will be many questions that need to be answered. Among them are: was the walker on the sidewalk or off the roadway? Was a blood-alcohol test taken on the driver? Were there any witnesses? What does evidence from the scene show? Was there any attempt to stop before the collision? What were the roadway conditions and visibility at the time of the crash? The result of an investigation will be sent to the State Attorney’s Office, who may or may not file charges.

These are just the some of the questions that an investigator and the team of Florida pedestrian accident lawyers from Farah & Farah would want answered in a situation where we are representing the victim of a pedestrian accident. Call us to advocate for you in your time of need at 1(800) 533-3555.

Source: http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/flagler/2011/11/15/palm-coast-woman-hit-by-car-dies-from-injuries.html; http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-flagler-fatality-school-board-wife-20111115,0,228451.story

A 47-year-old man was hit by a vehicle while crossing a Jacksonville street Tuesday, October 11 and is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. According to the Channel 4 website, the man was trying to cross Penman Road at Marvone Lane around 6:40 a.m. when he was hit. The Neptune Beach man was transported to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center where relatives say he is in a coma.

The driver says he did not see the man in time to stop because of foggy road conditions.

Other witnesses who say they were in the area at the same time say there was no fog.
Fortunately, the driver did stop and alert law enforcement which is required by Florida law.
Let’s all pray that this pedestrian recovers from his injuries.

Pedestrian Dangers

The transportation group, Transportation for America (T4A), dubs Florida as top in the nation for hit-and-run fatal accidents. The nonprofit organization says the four most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians are in Florida and include: Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami.

According to state data, 482 pedestrians were killed on Florida roads in 2010 and 7,676 were injured.

Nationally, a dozen people a day die after being hit by a car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). When an individual is hit by a 3,000 lb car, devastating injuries can result, including head and spinal injuries, broken bones, and brain injuries.

The Jacksonville pedestrian injury lawyers at Farah & Farah encourages everyone to watch for pedestrians at all times. A pedestrian can include anyone from a small child on a skateboard to someone who has trouble crossing the street. We are supposed to share our roadways with other forms of transportation and that includes foot traffic.

Source: http://www.news4jax.com/news/29447901/detail.html; http://www.flhsmv.gov/hsmvdocs/CS2010.pdf

A 14-year-old boy is in serious condition after he was crossing a street on his way to school and was hit by a car being driven by a teacher. The boy is a student at University High School in Orange City and he was hit about 6:45 a.m. as he crossed Rhode Island Avenue at Carpenter Avenue with another student. He was airlifted from the scene to a hospital. The 48-year-old driver from Palm Coast was driving west on Rhode Island. She is listed as a “non-core” teacher at the high school and was cited by the Florida Highway Patrol for violating a pedestrian’s right of way.

The pedestrian crash in Orange City was described as low-impact.

Pedestrian Accidents
While roadway accidents involving vehicles are on a decline nationwide, pedestrian accidents still account for about 12% of all roadway deaths – 4,092 according to the Governors Highway Safety Association in 2009.

Under Florida Statute 316.130, pedestrians generally have the right of way, especially near a playground or school or if the area has no traffic signals. If a crosswalk near a school was not supervised or a traffic light malfunctioned, a third party could be responsible for any injury associated with a traffic accident.

There are many questions that need to be answered when a young person is hit walking to school in order to determine the at-fault party. The Florida pedestrian accident lawyers at Farah & Farah is here to help and first we will conduct an investigation into the events surrounding the pedestrian collision. Call us at 1-800-533-3555 so we can get started.

Source: http://www.news-journalonline.com/breakingnews/2011/09/child-hit-by-vehicle-in-orange-city.html

According to a story in The Orlando Sentinel, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) on Thursday, July 14th, arrested a repeat traffic offender for a crash last November that killed a 15-year-old walking to his school bus stop in Orange County. The teen and his brother were on Valencia College Lane in the eastern part of the county, when a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am swerved off the road and hit the teens. The driver took off and left the boys bleeding in a ditch. The 15-year-old was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children but died after being taken off life support. His brother survived.

The 30-year-old man who left the scene of the Florida pedestrian accident was questioned nine hours later after the FHP put out an alert and a retired firefighter saw a badly damaged Grand Am in a Publix parking lot. Police questioned the driver when he left the store and took a blood sample but since so much time had elapsed no intoxicants were found in his blood. The man was arrested and booked into the Orange County jail, although WFTV does not say what the new evidence was that led to his arrest.

The article does say he had 22 prior traffic-related incidents including leaving the scene of an accident in 2008. He’ll be charged with leaving the scene of an accident again and failing to render aid (a violation of Florida Statute 316.192).

Reckless driving is the disregard for the safety of others usually by driving under the influence or speeding. A prosecutor does not have to prove that this driver intended to kill someone to obtain a conviction and put this habitual offender behind bars for as many as 30 years. Unfortunately, he was supposed to have an “interlock” device on his car that prevents a DUI convicted person from operating a motor vehicle, likely the result of his past violation.

We can all do our part to keep dangerous repeat offenders off the road. Farah & Farah is a member of the national program, Hit-and-Run Reward that rewards someone who turns in a hit-and-run driver by paying them $1,000 if the individual is convicted of the hit-and-run. Visit our web site to learn more and the number for Hit-and-Run Reward is 1-800-644-8678.

Source: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-fhp-arrest-orlando-man-crash-kills20110714,0,4622883.story

The nonprofit group Transportation for America is once again showing the fallout of road design that has for decades accommodated motor vehicles and not pedestrians. The bottom line numbers – from 2000 to 2009, 47,700 pedestrians died on U.S. roads. As the group likes to point out, that is about equal to a jumbo jet full of passengers crashing every month.

These are avoidable tragedies.

Add to the numbers more than 688,000 pedestrians injured during that time, roughly equal to a pedestrian struck by a motorist every seven minutes.

When it comes to funding roads that are more pedestrian-friendly, the budgets usually are not there. That’s why nationwide pedestrian fatalities make up nearly 12 percent of traffic deaths. Compare the U.S. to Europe where many cities cordon off a usable bicycle and pedestrian path that is separated from traffic by huge concrete barriers.

Among the top ten most dangerous metropolitan areas identified by the group - Orlando-Kissimmee is first, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is second, and Jacksonville is third, followed by Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California, Las Vegas, Memphis, Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, the Houston area, and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington.

The group says between 2000 and 2009, 5,163 people were killed in pedestrian accidents in Florida. The cost to us all is $22.2 billion.

Florida lawmakers Rep. John Mica and Gov. Rick Scott have both recently issued positions that building bike and walking trails might not be wise when money’s tight. The Jacksonville pedestrian accident lawyers at the Farah & Farah law firm supports Florida’s Share the Road campaign and road improvements that encourage improving one’s health by walking and bicycling. Improving safety of our roads is imperative to improving the health of our citizens. Florida can and must do better.

It has happened for a second time in less than a week – a pedestrian crossing a North Florida roadway is hit and killed by a law enforcement patrol car in St. Johns County. This time a 57-year-old man from South Florida was driving a Mercedes when he hit the center median on Interstate 95 where he was northbound, according to The St. Augustine Record. The man got out of his car and walked to the north side of Race Track Road. The newspaper does not explain why he was walking back to the car when he was hit by a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Deputy vehicle in the left lane. The man was taken to Baptist South Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Just one week earlier a 44-year-old man from Elkton was struck and killed by a St. Johns County Sheriff car off State Road 207. That fatal collision is under investigation. Under FHP policy, an officer is supposed to assist at an accident scene if they can safely do so.

Our condolences are extended to the friends and family of this unfortunate man.

Avoid Becoming a Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistic

If you are in a crash or your car breaks down, you are advised to move off the road and away from traffic. If it is safe to do so, stay inside the car. If it is not safe to be in the vehicle, all passengers should safely go to the road’s edge and away from traffic. FHP suggests raising the hood of the vehicle and tie a white cloth to the door handle or use reflective tape or triangles to alert oncoming drivers placed far enough ahead so motorists have an opportunity to slow down. Call 9-1-1 and wait for help.

In Florida, 482 pedestrians were killed in collisions with motor vehicles in 2009, according to the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Many of these pedestrian fatalities involve children.

The Florida pedestrian accident lawyers at the Farah & Farah law firm encourages everyone to drive defensively and be aware of people using other forms of transportation who choose to Share the Road with motor vehicles.

A St. Johns deputy who was off-duty was involved in a fatal crash in Hastings on Sunday night, April 24. The officer was in his patrol car heading home when he struck and killed a pedestrian close to a car pulled over with mechanical failure. The 44-year-old man was on State Road 207, according to a report by Channel 4, after his SUV had brake trouble and he skidded to the median. Two other drivers came to his aid about 10:30 p.m. and they had connected the SUV to a white truck. That’s when the driver reportedly stepped off the median and into southbound traffic where he was hit by the 33-year-old deputy who works in the school resource unit. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reports charges are pending and the deputy has been placed on administrative leave.

Family members say the accident victim was a reliable man who always took precautions. Reportedly the cars towing the SUV had their flashers on and the victim stayed on the lane.

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

Florida’s Move Over Law
Under the Florida Move Over Law, a motorist must change lanes away from the flashing lights and an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. Motorists are supposed to leave the lane next to the accident clear so emergency workers can do their job safely. Motorists should also slow down to 20 miles below the posted speed limit on a two-lane roadway so no one responding to the scene is struck by a vehicle. An FHP spokesman said the victim stepped into the roadway but without an investigation just how far he walked into the roadway is still unknown.

As law enforcement conducts its investigation, the family would be well-advised to contact a reputable Florida pedestrian accident lawyer to conduct an investigation into the facts that led to this death while witnesses are still around and evidence is available. Only then can the events tell us if this was a wrongful death that was entirely preventable.

A Merritt Island man is facing an April trial for a traffic ticket after he struck and killed a 10-year-old boy who ran in front of his car. Legally, the driver cannot be charged with the boy's death since he ran in front of the vehicle, but the driver has a long history of driving offenses. WESH-Television reports the man has two pages of offenses, including speeding, careless and reckless driving, DUI, and driving without a license. The Florida Highway Patrol is questioning how such a man stays behind the wheel. He had just completed a drunken driving school and was traveling 12 mph over the speed limit when he struck the boy. The lawyer for the boy’s family, in a separate wrongful death action, says if the driver had been going the speed limit he would have been able to stop in time. The driver insists he has done nothing wrong.

Florida law gives drivers many opportunities, some would say too many opportunities, to become repeat offender. Under Florida Statute 316.193, any driver convicted of a third DUI within 10 years, or a fourth or subsequent DUI, has committed a third degree felony which can bring up to five years in prison. Even after a third conviction a driver can get his revoked license back after two years. It is the fourth and subsequent conviction that revokes a license permanently.

Our hearts go out to the parents of this little boy who did not get that many chances at life. It is possible that the judge in this ticket case in April will finally take some action against a repeat offender and finally revoke his license.

If you or a loved one have been in an accident that was caused by a reckless driver, the Florida accident attorneys at Farah & Farah will fight for your right to hold the at-fault driver responsible for his actions.

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is warning parents and pedestrians that there has been a spike in the number of pedestrians killed on our streets in 2010, 35 additional deaths when compared to the year before, reports News 13.

Unfortunately sometimes children decide to play around cars when they are crossing the street and dart in and out of traffic. Parents should talk to their children about how dangerous it is, says an FHP spokeswoman.

The warning comes following an initial report by the Governors Highway Safety Association that found four states – California, Texas, New York and Florida – had 41% of the nation’s traffic fatalities in 2009. California ranked first for pedestrian fatalities, with Florida second at nearly 500 pedestrian fatalities in the state.

The preliminary report from the Governors Highway Safety Association also found a slight increase nationwide.

Farah & Farah’s personal injury attorneys would like to remind you that morning and afternoon hours around the beginning and end of school are particularly dangerous times for pedestrians and school children and motorists need to be on the lookout. Pedestrians should always make eye contact with a driver, know the rules of the road, know when they have the right of way, and always use a crosswalk.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Florida by a negligent motorist, Farah & Farah’s experienced Florida pedestrian accident injury attorneys have 30 years of experience in helping people injured in pedestrian and auto accidents get back on their feet.

No one knows why a girl and two others were not in class at Mitchell High School in Pasco County on Wednesday morning, January 19. Instead, they were crossing eastbound at Little Road and Kish Boulevard in Trinity. When the others stopped at the median, a 15-year-old girl kept going and was immediately struck and killed by a Hyundai.

The 47-year-old driver stopped at the scene of the Florida pedestrian accident and law enforcement found she had no previous violations. Not even a speeding ticket. This story in The Tampa Tribune visits the Generations Christian Church in Trinity later that morning. The church is located at the accident site. Around 9:30 a.m., the morning the collision occurred, church workers were arriving and a witness gave the teen CPR in the road. Then they brought everyone inside the church to give them comfort and to provide a gathering place. The church continued the gathering Wednesday evening for all of the teens involved, parents and anyone who was part of the community, including grief counselors to speak to the other teens.

With highway traffic fatalities down to the lowest level in 60 years, the number of pedestrian deaths appears to be increasing. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports the trend may be partially due to “distracted walkers” just not paying adequate attention to their surroundings.

This tragic pedestrian accident provides a much needed reminder that everyone needs to be completely aware when they are in the vicinity of moving vehicles. You cannot rely on crossing signs alone, and pedestrians need to be able to hear cars so should minimize loud music through a headset.

The Florida pedestrian accident attorneys at Farah & Farah extend their sincere condolences to the friends and family of this beautiful young woman who was loved and admired by many.

An Orlando teen is in critical condition after trying to cross Orange Blossom Trail at Sprint Boulevard in Apopka on Saturday night, January 1 and was involved in a hit-and-run car accident. The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) states the 17-year-old girl was struck at about 7:30 p.m. by a 2001 Pontiac driven by a 17-year-old male who was heading southbound on the inside lane of the road. She is in critical condition at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

A witness said the car driver slowed down but then fled the scene of the pedestrian accident. An Orange County deputy sheriff found the Pontiac with a smashed windshield and pulled it over at Rose Avenue and Beegs Road, arrested the driver and charged him with leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury.

Our wishes go out to the young woman for a full recovery from this tragic collision. She is in our prayers.

Florida Hit-and-Run Collisions
Time Magazine reports that Florida is top in the nation for hit-and-run fatalities. According to a study conducted by the nonprofit Transportation for America, the top four most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians are Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville.

According to Florida law, the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash that results in the death or injury of any person must stop the vehicle immediately and remain at the scene. Any driver who fails to do this, can be charged with a first degree felony which can bring a $10,000 fine and up to 30 years in prison.

Hit-and-Run Reward
The Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at Farah & Farah believe fewer offenders will leave the scene of an accident if they know they could be turned in by witnesses. That is why we decided to join Hit-and-Run Reward, sponsored by American personal injury attorneys who believe if you report a hit-and-run driver you will not only feel good about keeping a dangerous driver off the road, but you could receive a financial reward of $1,000 for anyone you turn in who is later convicted of the hit-and-run. To contact Hit-and-run Reward, call 1-800-644-8678 or visit www.hitandrunreward.com.

This is a very sad story to report from Orlando where one of two sisters crossing Alafaya Trail has died after both were hit by vehicles when crossing against the busy flow of traffic Thursday night, December 23. The Orlando Sentinel reports the first car, an orange Jeep SUV, struck the two about 7 p.m. at a crosswalk near the University of Central Florida as they were crossing from the west to the east side of Alafaya Trail. Then a second northbound Toyota Solara hit the 11-year-old, who died at the scene. Her 17-year-old sister was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center and is reported to be in critical condition. Law enforcement reports that neither drugs nor alcohol showed up for either driver and the girls were not in the crosswalk, so traffic had the right-of-way when the girls were hit.

Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the younger sister who has passed, and our prayers are for a full recovery of her older sister.

Pedestrians in Florida
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that up to 5,000 deaths occur each year when a pedestrian is struck by a moving vehicle. In 2009, there were 482 pedestrian fatalities in Florida, and 7,676 injuries. In Orange County, there were 32 pedestrian fatalities in 2009, a sharp jump from 28 deaths in 2009. In 2007, there were 40 fatalities.

During more than 25 years of legal practice, the Orlando accident attorneys at Farah & Farah have represented many pedestrians who were injured in collisions with motor vehicles, often through no fault of their own. We have established an excellent reputation for gathering millions of dollars in settlements in favor of our clients who rely on us to investigate the particulars of their case and fully represent them to the best of our ability. You may be facing a deadline within which to file a claim, so speak to any of our experienced attorneys as soon as you can.

Charges are not expected to be filed in a pedestrian accident that took the life of a 56-year-old Orlando man walking on Lee Road Wednesday, December 1. The Orlando Sentinel reports that the man was on foot northbound when he suddenly tried to cross the westbound lanes near the intersection of Adanson Street. According to the FHP, the man was struck head-on by a 2007 Ford Edge driven by a 21-year-old. The impact sent the pedestrian to the driveway of a nearby Burger King where first responders found him in critical condition. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital but later died from his injuries. Witnesses say the man ran suddenly into traffic and there was no way to avoid hitting him.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Orlando is among four Florida cities cited as being the most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians, according to a study by the nonprofit group, Transportation for America. Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville round out the other four.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles report that 482 pedestrians were killed in Florida pedestrian accidents in 2009, while 7,676 pedestrians were injured, a 4 percent and 2.6 percent decrease respectively from the previous year.

Nationally, a dozen people are killed every day in a pedestrian/motor vehicle crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports there were 4,378 pedestrians killed in the U.S. in 2008, along with 69,000 pedestrian injuries that year.

If you have been injured by a motor vehicle in a pedestrian accident in Florida, you would be well-advised to have an experienced Florida pedestrian accident attorney advocate for you at a time when you are recovering from a devastating injury. It may be possible to at least recover the cost of your medical care so you do not have to become financially devastated as well.

Law enforcement wants to know - why was a man walking on State Road 9A Wednesday night, August 19? Matthew Russ was heading southbound about one mile south of the intersection of 9A and Baymeadows Road. It happened about 8:20 p.m. when he was struck by a car being driven by Suzanne Talcott.

He died at the scene.

Russ’s car had broken down north of where he was hit and reportedly he was walking to seek help. News4Jax does the man a disservice when it reports that he “staggered” into the travel lane where Talcott could not avoid him due to the other cars next to her.

“Staggered” is a loaded word and the newspaper does not attribute the description to the Florida Highway Patrol, nor does it elaborate. The implication is clearly that he was intoxicated and the public does not hesitate to join in to disparage the man. We do not know if that is true, and apparently neither does the television channel.

Pedestrian Dangers
As Florida auto pedestrian accident attorneys, we understand that being a pedestrian in Jacksonville puts your life in danger.

Florida has four of the five most treacherous metropolitan areas for walking, according to the nonprofit group, Transportation for America.

Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville and their surrounding areas topped the Pedestrian Danger Index for the top four hazardous cities for walkers. Next on the list is Memphis, Tennessee. It may not be surprising that nine of the top ten cities are in the southern U.S. which is known to have car-dominant urban areas.

More than 9,000 pedestrians were killed in collisions with cars and trucks in 2007 and 2008, and 70,000 more were injured, according to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Russ for his passing.

Florida DOT- Pedestrian Laws
A Jacksonville pedestrian accident occurred when a man was hit while he was in the crosswalk and killed by a car in St. Johns County early Saturday, July 31.

It was nearly 1 a.m. when Raymond J. Spencer, 52, was crossing State Road 16 near the intersection of the Factory Outlets in St. Augustine, according to an article on News4Jax.com. Spencer, of the 1100 block of Michigan Avenue, was crossing at the crosswalk but against the walk signal when a 1999 Mitsubishi driven by Thomas Evans, 38 hit him. Evans, of Green Cove Springs, was not issued a citation. He was okay but Spencer was killed at the scene.

Florida Highway Patrol reports that a witness said the crosswalk light said “do not walk” at the time.

Pedestrian Dangers
Florida is the most dangerous state for pedestrians and 9 out of 10 most dangerous metro areas are in the south says the nonprofit, Transportation for America.

Consumer Affairs reports that the coalition of transportation policy groups finds that the Orlando, Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville metro areas are the top four most dangerous cities for walking. Memphis, Tenn., is number five.

According to statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 566 pedestrians and bicyclists were hit by cars in the city in 2008, and 20 of them died. Preliminary numbers from 2009 show 604 people hit and 29 dead.

Those numbers continue to frustrate police.

Florida Law
The Florida Department of Transportation says pedestrians are supposed to cross at crosswalks when the light tells them to do so. Crossing mid-block, the pedestrian must yield to all vehicles on the road.

And although there are few details about this accident, drinking is a major contributor to pedestrian traffic deaths. The state finds that in 2008, 10.3% (922) of all pedestrians in crashes (8,951) had been drinking and 36.25% (182) of all pedestrian fatalities (502) had been drinking.

If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle either when on foot or riding a bicycle, let the Florida pedestrian accident attorneys at Farah and Farah help you sort out the details to determine the at-fault party. The cost of your hospitalization and medical care may be covered by the other side’s insurance, but you must have someone advocate for you.

A 62-year-old woman was just trying to help. She was hit by a car as she was coming to the aid of someone involved in a hit-and-run accident that she had just witnessed. It happened in Naples near the intersection of San Marcos Boulevard and Radio Road, according to a Naples News article. A hit-and-run crash occurred around 7:45 a.m. and the woman was working at the Circle K store and secured a cell phone while running toward the crash and calling for help. That is when she was hit by a 2007 Honda Civil driven by a 74-year-old woman. She later died at Lee Memorial Hospital. The driver who hit the 62-year-old woman is not being charged. Meanwhile the driver of the initial hit-and-run is being sought by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. They believe that a Ford white truck, maybe an F-250, was involved and left the scene.

Our hearts go out to the family of this woman for the tragic accident that occurred just because she was trying to be a Good Samaritan.

Accident Statistics
Collier County had 2,222 auto accidents in 2008, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Among those, 308 were alcohol-related and there were 34 fatalities. Florida Statute 316.062 requires someone involved in an accident to render aid. In this case, the woman was not directly involved but was acting as a Good Samaritan.

Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
Florida has nine of the 10 most dangerous metro areas for pedestrian accidents, according to the group, Transportation for America. More than 9,000 pedestrians were killed in 2007 and 2008 and the group says that over the last 15 years, more than 76,000 Americans have been killed while crossing or walking along a street in their community with more than 43,000 killed in this decade alone. That number includes 3,906 children under the age of 16. That is the equivalent of a jumbo jet crashing every month, yet it does not get the sort of attention it deserves.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Dies in East Naples Just Trying to Help Accident Victim" »

News4 in Jacksonville reports that a St. Augustine pedestrian died after he was hit by a car driving down U. S. Highway 1 near Old Moultrie Road in St. Johns County. Traffic investigators say a 57-year-old man was standing alongside the highway around 4:15 a.m. He was wearing dark clothing. A 24-year-old man was driving down U.S. 1 and didn’t see the pedestrian in time to avoid the accident. The male pedestrian later died at Flagler Hospital. The motorist was not injured and the Florida Highway Patrol reports no charges are pending.
Our condolences go out to family and friends of the deceased pedestrian.

Pedestrian Dangers in Florida
The Florida Department of Transportation reports the state’s pedestrian fatality rate during nighttime hours is double the national average. A recent review of all pedestrian accidents in the state, released in 2008, ranked Florida #2 nationwide for pedestrian fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that between 1997 and 2007, more than 5,000 pedestrians died on the state’s highways, 10.4% of all pedestrian fatalities across the nation for that same period of time. A study conducted by the University of Florida points to a number of reasons for Florida’s high fatality rate: warmer weather which encourages walking during longer winter nights and urban sprawl which creates a reliance on high-speed arterial highways such as U.S. 1. These highways are not always well lighted, adding to the danger.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Killed in Early Morning Auto Accident" »

A study by Ohio State University shows the dangers of walking and talking on a cell phone. Hundreds of injuries have been reported from distracted pedestrians. Just over 1,000 pedestrians have visited emergency rooms in 2008 because they tripped or ran into something during a cell phone conversation or texting while walking. The New York Times reports on the case o a 16-year-old boy who walked into a telephone pole and suffered a concussion. A 28-year-old man trapped and fractured a finger while he gripped his cell phone. And 68-year-old man fell off his porch while talking on a cell phone.

We think of the dangers of driving while distracted, but the rate of ER visits has doubled from 2007, which doubled from 2006. And consider this – most people injured while walking and talking would not even thing to call it into a hospital if the injury is minor.

Florida is already the most dangerous state for pedestrians, with nine out of the ten most dangerous metro areas in the south, according to Transportation for America. Far too many pedestrians are killed on an annual basis in Florida. With the explosion of personal communications devices, there is no reason to believe that there will be any improvement in the dangerous practice of distracted walking. To help prevent pedestrian accidents in Jacksonville and throughout the state of Florida, please do not use your cell phone while crossing the street or engage in other distractions when doing so.

Source report: http://www.justicenewsflash.com/2010/01/19/study-talking-walking-injuries-pedestrians_201001193036.html

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

With a population of 10,804 as of July 2007, Palatka, Florida is home to slightly more than 2,400 families. Palatka is just about 7 square miles in size, and has a population density of 1,553 people per square mile. A little less than 80% of Palatka residents commute outside of the city limits for work, making roads and highways particularly busy on any given work day.

Public transportation is an important part of any city. For those individuals that do not have their own personal mode of transportation, Palatka buses can mean the difference between getting to work and holding down a job, and not being able to commute anywhere out of walking distance. However, Palatka buses are not always safe, either through the fault of other motorists or Palatka bus drivers themselves. For those individuals that are injured in Palatka bus accidents, it is important to remember that sound legal advice from an experienced Palatka bus accident attorney is essential in seeking compensatory damages from negligent parties responsible for your accident.

Unfortunately, not even pedestrians are immune from the negligence that often leads to vehicular accidents. Pedestrian injuries occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians, and exhibit a general disregard for traffic laws put in place to ensure the safety of everyone, both motorists and pedestrian alike. In instances where an individual is injured in a Palatka pedestrian accident, that individual has the right to seek justice from the person that caused the pedestrian injury in the first place.

Personal injury can occur whether we’re in a vehicle or on foot. At Farah and Farah, our bus accident lawyers and pedestrian injury attorneys will examine the circumstances surrounding your injury and will hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. If you have been injured, contact Farah and Farah at our Palatka office today for a free consultation:

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


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Known as the “Isle of Eight Flags”, Amelia Island is part of the Sea Islands, home to both Amelia City and Fernandina Beach, and houses a population of 68,347 people. Part of Nassau County, Amelia Island is 18.2 square miles in size, and relies heavily on tourism to bolster its economy. Sailing, camping, and beach-going activities abound, which means that a considerable number of people visit Amelia Island each year.

With tourism such an important factor in Amelia Island’s economy, it stands to reason that public transportation is an important factor as well. Bus travel is an efficient way of moving a large group of people from one place to another, particularly in smaller locations where traffic can build up quickly. However, when commuters place their trust in the hands of bus drivers and other public transit authorities, it becomes the obligation of those authorities to ensure that individuals using public transit are safe at all times. In the event that a bus accident does happen, it is important to have a skilled Amelia Island bus accident attorney on your side to help sort through the details surrounding your accident.

In an area like Amelia Island, where foot traffic is a more than appropriate means of getting from one place to another, pedestrian injury can become more and more problematic with each passing day. While safety laws have certainly been put in place to help curb instances of pedestrian injury, negligent behavior often results in injury nevertheless, and negligent driving practice in particular needs to be appropriately dealt with in order to help deter future instances of pedestrian injury from occurring.

Personal injury can take place when we’re in a vehicle or on foot. At Farah and Farah, our bus accident lawyers and pedestrian injury attorneys will examine the circumstances surrounding your injury and will hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. If you have been injured, contact Farah and Farah at our Amelia Island office today for a free consultation:

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


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Jacksonville Beach, Florida is a popular tourist destination and is the largest town in the Jacksonville Beaches community. “Jax Beach” houses a population of 21,849, as of July 2007 figures, and has seen steady population growth since the year 2000. Part of Duval County, Jacksonville Beach is only about 7.7 square miles in land size, but plays host to a large number of beach-goers and vacationers each and every year.

U.S. Route 90 ends, or begins, in Jacksonville Beach, a mere three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. With both residents and tourists both coming and going, public transportation is an important part of easing traffic congestion in Jacksonville Beach. However, while people place their trust in Jacksonville Beach bus drivers and other public transit authorities, the necessary safety precautions are not always taken, and procedure is not always followed. In the event that commuters are involved in a bus accident in Jacksonville Beach, it is essential that an experienced Jacksonville Beach bus accident attorney is consulted as soon as possible.

Personal injury can strike at any time, particularly in areas where foot traffic is almost as prevalent as vehicular traffic. Particularly because it is a beach community, Jacksonville Beach plays host to a large number of pedestrians regularly making their way from one location of interest to another. Pedestrian injury, unfortunately, is a problem that afflicts far too many individuals each year, particularly in tourist-laden areas like Jacksonville Beach.

Personal injury can be devastating not only physically, but financially as well. At Farah and Farah, our bus accident attorneys are well-versed in traffic law, and prepared to assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have suffered a pedestrian injury, your life may be deemed catastrophic, forever altering the way you live your life. In all instances where an individual is injured in Jacksonville Beach, it is essential to have someone on your side that will fight for your best interests and hold negligent individuals responsible for your accident. If you have been injured, contact Farah and Farah today for a free consultation at our Jacksonville Beach office:

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


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With a population of 805,605 people as of the 2007 U.S. Census, Jacksonville is the most populated city in the state of Florida and the 12th most populous city in the country. Stretching 874.3 square miles in size, Jacksonville is the largest city in the United States based on total land area, and plays host to not only many residents, but also numerous tourists. With such a large amount of people traveling throughout the city, public transportation is particularly important in both cutting down on the overall amount of traffic in Jacksonville and enabling a large number of people to get from one place to another. However, while necessary safety precautions are certainly put into effect, unfortunately, accidents still cause innocent people to suffer serious injuries.

In the event that a Jacksonville commuter is involved in a bus accident, that commuter shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of expenses brought on by the accident, such as medical bills to treat an injury or physical therapy fees to help one recover from a serious injury. With the assistance of a skilled Jacksonville bus accident lawyer from Farah & Farah, such compensation may be obtained.

Similarly, pedestrians occasionally suffer from the reckless driving practice of motorists in Jacksonville. If a pedestrian is injured in Jacksonville, that individual would be well-advised to seek the advice of an experienced Florida pedestrian injury attorney that will examine the circumstances of the accident and help appropriately attribute negligence to parties at fault.
Personal injury, whether sustained in a bus or pedestrian accident, can be devastating not only physically, but financially as well. In all instances where an individual is injured in Jacksonville at the hands of another, it is essential to have someone on your side that will fight for your best interests and hold negligent behavior responsible for your accident. If you have been injured, contact Farah and Farah at our Jacksonville office today for a free consultation:

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

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Lake City is located in Columbia County, Florida and is often referred to as the “Gateway To Florida.” With a population of about 12,000 and in a county whose population is on the rise (Columbia County has close to 68,000 inhabitants as of 2006), Lake City has become a highly desired tourist destination as well as a common stop for those on route to Southern Florida. With such a span of visitors and residents passing through various parts of the city using bus transportation, bus accidents are bound to take place as a result of defective bus parts, negligent driving, improper driver training, or for a variety of other reasons.

When innocent passengers are injured in a bus accident in Lake City at no fault of their own, a skilled Lake City bus accident attorney from Farah and Farah can help. We have assisted many injured victims of bus accidents receive compensation to help pay for medical treatment, pain and suffering, hospital bills, and even loss of wages.

In addition to bus accidents, pedestrian accidents within Lake City’s streets are regrettable occurrences that put the well-being of children, the elderly, and adults of all ages at risk. When drivers fail to adhere to speed limits near pedestrian crosswalks, they put innocent pedestrians in danger of suffering severe injuries and even wrongful death. Pedestrian injuries can have some of the most catastrophic consequences due to a pedestrian’s vulnerable exposure to the surrounding area without protection.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, whether it involved a bus, truck, or other auto, the experienced Lake City pedestrian accident lawyers at Farah and Farah can assist you through this challenging time. For more information on how we may be able to help you hold negligent parties responsible for your bus or pedestrian accident injury, contact the Lake City personal injury law firm of Farah and Farah today:

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

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Located in Northeast Clay County, the city of Orange Park is just south of Jacksonville, Florida. Orange Park’s name derives from the aspirations of its founders to inhabit a fruit-producing industry, but these hopes of crops were ruined in what is referred to as the Great Freeze of 1894-95. Nevertheless, in its growth as an abundant and welcoming community, Orange Park displayed a population of approximately 9,043 in July 2008. Although having a smaller population than some of its neighboring cities, Orange Park residents utilize public transportation and personal autos to a great degree. As a result, Orange Park is susceptible to its share of auto accidents involving buses and pedestrians as an unfortunate result of negligent driving, dangerous road conditions, and even defective auto parts.

Bus passengers put their trust in drivers and companies to ensure that no harm befalls them while traveling via bus. When bus accidents inflict injury on passengers in Orange Park, the skilled Orange Park bus accident attorneys at Farah and Farah can help injured victims receive compensation to help pay for medical treatment, hospital bills, pain and suffering, and loss of wages.

In addition to bus accidents, pedestrian accidents in the streets of Orange Park are ill-fated occurrences that can cause children, the elderly, and adults of all ages to suffer serious injuries and even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, whether it involved a bus, truck, or other auto, the experienced Orange Park pedestrian accident lawyers at Farah and Farah can assist you. For more information on how we may be able to help you hold negligent parties responsible for your bus or pedestrian accident injury in Orange Park, contact Farah and Farah at our Orange Park office today:

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

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St. Augustine is often called the “nation’s oldest city” for being home to the oldest port in the continental U.S. The population in St. Augustine was estimated to be 12,157 in 2004. Known for its classic architecture, lovely beaches, and museums that depict life of the early Spanish explorers who settled in the area, St. Augustine is quite a popular tourist spot in Northern Florida. With so many tourists in addition to many residents utilizing public transportation and personal automobiles, auto accidents in St. Augustine involving pedestrians and buses are an unfortunate consequence of negligent driving.

Bus accidents in St. Augustine may be caused by driver negligence, defective bus parts, dangerous road conditions, improper driver training, and many other factors. Bus passengers put their trust in drivers and companies to ensure that no harm befalls them on their travels. When bus accidents inflict injury on passengers in St. Augustine, the experienced St. Augustine bus accident lawyers at Farah and Farah can help injured victims receive compensation to help pay for medical treatment, hospital bills, pain and suffering, and loss of wages.

In addition to bus accidents, pedestrian accidents in the streets of St. Augustine are unfortunate events that afflict the well-being of children, the elderly, and adults of all ages. When drivers fail to adhere to speed limits near pedestrian crosswalks, they put innocent pedestrians at risk of suffering severe injuries and even wrongful death. Pedestrian injuries are some of the most catastrophic consequences of auto collisions due to a pedestrian’s vulnerable exposure to hitting concrete, a part of a vehicle, or any other object on the road or sidewalk.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, whether it involved a bus, truck, or other auto, the experienced St. Augustine pedestrian accident lawyers at Farah and Farah can assist you. For more information on how we may be able to help you hold negligent parties responsible for your bus or pedestrian accident injury, contact the St. Augustine personal injury law firm of Farah and Farah today:

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

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Located 30 miles north of Florida, Brunswick occupies part of southeastern Georgia. Nicknamed “the shrimp capital of the world,” Brunswick owes much of its reputation to being the main center of Georgia’s crab and shrimp industries. As the twelfth-largest metropolitan area in the state of Georgia, Brunswick had an estimated metropolitan population of 101,792 in 2007 with a city proper population of 16,235. Considering that Brunswick, Georgia residents and visitors highly depend on bus transportation in addition to the use of other modes of public and personal transport, bus accidents are just as likely to occur as in any major metropolitan area.

As is the case in most large cities that utilize buses, bus accidents have been known to occur due to defective bus parts, driver inattention or carelessness, improper driver training, and much more. Whatever the cause of your bus accident injury, the skilled Brunswick, Georgia bus accident attorneys at Farah and Farah can help. We have assisted many injured victims of bus accidents receive compensation to help pay for hospital bills, treatment, pain and suffering, and even loss of wages.

In addition to bus accidents, pedestrian accidents within Brunswick’s streets are unfortunate occurrences that plague the well-being of children, the elderly, and adults of all ages. When drivers fail to adhere to speed limits near pedestrian crosswalks, they put innocent pedestrians at risk of suffering severe injuries and even wrongful death. Pedestrian injuries are some of the most catastrophic consequences of auto collisions due to a pedestrian’s vulnerable exposure to hitting concrete, a part of a vehicle, or any other object on the road or sidewalk.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, whether it involved a bus, truck, or other auto, the experienced Brunswick pedestrian accident lawyers at Farah and Farah can assist you. For more information on how we may be able to help you hold negligent parties responsible for your bus or pedestrian accident injury, contact the Brunswick personal injury law firm of Farah and Farah today:

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


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Witnesses reported that a 60-year-old man was walking back and forth across Main Street in downtown Jacksonville around 2am Thursday morning when he was struck by a car in the 10700 block of North Main. According to an article, the car was driven by 30-year-old woman who stopped after hitting the man and called police. The man was identified to be from Fernandina Beach and was pronounced dead at the scene by Jacksonville Fire-Rescue.

Our condolences go out to the family of the man killed in the pedestrian accident in Jacksonville. Toxicology tests on him have been conducted and are not yet complete. The female driver was not speeding or impaired by alcohol, the Florida Highway Patrol has determined.

Our heart goes out to the family of this man. Online they are fighting cruel comments, but oftentimes someone is impaired by things that are out of their control. In this case, the family reports that the decedent suffered from dementia. He was a kind man a friend reports, who cared deeply about the homeless and always tried to help them. Those who add unkind comments online are too quick to assume someone was drunk, and make themselves look foolish with their online comments.

Last October, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law Florida’s Silver Alert system, which allow for the broadcast of information on a missing adult who might be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment. Not unlike an Amber Alert, the signal goes out quickly so citizens can assist law enforcement in finding someone before something tragic happens.

Continue reading "Jacksonville Pedestrian Accident on Main Street Kills Man" »

Once again, according to an article, another pedestrian has tragically been hit by a car and killed.

The Florida pedestrian accident happened in St. Johns County on U.S. 1 Saturday night around 10 p.m. The unidentified person was walking on the roadway on the inside lane north of a pedestrian crosswalk on his way to a Target store.

The Florida Highway Patrol will not identify the man until his next of kin is notified. The car that struck the pedestrian was driven by a 21-year-old man of Hastings. He was traveling south on the inside lane when he struck the man who died at the scene. He and his passenger suffered minor injuries. FHP says they had their seat belts on.

Our condolences go out to this man and his family. His was unfortunately one of about 4,000 to 5,000 pedestrian deaths reported nationwide. Typically the hours for accidents occur between 5 and 11 p.m. and nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in 2003. And Florida is one of four states (California, Texas and New York) that are the top states for pedestrian fatalities, making up 29 percent of total traffic fatalities across the country according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

We also know from statistics that speeding and alcohol impairment are the major contributing factors in crashes of all types and the variety of serious injuries suffered as a result of a car collision can be life-altering.

In Florida, the Highway Patrol reports that 15.5 percent of all traffic fatalities were pedestrians in 2003, with 504 people killed and more than 7,000 injured. Unfortunately in more than 10 percent of all pedestrian crashes, the individual had been drinking and about one-third of all pedestrian-auto crashes, the pedestrian had been drinking.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Killed In St. Johns County Accident " »

A nurse of Shands Hospital was injured in a hit and run accident in a crosswalk outside of the hospital where she works around 7pm on Sunday June 23, 2009. According to an article, Police in Jacksonville have arrested a man they say is responsible for hitting the woman and driving off.

The driver who hit the pedestrian said that he was looking in his mirror and didn’t see her. He then made the grave mistake of leaving the scene. He didn’t have a valid license.

We are so sorry for the family of the woman who was injured in this Jacksonville pedestrian accident and wish her the speediest of recoveries. Her condition is not known at this time.

The Florida Highway Patrol says fear is the reason most hit-and-run drivers flee, in addition to the fact that they have something to hide, such as not having a valid driver’s license or being under the influence. While it is not an admission of guilt, state law requires you to stay at the scene of a collision with a pedestrian. It doesn’t matter who is at fault at that time.

Leaving the scene is a crime, the statute 316.027 reads:

(1)(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury of any person must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash, or as close thereto as possible, and must remain at the scene of the crash until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of s. 316.062. Any person who willfully violates this paragraph is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

Continue reading "Jacksonville Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident" »

A young driver hit a teenage dog walker and left the scene of the pedestrian accident in St. Augustine. According to a report, 16-year-old Allison Almon was walking two dogs when the car hit her from behind Friday evening. One of the dogs was also hit. The other ran home and alerted the owner.

Our prayers for a speedy recovery go out to Almon, who was hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries. Pedestrians often have serious injuries from vehicles, including head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.

State law says that walkers should stay on the left side of the road and stay out of the area marked for vehicles. When a sidewalk is not available, the pedestrian is to walk as far on the shoulder as is safe. No word here on whether Almon was following the law, but the law is very clear for drivers responsible for a hit-and-run. They are supposed to stay at the scene of the crash until help arrives.

Regardless of any law, there is the rule of human compassion.

Leaving someone on the side of the road during daylight (the accident happened around 5 p.m.), is a lowly act, even though neighbors on Cornell Road say the area is unsafe since it is often a speedway for those who live nearby.

We are grateful that her injuries are not more serious, but being hit by a vehicle can cause serious personal injury in Florida and require expensive long-term medical rehabilitation.

Continue reading "St. Augustine Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accident Injures Teen" »

With a reported population of 799,875 people in 2006, Jacksonville remains the largest city in the state of Florida. Located in the First Coast region of northeast Florida, Jacksonville is centered on the banks of the St. Johns River 340 miles north of Miami and 25 miles south of the Georgia border. The city of Jacksonville has a total area of 874.3 square miles, making it the largest city in land area in the United States.

Jacksonville is the principal city in the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area that withstands a staggering population of more than 1,313,228. Such a large amount of residents makes Jacksonville the most populated city proper in Florida and the twelfth most populous in the United States. Drawn to its many attractions and beautiful city skyline by the water, approximately 2.8 million visitors stayed overnight touring Jacksonville in 2008. Jacksonville is not only home to the NFL Jaguars and a number of minor league teams, but also to two universities, the fourth largest community college in the country, and a four year college.

Considering that the majority of Jacksonville’s metropolitan population lives within the city limits, transportation plays a huge role in how residents get around. In addition to those who call the region home, the large number of tourists and college students add to the potential threat of pedestrian accidents, auto accidents, and many other kinds of Jacksonville personal injury accidents throughout the city.

At Farah and Farah, we are dedicated to helping victims of car accidents in Florida get the medical treatment and money they need to recover properly. We will aggressively represent you in negotiation with insurance, with the other driver, and if necessary, in court. Our skilled Jacksonville personal injury attorneys have more than 25 years of experience in auto accident and personal injury law and are familiar with the law regarding the all too common tricks of insurance companies. At Farah and Farah, we understand that every accident is different and has unique circumstances that deserve to be fully examined to get the best results. Contact us today for a free consultation at:

10 W Adams St
Jacksonville, FL 32202

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According to a report, we should expect some changes in how Jacksonville Beach police patrol the beach in their SUVs. This is an update to a story we told you about last week.

A sunbather, Anne Marie Giffin, 41, is recovering from critical injuries after she was run over by a Jacksonville Beach police Trailblazer. Giffin, suffered a head wound and broken bones when the vehicle backed up and turned around over her, never seeing her under his vehicle in this Florida personal injury incident.

It will take this accomplished pianist, who has performed with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, a long time to heal, but she did survive the accident and we wish her a speedy recovery.

She will also have extensive medical expenses which the city must realize it is liable for. If not, no one would fault her for seeking compensation so she does not have her life further ruined with the cost of medical and rehabilitative care.

Jacksonville Beach Mayor Fland Sharp wants to review all of the police vehicles that travel the beach to find out what happened, why, and to make sure it never happens again.

Sharp said that, after the accident he expects policy changes on which city vehicles are driven on the beach and why, the Florida Times Union reports.

"That's absolutely going to happen," Sharp said. "Once we get all the reports done, the city manager [George Forbes] is going to do that and they'll bring it back to us...I expect some modifications to driving on the beach. But you can't take all the vehicles off the beach."

Sharp points out that lifeguards, trash collectors, public works vehicles all travel the beach and he’s surprised this hasn’t happened before.

If we knew there was a potential for a problem, shouldn’t we have tried to fix it proactively?

Were there some incidents that put the police department on notice that this could happen and chose not to do anything about it?

The city needs to make alternate transportation a priority. Other municipalities have turned to ATVs to patrol or using three-wheeled scooters as they do in Hollywood, Florida, while others have banned motorized traffic on the beach during certain hours to minimize harm to civilians. Many unsettling questions remain to be answered, but for right now, a professional musician has to concentrate on getting well. We can only hope the city is doing all it can to assist her without being forced to do the right thing.

Whether you have been injured on the beach or on the roads in a pedestrian accident, bike accident, or car accident in Florida, the experienced Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at Farah and Farah can help you. Call us today for a free consultation.

It was March 14, about 7:15 a.m. Mario Reyes, 59, was rushing to his job as a construction crane operator. According to a report, he crossed the six-lane MacArthur Causeway, in Miami near a crosswalk, when he was hit and killed by a Bentley being driven by Cleveland Browns wide receiver, Donte Stallworth.

According to Miami Beach police, Stallworth said he flashed his light to warn Reyes. But police also note he was driving about ten miles over the posted 40 mph zone.

They are investigating blood tests to see whether alcohol played a part in the pedestrian accident in Florida. No charges have been filed against Stallworth, who stopped his car after hitting Reyes.

Reyes was hit in the far left lane, just outside of the cross walk.

According to 2008 Florida Statutes, pedestrians must follow traffic signals at intersections and should not walk outside of designated areas that are for cars only. Following this simple procedure should help lower the chances of car accidents in Florida from occuring.

Drivers must stop and remain stopped to allow pedestrians to cross a roadway. When there is no sign, the driver of the vehicle is supposed to yield the right-of-way so the pedestrian can cross the roadway.

But pedestrians are not supposed to “suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.”

Pedestrians outside of crosswalks are supposed to yield the right-of-way to vehicles.

Continue reading "Florida Pedestrian Accident Involving NFL Player " »

Last week, a 2-year-old Jacksonville, Florida girl died in her driveway when her father backed up his SUV and didn’t see her.

Kainaat M. Umnair was in the driveway at her parents' home on the Southside, according to an account. It was about 2 p.m. when the little girl reportedly ran toward the car, according to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The girl’s mother tried to stop her but she had another child in her arms and was unable to catch up with her.

The girl was rushed to Shands Hospital but died from the weight of the vehicle.

Pedestrian accidents in Florida in driveways are the kind of story we keep reporting because unfortunately these incidents keeps happening.

The same day this girl was killed, a two-year-old was rolled over and killed in Fort Worth, Texas. Her mother forgot something inside the house and left her daughter and three others outside in an SUV. A child got into the driver’s seat and put the car in reverse then fell out of the vehicle.

A toddler hit by an SUV last November died after she was run over on a sidewalk in Los Angeles. A 16-month-old boy was recently killed by his father’s SUV in the Northwest Washington area.

Continue reading "Jacksonville Driveway Accident Kills Two-Year-Old " »

According to a report, the 17-year-old girl was driving in the Ortega area of Jacksonville. She says she was “just glancing at” her cell phone which was on the car seat.

She was not injured in the accident that followed, but 44-year-old Anthony Merrett is in critical condition after she pinned him against a wood chipper. He was working with a tree trimming crew along the side of the road when he was hit in this pedestrian accident in Florida.

Teens are notorious for texting, talking on the phone, and generally being distracted by anything on the console. They do not have the reaction time or capabilities of an experienced driver. Teens don’t want to hear that, but it’s true.

Charges may be filed in this very serious case.

Last month, a bill was introduced in the Florida legislature that bans texting while driving. In fact, it bans reading, manually writing, or typing and sending messages on cell phones.

Continue reading "Jacksonville Pedestrian Accident Caused by Cell Phone Use Injures Man" »

A tragic Florida pedestrian accident occurred Sunday afternoon when an unlicensed teenager got behind the wheel of the car.

The 16-year-old was asked by his family to move the family car after a church service at the Summerville Baptist Church near downtown.

The teen accidentally struck his three-year-old nephew when he rolled backward onto the sidewalk. He hit the child and then hit a fence. It turns out the driver’s seat latch broke, putting the seat in the reclined position, causing the teen to lose control of the car. The toddler was taken to Shands Jacksonville with life-threatening injuries.

We wish the family the best and hope the baby makes a full recovery.

This story is reminiscent of another unlicensed teen auto accident two years ago in St. Petersburg. A 42-year old mother let her unlicensed 15-year-old boy have the keys to drive his friends home. The Florida Highway Patrol determined the unlicensed teen was going 70 mph in a 40 mph zone. During his joy ride, he was involved in a crash trying to overtake another car. A 14-year-old cheerleader was killed.

Continue reading "Florida Toddler Struck By Unlicensed Teen Uncle" »

A young man was walking on Blanding Boulevard in the Jacksonville area around 1:45 Friday morning. A report says he was hit by a Dodge minivan and killed.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the pedestrian fatality. The man has been identified as Cammeron T. Nettles, 21. He was walking southbound on Blanding Boulevard near County Road 220. Nettles was reportedly wearing dark clothing and walking in the inside lane. That was when the driver, 41-year-old Corry L. Hull of Keystone Heights, Florida hit him. Nettles was pronounced dead at the scene of the Jacksonville, Florida pedestrian accident.

The driver said he did not see Nettles who walking in the inside lane wearing dark clothing, the FHP report said. It also wasn't clear what he was doing in the road or exactly where he was when he was hit.

Obviously it is the motorist's responsibility to do everything possible to avoid colliding with any pedestrians, including anyone traveling on a bicycle, skateboarders or someone in a pedestrian crosswalk.

Continue reading "Jacksonville Pedestrian Accident Results in Death of Man" »

Toddler Run Over By SUV In Driveway on Nov 28

It has happened again. A West Palm Beach SUV accident involving a little kid run over in their own driveway by a car whose driver never saw them, according to a FirstCoastNews.com report. In a moment a life is lost, and lives are ruined.

The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office says the little boy, Sergio Martinez, was riding his tricycle, not in the street, when Rangel Rauda driving a Ford Explorer ran him over. Rauda says she didn’t see the toddler because a parked car was in her way. Little Martinez later died in the hospital. Rauda may be charged.

According to a report by the Washington Post, in Northwest Washington, a 16-month-old boy is fatally hit by his father’s SUV. The mother was putting things in the trunk of her car. That’s how long the toddler had to wander away from her and into the SUV’s path.

Singer Steven Curtis Chapman told People Magazine about the death in his family when a teenage son ran over his five-year-old adopted sister.

Continue reading "Fatal SUV Pedestrian Accident in Driveway Kills Toddler" »