Tampa Personal Injury Law Blog

Distracted driving increasing in Florida

On behalf of Culpepper Kurland posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.

A previous post here recently discussed the serious impact of distracted driving. The number of car accidents caused by distracted drivers in Florida is increasing. Last year in Florida, 50,000 car accidents were caused by distracted drivers. Because April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it is important for drivers and victims to be aware of the serious consequences of distracted driving and the resources available to help victims of a distracted driving accident.

A captain with the Florida Highway Patrol recently noted it is difficult for younger drivers to be without their technological devices while driving, but that it is important that they refrain from using them while driving and reminded drivers that it is a violation of the law to drive and text. Texting while driving is a secondary offense in Florida, which means drivers can be ticketed in Florida for distracted driving if they are pulled over for another violation which would be considered a primary offense.

Distracted driver critically injures bicyclist in Florida

On behalf of Culpepper Kurland posted in Car Accidents on Sunday, April 15, 2018.

A personal injury claim for damages against a negligent driver can be an important tool for victims suffering from the harm of an unexpected car accident. In a nearby Florida community northeast of the Tampa area, a 33-year-old bicyclist was recently critically injured in a car accident after being struck by a distracted driver. According to authorities, the 25-year-old woman was momentarily distracted when she hit the bicyclist while driving her SUV. The woman had two small children in the car with her at the time of the accident.

The bicycle rider was critically injured in the distracted driving accident and was taken to a local medical center for treatment. Authorities reported that charges may be pending against the driver related to the accident. In addition to criminal charges, a distracted driver may also face a claim for damages brought by those they have harmed. Victims may be able to recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages.

Distracted driving is a growing safety threat on Florida roads

On behalf of Culpepper Kurland posted in blog on Friday, April 13, 2018.

Florida readers understand the safety issues associated with distracted driving. Distraction greatly increases the chance of a car accident, and it is an issue most often related to the inappropriate use of a phone or other distracting item while driving a car. Despite the well-known dangers of engaging in this type of behavior, Tampa drivers still drive while distracted every day.

According to statistics, this is an issue that is only getting worse. Studies show a concerning and steady increase in the number of distracted driving accidents in Florida. This is a serious problem, and you may find it beneficial to know how to protect yourself in the event that a distracted driver causes you harm.

What is a common carrier and what if I am injured by one?

On behalf of Culpepper Kurland posted in commercial vehicle accidents on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.

Victims may suffer serious injuries and harm in a bus accident or other commercial vehicle accident. Buses, and some other forms of public transportation, such as trains, planes and taxis, are referred to as "common carriers." Common carriers transport goods and individuals and are subject to certain requirements and liability, such as in a bus accident.

Common carriers are regulated and must meet certain standards for safety. In addition, common carriers are required to exercise the highest degree of care for the safety of their passengers and cargo. Common carriers are also required to warn passengers of a potentially dangerous condition. Common carriers may be liable to victims if a reasonably careful operator would have or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to warn passengers.

Motorcycle accident claims life of rider in Tampa area

On behalf of Culpepper Kurland posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Saturday, March 31, 2018.

Legal resources protect victims and their families in different situations following a motorcycle accident. A fatal Tampa area motorcycle accident recently left the motorcycle rider dead. The recent motorcycle accident occurred when a turning motor vehicle collided with the motorcycle. The motorcyclist died at the scene of the accident. The motorcycle accident occurred at an intersection which remained closed following the accident. Authorities are investigating the accident.

Though many do, not all motorcycle accidents result in the death of the motorcycle rider. Motorcycle accidents, generally, however, result in catastrophic consequences including broken bones and head injuries. Different legal options are available to victims and their families following a motorcycle accident which can help them recover compensation for the physical, financial and emotional damages suffered as a result of a motorcycle accident.

How will self-driving cars affect Tampa commuters?

On behalf of Culpepper Kurland posted in blog on Thursday, March 29, 2018.

Several different automakers are currently testing their version of self-driving vehicles in Florida and other states. While there are many issues and safety concerns that have to be resolved before these vehicles will be in widespread use, they will soon become a reality.

You may have concerns over how these vehicles will affect your life and how they could impact your commute. Over the next decade, you will be sharing the road with these types of vehicles, and it is smart to be prepared. Being prepared and knowing your rights is important for every Tampa-area driver as more self-driving cars become present on roads and highways.

The dangers of impaired driving

On behalf of Culpepper Kurland posted in drunk driving accidents on Monday, March 26, 2018.

There are serious consequences for driving while impaired which includes driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. The consequences for a drunk driving accident can extend well beyond criminal consequences to include civil liability to victims injured or otherwise harmed by the careless actions of a drunk driver. Victims of drunk driving accidents have legal remedies to help them recover compensation for the harm they have suffered in a drunk driving accident.

Impaired driving, which includes driving while drunk or high on drugs, leads to decreased reaction time; decreased hand-eye coordination; reduced concentration; difficulty with perception, including perceiving time and distance; and limited short-term memory. All of the signs of impaired driving present a risk on the roadways and describe many of the dangers of a drunk or otherwise impaired driver.

Florida pedestrian accident leaves victims with head injuries

On behalf of Culpepper Kurland posted in auto-pedestrian accidents on Sunday, March 25, 2018.

Victims of pedestrian accidents are legally protected from the harm suffered in a pedestrian accident. In a nearby Florida community northwest of the Tampa area, a pedestrian accident recently left two pedestrian victims seriously injured. Authorities responded to the pedestrian accidents and the two victims were taken to a local hospital for treatment of head injuries. The roadway where the pedestrian accident took place had to be closed in one direction.

Head trauma is a serious injury with potentially life-altering consequences. Head injuries, as well as other types of serious injuries, are not uncommon following an auto-pedestrian accident. It is important for victims of pedestrian accidents to obtain appropriate medical care and also understand their legal rights if they have been injured by a negligent or careless driver. Legal resources can help them obtain compensation for their medical expenses and other damages.

Drugged driving poses a serious threat

On behalf of Culpepper Kurland posted in blog on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.

Impaired driving is always dangerous driving, regardless of the specific factors contributing to the impairment. You are likely aware of the various risks you are facing every time you get behind the wheel. Educating yourself on the different types of impairment and how to recognize the signs of a potentially impaired driver may help you avoid accidents or protect your interests in the event of an accident.

Many people associate the term "impaired driving" with alcohol, but that is not the only reason why a driver might be impaired. Any type of impairment or external factor that affects a driver's ability to concentrate on driving safely increases the chances of an accident.

Tampa-area road construction could be placing drivers at risk

On behalf of Culpepper Kurland posted in blog on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

Florida readers know that road construction is sometimes necessary, but it can also lead to a higher chance that a person will suffer injuries in an accident. Even well-marked construction zones can be hazardous for drivers, cause confusion and congest traffic. Recently, an accident near a zone for road construction underlined how dangerous these areas can be.

This accident occurred in Palm Harbor, a community near Tampa. Local residents believe that construction along specific streets places them in danger. This recent accident reminded people who drive along these streets that this specific road construction project to install permanent concrete medians can be a hazard and a hindrance for regular commuters.