Monthly Archive for October, 2010

Dangers for Motorcyclists

Published on October 29, 2010 in Motorcycle Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers are at fault in two-thirds of accidents that involve a motorcycle and a car. 

Situations that usually lead to such accidents include: 

  • a car that turns left in the motorcyclist’s path;
  • a motorist who fails to check their blind spot before switching lanes;
  • hazardous conditions such as debris, which may force the motorcyclist to take action that the driver did not anticipate; and
  • visual obstructions. 

Accidents can cause serious injury to a motorcyclist, even when a helmet is worn. 

Injuries common among motorcyclists include: 

  • cerebral hematoma, which is bleeding from the brain;
  • lung damage or fractured ribs;
  • neck and spinal cord trauma;
  • spleen and liver damage;
  • broken arms and legs, as well as a fractured pelvis; and
  • abrasions (from scraping the pavement). 

Medical treatment after a motorcycle accident is costly, especially for injuries that involve the spinal cord and head. A Palm Beach motorcycle attorney can help by gathering and analyzing the necessary evidence to hold the negligent parties liable in your South Florida motorcycle accident.  

Contact a Palm Beach Motorcycle Attorney 

A motorcycle accident can ruin and completely change your life. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Palm Beach motorcycle attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability. When you are interviewing attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained; and do you have experience with motorcycle cases? 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained motorcycle attorneys wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

Hit and Run Driver Nearly Kills Man in Royal Palm Beach

Published on October 29, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

October 19, 2010 – Royal Palm Beach FL - Authorities are searching for a speeding hit and run driver who nearly killed Jose Antonio Diaz in Royal Palm Beach.

According to reports on WPTV.com, Diaz, 61, had gathered with relatives when he went out to his car to retrieve his glasses. As he was getting his glasses, a car that was driving westbound on Sandpiper Avenue drove into the yard and struck him.

The hit and run driver cut a path through the grass and then fled. Deputies think the culprit may have been driving an old Ford pickup that was either green or blue. Police collected evidence at the scene including a beer can and cigarette butt, which will be sent off for DNA testing.

As a result of the hit and run accident, Diaz sustained a punctured lung, internal bleeding and several broken bones. He was airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

Neighbors, although shocked, were not surprised by the ordeal. Alan Lafoy, a resident on the street where the hit and accident took place, said he had seen three auto accidents where the offenders fled.

Days after the nearly fatal accident, Diaz was in the intensive care unit in West Palm Beach. According to his daughter, Dairys Diaz of Miami, he was receiving supplemental oxygen, but was in a lot of pain.

Traffic Injuries and Fatalities in Florida

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by distracted drivers or aggressive driving.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

West Palm Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on Okeechobee Boulevard

Published on October 28, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

October 20, 2010 – West Palm Beach, FL — Kyle Lloyd James, 20, of West Palm Beach was killed when he crashed his motorcycle while riding east on Okeechobee Boulevard around Andros Isle, The Palm Beach Post reported.

James was riding a 2005 Yamaha when he lost control of the motorcycle and crashed the motorcycle. Police estimate the accident could have occurred anytime between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. on October 19.

According to the preliminary investigation, James was speeding when he lost control and crashed into a ditch, police said. Evidence of the wreckage indicates that the motorcycle skidded 1,000 feet before James collided with the ditch.

Upon impact with the ditch, the motorcycle was launched into the air and James struck several objects including street signs and trees, CBS12.com reported.

A construction worker who stumbled upon the accident site notified police. James was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, said Matthew Bessette, a police sergeant in West Palm Beach.

Public records from the clerk’s office in Palm Beach County show that James had several traffic citations, including going more than 30 mph over the speed limit.

The police department in West Palm is looking for any information from anyone that may have witnessed this tragic motorcycle accident. You can contact the West Palm Beach police department directly at (561) 822-1616.

Traffic Injuries and Fatalities in Florida

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by distracted drivers or aggressive driving.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

Pedestrian Killed on I-95 in Lake Worth

Published on October 27, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

October 19, 2010 – Lake Worth, FL - A pedestrian who was fatally struck on Interstate 95 has been identified as Bayron Galindo, 31, The Palm Beach Post reported. 

The 31-year-old victim, who was from Lake Worth, was hit by two vehicles. According to published reports by the Florida Highway Patrol, Galindo was on the west side of I-95 south and attempting to cross over to the east side near the area of 10th Avenue North around 6:30 A.M. on October 16.   

Ernesto Rivera, 47, was driving a Lincoln Town Car when he noticed Galindo trying to cross the highway. Although he tried to avoid hitting Galindo, the back of the Town Car struck the pedestrian and knocked Galindo to the ground in the center lane. 

A second motorist, 44-year-old Juan Ramos, did not notice that Galindo had been struck down and ran over him with his Ford Mustang. 

FHP is unsure whether any other vehicles came into contact with Galindo, who died on the scene.

Traffic Injuries and Fatalities in Florida

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by distracted drivers or aggressive driving.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

Premises Liability in Florida Extends Beyond Slip and Fall

Published on October 24, 2010 in Slip & Fall Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

A slip and fall accident in Florida falls under the category of premises liability, which encompasses many accidents besides your standard slip and fall on a wet surface. 

Other accidents involving premises liability include: 

  • collapsing to the floor after sitting in an unsteady chair;
  • tumbling down a rickety staircase;
  • tripping after stumbling over a pothole; and
  • being attacked because of negligent security.

In all premises liability cases, evidence needs to be collected quickly. Otherwise, the party responsible for your accident could make any necessary repairs to cover up the conditions that led to your injuries.

Your Palm Beach personal injury lawyer will have to move fast to investigate your case and show that negligence was indeed a factor that led to your personal injuries. This can be accomplished through photographs, witness testimony and maybe an expert witness.

You can help by preserving evidence such as your shoes or clothing, which may contain residue of any substance that caused you to fall. You should also take photographs of your injuries immediately after the accident.

The sooner after your slip and fall accident that you contact a Palm Beach personal injury lawyer, the sooner action can be taken to preserve evidence.

Florida premises liability law, like all personal injury torts, are subject to change and your Palm Beach personal injury lawyer is your best resource for the most up-to-date information about the laws that will apply to your particular case. 

Contact a Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer 

A slip and fall accident can ruin and completely change your life. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Florida personal injury attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability. When you are interviewing personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained; and do you have experience with slip and fall cases? 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

Drunken Driver May Have Caused Accident that Killed 11-Year-Old

Published on October 23, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

October 14, 2010, Loxahatchee — Police authorities suspect a drunk driver may be at fault for the fatal car accident that killed a girl near Loxahatchee on October, 10, 2010.

According to reports from CBS12.com, 10-year-old Khonni Louis died when her mother collided with a Ford F-250. The pickup truck was idle and facing west on Northlake Boulevard in the vicinity of 140th Avenue, officials said

The child, along with her mother and 11-year-old sister, were headed home after visiting a relative in Miramar.

Khonni, who was in the 5th grade at Pierce Hammock Elementary, had not been wearing a seatbelt, according to investigators although her father believes she was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Her father also said his wife did not see an idle vehicle before the collision took place.

The child’s father told reporters that he believes his wife’s vehicle was actually cut-off by the pickup truck.

Mark Bradley, 45, who was behind the wheel of the pickup truck, was not able to be reached for a comment on the case.

Investigators said Bradley appeared intoxicated, however, so far charges have not been filed.

Traffic Fatalities in Florida

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by distracted drivers or aggressive driving.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

I-95 Van Crash Near Jupiter Kills Day Laborer

Published on October 22, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

October 13, 2010, Jupiter — A fatal van accident that killed a Fort Pierce man on I-95 on the morning of October 11, 2010, may have been caused by a tire blowout according to the Florida Highway Patrol. 

The Palm Beach Post reports that a van carrying a group of day laborers from Fort Pierce to West Palm Beach crashed on I-95 near the exit for Indiantown Road around 6:35 a.m. Jose Aguiniga Gil was pronounced dead at the scene.  The 38-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt. 

Five other men in the van sustained injuries and were transported to various local hospitals. They were identified as: the driver, 48-year-old Jose J. Calixto-Aguilar; 68-year-old Enrique Morales; 53-year-old Martin Gomez; 36-year-old Adrian Magana; and 41-year-old Juan C. Hernandez Serrato. All of the victims live in Fort Pierce. 

They were southbound in a ’99 Dodge Grand Caravan when a rear tire separated, causing Calixto-Aguilar to lose control of the vehicle in a construction zone. 

The Caravan swerved, rammed into a retaining wall and flipped before landing in the right and middle lanes of traffic. Gil was ejected from the van.

I-95 was closed for nearly 3 hours as the retaining wall had to be repaired.

Traffic Fatalities in Florida

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by distracted drivers or aggressive driving.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage can be Stacked in Florida

Published on October 22, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

In Florida, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can be stacked, meaning the limits can be multiplied according to the vehicles you have on your policy. Suppose your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is $100,000. If 3 cars are on your policy when an accident occurs, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage would be limited to $300,000. 

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is almost a necessity in Florida, where 23% of drivers have no car insurance. 

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, depending on the limits you purchase, could cover: 

  • Medical bills – 100%.
  • Lost wages – 100%.
  • Pain and suffering – 100%. 

Your uninsured motorist coverage can help protect you as well as any passengers in your vehicle if a negligent driver with no insurance causes a serious accident. You would also be covered as a passenger in another vehicle, as a pedestrian or as the victim of a hit and run accident. Although uninsured/underinsured coverage is not terribly expensive, the benefits are valuable. (Insert link to Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage) 

Without it, you could be at a loss. Even if you have health insurance, be mindful that it might not fully cover damages from a serious car accident in Florida. In addition, health insurance cannot cover lost wages and pain and suffering, as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can.  

Contact a Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer 

An auto accident can ruin and completely change your life. If you have been injured in a car crash in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Florida personal injury attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability. When you are interviewing personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained; and do you have experience with uninsured motorist cases? 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

Boca Woman Dies After Running Red Light, Colliding with SUV

Published on October 21, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

October 13, 2010, Palm Beach County — A Boca Raton woman died October 10, 2010, after she ran a red light and collided with an SUV, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said.

According to reports in The Palm Beach Post, Lauren Rafferty, 24, was pronounced dead at Delray Medical Center shortly after the car accident, which occurred on Palmetto Park Road west of Boca Raton.

Rafferty was eastbound, driving a 2010 Honda when she failed to stop at a red light where Palmetto Park Road intersects with Boca Del Mar Drive. It was at that intersection where she slammed into a Ford SUV.

Kenneth Minerly, who was driving the 2004 SUV, was attempting to make a left turn onto Palmetto Park Road at the time of the fatal collision.

The impact forced Rafferty’s SUV to crash into 2 other vehicles. There are no reports about the damage to those vehicles or if any of the occupants were injured. Rafferty, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported to Delray Medical Center, where she died several hours later.

Minerly, 48, was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. His injuries were reported as minor.

Traffic Fatalities in Florida

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by distracted drivers or aggressive driving.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

Loxahatchee Motorcyclist Dies after Colliding with Car

Published on October 20, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

October 9, 2010, Loxahatchee, FL – Motorcyclist James J. Gallo died Friday, October 8, 2010, after he crashed his bike into a car.

According to reports from The Palm Beach Post, Gallo, who was a resident of Loxahatchee, was riding his Suzuki motorcycle in the 4000 block of Seminole Pratt-Whitney Road when the accident occurred. It was before noon when 21-year-old Gallo rear-ended a Honda Civic.

According to WPTV.com, the Honda was trying to make a right turn to enter a nursery at the time of the collision.

As the Honda started to slow down, Gallo applied his brakes. The force of the brakes apparently knocked him to the ground, where he slid underneath the Honda, said Teri Barbera, a spokeswoman for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Gallo was airlifted to the trauma unit at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach. He later died at the hospital.

Dylan G. Schmer, 17, who was driving the Honda, sustained minor injuries.

Witnesses said Gallo had been speeding and passing slower drivers before the fatal motorcycle accident, which is still under investigation.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by distracted drivers or aggressive driving.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.