North Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

A private school bus belonging to The Broach School, a school that serves children with special education needs, lost control and flipped onto its side while transporting students to the school's Jacksonville Beach location. The accident occurred on the off-ramp from 9A to Monument Road around 7:45 a.m. The school bus was transporting nine special needs students. The students were between the ages of 13 to 18-years-old. One student was taken to the hospital from the scene with non-life-threatening personal injuries. Another student sustained a broken hand and was transported to the hospital by her parents. The driver of the bus, Debra Earl, was also taken to the hospital for tests. Earl was ticketed for careless driving. This is Earl's first accident in her 20 years she has been with the company. Officer C.E. Waldrup of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the bus skidded down the off-ramp of 9A and Monument Road when it lost control, went off the pave and flipped onto its side. Waldrup stated he knows the wet roads were a factor in the accident but could not state whether any other factors existed. Tommie Broach, the school's founder and executive director, said that extra attention will be paid to the students' emotional well-being. Broach stated the students will be watched for signs of lingering distress. To read more on this story please see 9 students of The Broach School escaped serious personal injury after their bus flipped onto its side.

In wet conditions Florida drivers need to take extra precautions, especially during times of heavy traffic such as morning and afternoon commutes.

A man from Miami Springs, Florida, is being called a hero after he jumped in to rescue and woman and her dog from being attacked by another dog. The woman was walking her dog, a mixed Labrador breed, when, suddenly, another dog came charging from a house they were passing. The attacking dog first went after the mixed Labrador and then its owner. Dan Robling saw the attack from his home. Robling rushed out of his home and fatally shot the attacking dog. Robling said the dog had the woman's arm in its mouth and was trying to pull her to the ground. The dog was identified as a form or mix of a pit bull, a breed which is currently illegal in Miami-Dade County. Although the owner of the attacking dog was not at home at the time of the attack, a woman at the house stated the canine had just been brought to the U.S. from Cuba. The woman was treated at the scene for her personal injuries, she is expected to be OK; the status of her dog is unknown. To see more on this story please see Miami Springs man called a hero after rescuing woman and her dog from another dog attack.

This woman is very lucky she was not severely injured by the dog's attack. The dog owner could potentially face civil as well as administrative or criminal charges. The owner of the attacking dog may also be responsible to reimburse the lady for the injuries inflicted upon her as well as her dog.

At approximately noon on Saturday, January 22, 2011, a crawler construction crane that was being operated by an independent contractor to remove another crane from a dock inside the JAXPORT Talleyrand Marine Terminal in Jacksonville, Florida topple-over killing the independent contractor. The man was identified by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office as Anthony F. Roberts. According to police, pieces of the crane Roberts was removing for scraps toppled over and crashed onto the cab of the crane he was operating. Roberts was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the news report released subsequent to the work related / industrial accident, spokeswoman for JAXPORT, Nancy Rubin, said she did not know any information about the victim except that he was not an employee of the port. According to Rubin, the port has sold the old crane to another company, which in turn hired a contractor to operate the another crane to dismantle the old crane. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident. To read more on this incident see Worker dies after crane topples over him at JAXPORT.

The death of this man is a tragedy for his family and community. Hopefully, the investigation conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will reveal whether or not guidelines were followed and standards were met.

Samuel Hines, 68, of Jacksonville, Florida was the victim of a pedestrian / automobile incident while he was walking home after getting of a local bus. Hines was actually hit by 3 vehicles while crossing Soutel Drive. Police are searching for the first vehicle that hit Soutel, the driver of which fled the the scene after hitting the victim. The first car to strike Hines was described as a dark newer model burgundy or maroon sports utility vehicle. The drivers of the other two automobiles were unable to stop in time and hit Hines while he was laying in the road. Hines was pronounced dead at the scene. Hines was described as a short man who walked with a cane. Friends say he walked almost everywhere and always had fears of being struck by an automobile because he did walk a slower pace. Hines' death is a tragic loss for his family and community. Hopefully, witnesses will come forward and the police will be able to track down the driver of the hit and run vehicle. To read more on this story please see Elderly man killed in hit-and-run accident.

It is against Florida law to flee the scene after being involved in a collision. Hit-and-run drivers neglect to take responsibility for their actions and leave the victim and the victim's family to deal with all the consequences, physically, emotionally and economically.

Continue reading " Hit and Run Accident Leads to Death of 68 Year Old - Samuel Hines " »

Near Oviedo, FLorida, it was reported that there was an automobile accident involving a wrong way driver and a van with children in it. Tragically, the wrong way driver died as a result of this Florida automobile accident. The occupants of the van including the children were injured as a result of this accident. The automobile accident was reported to take place at approximately 1:00 a.m. on State Road 417 north of the State Road 434 exit.

Following road signs and directions can prevent accidents like these. If you are not familiar with an area, make sure that you are paying close attention to the road signs, direction of traffic, and flow of the traffic. You can read more about this story at S.R. 417 Crash Nearly Pushes Van with Children over 150-Foot Embankment, Officials Said.

Mary E. Leduc, a 65-year-old woman of Keystone Heights, was critically injured after a crash that occurred early one morning in Starke, Florida. Leduc sustained critical personal injuries and was hospitalized at Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Leduc, who was driving a 2005 Jeep sports utility vehicle, made a right turn from a private driveway onto the outside, Douthbound lane of U.S. 201. As Leduc was turning onto U.S. 301, Charles M. Milton, 62, of Gainesville, was driving a tractor/trailer behind Leduc. Milton moved into the inside lane to pass and Leduc suddenly changed lanes, moving directly into Milton's path. Milton served in an attempt to avoid Leduc's vehicle but was unable to. The right front of Milton's truck hit the left rear of Leduc's Jeep. Milton sustained no personal injuries in the accident. Charges are pending. To read more on this story please see Keystone Heights woman sustains critical personal injuries in collision on U.S. 301.

Continue reading " Automobile Accident in Starke, Florida Leads to Serious Personal Injuries of Keystone Heights Woman " »

A bicyclist was recently injured in a hit-and-run and was reported in serious but stable conditions at Shands of the University of Florida. Florida Highway Patrol troopers believe that they now know the type of vehicle that struck the bicyclist on his way home. Louis P. Rateau's Mongoose bicycle was hit and destroyed on State Road 40 and Southwest 41st Street. Rateau was removed from the scene and transported by helicopter to Shands in critical condition. Authorities believe that Rateau's bicycle was hit by a dark-colored 1999 or 2001 Ford F-250 or F-350 type pickup truck. The truck is missing the right front corner lamp and headlight assembly. Parts and pieces of the truck were found in close proximity to items worn by Rateau that were scattered at the crash site. According to FHP troopers, the front of the pickup struck the rear tire of the bicycle, ejecting Rateau. Rateau was roughly 3 miles away from his home when the collision occurred. If you would like read more on this accident please read Bicyclist sustains serious personal injuries after hit-and-run collision, sent to Shands in critical condition.

Victims of hit-and-run accidents suffer in multiple ways. The people who avoid taking responsibility in collisions leave their victims to deal with the medical bills, loss wages, pain, and suffering associated with the accident. Victims of automobile accidents not only suffer physically from the personal injuries sustained, but also suffer emotionally and economically. Victims have a right to be reimbursed and compensated for their injuries. These include medical bills (past, present and future), lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact a Florida Personal Injury to discuss what you may be entitled to as a result from a car collision.

De'Erick McCray, an 18-year-old student at Florida State University, was tragically killed in a 2-car accident in Gadsden County, Florida. The fatal accident occurred on the first day of the Spring 2011 semester. During his lifetime at Florida State University, McCray was very involved with the Black Student Union (BSU). The ambitious student was on BSU's athletics committee and participated in its fall pageant, in which he won title of Mr. BSU. As of now, no accident report has been released by officials. However, the incident did occur around 6:20 p.m. on the corner of High Bridge and Joe Adams Roads. If you would like to read more on this story please see FSU freshman, De'Erick McCray, killed in 2-car accident in Gadsden County, Florida.

This young man's death is a tragedy for his family and community. Car accidents are a leading cause of death for young adults. Distracted driving has become a national problem and includes behaviors such as talking and texting on a cell phone, eating, grooming, talking to other passengers or listen to music too loudly while driving. Young drivers should be aware of the dangers presented by Florida roadways as well as not engage in distracted driving.

A 22-year-old resident of St. Augustine, Florida, was sent to the hospital in critical condition after he slammed into the back of a semitrailer on U.S. 1. The 22-year-old was identified as Taylor Strunk. According to a local news article, Strunk was driving northbound on U.S. 1 behind the semitrailer around 8:40 a.m. The semi began to slow down for a traffic signal and Strunk failed to do the same in time to avoid the truck. The front of Strunk's 2008 Nissan sedan rear-ended the back of the semi and traveled 154 feet before coming to a final rest in the median. Strunk was flown to Shands Jacksonville in critical condition. The driver of the semi only sustained minor personal injuries. Both drivers were reported to be wearing their seat belts. Rear-end collisions are usually caused by drivers following to closely, not paying attention or otherwise being in a rush. Other victims of the collision could have a cause of action against him if he is found to be at fault in the accident. Therefore, drivers need to slow down and keep their attention on the road. If you would like to read more details on this accident please see 22-year-old male sent to hospital in critical condition after rear-end collision on U.S. 1.

In Florida and other States, residents frequently take trips or vacations to Disney World, the beach, and other areas. When a person or family leaves a home unoccupied, it sometimes can be very inviting to burglars. This is especially true when it appears that the house is empty and available for ransacking and looting. The website located at Home Alarm Monitoring - Guide to Home Alarm Monitoring Service has a good article titled 10 Tricks to Make Burglars Think Someone Is Home. The implementation of some of these recommendations can help deter some burglars from breaking into your house.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported a tragic and unusual automobile accident involving a 14 year old driver. The accident took place in Columbia County on Southwest Haltiwanger Road. The 14 year old driver (Julian Little) suffered critical injuries as did another passenger. It was reported that Jennifer Ann Grant (age 26) and Ronnie Bias (age 10) died as a result of this automobile accident. For some reason, a 14 year old was at the wheel of the vehicle. The Florida Highway Patrol will conduct a full investigation of this tragic accident. One of the issues will be finding out why the 14 year was driving. See Lake City Boy - Woman Killed in Crash After Teen Driver Loses Control of Vehicle.

Safety is always key when any person is driving a vehicle. Of course, in the State of a Florida, a 14 year old child cannot obtain a driver's license or learner's license. Teen drivers are inexperienced and need many hours of practice before heading out onto the roads of Florida.

In the Winter Months, fires are more prevalent in Jacksonville and other cities. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Fire Rescue and the State Fire's Marshall's Office are investigating a fire that took place on the Westside of Jacksonville. It was reported that a 3 year old child suffered serious personal injuries / burns as a result of a fire in a mobile home. The fire took place at approximately 1:40 p.m. The girl was transported to Shands at the University of Florida - Gainesville for treatment. The girl's body sustained burns to the stomach, legs, face and arms. See Child Suffers Burns in Jacksonville, Florida.

Fire safety and prevention can help reduce the incidence of fires and resulting injuries. When there is a fire involving injuries, State and local officials will investigate to determine the cause of the fire as well as the preventability of the fire.

All homeowners and renters should frequently check smoke alarms and periodically replace batters as needed. In addition, electrical outlets and extension cords should be checked to make sure there is no fraying or other increased risks of fire.

A 3-car collision on Sunbeam Road in Jacksonville, Florida killed one person and sent 5 others to the hospital. Local officials remained at the scene for a significant amount of time investigating and attempting to determine the cause of the accident. According to Detective J.D. Gregory with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, one vehicle was traveling westbound on Sunbeam when it jerked to the left, striking another vehicle. A third vehicle was also hit. The man driving the first vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The other five people sent to the hospital were not in life threatening condition. If you would like to read more on this story please see Fatal car crash on Sunbeam Road in Jacksonville, Florida, 1 killed, 5 others injured.

Jacksonville, Florida is the largest U.S. city in terms of population and land area. Therefore, roadways in this heavily populated city can be extremely dangerous. Traffic can be heavy and road construction is an all too common occurrence. Thus, driver attentiveness is a must when driving in Jacksonville. Drivers must keep their focus and attention and the road at all times.

Under Florida Law, a person riding or operating a motorcycle must wear protective headgear, which is securely fastened to his/her head and complies with the regulations of Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard, as well as protective eye gear that complies with the same.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule: People operating or riding a motorcycle do not need to where a helmet if ...
1. The person is riding within an enclosed cab;
2. The person is 16-years-old or older and is operating a motorcycle that cannot exceed the speed of 30 mph.
3. The person is 21-years-old or older and is covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.
- If you would like to read more on the Florida Law requiring helmets on motorcycles please see Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles, Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control, Section 316.211 - Equipment for motorcycle and moped riders.

It should also be noted that although the statutory minimum is $10,000 for an insurance policy, a motorcyclist who is injured as a result of riding or operating a motorcycle can seek damages far exceeding that amount. Personal injury damages can include past, present and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, these costs can be easily avoided if motorcyclists wear helmets. Helmets have been scientifically proven to reduce the severity of personal head injuries and other severe brain damage. Helmets have also been proven to save lives. If you would like to read some statistics about helmets please see Bicycle Helmets Reduce the Risks of Personal Injuries and Head Injuries to Children - Advice for Parents and Others.

All dogs have the potential to be dangerous; however, some breeds are believed to be more dangerous than others. Certain breeds of canines are extremely large and can be stronger than the average person. Proper care and training can significantly impact a dog's personality, but some dogs are inherently more aggressive than others. After extensive research and analysis by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society of the United States, a top-ten most dangerous dog breeds has been compiled.

Below is this list from least to most dangerous breeds:

10. Dalmatian. - These dogs are extremely protective and can be very aggressive towards humans.
9. Boxer. - Boxers are not aggressive by nature, but they are very headstrong and, therefore, can be difficult to train.
8. Presa Canario. - These dogs were originally bred to herd and fight with cattle. Attacks by these dogs have been described as hopeless for their victims. These guardian-breed dogs have man-stopping ability and a complete lack of fear.
7. Chow Chow. - If poorly bred, these dogs can be highly aggressive - they need constant reinforcement.
6. Doberman Pinschers. - These dogs are great guard dogs; however, if provoked they can be extremely aggressive. A doberman will typically attack if it believes that its property or family is in danger.
5. Alaskan Malamutes. - Very energetic and active by nature, this breed needs a lot of exercise to avoid becoming destructive.
4. Huskies. - A 2000 study of fatal dog bites revealed that 15 of these bites were caused by the Huskey-type canine.
3. German Shepherds. These dogs are known for their fearlessness and confidence.
2. Rottweilers. The territorial instincts of this breed makes them very aggressive dogs.
1. Pit Bulls. - Pit bulls are fearless breeds. Their attacking tactic is to lock their jaws until their opponent is dead. This breed is highly sought for dog fighting and are known for mauling people to death.

Although dogs can make great pets, it is important to know a dog's inherent nature and how to deal with them - especially if they are going to be around children. If you would like more information on these canines please see Top ten dangerous dog breeds.

In Jacksonville, Florida and surrounding areas, 3 dozen fires in the past 3 weeks have been reported. These fires have caused families to be displaced from their homes all over the Northeast Florida region. Most recently, a family of 11 was displaced from their home after it burned down. Luckily one of the eight children smelled smoke in time to alert the family and everyone escaped to safety. The American Red Cross is assisting the family. In the Westside area of Jacksonville, Florida, a kitchen fire inflicted personal injuries onto a young boy. Also, in the Riverside area, a house fire displaced two adults living in the home.

The Red Cross has responded to 39 fires where families needed help, this averages out to approximately 2 fires per day, according to Christian Smith, spokeswoman for the Northeast Florida chapter. This should be a reminder for all families to follow the number one fire-prevention rule: install and maintain working smoke detectors. Tom Francis, spokesman for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, says a smoke detector reduces the likelihood of dying in a fire by one-half. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Jacksonville, Florida and other homes in the Northeast region experience home fires.

It is important to maintain working smoke detectors. The carbon monoxide in the smoke is highly poisonous, and if too much is inhaled can knock children and adults unconscious. That is why so many people are unable to escape home fires because the smoke incapacitates them.

Two motorcyclists deaths in two days have occurred in the Southwest Florida region. 42-year-old Dennis J. Bedard of Bonita Springs, Florida, was killed after his motorcycle collided with a Chevrolet Suburban also in Bonita Springs. Bedard, who was reported to not have worn a helmet, was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. The driver of the Suburban did not sustain any personal injuries. According to the Lee County Sheriff's office, the fatal motorcycle accident is still under investigation. The second fatal motorcycle accident involved a 41-year-old Naples motorcyclist. The collision occurred when the motorcycle crossed over the solid, yellow center lines and into oncoming traffic, striking a pickup. The cyclist was driving a 2007 Harley-Davidson and struck into a Ford F-350 pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck was identified as Crescencio Lopez, 43, of Naples, Florida. After the Ford pickup was initially struck by the motorcycle, Lopez lost control of the truck and drove it across traffic into the woods. Lopez was not personally injured in the crash. If you would like to read more on these collisions please see Two fatal motorcycle collision in two days in Southwest Florida.

The deaths of these men are tragedies for their families and communities. Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle collisions occur too frequently in Florida. Under Florida Law, motorcyclists are not required to wear helmets. Helmets, however, have been scientifically proven to reduce the severity of personal injuries to the head and brain as well as proven to save lives. Although it is not required by law, motorcyclists should wear helmets - it may potentially save a life.

A 31-year-old mother of Chuluota, Florida, was recently arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol on allegations that she drunkenly drove to school to pick up her 9-year-old child. The woman was identified as Margaret Lily; she faces charges of DUI and leaving the scene of an accidence. Authorities were notified by a school crossing guard who saw Lily run over a stop sign near John Walker Elementary School with her 2007 Saturn. The crossing guard recognized the car as one belonging to a parent of one of the children who attend the elementary school. A school official confiscated Lily's keys so she could not flee the scene. After troopers arrived, Lily told them she was there to pick up her child but did not recall hitting and running over the stop sign. The mother was arrested after failing several roadside sobriety tests; blood tests revealed her blood-alcohol level was .20 (more than twice the legal limit in Florida, .08). Sadly, this is not the first parent arrested for DUI in Seminole County, Florida. In September 2010, 43-year-old Renee A. Godby, was arrested at Lake Mary Elementary School after she crashed into a car in the school parking lot. This arrest was Godby's fifth DUI. She failed numerous roadside sobriety tests and breath tests read her BAC at .326 and .329.

Ms. Lily will be entitled to defend herself against these allegations through the services of a Florida criminal defense attorney or the services of a the public defender's office. The evidence appears to be quite strong against her but there are legal defenses to DUI charges that are not so obvious in each case.

This mother is lucky she only hit a stop sign; she could have hit teachers, other school officials or worse, children. Drunk driving is highly dangerous and irresponsible. Alcohol reduces ones judgment, reaction time, visibility and a plethora of other senses. Parents should be role models for their children and lead by example - do not drink and drive. If you would like to read more details on this story please see Mother arrested for DUI while picking her child up from school.

Jorge Ramirez, a 28-year-old male of Dade City, Florida, was killed recently after a tractor-trailer he was working on fell on top of him, killing him instantly. According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Ramirez was working under the tractor-trailer at Contreras Brother's Trucking Company when the vehicle gave way and rolled on top of him. Ramirez was killed instantly. Investigators say his death appears to be an accident. If you would like to read more on this story please see Man dies after tractor-trailer falls on top of him.

The Associated Press article regarding this incident did not detail if there were others involved with the repair or what safety precautions were taken by the mechanic or others to prevent such an incident from taking place. Any time that a person is working on or with heavy equipment - it is important that safety precautions are taken to prevent serious personal injuries and death.

A 19-year-old man was rushed to the hospital after he was found at the bottom of a pool at an apartment complex near the University of Central Florida. A maintenance worker at the Pegasus Landing apartment complex made a call to police and reported that a man was being pulled from the pool and was not breathing. According to a university spokesman, a UCF police officer was nearby when the call came in and was able to arrive at the scene within a minute of the call. The university police officer performed CPR until other rescue personnel arrived. Paramedics rushed the 19-year-old Valenica Community College student to an area hospital where he was placed on advanced life support. Grant Heston, a spokesman for the university, said he did not know of the young man's present condition, but he did have a pulse when he was taken from the apartment complex. If you would like to read more on this story, please see 19-year-old experiences near-drowning incident in UCF-area apartment complex.

Regardless of one's age, safety precautions should always be taken when engaging in water-related activities. People should not swim if they are feeling fatigued or have consumed alcohol. Fatigue and alcohol consumption reduces one's ability to swim and can make one tire more easily than normal.

In Florida and other States, people enjoy hunting on private land at hunting camps. While most hunters and visitors to the camp have fun, there are accidents and incidents at hunting camps from time to time. In St. Johns Counyt, Florida, the Florida Times Union reported that there was an unfortunate accident that ended the life of one man (Forest W. Noda) and caused injuries to Krystal Fars, and Chelsea Register. Deputies from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene.

The details of the accident were not reported. While driving on private roads may be subject to different regulations than on public roads, safe driving and the safety of all occupants should still be a priority. The hunting camp is located near Interstate 95 and Florida 206.

You can read more about this story at Fatal Accident on Hunting Camp Road in St. Johns County Florida.

According to the story posted in the Florida Jacksonville Times Union newspaper / website, alcohol may have played a factor in the accident. Further investigation will be completed due to the death and injuries associated with the accident.

At least 3 people were seriously injured in a head-on collision that occurred after a SUV passed a semi-tractor trailer and slammed into an oncoming pickup truck. According to William Cain of the Florida Highway Patrol, serious personal injuries resulted from this automobile accident. Accident victims were airlifted to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. The initial investigation revealed that the SUV was traveling eastbound on State Road 40 when it passed a semi-truck and slammed into a pickup truck pulling a trailer that was traveling westbound. After impact, the SUV flipped several times and was finally hit by an oncoming vehicle. According to a Florida Highway Trooper, the driver of the SUV and the driver and passenger of the pickup truck sustained the most serious personal injuries.

Passing a vehicle that requires a driver to go into oncoming traffic can be very dangerous. Vehicles should only pass other vehicles in designated lanes - designated lanes are indicated by dashed yellow lines in the state of Florida. Florida drivers should only pass vehicles when they have clear visibility, are in designated passing lanes and have enough time to pass. If you would like to read more on this horrific accident please see 3 people sustain serious personal injuries after head-on collision.

A man from Manatee County, Florida, was apparently shot and sustained personal injuries by some celebratory gun fire on New Year's Eve. The wounded man was identified as Robert Benafield, 36, of Bradenton, Florida. Benafield was in his backyard just before midnight when he suddenly felt a pain on the right-side of his body near his hip. Benafield went into the house to examine his pain and realized he had been shot. According to deputies the bullet entered into Benafield's body about two inches above his hip and traveled down about five inches. Benafield told deputies he had heard gunfire earlier as part of of a New Year's celebration. Benafield was treated at a local hospital and released. If you would like to read more on this story please see Bradenton, Florida man shot on New Year's Eve by apparent celebratory gun fire.

This man is very lucky he did not sustain more severe personal injuries or was killed. Guns are extremely dangerous weapons and should only be used under proper supervision and in safe and designated environments, this does not include firing a gun in a neighborhood around families and children. If you would like to read Florida laws on firearms please see Florida Law Regarding Minors (Under the Age of 18) and Firearms or Florida Law on BB Guns and Children - Dangers of BB Guns - Risks of Personal Injury and Death.

Five teenage males were found dead in a South Florida hotel, the teenagers were reported to have died by carbon monoxide poisoning. The bodies were identified as Juchen C. Martial, 19; Peterson Nazon, 17; Jonas Antenor, 17; Jean Pierre Ferdinand, 16; and Evans Charles, 19. The five men were described as very close friends and all lived within blocks of each other in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood. According to police, the boys purchased the hotel room so they could celebrate Juchen Martial's nineteenth birthday. Friends of the teens told police the car had engine trouble in the past, therefore, they probably left the car running overnight so they would not be stuck without a ride at checkout time.

The medical examiner determined the cause of the death to be carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities were called by a maid who looked through the window of the hotel room and found the boys unconscious; she called out to them but they were unresponsive. In the maid's call to 9-1-1 she stated the room had a strong smell of gasoline, one she described as an "awful stench." The car was found running in a garage located underneath the hotel room. A door in the staircase leading up to the hotel room was left open, which let the high levels of carbon monoxide inside the room. No drugs, alcohol or other signs of foul play were found by police. Two of the boys were found lying on the bed and the other three were found seated on the floor with fast food bags in their laps. A tragic sight and ending to five lives that were described by the families as "good boys." If you would like to read more on this story please see 5 teenage boys found dead in South Florida hotel.

Due to the fact carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common type of fatal air poisoning in many countries. The most common types of symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and signs of increased weakness. In infants, common symptoms include irritability and poor feeding. Confusing, disorientation, visual impairment and seizures are also other types of symptoms.

A hit and run accident in Apopka, Florida caused serious personal injuries to Michelle Moore (17 years old) from Orlando, Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that Michelle was crossing the street at Orange Blossom Trail and Sprint Boulevard. The accident took place at 7:30 p.m. The driver of the hit and run vehicle fled the scene but police believe that Keith Gonzalez was driving the vehicle involved in the hit and run accident. An astute Orange County Deputy Sheriff located a mini-van with a smashed windshield after the accident. You can read more about this story at Orlando teen critical after hit-and-run crash in Apopka, FHP says

As with any investigation or criminal matter, the driver will be entitled to the services of a Florida criminal defense lawyer or the services of the local Public Defender. The State Attorney must prove its case from witness statements, forensic evidence, and other evidence on the case.

At all times possible, drivers should yield and slow down when there are pedestrians in the area whether the pedestrians are using an assigned crosswalk or not.

In Florida, boaters and their passengers can enjoy boating activities year round. While some times of year are better than others, Florida's warm weather provides access to Florida's lakes, rivers, and oceans year round. There are risks associated with boating activities. Boat propellers can cause serious injuries to those who come in contact with the boat propellers. Boat operators and passengers should keep safety in mind at all times over everything else. In Indian Shores, Florida, it was reported that Molly Rinerth of St. Petersburg, Florida suffered serious injuries after she jumped overboard to get a hat that had fallen off her head. The boat operator had not noticed or was otherwise unaware that Molly was in the water. Molly was later hit by the boat, pulled underneath the boat, and then resurfaced. She did suffer some deep laceration cuts to her leg as a result of contact with the propeller. You can read more about this article at Florida Woman Chasing Hat Struck by Boat Propeller.

Two men are being treated for the personal injuries each sustained after they were ejected from their airboat. According to Brevard County Fire Rescue, the men had been riding the airboat over moslyt dry ground; the boat overturned and ejected the men around 7:54 a.m. Both men were transported to Parrish Medical Center. However, after doctors determine that one of the victim’s personal injuries were more severe and serious, this accident victim was transferred to the trauma center at Holmes Regional Medical Center. If you would like to read more on this story please see Two men ejected from airboat, sustain serious personal injuries.

Although airboat recreation can be entertaining and fun, participants should practice standard safety precautions and operation.

Steven Vance Gatlin, a 47-year-old truck driver of Lakeland, Florida, died after being involved in a 3-car collision that occurred between Lake Wales and Frostproof, Florida. The accident occurred around 6:56 a.m. A 2004 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer rig, a 2004 Ford minivan and a 2006 GMC pickup truck were all involving in the collision. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Gatlin, the driver of the Freightliner, failed to maintain his lane and entered into oncoming traffic. The reason(s) for Gatlin’s failure to maintain his lane are unknown. The Freightliner collided with the pickup, causing the pickup to spin into oncoming traffic, where it went into the path of and struck the minivan. The contact caused the minivan to overturn on its right side. The Freightliner also spun out of control and jack-knifed; it finally came to a rest in a ditch.

Rescue personnel pronounced Gatlin dead at the scene. David Theodore Alban, 43, of Loxahatchee, was identified as the driver of the pickup and sustained minor personal injuries. James Alfonso Huggins, 50, the driver of the minivan and his passenger, 51-year-old Catherine D. Huggings, both of Lakeland, were both transported to Lake Wales Medical Center and treated for their personal injuries. If you would like to read more on this accident please see Truck driver pronounced dead in 3-car collision.

The death of this man is a tragedy for his family and community. Florida roadways can be very dangerous. It is important for drivers to stay alter and keep their focus on the road. Florida drivers should always be aware of their surroundings, stay in their lane, and be courteous to others on the road.

A Massachusetts Man was killed after he was hit by a Walt Disney bus at Walt Disney World's Port Orleans resort. The man was identified as 69-year-old Robert Krueger of Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. Krueger was walking alone when he stepped onto the street and into the path of a Disney Bus traveling through the parking lot of the resort. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Krueger was struck by the front of the bus, knocking him to the ground. Krueger was later pronounced dead at Orlando Regional Medical Center. The driver of the bus was identified as 57-year-old Rosemary Kincaid of Lake Alfred, Florida. Kincaid did have passengers on board but no injuries were reported. Although the crash is still under investigation, Sgt. Kim Montes, spokeswoman for the FHP, said charges were unlikely due to the fact that Krueger was not walking in a designated crosswalk and the bus had the right-of-way. Some skepticism is being received by locals because of a previous accident that occurred in early April. On April 1, Chase Brubaker, a 9-year-old boy of St. Petersburg, Florida, was struck and killed by a Disney Bus while he was riding his bicycle with a friend at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort campgrounds. In that incident the FHP blamed the collision on the fact that Chase's tires in his bicycle had little or no air in them. If you would like to read more on this story please see Massachusetts man fatally struck by Walt Disney bus at Port Orleans resort.

Pedestrian personal injuries can be very severe and sometimes fatal. Both pedestrians and drivers should do their part in being courteous to one another and do their best to stay alert and make good decisions when travelling on or near Florida's busy Orlando roadways.

Due to the amount of tragic and potentially deadly injuries Americans have recently sustained while riding bicycles or motorcycles, the National Transpotation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued its own "Most Wanted List." The NTSB's list does not concern criminals, but instead the list was a press release calling for mandatory motorcycle helmets as one of the nation's most needed transportation safety improvement. In 1966 the Highway Safety Act mandated use of helmets for motorcycle riders, which 47 states followed. However, a mere 3 years after the Act the mandatory helmet laws were repealed. Afterwards, motocycle deaths increased dramatically. The repeal of mandatory helmets laws was a sad course of action for our nation. Today, only 20 states have mandatory helmet laws.

Scientific data and studies reveal that helmets decrease the risk of death by 39%. A 1992 study suggested that the chance of brain injury in those riders not wearing a helmet was 66%, compared to 38% of those riders who did wear a helmet. The most deadly or severest forms of personal brain injuries occur most frequently in men between the ages of 15 and 24-years-old. In a study by the University of Southern California, which supported the notion that the worst injuries occur within this age group, two-thirds of motorcycle accidents were caused by rider error such as over-breaking, running wide onurve or excess speeding.

In 2008, 653 child bicycle deaths were reported - of those deaths, only 8% of the children were wearing helmets. Bicycle helmets reduce risk of serious traumatic brain injuries by 95%. However, only 35% of bicycle riders wear helmets. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Helmets saves lives for adult and child cyclists.