North Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

A fatal motorcycle accident occurred in Charlotte County, Florida at Bermont Road near the Glades County line. The driver of a pickup truck was traveling eastbound on County Road 74 and into oncoming traffic, which caused two motorcyclists, who were traveling west bound on CR-74, to slam on their breaks in order to avoid a collision. The evasive action caused both motorcyclists to be ejected from their bikes. The driver of the pickup also took evasive action by traveling into the north shoulder. Charlotte County Sheriff's deputies confirmed the death of one of the motorcyclists, a 63-year-old Florida man. The other motorcyclists was reported in fair condition at Lee Memorial Hospital. The Florida Highway Patrol is currently conducting an investigation. For more details see Fatal motorcycle accident in Charlotte County, Florida kills 63-year-old man.

Due to the heavy amount of traffic on Florida roadways, Florida drivers need to be extra cautious. Drivers need to refrain from distracted driving behaviors, which include but are not limited to: eating or drinking, texting or talking on a cell phone, excessively talking to other passengers inside the vehicle and grooming. These behaviors take a driver's attention and focus off the roadway and can be fatal.

In Florida, a child can obtain a restricted driver's license at the age 15 and an unrestricted driver's license at the age of 16. Parents should educate themselves about the dos and the don'ts with teen driver. The Florida Highway Patrol has some helpful resources and information regarding teen driving on its website. There are pages for parents and pages for teens. Education and supervision are vital to safe teen driving.

As noted on Florida Highway Patrol website and other websites, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in Florida and other States. Approximately 20 % of licensed 16 year old drivers will be in an automobile accident. Over 300 teens lost there lives in automobile accidents in 2007. Because of these troubling statistics and risks, parents should do everything possible to educate and talk to their teens about safe driving. Parents should set rules and guidelines beyond the Florida laws. For instance, a parent can instruct his or her teen to refrain from mobile phone use while driving. Also, a parent can prohibit eating while driving and other distractions that lead to automobile accidents. While a parent cannot watch over a teen driver every minute of the day and at all times while driving, a parent can strive to do what he or she can do to positively influence and encourage the teen driver to play it safe and avoid distractions that take away from the skill and task of driving.

Florida law protects the safety of pedestrians by requiring every driver of a vehicle to exercise due caution when pedestrians are present. Pursuant to Florida Statute 16.130 - Pedestrians; traffic regulations, the driver of a vehicle that is at an intersection and has a traffic control signal, must stop before entering the crosswalk and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross a roadway while in the crosswalk. When traffic control signals are not in place or there is no signage indicating otherwise, the driver or a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, by either slowing down or stopping completely, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk. Florida driver's only have the right-of-way when a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided and the pedestrian chooses to cross the roadway instead of using the tunnel or overhead crossing, or when the pedestrian is crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk.

Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any person propelling a human-powered vehicle and give warning when necessary and exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any obviously confused or incapacitated person. Even if a pedestrian is hit or injured outside of a crosswalk, a cause of action can be pursued based on this Statute and other Florida law if driver inattention, speed, distraction, or other negligence caused or contributed to the accident or incident causing personal injuries to the pedestrian.

A pregnant woman of Palatka, Florida was hospitalized in serious condition after a van she was traveling in overturned in Putnam County Florida. The collision occurred at the intersection of State Roads 20 and 21. According to the report by the Florida Highway Patrol, a 75-year-old man of Orange Springs attempted to cross the southbound lanes of S.R. 20 from a stop sign at S.R. 21. Unfortunately, he drove into the path of an oncoming Ford minivan. In an attempt to avoid colliding with the truck, 63-year-old Diana Jenkins, driver of the minivan, made a sharp right turn. The front of the truck struck the rear driver's side of the van, the impact caused the van to spin and overturn. The van finally came to rest on its right side. 21-year-old Kaitlynn Lands, who was a passenger in the van, was taken to Shands Gainesville to check on the status of her unborn twins. Jenkins was also taken to Shands Gainesville serious personal head injuries. The driver of the truck was not injured. All drivers were wearing their seatbelts and charges are pending. For more see Pregnant woman hospitalized after minivan she was traveling in overturns in Putnam County, Florida.

Florida roadways can be extremely busy and drivers will be traveling at high speeds. When arriving at a stop sign, Florida drivers should look left, right then left again to ensure they are not driving into the path of oncoming traffic.

A motorcyclist was hospitalized in critical condition in Jacksonville, Florida, after a car pulled out from a side street causing the motorcyclist to fall into a slide. The motorcyclist, who is in his early forties, was traveling southbound on Jammes Road just before 5 p.m. when a vehicle began to pull out from Bartholf Avenue. The vehicle was able to stop before it was struck, but the motorcyclist leaned and put the motorcycle into a slide to avoid the collision. It was reported that the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and was transported to Shands Jacksonville after sustaining personal injuries. No traffic citations were reportedly issued by law enforcement officials. For more see Jacksonville, Florida, motorcyclist hospitalized in critical condition after sliding on bike, man not wearing helmet.

Although Florida law does not require those over 18-years-old to wear a helmet if there is adequate medical insurance / motorcycle medical coverage in place for the motorcyclist under Florida law, helmets can save lives or dramatically reduce the severity of personal injuries. The Brian Injury Association of America reported that helmets are 37% effective at preventing deaths in motorcycles accidents and 67% effective at preventing brain injuries. The agency also estimated a total of 1,829 lives were saved by helmets since 2009 and an additional 823 lives would have been saved had the cyclists been wearing helmets. If the motorcyclist failed to wear a helmet and DID NOT have medical coverage in place to meet the exception, the use or non-use of a helmet is relevant only if it can be proved that the wearing of the helmet would have in all probability prevented or lessened the injuries caused by the collision. For instance, if a person suffered a fractured leg as a result of the motorcycle accident, the wearing or non-wearing of a helmet would not have made a difference. Furthermore, not all head or brain injuries can be avoided by the use of a helmet. Each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances. There are many technical considerations to evaluate in these cases both legally and medically. Because of this, it is important to get advice, counsel, and representation from a Florida Motorcycle Personal Injury Lawyer for issues including liability, Florida Helmet Laws, health insurance, motorcycle insurance, medical bills, and compensation.

Daytona Beach Police are currently looking for a driver who struck three pedestrians and sped off, one victim was killed. Investigators say all pedestrians were standing in the median of Ridgewood Avenue a little before 5:00 p.m. As the victims were trying to cross they were struck by a white, four-door vehicle that investigators believe may be a Buick or Nissan. One victim died while being transported to the hospital, the other two victims sustained non-life-threatening personal injuries. The man who was killed has been identified as 33-year-old Frederick Lewis Cook of Daytona Beach. The other two pedestrians were identified as Michael Ohara Thompkins, 29, and John Clarence Baldwin, 35, both are Daytona Beach residents. After the vehicle struck the pedestrians it sped off on Freemont Avenue. According to police there were 3 men in the vehicle and police suspect the vehicle to have damage to its front, hood and windshield. For more read 2 pedestrians injured and 1 killed after hit-and-run on Ridgewood Avenue in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Under Florida Law, a person who is involved in an automobile accident that results in the personal injury or death of another person must stay at the scene until all obligations are fulfilled. Those who violate this statute commit a first degree felony. If a driver who violates this statute and is later found to be under the influence, he or she will receive a minimum of two years imprisonment. For more on Florida law regarding a driver's duty to stop please read Duty to Stop at Accident Involving Personal Injuries - Section 316.027, Florida Statutes.

A head-on collision, described as "tragic," occurred on Atlantic Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida. According to a Jacksonville police detective, the driver of a vehicle was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes near the Hart Bridge Expressway around 4 a.m. Detective Brian Blaquiere of the Sheriff's Office stated the car continued down Atlantic Boulevard until in collided with another vehicle on a curve near the 5400 block. The head-on collision sent both drivers to the hospital; the driver traveling in the wrong lane is reported to be in critical condition and the condition of the second driver is unknown. The police detective stated alcohol is suspected to be involved. For more details see Tragic head-on collision occurs near Hart Bridge Expressway in Jacksonville, Florida.

Driving under the influfence is not only illegal but highly dangerous. Alcohol impairs a driver's judgment, vision and reaction time thereby making him or her more likely to be involved in a car accident. Cab fare is far more inexpensive than legal fees for a DUI or the medical expenses one could acquire if the accident inflicts personal injuries.

Two students at the University of Florida were tragically killed while caving in the Crockford Pigeon Wildlife Management Area. Michael Pirie, 18, of Ocoee, Florida and Grant Lockenbach, 20, of DeLand, Florida were caving with eight other members of the University of Florida Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Lockenback descended 60 feet into the middle of snow-fed waterfall to retrieve a duffle bag that another friend had somehow dropped down the shaft. Somehow, Lockenbach's rope got tangled in the icy water and he was unable to move up or down. After Lockenbach called for help, Pirie went down the cave to try and rescue him. Neither student returned. Their bodies were later found by emergency crew members still dangling from the rope in the waterfall. Their bodies were taken to the state crime laboratory in Atlanta for autopsies. Steve Wilson, Sheriff of Walker County, Georgia, said both men had apparently died of hypothermia. David Ashburn, Director of Emergency Services for Walker County, Georgia, said the group was ill-equipped for the weather conditions of the caves, which stay around 50-60 degrees year-round; the water was probably around 40 degrees. Both men were wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Wilson stated the men probably survived 20-30 minutes in the rushing ice water. The other eight members who did not descend into the cave had to be treated by emergency crew members for mild hypothermia. For more please read Two University of Florida students killed during caving expedition.

The deaths of these two men are a tragedy for their families and communities. Although caves are beautiful, these areas can be quite dangerous. Caves stay at low temperatures due to lack of sunlight and can be filled with ice-cold waterfalls and other rushing water.

An explosive 2-car, head-on collision occurred on State Road 46 in North Brevard County, Florida. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 1997 Chevrolet SUV was driving eastbound in the westbound lane of S.R. 46 when it crashed head-on into a westbound 2004 Ford pickup. The impact caused both vehicles to overturn and the pickup caught fire. Both drivers were killed in the crash, which occurred around 2:40 a.m. Investigators say the driver of the SUV, a 51-year-old Oviedo man, was not wearing his seat belt. Troopers are trying to identify the other driver. For more see Fiery car crash in Brevard County kills two people.

The deaths of these victims are a tragedy for their families and communities. Automobile accidents are the reason for a significant portion of Florida injury-related deaths. Florida drivers should keep their attention on the road, be aware of their surroundings, obey the speed limits and always wear their seat belts.

Two motorcyclists sustained serious personal injuries after a biker allegedly ran a red light and was struck by a pickup truck in Sarasota, Florida. Ramon Perkins and Judith Carr, both residents of Rhode Island, were riding on their motorcycle when, according to witnesses, Perkins drove through a solid red light. Frank Prather, driver of the pickup, collided with the motorcycle as he was turning south onto Honore Avenue. Reports indicate Prather had a green arrow light. Carr, 43, was taken to Doctors Hospital and Perkins, 41, was transported to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Prather did not sustain any personal injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that alcohol was not a factor in the collision. For more see Two motorcyclists hospitalized after ran red light and struck by pickup truck in Sarasota, Florida.

Not only do Florida drivers need to pay attention while on the road but tourists need to pay extra attention to their surroundings. Visitors of the state of Florida are unfamiliar with the traffic patterns and local roadways. That unfamiliarity is a significant reason visitors to the area need to driver with caution.

A fatal car crash recently occurred just east of Interstate 95 on County Road 210 in St. Johns County, Florida. The crash occurred when a Chevrolet TrailBlazer crossed the center line and hit a Ford Explorer. The driver of the Explorer, 39-year-old Lee Darnell of Atlantic Beach, Florida, was killed in the collision. Trevor Wayne McMullen, 43, of Orange Park, driver of the TrailBlazer was transported to Shands Jacksonville in fair condition. According to Jeremy Robshaw of St. Johns County Fire Rescue, both drivers were wearing their seat belts and alcohol is a suspected factor in the accident. Another unrelated accident occurred in St. Augustine Beach; 2 pedestrians wre struck by an automobile inflicting personal injuries onto both pedestrians. One victim was flown to Shands Jacksonville with serious personal injuries and the other was taken to Flagler Hospital in stable condition. For more read Serious car accidents occur on County Road 210 and in St. Augustine Beach.

Alcohol reduces a driver's judgment and reaction time. Alcohol thereby increases a driver's likelihood of being involved in a car crash. Do not drink and drive.

In Flagler County, Florida, an tragic accident was recently reported. The nephew of the Dalai Lama (Jigme Norbu) from Bloomington Indiana was struck and killed by a SUV while on a 300 mile walk - "Walk for Tibet". It was reported that Jigme Norbu was walking on the side of Florida A1A when the pedestrian / automobile accident took place. The accident was reported and will be investigated in more detail by the Florida Highway Patrol. In Florida, when there is a fatality, a Florida Homicide Crash Report will be prepared and distributed by a law enforcement agency (Florida Highway Patrol).

In Florida, there are many risks to pedestrians in and near Florida roadways. Florida is a tourist State and attracts many visitors who walk and ride bicycles in and near Florida roadways. Florida drivers should be accustomed to the presence of pedestrians and bicyclists and adjust their driving to account for their presence on and near Florida roadways. You can read more about the sad death of the Jigme Norbu at Dalai Lama's Nephew Hit, Killed by SUV During "Walk for Tibet" in Flagler County, Florida.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that there was an accident with injuries on Boggy Creek Road in Orlando, Florida involving a Disney Magical Express Bus and a Semi Tractor Tractor. It was also reported that 5 people suffered personal injuries as a result of this bus / truck accident in Central Florida. See Disney's Magical Express Bus Crash Sends Five to Hospital. The crash resulted in approximately 150 gallons of diesel fuel on the road. Fire Rescue and police responded to the scene and shut down Boggy Creek Road to handle the situation. Fortunately, rescue crews were able to clean up the area to avoid any further injuries resulting from this unfortunate bus / truck accident.

Dog bites occur in all States and communities. Recent federal government data revealed that dog bites that require hospitalization has nearly doubled in the past 15 years. More specifically, about 4.5 million dog bite incidents occur annually. Of those incidences, 316,200 required trips to the emergency room and 9,500 required hospitalization (these are the latest figures from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality). Not only can dog bites or other dog attacks be physically damaging, but they can also be costly. The costs for treating dog-related personal injuries is an estimated $54 million per year; that figure averages out to $18,200 per hospital stay. They physical personal injuries sustained by children can be quite traumatizing. More than 30 children are admitted to local hospitals per year dog bite treatment, which usually involves surgery. Serious dog bites are most common in children and older adults. While teenagers and adults sustain most of their personal injuries to their legs and arms, children are more frequently attacked in the head and neck. The head and neck of children are typically attacked because children have a tendency to be down in the face of the dog. Most dog attacks are not committed by stray dogs. On the contrary, the dog is usually one that a child is somewhat familiar with; usually a family member's dog, friend's dog or neighbor's dog. Dr. John Peter, emergency department director at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, advised parents and guardians to teach their children not to fear dogs but to respect them. Peter further explained, children are not born with knowledge of how to behave around dogs, the same goes for traffic and guns. Therefore, it is a parent or guardians responsibility to teach children how to safely behave and interact with dogs. For more information on this topic read Dog bite incidences on the rise, children are likely targets.

National Burn Awareness Week just ended Saturday, February 12. During this time, emergency officials urged homeowners to use the event to prevent fire-related injuries. Focus was especially put on those families with children. According to Ken Murphy, FEMA Regional Administrator, children under the age of 5-years-old account for 52% of all child fire-related deaths. During the winter months the rate of house fires tend to spike, placing children and toddlers at an even greater risk, Murphy also mentioned. FEMA reports that fires personally injure approximately 18,300 Americans annually, of that amount 3,500 are fatal. Children 14-years-old and younger make of 10-15% of all fire-related deaths. Children account for such a high number of fire-related fatalities most of them are unaware of how to escape their home in the event of a fire.

FEMA offered the following tips to keep children safe and how to prevent fires:
- In the kitchen, keep children 3-years-old and younger away from the stove and other hot appliances. When pots are on the stove, use the back burners. When using pots with handles, turn the handle towards the back of the stove.
- Inspect fireplace flues and chimneys for leakage and blockage.
- If using space heaters in a home, place them on a level floor. Do not place spear heaters on rugs or carpet and keep them at least 3 feet from all bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials.
- Always tuck appliance cords in a space that cannot be reached by children.
- Test smoke alarms one per month. Replace the batters at least one per year.

For more information and tips please see Fire Prevention Tips for the Home.

Authorities in DeBary, Florida and other Florida cities are concerned with the increasing popularity of a stunt called "car surfing" or "ghost riding." In fact, two men from Debary were killed while performing the stunt. Another man was convicted in connection with a stunt performed in Central Florida that killed a friend. "Car surfing" (or "ghost riding") is where a person hangs on to a moving vehicle and rides on its exterior, whether on top, the side or behind the moving vehicle. According to reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1990 to 2008 nearly 100 people died or sustained personal injuries while standing on a moving vehicle.

The two young men who recently died were riding on the exterior of a sports utility vehicle. The SUV flipped and burst into flames after the driver, Joshua Ritter, reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The victims were identified as 18-year-old Carlos Velazco of DeBary and 18-year-old Hunger Perez of Orange City. 18-year-old Ritter was transported to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach; passengers Ryan Jenkins, 17, and Kenyanna Hawkins, 18, were transported to Florida Hospital Fish Memorial and Central Florida Regional Hospital.

Michael A. Smith was convicted of vehicular homicide by an Orange County jury after a stunt killed his 18-year-old friend in 2008. The victim, Cameron Bieberle was riding in a shopping cart and holding on to the back of an SUV, driven by Smith. The shopping car hit a speed bump, overturned the car and sent Bieberle airborne. Bieberle's head struck the parking lot. Results of the medical examiner stated the man died of traumatic personal injuries to the head at the scene. Smith was sentenced to 4 years in prison. After his release from prison, Smith will be place on probation for 11 years.

For more information about this topic as well as see video of the stunt please see Car surfing increasing in popularity among males and teenage boys, stunt proves to be fatal.

Two young adults were hospitalized with seriously personal injuries after they were involved in a car accident on Interstate 10 in Baker County, Florida. Both 22-year-old Brian Shane Williamson and 24-year-old Kathryn Lynch, of Lake City, were transported to Shands at Jacksonville after they were ejected from their 1994 GMC Jimmy sports utility vehicle. The accident occurred a little after 10 p.m. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Williamson, who was driving the SUV, was traveling on the inside, Eastbound lane on I-10. Williamson drifted onto the paved apron and overcorrected, driving the SUV across both Eastbound lanes and into a ditch. The SUV went airborne and struck a pine tree, both passengers were ejected from the vehicle. The FHP stated that neither Williamson nor Lynch were wearing their seat belts. For more details see 2 seriously injured after car goes airborne on I-10.

Car accidents are a major, if not the most, cause of fatalities in young adults. Whether this high rate of automobile fatalities is due to driver inattentiveness or the lack of this class to wear their seat belts, young Florida drivers should be aware of the dangers that are present of Florida highways.

Orlando officials are investigating a fire that killed one person and sent two other victims to the hospital. The fire broke out at Harbor Beach Condominiums in Orange County, Florida near Lake Margaret Drive. Of the two victims treatedin the hospital, one was treated for smoke inhalation and the other for a psychological condition. Officials are not releasing the identity of the female victim who died in the fire until autopsy results are released. The woman, who was the the bedroom of her second-story apartment, is claimed to be drunk and asleep at the time the fire ignited. The woman's neighbor, Cristin Crismon and Crismon's boyfriend, who live across the hall, attempted to help the victim but the flames were too powerful to save her. It took firefighters ten minutes to put the fire out. Two apartments were affected by the fire, the one where the fire started and Crismon's apartment. The American Red Cross is providing aid to those families affected by the fire. The State Fire Marshal's Office is awaiting lab results to determine how the fire was started. For more details on this story please see One killed and 2 hospitalized after fire in Orlando apartment complex.

Although the cause of this fire has not yet been determined and it is difficult to say what events could have been prevented, all homes and apartments should have smoke detectors installed. The smoke detectors should be inspected frequently to ensure the devices are working properly; check the batteries monthly and change the batteries twice annually.

An Evans High School senior athlete was tragically killed after he was struck by a Ford pickup truck. The 17-year-old senior was identified as Jean Cherilus. Cherilus was killed during the early morning when the Ford veered off Vineland Road and onto the grass shoulder where Cherilus was walking. The driver of the Ford was identified as 52-year-old Richard Lawson of Kissimmee. Cherilus was walking in the northbound should of the road when Lawson's southbound truck veered right and struck the teen. The impact propelled Cherilus forward. Cherilus was pronounced dead at the scene around 9 a.m. Cherilus is suspected to be walking around the area because he has family nearby. Cherilus was a part of the wrestling, track, and footballs teams at Evan High School in Orlando, Florida. He was described by those as a "very sweet kid." Charges are pending while investigators determine whether or not alcohol was a factor. The tragedy of this teen is a tragedy for his family and community. Vehicular-related deaths are the number one killer for teenagers. For more details on Jean Cherilus and his tragic death please read Orlando teen killed after hit by Ford pickup.

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The above video shows how truck accidents can happen without warning. Fortunately, there were no reported personal injuries from this trucking accident. The problems with semi tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles is the sheer size of these vehicles compared to most passenger vehicles out there. Can you imagine what would have resulted if the truck in this video crashed into a motorcycle, Smart car, or other compact vehicle? While not all accidents are preventable, we can call do our share to keep the roads safe by obeying speed limits, avoiding driving distractions, and being courteous on the roadways.

Continue reading " Truck Accident Captured on Video - Dangers of Semi Tractors on Highways " »

A 15-year-old bicyclist sustained critical personal injuries after he was struck by a car on northbound U.S. 41. A 2003 Buick was traveling southbound on U.S. 41 when the cyclist raveled into the path of the Buick. The contact caused the teenage cyclist to be thrown onto the vehicle's windshield and over the top of the vehicle. The cyclist was taken to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. To read more on this accident please see Teenage cyclist sustains critical personal injuries after struck by car.

Due to the great weather and warmer climate, Florida has a lot of cyclists on or near the roads year round. Therefore, Florida drivers should always be extra cautious when driving near cyclists or bicycle lanes. Although people can be unpredictable, if you, as a driver, are alert and have your focus on the road it is more likely that you will be able to prevent an accident instead of becoming a part of one.

The winter season has presented onerous weather conditions that are not only being felt by airlines but are also having a tremendous effect on the amount of automobile accidents. Recently, Central Florida experienced a significant downpour which made road conditions quite dangerous on Interstate 4. Florida troopers said that even though road conditions were dangerous vehicles were still traveling at increased speeds. In fact, troopers responded to over 200 crashes during the extreme weather conditions. A college student hydroplaned and lost control over her car as she merged onto the off-ramp of I-4 and onto the Turnpike. She hit then median and then spun into another car, whose passenger happened to be an Orange County Sheriff's Office deputy. The deputy was on-duty but in an unmarked car. The deputy's leg was jammed in between his seat and the door. After crews freed the deputy from his car he was rushed to a local hospital where he was later released with bruises on his leg and a knot on his head. Two separate crashes, one involving a 3-car collision, had two cars flip over.

I-4 is already a busy interstate in the State of Florida. Add severe weather conditions to the already dangerous road and you could have yourself a lethal mix. Florida drivers should take extra precautions if they find themselves driving in unfortunate conditions. To read more details on the car accidents please see Over 200 car accidents in 1 day occur on Interstate 4.

A Jacksonville Florida pedestrian was sent to the hospital in critical condition after he was struck by a vehicle in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. According to Jacksonville Beach Police Sgt. Thomas Bingham, the pedestrian was struck around 8 p.m. on a Saturday evening at the 1300 block of Shetter Avenue. Bingham had no additional information on the pedestrian, the vehicle or the driver of the vehicle. The victim was taken by helicopter to Shands Jacksonville. For more details see Male pedestrian in critical condition after struck by car in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Jacksonville Beach, as well as surrounding areas including Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach, have a high amount of pedestrian and cyclist traffic. Drivers in these areas need to drive the speed limit and pay extra attention to the road while driving in these hectic areas. Pursuant to Florida law, pedestrian do have the right-of-way. Therefore, drivers involved in pedestrian-automobile-collisions are more likely to be found at fault than the pedestrian. Protect yourself as a driver and pedestrians by paying attention and not engaging in distracted driving.

A 63-year-old man was killed after his car struck three horses that apparently escaped from their gated/fenced area at Turtle Pond Farm. The man was identified as Edbert Gladford Hastings of Trenton, Florida; he died at the scene of the accident. Hastings was approaching the intersection of U.S. 27 and County Road 316 when he struck 3 horses, killing them instantly. According to Florida troopers, Hastings did not see the horses because of the darkness of the road. After impact, Hastings' white Hyundai Sonata traveled for about 200 feet where its roof was torn off. The car apparently traveled 1,000 feet after initial impact until it came to its final resting point. The horses that lived were held overnight by a Good Samaritan. To read more on this story please see Man killed after car hits horses that escaped farm.

The death of this man is a tragedy for his family and community. Accidents, especially automobile accidents, can be quite unpredictable. Visibility and driver attentiveness are key factors to avoid car accidents. However, even when these factors are present accidents can still occur. The owner of the farm, if found negligent, may expose him to liability for this accident. If circumstances out of your control caused you to be involved in a car accident and you are unaware of how Florida law handles your unique circumstance, contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer for advise and counsel regarding the issues of your case.

A three-car collision that occurred in Baker County inflicted personal injuries, ranging from critical to serious, onto eight victims. The crash occurred early in the morning, around 6:15 a.m., on County Road 125 at Odis Yarborough Road. The vehicles involved included a 1988 Chevrolet Blazer, a 1995 Ford pickup and a 1999 Dodge Durango. It was reported that the Blazer, driven by Tony Carl Morgan, 29, of Sanderson, drifted out its lane on a creek bridge and caused a head-on collision with the Ford pickup, driven by David Paul Yale, 33, also of Sanderson. The Dodge, driven by Brenda Louise Wilderson, 30, of Glen St. Mary, struck the rear of the Ford pickup after the pickup was struck by the Blazer.

Morgan sustained critical personal injuries. Morgan's passengers, Ventura Rodriguez, 40, of Macclenny, and Kevin Draug, 24, sustained serious personal injuries. Yale sustained critical personal injuries and his passenger, 32-year-old Amanda Proffit sustained serious personal injuries. The occupants of the Chevy Blazer and Ford pickup were taken to Shands Jacksonville. Wilkerson and her two passengers, Cedric Larry, 28, and Jayden Larry, 3 sustained minor personal injuries; they were not taken to the hospital.

According to the report by the Florida Highway Patrol, the two adult occupants of the Durango were wearing their seat belts where as the occupants of the Chevrolet and Ford were not. To read more on this story please see 3-car collision in Baker County inflicts multiple personal injuries.

Brandon Hodges, 17, was recently sentenced to one year of probation and 250 hours of community service for his involvement in a 2009 car accident that killed four of his friends and personally injured 4 more friends. Hodges was 15-years old when the accident occurred. The right rear tire blew on a a sports utility vehicle that belonged to a friend of Hodges. Hodges was driving the car, which was loaded with 8 other teenager, when the SUV flipped off Interstate 295. The students were on their way to the beach. Prosecutors zeroed in on the unsafe number of teenagers loaded in the car and the fact that nobody, except Hodges, was wearing a seat belt. John "Kris" Kiely, Kimber Krebs, Erin Hurst, all 15, and Dennis Stout, 17, were all killed in the collision. Four others, Rebekah Pilkinton, Timothy Adam, Jimmy Gracia and Shannon Broome all sustained personal injuries. To read more on this story please see Teen sentenced for fatal 2009 collision on I-295.

Young drivers need to be aware to the dangers and responsibilities that go into driving an automobile. Young drivers should never have too many passengers in the vehicle, it is not only unsafe for the passengers but too many passengers can also be very distracting for a driver, teen or adult. Also, always wear you seat belt. Seat belts do save lives.