North Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

A 16-year-old driver struck an 11-year-old pedestrian and his dog in Julington Creek, Florida. The 11-year-old was treated for minor personal injuries. However, the dog did not survive the collision. According to deputies at the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, the 16-year-old was driving a 2002 Lexus SUV, drifted from her lane and struck the dog and child. The driver, who was neither personally injured or speeding, received a citation for failure to use due care. For more read 11-year-old reportedly OK after being hit by Lexus SUV, dog killed in collision. Pedestrian accidents can be easily avoided in Florida and other states by simply limiting driver distraction, reducing speed limits, and increasing driver attentiveness. All drivers in the state of Florida have an affirmative duty to exercise due care when encountering pedestrians. For more on Florida law concerning pedestrians and drivers please read Florida Laws Regarding Pedestrians and Traffic Regulations - Importance of Exercising Due Caution When Pedestrians Are Present.

A 24-year-old man was tragically killed after the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) he was operating collided with a wire cable line in Pahokee, Florida. The man was identified by the Florida Highway Patrol as Jervenski Parker. The FHP confirmed that Parker was thrown from the ATV and landed in a drainage ditch. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. For more read ATV accident in Pahokee, Florida, kills 24-year-old man. ATVs can reach speeds of more than 50 mph, making them extremely dangerous devices. In April 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported ATVs were the cause of 40 deaths, 12 of those deaths involved children under the age of 16. In May 2010, 13 children under 16 years of age were killed. Also, according to the group Concerned Families, children under 16-years-old are killed annually, this does not include the 40,000 children that are injured annually. If you would like to read more on ATV Safety please read CBS News Reports on Dangers of Personal Injury to Children from ATV (All Terrain Vehicles).

Three children miraculously escaped life-threatening injuries after being trapped inside a vehicle. The collision occurred in Oakland Park, Florida, it took 18 firefighters and two "jaws of life" rescue machines to get the children out. The incident occurred after a car carrying five people were struck by a wayward driver. The children, who were all sitting in the back seat, were pinned by the back panel and passenger seat. The third child, sitting in the middle of the back seat, was also unable to get out. One of the jaws of life was used to pull the metal apart, the second was used to cut off the side doors and roof of the vehicle, ultimately freeing the children inside. None of the five people in the vehicle sustained life-threatening injuries, however, all were transported to the hospital. For more read Jaws of life used to rescue children trapped inside vehicle in Oakland Park, Florida.

Florida is a Spring Break destination for many students enjoying break time from college and their studies. Many take road trips to and through Florida to stay at Florida motels, hotels, and resorts. Unfortunately and tragically, some visitors and guests to the State of Florida never make it to their destination but instead are in horrible automobile accidents. It was reported that a 1998 Land Rover SUV flipped over as the vehicle was travelling Southbound on Interstate 95. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that one person and three others were injured and transported to Halifax Medical Center. Jee Choi, from Northvale, New Jersey, was the unfortunate death victim from this Florida automobile accident. Apparently, the driver of the SUV overcorrected the vehicle while driving which in turn caused the SUV to flip over. See One man killed, 3 women injured in Volusia rollover crash.

Three people were killed in a tragic 2-vehicle collision in Suwannee County, Florida. Among the fatalities were Oedis Walter Blanks, 69, or Lake City; Dorothy Lee Sherman, 53, of Harris Township, Michigan; and another passenger in Sherman's car whose identity was not available but was also from Harris Township. The two-car collision occurred just before 11 a.m. at the intersection of Suwannee County roads 132 and 795. A media release by the Florida Highway Patrol revealed that Sherman was driving a 2008 Kia SUV on north C.R. 795, approaching the intersection of C.R. 132. Blanks was driving a 2008 Chevrolet truck west on C.R. 132. According to the FHP (Florida Highway Patrol), Sherman drove into the direct path of Blanks. Polly Jones Blanks, 64, a passenger in Blanks' truck, was transported to Shands at Live Oak with serious personal injuries. For more read 2-car collision in Suwannee County, Florida, kills 3 and seriously personally injuries another.

Florida roadways are heavily populated and can be extremely dangerous. Florida drivers need to ensure they are attentive and keep their focus on the road. Drivers should not engage in distracted driving behaviors including but not limited to talking or texting on a cell phone, eating or drinking, listening to music too loudly or talking to other passengers instead of maintaining their focus on the road.

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom recently issued its quarterly listing of guest injuries. The quarterly report revealed that some rides present dangers for the park's elderly guests. A 77-year-old woman died in December 2010 after riding on the park's Prince Charming Regal Carrousel. A second incident reported occurred on the same ride and also involved a woman over 70 years of age. In the second incident a 71-year-old woman fell and broke her hip and a shoulder after riding the Prince Charming attraction. Disney said in the woman who died in the first incident has a pre-existing heart condition. In a third incident, a 76-year-old woman fell and sustained personal injuries to her left leg whole on the moving loading platform at Epcot's The Seas with Nemo & Friends. In the State of Florida, all major theme parks have a longstanding agreement with the state to report guest injuries on a quarterly basis. For more read Walt Disney World guests sustain personal injuries while riding some attractions. Guests need to be aware of the inherent dangers and risks that exist at Florida theme parks. Although the rides may be entertaining and exciting, guests of all ages need to be sure they obey all safety rules and keep a watchful eye. Parents and guardians should also constantly supervise their children while at Florida theme parks. The book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know has a chapter on Injuries at Theme Parks and Attractions. The book also has chapters on Damages / Compensation, Automobile Accidents, Day Care Injuries, and other child injury topics. Click here to get a free child injury book for guidance and information on the legal rights of the injured child and what a parent can do to enforce the rights of the child.

In a single day, police and paramedics responded to more than 10 accidents, 7 of which involved motorcyclists, on Interstate 95 and U.S. 1. The first accident occurred in St. Johns County and happened as early as 9 a.m. The accident involved a motorcyclist who had to be airlifted to Shands Jacksonville. Traffic from the accident was backed up almost as far as the Flagler County line. The second, fatal accident occurred just two hours later on U.S. 1 near the Duval County line. Police responded to the serious collision between two motorcycles. Lt. William Leeper, spokesman for the Florida Highway Patrol, confirmed that one motorcyclist was flown to Shands Jacksonville where he was later pronounced dead. Just 15 minutes later, St. Johns County Fire Rescue transported two more patients to Shands Jacksonville. The accident involved a car and a motorcycle and occurred on I-95 near the International Golf Parkway exit. The victims of the crash sustained minor personal injuries. At 12:40 p.m., lanes on I-95 had to be shut down due to a three-car collision. Leeper stated that only minor personal injuries were reported and only one victim was transported to Flagler Hospital. In a separate accident, a pregnant woman was also transported to Flagler Hospital with minor personal injuries after her car rolled over on I-95 near State Road 207. Around 8 p.m. a motorcyclist was reportedly runover on I-95 just north of the IGP exit. The motorcyclist was flown to Shands Jacksonville on a trauma alert. Florida Highway Patrol troopers were able to find the driver of the truck who struck the motorcyclist at a truck stop not far from where the collision occurred. Shortly after that incident, SJCFR responded to a car that was "completely engulfed" in flames on I-95 also near the S.R. 207 exit. For more read Police and paramedics respond to more than 10 accidents on I-95 and U.S. 1 in a single day.

An autopsy was performed on Central State University athlete - Jasmine Crenshaw - following the drowning incident at a Clermont resort. The medical examiner reported that the death was accidental in nature. The death and drowning of this college student came as quite a surprise to her teammates, the school, her friends, her family, and the community. She was a college athlete in peak shape and showed no signs of poor health or disease prior to the incident. There does not appear to be foul play or any criminal acts involved in the death of Jasmine Crenshaw. See Lake County Medical Examiner: Ohio Athlete Accidentally Drowned.

Swimming in any body of water whether a swimming pool, lake, pond, river, canal, or ocean can be quite dangerous. Some drowning incidents are unavoidable and result from an unexpected acute medical event. Other drowning incidents are avoidable with the implementation of lifeguards, good lighting, the buddy system, rest periods, and other safety precautions.

Under Section 316.0815, Florida Statutes of the State Uniform Traffic Control, a duty to yield to public transit vehicles is created. A Florida driver must yield the right-of-way to all publicly owned transit buses that are traveling in the same direction as the vehicle, which has signaled and is reentering traffic from a specifically designated pullout spot. However, this statute does not relieve any driver of a public transit vehicle from his or her duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the roadway. If you would like to see the specific language of the statute please see Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles, Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control, section 316.0815 - Duty to yield to public transit vehicles.

Florida drivers may find themselves in a rush and be tempted to pass a slower moving bus or other vehicle of public transportation. However, Florida drivers should understand that they have an affirmative duty to yield the right-of-way to public transit vehicles and not doing so can result in a noncriminal, moving traffic citation.

A drowning was recently reported in Central Florida involving a track athlete from Central State University in Ohio. Jasmine Crenshaw, age 22, ran at a track meet earlier in the day at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University which is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night, Jasmine was seen in the resort's lake at the Summer Bay Resort. Divers later found her body approximately 15 feet from the lake shore in approximately 8 feet of water. Detectives and forensic experts will conduct an investigation as to the cause and manner of death. It is unfortunate that a college student with so much potential died at a such an early age. The school, friends, family, and community will mourn her passing. See Athlete from Ohio's Central State University Drowns at Clermont Resort.

On Florida roadways, there are a wide variety of motor vehicles. Some are quite large like semi trailers and oversized trucks and some are small like compact vehicles and motorcycles. Because of the disparity of the size, height, and weight of motor vehicles o Florida roads, there are dangers to occupants of smaller vehicles when there is an automobile accident. While the motto of all men are created equal is one to follow and abide by . . . it does not quite have the same effect when there is a Florida automobile accident. In Tampa, Florida, it was reported that a woman who was the occupant of a PT Cruiser died when her vehicle was rear ended by a Dodge Ram truck. Mai Amer D. Alahmadi (age 27) was the unfortunate and tragic victim of this Florida automobile accident. See Tampa Woman Dies in Accident on Interstate 4.

While it would be impossible and impractical to make all vehicles the same size and weight, the disparity in the size, weight, and height of vehicles in many accidents makes the injuries or impact much greater and, yes, deadly.

The Department of Transportation is permitted pursuant to Florida Statute Section 316.0875 to designate those potions of any highway as no-passing zones whether by appropriate markings or signs. These markings or signs must be in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person, every driver of which must obey the directions thereof. When such appropriate signs or markings do exist, no Florida driver shall at any time drive on the left side of the roadway or on the left side of any pavement. Florida drivers do not have to obey these signs when an obstruction exists, thus making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway, or when a driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway. A violation of this statute will result in a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation. To read the statute please see Florida Statute section 316.0875 No-passing zones.

In North Florida (Jacksonville, Orange Park, and Fernandina Beach), there are a number of trucks with oversized wheels on the roadways and that travel through neighborhoods and parking lots. While the size of the truck and height of the truck may protect the occupants of the vehicle when there is an accident. Both the size of the truck and height of the truck may end up causing severe injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of other vehicles. Sometimes, the sheer height of the vehicle makes it difficult to see pedestrians, bicyclists, and others especially children. A tragic accident was reported in Dallas, Texas in the parking lot of a strip club. It was reported that a 23 year old woman (Kasey McKenzie) was run over by a monster truck at a strip club. See Woman Killed By Monster Truck at Dallas Strip Club.

In Jacksonville, Florida, the roads can be quite dangerous for drivers, passengers, and yes, bicyclists. Some bicyclists are on or near the roads for exercise and some are on bicycles for transportation. Regardless of the reason, drivers of vehicles including cars, trucks, and motorcycles should drive very careful when there is a bicyclists on or near a roadway. The bicyclists will have little protection from personal injuries when hit by a vehicle. Of course, a bicyclists can wear a helmet and protective shoes and clothing; however, these items only go so far to prevent or lessen injuries when a bicyclists is hit by a motor vehicle or motorcycle. The bicyclist was identified as Kevin Blair - age 56 - from Jacksonville, Florida. Police reported that Mr. Blair was southbound on New Kings Road when he was hit by a truck that drifted into the bicycle lane. The incident was witnessed and then reported to policy who were able to locate the truck driver. You can read more about this news story and the tragic death of this Jacksonville Florida bicyclist at Bicyclist Struck by Hit and Run Truck Driver Dies in Hospital.

A tragic crane incident occurring at a Pepsi bottling plant in Tampa, Florida, left one dead and another Florida worker with serious personal injuries. The incident occurred after a crane collapsed in the Pepsi Cola bottling plant. According to Tampa Fire Rescue officials, the incident occurred just before 1 a.m. after a lift system that was undergoing maintenance collapsed on two workers, both of which were men contract workers out of Pennsylvania. Captain Bill Wade confirmed one men was pronounced dead at the scene and the other sustained serious personal injuries to his legs. For more details please read Collapsed crane at Tampa, Florida, bottling plant kills one and personally injures another.

The death of this man is a tragedy for his family and community. Florida law has its own statute regarding wrongful death. In the event of a death caused by the negligence of a third person or business (other than the employer) Florida's Wrongful Death Act will control the issues, including damages, of your case. Since the incident happened on the job, Florida's Worker's Compensation laws will be the primary law on point. For more information on Florida's Wrongful Death Act please read
Florida Wrongful Death - How Does Florida Law Work? What Are My Rights as a Survivor of a Relative Who Died as a Result of the Negligence or Fault of Another Person or a Business? Part 1; and

Florida Wrongful Death - How Does Florida Law Work? What Are My Rights as a Survivor of a Relative Who Died as a Result of the Negligence or Fault of Another Person or a Business? Part 2.

A 6-year-old child was fatally struck by a 4-door sedan while trying to cross St. Johns Avenue near Wells Avenue around 10 p.m. in Palatka, Florida. The victim was identified as Tamarius Matson of Palatka, he was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Tamarious was attempting to cross St. Johns Avenue when he was struck by a 4-door Toyota, driven by 36-year-old Elona L. Williams, also of Palatka. The FHP stated that Williams swerved her automobile in an attempt to avoid hitting the child. However, he attempt was unsuccessful and she struck the child before hitting a utility pole. It is unclear whether or not the child was supervised at the time of the fatal accident. For more details please read 6-year-old child of Palatka, Florida fatally hit by car while attempting to cross St. Johns Avenue in Putnam County.

The death of this child is a tragedy for his family and community. Constant supervision of children is a key factor in reducing personal injuries sustained by children. Children should always be accompanied by an adult or other responsible and competent person while walking, crossing or otherwise traveling on busy Florida roadways. Florida also has its own statute requiring its drivers to exercise due care regarding pedestrians. For more information on the Florida law concerning drivers and pedestrians within the state please read Florida Laws Regarding Pedestrians and Traffic Regulations - Importance of Exercising Due Caution When Pedestrians Are Present.

A late night crash on County Road 218 in Clay County Florida caused the tragic death of a 22 year old woman - Catherine E. Case. it as reported by the Florida Highway Patrol that Ms. Case was heading Eastbound on County Road 218. Another vehicle (a pick up truck) was being driven by Andrew B. Newman in the Westbound direction. According to the news report in the Jacksonville Times Union Newspaper website, Mr. Newman veered into Ms. Case's lane. Alcohol was allegedly a factor in the accident. See 22 Year Old Jacksonville Woman Died in Head On Collision.

Florida roads can be very dangerous especially at night. Fatal accidents do happen when alcohol is involved and drivers veer into the wrong lane. Yes, this is common sense that is all too often ignored by Florida drivers that get behind the wheel of their vehicles at night. When a person carelessly drives his or her vehicle, he or she not only risk his or her life but also the lives of others.

Buying car insurance can be a more involved process than one thinks. There are many different issues to consider when insuring a car. Below are some basic tips for Florida drivers selecting an automobile insurance carrier:

1. Insurance agents can be deceiving. Although agents can help you sort through the multiple policies, they may not have your best interests at hear. Agents may push certain policies to receive larger commissions. Ask about commissions and have the agents explain their recommendations. Also, ask your insurance carrier on ways to lower your premium. Of course, there are some excellent insurance agents out there as well who will only sell you what you need and what you can afford. Like with any industry out there, it is important to do business and get advice from a trustworthy company and representative.

2. Young drivers can't catch a break. Young drivers, especially males under 25-years-old, are in a high-risk group and it can be sometimes be difficult to even get insured. It typically takes 3-4 years to start receiving lower rates. If you are a young driver try to avoid sports cars and opt for a car with lower engine capacity.
Also, ask your insurer for ways to score a lower premium.

3. Your credit rating can affect you. Today, more than 90% of of insurers use credit histories in their underwriting. Because so many carriers use credit histories it would be beneficial if you obtained your credit report before hand.

For more please read Tips on how to save on your automobile insurance.

Concerns are rising regarding the teaching staff in Duval County child care centers, mainly due to a lack of adequate teaching at such a critical development period in a child's life. The sub-par training teachers are receiving is mostly caused by the low wages these employees are paid. In fact, employees at fast food restaurants earn higher wages than those who care for children. Thus, a revolving door of people who are hired and trained to teach the county's children is created. For those child care teachers who do remain in the field, little training is required. A teacher must completely one 40 hours of initial training and then 10 hours every year after that. By comparison, nail technicians must complete 240 hours and barbers need 1,200. In an effort to increase the quality of education provided to children Duval County has implemented a system called Guiding Stars. The program provides funding for those child care centers who undergo an evaluation and go through the program's training. If you would like to read more information on the Guiding Stars program please read What is the Guiding Stars program in Jacksonville Florida for Day Care Centers?

Also, if you would like more details on the inadequacy of Duval County's child care centers please read Duval County's concerns over care and education provided in its child care centers.

In Florida, residents and visitors enjoy using Florida roadways to ride motorcycles. Due to the year round use of the roads and number of motorcycles on the road, Florida, unfortunately, has its fair share of motorcycle accidents that lead to serious personal injuries and deaths. In Ormond Beach, Florida, the Ormond Beach Police Department reported that a 63 year old man from Weeki Wachee (Rene Jean Brunet, Jr.) dies when he was ejected from his motorcycle as a result of a crash with a garbage truck. While Mr. Brunet was wearing a helmet, this was not enough to protect him from the fatal injuries from this motorcycle / garbage truck accident. See Biker Loses Life in Motorcycle / Garbage Truck Accident.

All drivers of vehicles and operators of motorcycles should do their best to drive at a safe speed and slow down for traffic and other vehicles. Speeding and driver distraction are major problems on Florida roadways. While it would be impractical to believe that all accidents can be avoided, many accidents can be avoided with safer driving and better attention to the road, traffic, other vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

A motorcyclist and his passenger were hospitalized as a result of the personal injuries each sustained after the motorcycle ran the rear of car in Northwest Jacksonville, Florida. The driver of the motorcycle collided with the vehicle after the car turned in front of motorcycle at the intersection of New Kings Road and Moncrief-Dinsmore Road. The operator of the motorcycle sustained life-threatening personal injuries, his female passenger sustained non-life-threatening personal injuries and no one in the car was injured. Traffic homicide detective James Gregory said the driver of the motorcycle and his passenger were not believed to be wearing helmets. No tickets or traffic citations were issued in the crash. For more read 2 hospitalized after motorcycle-car crash in Northwest Jacksonville, Florida. In Jacksonville, Florida, the roadways are incredibly busy with drivers and motorcyclists. Florida drivers need to stay attentive and keep their focus on the road.

A two-motorcycle accident occurring in Seminole County, Florida, has left two victims dead. The two victims were killed after the motorcycles crashed into each other while attempting to avoid striking a trailer filled with yard waste. 48-year-old Larry Arnold was driving a 1999 Ford truck, hauling a trailer behind him, on State Road 46 when the two motorcycles approached him from behind. Investigators of the crash said the motorcycles collided with each other as they attempted to avoid hitting the trailer. One of the motorcycles apparently hit the side of the trailer as well, however troopers have yet to determine which one. After colliding with one another, both bikes flipped onto the shoulder. 46-year-old Teresa Madden of Oviedo, a passenger on one of the motorcycles, was pronounced dead at the scene. Kevin Winne, 48, of Winter Springs, was also killed in the accident. Winne was transported to Central Florida Regional were he died as a result of his personal injuries. Madden's driver, 49-year-old Gregory Wheeler, was also transported to Central Florida Regional where he is listed in serious condition. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, neither motorcycle riders wore a helmet. The crash is still under investigation. For more read Two-motorcycle crash in Seminole County kills 2.

The deaths of these two victims are tragedies for their families and communities. Although Florida law does not require adults to wear helmets while riding motorcycles, helmets can reduce the severity of personal injuries and death.

In Florida, drive behind most tractor trailers and you will see an underridge guard in place. Whether the trucks are hauling goods for Wal-Mart, Publix, Winn Dixie, Target, or other companies, you should see the underride guard that it a different color than the rest of the trailer trailer and in place to prevent smaller vehicles from going underneath the tractor trailer in a rear end type of accident. Unfortunately, crash tests and analysis completed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have indicated that many such underride guards fail in relatively low speed automobile / trucking accidents. The failure of certain underride guards is very disturbing in light of the injuries that can be lessened or prevented with proper underride guards. You can read more about this topic at Underride Guards on Big Rigs Often Fail in Crashes; Institute Petitions Governement for New Standard.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that over 400 people in passenger motor vehicles die each year as a result of a rear end crash with a tractor trailer. Over 5,000 passengers a year are injured as a result of these automobile / trucking accidents.

In Florida, every community has lost teens to tragic automobile accidents. Unfortunately, automobile accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of deaths to teens in Florida and the rest of the Nation. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that an automobile accident resulted in the death of two teenagers. It was reported that Brandi Bartholomew (age 15) and Zoe Chandler (age 18) died as a result of the accident. Florida Highway Patrol troopers stated that the the driver (Nadja Chandler) lost control of the vehicle on the side of the road and crashed into a concrete culvert. Thereafter, the vehicle rolled over on the driver's side of the vehicle.

This unfortunate Florida automobile accident is a tragic loss for the families, friends, and the community. Unlike a long illness, no one is ever prepared emotionally to deal with such a tragic and sudden loss. Hopefully, the support of friends, community, counselors, and clergy will help the families and community deal with the loss. See Milton High Student Killed in Crash.

In Florida, many people suffer serious personal injuries when they are involved in an automobile accident / trucking accident with a drunk driver. Many accidents are caused or made more serious when a drunk driver is behind the will. Both motor skills and judgment are affected by the consumption of alcohol. If a person is injured as a result of the fault of a drunk driver, the victim can pursue an insurance claim and a civil action against the drunk driver. The decision to prosecute the drunk driver belongs to the local law enforcement agency and the State Attorney's Office. Restitution may be obtained through the criminal case but usually only for out of pocket economic expenses like medical bills. While drunk driving is an aggravating factor to the case, the value of a personal injury case is still primarily based on the extent of the injuries, medical bills, medical treatment, diagnosis of the injuries, and prognosis of the injuries. It is possible to pursue a claim for punitive damages against the drunk driver; however, it should be kept in mind that insurance companies do not cover punitive damage awards.

Continue reading " What Are My Rights if I am Hit by a Drunk Driver in the State of Florida? " »

In the State of Florida, a teen driver (under the age of 18) must get a parental consent signed by a parent or guardian to obtain driving privileges or a driver's license. Typically, the parental consent is signed when the teen child obtains his or her learner driver's license at the age of 15. The parent consent is valid and in place until the child reaches the age of 18 or until the consent is revoked in writing by the parent. The main Florida Statue on point is located at Section 322.09 which provides the following:

322.09 Application of minors; responsibility for negligence or misconduct of minor.—
(1)(a) The application of any person under the age of 18 years for a driver’s license must be signed and verified before a person authorized to administer oaths by the father, mother, or guardian; by a secondary guardian if the primary guardian dies before the minor reaches 18 years of age; or, if there is no parent or guardian, by another responsible adult who is willing to assume the obligation imposed under this chapter upon a person signing the application of a minor. This section does not apply to a person under the age of 18 years who is emancipated by marriage.

See Section 322.09, Florida Statutes.

It is important for parents to monitor the driving habits of their teen drivers. It is not only a moral responsibility but a legal one as well. The negligence of the teen driver and resulting damages become a liability for the parent even if the teen driver is driving a car owned solely by the teen or by another person.

In Waycross, Georgia, a leisurely day at the park for one family ended in the tragic death of 2 year old Deshawn Daniels. It was reported in at the News4Jax Website that the family of Deshawn Daniels and friends were at a park. A family friend decided to move his car. The family friend did not know that Deshawn Daniels followed him to the parking lot. Because of the driver did not know that the child followed him and did not see the child as he was backing up, the child was the unfortunate victim of a back over accident. The child was transported to a local hospital and then air lifted to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center. Unfortunately, efforts by the medical professionals could not save the life of this seriously injured child. Since toddlers have poor safety awareness, they are at high risk for injuries especially in or near parking lots and roadways. You can read mor about this sad story at Car Backs Over Waycross Georgia Toddler.

Backover accidents can be avoided in many instances. When you are approaching your vehicle, look out for the presence of all pedestrians and especially children. When backing up, go very slowly and check all mirrors the best that you can. Parents and guardians of children should do their part to keep toddlers supervised at all times and especially in or near parking lots and driveways.

If you have a question about a child injury whether from an automobile accident, dog bite, school injury, day care injury, or other causes, you can get important information regarding the rights of the injured child in the free book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know. Click here to receive your free copy of this child injury book.

A fatal car crash in Kentucky between a semi-tractor trailer and a SUV resulted in the death of two children, from Chicago, and a man, who had just gotten married in Florida. The crash occurred on Interstate 65 just south of Elizabethtown, Kentucky around 3:30 a.m. The semi-truck was northbound on I-65 when it rear-ended the Nissan Pathfinder, the impact caused the SUV to go off the road and roll over. The Pathfinder has seven passengers inside, three of the seven were pronounced dead at the scene. The passengers killed as a result of the crash were identified as Victor Chacon, 26, Brianna Chacon, 10, and Tatyana Alvarez, 11. The passengers who sustained personal injuries and transported to hospitals were identified as 49-year-old Victor Chacon, Melissa Gonzalez, 30, Victor Chacon, 5, and Yaznylie Chacon, 2, he said. The eldest Victor Chacon and Melissa Gonzalez are married, all three girls and the youngest Victor Chacon are their children. The young adult who was just married in Florida was the eldest Chacon's son. The driver of the semi-truck sustained no personal injuries from the crash. As a part of protocol when commercial trucks are involved in a car collision, the truck driver underwent a toxicology exam; the results were not reported in the initial news story about this automobile / trucking accident. According to Kentucky State Trooper Bruce Reeves, the area where the crash occurred was not lit. For more see 2 children and 1 man killed on I-65, family traveling home from Florida wedding.

A 2-year-old boy of Volusia County, Florida, has tragically died after falling into a swimming pool at his grandparents' house in DeLand, Florida. The toddler, Elijah Eckhardt, was pronounced dead at Florida Hospital South in Orlando, where he was transferred after he was discovered by his 10-year-old brother. According to investigators, Elijah wandered from his parents' home and apparently walked to his grandparents' home next door where he fell into the swimming pool. The toddler's father told deputies he put the child down for a nap and left the home after his wife arrived home. The mother began to make dinner and when she went to wake Elijah from his nap he was missing. The family instantly began to search their large plot of land, which includes four other home sites where other relatives reside. Deputies arrivied at the grandparents' home around 5 p.m.; Spokesman for the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Gary Davidson, says it is unknown how long the child was in the pool. Elijah was unresponsive when paramedics arrived but was resuscitated at the hospital. Elijah was in critical condition and on life support when he was airlifted to Florida Hospital South where he was later pronounced dead. For more details please see >2-year-old boy dies after falling into grandparents pool in DeLand, Florida.

Drownings are leading cause of death for toddlers and children because they do not understand the inherent dangers of playing in the water. Parents should always supervise their children while the children are in the water. Other water safety tips include putting a protective gate or other border around residential pools, not letting children play in the water when they are fatigued and maintain constant and incessant supervision of the child when he or she is in the water.