Tampa Personal Injury and Insurance Blog

When is a truck accident most likely to occur?

On behalf of Wells Law Group, P.A. on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.

When a large, heavy truck collides with a smaller vehicle, it can cause significant damage. Due to the heavier size and weight of these types of vehicles, it is extremely important for truckers to drive safely and cautiously. Statistics indicate that these types of accidents are increasingly a serious problem in Florida and across the country, and in far too many cases, collisions with a truck result in serious or fatal injuries.

Studying data can be helpful as it provides a measurable way to track and understand accident trends and potentially help prevent them. For example, looking at common times of day when these accidents happen may be able to help experts understand why they happen. In turn, this can lead to new ways to create better technology in tractor-trailers and regulations that will potentially reduce dangerous driving.

Red light running deaths reach 10-year high

On behalf of Wells Law Group, P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Friday, November 1, 2019.

Nearly 1,000 people were killed in the United States by drivers running red lights, according to the latest statistics released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Stunningly, over one of every 10 of those fatalities occurred here in Florida in 2017!

The study says 939 people were killed at signalized intersections in 2017 when drivers blew through red lights. In Florida, 99 deaths occurred in that year with 741 deaths reported from 2008 to 2017.

What does "no-fault" auto insurance mean in Florida?

On behalf of Wells Law Group, P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

Florida is one of 12 states and Puerto Rico with no-fault auto insurance laws. They were designed to keep insurance premiums low by offering quick payouts and avoiding lawsuits. However, the system is often criticized as being inadequate and frequently abused.

As a result, insurance companies in Florida can offer premiums that are lower than in other states. Critics say no-fault laws protect irresponsible and dangerous drivers from lawsuits by limiting liability amounts and result in more fatalities.

What to know about whiplash

On behalf of Wells Law Group, P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Friday, October 25, 2019.

Florida’s highways are among the deadliest in the United States. The U.S. Department of Transportation ranks the Sunshine State behind only California and Texas in the number of driving-related fatalities in 2017 with 3,112 people killed in 2,922 crashes involving fatalities.

The state also saw 402,385 total crashes that year which injured 254,310 people. Injuries range from death, to extremely severe conditions involving paralysis or the loss of a limb, to other permanent conditions which can be caused by a number of injuries in auto crashes, including whiplash. The Mayo Clinic says rear-end auto collisions are the most common cause of whiplash injuries.

Reducing teen distraction can make the roads safer for everyone

On behalf of Wells Law Group, P.A. on Wednesday, October 23, 2019.

Because of their inexperience and propensity to make risky choices behind the wheel, teens are more likely to be involved in or cause car accidents than other demographics. They are also more likely than many other age groups to drive while distracted. For this reason, it is important to educate younger drivers about safe choices behind the wheel.

Florida parents have a special responsibility to teach their kids how to drive safely, including avoiding distraction in any way possible. Thankfully, there are a few simple things that both parents and teens can do to reduce the temptation of looking at a phone while driving. With practice and consistency, good habits can develop that will make teen drivers safer drivers, thereby making the roads safer for everyone.

Pedestrian accidents are common on Halloween, so stay safe

On behalf of Wells Law Group, P.A. on Tuesday, October 22, 2019.

Many people across the country look forward to Halloween. Children and adults alike often have aspects of the holiday that they enjoy, even if parents are just looking forward to their children's excitement. You may enjoy this time of year for various reasons, but you also understand how important it is to stay safe while having fun.

Families and older children who trick-or-treat by themselves often go out on foot. You may plan to take a particular route with your children this coming Halloween while leaving the car at home. However, pedestrian accidents are common occurrences on Halloween, so you will undoubtedly want to make sure that you and your children stay as safe as possible.

Rideshare accidents can lead to legal quagmire

On behalf of Wells Law Group, P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Monday, October 21, 2019.

The rideshare system allows a convenient way to get around town. Those who need a ride can simply pull up an Uber, Lyft or other rideshare app and request a ride. Once they confirm the driver arrives, they can make it to their destination with minimal hassle -- unless there is an accident.

An accident involving a rideshare vehicle can result in a legal quagmire. One of the issues the rider must navigate involves the fact that these accidents often involve multiple insurance companies.

Florida’s new distracted driving law went into effect Oct. 1

On behalf of Wells Law Group, P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Friday, October 11, 2019.

Florida lawmakers are taking their fight against distracted driving to new levels. The state recently passed a law that makes driving in an active construction zone or in a school zone while using a hand-held phone a primary offense. This means enforcement officers can pull drivers over and issue a ticket for violating this law.

The law went into effect October 1, 2019.

Trying to beat a train is often a fatal decision

On behalf of Wells Law Group, P.A. posted in Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.

Despite rain not being in the forecast, diners in a Florida restaurant thought they heard a clap of thunder during their dinner on September 6. What they actually heard was something far more tragic: the sound of a train colliding with a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, the driver had attempted to go around the railroad crossing gate, even though the crossing gate's arm was down blocking the roadway. The driver did not beat the train, and they lost their life.

Are you experiencing symptoms of nerve damage after a crash?

On behalf of Wells Law Group, P.A. on Monday, September 9, 2019.

Motor vehicle accidents are commonplace throughout the entire United States, and Florida actually has more than most states. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department reported 686,590 drivers were involved in traffic accidents statewide in 2017.

Frightening for all involved parties, car accidents pose a serious risk to your physical health and well-being. Substantial injuries sustained from motor vehicle accidents could unexpectedly change your lifestyle. For example, nerve damage resulting from a crash can complicate daily tasks you once found easy.