Safety Matters – Florida Has Most Pedestrian and Bicyclist Injuries from Car Accidents

Friday, January 29, 2010

While walking or biking in very populated areas, you take a risk of sustaining severe personal injury and/or death if struck by a motor vehicle. The state of Florida is particularly prone to bicycle-auto accidents and pedestrian-auto accidents as the weather is warm year-round.

Their track record with the injuries and deaths from car accidents is alarming–both national and state data show that there is a very high risk of injury or death for pedestrians and bicyclists in Florida. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Florida has the highest rate in the nation of pedestrian fatalities because of car accidents in 2008, as well as the highest number of bicycle fatalities.

Like many other states around the country, Florida law requires all drivers to purchase and keep personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and property damage liability insurance in order to keep their driver’s license and registration current. This insurance covers a variety of things, including the medical costs of pedestrian and bicycle accident injuries or deaths occurring as a result of a car accident. Common injuries sustained in car accidents are concussions, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, back or neck injuries, or sometimes death. Additionally, pedestrians or bicyclists may be entitled to other damages, such as financial support for pain and suffering or loss of wages. If a fatality occurs, it may be possible to recover payment for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

Being involved in a bicycle-auto accident or a pedestrian-auto accident is a diffcult process for anyone to go through. An experienced personal injury attorney can help answer many of the questions that an injured person has regarding an accident.  Personal injuries sustained in car accidents have the potential to be life-changing. Therefore, it is essential to contact a hard-working and aggressive personal injury lawyer for the representation needed to conduct a successful claim. The Law Offices of Bredell and Bredell have years of experience providing legal advice and help to injured persons, and are available to help you today.

Filed under: Auto, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents, For Your Information, Safety Matters and Tips—Tags: , , , , , , , , — Comments (0)

Bicycle Accident – Fatal Accident on Highway Raises Safety Questions

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

This week, the Miami-Dade County commissioners spent a considerable amount of time investigating the death of a Florida cyclist who was struck by a car while riding on the Rickenbacker Causeway. The commissioners debated what caused the accident and what can be done in order to make Miami streets safer for all those who take to the road.

Bicyclist Christopher Lecanne, 44, was riding his bicycle Sunday morning when he was struck by a car on the Rickenbacker Causeway near Key Biscayne.  The bicycle was dragged almost the entire length of the village. The driver of the vehicle, Carlos Bertonatti, 28, was arrested the next day by Miami police and charged with an entire list of charges including: vehicular manslaughter, DUI manslaughter, not having a valid driver’s license, and leaving the scene of the accident. And, he certainly was no stranger to traffic violations either–his driving record boasts forty-two citations in the past twelve years.

Unfortunately, at the time of the accident the closest fire-rescue team was closed. Therefore, an emergency team from South Miami, ten miles away, was sent instead. Because they had to travel so far to get to the scene of the accident, the medical team arrived after Lecanne had died.

County Manager George Burgess was questioned by the commissioners about the station’s part-time hours. During the spring budget session, it was explicitly stated that no public safety concerns would be slashed. To combat this problem, the toll has been raised at the Key Biscayne entrance in order to fund the station and keep them open full time. Additionally, a variety of safety measures were discussed, including lowering the speed limit and having more officers on patrol. It was also suggested that the local police departments unify their radio systems in order to better respond to accidents. Yet the problem essentially remains the same–it has been increasingly difficult to find funding for all of the necessary changes.

Because bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles share the roadways, it is increasingly important that they watch out for one another. As seen by the example of Christopher Lecanne, bicycle-auto accidents can cause severe personal injury and/or death. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help provide answers to the many questions that an injured individual would likely have regarding their case. If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to damages–and an aggressive personal injury attorney can help you retrieve your deserved compensation. The Law Offices of Bredell and Bredell have years of experience representing individuals who have sustained personal injury in accidents, and are ready to help you as well.

Filed under: Auto, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents, Drunk Driving Accidents, Safety Matters and Tips—Tags: , , , , , , , , — Comments (0)

Bicycle Accident – Man Sentenced to Six Years for Bicycle Fatality

Monday, January 4, 2010

Distracted driving can have grave consequences. Talking or texting on a cell phone is one of the most common ways that distract drivers on the road and cause accidents. Such is the case of a twenty-two year old man who was sentenced to six years in prison after he caused a bicycle accident killing a teenager.

Last month, Jeffrey Woods was convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter for his involvement in the 2007 bicycle accident that killed fourteen year-old Danny Oates. He was traveling down Indianapolis Avenue when he crossed into oncoming traffic and struck Oates. The young boy was struck with such great force, he flew approximately one hundred and fifty feet and died instantly upon impact. After Woods hit the young cyclist he careened into a palm tree and struck a wall in a backyard. Both of his legs were crushed and almost had to be amputated.

According to investigative reports, Woods was driving while impaired on prescription pain pills such as Xanax and Vicodin. Additionally, he was texting someone to obtain more prescription pain medications–further distracting himself from the road. Court documents show that Woods had a severe pain killer problem, and influenced friends to use as well by dealing it to them. This fact was taken very seriously when determining an appropriate sentence. Because he had no prior convictions, Woods was given a mid-range sentence of six years in prison.

Texting while driving and driving under the influence can cause devastating accidents. Bicycle accidents such as these are even more likely to occur in busy, metropolitan areas where several cars are present. Unfortunately, car accidents and bicycle accidents can result in severe injury and/or fatality. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, it is important to contact a hard-working and experienced personal injury attorney or personal injury lawyer. The Law Offices of Bredell and Bredell are here to guide you and your family through the legal process with the best legal advice available. Do not hesitate to contact us immediately.

Filed under: Auto, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents—Tags: , , , , , , , — Comments (0)

Bicycle Accidents Reinforce the Necessity of Safety Gear

Monday, August 10, 2009

Riding a bicycle is an exciting way to exercise and spend time outdoors with friends and family. While it is a popular sporting activity, there are also several opportunities for cyclists to seriously injure themselves. However, if one wears the proper safety gear, such as a helmet, terrible injury can be either minimized or avoided.

Colorado Firefighting Chief Brian Brown is an example that magnifies the importance of safety gear. In July of 2006, he and his wife Alice were biking through Mount Evans. Brian, lost control of his bike and crashed. Fortunately, a group of rangers were on the scene immediately, and contacted the Flight for Life and an ambulance. Alice, who was trailing after her husband arrived after the rangers, rushing over to help. “He was completely unconscious. He was bleeding out of his ear and his nose,” she reported.

The ambulance and helicopter arrived momentarily, and Brian was rushed to Saint Anthony Hospital in Denver. After medical examination, it was determined that Brain had sustained a traumatic brain injury.  Additionally, he had several serious abrasions all over his body. However, after many seizures and extensive rehabilitation and treatment, Brain fully recovered. He regained the ability to speak, as well as use his left leg which was temporarily paralyzed as a result of the accident. The only medication that Brian still takes today is to control his seizures. The Browns insist that Brian’s safety helmet, coupled with the rangers quick action and immediate medical attention saved his life.

In the months following the accident, the Browns decided to reach out to the park rangers who came to Brian’s aid. Upon contacting the ranger district, they learned that the ranger who helped the most, Tim Cox died a a few weeks earlier. Tragically ironic is his cause of death–Cox fell from his bike and hit his head. Because he was not wearing a helmet, he died instantly upon impact. Tim Cox was known as a very safety conscious person, but it never occurred to him to wear a helmet while cycling through the trail.

Tim Cox’s death deeply affected and inspired Brian and Alice Brown. Since, they have dedicated their lives to informing others of the necessity of wearing safety gear while riding their bicycle. “You need to wear your helmet and this is why: someone lived wearing a helmet and someone saw it and took a day off from being safe and he died,” she said. The Browns started a Colorado chapter of Raisin Hope Foundation, originally founded by injured professional cyclist Saul Raisin. In addition, they hold several community events that promote safety while cycling.

Bicycling is a sport, hobby, and passion for many people, including Brian Brown and Tim Cox. However, it is their stories that remind us all of how important it is to wear a safety helmet while riding. Accidents do happen, and one can be severely injured without one. The Law Offices of Bredell and Bredell encourages everyone to wear protective safety gear while riding a bicycle. Should you or a loved one incur catastrophic injury due to a bicycle accident, please contact us immediately.

Filed under: Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents, For Your Information, Safety Matters and Tips—Tags: , , , , , , , — Comments (0)

Bicycle Accidents on the Rise

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The hot summer weather encourages people of all ages to get outside and be active. Because of this, summer months usually mean a heavier flow of bicycle traffic on the roads. Unfortunately, in a northern Ohio community, this has also led to the increase of bicycle-automobile related accidents.

Published reports from Missillon have reported that there have already been seven bicycle-automobile accidents so far this summer season. This number is feared to rise, if residents do not pay attention to their surroundings and wear proper protective gear, especially helmets. While no one was seriously injured in any of these accidents, majority of the cases involved children.

Emily Lehman and her family have been in the Massillon bicycle sales, repair, and rental business for over thirty years. During this time they have people come in and out of their store, unaware of the dangers of careless cycling. Lehman reminds us that even though it is safer to ride on trails, there are several factors that prompt people to still cycle in the road. Increases in environmental awareness and health concerns, as well as the dwindling economy have provided incentive to choose two-wheeled transportation as opposed to an automobile. And ultimately, the more cyclists on the roads will result in an increase in accidents. Most importantly, Lehman emphasizes the  necessity of wearing proper safety gear while riding. “Have a mirror, wear a helmet in case you do get into an accident. You’re protected, and share the roads,” she says.

As the summer months continue, it is important that all those choosing to ride a bicycle in heavy traffic areas take the proper precautions. Paying attention to one’s surroundings, sharing and respecting the road, as well as wearing the proper protective gear can prevent accidents such as these from happening.   At the Law Offices of Bredell and Bredell, we have years of experience handling accidents such as these. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately.

Filed under: Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents, For Your Information, Safety Matters and Tips—Tags: , , , , — Comments (0)


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