South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog

A 12-year-old boy was seriously injured last month after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike in Lake Worth, according to News Channel 5. The accident happened on Lake Worth Road in the parking lot of an IHOP and a Dunkin Donuts.

According to witnesses, the Lake Worth bicycle accident happened when the boy was riding through the parking lot and was struck by a Honda SUV that was making a turn. Reports indicate that the tires of the vehicle ran over the boy. The boy told officials that he "hurt all over." The driver said that he didn't see the boy in time and wasn't able to stop or swerve to avoid the crash. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, the boy's lungs were severely bruised and he sustained some abrasions but was last listed in stable condition.

Our Lake Worth bicycle accident attorneys understand that Florida was ranked as the most dangerous state in the United States for pedestrian and bicycle accidents. According to Transportation for America, there were nearly 5,200 people who were killed while walking and riding in the state from 2000 to 2009. These accidents cost the state more than $22 billion. The Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach areas of the state were the most dangerous with more than 1,550 fatalities during this time period.

Our Lake Worth Law Firm would like to ask residents to make safe travel a New Year's resolution. With safe traveling habits from both motorists and bicyclists we can all be cautious of one another and avoid some potentially fatal traffic accidents. This is the 5th entry of a 6-part blog discussing simple New Year’s resolution for safer roads.

Safe Biking Tips, from the Sun Sentinel:

-Always right on the right-hand portion of the street unless you're making a left-hand turn.

-Equip the front of your bike with a white light and a reflector.

-Make sure your bike has a reflector and a red light if you're riding at night.

-Make sure that all bicyclists under the age of 16 are wearing a helmet. Make sure they're wearing it properly, too!

-There should never be more than one person on a bike. Only ride more than one person on a bike if you're riding one that is specifically designed for more people.

-Children should be carried in a sling or in a backpack, trailer or child seat when biking.

-You should always have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

-Bicyclists should always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking along crosswalks and sidewalks. Signal loudly before passing them.

-Ride as close as you can to the right-side curb unless you're passing someone, avoiding an obstacle or making a left turn.

-Never ride parallel to more than one other bicyclist when traveling on the same street lane.

-Wear reflective clothing to be more easily seen by passing motorists.

Continue reading "Lake Worth Bicycle Accident Injures Young Boy" »

After reviewing the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' (FLHSMV)2010 traffic accident report that was recently released, our injury lawyers in Margate, Miramar, Sunrise and elsewhere in South Florida want to alert pedestrians and bicyclists to use more caution on Florida roadways. Pedestrians and bicyclists often have a big bull's-eye target on their back so to speak because they are difficult to see and slow to react when a motorist is headed right at them.

We posted recently on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog and our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog about two different pedestrians who were killed earlier this month. The first victim lost his life in a pedestrian accident in Miami while he was waiting at a bus stop. The other victim was killed early on a Sunday morning by a hit-and-run driver. It turned out there were few details to go on to catch the driver.

These senseless acts along with many others are why the FLHSMV crash statistics are so disturbing. There were 499 pedestrian deaths in 2010 compared to 482 in 2009, an increase of almost 4 percent from year to year. Sadly, 10 deaths were children under 5 and another 15 for children between the ages of 5 to 14. The age group most at risk of a fatal pedestrian accident in 2009 and 2010 was for 45 to 54 year olds. There were 97 pedestrian deaths in this age group in 2010, 76 percent of which were males. Almost 7,300 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2010, which was less than 2009. Again, 45 to 54 year olds were most at risk of injury.

According to the 2010 FLHSMV crash report, there were 76 bicyclists killed, 4,600 injured and more than 4,900 bicycle crashes. Though fatalities were reportedly down 24 percent from the previous year, both the number of cyclist injuries increased by nearly 4 percent and the number of crashes were up 3.16 percent.

The trend over the past 10 years for bicyclist fatalities has remained fairly consistent, with the low being reported at 76 and the high at 124. Year-round warm weather and numerous tourists are probable factors related to such high number sof fatalities each year, but the fact still remains that an average of 9 deaths per month is far too many.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are at considerable risk of being hit by a vehicle when the weather or lighting conditions are subject to poor visibility. Walkers and bikers who don't illuminate themselves with bright clothing or reflectors on bikes or backpacks are also at considerable risk of not being seen by a motorist. First Coast News reports a recent fatal bicycle accident that killed a 49-year-old male bicyclist riding in Suwannee County. The accident occurred before sunrise when the air was foggy and difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. A pickup truck collided with the bicyclist on U.S. 129 causing the rider to be thrown to the shoulder. Florida Highway patrol reports the driver of the pickup truck will not be charged due to the fact that the bicycle had no reflectors and poor visibility made it difficult to see the bicyclist.

If you go for a walk or ride a bicycle, be sure to be seen to avoid being hit by a Florida motorist.

Contact the bicycle or pedestrian accident attorneys at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC if you have been involved in a collision with a motorist in Plantation, Oakland Park, Hollywood, Miami or anywhere in South Florida. Call 1-800-561-7777 to set up a free and confidential appointment with an experienced attorney today.

Additional Resources:

Bicyclist Killed in Collision with Truck, No Charges Filed, by First Coast News staff, First Coast News.

Small Children at Risk of Severe Injury in Fort Pierce Bicycle Accidents, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, June 26, 2011.

Elderly Woman Killed from Car-Pedestrian Accident in Palm Beach County, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, September 5, 2011.

Two boys remain in serious condition after a Fort Pierce bicycle accident, reports the West Palm Beach News.

The bicycle accident resulted in two young boys being flown by helicopter to two different trauma centers. Witnesses report both boys were riding on the same bicycle when they were struck by a car at 3102 Q Street around 8:30 p.m. The crash remains under investigation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 630 bicyclists were killed on U.S. roadways in 2009, down from 718 in 2008. Data showed 74 of the victims were 14 or younger, a decline of 58 percent from the 178 killed in 2000. Cyclist deaths accounted for 2 percent of all 2009 traffic fatalities. Additionally, 51,000 cyclists were injured in traffic-related accidents in 2009 -- a drastic increase from 43,000 in 2007.

How should small children dress while riding?

-Fluorescent or bright-colored clothes will make kids more visible than wearing dark clothing.

-Wearing lightweight clothes will help them from getting overheated.

-Never wear pants with loose-fitting or flared legs that could get caught in the chain while riding.

-If your child carries a backpack while riding, ensure the straps are tied so they can't get tangled in the spokes of the wheels.

-Never ride a bike in bare feet. Wear appropriate footwear that will grip the bike's pedals.

Safety tips all children should know before riding a bicycle:

-Wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet.

-Obey all traffic lights and stop at all stop signs. Be extra careful at intersections.

-Ride in the same direction as the traffic -- never ride against traffic.

-Kids younger than 10 should ride on the sidewalks; older kids should use bike lanes or designated bike routes.

-Never ride in the dark.

-When leaving an alley, driveway or a curb, always stop and look for traffic in both directions.

-Pay close attention to turning cars or cars leaving driveways.

-Don't ride close to parked cars as their doors can open unexpectedly.

-Follow traffic signals and use a crosswalk to walk a bike across a busy intersections.

-Ride single-file when riding in a group.

-Pass other cyclists or people on the road on their left.

-Only one person should be on a bike at a time.

-Don't use electronic devices while riding.

-Stay seated while riding.

-Always look before changing directions or lanes, and always use hand signals.

Keep your child's bike in good shape:

-Inflate tires to the correct pressure that's indicated on the sidewall of the tire.

-Make sure the chain is well-oiled and clean of road grit.

-Ensure that the handlebars are tight and adjusted properly for your child.

-Make sure brake pads are not worn out and look for frayed cables.

-Adjust the seat height so your child's feet can touch the ground.

Continue reading "Small Children at Risk of Severe Injury in Fort Pierce Bicycle Accidents " »

A fatal Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident has claimed the life of a man as he was riding his bike along Sunrise Boulevard, Channel 7 News reported.

Our Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys know bicycle accidents are a common winter danger throughout South Florida. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Florida is the deadliest place in the nation for bicycle accidents. In 2008, a total of 125 riders were killed. California (109) was the only other state to report more than 100 deaths.

Nationwide, 716 riders were killed that year -- meaning about 1 in 6 of the nation's fatal bicycle accidents occur in Florida. Another 52,000 riders were injured.

The Orlando Sentinel reports the victim was 53 years old and was riding north along Flamingo Road near Sunrise Boulevard. The accident happened about 6 a.m. and the driver remained at the scene.

In a second fatal bicycle accident, a 61-year-old Wilton Manors man was killed while riding his bike in unincorporated Broward near Fort Lauderdale.

Middle-aged men are the fastest growing fatality group as the popularity of riding for pleasure and for exercise has put more and more cyclists on the roads in recent years. Bicycle rentals are also a popular option for tourists, who are frequently unfamiliar with the area.

Continue reading "Fatal bicycle accidents in Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, a reminder of the dangers" »

A senior citizen was injured in a Port St. Lucie bicycle accident this week, a reminder that with the return of tourists and winter residents it will be more important to watch for bicyclists, pedestrians and older motorists on the road.

The Treasure Coast Palm reported the cyclist was struck at the intersection of Cashmere Boulevard and St. Lucie West Boulevard. The crash happened Thursday about 2:30 pm., according to St. Lucie County Fire Rescue. The man was transported by medical helicopter to a local trauma center.

Florida was the most dangerous state in the nation for bicycle accidents in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A total of 125 riders were killed that year.

Nationwide, 716 cyclists were killed and 52,000 were injured. As the popularity of cycling has increased for recreation and fitness, so too has the age of those most likely to be involved in an accident.

While those ages 45 to 54 are most likely to be killed -- with 180 fatal accidents in 2008 -- those ages 55 to 64 suffered 112 fatal accidents. And 67 riders over retirement age were killed in bicycle accidents in 2008.

For more information on cycling safety, visit the Florida Bicycle Association.

Continue reading "Seniors at high risk of bicycle accidents in Port St. Lucie as winter season begins" »

The scariest thing on the roads and sidewalks this Halloween may have nothing to do with the ghosts and goblins haunting your neighborhood.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reports that almost 5,000 motorists have died on the road during Halloween Week in the last decade, making it among the most dangerous weeks on the road. More than half of those fatalities were the result of drunk driving accidents. Nationwide, authorities will be conducting an "Over the Limit. Under Arrest" drunk driving crackdown from Oct. 25-31.

In addition to the risk for Fort Lauderdale car accidents, parents and children alike are at high risk for pedestrian accidents in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida as walking sidewalks in the dark is, for most, a once-a-year activity.

Premise liability concerns can include slip-and-fall accidents, dog attacks, swimming pool accidents and other common property claims that become even more common around the strange occurrences of Halloween.

Injuries to children most often involve cuts or lacerations to the hands or fingers and most frequently involve kids ages 10 to 14, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, which reports that Halloween is among the holidays with the highest incidents of emergency room visits.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers the following safety tips:

Motorists

-Stay alert and watch for bicycles and pedestrians.

-Kids will be excited and may suddenly dart into traffic from between parked cars.

-Be particularly cautious in areas with cars parked along the streets.

-Watch for children in the streets, especially in areas where there are no sidewalks.

-Be patient and slow down.

Parents and Caregivers

-Put children in light colored costumes.

-Use reflective tape to improve visibility.

-Make sure costumes do not create trip hazards or obstruct vision.

-Children should wear good shoes.

Continue reading "Real spooks of Halloween: Car accidents, pedestrian accidents, premise liability dangers in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm" »

A 49-year-old man remains at Bayfront Medical Center with life-threatening injuries after being struck while riding his bicycle by a car that left the scene. The cyclist was riding on the street but was thrown to the sidewalk where he hit his head on a light pole base, the St. Petersburg Times reports.

In 2009, almost four percent of all traffic fatalities across the state involved Florida bicycle accidents, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports. There were 99 bicycle accident fatalities and 4,376 cyclists were injured.

Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties were the three most dangerous counties in 2009 for cyclists, claiming 33 lives and leaving 1,292 riders injured. For the same region in 2008 there were 25 fatal bicycling accidents and 1,304 injured cyclists.

The Florida Bicycle Association offers a few simple tips that can help decrease your chances of getting in a South Florida bicycle accident:
~ Know how to ride. Just being able to start, stop and turn without falling or running into other cyclists cuts your risk of injury in half.

~ Obey traffic laws, signs and signals like all vehicles on the road are supposed to do. That includes using lanes correctly and using lights to make your ride visible when it’s dark.

~ Be conspicuous when sharing the road with four-wheeled vehicles. Telegraph your intent to fellow drivers. Communicate using eye contact and hand signals.

~ Be defensive and proactive. Stay off your cell phone and leave your headset at home. Pay attention to what is going on around you and watch for road hazards (like potholes).

~ Wear a helmet and gloves. While these may not help you avoid a crash, they can reduce the severity of your injuries.

Continue reading "Late night hit-and-run reflects danger of South Florida bicycle accidents" »

The Florida Department of Highway Safety has just released a comprehensive look at 2009 traffic safety and this is the first in a series of posts by the South Florida injury lawyers at Freeman & Mallard.

We believe taking a comprehensive look at the data will allow motorists to avoid car accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm and the surrounding areas. Knowledge is power and knowing where, when and why accidents are happening can be a powerful tool to help keep you and your family safe on the road.

The good news for motorists is that fatal crashes in Florida dropped to the lowest rate on record last year. The number of fatal accidents decreased 14 percent to 2,563 from the 2,983 fatal crashes reported in 2008.

As the Sun-Sentinel reported, fatal Palm Beach car accidents were down 30 percent, from 198 in 2008 to 151 last year. Fatal Broward County car accidents dropped 20 percent, from 228 to 189.

"While multiple factors influence the numbers, the declining trends are a testament to the emphasis that law enforcement agencies, safety advocates and businesses have placed on saving lives on our roadways," said DHSMV Executive Director Julie L. Jones.

Most advocates cite less traffic and travel amid the downturn in the economy as the primary reason for the reduction.

Other highlights include:

-Alcohol related traffic fatalities declined 14 percent, from 1,169 deaths to 1,004. Note that those statistics still indicate that drunk driving is responsible for more than one-third of all fatal Florida traffic accidents.

-Fatal Florida motorcycle accidents declined by 24 percent, from 532 to 402.

-Fatal Florida bicycle accidents dropped 15 percent, from 118 to 100.

-Pedestrian fatalities in Florida decreased slightly, from 502 to 482.

-Fatal Florida accidents involving teenagers dropped by more than 20 percent, from 193 to 153.

In coming posts, we will take a more in-depth look at these statistics and see what can be learned by motorists that will help keep them safer on the road. Please check back often for updates.

Continue reading "South Florida injury attorneys to examine new data regarding Florida traffic fatalities in 2009" »

Florida cyclists have failed in an effort to prevent passage of a bill that requires bicyclists to use bike lanes whenever possible and to remain on the right side of the road.

Advocates for bicycling safety argued the measure will increase the risk of Palm Beach bicycle accidents and cycling accident elsewhere in South Florida, the Examiner reported.

While many motorists favor the measure -- claiming that is where riders should be anyway -- cyclists had urged Gov. Charlie Crist to veto the bill. They claim bike lanes, like those along A1A in Palm Beach County, are not safe and riding on the right side of the road is even more dangerous.

Florida is the most dangerous state in the nation for serious and fatal bicycle accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 716 cyclists were killed in 2008 and more than 52,000 were injured. Nearly 1 in every 5 fatalities nationwide resulted from a Florida bicycle accident. A total of 125 riders were killed in Florida that year. California, which reported 109 fatalities, was the only other state to report more than 100 deaths.

The Florida Bicycle Association vowed to regroup and fight for cycling rights during next year's legislative session.

Palm Beach motorists had complained that cycling in the road poses a danger, especially on A1A where there are no bike lanes.

Bicycle Safe provides cyclists with tips for avoiding dangerous accident scenarios:

The Right Cross: The most common type of accident is a T-bone collision with a car crossing from the right at an intersection. Riding tips include using a headlight and horn, slowing down and riding further to the left.

The Door Prize: Ride to the left when traveling along parked cars to avoid being hit by an opening car door.

The Crosswalk Slam: Riders are often struck in crosswalks by a motorist turning onto the street. Using a headlight, slowing down and avoiding crosswalks can help reduce the chances of this type of accident.

Wrong Way Wreck: Don't ride against traffic. Riding on the left side of the street increases your risk of an accident.

Red Light of Death: Riders are often struck at a traffic light by a car making a right turn. Avoid stopping in a vehicle's blind spot and make sure the coast is clear before proceeding after the light turns green.

Right Hook: This type of accident frequently occurs when a driver misjudges the speed of a rider and attempts to turn right in front of a cyclist. Riding further to the left and using mirrors to watch for approaching traffic can help reduce the risk.

Left Cross: In this type of accident, a car turning left across traffic collides with a cyclist entering the intersection. Using a headlight, wearing bright clothing, slowing down, and avoiding sidewalk riding can reduce your risk.

The Rear End: Being struck from behind can occur when a rider weaves in and out of parked cars or other traffic obstructions. Using mirrors and signals can help reduce the risk.

Continue reading "Palm Beach bicycle accidents at issue as Governor signs new law" »