Attorney Blog

Do I really need a lawyer for a Florida auto accident?

wks@saronlaw.com (Blog Author)27711 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

You Need An Attorney If....

Your injuries are serious.
You just prefer to focus on recovering from your injuries rather than dealing with the insurance company paperwork and their adjustors.
The insurance company is disputing that you need medical treatment.
The insurance company wants you to attend a supposedly "independent" medical examination by a doctor of their choosing.
The insurance company claims that you are not injured or that you should have stopped treating by now.
The insurance company is trying to blame your symptoms on past accidents or pre-existing medical conditions.
The insurance company is trying to claim that you are partially responsible for an accident that was caused by someone else’ negligence.
The insurance adjustors are relentlessly calling and harassing you.
The insurance adjustor is pressuring you to agree to a settlement before you have finished treatment for your injuries or before you talk to a lawyer.
Your claim is against a municipality or corporation.

You Probably Don't Need A Lawyer if...

You were in a minor fender bender.
You were not injured in the accident.
You have completely recovered within a short time after the accident.

What Not To Do After a Florida Slip and Fall Accident

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)27421 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Florida slip and fall accident can leave you with a devastating injury and wondering who will pay for your mounting medical expenses and who will care for your family.

One of the first things that might come to mind is to file a claim, especially if the accident was a result of someone else’s negligence. Keep in mind that the strength of your case will determine how successful you are. With that being said, there are three things you should “not” do following a slip and fall accident.

First, if an insurance adjuster contacts you, do not immediately give them a recorded statement. You should wait until you have sought legal counsel.

Also, regardless of the circumstances, never admit that you were at fault. Admitting fault could drastically reduce the chances of a successful injury claim.

Lastly, consult a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney before signing anything. Keep in mind that the insurance adjuster does not work for you. You need someone who will have your best interest in mind.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall accident and Florida, you should contact a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.

Hulk Hogan's Son reaches Settlement with Crash Victim

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)27119 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Do you remember the story of Nick, Hulk Hogan’s son, who was involved in a Florida street racing accident? If you recall, the 2007 street racing accident left Nick’s friend, John Graziano, with brain damage and confined to a wheelchair after Hogan lost control of his Toyota Supra and crashed into a tree.

The wrestling giant’s son pleaded no contest to felony reckless driving involving great bodily injury and spent five months in prison. He was originally sentenced to eight months.

It appears that the parties reached a settlement. However, the terms of the settlement remain confidential.

“We reached a settlement that was agreeable to all parties,” said the family’s attorney, Kim Kohn. “We are happy because our goal all along was to insure that John was provided with the appropriate care for the rest of his life. And the settlement will do that.”

Fortunately, Graziano’s condition has improved and he was released from a Florida hospital in September.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you should contact a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.

Florida Head Injuries can be Serious

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)26845 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Does the name Natasha Richardson ring a bell? If not, she was the actress that fell during a ski lesson at a Canadian resort. She was taken to a local hospital after complaining of head pain. Unfortunately, she later died at a medical center in Montreal.

Though, a head injury may appear minor at first, Richardson's story reminds us of how serious a head injury can be. Imagine feeling fine after you hit your head and then your family discovers you unconscious a short time later. This type of injury is sometimes referred to as the "talk and die" syndrome. However, the medical term is epidural hemorrhage.

According to Dr. Carmelo Graffagnino of Duke University Medical Center's Neuroscience Critical Care Unit, epidural hemorrhage occurs when a victim sustains a brain injury, but appears normal at first. However, the brain begins to bleed, building up pressure, and potentially leading to a traumatic brain injury and even death.

As you know, accidents happen all the time in Florida. People suffer head injuries at work as well as in car accidents. Unfortunately, in some cases, these accidents are caused by negligence by someone else. You can imagine the impact that a serious head injury can have.

If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury caused by someone else's negligence, you should contact a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.

Why the Insurance Company Won't Pay (Part 3)

wks@saronlaw.com (Blog Author)26391 — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Here are a few more excuses the insurance companies use to not pay or delay your claim:

Using your memory or actions against you - You didn't notice the Defendant until immediately before impact, so you must not have been paying attention; You don't remember all the details of the accident, so you were inattentive or incompetent and therefore not credible as a witness; You exagerated the speed of the vehicles so you are an unreliable witness; There are no witnesses to confirm your story or they found a witness that disputes your story; The physical evidence is lost (car was destroyed) so we can't prove what happened. Making you or someone else the bad guy - You could have avoided the accident but weren't paying attention or you were speeding; You made an unnecessary unexpected stop; You didn't use your turn signal, or your brake lights did not work; A phantom vehicle was responsible; The accident was unavoidable; There was an emergency that excused the Defendant's speeding; The police officer made mistakes in his report. The accident had no significant effect on you - Your doctor did not say you could not work; You often miss time from work anyway; You were unemployed and could not find a job anyway; Your tax records show you make less money than you claimed; You were paid in cash for your work and did not report the income. And finally - The cost of your medical treatment was excessive; Your injuries should have entirely healed in a few months; You went to work against doctors orders making yourself worse; You have a history of filing lawsuits and making claims like this; You have a history of emotional problems.

The bottom line to almost all of the excuses from Insurance Companies is that "you are a liar" or "you won't be able to prove it to a jury". In 25 years I've seen a lot of this, and they come up with new excuses all the time.

A Broken Leg Can Lead to Compartment Syndrome and More

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)25868 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you have never broken your leg, you at least no someone who has. A broken leg is a common injury that occurs in the United States daily.

Having a fractured leg can be inconvenient and disrupt your normal life for several weeks or months. It can impact your family time, keeping you from playing with your kids. It can also affect your ability to perform your duties at work, leading to a possible loss of wages.

Did you know that a fractured tibia is the most common type of leg break?

What most people don’t know is that there are possible complications from suffering a fractured tibia. These complications can even lead to hospitalization. Some of the potential complications include a missed torn artery, compartment syndrome, infection, poor leg circulation, to name a few.

For a more detailed list of potential complications, please visit the article Broken Leg Complications.

A tibia fracture is generally a result of an accident. In some cases, the accident was caused by the negligence on the part of someone else. It is important to know that if you have suffered a broken tibia as a result of an accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

If you or someone you know has broken their tibia in a car accident or from another event caused by someone else’s negligence, you should contact an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 826-4947.

Why the Insurance Company Won't Pay (Part 2)

wks@saronlaw.com (Blog Author)25683 — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Why the Insurance Company Won’t Pay (Part 2)

Ok, let’s look at some more excuses. Another common area of excuse deals with the condition of your car and the severity of the crash:

“You had equipment defects such as: bald tires, bad breaks, your taillights were not working, no turn signal…”; “You didn’t have your seatbelt on”;

“Your headrest was at the wrong height”; “Their was little or no damage to one or both vehicles”;

“You had a new car which means it had shock absorbing bumpers, headrests were at the right height and a proper seatbelt, so you couldn’t have been hurt”;

“No one else in either car was injured”; “The defendant was going less than 5 mph”; “The repair estimate was only a few hundred dollars”; and “No one’s airbag went off”.

Usually the Insurance Company will also use your medical condition and history against you: "You made errors in recalling your medical history, which means you were not honest";

"You had prior complainst to the same areas of the body"; "You have had previous medical treatment for the same problem"; "You previously treated with a Chiropractor";

"You had a subsequent accident that is actually causing all of your problems"; "You had no pain complaints at the exam by the Insurance Company doctor";

"You have had mental health treatment before, so this is all in your head"; "You were not wearing your glasses or hearing aid"; "You have an underlying medical condition which

impairs your ability to drive (epilepsy, migranes, etc.).

A good personal injury attorney knows how to combat these arguments.

I'll add some more excuses tomorrow.

Why the Insurance Company Won't Pay

wks@saronlaw.com (Blog Author)25630 — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Why the Insurance Company Won't Pay

Because they make more money not paying! It is as simple as that. And even if they do eventually pay, the longer they wait, the more interest they earn on your money before they pay it to you. But here are some of the excuses they will use against you - and after 25 years of practice, I've seen a lot of them, so this will be a continuing blog because the insurance companies never run out of excuses not to pay on auto accidents:

The most common list of excuses for not paying you is based on simply claiming "You are not really injured, or if you are the injury is minor". This list includes: "You didn't complain of pain at the accident scene"; "You said you were OK at the accident scene"; "The police report doesn't say you complained of pain"; "You weren't bleeding or bruised"; "You didn't request an ambulance to go to the hospital"; "You didn't go to the hospital after the accident, or even the following day"; "You told the insurance company you weren't hurt"; "You didn't treat with a doctor for days or weeks following the accident"; "There is no objective evidence (x-rays, or other tests) that your pain was caused by the accident"; "You continued to go to work"; "Your complaints to the doctors were inconsistent"; "Our doctor examined you and you had full range of motion"; "Your family doctor did not prescribe physical therapy"; "You did not treat with your doctor regularly"; "You only treated with a Chiropractor"; "You had a pre-existing condition such as arthritis, and the accident didn't make you any worse".

These are just a few of the medical type excuses. I will continue the list and add lots more.

Don't Text and Drive!

wks@saronlaw.com (Blog Author)25502 — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Several states have already passed laws that make it a crime to send or read text messages while driving. The Florida legislature has considered such a law, but nothing has been passed as of yet. Governor Crist supports a ban on texting while driving in Florida, and there are currently several proposed bills for the upcoming legislative session.

There have been several studies that prove driving while texting is actually more dangerous than driving drunk. One study found that when a person is driving and texting at the same time, they are over 20 times more likely to be involved in a serious traffic accident.

When a person is injured or killed in a traffic crash, a good Florida Auto Accident Attorney will always investigate whether the at-fault driver was using their cell phone. This includes sending or receiving a text message, talking on the cell phone or using any of the other applications available these days. I see this occur more and more often these days in St Petersburg car accident cases and it is strong evidence of negligent driving that can help prove liability in your case if you are injured. It can also be used against you if you are using your cell phone.

So in addition to the obvious, “Don’t Drink and Drive”, you can add “Don’t Text and Drive” too.

Young Dog Bite Victims Often Suffer Emotional Trauma

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)25298 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

It doesn’t matter how old you are – being attacked by a dog is terrifying. However, for a young child, the emotional injuries resulting from a dog attack can be significant.

Children who have been the victims of dog bite injuries can become fearful, depressed, angry and may withdrawal from those close to them. Young dog bite victims have also been known to exhibit new behaviors, including bed wetting, clinginess and aggressiveness toward siblings. Some children are too afraid to go outside and play.

When a child is attacked by a canine, he or she is also at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Posttraumatic stress disorder is triggered by a traumatic event where the victim feels helpless or in extreme danger. The symptoms of PTSD may surface months after the attack. Some of the warning signs include flashbacks, nightmares, anger, irritability and avoiding activities once enjoyed. If you think that your child may have developed posttraumatic stress disorder, you need to contact a mental health professional right away.

To find out your legal options following a Florida dog bite, contact a St Petersburg personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.

For more information, read the article, Florida Dog Bite Injuries Can Lead to Emotional Scarring Among Children.

Five Common Factors in Boating Accidents

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)23777 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Boating is a popular pastime in Florida, as the sunny weather permits this great activity. However, it may not be a recreational activity that is safe as you might think.

As a matter of fact, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, thousands of boating accidents occur nationally each year. In 2008 alone, there were 4,789 boating accidents reported. These accidents resulted in 709 deaths and 3,331 injuries. These numbers are staggering.

When considering boating, you should be aware of the five most common factors in boating accidents as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard. These factors include careless/reckless operation, operator inattention, not having a proper lookout for dangers in the waters, inexperienced operators and passenger/skier behavior.

A boat accident can be serious, even causing life altering injuries and death. Did you know that if you or someone you know has been injured in a boating accident, especially if the accident was caused be negligence on the part of someone else, you may be entitled to monetary damages?

If you or someone you know has been injured in a boating accident, you should contact a St. Petersburg accident attorney at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.

Wearing a Seatbelt Can Save Your Life in a Car Accident

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)23460 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Believe it or not, many Americans are still sustaining injuries because they are not wearing seatbelts. However, there is good news. The NHTSA has released figures showing that seatbelt usage is up from 83 percent in 2008 to 84 percent in 2009.

Another piece of good news is that the use of seatbelts by Americans has been consistently increasing since 1994. Research has shown that the number of fatalities due to drivers and passengers not buckled up when traveling in a vehicle has been at a steady decline.

The NHTSA has also reported that research shows that seatbelt usage is higher in states that allow the police to pull over vehicles when it is apparent that seatbelts are not being used. States that have weaker seatbelt laws show lower seatbelt usage.

We all know that it only takes a few seconds to buckle up. Drivers should not only make sure they are buckled up before operating a vehicle, but should also make sure everyone in their vehicle does the same. It sounds trite, but it could mean the difference between life and death.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you should contact a St. Petersburg car accident attorney at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.

Serious Knee Injuries Are Common From Slip & Fall Accidents

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)22301 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Have you recently suffered a knee injury from a slip and fall accident? These types of injuries can lead to serious knee problems.

An injury to your knees can significantly affect your life in many ways. Besides the excruciating pain it can cause, this injury can also impair your ability to perform the simplest of tasks, such as household chores and playing with your children.

A serious injury to your knees can impact the vital tendons and ligaments that surround the knee joints. It can also cause serious damage to the bones and cartilage that make up the joint.

Slip and fall accidents can happen just about anywhere. Many victims are injured at work and in public areas, such as parks and grocery stores. It is important to know your rights, especially if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.

Regardless of how your knee was injured, it can be very painful and affect all aspects of your life. It can take months, even years to recover. Some victims experience a lifetime of pain and suffering, including a loss of income due to their inability to perform their job.

If you or someone you know has suffered a knee injury in a slip and fall accident, you should contact a St. Petersburg accident attorney at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.

Is The Threat of Aggressive Drivers As Big As Drunk Drivers?

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)21611 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to many Americans, aggressive drivers are a major concern as it relates to highway safety. As a matter of fact, people view aggressive drivers to be as big of a threat as drunk drivers.

We have all experienced aggressive driving on Florida roads and highways, whether we have been cutoff by someone weaving in and out of traffic or whether we have tailgated someone on the freeway. Perhaps you have rolled through a stop sign without coming to a complete stop. Most of us have been guilty of some form of aggressive driving at one point in time.

The problem with aggressive driving, whether it is excessive speeding or failing to yield the right of way, is that many people die each year because of aggressive driving. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, up to 56% of fatalities each year on the roadways are related to aggressive driving.

A survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a few years ago revealed that the majority of drivers felt threatened by aggressive driving at least once in the previous 12 months. More astonishing than that, is that approximately one in seven surveyed indicated that they felt threatened by aggressive drivers at least one time per week over that same period.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident caused by an aggressive driver, you should contact a St. Petersburg car accident attorney at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947 for legal advice.

What If My Dog Bites Someone While It Is Boarded At The Kennel?

wks@saronlaw.com (Blog Author)20372 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

What happens if my dog bites someone while it is at the kennel? Believe it or not, you are still strictly liable and this issue has been looked at by the Florida Supreme Court. The Florida Statutes provide for "strict liability" to the "owner" if the owner's dog bites someone as long as the person that got bit was legally allowed to be wherever he was when he got bit (not trespassing, etc.). The kennel does not "own" the dog, and there is no recognized exception of assumption of the risk, or independent contractor, etc. that will prevent the "owner" from being liable. I love my dogs, but if I put one of them in the kennel and they bite someone, even an employee of the kennel, I am still responsible as the "owner".

Too Many Drivers are Distracted in Florida School Zones

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)20164 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

A national study discovered that as many as one in six drivers are distracted while driving in active school zones. This behavior puts children at risk of suffering serious injuries and death from pedestrian accidents.

The report is titled, “Distracted Drivers in School Zones,” and it states that 170 out of every 1,000 motorists were distracted in school zones. The distractions that were observed ranged from eating, grooming, talking on a cell phone to smoking and reaching for an object inside the vehicle. Researchers in the past have noted that being distracted for only three seconds can increase the chance of being involved in a collision. For drivers in school zones, that could make the difference of a child being hit by a car.

This national study came to the conclusion that when traveling in a school zone with a posted speed limit of 30 mph, it takes a total of approximately 203 feet to come to a complete stop after recognizing a road hazard. If a driver is distracted, he or she may not be able to react in time to avoid a pedestrian accident.

If your child has been the victim of a pedestrian accident in St. Petersburg or other area in Florida, you should contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at 727-345-4566 or 866-836-4947 for legal advice.

Protect Yourself in a Car Accident By Choosing a Safe Car

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)19806 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you are in the market to buy a new car, think safety. While it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate the risk of being involved in a St. Petersburg car accident, a safe car can provide extra protection.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, many of the vehicles today have advanced safety features, including electronic stability control. These crash avoidance features can help lower the risk of a single car accident significantly. Also, the size and weight of the vehicle can make the difference when it comes to injuries. The risk of death is higher in smaller, lighter weight vehicles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducts tests that measure the crashworthiness of vehicles. These tests rate how a vehicle performs in a front, side and rear collision. Most of the popular vehicles have been tested and you can go to the Institute’s website for information on how a car rates.

If you have been injured in a Florida car accident caused by the other driver, you should contact a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947 for legal advice. You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries.

Limiting Access to the Courts Backfires

wks@saronlaw.com (Blog Author)19771 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Pretty funny column in the New York Times today. It is about rather complicated investments that fell apart during the financial crisis when the auction-rate securities market failed. I don't even know what those are, but American business corporations strongly supported a 1995 law that they thought would help prevent "frivolous" lawsuits. That law says that when a case is filed in court for securities fraud, it must be very specific as to the facts describing what fraud has occurred, or else the court will dismiss it immediately. Since most people bringing a fraud case against a securities firm do not have inside information, they can't be specific, so the case gets thrown out before they can find out what really happened. Now that the financial crisis has occurred on Wall street, many corporations want to sue the securities firms, but the 1995 law is preventing it. Remember the old saying, "Be careful what you ask for. You just might get it". Well, Corporate America got the law they wanted limiting access to the courts, and now Corporate America can't file the lawsuits it wants to. Those same corporations that cheered when the 1995 law passed are not cheering now, as they find it keeps them from recovering their losses.

Boating Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (Blog Author)19608 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Regarding the boating accident that occured last Friday night, why wasn't there a light on that jetty? I have read that a similar boating accident happened there a few years ago, however the airport authority would not allow a light on the end of the jetty as it might be confused with the air traffic approach. I would assume the City of St. Petersburg owns the land where that jetty is and may ultimately be responsible for lighting. While there is plenty of blame to go around in this accident, including possibly alcohol, and certainly operating a boat at high speed at night, the fact that the jetty extends out into the harbor, and that this is not the first incident, makes me very concerned that without proper lighting, that something like this will happen again.

A Must Read Before Filing a Florida Auto Accident Claim

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)18274 — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Were you injured in a car accident in Florida? If you answered “yes,” you need to read the article, “Filing a Florida Car Accident Insurance Claim.” A car accident is un-chartered territory for most of us and the whole claims process can be overwhelming.

After a Florida auto accident, you need to notify your insurance company. However, if there were serious injuries from the crash, you should contact a St. Petersburg car accident attorney first. A lawyer can make sure that you rights are protected and that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.

Once the insurance company has received report of your accident, you will be contacted by an insurance adjuster. The adjuster will complete an investigation into the collision and may ask you for information. An insurance adjuster usually looks at medical records and the police report and may even talk to witnesses to the accident. This investigation will help the adjuster determine the amount of settlement in which you will be offered.

Be aware that the insurance adjuster has a settlement range to work with and will most likely start at the low end. If you feel that you cannot come to a resolution with the insurance company or if the insurer is being uncooperative, you may want to ask for assistance from an injury lawyer in St. Petersburg.

Contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947 for advice.

A Florida Car Accident Can Cause a Traumatic Amputation

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)17897 — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Living with amputation has improved over the years with advanced rehabilitation and new prosthetic designs. However, if you have suffered from traumatic amputation, you know that life changes for good.

Traumatic amputation can occur from a car accident or other catastrophic event. Sometimes a person’s limb has to be removed during the rescue effort following a crash. In this situation, re-attachment of the amputated limb can be difficult as there is often damage to the blood vessels and tissue.

There are complications associated with traumatic amputation, including infection, bleeding and shock. Medical expenses can add up quickly following a Florida car accident, especially when complications arise. As an accident victim, you may be facing financial challenges in addition to the physical demands of coping with an amputation.

If your car accident was caused by the other driver, you may be able to recover compensation, which will not only help you with your medical expenses, but may also offset your lost income and other costs.

You should contact an experienced injury attorney in St. Petersburg at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947 if you have been injured in a Florida auto accident.

Your Rights as a Paralyzed Accident Victim in Florida

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)16689 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Florida car accident, slip and fall or other catastrophic event can leave you with a permanent, debilitating injury. If you or a loved one has become paralyzed in a Florida accident, you need to be aware that you have rights and may be able to recover compensation for your injuries.

There are different types of paralysis – quadriplegia, which generally leaves you completely paralyzed and paraplegia that usually affects the lower region. When you become paralyzed, life as you know it changes forever, especially if you are unable to walk. You may be facing years of rehabilitation and medical treatment, not to mention having to depend on the support of others.

Treatment for paralysis can be costly and adds up quickly. Unfortunately, this type of condition can place a financial burden on those who have been impacted. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a negligent driver, a property owner who was careless or a manufacturer who created a dangerous product, you can and should hold that person accountable.

Compensation for a personal injury lawsuit involving paralysis can be substantial. You may be able to obtain damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses associated with your injuries. For more information, contact a Florida injury lawyer at the Law Offices of William K. Saron, P.A. at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.

A Slip and Fall Can Cause A Broken Hip No Matter Your Age

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)16310 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Most people associate a broken hip with the elderly. However, when you slip and fall, it doesn’t matter how old you are – you have the potential to break your hip.

A hip fracture is painful. Some of the signs of a broken hip include pain in the hip or groin area, inability to put weight on a leg, hip stiffness, bruising or swelling and a shorter leg on the injured side of the hip. Even if you are not experiencing these specific symptoms, you should still be checked out by a doctor following a slip and fall or trip and fall accident.

To determine if you have sustained a hip fracture, the doctor will order an x-ray. The x-ray will show the extent of the damage to the hip or other affected area. Surgery is the usual treatment for a broken hip, but there are alternatives for people who are unable to have surgery due to medical reasons.

In rare cases, a broken hip can lead to fatal complications. People have been known to suffer from bedsores, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, muscle wasting and blood clots following a hip fracture. If a blood clot becomes lodged in a pulmonary artery, the outcome can be deadly.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you need to contact an experienced injury attorney in St. Petersburg. Call the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.

A Florida Fall Accident Can Lead to a Broken Collar Bone

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)15093 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Most of the time, when you slip and fall or trip, all you sustain is a bruised ego. However, some fall accidents are more serious than others and can lead to painful injuries. A fractured collar bone is one of the most common bone breaks and can occur when you fall. Typically, a broken collar bone happens when you fall with an outstretched arm or land on the outside of your shoulder.

The collar bone, also known as the clavicle, runs from the front of your shoulders to the sternum. In a fall accident, the impact of hitting the bone on a hard surface, such as the ground or an object, can cause the clavicle to fracture. This type of injury is painful and can take weeks to recover from. Usually treatment involves rest and a sling that keeps the shoulders back, but occasionally, surgery is required. Physicians also tend to recommend physical therapy in more severe cases.

If you have fractured your collar bone in a Florida slip and fall accident, you may be able to hold the property owner liable. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises free from any known dangers and can sometimes be held responsible for damages caused from the accident. You should contact a Florida injury attorney at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947 for legal advice.

Your Options When Offered a Low Florida Auto Accident Settlement

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)14679 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Working with an insurance company following a Florida auto accident can be a nightmare. The insurance adjuster’s job is to protect the interests of the insurance company, not yours. They will be listening and watching for information that they can use to offer you a low settlement. You should consult with a Florida car accident attorney following an accident to ensure you are treated fairly.

If you have already started the negotiation process with the insurance adjuster without an attorney, you need to be aware of your options if you come to a standstill with the settlement. Sometimes the insurance adjuster will not budge on their Florida car accident settlement, despite your best efforts to prove that your claim is worth more. In that situation, you can take your case to arbitration, where a neutral party will decide the outcome of your claim. Another option is to contact the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation to find out how to file a complaint against the insurance company.

You might be able to sue the driver who caused your car crash, if the insurance company is being uncooperative. A knowledgeable Florida car accident lawyer will be able to advise you on your best course of action following an accident and will gather all of the necessary evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.

Contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron today at (727) 345- 4566 or (866) 836-4947 for legal advice.

How Can You Prove Fault in a Florida Slip and Fall?

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)14217 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have slipped and fallen at a mall, apartment complex, office building or other location, you are not alone. Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States. Many falls are caused by our own carelessness, either we weren’t paying attention or failed to adhere to warning signs of a slippery or uneven surface. However, sometimes a slip and fall accident or trip and fall accident is the fault of the property owner.

After a Florida fall accident, you need to think about what caused your fall. Torn carpet, broken tile, worn out stairs and slippery surfaces are common factors in fall accidents. A property owner isn’t going to be responsible every time there is a wet surface, but there are going to be some situations where the property owner should have taken action to prevent the hazard that caused your fall.

Florida slip and fall accident cases can be tricky. There are different circumstances that could prove that the property owner was responsible. For example, you will need to show either that the property owner or one of their employees caused the dangerous surface or that they must have known about the hazard and did not repair it. A property owner can also be held liable if they should have known about the dangerous condition because a reasonable person would have been aware of it.

Contact a Florida slip and fall accident attorney if you have been injured in a fall. Call the Law Offices of William K. Saron today at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947 for legal advice.

Why Dogs Attack in Florida

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)13293 — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

A canine attack can leave both physical and emotional scars on the victim. When a child is bitten by a dog, it is not uncommon for a fear of dogs to develop that can be so debilitating that the child is too afraid to go to the park or to the homes of friends or family members who own dogs. Dogs can attack for many reasons and in some situations, the canine’s owner can be held responsible for injuries.

Dog bites are prevalent in the United States. It has been estimated that 2 percent of the total U.S. population have been bitten by dogs, which equals about 4.7 million people every year. Some people believe that the number of canine attacks is so high because of the close proximity of dogs to humans.

There is debate as to whether certain dog breeds are more likely to attack than others. For example, the rate of pit bull attacks seems to be higher than some other dog breeds. Some people have argued that it has nothing to do with the breed, but that the propensity to bite is actually associated with the dog’s owner.

Dogs bite when they are scared, territorial, sick or injured. Usually a dog will give warning signs of an impending attack, but young children, who are the most common victims, often miss these signals.

If you have been the victim of a Florida dog attack, you should contact a St. Petersburg dog bite lawyer at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.

Florida Dog Bite Facts & Statistics

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)12174 — Mon, 18 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Every 75 seconds, someone is bitten by a dog in the United States. Over 1,000 Americans require emergency treatment for these dog bites.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a study into the frequency of dog bite injuries and found that approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur every year. One report by the Animal People News stated that the following percentages of attacks involved pit bulls, rottweilers and wolf hybrids:

• 77 percent of dog attacks caused bodily harm
• 73 percent of dog attacks involved children
• 83 percent of dog attacks involved adults
• 70 percent of dog attacks resulted in death
• 77 percent of dog attacks caused maiming

Researchers have also looked into the types of breeds that most commonly cause fatalities. According to research, during a 20-year period from 1979 to 1998, at least 25 dog breeds were involved in 238 human dog bite related deaths. Rottweilers and pit bulls were associated with more than half of these deaths from 1997 to 1998.

Dogs bite for many reasons. Based on a study in Denver, male dogs are more likely to bite than females and dogs that attack are 2.6 times as likely to not be neutered. Also, dogs that bite are 2.8 times as likely to be chained as unchained.

Source: Dogbites.org

Fall Accidents Among Senior Citizens in Florida

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)11952 — Wed, 13 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Falls can be serious and every year thousands of senior citizens are injured by these accidents. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one third of adults age 65 and older fall each year in the United States. The problem is so severe that falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among senior citizens and the most frequent cause of nonfatal injuries and hospitalizations.

How many older adults are affected by fall accidents? The CDC reports that 15,800 people 65 and older died from fall injuries and 1.8 million were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries from falls in 2007. Among those injured, 433,000 were hospitalized. The number of deaths caused by falls has increased dramatically over the last decade.

According to the CDC, 20 to 30 percent of fall victims sustain moderate to severe injuries, including bruises, hip fractures and head traumas. Falls are also considered to be the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. In 2000, traumatic brain injuries accounted for 46 percent of fatal falls among senior citizens.

Statistics show that men are more likely to die from a fall than women, but women are more likely to sustain a nonfatal fall injury. Older women are twice as likely to suffer from a fall-related fracture as men in the same age group.

Even when an older adult is not injured in a fall accident, he or she may still experience emotional stress, as a fear of falling develops. This fear can cause older adults to restrict their activities, which can lead to reduced mobility and physical fitness.

*Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Falls Among Older Adults: An Overview

Falls and Car Accidents Cause Most Children's Injuries

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)11155 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

More children die from a preventable injury than all the diseases combined. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) car accidents are a leading cause of children’s deaths. The report by the CDC also found that falls are the major cause of injuries among children.

Researchers have estimated that approximately 8,000 children are killed each you in a car accident, pedestrian accident or bicycle accident. The study showed that car accidents are to blame for the majority of deaths in the 5 to 19 age group.

Car accidents can have many causes, including negligence, distractions, poor road conditions or other driver behavior. Child passenger seats have been created to help protect a child in a car accident, but unfortunately serious injuries still often occur. When a child is injured in an auto accident, it can lead to traumatic brain injury, head trauma, spinal cord injury and other conditions.

According to the study, southern states and those in the upper plains had the highest amount of children’s deaths from traffic accidents. States in the northwest region had the lowest rate of transportation-related deaths.

When an auto accident is caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (866) 836-4947 or (727) 345-4566 for legal advice regarding your Florida car accident case.

Older Drivers Cause Less Car Accidents Than Before

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)10686 — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

Older drivers are involved in less car accidents than in previous years. Despite predictions by experts, the amount of older drivers in fatal accidents has gone down, even as the population of older drivers has increased.

According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, fatalities per capita among older people have dropped 35 percent since 1975. Researchers also found that very few drivers 70 and older who died in car accidents had blood alcohol-levels above the legal limit. However, there is a higher risk of older drivers being involved in fatal car crashes, but this trend can be explained by the fact that older people are frailer and more vulnerable to sustaining a severe injury, especially to the chest. The study also found that the death rate in car accidents increased for drivers over the age of 80.

Experts had believed that more accidents would be caused by older drivers because people over the age of 70 have started keeping their driver’s licenses longer and were driving more than previous generations. Research is being conducted to find out why the number of fatal car accidents with aging drivers has gone down. There is already one theory that aging drivers are in better physical and mental condition than previous generations and are less likely to make a driving mistake.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Florida, you need to contact an experienced car accident attorney. Contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron today at (866) 836-4947 or (727) 345-4566 for legal advice.

How to Avoid a Florida Dog Attack

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)9708 — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Every year, there are millions of victims of dog bites across the country. Children, ages 5 to 9, are the ones who are most often attacked by dogs and as a result, they sustain the highest number of dog bite injuries. When a dog bite occurs, the dog owner can be held liable for injuries under Florida law.

People frequently bring their dogs to parks and other public locations, which increase the odds of a serious dog attack. Even though dogs are domesticated, they are still animals and their behavior can be unpredictable. Family dogs have even been known to violently attack.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a list of safety tips to help avoid dog bites. According to the CDC, you should never approach an unfamiliar dog and should always ask the dog’s owner before petting the animal. If you are approached by an unfamiliar dog, do not move and avoid running or screaming. Children should never be allowed to play with a dog unsupervised and should be taught the proper way to treat animals.

If you or your child has been attacked by a dog, which resulted in serious injuries, contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (866) 836-4947 or (727) 345-4566 for legal advice. You may be entitled to compensation for the dog bite injuries.

The article, “Avoiding Dog Bites & Vicious Canine Attacks in Florida,” has more information on this topic.

Neck Injuries Need to Be Diagnosed and Treated Immediately

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)9596 — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have suffered a neck injury following a car accident or fall, do not wait to seek medical treatment. Ignoring neck pain can lead to more permanent damage.

The neck contains the first seven bones of the cervical spine, which is where the spinal cord lives. Since the spinal cord is so delicate, even minor damage cannot be repaired. Neck pain can indicate spinal cord compression and if it is left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage.

A sudden trauma to the neck caused by a slip and fall, car accident, assault or sports-related injury, can result in a serious neck injury. There are many different forms and causes of neck pain, including a herniated disc. A herniated or bulging disc can put pressure on the spinal cord, causing neck pain. Herniated discs often follow a whiplash injury and may include symptoms such as weakness, tingling, numbness in the arms and upper torso and clumsiness.

A doctor will be able to diagnose the exact cause of neck pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. Anti-inflammatory medication is frequently prescribed, which will help manage the pain. Steroids are sometimes given in the form of a pill or injection. If there is a severe neck injury, surgery may be needed, especially if there is a developing problem that could be more serious.

Medical treatment for a neck injury can be expensive. If your neck injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover money for your injuries. Contact William K. Saron, a Florida serious injury lawyer, for legal advice regarding your neck injury case.

The article, “Neck Injuries Should Not Be Ignored,” has more information on this topic.

Back Injuries Caused By Florida Car Accidents & Falls Can Be Serious

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)9088 — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Back pain can often indicate a serious problem, such as a herniated disc, spine fracture or spinal cord injury. When a back injury is caused by a car accident, fall or other sudden event, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Pain associated with a back injury can last for several years. Some back injury victims experience pain and discomfort for decades and others face permanent disabilities resulting from the injury. The amount of pain from a back injury can vary depending on the cause of the accident. Those who are forced to deal with back pain on a daily basis find that it takes away from their ability to function normally and may even prevent them from working in the same capacity as before the injury occurred.

Back pain can be caused by an injury to the ligaments or muscles, a spine dislocation, torn or ruptured disc or nerve compression known as cauda equine syndrome. If the pain is caused by a spinal cord injury, it can lead to permanent paralysis.

A physician will try to determine the cause of the back pain by conducting diagnostic studies, including x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans, as well as a physical exam. Usually rehabilitation and physical therapy are recommended to improve the function of the back, but in some situations, surgery is required. Surgery is an option when a nerve is pinched, the spinal cord is compressed or there is too much movement between the bones in the spine.

The article, “Serious Back Injuries from Car Crashes and Slip and Fall Accidents,” has more information on back injuries.

If you have sustained a back injury from a fall or car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (866) 836-4947 or (727) 345-4566.

Fall Accidents Can Result in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)8764 — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

It’s hard to imagine that a slip and fall accident can lead to serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Most people associate fall accidents with broken bones, bruises or sprains, but according to the Brain Injury Association of America, falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury, accounting for 28 percent of TBI cases every year.

A traumatic brain injury disrupts the function of the brain and can cause major problems for the victim. For example, TBI can affect language, thinking, learning, sensation, emotions and behavior. In some cases, traumatic brain injury has resulted in epilepsy and can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other serious brain disorders.

When someone slips and falls, if there is a sudden blow or jolt to the head, it can cause irreversible brain damage. Even though treatment is available for a patient with a traumatic brain injury, the injury can still be life-altering. Surgery is often required for victims of traumatic brain injury and rehabilitation is commonly used to improve their situation.

Medical treatment for TBI caused by a fall accident can be expensive over the victim’s lifetime. If the slip and fall accident occurred on someone else’s property, including office buildings, parking lots, grocery stores and apartments complexes, the property owner can be held liable. When a property owner is found to be responsible for the injuries, compensation can be pursued, which will help cover the costs of medical treatment and lost income.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident or have a family member who has sustained a traumatic brain injury resulting from a fall, contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (866) 836-4947 or (727) 345-4566.

The article, “Traumatic Brain Injury Caused By Slip and Fall Accident,” has more information on this topic.

Symptoms of a Serious Head Injury

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)8085 — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Head injuries are often serious and require extensive medical treatment. If you have sustained a head injury in a car accident, slip and fall, assault or work-related accident, you need to be aware of the warning signs of a more serious head injury.

A head injury, which is also referred to as a brain injury, contusion, concussion or head trauma, can be defined as a trauma to the head that leads to injury to the scalp, skull or brain. This type of injury can range in severity, from a minor bump on the head to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even if you think that your head injury is only minor, you need to watch for symptoms that would indicate a serious problem.

A serious head injury can have any of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Severe headache that won’t go away or gets worse
• Fluid draining from the nose, mouth or ears
• Stiff neck
• Drop in blood pressure
• Changes in the pupils
• Swelling at the injury site

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of a head injury, you need to seek medical attention immediately. The doctor will be able to determine the severity of your head injury and the type of treatment that will be needed. If your head injury is minor, bed rest and over-the-counter pain medication will most likely be recommended. A serious head injury could require surgery.

In some cases, a head injury can lead to permanent brain damage, which can cause changes in behavior, speech problems, loss of hearing, vision, taste or other sensation, seizures, paralysis or coma. Even though it is impossible to reverse brain damage, a medical provider can take measures to prevent further injuries and improve the victim’s quality of life.

Contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (866) 836-4947 or (727) 345-4566 for advice regarding your case.

The article titled, Compensation for a Serious Head Injury, discusses the monetary damages that are available in serious head injury cases.

Compensation Available for Car Accidents in Florida

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)7915 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

After a car accident, it is not uncommon to face mounting bills, with little to no income to pay them. During your recovery, you may incur high medical expenses and be forced to take time away from work. When an auto accident is caused by the other driver, you may be able to collect compensation for your injuries that will help your financial situation.

Florida is considered a no-fault insurance state, which means that when you are injured in a car accident, your injuries will be covered by your own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault. The compensation available depends on your policy limits. The insurance company is supposed to reimburse you for the majority of your medical expenses, some of your lost wages and other expenses relating to your injury. If the other driver was injured in the accident, his or her insurance policy should cover any injuries that the driver sustained.

Even though Florida has a no-fault insurance law, in some instances you can still file a lawsuit against the negligent party. For example, if you sustained a permanent injury from the car accident or if someone in the vehicle died, you have the legal right to sue the other driver to recover compensation beyond what is provided by the insurance company.

There are two categories of monetary damages available in car accident cases – economic and non-economic. Economic damages include medical expenses, past and future lost wages, lost support and services, replacement value and other expenses associated with economic loss. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish and inconvenience. The jury will decide what damages you are entitled to based on the evidence presented before them in court.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Florida, contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron to determine how much your case is worth. Call (866) 836-4947 or (727) 345-4566 today.

The article, What Damages are Available in a Car Accident Case, has more information on this topic.

Have You Sustained a Spinal Cord Injury?

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)7410 — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

If you or someone you love has sustained a spinal cord injury, you need to understand the symptoms, treatment and compensation for these types of injuries. A spinal cord injury is serious and most often affects a person’s ability to function in the same capacity. When a spinal cord injury is caused by a car crash, work-related accident, fall, sports activity, assault or other event, the outcome can be tragic.

A spinal cord injury can be classified into two categories – partial or complete. With a partial spinal cord injury, the injured victim retains some sensation and motor function below the injury. A complete spinal cord injury occurs when there is a complete loss of motor function and sensation below the injury site.

Spine injuries lead to permanent disability or paralysis. There are two different classifications of paralysis, known as paraplegia and quadriplegia. Paraplegia refers to an injury that paralyzes the lower body. Quadriplegia refers to the loss of movement in most of the body, including the arms and legs.

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury include pain in the spine, loss of movement, loss of sensation, spasms, inability to control the bowel or bladder, difficulty breathing and an oddly positioned neck or back. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you were injured in an accident.

Treatment for spinal cord injuries may include physical therapy, medication and even surgery. The medical costs for a spine injury can add up quickly. If your spinal cord injury resulted from negligence, such as in a car accident, work accident, fall or other catastrophic incident, you may be eligible for compensation. You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering and other costs associated with your spinal cord injury. Contact William K. Saron, an experienced Florida serious accident lawyer, at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947, to review your spinal cord injury case.

The article, Spinal Cord Injury – Understanding the Symptoms & Treatment, has more information on this topic.

Can a Property Owner be Responsible for Your Injuries?

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)7245 — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Did you slip and fall at a mall, grocery store, parking lot, workplace or other location? If so, you may be wondering if you can hold the property owner responsible for your injuries. Slip and fall and trip and fall injuries can be serious, resulting in high medical costs and time away from work. You need to know your legal rights following a slip and fall accident.

Slip and fall accidents fall under a legal category known as premises liability. Property owners owe a legal duty of reasonable care to keep their premises free from danger. According to Florida law, a business owner has the responsibility to “maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition for the safety of business invitees on the premises, which includes reasonable efforts to keep the premises free from transitory foreign objects or substances that might foreseeably give rise to loss, injury or damage.”

There are certain things that you have to prove in order to receive compensation from a property owner. Some of the questions that will need to be answered include:

Did the person in control of the property owe you a duty?
Did the property owner act negligently by failing to exercise reasonable care in the “maintenance, inspection, repair, warning or mode of operation of the business premises?”
Did the property owner fail to provide reasonable care, which ultimately caused you loss, injury or damage?

The first question can be answered by reviewing the categories of visitors on a property, which include invitees, licensees and trespassers. A licensee is someone who has a reason to believe the property is open for use, such as in the situation of a customer shopping at a retail store. A licensee is someone who is on the property for any other reason other than commercial or business use. A trespasser is a person who is on the property without expressed or implied invitation or permission. In most circumstances, a property owner owes the duty of reasonable care to invitees, licensees and known trespassers. Also, a property owner cannot intentionally harm a trespasser.

If you have been injured on someone else’s property, contact a Florida slip and fall attorney who can review your case to determine who was liable. Call the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947 for expert legal advice.

The article, Property Owner’s Responsibility for Injuries, has more information regarding this subject.

Compensation for Whiplash Resulting from an Auto Accident

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)6202 — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Car accidents can result in major damage to the vehicles involved and can potentially cause serious injuries. If you have been in an auto accident in Florida, you understand the pain and frustration of dealing with the aftermath. When you are injured in a car crash, you may be forced to take time away from work, which can lead to financial troubles. Injuries also cost money to be treated. One of the most common types of injuries associated with auto accidents is whiplash. If you have sustained a whiplash injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Whiplash involves an overextension of the neck, which can lead to torn or stretched muscles or ligaments. It is usually caused by being struck from behind, such as in a rear-end collision. According to MedicineNet.com, “More recent studies investigating high-speed cameras and sophisticated crash dummies have determined that after the rear impact the lower cervical vertebrae (lower bones in the neck) are forced into a position of hyperextension while the upper cervical vertebrae (upper bones in the neck) are in a hyper flexed position.” Some whiplash injuries will heal quickly, while others can take months to recover.

Symptoms of whiplash can take days to surface and may include pain and aching in the neck, back or shoulders, sensory disturbance to the arms and legs, headache, fatigue, jaw pain and ringing in the ears. Usually a whiplash injury causes only minor pain, but in some instances, it can result in a severe disability caused by restrictive head movement or of the cervical spine and may cause persistent pain.

If a doctor diagnoses you with whiplash, after conducting an x-ray or other imaging test to rule out bone fractures, he or she may recommend a soft cervical collar. Your doctor might also recommend bed rest, neck rest and medication to manage the pain.

The expenses associated with whiplash can add up quickly. If you have been in a rear-end collision caused by another driver that resulted in whiplash, contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (866) 836-4947. You may be able to recover damages for your injury.

The article, Whiplash Injury Caused by an Auto Accident – Symptoms and Treatment, has more information on this topic.

The Impact of Driver Distractions

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)5998 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Driver distractions can come in many forms, such as talking on a cell phone, sending text messages, putting a CD into the stereo or turning to look at children in the backseat. To determine the link between driver distractions and car accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute performed a study following 241 drivers in 100 vehicles for more than one year. A total of 200 million miles were traveled during the time of the study. Some of the findings were alarming.

According to the study, most car accidents occur when the driver has been distracted for 3 seconds. Three seconds seems like a short amount of time, but it is just enough to cause a serious auto accident. Approximately 1 out of every 3 drivers in the study was involved in an auto accident during the time of the study. Even more distressing is the fact that each driver had an average of 3 near-accidents.

The study reflected the need for drivers to focus on driving-related tasks while they are behind the wheel. While cell phones and other electronic devices have brought convenience, they can lead to driver distraction and ultimately tragic car crashes. Researchers also found that when the driver reached for a moving object inside the car, the chance of a car accident increased by 9 times.

If you have been injured in a car accident and you believe it was caused by the other driver being distracted, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. An insurance adjuster may not take into account the cost of your future medical treatment and pain and suffering. After a car accident, you should consult with an experienced Florida auto accident attorney who can help you determine how much your case is worth.

The article, Distracted Drivers Cause Serious Car Accidents, has more information on this subject.

Palm Harbor Car Accident Kills 58-Year-Old Woman

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)13319 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Palm Harbor car accident involving a pedestrian leaves a woman dead after she is hit by a car while crossing a busy road. The incident took place on Tuesday evening, February 9, 2010, along U.S. 19 near Fox Chase Boulevard.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 58-year-old woman from Clearwater was hit by a car as she stepped off a median and into the southbound lanes on U.S. 19. Officials have not released the victim’s identity pending notification to her family.

Based on reports, the vehicle that struck the woman fled the accident scene. However, authorities believe that the car involved in the hit-and-run accident is a black Infinity. The car is reported as being a 4-door sedan.

The fatal Palm Harbor accident is still under investigation by local authorities. Police are looking for the driver who struck the woman. Anyone having information pertaining to the pedestrian accident has been asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at (813) 631-4020.

This is an unfortunate accident and our thoughts and condolences go out to all of those who have been affected by this tragedy.

Tampa Auto Accident Leaves One Dead, Two Injured

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)12986 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Tampa auto accident involving a single-car leaves one person dead and two others injured after the vehicle loses control and drives off of the road. The incident took place early Thursday morning, February 18, 2010.

According to the Tampa Police Department, a 2005 Nissan Altima was traveling down the road at excessive speeds and suffered damage to one of its tires after it made an attempt to avoid a second car. The driver lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway. The car flipped over and finally came to rest after it struck a utility pole, bench and a tree.

There were three unidentified occupants in the car at the time of the accident. Two of them were ejected from the vehicle as the car flipped over.

Unfortunately, one of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident. Rescue transported the two other victims to a local hospital. One of them had to be removed from the vehicle with the use of special equipment and has been listed in critical condition. A female passenger has been listed in stable condition. The investigation is still ongoing.

This is a terrible accident and we send our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.

St. Petersburg Car Accident Injures Deputy

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)12985 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A St. Petersburg car accident leaves a deputy injured after another car collides with his cruiser. The incident took place around midnight on Thursday, February 18, 2010, at the intersection of Gandy Boulevard and Fourth Street N.

According to investigators, Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Walker, 38, was eastbound on Gandy Boulevard in his marked 2005 Chevrolet Impala when the incident occurred. According to reports, Walker was responding to a call and had his sirens and lights on.

Reports indicate that as Walker slowed to cross the intersection, he was struck on the right side by a 1997 Oldsmobile driven by Hae Kim, 54, of Tampa. Kim was traveling northbound on Fourth Street N. when he collided with the cruiser. Kim told police that he was on his way home.

Rescue crews transported Walker to Bayfront Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries. He was later released from the hospital. Walker has been with the Sheriff’s Department for approximately 13 years.

The St. Petersburg accident is still under investigation by local authorities. The Sheriff’s Department has not yet decided if any charges will be filed.

Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the accident and we wish Deputy Walker a speedy recovery.

Tampa Auto Accident Kills FedEx Driver

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)12929 — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Tampa auto accident involving a tractor-trailer that was struck by a loose tire leaves a Federal Express driver dead. The incident took place at approximately 3:00 AM on Tuesday morning, February 9, 2010 on Interstate 4 near the U.S. 301 overpass.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, William Morales, 45, of Tampa, was driving a FedEx tractor-trailer on Interstate 4 when his vehicle lost control after being struck by a loose tire. The impact caused Morales to hit a concrete barrier wall and concrete pillars near the U.S. 301 overpass.

Morales were pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.

The tire that traveled into the path and crashed into the FedEx tractor-trailer truck reportedly came loose from a 1995 GMC truck. The driver of the GMC has been identified as Felix Rios, 51, of Miami. According to reports, Rio was not injured in the fatal accident.

The Tampa auto accident is still under investigation by local authorities. It was not made known as to what caused the tire to come loose.

This is an unfortunate accident that claimed the life of Mr. Morales. Our thoughts and condolences go out to all of those that have been affected by the accident.

Four People Injured in Clearwater Car Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)12778 — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Clearwater car accident involving three vehicles leaves four people injured after one of the vehicles slams into a local business. The incident took place on Monday afternoon, January 11 2010, on the corner of Lakeview Road and Missouri Avenue South.

According to local police, the incident occurred when a female driver suffered a medical condition, which caused her to hit two other cars. Her identity, as well as details concerning the medical condition that caused the accident, were not made available. However, police report that her condition and injuries are not considered life-threatening.

The woman was heading west on Lakeview Road when she struck the two other cars and finally come to rest inside a local locksmith business. There were no injuries reported inside the store. Workers secured the building to make sure that it wouldn't collapse.

There was a passenger inside the woman's car and two other drivers involved in the accident. Police have indicated that none of the victims suffered any life-threatening injuries.

The Clearwater accident is still under investigation by local authorities.

A multi-vehicle car accident caused by a medical condition can be serious and lead to catastrophic injures. Our thoughts go out to those involved in the Clearwater auto accident.

Tampa Auto Accident Kills Man Helping Dog

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)12418 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Tampa auto accident leaves a 22-year-old man dead after he is struck by a vehicle while coming to the aid of a dog. The fatal incident took place at approximately 7:00 PM, on Saturday evening, January 16, 2010, near County Line Road.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the victim, John Christopher Morgan, 22, of Lakeland, spotted a dog in the road and made an attempt to cross the eastbound lanes of State Route 60 to rescue the animal. As he was attempting to cross the road, he was struck by James Borgiet, 60, of West Palm Beach, who was heading eastbound.

The force of the impact threw Morgan from the road. Rescue crews who arrived on the scene pronounced the man dead from injuries sustained in the accident.

It was unclear whether Borgiet suffered any injuries as a result of the accident. No other injuries were reported.

There was no information made available as to why the dog was in the street or who owned the animal.

The fatal pedestrian accident is still under investigation by local authorities. It was not made known whether Borgiet saw Morgan or made any attempt to avoid the man crossing the street.

Man Charged With DUI in Tampa Car Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)12346 — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man has been charged with DUI in a Tampa car accident that involved two vehicles and left four people injured after a car turns into the path of a Ford Expedition. The incident took place on Friday, January 15, 2010, at the intersection of Hillsborough Avenue and 19th Street.

According to Tampa Police, the suspect, James Quick, was heading east on Hillsborough Avenue and turned into the path of a Ford Expedition while attempting to make a left turn onto 19th Street. It was unclear whether Quick suffered any injuries in the wreck. However, police have charged the man with DUI in connection with the two-vehicle accident that sent four passengers to the hospital.

Rescue crews transported three passengers who were traveling with Quick to St. Joseph’s Hospital where they were treated for injuries sustained in the accident. Police indicated that the victim’s injuries were serious, but non-life threatening.

A passenger who was in the Expedition at the time of the accident was also injured and transported to the hospital. The passenger was treated for minor injuries.

The identities of those involved in the accident were not made available.

The two-vehicle Tampa accident is still under investigation by local authorities.

One-year-old Child Dies in Wesley Chapel Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)12306 — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A two-vehicle car accident in Wesley Chapel leaves two dead, including a 1-year-old child, after a vehicle crosses the center lane and strikes another car. The Tampa area crash occurred on Thursday night, January 7, 2010 on Bruce B. Downs.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 67-year-old Raul John Bertrand Jr., of Brandon, was traveling southbound at approximately 8:00 PM on Bruce B. Downs when his 2010 Cadillac SUV veered across the center lane and into the path of a 2004 blue Honda, which was heading northbound.

Rescue workers pronounced Bertrand dead at the scene from his injuries.

Rescue crews transported 1-yeal-old Jaylin Dominguez, of Tampa, who was a passenger in the Honda, to a Tampa hospital. The one-year-old died on Saturday due to injuries sustained in the accident.

Dominguez’s parents, Nadine Maldonado, 25, of Tampa, who was driving at the time of the accident and passenger Simon T. Dominguez, 25, of Wesley Chapel, were also seriously injured in the wreck. They were both taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital and treated for injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The Florida High Patrol is still investigating the fatal two-vehicle wreck. It is unclear as to why Bertrand crossed the center lane and into oncoming traffic.

St. Petersburg Accident Leaves 2 Motorcyclists in Critical Condition

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)12190 — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A St. Petersburg accident involving two motorcycles and a car leaves the two motorcyclists in critical condition following the three-vehicle collision. The incident took on Tuesday evening, December 29, 2009, on Central Avenue.

According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, the incident began when a car swerved to avoid a pedestrian. Jacklyn Nugent, 21, was heading east on Central Avenue when she veered into the other lane in order to avoid Robert Ford, who was pushing a shopping cart across the street.

Sherman Miller, 35, and Matthew Jones, 29, were also heading eastbound on Central Avenue when Nugent’s car swerved in front of their motorcycles. Miller, who was unable to stop in time, slammed into the back of Nugent’s car. He was ejected from his motorcycle and flew through the back window of Nugent’s car, landing in the back seat.

While attempting to avoid the collision, Jones struck the back of Miller’s motorcycle. He lost control of his vehicle and slammed into the center median. Both motorcyclists were reported to be wearing helmets at the time of the incident.

Rescue crews transported both motorcyclists to Bayfront Medical Center where they were listed in critical condition.

The St. Petersburg accident is still under investigation. It has been determined that both motorcycles were traveling at a high rate of speed when the incident took place.

Plant City Accident Kills 5-Year-Old

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)12164 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Plant City car accident involving two vehicles leaves a 5-year-old child dead after the two cars collide into one another. The incident took place at approximately 2:30 PM on Friday afternoon, December 25, 2009.

The Christmas Day accident occurred on U.S. 92 at Branch Forbes Road. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, Mario Lopez, 25, was heading west on U.S. 92 and attempted to make a left turn into a parking lot and into the path of a 2006 Chrysler 300M that was traveling eastbound. The driver of the Chrysler has been identified as Eduardo Ruiz, 25, of Plant City.

The Chrysler slammed into the right side of the Pontiac. Luis Contrerus, 5, of Plant City, was a passenger in the Pontiac and was pronounced dead the next day at Tampa General Hospital from injuries sustained in the wreck.

Lopez suffered minor injuries in the crash. There were two other passengers traveling with Lopez, Miguel Vasquez, 33, of Plant City and 8-year-old Marta Contrerus. Rescue workers transported both victims to Tampa General Hospital and were treated for serious injuries.

There were four passengers traveling with Ruiz. Rescue crews transported Maria Morales, 69, of Thonotosassa to University Community Hospital. Irene Ruiz, 69, Angela Ruiz, 8, and Lisette Yvette, 1, were taken to Tampa General Hospital. The extent of their injuries was not made known.

The fatal Plant City accident is till under investigation.

Pedestrian Accidents in Tampa Bay Kills Two

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11981 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Several Tampa Bay pedestrian accidents leaves two people dead, including a 14-year-old boy, and several others injured. The string of accidents happened on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 in the Tampa area.

A Tenoroc High School student was hit by another student while crossing Old Dixie Road. The victim, 14-year-old Colton Meyers, died from injuries sustained in the accident. Meyers was hit when the driver was attempting to pass another car and did not see him.

In St. Petersburg, Shirley Lavine was in the process of crossing US 19 at the 16th Street South crosswalk in her motorized wheelchair when she was hit by an unidentified driver. The force of the impact ejected her out of the wheelchair and onto a grassy area. She was taken to Bayfront Medical Center and listed in serious condition. Police are still searching for the driver.

Two pedestrians, a 29-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, were hit on Tuesday evening, according to New Port Richey Police. They were attempting to cross US 19 near Floramar Terrace when the 29-year-old driver hit the two victims. They were taken to Bayfront Medical Center where they were both listed in critical condition.

Police found another pedestrian victim, William Morrison of Davenport, on the ground suffering a severe head injury. He was apparently hit by a co-worker after the two finished dinner at a local restaurant. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

One Man Dead and Two Others Injured in Tampa Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11918 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Tampa car accident leaves a Lake City man dead and two others injured after two cars collide on Fowler Avenue. The collision happened at approximately 5:00 PM on Saturday evening, December 19, 2009.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the driver of a 1994 Dodge Intrepid, Charles Deas, 44, of Lake City, was exiting the parking lot of Winn Dixie at 9535 East Fowler Avenue, when he pulled into the path of a 2009 Mercedes, which was heading eastbound. The Mercedes struck the left side of the Dodge, killing Deas and injuring two other passengers. The collision forced one of the cars onto the median and the other into the shoulder.

Rescue workers arrived on the scene and pronounced Deas dead as a result of injuries he sustained in the wreck.

Deas was traveling with two other passengers at the time the accident occurred. Rescue workers rushed 27-year-old Shawnee Black, of Lake City, to Tampa General Hospital where she was listed in serious condition. The second passenger, 48-year-old Donald Reed, of Tampa, was taken to University Community Hospital and treated for minor injuries. Reed was sitting in the rear of the car.

The driver of the Mercedes was not identified nor was any information provided concerning any injuries that they might have suffered.

Local authorities are still investigating the fatal Tampa accident.

St. Petersburg Accident Injures Woman in Wheelchair

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11781 — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A St. Petersburg hit-and-run accident leaves an elderly woman injured when she was struck while crossing the street in a wheelchair. The incident took place at approximately 10:00 PM on Tuesday evening, December 8, 2009.

Local police are currently searching for the driver who hit 55-year-old Shirley Ann Lavine while she was crossing the street at 16th Street S in her electric wheelchair. According to police, Lavine was in a marked crosswalk when the accident occurred.

According to police, the unidentified driver then fled the scene heading west on 14th Avenue S at a high rate of speed. The force of the impact pushed Lavine’s wheelchair approximately 170 feet down the street.

Rescue workers transported Lavine to Bayfront Medical Center. She was treated for what officials describe as serious injuries.

Police have described the vehicle involved in the hit-and run accident as a mid-sized car. They believe that is was possibly a foreign car with light colors. They have not yet located the driver or the vehicle.

The St. Petersburg car accident is still under investigation by local authorities. Police have asked that anyone who may have witnessed the accident or who may have information pertaining to the case to contact detectives at 727-893-7780.

Seminole Accident Injures Bicyclist

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11631 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Seminole accident involving a bicycle and a car ends with a cyclist hospitalized with serious injuries. The bicycle accident took place at approximately 4:00 PM on Wednesday afternoon, November 25, 2009 on Park Boulevard near 90th Street.

According to authorities, Paul David Lynn, 65, of Clearwater, was riding his bike eastbound on the sidewalk along Park Boulevard. He was approaching 90th Street when he reportedly collided with a 1999 Buick, which was being driven by David Gentner, 64, of St. Petersburg.

Officials say that Gentner was traveling southbound on 90th Street and had pulled up to the stop sign. As he proceeded onto Park Boulevard, Lynn allegedly rode off the sidewalk and slammed into the passenger side of the Buick. Reports indicate that Lynn was ejected off the bike and hit his head on the ground, seriously inuring him.

Rescue workers transported Lynn to Bayfront Medical Center to be treated for injuries sustained in the accident. His injuries have been described as life-threatening.

It was unclear as to whether Gentner suffered any injuries in the accident.

The Seminole accident is still under investigation by local authorities. According to preliminary reports, it was unclear whether Lynn was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.

Davis Islands Car Accident Injures Three UT Student

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11597 — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Davis Islands car accident involving three University of Tampa students critically injures one student. The incident took place at approximately 3:30 AM on Tuesday morning, November 24, 2009 on Davis Islands.

According to the Tampa Police Department, the accident occurred when Michael Louis-Fernand, 20, a student at UT, was heading west on West Davis Boulevard and lost control of his car. The 2009 Volkswagen GTI struck a curb and crashed into a concrete wall in front of a home.

There were two other UT students, Michelle Sams, 20, and Jorge Jimenez, 20, in the car at the time of the accident. They were returning from a candlelight vigil for a fellow classmate who had been killed by a hit-and-run driver earlier in the month.

Rescue workers transported Sams to Tampa General Hospital where she is listed in critical condition. She was treated for a lacerated liver and loss of blood.

According to Tampa police spokesperson Andrea Davis, Louis-Fernand and Jimenez were also transported to Tampa General Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries. No one was injured in the house.

The Tampa accident is still under investigation by local authorities. Investigators are in the process of trying to determine if alcohol was a contributing factor. A blood sample was taken from Louis-Fernand. However, the results are not expected for several weeks.

Tampa Car Accident Sends One to the Hospital

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11472 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Tampa car accident involving two vehicles sends one driver to the hospital. The incident took place at approximately 12:30 AM on Friday morning, November 20, 2009 near the intersection of Gandy Boulevard and North Dale Mabry Highway.

When the police arrived on the scene, they discovered a wrecked Chrysler sedan and a white van. They believe that the driver of the white van rear-ended the sedan.

The unidentified driver of the Chrysler had to be removed from the car by special equipment by Tampa Fire Rescue crews. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital. The details of his injuries were no made know at the time of the incident.

According to witnesses, the white van flipped over on its side and then slid approximately 350-400 yards through the intersection. The van eventually righted itself and then slammed into a palm tree.

The driver of the van remains unidentified. It was unknown whether the driver suffered injuries as a result of the crash.

“I was walking by when the man in the white van hit the car and then he slid down,” said eye witness, Eduardo.

The two-vehicle Tampa accident is still under investigation by local authorities. However, police were able to question the driver of the van.

Clearwater Car Accident Injures 7-Year-Old Boy

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11444 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Clearwater car accident involving three vehicles ends in a 7-year-old boy suffering life-threatening injuries. The incident took place at approximately 9:00 PM on Saturday evening, November 7, 2009 at the intersection of Belcher Road and Cleveland Street.

According to the Clearwater Police Department, the victim, Alan Asmitia, 7, of Clearwater, was traveling in a Ford SUV driven by Filiberto Belmont, of Clearwater, at the time of the accident. Belmont was traveling eastbound on Cleveland Street and allegedly ran a red light and slammed into a Ford Pickup truck heading south on Belcher Road driven by James Preston, of Clearwater.

The force of the impact caused Asmitia, who was in the cargo compartment of the SUV, to be ejected from the rear glass of the vehicle and into a light pole. Rescue workers transported him to Bayfront Medical Center where he was treated for life-threatening injuries.

The collision caused Belmont’s SUV to strike a 2003 Pontiac Grand AM heading north on Belcher Road. The Grand Am was driven by Ryan Cark, of Dade City.

There were no other injuries reported.

The incident is still under investigation by authorities. However, police indicate that they do not think that alcohol played a contributing factor in the wreck.

Manatee Pedestrian Accident Kills 59-Year-Old Man

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11386 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Manatee car accident results in the death of a 59-year-old pedestrian who was attempting to cross a busy street. The incident took place at approximately 6:30 PM on Monday evening, November 9, 2009 near the 1800 block of Cortez Road.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the victim, Dennis L. Erlandson, 59, of Bradenton, was attempting to cross the busy street at 17th Street West when he allegedly stepped in front of a 1999 Ford pickup truck. He was walking from the north shoulder to the south shoulder when the driver of the truck, who was heading east on Cortez Road, could not avoid Erlandson and slammed into the pedestrian.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Erlandson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses arrived on the scene to see a blanket covered body laying on the road as well as several Florida Highway Patrol cruisers and emergency vehicles blocking the busy roadway. Many of the witnesses commented on how dangerous it is to cross Cortez Road and indicated that there should be more street lights installed.

The incident is still under investigation. However, neither speed nor alcohol is believed to be contributing factors in the accident, according to troopers. Charges are not expected to be filed against the 33-year-old driver of the pickup truck who is from Bradenton.

Manatee Car Accident on I-75 Kills a Bradenton Man

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11301 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Manatee car accident along Interstate 75 outside of St. Petersburg kills a Bradenton man. The incident took place at approximately 1:00 AM on Sunday morning, November 25, 2009.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, George E. Jespen, 49, of Bradenton, was struck by a car after he exited the vehicle he was in that had been involved in a crash along the northbound lanes of I-75 near mile marker 223.

According to the FHP, the chain reaction accident began when a 2003 Chevrolet SUV suddenly veered off the interstate and onto the inside shoulder. In an attempt to gain control of his vehicle, the 28-year-old Madeira man then overcorrected to the left causing his car to rollover several times and finally coming to a stop partially blocking the left and center lanes.

A second vehicle, a 2008 Chevrolet that Jespen was traveling in as a passenger, then rear ended the SUV. Jespen and the driver exited the car and walked to the inside shoulder of the interstate.

According to the FHP, a third vehicle, a 2009 Nissan, driven by a 29-year-old Sarasota man, failed to slow down, veered off the roadway into the same inside shoulder striking and killing Jespen.

Rescue workers transported the driver of the SUV to a nearby hospital where he was treated for serious injuries. The driver of the Nissan suffered only minor injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that Jespen was traveling in also suffered minor injuries.

The incident is still under investigation.

Motorcyclist in Serious Condition After Largo Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11205 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Florida accident involving a motorcyclist and a car end with a man being sent to a St. Petersburg hospital. The incident took place at approximately 5:15 PM on Tuesday evening, October 27, 2009.

According to Largo Police Sgt. Keith Barton, the Largo accident happened on northbound Seminole Road near 11th Avenue when a car made a U-turn in front of the motorcycle, which was driven by Adrian Brown.

The driver of the car, a Toyota Corolla, was Kate Stone. According to Barton, the motorcycle was traveling between 45 to 50 mph when it collided into the passenger side of the Toyota. Brown was ejected from the motorcycle due to the force of the impact.

Brown was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. However, he did suffer serious injuries and was transported to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg. His injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Stone was not injured in the accident.

Rush hour commuters were inconvenienced when three northbound lanes of Seminole Boulevard were shut down due to the accident.

Barton has indicated that the accident is still under investigation, however, no one has been cited as of yet.

Woman Sent to Hospital Following Clearwater Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11051 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

A series of Clearwater car accidents, outside of St. Petersburg, ended with a woman being sent to a local hospital to be treated for serious injuries. The incident took place at approximately 7:30 PM on Friday evening, October 16, 2009 when a driver was struck by a car while she was investigating a preceding accident that she caused.

According to Clearwater Police spokeswoman Joelle Castelli, the unidentified driver was heading eastbound on Drew Street approaching Hampton Road. Police report that the driver failed to stop at the red light causing the first accident.

According to Castelli, the driver got out of her vehicle to check on the condition of the other driver. She was then struck by a third car. Rescue crews transported her to a nearby hospital where she was treated for injuries. She was listed in critical condition and then later upgraded to serious condition. Castelli said that she was expected to live.

Investigators report that neither of the other drivers were injured in the accidents. Their identities have not been released by authorities.

The Florida accident is still under investigation by local authorities. However, officials do not believe that alcohol and speed were contributing factors in either of the Clearwater incidents.

St. Petersburg Jetty has Been the Cause of Three Boating Accidents

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11050 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

A St. Petersburg boating accident killed a teenage girl in the channel leading into Bayboro Harbor in St. Petersburg. The accident occurred at approximately 11:24 PM on Friday night, October 2, 2009.

According to Gary Morse, of the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Paige Alyssa Davidson, 17, of St. Petersburg, was killed when the boat she was on crashed into a jetty near Albert Whitted Airport. Davidson was pronounced dead at the scene.

There were four other teenagers onboard at the time of the incident. They all suffered injuries and were transported to local hospitals including Bayfront Medical Center and All Children’s Hospital.

David West, 18, of St. Petersburg, was driving the boat at the time the 22-foot center-console boat struck the jetty, according to Morse. The teenagers were returning from a shark-fishing expedition.

The names of the other three victims have not been released. Morse said that the Florida boating incident is still under investigation.

According to authorities, there have been at least three boating accidents involving this same jetty within the last four years.

“Based upon the tragedy over the weekend, the city is conducting an internal investigation,” said Assistant City Attorney Joseph Patner.

The governor has ordered lights to be installed along the wall in the St. Petersburg channel.

Manatee Car Accident Sends Four to the Hospital

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)11002 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Florida car accident sends four people to local hospitals. The car crash that took place in Manatee, just south of the Tampa Bay area, happened at approximately 8:25 PM on Sunday evening, October 4, 2009.

The Manatee car accident occurred at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Whitfield Avenue. Farhadiva Atencio, 28, of Bradenton, failed to stop at a red light at the intersection, crashing into a sport utility vehicle (SUV). The SUV was in the process of making a left turn, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, when Atencio slammed into it.

Atencio suffered minor injuries and was transported by rescue crews to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Alexis Machado, 42, of Sarasota, was also in the vehicle that slammed into the SUV. Machado was flown to Bayfront Medical Center and is listed in critical condition.

Jesus Rodriquez, 55, of Sarasota was driving the SUV when the Manatee incident occurred. There was a 13-year-old-girl on board. Both victims were taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and treated for minor injuries.

The Florida Highway Patrol has not released the name of the 13-year-old passenger as well as the extent of the injuries suffered by the victims in the SUV.

The Florida car accident is still under investigation by local authorities.

Two Students Remain in Hospital after Being Stuck by Car in Hudson, Florida

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10891 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Two students were injured in a Hudson, Florida car accident. The incident took place at approximately 7:00 AM Tuesday morning, October 6, 2009. The accident happened on Utica Drive just south of New York Avenue in Hudson.

The two victims, William B. Calder, 13, and Walter Edelman, 15, both of Hudson, Florida, were walking to their school bus stop when they were stuck by a car, according to Florida Highway Patrol troopers. They were reportedly in the street when the driver, Deanna Leggio, 21, Hudson, struck the two teenage boys.

According to Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Larry Kraus, Leggio told troopers that she had to swerve to miss a group of children walking on Utica Drive. She added that she did not see the two victims, who were apparently walking apart from the group.

Edelman is in the ninth-grade and attends Hudson High School. Calder is in the seventh-grade and attends Hudson Middle School. Both boys remain hospitalized at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.

According to authorities, Leggio did not sustain any injuries.

The incident is still currently under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

The school board is also reviewing the details of the accident that involved two of its students.

I-75 Crash Sends Five to Hospital

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10892 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Florida car accident in southern Manatee County sends five to local hospitals. The accident took place along Interstate 75 at approximately 5:45 PM on Tuesday afternoon, October 13, 2009.

The one-vehicle crash involved a Ford Explorer that was traveling north on I-75. According to Florida Highway Patrolman Lt. Chris Miller, the SUV was in the far left lane when the tread on the tires apparently separated causing the vehicle to swerve off the road and overturning.

The incident happened near mile marker 223, north of the University exit. Miller said that shards of glass littered the road and white marks were found indented in the pavement where the SUV’s tires are believed to have separated. Tire separation can be a result of the tires hitting an object or due to the condition of the tires, he later commented.

There were six passengers in the Explorer at the time of the crash, in which five sustained injuries. Authorities have not released the identities of the people involved.

One of the victims was reported as being in critical condition after being ejected from the vehicle. That person was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.

A second passenger was also ejected from the SUV. That person and three others were transported to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and were treated for serious injures.

Only one passenger is believed to have been wearing a seatbelt in the Florida car accident, according to troopers.

Limiting Access to the Courts backfires

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10779 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

American business corporations strongly supported a 1995 law that they thought would help prevent "frivolous" business lawsuits. That law, the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act essentially says that when a case is filed in court, it must be very specific as to the facts describing what fraud has occurred, or else the court will dismiss it immediately. Since most people bringing a fraud case against a securities firm do not have inside information, it is very difficult to be specific until you actually do discovery and take depositions. So the plaintiff's case gets thrown out before he can find out what really happened. Interestingly, now that the financial crisis has occurred on Wall street, many corporations wish to sue securities firms because the corporations bought things like "auction-rate securities" that they thought were safe short term investments, and now have lost it all. They want to sue the securities firms, but the 1995 law is preventing it. Remember the old saying, "Be careful what you ask for. You just might get it". Well, Corporate America got the law they wanted limiting access to the courts, and now Corporate America can't file the lawsuits it wants to. Just last month a federal judge in Manhattan dismissed a case filed by a corporation because of the 1995 law. Those same corporations that cheered when the 1995 law passed are not cheering now, as they find it keeps them from recovering their losses.

Boating Accident Kills St. Petersburg Teen

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10722 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Friday evening, October 2nd, 2009 a St. Petersburg High School student was killed in a boating accident. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. when the boat she was riding in struck the concrete jetty which extends into the harbor from near the end of the runway at Albert Whitted Airport. Paige Alyssa Davison, age 17 died, and 4 other teenagers on the boat were all injured and taken to area hospitals. The boat, which was heavily damaged entered the Bayboro Harbor at a high rate of speed following an evening shark fishing trip. A 911 call was made from the boat around 11:24 p.m., and one of the teenagers attempted CPR, but Ms. Davison was pronounced dead shortly thereafter due to unsurvivable trauma. Alcohol may have been involved.

Man in Critical Condition after Being Struck by a Fire Truck

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10560 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

A homeless man is in critical condition after he was run over by a St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue truck. The incident took place at the fire station on Fourth Avenue South in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The victim, Ted Allen Lenox, 41, was run over by the truck sometime Thursday afternoon, September 24, 2009. He was immediately transported to Bayfront Medical Center where he was treated for injuries and remained in critical condition, according to St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue spokesperson Lt. Joel Granata.

According to reports, Lenox was laying in front of the bay doors to the fire station when the truck was being dispatched to another accident. Neither the medical technician Jason Springer nor paramedic David Bucholz saw Lenox before pulling out of the fire station. Apparently the undercarriage of the fire truck caught Lenox’s body and pushed him forward. At that point the rear wheels of the truck ran over his legs.

According to Granata, Springer and Bucholz were upset over the incident. “They go out and save lives every day,” said Granata. “The last thing they want to do is cause any type of injury.”

Authorities report that alcohol may be a factor. Lenox appeared to have been inebriated at the time of the accident.

St. Petersburg Woman Mauled in Dog Attack

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10559 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

A St. Petersburg, Florida, woman was critically injured when her dog attacked her. The victim, Patricia Thiel, 39, survived the attack but is expected to face an extended recovery time as a result of several expected surgeries. The most serious injuries were to her arms, as she apparently tried to protect herself from the dog attack.

Robert Jacks, 43, Thiel’s common-law husband, said that he was afraid that she could lose her right arm. However, doctors at All Children’s Hospital were able to save it.

Thiel and Jacks own four other dogs. The incident took place in the fenced-in backyard of their Lakewood Estates home. The Florida dog attack occurred when Theil attempted to break up a scuffle between the dogs. That is when Jake, a 100 pound Labrador-Pitbull Terrier mix, attacked her.

Joseph Wharton, 48, a neighbor, rescued Thiel when he entered the backyard and shot and killed the attacking dog. It has not been determined as of yet if the other dogs played a roll in the attack.

The Pinellas County Animal Services impounded three of the four other dogs. The dogs are expected to be returned to the couple following the investigation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million people become victims to dog bites each year. Of those that are bitten, approximately twenty percent of them require medical attention.

The incident shows that dogs can be very unpredictable and can attack at anytime, including their owners.

Two People Sent to the Hospital in St. Petersburg Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10476 — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Two women were sent to the hospital after a St. Petersburg car accident involving two vehicles crashed into one another. The accident took place on 38th Avenue N in the Central Florida city.

The car accident took place at approximately 11:15 AM Sunday morning, September 13, 2009.

One of the cars involved in the incident, a maroon Chevrolet Cavalier, required special equipment to be used by the St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue to remove the left side of the car in order to extract the driver.

“She was removed as fast as we could,” Lt. Phil Whitman said. “It took right about 20 minutes. He later commented that the woman was “alert and conscious.”

The Cavalier could be seen facing west in the eastbound lane missing its roof and side doors. Also, pieces of the car could be found on and around the curb on 38th Avenue N near 38th Street.

According to Whitman, the second vehicle involved in the accident was a gold Jeep. It had apparently been towed to the owner’s home who was from the area.

There was no information immediately available in regards to the identities of the two victims. Also, no other information concerning the details of the accident or the condition of the drivers was available. The incident is currently under investigation.

Two Paramedics and Police Officer Injured in Pinellas Park Car Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10328 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

A man was arrested after he crashed into an accident scene on U.S. 19 on the evening of Monday, September 7, 2009. The Pinellas Park car accident injured two paramedics and a police officer.

The driver, 21-year-old Kevin Lee Chaney, was arrested and is being charged for leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, driving with a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving and driving under the influence.

The police officer, John Coleman, was treated for shoulder and leg injuries and released from Bayfront Medical Center. He is now recovering at home. Coleman was hit by his cruiser from the impact of the crash.

The accident occurred when Chaney was traveling south on U.S. 19 in the right lane, tried to swerve around stopped traffic by going into the left lane and lost control after going back into the right lane. He hit Coleman’s cruiser, which had been blocking traffic from an earlier accident.

Coleman and two paramedics were injured when they jumped over a concrete barrier to avoid being hit. Chaney’s vehicle stopped against a car that had been part of the original accident.

Chaney failed a roadside sobriety test and had a 0.219 blood alcohol reading.

St. Petersburg Mom Guilty of Manslaughter after Car Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10273 — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Two years ago, Lesa Ledesma let her 15-year-old son drive her car, even though he was too young to have a license. Her son, Shawn, crashed into a tree and his 14-year-old passenger was killed.

Ledesma has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and will be on probation for five years for her involvement with the Florida car accident. Two of those years will be spent on house arrest. Normally, a manslaughter conviction has a sentence of 9 ½ to 15 years in prison.

This case is one of the first in the country where prosecutors charged a parent with manslaughter for letting a child drive without a license.

The fatal car accident took place in September 2007, when Shawn asked his mom if he could borrow her car to give some girls a ride. Lesa eventually agreed. As Shawn was driving back with six teenagers in his car, he hit a curb and crashed into a tree on 62nd Avenue N. Raquel Carreras was ejected through the sun roof of the Saturn and was killed.

Ledesma’s attorney said that the trial could have gone either way and that the agreement made was a good one.

St. Petersburg Bus Accident Injures Five People

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10155 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

A St. Petersburg bus accident led to the injuries of five people on the evening of Tuesday, August 25, 2009. The crash occurred when the bus and a car struck head-on.

At approximately 6:30 PM, Albert Ortiz was driving his Pinellas Suncoast Transity Authority bus east on 15th Avenue South when he collided with a 1990 Buick driven by 24-year-old Shanikwa Thomas. Thomas had been traveling the opposite direction with her two small children.

The impact of the crash caused Thomas’s car to go backward approximately 80 feet. According to police, the accident occurred when Thomas attempted to pass three vehicles by crossing a double yellow line.

Thomas and her two children, 4-year-old Leandre Grant and 6-year-old Caliaha Thomas were injured in the crash. They were taken to Bayfront Medical Center with Thomas in critical condition and her two children in serious condition.

At the time of the bus crash, there were three passengers, along with the driver. One passenger and Ortiz sustained non-life threatening injuries and were taken to St. Anthony’s for treatment.

St. Petersburg Widow Sues Lawn Mower Manufacturer for Husband's Death

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10106 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Deborah Green is suing the manufacturer of the Toro Groundmaster 7200 lawn mower and the distributor, Wesco Turf, Inc., for her husband’s death. Osby Green, a 58-year-old man, was killed in an accident in 2007 while working for St. Petersburg’s parks department.

Osby Green was killed after his lawn mower flipped and fell into a storm canal. He become trapped under the water and was pronounced dead at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Two neighbors tried to save him, but could not lift the lawn mower.

According to Green’s lawyer, the companies failed to warn potential end-users of the lawn mower’s hazards. There have been other fatalities and injuries involving the same equipment and some claims have been made against the manufacturer.

Osby Green had worked for the city for 26 years. His wife is still confused as to what caused his accident, since he had been doing those yards for years.

The police report showed that Osby “was operating the mower close to the retaining wall and the mower flipped over trapping him underneath.”

Branden Happel, the public relations manager for Toro Groundmaster, said, “the safety of our customers is always of utmost concern. We never want to see a customer become injured operating our equipment. For that reason, we conduct extensive testing and apply high safety standards to all our machines. We also encourage customers to learn as much as possible about the safe operation of their machine."

Car Accident in Florida Causes Damage to Hollywood Home

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10042 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to John Marese, he was adjusting his home’s air conditioning when he saw his own truck crash into the side of his house. The collision made a huge hole in the wall.

Marese’s truck had been parked outside his home when a man in a white Toyota sedan rammed into it. “I was knocked to the floor,” said 27-year-old Marese from the impact of the accident.

The driver of the white Toyota sedan was found slumped over his steering wheel. Apparently the driver had first hit a fishing boat before hitting the 2001 Dodge Ram. Witnesses said that they saw the car spin 180 degrees before hitting the house.

“If my truck had not been there, I would be dead,” said Marese. The Florida car accident happened on the corner of McKinley Street and 22nd Avenue.

Eric Russell, the 27-year-old driver of the sedan, had to be extricated from his vehicle by Hollywood fire rescue. Russell had been involved in an earlier accident and had fled the scene, according to police. The hit and run accident had occurred on Sheridan Street and Federal Highway.

The car Russell had been driving had been reported stolen and he was listed as a suspect in a police report.

Tragic Car Accident Near Golden Glades

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)10003 — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a woman died and a man and baby were critically injured in a car accident on Interstate 95 near the Golden Glades interchange. The tragic auto accident occurred at approximately 9:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2009.

The crash took place when a Mercury sedan smashed into the back of a dump truck that was parked in the left emergency lane of I-95, said FHP spokesman Pat Santangelo.

The southbound lanes of I-95 from the Golden Glades interchange to south of Northwest 135th Street were closed for more than three hours as the Florida Highway Patrol conducted its investigation. However, investigators are still not sure what caused the crash. Santangelo did say that the right, rear tire of the Mercury was smooth to the touch.

The three accident victims had all been in the Mercury at the time of the accident, which included a 6-month-old baby. The adult woman died at the accident scene and the infant and adult man were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center. The names of the victims have not been released.

No one is believed to have been inside the dump truck at the time of the fatal crash.

Texting and Driving a Problem in Florida

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)9746 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Texting and driving is believed to be the cause of numerous fatal accidents, including one that occurred in Central Florida.

Last year, 26-year-old Heather Hurd and 37-year-old Stephanie Phills were killed when a truck driver reached for his hand-held device to send a text message to his office and crashed into traffic at a stoplight on U.S. 27. The trucker caused a 10-car pileup and was cited for careless driving, which is a non-criminal offense that has a $500 fine.

A few months ago, a Tampa high school student crashed into a police car while she was texting. As a result, she caused $3,000 in damages.

Miami-Dade Judge Steve Leifman, head of traffic court, has witnessed a growing number of crash cases where cell phone usage was a factor. He also said that people are distracted in many ways, including brushing their teeth, putting on makeup, eating, combing their hair and texting and cell phone use.

According to Charles Golvin, an analyst for Forrester Research, as there are more programs designed to reach people on their cell phones, the potential to get distracted is increasing. The threat “is absolutely real,” says Golvin.

To raise the awareness of the dangers of texting and driving, the Florida Highway Patrol launched its Stay Alive, Just Drive campaign and handed out pamphlets regarding the dangers.

Dunedin Motorcycle Accident Kills Motorcyclist

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)9650 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

A motorcyclist was killed in a Dunedin motorcycle accident early morning on Saturday, July 25, 2009, after hitting a palm tree on Edgewater Drive.

James Johnston, a 28-year-old Clearwater resident, was fatally injured in the crash that occurred near the intersection of Locklie Street, according to deputies.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said that witnesses reported seeing Johnston traveling on his green Kawasaki motorcycle southbound on Edgewater Drive shortly before 2:00 AM. Apparently witnesses saw Johnston go into the northbound lane to pass a vehicle when he swerved out of the way of another oncoming car, which caused him to hit the curb.

The fatal motorcycle accident is being investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said that Johnston actually hit a palm tree, not the curb, which caused him to be ejected from his motorcycle.

Johnston was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at approximately 3:30 AM. According to deputies, Johnston was wearing a helmet at the time of the fatal motorcycle crash.

Johnston worked for Vertex Business Services, located in Tampa.

Employee Falls from Busch Gardens Ride

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)9578 — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Maikon Bonani, a 20-year-old football player for the University of South Florida, fell 35 feet while working at Busch Gardens. He was operating the Skyride attraction when the accident occurred.

Bonani had just sent out a gondola filled with passengers when he decided to check if the door was unlocked. The gondola took off with Bonani still holding onto the door. When he was about 35 feet off the ground, he let go and landed in a landscaped area, according to a statement from the park.

USF team officials identified their starter kicker as the employee who was injured, even though Busch Gardens did not immediately release his name or the extent of his injuries.

According to spokeswoman Jill Revelle, “he was trying to make sure they (passengers) were safe.” She also said that no one else was injured in the park accident.

Revelle reported that Bonani was responsive after the accident, but was still taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital as a precaution. Bonani was listed in fair condition at the hospital.

USF football coach, Jim Leavitt, told the St. Petersburg Times that he talked to Bonani by telephone and later visited him. He said that Bonani may have injured his vertebrae. Bonani also said that Bonani was doing fine, but was in pain.

Fatal Car Accident in Fort Meyers

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)9443 — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

A tragic head-on car accident in south Fort Meyers led to the deaths of two women early morning on Sunday, July 12, 2009.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Madelyn Gager, a 29-year-old woman, and Melissa Cremasco, a 30-year-old woman, were killed in the Florida car crash.

Florida Highway Patrol reported that Gager was driving a 2007 Dodge northbound on San Carlos Blvd., when she drifted into the center lane near Cinnamon Cove Blvd. At the same time, Peter Bernat, a 49-year-old man from Fort Meyers, was driving southbound and merged into the left turn lane at Cinnamon Cove Blvd. The two vehicles collided at approximately 12:44 AM.

Cremasco was the passenger in Gager’s car and was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Gager was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Both women were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.

Bernat was seriously injured in the car accident, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Gager left behind two sons.

Man Injured in Semi-Truck Accident on I-75 in Florida

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)9321 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

The driver of the vehicle that rear-ended a semi truck on Interstate 75 was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, the Florida truck accident occurred late Wednesday evening on July 1, 2009. The crash occurred between the U.S. 27 and County Road 326 interchanges.

The semi truck was traveling in the outside lane on I-75 and had slowed down because of construction traffic. Ernest L. Jones, a 50-year-old man from Snellville, Georgia, was driving a 2002 BMW SUV when he smashed into the back of the semi. Firefighters were quickly on the scene.

Jones had to be extricated from his vehicle by firefighters. He was then taken by ambulance to a nearby helicopter that flew him to Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Christohper Hovey, a 36-year-old Jackonsville resident, had been driving the semi truck at the time of the crash. Hovey was not injured in the accident and declined to comment when he was contacted by reporters.

Hovey was heading to Miami to drop off a load of paper. Eagle Xpress, based in Michigan is the trucking company.

Traffic was backed up for hours due to the accident.

One Person Killed in Accident on Sunshine Skyway Bridge

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)9287 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

One person was fatally injured after a car accident on Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg on the morning of Sunday, June 28, 2009. The fatal Florida car accident involved a man and woman who were ejected from their vehicle on the strip of Interstate 275 north.

The crash involved three vehicles in the southbound lanes, which occurred at approximately 2:40 AM between Skyway and the Dick Misener Bridge, said St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Lt. Joel Granata.

One of the accident victims was taken to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment for their injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol stated that southbound lanes were shut down following the fatal car crash, but were later re-opened that day.

Drag Racing Believed to be a Factor in Florida Auto Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)9216 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Police said that two men were probably drag racing, which is illegal, on Krome Avenue when their fatal Florida auto accident took place. Both men were killed early Saturday, June 27, 2009 when their car crashed into a large tow truck near Southwest 263rd Street.

The Florida auto accident occurred at approximately 6:00 AM. The collision involved a white Volkswagon Jetta that was driving at “very high speeds” and a flatbed tow truck. The Jetta smashed into the rear of the truck, which killed the two young men. According to Florida Highway Patrol Spokesman Pat Santangelo, the two men were found dead in the Jetta.

The Jetta’s roof was peeled back after jamming under the rear of the Sunshine Towing truck. The driver of the tow truck was not injured in the crash. One witness said that they saw the Jetta racing another vehicle right before the accident occurred. The other vehicle pulled to the side of the road before the collision.

Authorities have not released the names of the crash victims. As a result of the car crash, Krome Avenue, between Southwest 262nd and 263rd streets, was closed for hours while authorities conducted their investigation. The street was not reopened until approximately 11:00 AM.

$5.5 Million Awarded Following St. Petersburg Car Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)9084 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

The widow of a man killed in a 2001 car accident near St. Petersburg has been awarded $5.5 million in a wrongful death lawsuit. Gayle DeRycke said it wasn’t about the money, but that someone was finally held accountable for the car crash that killed her husband.

Gayle DeRycke and her husband Douglas DeRycke were visiting friends and business associates in Florida when the tragic accident took place. The couple was riding in a Mercury Mountaineer driven by Randall T. Knight. Knight swerved while driving on Interstate 275 near 54th Avenue and lost control of the vehicle, which flipped over numerous times.

The estate of Douglas DeRycke sued Knight and his employer, Packaging Corp. of America, based in Illinois. The wrongful death lawsuit was originally filed in 2002, just one year after the auto accident. However, it took a while getting through the system and there were many attorney changes and even a contempt of court charge and mistrial.

The jury awarded the estate approximately $3.5 million for her loss of companionship and another $2 million for lost wages and other costs, such as funeral expenses.

Gayle DeRycke says that she plans to establish college funds for her five grandchildren with the money.

Teen Killed in St. Petersburg Car Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8975 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Travis Kyle Martin, a 17-year-old Tampa resident, was killed on Thursday, June 4, 2009, when he lost control of his SUV as he approached Interstate 275.

According to authorities, Martin was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:38 PM.

He had been driving northbound in a white 2000 GMC Jimmy on Fourth Street, not far from the Howard Frankland Bridge when he lost control of his vehicle.

Martin’s SUV veered off the road and hit a guardrail. According to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, his vehicle flipped over and he was ejected as it began to roll over. The SUV eventually landed upright, but the teen was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown onto the pavement.

Thomas Martin, Travis’ father, was quoted as saying, “he was a good kid. He was a safe driver, always went the speed limit.”

His father described him as an avid musician who started playing drums when he was 13-years-old. He eventually started playing guitar as well and was part of numerous rock bands during middle and high school.

Martin was a junior in high school and was taking online classes through the Hillsborough County School District.

At the time of the St. Petersburg car accident, Martin and his friend, Cameron Castellano, were heading home from a bandmate’s house. Castellano said that Martin had swerved to avoid another car.

Florida Car Accident Takes the Life of Cultural Leader

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8940 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Maria Esther Carrillo was killed and her daughter was critically injured in a Florida car accident. The 39-year-old cultural school founder was in Miami with her 17-year-old daughter when the accident took place.

According to police, Maria and her daughter were returning to their car when a car and a pickup truck collided in the intersection, which caused the truck to spin onto the sidewalk where they were standing. Maria died at the scene and her daughter was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

Nicolas Prieto, president of Hispanic Youth Voice of Tampa, a group founded by Maria’s daughter, said that “she had several broken ribs and broken bones in her face and one of her lungs collapsed, but she is conscious now in stable condition and her brain wasn’t harmed.”

The mother and daughter were supposed to be home at 3:00 AM, but when Maria’s husband, Francisco Carrillo hadn’t heard from them by 2:00 PM, he called the Miami police and was told about two unidentified women involved in an accident.

When he arrived in Miami, he found out that those two women were his wife and daughter.

It was reported that Maria pushed her daughter out of the way of the truck that was spinning out of control, which possibly caused her to take the full impact herself, while saving her daughter.

Man Injured in Florida Drunk Driving Accident is Optimistic

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8878 — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Andrew Hall lost his left leg in a Florida drunk driving accident on April 20th. The 19-year-old was injured in an early morning accident as he stood in front of his house in Safety Harbor. According to Pinellas County sheriff’s deputies, the driver of the Honda Accord that careened out of control and went up onto the sidewalk, was drunk. The vehicle struck Hall.

Joshua West, the 24-year-old driver of the Honda Accord, tried to run away after the Florida car accident, but was caught nearby. West has a history of driving offenses, including a DUI charge. He was picked up on May 15 in Pasco County by the U.S. Marshal’s Service task force after the state department of Corrections issued a warrant for his arrest on a probation violation. West is jailed in Hillsborough County without bail.

Five weeks after the tragic Florida auto accident, Hall is still in Bayfront Medical Center. The wound is still exposed, his pelvis was shattered, his left arm was broken in six places and his right knee was dislocated. He still battles infection, even though the internal bleeding is under control.

Hall has been optimistic. He knows his left leg is gone, but he plans to get a prosthetic leg in its place. As a toddler, Hall was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and has struggled all his life to walk without assistance. In an article Hall stated that “I’m going to walk again. I’m going to walk out of here.”

Hall has been an inspiration to many people. He even received a letter from a woman saying that his story helped save her marriage.

Man Attacked by Dogs in Bradenton

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8795 — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A patrolling deputy discovered a man who had been attacked by dogs covered in blood on the side of the road in East Bradenton on Saturday, May 23, 2009.

The dog attack victim, Jose G. Moreno, was found by the deputy in the 3200 block of Third Street East at approximately 5:00 AM on Saturday. According to a Manatee Sheriff’s report, Moreno sustained multiple bite wounds, including a 3-inch deep gash on his neck and various scratches on his arms, chest and legs.

Moreno was flown by medical helicopter to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg for treatment for the bite wounds. He was listed as being in critical condition.

At least two dogs, maybe from a nearby residence, attacked him, according to Moreno. The Manatee Sheriff’s report is unclear as to what caused the attack and where the dogs came from. An investigation is being conducted by Manatee County Animal Control.

Ex-Yankee Charged with DUI Manslaughter in Florida

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8759 — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Jim Leyritz, former major league baseball player, has been charged with DUI manslaughter in Florida. Leyritz says the fatal accident that killed 30-year-old Fredia Ann Veitch was not his fault and he is planning on fighting the charges against him.

The former New York Yankee told the Miami Herald that “there was no possibility of me avoiding that crash with all of my senses. A mother was taken from her kids. I can’t change that. But I didn’t do it. The accident did. And that accident wasn’t my fault.”

Prosecutors have a different opinion than Leyritz. He is scheduled to face trial on September 14, 2009 in connection with his involvement in the fatal Florida car accident that occurred in December 2007. According to law enforcement, Leyritz was driving drunk when he ran a red light in his SUV and caused the crash that killed Veitch in Fort. Lauderdale. Authorities say Veitch was also drunk at the time of the accident.

Leyritz’s life has already been impacted by the DUI manslaughter charges. He said that he has had to sell memorabilia because he has no money and has stopped charity work because he has become a social pariah. Leyritz has to breathe into a Breathalyzer machine every time he wants to start his car. He has been reviewing witness testimony, police reports and deposition pages. Also, he has visited the crash site several times to take pictures.

Former Channel 10 Anchor Faces DUI Charge in Florida

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8681 — Wed, 20 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Jennifer Howe, a former WTSP- Channel 10 weekend anchor, faces charges of driving under the influence with an accident after being arrested on Sunday, May 10, 2009. During a phone interview, Howe was crying as she said missing her 8-year-old daughter on Mother’s Day led to her horrible mistake.

She said during the interview that it’s not a way to cope with anything and that she was deeply sorry.

According to court documents, Howe, a 43-year-old woman, was prohibited from having any contact with her daughter on April 22. The court order states that she must “prove a substantial change in circumstances that she is drug and alcohol free,” before the court will consider allowing her to have contact with her daughter.

Howe was approached by police in a CVS parking lot in St. Petersburg as she talked on her cell phone in the car. They asked her for identification and later arrested her.

Howe blamed a combination of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication as the reason why she couldn’t remember the events that led up to the arrest. St. Petersburg Police Officer Tonia Nave stated that a police report showed that Howe had a blood-alcohol level of 0.152 when she was booked approximately 90 minutes after the arrest.

A witness said that Howe may have hit a school crossing sign and police officers did discover part of a plastic grille that matched damage to Howe’s vehicle. Police also found evidence at her home that she backed her car out of the garage while the door was down.

Bicyclist Injured in St. Petersburg Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8540 — Tue, 12 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A bicyclist was seriously hurt after being involved in an accident with two SUVs near Fifth Avenue S and 16th Street S. According to St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue, the bicyclist sustained life-threatening injuries following the crash on Thursday, May 7, 2009.

Lt. Joel Granata said that the bicyclist was “at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

The St. Petersburg bicycle accident was reported to authorities at 3:57 PM. St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue said that a Nissan Xterra and a Toyota 4Runner collided and one of the SUVs injured the bicyclist.

The bicyclist was discovered by firefighters underneath one of the SUVs, but they were able to get the victim out without having to raise the vehicle.

The drivers of the two vehicles and the bicyclist were taken to Bayfront Medical Center. The fire department stated that one of the drivers was also seriously injured in the accident. The crash is currently being investigated by St. Petersburg police.

Oil Tanker Accident in St. Petersburg, Florida

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8474 — Thu, 07 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

An oil tanker overturned on Thursday, April 30, 2009, which closed the Interstate 275 ramps and blocks of 28th Street after oil spilled onto the road.

Authorities shut down the road after hundreds of gallons of used oil spilled onto the street from a Tim’s Oil Reclamation tanker. Apparently, the driver of the oil tanker lost control as he attempted to exit southbound I-275 at 28th Street S.

Andre M. Phifer, the 44-year-old driver of the oil tanker, took the exit too fast and smashed into a curb along 28th Street, according to William Jolley, assistant chief of St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue. The oil tanker came to a stop on its left side facing north.

Jolley said that approximately 350 gallons of the 4,800 gallons of oil contained in the tanker, spilled when a cap on top of the tanker came off. Officials believe that some of the oil went into the storm drains, but they are uncertain how much went in. Sand was used to soak up the oil on the road near the tanker.

The I-275 exit and entrance ramps at 28th Street were closed, as well as 28th Street from Eigth and 16th Avenues S. The roads were reopened later that night.

Phifer sustained a cut on his head as a result of the St. Petersburg truck accident and was taken to Bayfront Medical Center.

Wrong Way Driver in Florida Faces Second Degree Murder Charges

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8338 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

In September 2007, a man drove the wrong way on Interstate 275 in St. Petersburg, killing a St. Petersburg College student. According to reports, Charles Hicks, a 34-year-old man, was driving north in the southbound lanes so fast that he hit another car and the outcome was catastrophic. Hicks is now on trial for the death of Steven Cornell resulting from the fatal car accident in St. Petersburg.

Cornell’s family members and friends came to court on Monday to hear the trial of Hicks who was being charged with second-degree murder, vehicular homicide and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

Hicks’ lawyer told jurors that the accident was tragic, but that they would not hear any proof that it was Hicks who committed the crimes in which he was being charged. His lawyer also said that there were indications that there were three people in the car at the time of the accident and that Hicks was not in the drivers’ seat.

Assistant State Attorney Scott Rosenwasser said that Hicks was driving recklessly and veered toward police officers. According to one officer’s testimony, Hicks was driving so fast down 18th Avenue S that an officer called it in to dispatch to warn other officers and to see if someone could stop Hicks.

Hicks tried to get away by going up a southbound exit ramp from I-275 and driving north in the southbound lanes. Police were able to keep up with Hicks by driving up the northbound lanes on the interstate.

Cornell was in the car with his sister when they collided with Hicks, killing Cornell as a result.

Tire Failure Linked to Fatal Car Accident in Florida

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8314 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

One man is dead following a tragic car accident in Sarasota on April 18, 2009. Tire failure has been cited as a possible cause of the fatal crash.

A man was killed and a woman and three children were injured after the tread belt of a tire on their vehicle separated, which caused the vehicle they were traveling in to flip over and crash. The fatal car accident occurred at approximately 7:30 Saturday night on Interstate 75 close to River Road.

According to investigators, the left rear tire tread belt of their 1997 Nissan Pathfinder separated, which caused the driver to lose control and the vehicle to flip over.

Based on a report by the Florida Highway Patrol, Robert Meehan, a 32-year-old man, was killed at the scene of the accident after being ejected from the car. Yahaira Castro, a 27-year-old woman, was also ejected from the Pathfinder and sustained serious injuries. Castro was taken to Bayfront Medical Center where she was listed as being in critical condition.

Florida Highway Patrol reported that Meehan and Castro were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash, which explains their ejections from the vehicle.

The three children that were riding in the car were transported to Venice Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

Florida Woman Killed in Pedestrian Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8208 — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Florida woman was hit and killed while she was standing on a Miami street. She was struck by one of the two cars involved in an accident early morning on Friday, April 17, 2009. Three of the people involved in the accident fled the scene, but police later caught them just a few blocks away.

According to a local resident, Rudolfo Tabia, cars speed all the time in that area and he believed that the woman was killed because she was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

“This is the worst accident, there have been other accidents here but this is the worst I’ve seen here,” said Tabia.

The fatal accident took place shortly before 5:00 AM at the intersection of SW 3rd Avenue and NW 7th Street, where the two vehicles collided. According to traffic homicide investigators, most of the details of the crash are still being investigated, but they did confirm that the woman was an “innocent bystander” and was killed as a result of the vehicle collision.

The woman’s name has not been released, but Miami Fire Rescue spokesman LT. Ignatius Carroll did say that she was approximately 50 years old.

The Jeep Cherokee that was involved in the crash had flipped over onto its side by the impact, which trapped the driver inside. Fire rescue workers were able to get him out.

The occupants of the blue Mitsubishi fled the scene, but were caught by police.

Investigators are looking into the cause of the crash and tests have been conducted regarding speed and alcohol as possible contributing factors.

Florida Car Accident on I-75 Kills Two Men

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8092 — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

Two men have been identified by the Florida Highway Patrol as the crash victims from an accident that occurred on April 1, 2009. Rodimiro Hernandez-Cruz, a 38-year-old man, and Emilio Sandoval-Delgado, a 46-year-old man from Smyrna, Georgia, were identified as the passengers killed in the crash on Interstate 75.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Rogelio Gonzalez-Avila, a 22-year-old Austell, Georgia resident, was driving the 2002 Ford Explorer at the time of the fatal crash in Florida. He suffered only minor injuries, as did his passenger, Jose Roberto Aguilar Gonzalez, a 28-year-old Tampa resident.

Miguel Hernandez-Cerda, 26, of Huntington Beach, California, sustained serious injuries in the crash and was taken to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.

There is an ongoing investigation as to why the Explorer crashed and whether another vehicle was involved. According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, a woman witnessed the accident, which occurred during rush hour and caused a traffic jam in the northbound lanes of I-75 just south of the University Parkway exit.

Four of the men were ejected from the Explorer as it spun and rolled. The Florida Highway Patrol said that none of the men were wearing seat belts. Following the accident, debris was scattered along the side of I-75, including hard hats, boots, electrical cords, a cooler and soda cans.

Miami Dolphins Fan Charged for Florida DUI Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)8023 — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

The driver involved in the deadly Florida DUI accident in 2006, following a Miami Dolphins game, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison.

David Whiting was driving drunk after he left a Miami Dolphins game and crashed into David Mazer’s SUV on I-95 in Pompano Beach. The accident killed Mazer and his two-year-old daughter.

Mazer, a 40-year-old man, died at the accident scene and his 2-year-old daughter, Sydney, died at the hospital. Mazer’s four children and two other adults were injured in the crash and were hospitalized. Whiting was not injured in the deadly crash.

Whiting pleaded with a judge for leniency during a court hearing. He read a letter of apology saying he wished he could trade places with the deceased. Whiting’s mother also took the stand stating that her son’s personality and life changed significantly 28 years ago when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Even though the judge was sympathetic, the judge did not feel that Whiting’s medical condition altered the tragic outcome of his decision to drink and drive.

Whiting’s attorney described the sentence as a “death sentence.” He said that whether the judge gave him 35 years or life, it was one in the same. However, Mazer’s family had wanted more.

Manatee Assistant Coach Killed in Car Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7902 — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Doug Garrity, a 27-year-old teacher and coach with Braden River High School, was killed in a one-vehicle accident last week. The head football coach for the high school, Josh Hunter, was driving at the time of the fatal crash.

Police are still looking into the details of the accident that flipped Hunter’s truck at 11:50 PM Saturday night on northbound State Road 681 near the junction with Interstate 75. Florida Highway Patrol said that Hunter lost control of his truck when he was attempting to negotiate a curve and swerved from one side of the road to the other, which ultimately caused his truck to spin and flip over.

Garrity was ejected from the vehicle as it turned over. According to Florida Highway Patrol, Garrity was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and he was the only passenger to suffer injuries.

“We’re shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of one of our close associates,” said Margi Nanney, spokeswoman for Manatee County schools.

Garrity had been with the school for the past two years and taught struggling students in the school’s dropout prevention program in addition to coaching football and weightlifting.

Grief counselors were scheduled to be available to students at the high school. Hunter was not expected to be at school on Monday.

Florida Highway Patrol is still trying to determine if alcohol played a factor in the fatal accident.

Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver Involved in Florida Drunk Driving Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7841 — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth was confirmed to be legally drunk when he hit and killed a man on the MacArthur Causeway last weekend. He had a reported blood alcohol level of .14 percent, which is nearly twice the legal limit in Florida of .08.

According to police, Stallworth was driving toward the beach when he hit and killed Mario Reyes with his Bentley. Reyes was near a crosswalk, but it is unclear if he was crossing legally. He had just finished his work shift and was crossing the street to catch a bus home when Stallworth hit him.

Reyes was married for almost 20 years and has a 15-year-old daughter.

A spokesman for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office said that Stallworth’s case is being reviewed by prosecutors, but would not comment as to whether or not his blood alcohol test results were in.

The Miami Herald quoted a source who had knowledge of the investigation. According to the source, Stallworth’s blood alcohol tests “showed he was over the legal limit.”

A reporter from CBS4 contacted Stallworth’s attorney Bob Switkes who refused to speculate about the case or make any comments because he had not received the results of the blood alcohol test. Switkes is expecting to receive the results from the test on Friday and he told the CBS4 reporter that “I’ve heard the reports but I am not going to speculate or comment until I see what the results are.”

The same reporter attempted to reach Stallworth, but was not successful. However, Stallworth did release a statement that he was “grief stricken” over the accident that killed 59-year-old Mario Reyes.

Two Prison Officers Killed in Florida Crash

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7689 — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Florida prison officer drove his pickup truck down a Union County road the morning of Friday, March 6, 2009, after stabbing his estranged girlfriend. He caused a head-on collision, which killed him and another corrections officer, according to authorities.

The girlfriend of Donald Lee Bazzell, Jr., a 42-year-old Melrose resident, called 911 pleading for help. Rebecca Ocker, 26, told a dispatcher that her boyfriend had stabbed her in the neck, head and chest.

When officers arrived at Ocker’s home, she told them that her attacker had fled in a Ford F-150. Just minutes later, Union County Sheriff Jerry Whitehead said police officers learned about an accident on State Road 231, near SE 71st Trail, south of Lake Butler, which involved the same vehicle described by Ocker.

Bazzell’s pickup truck had smashed into a Florida Department of Corrections van that was transporting correction officers Adam Michael Sanderson, a 32-year-old Gainesville resident and Frederick Dale Jackson, a 41-year-old Lake Butler resident.

Bazzell and Sanderson, who was driving the van, were killed at the scene of the accident, according to the Florida Highway Patrol report. Jackson was seriously injured in the crash and was flown to an area hospital.

Ocker was taken to Shands at the University of Florida and was listed in stable condition. She is also an officer at Florida State Prison, the Department of Corrections reported.

Sanderson and Jackson were participating in a mock escape drill at the Reception and Medical Center. They were driving back to the prison facility when the accident took place at approximately 9:40 AM, according to reports from Whitehead and troopers.

Motorcyclist Killed in Florida Crash

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7664 — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

The motorcyclist killed in a Wednesday night crash has been identified by the Florida Highway Patrol. Juan Andino-Casillas, a 35-year-old Tampa resident, was killed on Dale Mabry Highway in a motorcycle collision.

Andino-Casillas was ejected from his motorcycle when he collided with a Toyota Corolla on northbound Dale Mabry Highway at Broad Avenue at 8:05 PM, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He was not wearing a motorcycle helmet at the time of the crash, according to a news release.

The news release stated that charges are pending against the driver of the Toyota Corolla, Christopher Olivares, a 21-year-old Tampa resident. Olivares was traveling southbound on Dale Mabry Highway when he turned left at Broad Avenue and drove directly into the path of the motorcycle.

Andino-Casillas’ motorcycle hit the right side of the Corolla, throwing him from his bike. He died at the scene of the accident.

Oliveras sustained minor injuries. He had three passengers in the car who were all taken to local hospitals. Alceo Hugooton Perez III, 19, went to St. Joseph's Hospital with serious injuries; Timothy Soto, 25, went to Tampa General Hospital with serious injuries; and Jenise-Lynn Martinez, 18, went to St. Joseph's Hospital with critical injuries, according to the report. All of the passengers are from Tampa.

The northbound lanes of Dale Mabry Highway were closed for more than 3 hours while authorities investigated the crash scene.

Florida Man Faces Felony Manslaughter Charges Following Fatal Crash

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7600 — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

A man who has been accused of drunk driving will now face a felony manslaughter charge following the death of a 7-year-old girl from North Port. She died from the injuries she sustained in a February 13th accident in Charlotte County.

Ronald Judson Smith, 24, of Port Charlotte, will be charged with second-degree felony manslaughter, according to Lt. Christopher Miller. He is being charged for the death of Sarah-Dian Heineman. Sarah died after 10 days in All Children’s Hospital.

Smith also faces counts of driving under the influence (DUI) with serious bodily injury, DUI with property damage, assault on a police officer, possession of oxycodone and Xanax without a prescription, failure to submit to a breath test and driving with a suspended license.

The fatal accident occurred at Toledo Blade Boulevard and State Road 776 when Smith’s truck hit the Ford Mustang, which carried Sarah as a passenger. Sarah’s sister, Madison Heineman, 9, and her father, Rick Heineman, 38, were also injured in the accident. Madison is still at All Children’s Hospital and Rick is in critical condition at Bayfront Medical Center.

According to witnesses, Smith ran a red light. He is currently being held without bail at the Charlotte County Jail. He was released for a short time on February 14th, but arrested again and charged with violating probation from a DUI conviction in 2008.

Miller said Smith refused to submit to a blood-alcohol test following the crash, but it was done anyway due to the severity of the accident.

Sarah was a student at Liberty Elementary in Port Charlotte, where her mother, Carriann Heineman, teaches.

Fatal Hit and Run Accident in Florida

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7494 — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

A suspect has yet to be named in the fatal hit-and-run accident that killed Kenneth Watkinson Jr. and Craig Lewis Elford.

Police do know that a Porsche hit and killed Watkinson and Elford on a dark Fort Lauderdale beach street, but they have not been able to identify the driver of the vehicle. The car is registered to Ryan M. Levin 34, of Fort Lauderdale and police have already spoken with him. Sgt. Frank Sousa, a police spokesman, said that Levin’s whereabouts that evening were part of the investigation, but that the vehicle had not been reported stolen.

Sousa would not comment on the details of the case and said the investigation could take months.

At the time of the fatal crash, Watkinson, 48, and Craig Elford, 39, were walking south on State Road A1A just south of Las Olas Boulevard at approximately 2:30 AM Friday morning. They were hit by a Porsche that jumped the curb and hit them from behind. Both men died instantly.

Police found the Porsche that they believed hit the men, abandoned and with a smashed windshield, on the ramp from eastbound Interstate 595 to northbound I-95. It is believed that the vehicle could have been in a drag race at the time of the accident, as police received a call about two vehicles speeding down A1A just minutes before being notified of the hit-and-run accident.

Watkinson was married and the father of three. He had lived in Warwickshire, England was in town to recruit a pharmaceutical company that he shared with Elford. His body will be returned to England.

Elford has two children and the youngest is less than 3 months old. The Miami Herald attempted to reach Elford’s family in Ratley, England, but was informed that the family would rather keep it a private matter.

Man Killed in Pedestrian Accident in Manatee

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7472 — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

The parents of Christopher Vandall, 20, are devastated by their son’s sudden death and hopes of their son joining the military and embarking on a career as a firefighter have been crushed.

Vandall was hit by a car in Manatee while he was walking home from his girlfriend’s house at approximately 10:00 PM February 5, 2009 at 15th Street East and 67th Avenue East. Vandall died Sunday.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Vandall was walking on the paved shoulder of 15th Street East when the driver of a 2000 Suzuki car veered over the line and onto the shoulder. The car hit Vandall, sending him into the vehicle’s windshield.

The driver of the Suzuki, Kim R. Daly, 56, told police that she never saw Vandall and that she slammed on her brakes after hitting him, which caused him to roll off the vehicle and onto the shoulder of the road. Daly was cited with careless driving and not having proof of insurance, said FHP Lt. Chris Miller.

Vandall was airlifted by emergency workers to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg. According to family members, Vandall fought for his life for nine days, but eventually succumbed to his injuries Sunday.

Vandall attended Southeast High School and was passionate about wrestling. He loved to ride dirt bikes and 4-wheelers. His father described him as a good friend. “The thing he loved most was hanging around with his friends. He was a friend’s friend,” said Harold Vandall, Christopher’s father.

Vandall loved his country and had plans to join the military. Since his death, there has been a steady stream of friends and family at the Vandall home remembering the good times.

The family is still trying to accept what has happened. Harold Vandall said that he initially had compassion for the driver, but after hearing about her careless driving citation, he has started to become bitter.

Two Pedestrians Killed in U.S. 17 Crash

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7394 — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

On the evening of Friday, February 13, 2009, two men were fatally injured when they were hit by a vehicle as they crossed U.S. 17 near Eloise, according to a report by the Florida Highway Patrol.

At the time of the article, the 48-year-old man and 51-year-old man were not identified to the public, as their next of kin were yet to be notified.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol reports, the two men were crossing U.S. 17 just north of State Road 655 interchange at approximately 11:30 PM when they were hit by a northbound car that was driven by Locrastia S. Parker, a Lehigh Acres resident.

The report stated that the two men walked into the path of the car, which was in the center lane. The first man was struck by the left front side of the vehicle and the second man was hit by the right side of Parker’s car.

The first victim was knocked across the inside lane onto a concrete median facing south. The second victim was knocked across the outside lane of the highway and came to a stop against the curb facing north.

The Florida Highway Patrol has stressed that the findings in the report are preliminary and that the details surrounding the accident may change, as further investigation into the crash is made. It is still unclear as to whether or not alcohol played a factor in the fatal accident.

At this time, no charges have been filed in connection with the crash.

Woman's Car Catches Fire Following Crash in Manatee

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7333 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

A 21-year-old Bradenton woman was traveling with two young children in a Kia Rio, when it flipped over and caught fire in a late night crash, according to investigators. The accident occurred after 10:00 PM on Thursday, February, 5, 2009.

The woman and children were not killed in the accident, neither was the driver of the SUV who was involved in the crash.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of the Suburban SUV, a 60-year-old Virginia man, was driving erratically southbound on 27th Street East and hit the Kia, which sent her and the two children to hospitals.

Both vehicles overturned at the intersection of 33rd Avenue Drive East and 27th Street East following the collision, said Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Cheryl Fronczak.

Herb Smith, the battalion chief for Southern Manatee Fire Rescue, said that the Kia burst into flames spreading to the engine and passenger compartment shortly after 10:30 PM.

Witnesses of the accident said that the woman driving the Kia pulled the 6-year-old boy and 2-year-old girl out of the vehicle when the fire started. The flames were extinguished within minutes after the firefighters arrived.

Smith said that two people were flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg and at least one other was taken to an area hospital via ground transport.

Witnesses told investigators that the SUV had also hit a silver van just minutes before on 27th Street East at the intersection of Manatee Avenue West.

Fronczak said that charges are pending against the driver of the SUV and a blood sample was taken from him.

Teen Killed in Florida Car Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7260 — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

A teen driver was on his way to school when he was killed in a car accident. Phillip B. Galbmilion, a senior at Flagler Palm Coast High School who recently turned 18, was driving his 1997 Pontiac north on Belle Terre Parkway the morning of Thursday, January, 29, 2009, when he crashed into a concrete pole.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Galbmilion’s car ran off the east side of the road and when Galbmilion apparently overcorrected, his vehicle crossed the roadway and smashed into a concrete power pole on the west side of the road south of Zinnia Trail. Galbmilion was not wearing his seat belt and died at the crash scene.

Galbmilion loved playing ice hockey and had plans to attend the University of Minnesota. His family plans to bury him in Minneapolis, as he had lots of friends in the area.

Galbmilion’s parents moved to the United States from Russia. He was born in a suburb of Minneapolis and started playing hockey at the age of 12. Galbmilion later moved with his parents to Palm Coast, Florida in August 2007. In Florida, he played roller hockey at the rink at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

He was one his way to school Thursday when the crash occurred, said Flagler Palm Coast Principal Nancy Willis. Teachers at the high school were notified of the accident and Galbmilion’s death as classes started. Students were informed of the tragic news just before lunch and a grief counselor was available.

“It’s very hard. One of the hardest things you have to do is to tell students and faculty that we’ve lost a student,” said Willis.

The night of the accident, flowers were placed around the concrete power pole at the crash scene and messages were written on the pole. A candlelight vigil was planned on Saturday by family and friends at the accident site.

Florida Motorcycle Accidents on the Rise

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7149 — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

More people are crashing their motorcycles in Florida, according to recent statistics. As gas prices have continued to go up over the last few years, so have the number of motorcycle crashes.

Across the country, motorcycle registrations increased from 3.9 million in 1998 to 7.1 million in 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Florida, there were 582,000 motorcycle registrations reported in 2007.

There has been an increase in motorcycle crashes with motorcycle fatalities accounting for approximately 13 percent of all vehicle crash fatalities in 2007, up from 5.5 percent in 1998. Florida reported 530 motorcyclists’ deaths in 2007.

After a crash, the drivers of the other vehicles frequently report that they never saw the motorcyclist or were unable to respond in time, according to the highway safety administration and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Rex Barbas knows firsthand the risks that motorcyclists face on Florida roads and highways. Barbas, a veteran motorcyclist, was struck by a vehicle who did not see him braking. As a result, he sustained a broken pelvis and two herniated disks in his back.

According to Barbas, drivers do not look out for motorcyclists on the road. “It’s like I’m invisible. I know they’re looking right at me, but they don’t see me because they aren’t looking for me. They’re looking for cars,” said Barbas.

Barbas said that one way that driver awareness of motorcycles can improve is by including it in driver’s education courses. He also thinks that some changes to motorcycles can prevent the number of crashes, such as brighter brake lights, louder engines and handlebar streamers.

Lawmakers have revisited road safety concerns in response to the increase in motorcycle accidents in Florida. A law was enacted July 1 that requires all new motorcycle riders to attend a 15-hour safety course that prepares them for the road. Before this law was passed, only riders younger than 21 had to take the course.

Anniversary of Fatal Car Accident at Greystone Airport

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7120 — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Exactly one year ago, on January 26, 2008, five men were killed in a car accident at Greystone Airport in Anthony.

Joshua Ammirato, 18, Devon Hime, 19, Jacob James Casey, 19, Dustin “Smiley” Dawe, 19 and Isaac Ammirato, 20, were all in a BMW M5 sedan at Greystone Airport where they had attended a party at the private aviation community. Joshua Ammirato was driving the BMW when it left the end of the 1 ½ mile long runway at an estimate 120 miles per hour.

The BMW flew 200 feet over an embankment and hit two trees, which shredded the car so severely that the first people to arrive at the crash scene didn’t recognize it as an automobile and thought it was an airplane that had crashed.

Devon Hime’s father, James Hime received the call at work regarding his son’s tragic car crash. His fellow employees drove him home to Clermont after he received the news of his son’s death. Hime then headed to Greystone Airport off Northeast 95th Street, to the crash site.

“I guess I wanted to see where my son took his last breath and that it really did happen,” said Hime.

Hime spent a year in grief counseling, trying to find ways to cope with his tragic loss. During the times that the pain became too much to handle, Hime would call his seven brothers and sisters at all hours of the day and night and cry.

Devon’s mother, Sharon Lindsey, also received the awful telephone call regarding the accident. Lindsey and her husband, Gary, drove to the crash site to find out if their son was involved in the crash.

Lindsey has also sought professional help and still sees a psychologist and psychiatrist and takes heavy doses of anti-depressants to make it through the day.

Sharon and Gary Lindsey plan to release five, white doves at the crash site today in memory of their son and his four friends who were killed.

Charges Dropped Against Alleged Driver in Florida Car Crash

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)7038 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Three years ago, John Kelly, a taxi driver, was killed in a violent car accident. The ambulance crew found him partially ejected from his cab.

Leyana M. Rich, who was 18 years old at the time of the crash, was found behind the wheel of the other car, a Ford Taurus. Rich was charged with vehicular homicide because the Taurus was fleeing from police and had run a stop sign before it collided with Kelly’s cab, according to court documents.

Rich has spent two years in jail awaiting trial, but prosecutors are now saying that she wasn’t driving the Ford Taurus after all.

The Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney’s Office dropped charges against Rich last month and is now charging her boyfriend, Luke Irons, who was also 18 years old at the time of the accident on February 2, 2006. Irons was nowhere to be found when paramedics arrived at the crash scene.

According to court documents and prosecutors, Irons has admitted that he was the driver. He admitted to driving the Ford Taurus after he was give a 30 year jail sentence last year after numerous crimes in Hendry County.

“We were operating under the premise she was the driver. Once our expert was of the opinion she was not driving and he was – and now you had the guy confessing – it put us in the position where we couldn’t go forward with it against her,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Bruce Bartlett.

Before the accident, Irons and Rich had been at a drug house and took off after someone tried to rob them. A police officer spotted the car and attempted to pull it over. The police officer said he saw Rich behind the wheel.

It was the officer’s observation and Rich being found behind the wheel after the accident that led to the vehicular homicide charge. However, DNA tests showed that Irons’ blood was on the airbag on the driver’s side, not hers.

Prosecutors have filled out the paperwork to charge Irons with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident involving death.

Number of Fatal Crashes in Lee County has Dropped

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6962 — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

In 2008, the number of fatal accidents on Lee County roads declined by more than 30 percent. Officials believe that high gas prices played a role in the decrease in fatalities.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, there were 70 deaths in Lee County in 2008, which is lower than the 106 deaths in 2007. The amount of motorists on the roads in Lee County was also about 8 percent lower in 2008, according to Lee County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Sgt. David Petracca of Lee County Sheriff’s Office traffic unit said that the decrease can be attributed to the increase in gas prices. Gas prices rose up to $4 a gallon during the summer months and stayed almost level for a while before going back down at the end of 2008.

“"When they were up at $3.50 and $4 a gallon, people definitely were driving less," said David Pojero, AAA division manager.

Drivers still seem to be hesitant to spend more time on the roads and highways, even though the gas prices have gone down to under $2 per gallon for regular unleaded. Pojero believes that there still is a lingering fear.

Gas prices have also played a role in preventing drivers from speeding and driving erratically because they know that this type of driving behavior wastes fuel, said Petracca.

The lower number of traffic fatalities in Lee County has also been attributed to the increase in law enforcement. In 2007, the sheriff’s office issued 70,436 traffic citations and the total number is expected to be more in 2008, which will be available later in January.

Petracca said that the traffic unit increased patrols in 2008 and focused on areas where residents complained about traffic issues. He also said that drivers are more inclined to follow traffic laws if they know a deputy could be at the next corner, waiting to ticket them for driving too closely to another vehicle or changing lanes without signaling.

"You're seeing less of the aggressive-type driving," he said, citing personal experience.

Insurance Loophole Claimed in Fire Deaths

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6925 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Bicyclist Killed After Being Struck By Car

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6887 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

In St. Petersburg, a 58-year-old man was killed after he was struck by a car. Franklin D. Cameron was riding his bicycle on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street S when he lost control of his bicycle and fell in front of an oncoming vehicle. Cameron was dragged underneath the car in the early hours of New Year’s Day, according to St. Petersburg police. Cameron was pronounced dead at the hospital.

According to police, Cameron was attempting to exit the driveway in front of 5241 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S at approximately 12:47 AM Thursday, when the accident took place. He lost control of his bicycle and fell onto the southbound curb of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. Cameron hit a southbound 2001 Chevy Monte Carlo and became lodged underneath it as the driver, Dontavous H. Thomas, 21, tried to stop his vehicle.

Thomas and his passenger were not injured. However, Cameron was transported to Bayfront Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 1:35 AM.

Leon Dexter, 68, was Cameron’s landlord. Dexter, who rented an apartment to Cameron called his tenant his friend. “We used to drink a beer together on Sundays. He was just such a nice guy, so honest,” said Dexter.

Dexter said that Cameron was forced to move out from the apartment temporarily after his girlfriend filed a domestic violence injunction. The judge ordered Cameron to stay 500 feet away from his own apartment. Online court records did show that Angela Moore had filed for an injunction against Cameron, but the judge’s order could not be confirmed as the court clerk’s office was closed at the time this article was written.

Police are still investigating the fatal accident and are trying to determine if alcohol was a factor in the crash. They will also be determining if charges need to be filed.

Dump Truck Accident Kills Driver

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6768 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

In Jacksonville, a dump truck flipped on Interstate 10 on Tuesday morning, December 16, 2008. The retired truck driver who was operating the vehicle was killed in the accident. According to his family, he was only driving the dump truck as a favor for his son.

The crash occurred near Chaffee Road when 62-year-old Quincell Troutman lost control of the dump truck, said Florida Highway Patrol.

Investigators stated that Troutman was traveling westbound when the dump truck veered off the road, went through a guardrail and smashed into the support tower for an electronic message board, which caused it to collapse onto the eastbound lanes of the road.

A witness told investigators that the dump truck had a tire blowout. Suzette Mitchell, Troutman’s girlfriend for nearly ten years, was especially horrified by the images of the shattered dump.

"His son called me and told me there had been an accident, but he didn't know how serious it was. Then his girlfriend called back later crying, and I knew," said Mitchell.

She also told Channel 4 reporter Vickie Pierre that Troutman had recently retired from his work in transportation. Mitchell said Troutman was delivering a load of rocks on Tuesday morning as a favor for his son.

Troutman will be remembered by his family and friends for his unique sense of humor, which they loved. They said that they know the holidays will be difficult without Troutman.

"Sometimes he would say things and it was seeming so sincere, but in the meantime, he was joking," family friend Fannie Bowers said.

Troopers believe that a tire blowout is what likely caused the fatal accident. I-10 was closed due to the damage from the crash in both directions for over an hour. The highway was reopened that afternoon.

Man Held on No Bond for I-95 Crash

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6730 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

In Hobe Sound, a Port St. Lucie man is being held on no bond after authorities claim he caused a severe accident with numerous critical injuries on Interstate 95 last Saturday. The man told authorities that he fell asleep, according to an arrest affidavit released Sunday.

Seven people were injured in the I-95 accident, said investigators. It was reported that one child and two adults sustained critical injuries.

Jaime Jaramillo, 41, told the Florida Highway Patrol that “he had just come back from Mexico on a business trip.” Jaramillo also told the Florida Highway Patrol that he works in Mexico from Monday through Friday. The report stated that investigators determined that Jaramillo could be a flight risk.

While Jaramillo was being questioned regarding his involvement in the crash, he said that he must have fallen asleep and that something went through his windshield. When police questioned him further, Jaramillo asked for his attorney and ended the interview.

Investigators said that Jaramillo had briefly left the accident scene before he was apprehended and questioned by investigators. Jaramillo was tracked down by investigators as he walked on a road near the crash. A helicopter and K-9 unit had been dispatched after the accident to locate Jaramillo. The crash occurred on I-95 at mile marker 92 at 4:31 AM, according to the report.

Jaramillo was driving a Dodge truck at the time of the accident. Seven occupants were in the silver Honda, which was involved in the crash. Two of the occupants were airlifted by Life Flight to West Palm Beach’s St. Mary’s Medical Center in critical condition. Two other children were taken by ambulance in fair condition to the same hospital and another child was taken to Martin Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

The victim’s names and ages were not included in the report. Jaramillo is being charged with leaving the scene of a crash with serious injury and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.

Car Left at Honda Dealership Gets Into Crash During a Test Drive

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6628 — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Leslie Fisher left her daughter’s Civic hybrid at the Pinellas Park Honda dealership after a dashboard light warned of a possible brake problem. Fisher was notified two days later that the car had been involved in a crash during an after-hours test drive to a flag football game. The damage was estimated at $7,000.

Even though insurance is going to pay for the repair of the vehicle, Fisher is still upset and has accused technicians of using the car for personal use. “I feel like they’ve hung us out to dry. The car would never have been in an accident if they hadn’t have taken it,” said Fisher.

The general manager at Crown Honda in Pinellas Park, Mike Cooley, stated that technicians were driving the vehicle according to policy and that Fisher had signed a waiver allowing the test drives. “The intention was to find what was wrong with the car and fix it, period,” said Cooley.

Fisher had dropped off the car at Crown Honda on November 18, 2008. The next day, the problem with the vehicle was still uncertain because the warning light came on sporadically.

Employee David Furst drove the car that night to his home in St. Petersburg to see if the warning light would come on during his trip, which it didn’t. Shortly after Furst drove the vehicle, William Johnson, the dealership’s master technician, picked him up for their weekly flag football game in Largo. Furst suggested that they drive the car to attempt to diagnose the problem on the way to the game. According to Cooley, both men have their own vehicles and have no need to personally use the Civic hybrid.

On the way back from the game, the men were able to determine the problem and fix it. However, they were hit by a woman running a red light at the intersection of 71st Street and 54th Avenue. A Florida Highway Patrol report shows that the crash was not the fault of the technicians. The woman’s insurance company will be paying for the repairs.

Fisher says that even though the car will be repaired, she feels it will be unsafe because it has been in a crash. She wants Crown Honda to offer a free replacement. Cooley offered to let Fisher trade in the car, but she did not take the offer.

Times are Tough for Family of Boy Injured on Baywalk

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6577 — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

A boy from St. Petersburg is permanently brain damaged due to a freak accident that occurred on Baywalk. In February 2007, Josiah Wineberger was struck on the head by a large speaker that fell from the second floor stage at Baywalk.

Since the tragic accident, Josiah is not potty trained, cannot straighten his fingers of one of his hands and often awakens in the middle of the night. Josiah is now 4-years old and talking. However, according to his father, “He’ll say something, and then his mouth will move with nothing coming out, repeating what he said but not saying it out loud. And that’s due to the brain injury.” The Wineberger’s have filed a lawsuit against Baywalk, which is still pending.

In addition to coping with their son’s injury, the Winebergers have been faced with many more challenges. Their only vehicle has broken down and their rental home is in foreclosure.

John Wineberger became a stay-at-home dad following his son’s accident, so he could take Josiah to various therapies. He also drives his wife to work and his three other children to school. He is not sure what they will do now that their family minivan is not operating. “It’s broke down and it’s done. For a head gasket, I think it’d probably run easily three or four thousand dollars.”

To make matters worse, Wineberger received a letter the day before Thanksgiving informing him that his rental home is in foreclosure. The letter was from his landlord’s bank and stated that they must be out of the home by January 11th. Wineberger is hoping to find a landlord who will waive the first and last month rent and deposit requirements. As far as his vehicle, he is still not sure what to do about transportation.

Cheerleading, Fitness Coach Killed in Five-Vehicle Pileup

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6560 — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Pedro Sanchez, a beloved coach, mentor and friend, was killed in a five-vehicle pileup last Monday not far from where he trained children in gymnastics, dance and other activities. Parents and coaches at Ocala Elite, where Sanchez worked, mourned his death after hearing the tragic news of the accident.

Regina Catania, the co-owner of Ocala Elite, had owned the program with Sanchez. “Everyone loved him here. He was a wonderful person who cared about the kids that came here,” said Catania. Catania and Sanchez had owned Ocala Elite for the last six months.

Sanchez was a cheerleading and fitness coach. His best friend, Jim Moore said “cheerleading was his life.”

According to Catania, Sanchez was on his way back from the bank when the crash took place. He was killed at the intersection of Northeast 14th Street and Northeast 25th Avenue. The accident was near Ocala Elite, which is located at 1601 N.E. 25th Avenue.

Preliminary investigation by the Ocala Police Department shows that a gold Kia Sedona minivan was heading north on Northeast 25th Avenue when it hit the right rear corner of a Suzuki sport utility vehicle and then hit a silver Acura. Officials stated that the Acura then hit the rear of a red Ford Explorer, which struck the back of a red Cadillac DeVille.

Three people sustained minor injuries in the crash and were taken to Munroe Regional Medical Center for treatment. Another three individuals who were also in the crash were not injured.

Sanchez had to be removed from his vehicle by Ocala Fire Rescue. His death marked the ninth traffic fatality in the city this year, which is an increase from the seven traffic fatalities in 2007. The accident was the county’s second fatal five-car pileup in a month’s time. The other five-vehicle crash occurred on November 4th, which caused two deaths.

This year, Northeast 14th Street has been considered a dangerous roadway for both motorists and pedestrians.

Falling Television Kills Florida Toddler

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6465 — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A 16-month old boy was killed when a television and stand fell over and struck him. Florida sheriff’s deputies are still investigating the strange incident that led to the boy’s death.

According to Collier County Deputies, a television fell on Julian Sanchez after his older sibling climbed the 4-foot tall television stand to turn off the TV. The television and stand then fell over and the 36-inch TV hit the toddler.

Julian’s father, Reinaldo Sanchez was quoted as saying, “I was at work and I got a phone call that there was an accident and it had to do with my son. I don’t wish this upon my worst enemy.”

The boy was taken to Physicians Regional Medical Center where he later died.

Julian’s father said that he couldn’t stop shaking after hearing the news. He said that his family will just have to take one day at a time. Sanchez described his son as the biggest kid he has who never cried. He was an awesome baby.

The incident is still being investigated by deputies, but the scene appears to be consistent with an accidental death.

Julian’s death is not the first tragedy the family has been forced to face. They also lost a child in 2006 from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS.

Several different safety devices have been created to prevent accidents, such as the one that killed Julian. These safety devices are called “anti-tip kits” and they come in many different forms, but all of them basically secure the furniture or television to the wall. The cost for the kits range from $8 to just under $20.

Three-Car Accident Leads to Man's Death

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6408 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A fatal three-vehicle crash that occurred on November 6th at 10:10 PM is being investigated by deputies assigned to the Sheriff’s Office of Major Accident Investigation Team. The accident took place on Bay Pines Boulevard west of 100th Way in Seminole.

Before the fatal crash occurred, deputies say that witnesses saw a white 1995 Chrysler minivan being driven erratically westbound on Bay Pines Boulevard. The driver, 22-year-old Coty James Cotter, drove his vehicle over the curb and onto the north shoulder of the road as he approached the intersection of 100th Way.

Cotter overcorrected as he tried to re-enter the roadway, which caused his van to cross over three westbound lanes of Bay Pines Boulevard. He attempted to avoid hitting the median by swerving back to the right, but ended up hitting a gray 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 41-year-old Roberto Gonzalez. The force of the collision caused the Jeep to veer of the north side of the road where it smashed into and knocked down a light pole before the vehicle came to a spinning stop.

When Cotter’s vehicle hit the Jeep, it caused him to head to the left and across the median into the eastbound lanes where he collided head-on with a 2006 Dodge 4x4 Heavy Duty pickup truck driven by 39-year-old Amy McRanie of Redington Beach. Cotter was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the collision and was partially ejected during the crash. Both of the other drivers and their passengers were wearing their seat belts.

Cotter was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. McRanie, who sustained non-life threatening injuries, was taken by medical helicopter to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg. Her passengers were taken by ambulance to All Children’s Hospital where they were treated and released. Gonzalez and his passenger were not injured during the accident.

Investigators are trying to determine if alcohol was a factor in the accident, but no criminal charges are anticipated.

High School Student Killed in Car Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6346 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A teenage girl was killed in a car accident last Friday when the Ford SUV she was traveling in careened off Interstate 75 near Gainesville and burst into flames. Three other teens were also in the vehicle at the time of the accident and sustained injuries.

17-year-old Allyson Marie Faulk was driving to Florida State University with three other Plant High School students to attend the university’s homecoming game. However, their weekend trip came to an unfortunate end when they were passing Micanopy at approximately 6:20 PM.

Lizzy Mischo, 18, was one of the passengers and said that their 2000 Ford SUV started shaking severely. According to Mischo, Faulk had her eyes on the road and was driving responsibly. “It just started swerving. It wasn’t her fault. It felt like the car was just freaking out.” said Mischo.

The Ford SUV veered into the median and crashed into a tree, then hit two more trees before it came to a stop.

Mischo quickly got out of the vehicle and ran to the road to get help. When she looked back towards the vehicle, it was in flames.

Karlyn McKell, 17, had already been able to get out of the wrecked vehicle and Kirsten Hurst, 17, had been thrown free by the impact. However, Faulk was pinned inside.

Authorities declared Faulk dead at the scene and the other teens were taken to Shands at the University of Florida. Mischo was the first one released and McKell and Hurst were expected to be released last Saturday.

Florida Highway Patrol investigators do not yet know the cause of the accident, as the impact of the crash and fire turned the vehicle into an unrecognizable tangle of seared metal.

Plant High School students and faculty members are trying to cope with the news of Faulk’s death. Faulk was the editor of the yearbook staff and the president of the Zeta service club.

Mother Sues Truck Driver and Transport Company after Bus-Truck Accident

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6286 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A mother who pulled her two children out of a burning school bus after it was hit by a semi-trailer in September, has filed a lawsuit against the driver of the truck, his transport company and the corporation that owns it.

Rhonda Arbuckle, a Citra resident, is pursuing a count of negligence against the truck driver, Reinaldo Andujar-Gonzalez and counts of vicarious liability of Andujar Transport Inc. and Comtrak Logistics, Inc.

Arbuckle’s three children, 16-year-old Joshua, 13-year-old Natalie and 11-year-old JaSena, were all riding in the Marion County school bus the afternoon of September 23rd, when Gonzalez’s 1991 Freightliner smashed into the rear of the bus, which caused both vehicles to burst into flames.

The crash took place on U.S. 301 just south of Citra and caused the death of North Marion Middle School student, Frances Margay Schee, 13. JaSena Humber was sent to Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville with serious injuries. Gonzalez and the truck driver were also taken to the hospital with injuries.

Arbuckle’s lawsuit is seeking damages for injuries to all three minors, in addition to herself. According to the lawsuit, Arbuckle rushed to the scene of the crash and pulled Joshua and JaSena to safety. She then re-entered the bus to rescue the remaining child, but was unable to save the child because of a small explosion. Frances Margay Schee was the only student killed in the accident.

Schee’s mother has also been working to improve school bus safety by pressuring the School Board to remove all four-lane highway school bus stops. She has been able to obtain 400 signatures for her online petition.

Mark Avera, Arbuckle’s attorney, hopes that the lawsuit will uncover reasons behind the crash. Gonzalez told investigators that he was on his cell phone during the moments leading up to the accident and did not see the bus. However, Avera believes there may be more to that explanation.

Young Girl Survives Head-on Collision

wks@saronlaw.com (News Author)6223 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A four-year-old girl was injured last month after a crash on the Crosstown Expressway. The young girl, Summer Moll, was transported to Tampa General Hospital after Cheryl Maria Riemann, a 25-year-old woman, crashed into her mother’s vehicle while heading east in the westbound lanes of the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway near Palm River Road. Summer’s mother, 24-year-old Jennifer O’Boyle, died in the accident.

Summer Moll was expected to be discharged after spending five weeks in the hospital. She still has casts on her arms and pins in her legs resulting from the accident. Summer is able to speak, although she talks softly, and can now eat regular food. Doctors have recommended that Summer spend some time recovering at home before she returns to Tampa General Hospital for several months of in-patient rehabilitation.

Her grandmother was awarded temporary custody, despite the objections of Summer’s father. Tammy Rosian, Jennifer O’Boyle’s mother, said that she pursued custody of Summer because she wants the girl to get to know her father before moving in with him. “I’m willing to work out something with the father,” said Rosian.

Joshua Moll moved to Tampa from Texas on a “semi permanent basis,” according to his lawyer Theodore Rechel. Summer’s father arrived in Tampa the day after the tragic accident and has since obtained work, an apartment and training for caring for Summer’s medical needs.

According to Rechel, Florida child welfare workers were planning to recommend that Summer be placed in Joshua Moll’s custody, but the judge did not permit testimonies at the custody hearing. Another custody hearing will take place in the future to re-address the issue.

Riemann was charged with vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, DUI resulting in serious injury and reckless driving resulting in serious injury. At the time of the accident, she had a 0.244 blood-alcohol level.