When a vehicle is disabled along the side of the road, motorists are required to either move over one lane or slow to at least 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit per Florida law.  The purpose of this law is to avoid Florida car accidents like the one that took place on Saturday morning, where five people were injured after a vehicle slammed into a Road Ranger that was stopped to help a disabled police cruiser.

According to witnesses, this Fort Lauderdale car accident occurred on Saturday at approximately 11:15 a.m. when a Road Ranger truck stopped to help a disabled Florida Highway Patrol cruiser on Interstate 95 just south of Interstate 595.  The Road Ranger was legally parked in the median behind the cruiser when a motorist was driving his Toyota southbound in the left lane.

For some reason, he lost control of his vehicle and collided with the Road Ranger truck.  The Toyota then veered back onto the road and collided with a Kia.  Gilberto Franco, 54, was standing between his Road Ranger truck and the patrol car when the collision occurred, and he was pinned between the vehicles.  In all, five people were injured in the crash.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to offer our hope that everyone who was injured will be able to eventually recover and get back into their routines.  Secondly, this latest Fort Lauderdale car accident will only add to the overall statistics regarding Florida car accidents.  Every year, approximately 200,000 people are injured and another 3,000 are killed in these collisions.

Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyers

While more investigation will need to be done before any definitive cause of the crash can be identified, it’s possible that those who were injured as a result of the initial collision could bring Florida personal injury lawsuits against the driver of the Toyota.  If such claims were successful, it could bring damages awards that compensate the plaintiffs for their medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a crash, you need the help of Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers who have been holding negligent drivers accountable for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

When people are eating lunch at a deli, the last thing any of them would consider is the possibility that they could be injured in by a moving vehicle.  However, that’s exactly what occurred earlier today when eight people were injured when a vehicle slammed through the front window of a Tamarac deli while people were eating and sitting inside, and this Tamarac car accident remains under investigation.

According to police, the Tamarac car accident in question occurred today at Nosher’s Deli, which is located at 7134 N. Nob Hill Road in Point Plaza.  Patrons were inside when 79-year-old Rhoda Samuels was pulling into a parking spot at the deli.  She later stated that instead of hitting the brake pedal, she accidentally hit the accelerator.  This sent the car through the front window facade of the deli and into a wave of people.  Overall, eight people were injured including one employee.  Ms. Samuels was not injured in the crash.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to express our relief that no one was seriously injured or killed.  This is the type of situation where unsuspecting people could have lost their lives.  Secondly, this incident will only add to the overall statistics regarding Florida car accidents.  Every year, approximately 200,000 people are injured and another 3,000 are killed in these occurrences.

Florida Car Accident Lawyers

Even though it seems clear that this was merely an honest mistake with no malicious intent, the fact remains that people were injured because of this misstep.  Therefore, those who were harmed in this accident could have reason to file Florida personal injury lawsuits.  If such claims were successful, they could be awarded damages that compensate the injured plaintiffs for medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a negligent driver, you need to seek the help of Florida car accident lawyers who have been holding those responsible for injuries or worse accountable for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today at 800-429-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Sexual abuse is a form of conduct that’s not only detestable, but it’s obviously illegal and can lead to exposure to significant legal liability.  These stories are always shocking to most, and when sexual abuse of a child occurs it prompts strong emotions both in regards to the alleged perpetrator and for the alleged victim.  A Coral Springs man has been arrested for allegedly fondling a young girl who was at a sleep-over party with his daughter.

According to police, the alleged Florida sexual abuse act occurred when John Swier, 45, fondled an 8-year-old girl who was attending a sleep-over when he laid down next to her and fondled her both over and under her clothes.  As stated above, it happened at his home, and police at this point believe that it was an isolated incident.  However, police are also asking anyone else who may have been victimized by this conduct to contact them and to file a report.

Florida Sexual Abuse Statistics

We’d initially like to offer our hope and thoughts to the little girl who was allegedly abused in this manner.  These incidents can lead to a lifetime of emotional and psychological struggle, and we hope she is already getting the help she needs.  Unfortunately, this is far from the only incident of Florida sexual abuse.  Every year in the state, there are more than 3,600 cases of forcible fondling reported, and many experts believe that a large percentage of these cases are never reported based on fear and shame.

Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyers

If these allegations are accurate, it’s possible for the family of the little girl to file a Florida personal injury lawsuit against the alleged perpetrator.  If such a case was successful, it could lead to an award for damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering and compensation for expenses incurred for medical and psychological treatment.  This type of claim could be made even if the suspect is convicted in criminal court.

If your child has suffered in this manner, seek the help of Florida sexual abuse lawyers who have been holding perpetrators of this conduct accountable for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today at 800-429-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Statistics show that as we age, we tend to slip somewhat in our driving ability.  This is merely a cause of nature, as many people experience a downturn in their ability to see, to judge distance and speed and to react to things in a timely manner.  While the definitive cause has yet to be identified, two older drivers were injured in a Fort Lauderdale car accident on Wednesday that police are still investigating.

According to the Fort Lauderdale police, the Florida car accident in question occurred just after 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the 4300 block of North Federal Highway, just south of Floranada Street.  Delmar Hendrickson, 80, was driving his Toyota sedan south on the highway when he attempted to turn left.  Unfortunately, Woneta Mayhue, 78, was driving her Cadillac in the opposite direction and slammed into the Toyota.  Both drivers were seriously injured and police are attempting to determine whether the Toyota turned in front of the Cadillac.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our hopes that the people injured in this accident are able to recover from their injuries.  Secondly, this Fort Lauderdale car accident will only add to the statistics regarding Florida car accidents overall.  Every year, approximately 200,000 people are injured in these occurrences and another 3,000 people are killed, and these numbers have held steady for some time.

Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyers

The first determination that needs to be made is whether or not the driver who turned left provided enough room for himself and the other vehicle.  If so, then he could have options that include the filing of a Florida personal injury lawsuit.  If not, then it’s possible that the other driver has legal rights.  Of course, it’s also possible that both drivers were somewhat negligent, which would mean that this situation would need to be analyzed based on Florida’s comparative negligence standard.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in an accident, you need the help of Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers who have been helping people sort through complicated legal situations successfully for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today at 800-429-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Pedestrians are always around in Florida, and anyone who has spent time here understands this reality.  Therefore, everyone who drives, rides a bicycle or walks needs to understand that diligence and focus are extremely important as well as judgment, as any lapse in any of these qualities could instantly lead to disaster.  Sadly, this could be what occurred with a Lauderhill pedestrian accident yesterday that led to a fatality.

According to police, the latest fatal Florida pedestrian accident occurred at approximately 6 a.m. in the 4000 block of Inverrary Boulevard in Lauderhill.  A woman, whose name was not released, was walking across the street when she was struck by a van and carried on the windshield for what is believed to be 60 yards.  The woman was rushed to the hospital but passed away in transport.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the woman who was killed.  The news they are about to receive will be nothing short of shocking, and we hope that they are able to overcome that shock and their grief at some point.  In addition, this latest fatal Florida pedestrian accident will only add to the overall statistics in this regard.  Every year, over 8,000 such accidents occur, leading to more than 7,500 injuries and to more than 500 fatalities.

Florida Wrongful Death Lawyers

In terms of whether the family of the pedestrian should file a Florida wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the van, more facts need to be obtained.  If the woman was in the crosswalk and legally crossing at the time she was hit, it’s possible that the van driver was negligent.  If such a lawsuit was filed and successful, the family could be awarded damages for funeral, medical and burial expenses as well as lost income and loss of companionship.

If you have lost someone you love because of someone else’s negligence, seek the help of Florida wrongful death lawyers who have been successfully fighting for the rights of grieving families for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Anyone who travels on the roads in South Florida understands that when people are moving at high speeds, all it takes is one otherwise small misstep to lead to tragedy and disaster.  This is especially true when a vehicle involved in a Florida traffic accident is a motorcycle.  Tragically, a woman was killed and another passenger on a motorcycle was seriously injured in a Coral Springs motorcycle accident that involved a pickup truck over the weekend.

According to authorities, the latest fatal Florida motorcycle accident occurred on Saturday at approximately 5 p.m. when Ronald Gallardo, 44, of Coral Springs was driving his motorcycle in a westward direction on the 9000 block of Royal Palm Boulevard.  His wife, 38-year-old Helen Gallardo was a passenger on the motorcycle.  As they moved down the road in the right lane, a pickup truck being driven by Valerie Cole, 46, of Margate, attempted to move from the left to the right lane and collided with the motorcycle.  Both passengers on the bike were thrown by the force of the impact.  Helen Gallardo did not survive the crash, and Ronald Gallardo remains in critical but stable condition.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics

We’d first like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Gallardo.  Losing a life so suddenly is always tragic, especially at such a young age.  We also hope that Mr. Gallardo is able to overcome his injuries and find a way to put his life back together.  Unfortunately, this occurrence will only add to the overall statistics regarding Florida motorcycle accidents overall.  Every year, more than 9,000 Florida motorcycle accidents take place, leading to more than 8,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If the family of Mrs. Gallardo decides to look into their legal rights and options, the question of whether or not to proceed with a Florida wrongful death lawsuit would center on whether the driver in the pickup truck was negligent.  If she was and a successful claim was filed, the family could recover damages that compensate them for medical, funeral and burial expenses as well as loss of companionship and income.  Mr. Gallardo would also likely have a Florida personal injury case that could return damages if the same negligence determination was made.

If this has happened to you or someone you love, you need the help of Florida motorcycle accident lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of those harmed in these situations for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Most of us who have spent any time behind the wheel of a vehicle understand that when a city bus stops and drops off passengers, it’s reasonable to expect that pedestrians will soon be looking to cross the road.  Unfortunately, it’s possible that one unidentified driver did not foresee this probability, as a woman was seriously injured in a Tamarac pedestrian accident yesterday when she was run down after getting off of a bus.  The driver is unidentified because he or she fled the scene after the crash, making this another Florida hit-and-run accident.

According to police, this fatal Tamarac pedestrian accident occurred yesterday afternoon at the 4000 block of Commercial Boulevard when an 84-year-old woman got off of a bus and started to cross the street.  A driver in what is believed to be a Chevrolet sedan ran down the woman and fled the scene afterward.  The woman, whose name was not released pending notification of family members, was rushed to a nearby hospital where she remains in critical condition.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our thoughts and hopes that the woman who was run down is able to recover from her injuries and get back on her feet at some point soon.  Secondly, this incident will only add to the overall statistics regarding Florida pedestrian accidents.  Every year, more than 8,000 such accidents occur, leading to more than 7,500 injuries and more than 500 deaths. In addition, approximately 3,300 Florida hit-and-run accidents occur on an annual basis.

Florida Personal Injury Lawyers

The fact that a description of the vehicle involved was available will only raise hopes that the driver will ultimately be apprehended.  If or when that occurs, the driver could not only face substantial criminal liability, but also civil liability in the form of a Florida personal injury lawsuit.  If such a claim was successful, the woman could be awarded damages to compensate her for medical costs and for her pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a Florida hit-and-run accident, do not wait to protect your legal rights.  Instead, seek the help of Florida personal injury lawyers who have been holding those responsible for this type of harm accountable for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

When people cross the street on foot, they generally understand that they need to be wary of passing motorists.  Conversely, motorists understand that they need to be aware of any pedestrians who may be crossing a street, and this should not be particularly difficult if a pedestrian is making his way across the road with a walker.  Tragically, a man lost his life last night in a Pompano Beach hit-and-run accident while attempting to cross the street with his walking aid.

According to police, this Pompano Beach hit-and-run accident occurred just before 10 p.m. in the 900 block of East Sample Road, a few blocks east of Dixie Highway.  The man, whose name has not been released pending notification of family members, was making his way across the street when he was slammed by what witnesses describe as a dark Dodge Durango.  Witnesses stated that the force of the impact threw the man for a distance of approximately 100 feet.  The driver fled the scene after the crash, and the man was killed instantly.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics

We’d initially like to send our condolences to the family of the man who was killed.  They either already have or are about to receive the type of news from police that no one should have to face, and it will be a difficult time ahead for them.  Unfortunately, this fatal Pompano Beach pedestrian accident will only add to the overall statistics regarding Florida pedestrian accidents.  Every year, more than 8,000 such accidents occur, leading to more than 7,500 injuries and more than 500 deaths.  In addition, estimates indicate that as many as 3,300 Florida hit-and-run accidents occur on an annual basis.

Florida Wrongful Death Lawyers

Assuming the driver in this accident is ultimately apprehended - and they generally are, particularly when there’s a vehicle description available - he or she will face significant criminal liability.  In addition, the driver could face substantial civil liability in the form of damages if the family of the man who was killed files what turns out to be a successful Florida wrongful death lawsuit against the driver.

If you have lost someone you love in a Florida hit-and-run accident, do not wait to begin the process of protecting your rights.  Instead, seek the help of Florida wrongful death lawyers who have been successfully fighting for aggrieved families for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Pedestrians generally understand that there are risks involved with venturing out into traffic in South Florida, particularly at night.  Unfortunately for one area man, this risk turned into reality as he was seriously injured when he was hit by a vehicle while crossing the street on Wednesday night.  Homicide investigators are already working the case, and more information is expected to be released soon.

The latest Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday night when a man was crossing Sunrise Boulevard at the 1400 block.  A BMW being driven by 44-year-old Edward Munoz of Fort Lauderdale was moving down Sunrise Boulevard in a westward direction when he collided with the pedestrian, seriously injuring him and sending him to the hospital.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics

First, we hope that the man who was hit is able to recover from his injuries and get back on his feet.  He suffered what police described as ‘life-threatening’ injuries.  Unfortunately, this Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident will only add to the overall statistics regarding Florida pedestrian accident statistics.  Every year, almost 8,000 people are injured and more than 500 people are killed in these occurrences.

Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers

One of the crucial aspects of this situation that was not revealed by police is whether or not the pedestrian, whose name was not released pending notification of family members, was in the crosswalk at the time he was hit.  If he was and was crossing with the signal, it’s possible that the driver of the BMW was negligent in hitting him.  If he was not, the situation could come down to a percentage of negligence that would be assigned to each party depending on the facts of the case if a Florida personal injury lawsuit is filed.  Therefore, the case would fall under the Florida comparative negligence standard and any recovery by the plaintiff would be apportioned against his share of fault.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a Florida pedestrian accident, you need the help of Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers who have been successfully fighting for the rights of injured clients in Florida comparative negligence cases for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today at 1-800-429-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Some Florida car accidents involve situations where violent collisions explode into disaster.  Others can result from what seems like a minor problem, even though the results of that minor problem prove to be devastating.  Tragically, a man from Weston lost his life in a fatal Florida car accident last night after his vehicle bumped into a tractor-trailer, setting off a truly gruesome chain of events.

According to police, this Florida car accident occurred just before 4 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-75 at the Weston Road overpass.  The driver of a Corvette, 41-year-old Robert J. Kenney, made contact with the left side of a tractor-trailer that was being driven by James Gatlin, 63, of Homestead, on the overpass.  As a result of this contact, the Corvette was thrown into the path of a second tractor-trailer that was being driven by Pedro Diaz, 39, of Hialeah.  The second tractor-trailer collided with the vehicle and came to rest on top of the Corvette, and Mr. Kenney was killed at the scene.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Kenney.  To lose a life in such a sudden and violent manner will be a result that’s very difficult for those close to him to accept.  Secondly, this Florida car accident will now become part of the statistical body concerning these events.  Every year, approximately 200,000 people are injured and 3,000 people are killed in Florida car accidents.

Florida Car Accident Lawyers

If the family of Mr. Kenney decides to look into the possibility of filing a Florida wrongful death lawsuit, the legal analysis that’s done to decide whether pursuing such a claim is advisable would likely center on what led to the initial contact with the first tractor-trailer.  If that contact was the result of a mistake made by the driver of the tractor-trailer, it’s possible that filing such a suit would be a step worth taking.  If Mr. Kenney initiated the contact, it may not lead to a positive result.

If you have lost someone you love because of the negligence of another driver, you need to seek the help of Florida car accident lawyers who have been holding those responsible for these tragic losses accountable for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.