Many of us have run out of gas in our vehicles at one point or another.  Those of us who have understand the process of trudging from the disabled vehicle to the nearest fuel station and then back with a can of fuel so that the vehicle can proceed to that station for a full tank.  While this is certainly an annoying process, many people do not consider the dangers involved.

Unfortunately, a teenager in Lake Worth found out just how dangerous moving as a pedestrian along the side of the road can be last night when he was struck by a truck while walking back to his car with a container of gasoline.  The accident occurred at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Hypoluxo Road, and authorities have stated that the victim did not suffer from life-threatening injuries.

Florida Pedestrian Accidents

While it’s certainly fortunate that the victim is likely to recover from this accident, what’s unfortunate is the high number of Florida pedestrian accidents that occur on a regular basis.  Every year, Florida pedestrian accidents claim the lives of approximately 500 people and lead to injuries to approximately 7,500.  There are many reasons for this troubling set of statistics, but those behind the wheel of vehicles simply need to be more aware of those on foot in general.

Injuries to Pedestrians

In terms of the accident at issue here, the boy had actually obtained a ride from a friend to the gas station and was being driven back when he asked to be dropped off so he could walk the rest of the way.  The accident occurred at around 9 p.m., so darkness or a lack of visibility could have been a reason that this accident occurred.  However, it appears that no conclusions have been drawn, as police indicated that they are not yet sure if any criminal charges will be filed.

Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer

Regardless of the specifics of the case, anyone who has been injured in a Florida pedestrian accident needs to seek the immediate help of a Florida personal injury lawyer who has years of experience in successfully fighting for the rights of those injured.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Pedestrians always encounter some sort of risk when they deal with nearby traffic.  Unfortunately, it seems that Las Olas Boulevard has been more dangerous than other places recently.  We posted just a few weeks ago in regards to pedestrians who were struck by a hit-and-run driver on this road, and now comes word that yet another pedestrian was hit and seriously injured by a vehicle there.  This time, however, the driver remained on the scene.

According to the Sun-Sentinel:

“A pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by a pickup truck while he was crossing Las Olas Boulevard early Wednesday afternoon, police and witnesses said.

The pedestrian, a man who appeared to be in his 40s or 50s, was crossing the street at Southeast Second Avenue when he was struck by a burgundy GMC pickup that was attempting to turn onto westbound Las Olas.

One witness, Landon Hulett, said the pedestrian hurt his head as he struck the ground, lost consciousness, but was still breathing.

The pedestrian was taken to Broward General Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition, police said.”

The investigation into the accident is just beginning, and fault will likely turn on whether the pedestrian was crossing the street legally.  If you or someone you love has been harmed in any sort of collision, you need the help of Florida personal injury lawyers who have the experience necessary to identify fault in an accident and to hold those responsible for harm caused accountable.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Large vehicle drivers have a job that’s sometimes difficult, but they are also generally highly trained and are expected to avoid the mistakes that are common with those who do not receive such training.  The reason is quite clear - large tractor trailers can cause devastating damage if such mistakes are made, and tragically, a Fort Lauderdale woman paid with her life as a result of a misstep made by a truck driver in March.  Now comes word that the truck driver has received sanctions for the incident.

According to the Sun-Sentinel:

“A tractor trailer driver was fined $1,000 for an interstate crash that killed a Fort Lauderdale woman in March, authorities said.

Tracy Fiffia, 42, of Madison, Fla., was fined for making an improper lane change while driving the trailer March 9 on southbound Interstate 95, near Broward Boulevard, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Sharon Braun, 58, of Fort Lauderdale, was killed after Fiffia changed lanes and hit the car she was riding in, FHP spokesman Sgt. Mark Wysocky said. The car then hit another car, veered off the roadway and flipped over.”

The article goes on to state that the driver also lost driving privileges for a period of eight months and was also ordered to complete 120 hours of community service at a trauma hospital.  While it appears that there was no intent present in the accident, that does not mean that those responsible for traffic deaths should not face civil liability.  If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision, you need the help of Fort Lauderdale truck accidents lawyers who understand how to hold those responsible for these tragedies accountable.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Intersections are areas of roads that almost seem to invite problems, and when crashes at intersections occur, the results can be devastating. Fortunately, no one was killed in a horrific crash in Oakland Park, but eight people were injured. The crash occurred this afternoon, and rescue teams from several communities, including Fort Lauderdale, were called in to respond to the incident.

According to the Sun-Sentinel:

“Eight people, including a baby and three children, were taken to the hospital after a compact car and a pickup truck collided at an intersection, according to Oakland Park Fire Rescue.

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles said the baby, in a car seat, was ejected from the car and another child was trapped in the back seat after the accident, which was reported between 4:20 and 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of North Andrews Avenue and Northeast 56th Street.

Rescue workers had to use hydraulic tools to remove that trapped child and the car’s driver. The infant, the trapped child and the driver were all in serious to critical condition, Jachles said.

An adult female passenger and two other children in the car suffered minor injuries.

The driver and passenger of the pickup suffered injuries that are not life threatening, Jachles said.”

Authorities stated that the cause of the accident was still under investigation, but almost regardless of who winds up at fault, there will likely be civil liability issues that arise. If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, you need to contact Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys who have the experience to properly fight for your rights. Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today, as the firm has been doing just that for injured clients for more than 20 years.

A man was run over by a dump truck this week and remains in critical condition after being rescued by local fire rescue teams. Airsteed Bell was moving cones behind the dump truck when he was run over and trapped under the rear tires for what seems to be a lengthy amount of time. He was ultimately freed, but his life remains in the balance.

According to a report filed by the Miami Herald:

“Bell was walking south in the 2300 block of U.S. 1 about 9:30 p.m. when he was struck by a reversing dump truck with a bed full of asphalt, police spokesman Sgt. Frank Sousa said.

According to Sousa, the center and left lanes of the northbound side of the busy street were blocked off for construction and repaving of the roadway at the time of the accident.

Sousa said Bell was walking south in the center lane and was moving cones around for trucks to move into the lane when a dump truck operated by Alexis Martin of Hialeah began to reverse in order to unload a bed of asphalt.”

Ft. Lauderdale police are still investigating the incident, and it could be some time before the cause and nature of the situaiton is ascertained. Regardless, if you have been injured in an accident that you believe was not your fault, you will need the help of a Ft. Lauderdale accident lawyer so that you can concentrate on your recovery. Contact the South Florida law firm of Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.