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.

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.

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.

People travel in groups by van for several reasons, and the obvious logic behind this form of transportation is to save fuel and to keep people safe from the dangers that are always present on the highway.  Tragically, one woman lost her life and 15 others were injured when a church van overturned on Florida’s Turnpike.  Police are still investigating the accident, but they described a gruesome scene.

The latest fatal Florida car accident took place on Saturday at approximately 8 p.m. when the driver of the van carrying 16 people lost control of the vehicle for some reason.  The incident took place 8 miles north of Yeehaw Junction on Florida’s Turnpike in southern Osceola County.  After the driver lost control of the vehicle, the van spun towards the middle of the road, overturned and ultimately came to rest after crashing into a guardrail.  68-year-old Paulette Noel of Pompano Beach was partially ejected from the van and killed at the scene.  15 other people were injured, and three of them suffered what were described as serious injuries.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Noel.  Losing a life in such a sudden and violent manner is truly a shocking tragedy, and we hope that the church community around those close to her comes together to support them through this difficult time.  In addition, this fatal Florida van accident will only add to the overall statistics regarding Florida car accidents.  Every year, 200,000 people are injured and another 3,000 people are killed in these occurrences.

Florida Wrongful Death Lawyers

While more would need to be revealed regarding how and why the driver lost control of the van, it could be possible for the family of Ms. Noel to pursue a Florida wrongful death lawsuit.  If such a claim was successful, the family could be awarded damages for medical, funeral and burial costs as well as lost income and loss of companionship.  However, these determinations should only be made with the help of Florida wrongful death lawyers who have been holding those responsible for these tragic losses accountable for years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Car accidents can occur at any time and in any place, and all it takes is one second of a lapse in judgment or attention for disaster to result.  Unfortunately, there are times when something goes wrong that does not just lead to financial damages and injuries, but to a loss of life.  Tragically, this could be what occurred with a Miramar car accident that took the life of a Sunrise woman Tuesday.

According to police, the latest fatal Florida car accident took place just before 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening in the 2900 block of Southwest 145th Ave.  The woman who was killed has been identified as Sara Brockwell, 83.  The only details of the collision that are available at this time are that there was a collision between Ms. Brockwell and another motorist, and that the other motorist suffered what is described as minor injuries.  Police are continuing to investigate the accident in an attempt to identify a cause.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Brockwell.  While no one can identify what led to the crash at this point, the end result is one that will certainly be met with shock and deep sadness by those who were close to her.  In addition, this incident will only add to the statistics regarding Florida car accidents.  Every year, approximately 250,000 such accidents take place, injuring 200,000 and killing another 3,000 people.

Miami Car Accident Lawyers

While it’s clear that more facts need to be uncovered before any assignment of fault can be made, if it turns out that the other driver was at fault for this Florida car accident, it’s possible that the family of Ms. Brockwell could file a Florida wrongful death lawsuit.  If successful, damages could be awarded for several real and intangible forms of loss incurred by those who love her.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by another driver in a Florida car accident, you need to seek the help of Miami car accident lawyers who have a long history of holding those responsible for these incidents accountable.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

When we see a police cruiser speeding down the road with its lights on and sirens blaring, most of us pull off to the side of the road and give it clear passage.  We do so because it’s expected of us and because we all assume that the cruiser is headed to a destination to conduct important police business that involves our collective safety and protection.  Tragically, it seems that the start of a vehicular homicide trial for a former police officer shows that there are certain times when even the police can be accused of reckless behavior that leads to substantial, irreversible harm.

The criminal trial centers on a fatal Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident that occurred on June 19, 2006 when former police officer Alexander Griss was speeding at a rate of more than 90 miles per hour when he crashed into Althea Tobias McKay.  Ms. McKay was crossing the street at Southeast 21st Street and Federal Highway at about 5:21 a.m.  As a result of the collision, Ms. McKay was thrown 112 feet from the point of impact and was killed as a result.

Prosecutors are alleging that the officer was not responding to an emergency at the time, but rather he had just completed his duty for the day.  He has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and the trial for his prosecution is beginning.  If convicted, Mr. Griss faces up to 15 years in prison.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Unfortunately, no amount of prison time will ever reverse the result of this fatal Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident for the family of Ms. McKay.  In addition, incidents like this one wind up becoming part of the statistics that record Florida pedestrian accidents.  Every year, more than 8,000 Florida pedestrian accidents occur, injuring approximately 7,800 people and killing another 500.

Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyers

Even though it’s not clear whether or not the family of Ms. McKay ever filed a Florida wrongful death lawsuit, it would possibly be too late for them to do so now since the Florida statute of limitations for such actions is two years from the date of the incident.  However, this case should alert anyone that such actions are possible regardless of the person who is responsible for the death that occurred.

If you have lost someone you love because of the negligence or recklessness of someone else - even if it was a police officer whom you believe was in the wrong - you need to seek the advice and the help of Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyers who understand the nature of these situations and who can fight to obtain justice for your suffering family.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Many people make economical choices for transportation for many reasons, and one popular choice is that of a scooter.  Scooters are small, can generally reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and are convenient for local transportation because of their very low fuel costs.  However, scooters also leave those who drive them completely exposed to harm from larger vehicles.  Tragically, the driver of a scooter was killed last night in a Fort Lauderdale auto accident.

The accident took place just before 8:30 p.m. last night near the intersection of Davie Boulevard and Southeast Third Avenue.  According to police, the driver of a 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee was making a left turn onto Southeast Third Avenue and collided with the westbound scooter that was moving down Davie Boulevard.  The scooter driver, whose identity is being withheld until the family can be notified, was rushed to Broward General Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Florida Auto Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of the person on the scooter who was killed.  Receiving that sort of tragic news from police is about the worst thing anyone can experience, and we hope that those who knew this person are able to come together and to work through their grief.  In addition, this Fort Lauderdale auto accident will only add to the statistics regarding Florida auto accident statistics.  Every year, approximately 250,ooo such crashes occur, leading to 200,000 injuries and almost 3,000 fatalities.

Fort Lauderdale Auto Accident Lawyers

No indication was given at this point as to which driver was at fault for the accident.  If it turns out that the scooter had the right of way and that the Jeep turned left in a negligent manner, the family of the scooter driver could potentially bring a Florida wrongful death lawsuit.  If such a claim was successful, damages could be awarded for funeral, burial and medical expenses as well as lost income and other forms of compensation.

However, these determinations need to be made with professional help.  If you have lost someone you love in a collision, you need the help of Fort Lauderdale auto accident lawyers who have spent years obtaining justice for suffering families.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Driving on the highway may seem simple and instinctive to those who use these roads regularly, but the truth of the matter is that there are several particularities that must be remembered in order for everyone to remain as safe as possible.  Tragically, one man lost his life yesterday when at least one if not both drivers involved in a fatal Southwest Ranches auto accident seemed to forget a few basic highway norms.

The latest fatal Florida auto accident occurred at approximately 6 a.m. in the southbound lanes of U.S. 27 near Griffin Road in Southwest Ranches.  The man who was killed, Kenneth Duckworth, 69, was driving his Toyota in the left lane of the highway at what was described as a slow rate of speed.  Unfortunately, Duckworth was rear-ended by a Ford pickup truck being driven by 28-year-old Christian Mantiel.  The impact sent Duckworth’s vehicle skidding off of the road, where it ultimately stopped moving in a grassy area.  Mr. Duckworth did not survive the crash.

Florida Auto Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Duckworth.  Losing someone so suddenly is truly tragic, and unfortunately this latest fatal Florida auto accident will only add to the statistics regarding auto accidents in Florida overall.  Every year, almost 200,000 people are injured and almost 3,000 people are killed in Florida auto accidents, and that number has remained steady for some time.

Florida Auto Accident Lawyers

If the family of Mr. Duckworth decide to file a Florida wrongful death lawsuit, such a case could come down to an analysis of Florida’s comparative negligence standard.  While Mr. Mantiel could be at fault for rear-ending another vehicle, the slow driving in the passing lane by Mr. Duckworth could have an effect on a court’s ultimate decision in a case.  If the case went to a jury, any damages awarded to the family of Mr. Duckworth would be reduced by the percentage that the jury found Mr. Duckworth to be at fault.

All of this should tell anyone who has lost someone they love on the roads to seek the help of Florida wrongful death lawyers who have years of experience in fighting successfully for the rights of their clients in these comparative negligence situations.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Motorcycles are exhilarating vehicles to drive, as their performance capabilities continue to improve with time.  While these vehicles can be extremely fun and even economical, combining their speed and the danger they present with teen-aged drivers can be a volatile mix.  Tragically, this mix led to the death of a young person over the weekend who was killed in a fatal Coral Springs motorcycle accident.

The accident took place on Saturday at approximately 11:30 a.m. Michael Ferraz Lanzoni, 17, a resident of West Palm Beach, was driving his motorcycle in an eastbound direction near the 9000 block of Wiles Road in Coral Springs.  Andrea Baigorria, 21, was driving her 2005 Ford Escape and was attempting to turn left from the westbound lanes of the road.  The motorcycle struck the SUV and Lanzoni was thrown from his motorcycle.  He was killed at the scene.

According to authorities, Lanzoni was wearing a helmet and was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the crash according to witness accounts.  No word was given regarding the assignment of fault in the crash, and the police stated that an investigation was ongoing in order to come to that conclusion.  It simply appears that Baigorria misjudged the speed of the motorcycle before making her turn, but the investigation will likely come down to how fast the motorcycle was moving at the time.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Lanzoni family.  To lose someone so suddenly at only 17 years of age is truly tragic, and we hope that the family is somehow able to come together and overcome what is certainly an overwhelming amount of shock and grief.

Unfortunately, the latest fatal Florida motorcycle accident will also become part of the table of statistics regarding these incidents in the state.  In 2008 alone, there were almost 10,000 Florida motorcycle accidents, leading to more than 9,000 injuries and more than 500 fatalities.

Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have lost someone you love in a Florida motorcycle accident and the other driver was negligent, you could have legal options that include recovering damages for funeral and burial expenses, medical costs, lost income and loss of companionship, but you’ll need the help of Florida motorcycle accident lawyers who understand how to successfully fight for the families of those lost.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.