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Parking Lot Car Accidents Whether you are a pedestrian or a driver, parking lots can be an especially dangerous place mainly due to increased traffic congestion. Often, pedestrians and drivers are lulled into a false sense of security, because the pace of traffic is much slower than on the roads. Accident Statistics There are several statistics that illustrate the seriousness of parking lot accidents. 1 out of 5 motor vehicle crashes take place in a parking lot 14% of all automobile insurance claims involving damage to a vehicle take place in parking lots On average, there are 206 fatalities/year One quarter of all parking lot accidents involve vehicles travelling in reverse How to Avoid Parking Lot Accidents Abide by signage such as stop signs or speed limit signs Use headlights and park in well lit areas Avoid traffic congestion – parking further away from your destination will reduce the likelihood you are involved in a collision Avoid distractions such as phone usage What to Do If You’re In A Crash Parking lot accidents can be tricky to navigate because oftentimes these are relatively minor compared to an accident on a road or highway. According to the InsuranceHotline.com you should treat this type of crash as if it were any other vehicle accident. The Insurance Hotline offers these recommendations: If possible, move your vehicle out of the way Check vehicle occupants for injuries – Call 9-1-1 if necessary If you feel safe to do so check on the safety of the occupant(s) of the other vehicle Report the accident to authorities – when in doubt it is better to be safe than sorry Contact your insurance company to report the accident Who to Call If Injured In an Accident Accidents can happen anytime. While many of these accidents are minor, the consequences can linger. From minor injuries to fatalities or even financial loss, it is important to seek qualified legal counsel to assist you. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz have over 5 decades of legal experience to serve you. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.

Passenger Injury or Death in a Single Car Accident Almost twenty percent of all car accidents with fatalities only involve one vehicle according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). When this happens, the driver in these accidents is almost always considered at fault. Passengers in this situation may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, or other expenses incurred. An attorney in Southwest Florida who specializes in car crashes and liability can help you understand your rights. Avoiding Single Car Accidents as a Passenger As a passenger in a vehicle, there are some things you can do to help avoid accidents. First, make sure it is safe for the driver to be on the roads. If the driver is intoxicated or exhausted you are allowing everyone to be put at risk. Second, do not distract the driver or allow the driver to become distracted. As a passenger, you can demand a driver not interact with electronic devices while driving. Finally, be observant of the road and your surroundings. Many accidents happen at night and in poor weather. Help the driver recognize hazards on the road. By taking a pro-active approach to being a passenger, you can make a difference. While nobody likes being in any kind of an accident, single car accidents can be especially frustrating. Most likely as a driver, the insurance company is going to blame you. Many times if the driver would have been driving more carefully, these types of accidents could have been avoided. It is understandable placing the blame on the driver although this is not always fair. Regardless of how fair it is to blame the driver, as a passenger you need to know your rights. Know Your Rights as a Passenger in Someone Else’s Car As a passenger in a single car accident in Southwest Florida, you need to understand if you are insured under the policy of the driver involved in the single-car crash. Typically, people related to the driver would be considered insured under their policy. If you are not insured under the policy of the driver, you may be able to make a third party insurance claim. This type of claim will allow you to pursue compensation from the driver’s insurance company. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over five decades of experience with personal injury cases. The legal firm has six offices located in Southwest Florida. Our offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers (two offices to serve you), Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh, and Port Charlotte. Call us today to set up your appointment for a free consultation. Justice Starts Now.

The team of Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz was proud to support Rev it Up Bike Night at the Shell Factory on Jan. 16. Food specials and Happy Hour benefited Shell Factory’s nature park foundation, and our team was on hand to answer questions about motorcycle law and safety. As experienced trial lawyers, Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz assist clients who have suffered injuries or losses as a result of a motorcycle injury. We seek all sources of compensation available to our clients such as medical expenses, loss of wages, rehabilitation and other possible long-term expenses in order to help them make a full financial recovery. Proud to Support Rev It Up Bike Night Join us at the next bike night at the Shell Factory on March 19, we’d love to meet you! And we’ve got water bottles, grocery bags, highlighters, pens, chip clips, magnetic clips, lip balm and keychains to share.

RV Accident in Southwest Florida Many people come to Florida to enjoy our beautiful weather and scenic surroundings.  A recreational vehicle is a popular way to explore the beauty of nature without giving up the comforts of home.  RV usage is expected to reach an all-time high in 2017, per the Recreational Vehicle Association.  This increased usage of RVs naturally leads to a rise in accidents involving RVs.  Here are some things to consider if you are the victim of an RV accident. Cause of Motor Home Accidents / RV Accidents RVs are unique types of vehicles that many people are not familiar with.  In many cases, there is no extra license requirement or training necessary to operate a motorhome or tow an RV.  According to Geico, here are some of the common causes of RV accidents. Tire Blowouts: Overloading, under inflated or old tires Clearance and Height driving mistakes: RVs hitting bridges and gas station overhangs Overloading: Uneven weight can cause restricted braking and steering Type of RVs / Motorhomes on Florida Roads RVs fall into two main categories.  The first category is the motorhome, these are the vehicles you see that may look like a bus or a truck with a built-in camper.  The other category is towable, these are trailers that have living quarters.  Different RVs have different insurance coverage requirements. Motor Home Insurance / RV Insurance in an Automobile Accident In many ways, motorhome insurance works the same as the insurance for your personal vehicle.  Motorhome insurance policies have limits to how much the policy will pay.  Towable RVs are covered under the policy of the vehicle towing the RV.  As the victim of an RV accident, it is important to understand how policy limits affect you. Who to Call If You’re Involved in a Car Accident with an RV (Motorhome) in Florida When you are the victim of an RV accident it is important to know your rights.  The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz have over 5 decades of experience with personal injury cases. We have six offices located in Southwest Florida. Our offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers (two offices to serve you), Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh and Port Charlotte. Call us today to set up your appointment for a free consultation.

It’s critical to minimize school bus accidents by following key safety rules. With the 2017-2018 school year in full swing, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is reminding all motorists to be alert while on the roadways, as they will be shared with school buses filled with children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of 18 school-aged children die each year in school transportation-related crashes, with an average of six of those children being school transportation vehicle occupants. Recent School Bus Accidents August 2017, Jefferson County Missouri – A school bus from Fox C-6 School District was involved in an accident. The school bus was occupied and fortunately, no one on the bus appeared to be hurt. There are no reports on the cause of the accident. August 2017, Calumet Township Indiana – A school bus was struck after the driver of a Honda Civic allegedly disregarded stopping at a stop sign and struck the school bus. The school bus was occupied by 3 students and 2 school employees. Luckily none of these occupants were injured, however, the driver of the Honda Civic had two passengers in the vehicle. One passenger, a 6-year-old child, died from blunt force trauma injuries resulting from the crash, the other, also a juvenile, was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle was allegedly found to be driving on a suspended license and investigations show that alcohol, traffic offenses, and speed contributed to the crash. Share the Road with School Buses Hearing about school bus accidents is frightening for any parent of school-aged children. Studies show that school buses are the safest mode of transportation for getting children back and forth to school. School buses are big, bright yellow and are designed for safety. However, even with these safety features in place, school bus accidents still occur. Learning how to share the roads with school buses can help to reduce the number of crashes involving school transportation vehicles. Here Are a Few Tips on Avoiding School Bus Accidents: Always be alert around school buses, children are often unpredictable All traffic must stop if the stop arm is extended and the yellow or red lights on the bus are flashing When stopping for a bus, always allow enough space for children to enter and exit the bus safely Never pass a bus from behind when it is stopped to load or unload children If you need an attorney because you or your child were hurt Any motor vehicle accident is tragic, but when accidents involve school buses and children, no words can describe how these crashes affect the families and communities of all involved. If someone you know has been the victim of a school bus accident, the attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz are here to fight for you. We have over 50 years of experience with personal injury cases involving motor vehicle crashes. We have six offices to serve you. Our locations are in Fort Myers (2 offices to serve you), Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres, and Port Charlotte. Call us to set up your appointment for a free consultation.

Small Plane Accidents Most of us have been comforted by the aphorism “it is more dangerous to ride in a car than fly in a plane” to curb anxiety about flying. However, aircraft not associated with commercial air, such as private planes, helicopters, and even hot-air balloons, have a much higher rate of accident and injury than the giant jet liners. These assorted small aircraft are all in the category of general aviation. In the year 2015, there were 123 general aviation accidents in the United States, 17 of those were fatal, resulting in a total of 28 fatalities. On March 9, 2015, one of these accidents occurred in Fort Myers. Gregory Piehl was flying his 85-year-old mother Donna in a recently purchased private plane and crash-landed in a parking lot on the corner of Colonial Blvd and US 41, unable to reach the landing space at Page Field. Unfortunately, the injuries sustained by Donna Piehl in the crash resulted in her death. In December, a National Transportation Safety Board report concluded that the crash was a result of pilot error leading to an engine failure. Causes of Florida Small Plane Accidents The accident in Fort Myers was an example of the FAA’s leading cause of small aircraft accidents: loss of control in-flight. Some of the other causes the FAA lists include: Low altitude operations Loss of fuel or low-quality fuel Weather Midair collisions System component failure Negligence of Air Traffic Controllers Structural or design problems While the rate of general aviation accidents has declined over the years, the bottom line is smaller aircraft designs and the variety of experience in pilot training lead to accidents that can result in the injury or death of those aboard or even on the ground. Sometimes, these accidents are the result of negligible acts on the part of the pilot or owner of the aircraft. It is important to know your rights when involved in a general aviation accident. Who to Call If You Have Small Plane Accidents If you or someone you know has suffered from an injury sustained in small plane accidents, it is important to seek legal counsel to get the justice you deserve. The knowledgeable attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 50 years of legal experience in dealing with personal injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Florida’s year-round subtropical climate provides a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts, increasing the number of motorcycle accidents. According to the Motley Fool, in 2015, Florida was the second leading state in motorcycle sales with 41,720 new motorcycle sales. Motorcycles, even when wearing a helmet can be extremely dangerous or even fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “motorcyclist deaths occurred 27 times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles, based on 2014 fatal crash data.” Motorcycle Accident Statistics According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute in 2015: 4,693 motorcyclists died in crashes; 91% were male and 61% were wearing a helmet Drivers operating without a valid driver’s license accounted for 27% motorcycle driver fatalities 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in 2015 from motorcycle accidents Motorcycle Safety Tips The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers several tips for motorcycle operators: Share the road – All vehicle operators should be aware of the challenges motorcyclists face such as the size and visibility of a motorcycle; road awareness by all drivers increases safety Cycle Safety – obtain proper licensing, practice driving your motorcycle before you attempt to navigate roads with traffic, ensure your motorcycle is working properly On the Road – always wear a helmet, avoid unnecessary risks, don’t consume alcohol or drugs Additionally, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention “The single most effective way for states to save lives and save money is a universal helmet law.” Helmets reduce fatalities by 37%. Motorcycle safety is a very important issue. Wearing a helmet, driving safely, and avoiding drugs and alcohol can help reduce the risks associated with motorcycles. If you are in the unfortunate circumstance of being involved in a motorcycle accident it is important to seek qualified legal counsel. Who to Call if injured in a motorcycle accident in Southwest Florida The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 50 years of experience dealing with car and motorcycle accidents. With six offices located throughout Southwest ,Florida we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Head-On Automobile Accidents Between 2014 and 2015 Florida had a 17.8% increase in automobile fatalities according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). One of the most deadly forms of automobile accidents is the head-on collision. Head on collisions between two vehicles are almost always the result of human error. Unfortunately, many times the victims of these accidents are unable to avoid the collision. Research can help show you ways to reduce your chances of being involved in this type of accident. Cause of Head-On Collisions in Florida Head-on collisions are almost always preventable. The vast majority of head-on collisions are the direct result of a vehicle involving lane departure; put simply, a vehicle did not stay in their lane. The reasons for lane departure are pretty common: Intoxication Distraction Drowsy Driving Another cause of head-on collisions are wrong-way drivers. Occasionally people make wrong turns onto roadways and drive in the wrong direction. While not frequent, the results can be deadly. Rural vs Urban Head-On Car Accidents Where do most fatal head-on accidents occur? The overwhelming evidence points to rural roads being more likely than urban roads to have a fatal head-on collision. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) nearly twice as many fatal rural accidents involve head-on collisions, compared to fatal urban accidents. The same study points out that fatal rural accidents are on the rise, while fatal urban accidents are declining. How to avoid head-on collisions in Southwest Florida As a, driver it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and remain alert for possible danger. Driving a car equipped with a lane-departure system can help reduce head on collisions. Avoiding rural roads when possible can help reduce the chance you are involved in a head-on collision. Try to drive on roads that have protective barriers installed that prevent vehicles traveling in the opposite direction from crossing over into your lane. What to do if you are involved in a head-on collision If you are the victim of a head on collision it is important you get the help you need. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 5 decades of experience with personal injury cases. We have six offices located in Southwest Florida. Our offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers (two offices to serve you), Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh, and Port Charlotte. Call us today to set up your appointment for a free consultation. Justice Starts Now.