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What’s Text? National Teen Driver Safety Week 2019 Some feel that texting while driving is the new drunk driving for a generation used to always having a cell phone in their hands. While about one quarter of fatal teen car accidents involve underage drinking and driving, texting while driving is six times more likely to cause a car accident than drunk driving. During What’s Text? National Teen Driver Safety Week on Oct. 20-26, it’s important to remember that car crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths. Teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes, mainly because of their immaturity, lack of skills and lack of driving experience. Add to that distracted driving and you get 1,830 drivers age 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes in 2017, the leading cause of death in that age group. Here are just a few statistics showing why texting and driving are a lethal combination, for drivers of any age: Using a cell phone while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free device, delays a driver’s reaction time by as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08%. Research has found that dialing a phone number while driving increases your teen’s risk of crashing by six times, and texting while driving increases the risk by 23 times. It takes approximately 4.6 seconds to read or send a text message. At 70 mph, that’s like driving the distance of 1 ½ football fields with your eyes closed. Texting while driving increases by 400% a driver’s time spent with their eyes off the road. 4,637 people died in car crashes in 2018 due to cell phone use. Including the cost to people’s lives, these crashes were responsible for $129 billion — or 15 percent — of the overall societal damage caused by motor vehicle crashes. Cell phone use behind the wheel reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent. High school students who reported frequent texting while driving were less likely to wear a seat belt, more likely to ride with a driver who had been drinking alcohol, and more likely to drink and drive. But teen drivers distracted by their cell phones isn’t entirely the fault of the teen. Studies have shown teens receive the most calls from their parents when driving, more than general calling patterns would suggest. And 72 percent of teens say they feel pressured to respond immediately to texts, notifications and social media messaging, even while driving and even though they know it’s dangerous. Here are some tips for parents to have a role in helping teens develop good driving habits. Talk to your teenager about how you feel and the possible consequences of texting and driving. Lead by example. Show your teens you can drive without texting or using your cell phone. Make a practice of putting your phone completely from view when driving. Avoid calling your teen while they are driving. Ask your teen to call you before leaving one place and after arrival at the next destination. Encourage your teen to use an app to block incoming texts or calls. Some apps will even send an auto response back, letting the sender know you are driving. Texting while driving is not only dangerous, it can be expensive. States and insurance companies have stepped up with penalties for texting while driving. Insurance penalties for distracted driving have grown by nearly 8,000%, in addition to already high insurance rates for teen drivers. Only three states (Arizona, Missouri and Montana) do not have texting and driving laws, with penalties for ranging from $20 to up to $500, and some resulting in criminal misdemeanor charges. What’s Text? National Teen Driver Safety Week While no one ever expects a car accident to happen to them, accidents do occur. Teaching your teen safe driving habits is important for the safety of your teen, passengers and other drivers. If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash due to the negligence of another driver, seek advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte, attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz can be reached by calling 239-500-HURT.

Driving in Southwest Florida Storms Southwest Florida has a tropical climate with short, warm winters, and lengthy hot, humid summers. Because of the heat and humidity, Southwest Florida is known to produce frequent storms, waterspouts and even hurricanes. Driving in storms is sometimes unavoidable, therefore it is imperative drivers know and understand the additional risks and safety measures of driving in heavy winds or rain. Storm Winds While winds may not seem like a major concern on the roads, a strong gust of wind should not be taken lightly. The following tips will help drivers manage the additional risks strong winds bring. Anticipate gusts. Be informed on the weather forecast if high winds are possible. Also, be aware of areas prone to high wind such as open areas, overpasses, tunnels and mountainous areas. Be alert to large vehicles. Larger vehicles such as tractor trailers and RVs can swerve or veer off course due to strong wind gusts. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Larger vehicles will be blown off course more easily however in high winds all drivers should have a firm grip on the steering wheel. Rain Storms Rain storms are an additional danger of the road because visibility is reduced and hydroplaning can occur. To help increase your safety in the rain, drivers should follow the following tips. Take your time. Driving slowly reduces the risks of hydroplaning. Drivers should also be aware that when rain first begins it is extra slippery from the oils on the road. Turn your lights on. Florida’s laws require drivers to have their headlights on when it’s raining. Give other vehicles more space. This will allow you more time to stop and more time for those behind you to stop. While driving in high winds and rain present additional challenges on the roads, the safety tips above will help ensure your trip is as safe possible. Accidents do happen, however. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, it is important to know who to call. Who to Call The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have decades of experience in personal injury law. Our offices in Southwest Florida are conveniently located in Fort Myers (2 offices), Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

#SaturationSaturday As part of ongoing support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and DUI prevention, Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz was honored to provide the briefing dinner for #SaturationSaturday Aug. 24, an event organized by MADD Southwest Florida that included the Cape Coral Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Fort Myers Police Department and the Sanibel Police Department. The operation was a saturation patrol, focusing on identifying and taking impaired drivers off the road as well as targeting areas with traffic issues that cause crashes. #SaturationSaturday on Aug. 24 resulted in statewide DUI prevention activities by more than 60 law enforcement agencies. Launched by MADD, the first Saturation Saturday was held in Missouri in 2016 as a night of increased law enforcement patrols and sobriety checkpoints designed to reduce incidents of drunk or drugged driving. It coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which runs from Aug. 14 through Sept. 2. One of the cornerstones of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving is increased, high-visibility law enforcement to both catch drunk drivers and to deter others by sending a strong message that if you drive drunk, you will get caught. In addition to supporting sobriety checkpoints throughout the year, the firm is presenting sponsor for Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Walk Like MADD 5K walk and run that raises money to ensure no one in our community suffers from the impacts of impaired drivers. Walk like MADD will be at JetBlue Park at Fenway South Sept. 28. CLICK HERE for information or to sign up to participate.

Driving with Children Driving with children can be a difficult task. In addition to regular parenting duties, drivers must also worry about the roadways, distractions and car safety. Consumer Reports has identified 6 tips for driving with children in the car. Buckle Up – Half of teenagers who died in car accidents weren’t wearing a seat belt. Seat belts have shown to have saved over 300,000 lives over the last 50 years. Know their place – Children under 12 years of age should always ride in the backseat. Additionally, small children should be secured in an approved child seat. Secure Gear – Any objects in the car can become projectiles in the event of an accident or harsh breaking. All object should be secure, heavy objects should be on the floor, and children should be buckled up. Use the Proper Car Seat – More often than not car seats are improperly installed. A local car seat technician can take a look if you are unsure if it is safe for driving with children. Don’t Text and Drive – Not only is texting and driving unsafe for everyone on the roads, it will teach your children bad habits. Never Leave Children Unattended – Children can suffer a heatstroke in a hot car. Additionally, children should not play around cars because drivers can suddenly back up and strike a child. Driving or traveling with children presents additional risks, however the above tips will help increase your odds of driving safely with children. Accidents happen every day however and it is important to know who to call in the event that you and your family are involved in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. Who to Call When Driving with Children The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz have over 50 years experience in personal injury law. Our 6 offices located in Southwest Florida are conveniently located in Fort Myers (2 offices), Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres, and Port Charlotte. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Pedestrian Accidents Involving Cars in Southwest Florida With each new year, millions of Americans will be taking to the road, not by means of a vehicle, but as pedestrians. Every year, Americans make New Year’s Resolutions. One of the most popular resolutions for many is to be more active and to get in shape. With the beautiful weather and mild winters in Southwest Florida, many Floridians and “Snow-Birds” will take to the road on their venture to better health. While walking, jogging or running may seem like a great, safe way to get active, there are some safety precautions to take when strolling along the roads in your community to avoid pedestrian accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2015, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States and nearly 129,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency room departments for non-fatal crash related injuries. While drivers carry a responsibility to pay attention to all of their surroundings while on the road, pedestrians equally share this responsibility while crossing the roads or walking on sidewalks. Laws for Pedestrians Sharing the Road with Vehicles Drivers of vehicles are not the only ones who have laws to follow, there are laws for pedestrians as well. Some of these laws include: Pedestrians must walk on the sidewalk, not the road when one is provided. Pedestrians must obey all traffic signals just like vehicle operators and only cross when the pedestrian light is green, provided they still look to make sure traffic has stopped. Pedestrians have the right of way on marked crosswalks but must still look to ensure that the road is safe to cross. Pedestrians may not stand on roadways paved for vehicle traffic to solicit employment, business or ride. These are just a few of the laws for pedestrians. Learn more about Pedestrian Laws Preventing Pedestrian Accidents Injuries Always walk on the sidewalk or a path. If a sidewalk is not available, then walk on the shoulder of the road facing the traffic. Always cross the street at designated crosswalks. If walking early in the morning or late in the evening, wear bright reflective clothing and carry a flashlight to increase your visibility when it gets dark. If your local park or recreation area has walking paths, take advantage of those areas for your daily walks and avoid venturing out near the roads and traffic altogether. If You Are Hit by a Car While Walking or on Your Bicycle If you or someone you know has been hit by a car as a pedestrian, it is important to seek advice from an attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents. Selecting an experienced attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have been helping clients for over 50 years. We provide a free consultation to discuss your case and determine what can be done to protect your rights. Call today to schedule your appointment.

Personal Injury Resulting from Lyft or Uber Accidents in Florida Throughout the year, many Americans depend on ride-sharing companies, like Uber and Lyft, to provide them a safe ride home. This has brought a marked rise in Lyft and Uber accidents in Southwest Florida. Since hailing a taxi cab has become a thing of the past, most people turn to their cellular devices and tap on apps. Uber and Lyft are ride sharing or ride-hailing services which have been offering transportation services to billions of people in the U.S. and worldwide. Uber Statistics Uber has 40 million monthly active riders (TechCrunch) Uber hit 2 billion rides in June 2016 (The Verge) Uber is in over 450 cities globally (Uber Newsroom) Uber is the most used taxi app in 108 countries (Advertising Age) Lyft Statistics Lyft has over 3 million active monthly riders (TechCrunch) Lyft is in over 300 cities globally (Lyft) 74% of Lyft riders also use Uber (The Verge) Complications of Florida Uber Accidents or Lyft Accidents Accidents which involve ride sharing or ride hailing companies can be legally complicated. Finding which insurance company will be responsible can be quite challenging. Does the driver of the ride sharing company have the proper insurance? Do Uber or Lyft bear responsibility for the action of their drivers? What happens if the Uber or Lyft driver were not at fault? When accidents involving ride sharing or ride hailing companies occur contacting an attorney can help you sort out the dilemma with the insurance companies. Who To Contact If You’re in an Accident While Using Uber or Lyft If you are a victim of a personal injury accident involving companies such as Uber or Lyft, the attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz can assist you. We can help untangle the insurance coverage situation to allow you time to focus on your recovery from the crash. Our team of experts have over 5 decades of experience in personal injury cases. Consultations are free. Call today to schedule your appointment. Justice Starts Now.

Boating Accidents from Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Boating accidents are common. Florida’s subtropical climate in the north and tropical climate in the south make it home to many boat enthusiasts. With ideal boating weather and water located on 3 sides and throughout the state, boaters can enjoy the luxury of year-round boating. Unfortunately, boating is oftentimes enjoyed with alcoholic beverages on hand. It is important that boaters be aware of the laws and dangers pertaining to Boating Under the Influence (BUI). Dangers of Boating Under the Influence A person boating under the influence is 10 times more likely to die than a sober boat operator (See Boating DUI Law below for Limits) 34% of fatal boat accidents are alcohol-related External conditions (motion, vibration, noise, sun, wind, spray) intensify alcohol affects Motor skills such as those used to drive a car (coordination, reaction time, judgement etc.) become diminished Boating DUI Law Illegal to operate Vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol Breath alcohol level of .08 or higher presumed under the influence (over 21 years old) Under 21 years old – .02 alcohol level or above is a violation of Florida Law BUI Penalties BUI Penalties can include but are not limited to: Suspension or Revocation of Driver’s License Fines Jail Probation Who to Call If you or someone you know are involved in a BUI or BUI accident it is important to seek experienced legal counsel. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz, have over 50 years experience in dealing with boating accidents due to a boat operator boating under the influence of alcohol, and other boating accident related offenses. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Do not ruin July 4 by drinking and driving! A rise in alcohol sales during lockdown and the pandemic could make July this year even deadlier for driving. During July, with July 4th being a key factor, more people die in drunk driving crashes than any other month, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Early May represented the strongest growth rate for alcohol sales since the “peak pantry-loading week” in late March, according to figures from market research firm Nielsen, which noted alcoholic beverage sales were up 55% as of the week of March 15-22 across the country. Spirit sales were up, too, and have soared to 75%, while beer sales saw a 66% jump and wine sales spiked to 42% when compared to this time last year. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) notes drunk driving is still the number one cause of death on our roadways. Every two minutes, someone is injured in a drunk driving crash, and every 51 minutes, someone is killed, with drunk driving impacting two out of three people in their lifetime. Do not ruin July 4 by drinking and driving. This is despite efforts to curtail drunk driving since 1980, when MADD was started by one mom whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver at her kitchen table. While the number of drunk driving fatalities has been cut in half since then, alcohol-related deaths remain the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Do Not Ruin July 4 By Drinking and Driving For the third year, Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz will be a presenting sponsor for Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Walk Like MADD 5K that raises money to fund free victim support and drunk driving prevention programs in Southwest Florida. This year’s Walk Like MADD Saturday, Sept. 26 will be virtual. Although virtual, the event will still offer amazing food (via coupons), finisher medals, 5K place medals and, in place of an event shirt, a custom neck gaiter. For information on supporting or joining the walk, click here. Walk Like MADD provides an outlet for those affected by drunk and drugged driving to channel their grief into hope and healing and gives communities the chance to surround and support those hurting by taking action to prevent others from suffering. MADD believes that drunk and drugged incidents are not accidents because they are the result of choice, not chance. Consider these statistics, provided by State Farm insurance – motivation so that you do not ruin July 4 by drinking and driving! Always choose a non-drinking designated driver — every time you go out. If you go out alone, do not drink alcohol. Order a non-alcoholic beverage such as a soft drink or water. Never feel pressured to drink alcohol. If you do plan on drinking, do so responsibly. Eat plenty of food and drink water. If you have been drinking, call a taxi or car-sharing service for a ride, like Uber or Lyft. Never get in a car with a driver who has been drinking. Protect others by taking their keys if they try to drive after consuming alcohol. They may be mad at you, but the alternative is much worse. Be careful on the road. Pull over and report drivers you suspect to be under the influence by calling 9-1-1. I have been been a team leader for Walk Like MADD and was named after a family member who was killed by a drunk driver. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to drunk driving, it is important to seek legal help. Our attorneys have over five decades of experience with personal injury cases.

Florida Car Accidents on Private Property Driving on private property happens more frequently than most people may realize. Most of the time that you park your car in a grocery store parking lot, you are on private property. In Florida, many neighborhoods have private roads. According to the Florida Highway Safety Car Accidents Crash Facts Report 15% of all accidents that involve property damage happen on private property. These car accidents can be more serious. On June 22nd, 2017 a woman was killed in an Englewood, Florida, parking lot after a car backed into her. Who is at fault in private property car accidents? Some people don’t realize that rules that apply to public property may not be the same on private property. In some cases, it may be difficult to get a police report for a car accident on private property. Even with a police report, the at-fault party may not be clearly established. In many of these cases getting crucial evidence from a property owner can be a challenge. Southwest Florida Property Owner Liability Improperly maintained private property may shift liability to the owner of the property. The following are examples of neglect on the part of a property owner. Missing stop signs Blind spots due to overgrown foliage or other conditions causing line of sight issues Missing direction signs Poorly maintained driving surface Liability may belong partially or entirely to the property owner. Property owner liability can create an extra wrinkle when determining the at-fault party in a private property car accident. Who to call if you’re the victim of a car accident on private property As the victim of a car accident on private ,property it is important to seek legal representation. Knowing your rights can help begin the recovery process. We have six offices in Southwest Florida. Our offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers (two offices to serve you), Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte. Call Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz today to schedule your appointment for a free consultation.

Recreational Vehicle and ATV Accidents in Southwest Florida In Florida, residents are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. Many Floridians choose to spend their free time riding All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) for pleasure. According to the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC), Florida had the 6th highest number of fatalities involving ATV accidents. We would like to help educate you on how to avoid this type of tragedy. If you are involved in an ATV accident, we are here to help. There Are Many Factors That Contribute to ATV Accidents Age of operator Type of ATV Speed of ATV Terrain Intoxication Helmets Passengers Age of Operator and Type of ATV The age of the operator and the type of ATV play a crucial role in many ATV accidents. Most of the ATVs you see today are 4-wheel, these are considered safer than 3 wheel ATVs. All ATVs are designed for specific age groups. When children operate an adult ATV they will have trouble controlling the ATV as well as face the added danger of riding on a faster and larger machine. Youth ATVs also have additional safety features to help keep children safe. These include smaller handlebars, larger brakes, and mirrors, and some include remote safety switches that an adult can operate. Dangerous Speeds of ATV aka All Terrain Vehicles ATVs are generally considered safer than a motorcycle when used at a low speed. However, like a motorcycle, an ATV provides little protection when involved in an accident. Rollover accidents involving ATVs can be especially dangerous, with many of these types of accidents involving serious injury or death. On steep or hilly terrain an ATV can be dangerous at any speed. This is due to the increased likelihood of a rollover accident. According to Consumer Affairs, people are using ATVs at high speed on paved roads, this is helping to contribute to a 10% increase in fatalities. Intoxication, Helmets, and Passengers Regarding ATV Safety and Accidents There are three things you should never do when operating an ATV. Never consume alcohol when operating an ATV. Alcohol will impair your judgment and increase your likelihood to be in an accident. Never ride without a helmet. Safety gear can help reduce the seriousness of injuries sustained during an ATV accident. Never operate an ATV with a passenger. It is not safe, ATVs require the operator to shift their weight during operation. Having a passenger will reduce your ability to safely operate an ATV. We Are Here To Help If You Are in ATV Accidents in Southwest Florida With certain ATV accidents, there is the potential liability of the operator (if you are a passenger), another ATV operator if you are riding with one or more additional ATVs, or liability of the manufacturer for negligent design. 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.

Florida Public Bus Accidents Millions of Americans rely on public buses every day to get to work, go to school, or just get from one place to the next. In general, riding a public bus is very safe. In fact, while passenger vehicles yield 6.53 deaths per billion passenger-miles, public buses only yield 2 deaths. However the omnipresence of buses for city dwellers is not without risk. If you are someone who drives in an urban area and frequently shares the road with buses, your assumptions about when to be at high alert for bus accidents may be incorrect. In reality, of the 2,405 bus collisions in 2002 and 2003, 80 percent occurred in clear weather conditions, and 90 percent occurred with substantial lighting (either daylight or adequate street lighting). Drivers should be the most vigilant, according to a study by the National Transit Database, when at intersections, as this is when most bus accidents occur. Driving alongside public buses also can result in property damage. Those same 2,405 collisions resulted in over 15 million dollars in damages. Any public safety concerns caused by public buses are not limited to drivers. Pedestrians in the city should be cautious and watch for buses as they cross the street. In 2013, 64 pedestrians were killed by buses. Due to their size and visibility limitations, buses have a higher percentage of fatalities resulting from a rear or right side collision to a pedestrian. It is imperative, therefore, to be aware of your surroundings while walking, in order to notice a bus from which you may not be visible. Bus accidents are rare, but can have real and lasting consequences when they occur. Attentive driving and walking can greatly reduce the risks of these accidents. Who to call if injured in bus accidents in Florida If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident with a public bus, it is important to seek legal counsel to get the justice you deserve. SWFL attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz have over 50 years of legal experience in dealing with personal injuries. We have six offices located in Southwest Florida. Our offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers (2 offices to serve you), Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Naples and Port Charlotte. Contact us today.

Multi Vehicle Accidents in Florida Many Floridians take to the road every day expecting to make it safely to their destination. These drivers use caution and drive safely. Then, unexpectedly they become involved in a multi-vehicle accident. multi vehicle accidents often involve serious injuries and even death.  If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, it is important you know your rights. Cause of Multi Vehicle Accidents in Florida Multi-vehicle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Sometimes a driver is impatient and attempts to make a turn and is hit by oncoming traffic. This happened recently in Lehigh Acres and a little girl lost her life. Many times, an accident happens so quickly that other vehicles don’t have enough time to avoid it. In New Orleans, a firefighter was killed when a bus failed to stop for a previous accident. Who Is To Blame in These Accidents? Responsibility in a multi-vehicle accident can often be complicated and time-consuming. In the case of the bus accident in New Orleans, the driver of the bus claimed his brakes did not work. It took over 6 months for investigators to determine the bus driver was not telling the truth. In the Lehigh Acres accident, the impatient driver did not have his lights on when the accident took place. Every multi-vehicle accident has many factors that need to be taken into consideration.  An expert attorney can help you navigate this difficult process. Insurance Claims for Multi Vehicle Accidents Insurance claims can be challenging in any type of accident. Multi-vehicle accidents tend to have more parties filing claims as the result of the accident. These additional claims can create complications when you make your claim. Having an experienced attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. Who To Call If You’re In Southwest Florida Vehicle Accident If you are the victim of a multi-vehicle automobile accident it is important to seek legal counsel. The Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 5 decades of experience with automobile accidents. 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 Acres and Port Charlotte. Call us today to set up your appointment for a free consultation.