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Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz is a community leader in advocating for reducing drunk driving accidents. Accordingly, for the third year, the firm is a presenting sponsor for Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s (MADD) Walk Like MADD 5/10k walk and run. Importantly, the event raises money to ensure no one in our community suffers from drunk driving accidents. The Southwest Florida virtual event is planned Sept. 26 or Sept. 27 and hopes to raise $65,850. Although virtual, the Walk Like MADD still includes food coupons, finisher medals and custom neck gaiters. “Having committed community and event partners like Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz, brings us closer to a community of No More Victims of drunk, drugged and impaired driving,” said Lori Burke, executive director of the MADD Southwest Florida Office. Why We Support MADD Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz staff and attorneys see the impact of drunk driving accidents through their clients, reinforcing their support for MADD. Firm partners Christopher and Andrea Smith personally support MADD. Chris leads fundraising for the the firm’s walk team. In addition, both Chris and Andrea have lost family members to drunk driving accidents. In fact, Chris was named after a family member who was killed by a drunken driver. Other Support for Reducing Drunk Driving Accidents Also, attorneys from the firm have been active in reducing drunk driving accidents, supporting area multi-jurisdiction DUI checkpoints. For the briefing dinner before these events, our firm often provides food for the officers. “Supporting the checkpoints demonstrates to the officers that the law firm and the community supports them in their dedication to make our community safer,” Burke said. Reducing drunk driving accidents is high on the list. On average, drunk driving harms two out of thee people in the U.S. during their lifetime. Every two minutes, a drunk driving crash injures someone. Every day, imparied driving kills 28 people. For information, to donate or to sign up for the Walk Like MADD click here.

Motor vehicle accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Things such as distracted driving, drowsy driving, reckless driving and driving under the influence have all resulted in car crashes at one point in time. In fact, as per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, car accidents occur every minute of the day. Yes, that is correct. Every minute of every day, someone is involved in a car accident. While these accidents do not all result in fatalities, a large sum of them do result in injuries, property damage or legal litigation. For over 5 decades, the attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz have been helping victims of motor vehicle accidents seek justice. Motor Vehicle Accidents: The Car Crash Statistics There were 35,092 fatalities from motor vehicle accidents in 2015. (NHTSA) In 2015, 96 people died each day in motor vehicle crashes and 6,700 people were injured. (Insurance Information Institute, III) In 2016, motor vehicle deaths estimated to be the highest in nine years. (National Safety Council, NSC) In the United States, over 1,600 children under the age of 15 die in road crashes each year. (Association for Safe International Road Travel, ASIRT) Car Crash Statistics by Driver Behavior Speeding – In 2015, 9,557 people died in speed-related accidents (NHTSA) Drunk Driving – 10,265 lives were lost in 2015 due to alcohol impaired driving crashes (NHTSA) Running Red Light – More than 900 fatalities and 2,000 injuries result from running red lights (IIHS) Distracted Driving – In 2015, 3,477 people died and 391,000 people were injured due to distracted driving (NHTSA) Drowsy Driving – Studies have shown that 37 percent of drivers report having fallen asleep behind the wheel at some point in their lives (AAA) Cell Phone Use – Cell phone use contributes to 1.6 million crashes each year (NSC) Aggressive Driving – 66% of traffic fatalities are due to aggressive driving (Safe Motorist) Auto insurance industries estimate that over the course of a driver’s lifetime it is likely that each motorist will be involved in 3-4 auto accidents. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, there is a chance that the accident is due to the negligence of another driver. Should this be the case, it is important to seek legal advice to protect your rights. Who To Call If Injured in Southwest Florida Motor Vehicle Accidents The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz are here for you. If you have been a victim in a motor vehicle accident and are suffering injuries, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers. We are available to answer any questions that you may have regarding the auto accident and can help you protect your legal rights. We have over 5 decades of experience with personal injury cases and can handle the insurance companies and investigations while you concentrate on your recovery. We have six offices across Southwest Florida. Our offices are located in Fort Myers (two offices to serve you), Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte. For more information about our legal services, call us today at (800) 332-9404.

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.

Can’t wait to celebrate the end of 2020? Be careful! Unfortunately, personal injuries on New Year’s Eve and Day are not uncommon. Causes of personal injuries on New Year’s Eve can include: Car accidents Drunk driving Slip-and-fall accidents Premises liability accidents Fireworks accidents Pedestrian accidents Dog bite accidents While officials are not quite sure what to expect for New Year’s Eve 2020, they do know that alcohol consumption has increased by 14% over a year ago, including 17% for women, according to a report published in the JAMA Network Open. Also, alcohol sales at the beginning of the pandemic in March rose 54%, according to a Nielsen survey, with health experts explaining that people are turning to alcohol to cope with a life-altering global crisis. Personal Injuries on New Year’s Eve from Drunk Driving According to SafeAuto.com, compared to an average night on the weekend, there are 71% more crashes with drugs or alcohol as a contributing factor between Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. and Jan. 1 at 6 a.m. In just that 12-hour period, alcohol and drug related car crashes skyrocket. As a result, the National Safety Council estimates that 384 people may die on U.S. roads this New Year’s Day holiday from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 to midnight on Sunday, Jan. 3. In addition, nationwide, alcohol-impaired fatalities (involving blood-alcohol content of 0.08 g/dL or higher) in 2018 represented 29% of the total traffic fatalities. Also, curing the 2018 (latest available data) New Year’s Day holiday period, 39% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver. New Year’s Eve Safe Driving Tips Before heading out to New Year’s celebrations this year, drivingschool.net recommends the following tips: Designate a driver who will not drink on New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day. If drinking, spend the night with a friend or family member to avoid needing to drive home. Never allow someone who has been drinking to get in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. Take their keys. Don’t ride with someone else who has had even one or two drinks. It’s better to call a friend or family member for a ride, even if it’s embarrassing then to get behind the wheel and cause a serious accident. Call the police if they see an impaired driver out on the road. SoberRides.org provides a desktop and mobile site with options for how to get home safely. If you host a party, contact a local cab company to provide rides for your guests, or have a trusted designated driver ready to take guests home if necessary. According to MedicalDaily.com, hosts could be held responsible if someone leaves their home and kills or hurts someone in an alcohol-related collision. Other Personal Injuries on New Year’s Eve Drunk driving is not the only source of personal injuries on New Year’s Eve. Other injuries can include: Pedestrian accidents. New Year’s Day is one of the most hazardous day of the year for pedestrians. Be sure to stay on paths and watch traffic. Cross at crosswalks and frequent well-lit areas. Projectile Champagne corks. To avoid a forceful cork explosion, chill Champagne to at least 45 degrees and place a towel over the top of the bottle when opening, pointing away from yourself and others. Fireworks. Keep fireworks away from children and pets. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees! Keep a bucket of water handy, light fireworks one at a time and stay clear. Better yet, leave fireworks to the professionals. Anxious pets. Many pets have anxiety about fireworks and noise and can bite, run away, cause accidents or become lost. Keep them indoors and comfortable. Make sure fences and gates are secure, and that your pet has a current ID tag or microchip. Gunfire. Some cultures have a tradition of celebratory gunfire at midnight. It’s illegal, and falling bullets can be fatal. According to the American Safety Council, a young teen was killed in 1999 in Phoenix by a bullet that was fired into the air more than a mile away. Personal Injuries on New Year’s Eve May Happen! We all want to enjoy a safe and happy new year. We hope you don’t need to call us, but when accidents or injuries do occur, we offer free consultations and are here to help you understand your rights. From our family to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy and safe 2021. With nearly 60 years of experience in the community and five offices throughout Southwest Florida, we are your personal injury experts.

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.

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.

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.

Dry January Observing Dry January by abstaining or reducing alcohol consumption is a growing trend, and this year, Dry January may be needed more than ever. According to Nielsen’s market data, total alcohol sales outside of bars and restaurants have surged roughly 24% during the pandemic. Spirits with higher alcohol content rose more than 27% over last year.  These alcohol trends in the midst of the pandemic were despite evidence that alcohol has the ability to decrease immunity! In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon and breasts among women. Women are at greater risk for some of the negative effects of booze, including absorbing more alcohol than men and taking longer to break it down. Also, women are more vulnerable to brain and heart damage then men from alcohol. Limiting alcohol has been listed as one of four simple New Year’s resolutions that will reduce the risk of breast cancer. Dry January: Benefits Another New Year’s resolution that is gaining traction is Dry January. Social mentions of the practice of stopping or reducing drinking for the month of January increased 1,083% from 2015 to 2019. Dry January started in the United Kingdom by Alcohol Change in 2013 and has been growing worldwide ever since. It’s a New Year’s wellness trend that allows people to start the year clearer, more refreshed and safer. Alcohol Change estimates that four million people, or around 1 in 20 Britons, now participate each year. Benefits of Observing Dry January Abstaining from alcohol is not without benefits. Here are some of the bad effects of drinking alcohol: Masks underlying depression and anxiety, making symptoms worse Degrades sleep quality Dehydrates and can spike blood sugar Suppresses your body’s immune system Here’s another bonus of observing Dry January that often goes unmentioned. When you stop drinking, you will not risk drinking and driving. But you don’t have to give up tasty drinks altogether when observing Dry January. Town and Country magazine offers these recipes for delicious mocktails. We Stand Against Drunk Driving Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz is a community champion for putting an end to drunk driving. For three years, the firm has been a presenting sponsor for Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Walk Like MADD 5K walk and run, which raises money to ensure no one in our community suffers from the impacts of impaired drivers. Our staff and attorneys see the impact of drunk driving through the clients we represent, reinforcing our advocacy for MADD. Nationally on average, two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime. If you or anyone you love is suffering from injuries from a drunk driving accident, our attorneys can help.