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Workplace Accidents, Fatigue and Injuries Fatigue is generally defined as the feeling of extreme tiredness, sleepiness or exhaustion resulting from prolonged physical or mental work, illness or lack of sleep. To some people, fatigue may not seem like a big concern, but when fatigue is experienced in the workplace, on the job fatigue can compromise worker safety. During National Safety Month, the National Safety Council’s theme for week 2 is Recharge to Be in Charge – Focusing on Fatigue. Southwest Florida Workplace Accidents According to the National Safety Council or NSC, every day approximately 13,000 American workers are injured in the workplace. While there may be a multitude of reasons or causes for these injuries, fatigue is a factor which can contribute to workplace accidents resulting in injuries. Since levels of fatigue vary from person to person, it is hard to pinpoint the actual effect fatigue has on workplace accidents and injuries. However, studies have shown that when workers have had an insufficient amount of sleep and become fatigued, there is a greater chance of making mistakes which could lead to accidents and injuries. Lack of sleep is not the only component which influences on the job fatigue. Workplace conditions can amplify fatigue during the work day. These conditions include things such as: Repetitive, monotonous or boring tasks Difficult or challenging tasks Hot or cold room temperatures, sitting near air or heating vent Insufficient lighting, dim lighting or light glare Constant noise or loud noise Reactions to particles in the air such as dust, chemicals or printer toner No breaks, performing a task for a long period of time Work shifts or over time hours If your job has duties which make you feel fatigued or your working environment leads to extreme tiredness or exhaustion, there are a few things you can do to try and fight fatigue such as: Ergonomic equipment to help reduce physical strains Anti-glare computer screens Drinking water or eating a healthy snack to boost energy levels Taking frequent breaks or taking a nap when working long shifts if possible Southwest Florida Workplace Accident Attorneys Workplace accidents can be complex. If you or someone you know has suffered from a fatigue-related workplace injury, it is important to contact an attorney experienced with personal injury. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman Rice and Purtz have over 5 decades of experience with personal injury cases. We have six offices in Southwest Florida. Our offices are located in Fort Myers (two offices to serve you), Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres, and Port Charlotte for your convenience. Contact us today to set up your appointment for a free case evaluation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.