When you are injured at the fault of another, your primary interest is to get well. You may assume that insurance will take care of everything else. The “everything else” is why you need an experienced personal injury attorney.
Dealing with insurance companies after a minor accident is one thing. Working with insurance companies after a serious accident with injuries is another.
The success of personal injury attorneys is based on several factors, including education, legal skill and experience. The attorney you retain should have a proven record of winning similar cases and be willing to thoroughly explain his or her recommendations based on specific details of your case.
Here are six reasons why you need an experienced personal injury attorney.
An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Can Take on Insurance Companies
An experienced personal injury attorney has been through insurance claims many times. As a result, they know how to seek fair compensation.
It is important to know that insurance adjusters do not work for you. Their goal is to reduce what the insurance company pays. However, insurance adjusters are trained to make you feel they are on your side. Their goal is to see if you will say things to potentially devalue your case.
According to HG.org, “adjusters are not friends or on the side of the accident victim. They are attached to the case to ensure the most money allocated to the individual of the incident is just enough to avoid a lawsuit.”
An experienced personal injury attorney knows what your case is worth. As an objective advisor, they can advise what is in your best interest.
They Know the Value of Your Claim
Because of their background, experienced personal injury attorneys can tell you from the beginning whether you should pursue legal action.
A knowledgeable personal attorney understands the need to seek compensation for past, present and future expenses. They also know how to value compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, which are harder to prove.
An experienced personal injury attorney also knows there may be others partially responsible for your injuries. In a complex case, adding all responsible parties is challenging, but is important to make sure you get your best settlement.
They Know How to Build a Solid Case
An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to navigate complicated legal procedures. As a result, they can provide expert guidance. Hiring an expert ensures you do not make a mistake that could impact your compensation.
Determining who is at fault goes beyond collecting evidence at the scene. In addition, cases can include depositions, records, subpoenas and other court rules and legal processes.
A personal injury attorney can build your case through the following actions:
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- Preserving vital evidence
- Tracking your expenses
- Documenting the severity of your injuries
- Processing paperwork
- Understanding confusing legal terms
- Knowing the deadlines for filing
- Having a team of investigators
Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys have Trial Experience
While most cases do not go to court, having an attorney knowledgeable and willing to litigate a case is important. That sends a message to the insurance company that you are willing to take a case to trial if negotiations are unsatisfactory.
You never know when a case will make it to court. That’s why it’s so important to have an attorney who treats your case like it could go to court from the beginning.
Having an attorney with a reputation for jury trial verdicts can result in a high settlement for clients in mediation and arbitration. Lawyers who have successful trial experience often get the better settlement offers.
Taking a case to trial requires thorough and additional preparation, which you will get with a trial-experienced attorney. Your attorney will know how to ask the right questions and collect information.
Experienced lawyers will often have a more established relationship with defense lawyers, judges and insurance adjusters. Board certification by The Florida Bar is designed to help the public make an informed decision when selecting a lawyer.
Board-certified trial attorneys like ours mean you can be assured we have a certain level of expertise, knowledge and experience.
About 3% of Florida civil trial lawyers are Board Certified. At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, we have four board certified trial attorneys.
An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Has Resources to Pursue Your Case
After an accident, your concern will be getting back your life. You may have medical procedures, repairs and other headaches that occupy your time. You may be out of work as you deal with the result of the accident. During this period, the last thing you need is more expenses.
An experienced personal injury attorney has the resources to cover the high costs of investigating and taking your case to litigation if necessary. Costs may include medical experts, investigators, reconstruction specialists and staff time preparing the case.
Instead of requiring a retainer fee and charging for legal services by the hour, we agree to base our attorney fee on the amount of money recovered in the case. Our fees are deducted from the money recovered for your claim. This means that unless we make a recovery for you, you owe no attorney fees.
Court costs are normally recoverable in Florida from the other side if you are successful at trial.
If we cannot recover compensation for your personal injury claim, you do not owe the attorney any money for attorney fees. However, you could owe the attorney for the costs of your case.
You Deserve the Best Representation
An experienced personal injury attorney has the resources to cover the high costs of investigating and taking your case to litigation if necessary. Costs may include medical experts, investigators, reconstruction specialists and staff time preparing the case.
You only have one chance to get the compensation you are owed. As a result, it is important to have the best legal representation possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer will protect your rights and your case.
At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, we offer FREE attorney consultations. When you call, you can speak directly with an attorney who can help determine what your case needs.
Also, you need to feel comfortable with your attorney and confident that your interests will be a top priority. At our firm, you talk to attorneys who meet with you throughout the process. We make a point be accessible.
Qualifications to Look for When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Before hiring a personal injury attorney, you should make sure they have the right qualifications to tackle your case. Managing partner Christopher J. Smith shares some general guidelines for interviewing a legal firm.
April kicks off Alcohol Awareness Month in 2020.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one-in-three traffic deaths in the United States involve a drunk driver. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) reports more than 300,00 incidents of drinking and driving a year, resulting in one preventable death every 52 minutes across the United States. Additionally, 290,000 people are injured by impaired drivers each year, one every two minutes. Nationally on average, two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime.
What is so startling about these statistics is that these deaths and injuries are entirely preventable, making alcohol-related deaths the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States!
Alcohol Awareness Month in 2020
During the current coronavirus pandemic, there are fewer cars on the road as a result of self-isolation and stay-at-home orders, but post-pandemic return to the roads could include a spike in drunk driving accidents, as drinking is on the rise. According to market research firm Nielsen, alcoholic beverage sales are up 55% as of the week of March 15-22 across the country. Spirit sales are up, too, and have soared to 75%, while beer has seen a 66% jump and wine has spiked to 42% when compared to this time last year.
Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rich & Purtz is community champions for reducing the risk of injuries from drunk drivers. For three years, the firm has been a 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.
Pending possible changes caused by the coronavirus, at this time this year’s Walk Like MADD event is planned Sept. 26, 2020 at Jet Blue Park. For information on supporting click here.
Our attorneys have also been active in supporting area multi-jurisdiction DUI checkpoints carried out by law enforcement agencies in Lee and Charlotte County and sponsored by MADD Southwest Florida.
Sponsoring the briefing dinner before checkpoints demonstrates to the officers that the law firm and the community supports their dedication to make our roads safer for all residents and visitors.
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to a drunk driver accident, it is important to seek legal help. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over five decades of experience with personal injury cases. We provide free consultation to discuss your case and determine what can be done to protect your rights. Call us today to set up your virtual appointment as our offices are currently closed to visitors.
Florida Semi-Truck Accidents
Because of their enormous size and weight, semi-truck accidents can be damaging or deadly when they are involved in a collision. Currently there are over 15.5 million trucks in the United States. Thirteen percent of these are semis, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers.
According to thetruckersreport.com, the legal weight for an 18 wheeler in the United States is 80,000 lbs. (40 tons). Compared with a car in the United States which has an average weight of 5,000 lbs. it is easy to see the dangers of car-truck collisions.
Semi-Truck Accidents: The Sobering Statistics
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- In 2015, 3,852 people died in large semi truck accidents
- Over 2/3 of the victims were occupants of cars or other smaller vehicles
- Annually, approximately 130,000 individuals are injured in truck accidents
- Roughly 98% of semi accidents result in one fatality
Causes of Semi Truck Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Loss Data Institute (IIHSHLDI), two of the major causes of truck accidents are truck braking capability and truck driver fatigue. Loaded tractor trailers for example take 20-40 times longer to come to halt than a car. Less than ideal road conditions or poor break maintenance can make it even more difficult for a large truck to stop in time.
Truck drivers are known to work long hours traveling great distances. Because of the amount of driving time truckers log, driver fatigue is a serious issue. Driver fatigue is responsible for approximately 30% of all commercial truck accidents. Federal hours-of-service regulations only allow truck drivers to drive 11 hours per stretch and 77 hours per 7 day week, however driver surveys show that often times these regulations go unfollowed.
Who to Call If Involved in a Semi Truck Accident
If you or a loved one have been involved in a semi-truck accident or lost a loved one due to a truck accident it is important to seek experienced legal representation. Truck accidents have many legal complexities and the right attorneys can help you navigate a truck accident claim. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 50 years in legal expertise. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.
Many activities at our law office have gone virtual. But signing wills and trusts is an appointment that must be done in person.
That does not mean that wills and trusts cannot be created during the pandemic. In fact, many people are interested in getting their end-of-life paperwork in order. Still, the process has had to change to avoid spreading the virus.
Wills, trusts and other documents are necessary to make sure your wishes are carried out. Medical instructions make sure your health care wishes carried out.
The five key documents to have on hand include:
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- A will, the legal document that directs who receives your assets after death and can appoint guardians for minor children. Without one, the state’s law decides what happens after you die.
- Healthcare durable power of attorney, or health care proxy, allows you to name someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to.
- Living will, sometimes called an advance care directive, outlines the medical care you want if you are terminally ill, such as use of life-support systems, organ donation and resuscitation.
- Durable power of attorney for finances gives someone the authority to handle your financial affairs if you cannot.
- HIPPA authorization allows people you choose to have access to your medical records and information. This is especially important for parents who want to get medical information for their children over the age of 18.
Wills and Estate Planning Signature Requirements
Florida law requires that a valid will be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses, who must also sign it. Witnesses do not need to know the contents of the will but must complete a notarized statement that the person making the will signed in their presence. The client creating the will must be able to view all signings.
The Florida law changed in January to allow electronic will signatures starting July 1. However, the process and some issues including electronic storage are still being worked out.
The rules are from the Wills Act, which dates to the English Statue of Frauds passed in 1677. The act requires a will to be in writing and signed in front of others in the same room at the same time. The efforts are designed to make sure that wills are created voluntarily without fraud. Wills that have not followed each step can and have been challenged and annulled.
New Wills and Estate Planning Procedures
The Stanford Law Review and others are suggesting that these requirements change, especially because of the pandemic. Until such time, we have created a safe process for creating wills and trusts during the pandemic.
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- First, an appointment is made where one of our legal assistants collects and prepares information.
- Then, an in-person (using proper COVID-19 protocols or virtual meeting with the attorney is set to collect other necessary information.
- When the documents are created, approved and ready for signing, the client makes an office appointment.
- Clients are asked to bring masks and disposable gloves to their appointment. If they do not have them, our office will provide them as they are mandatory. A pre-sanitized table, chairs and a clipboard will be set up for the signing. The attorney, witnesses from our office and client will wear masks and disposable gloves. Pens for signing will be wrapped and new, and taken along with documents by the client after the signing.
Why Use an Attorney for Wills and Estate Planning?
Online legal services and templates are available for some documents. However, they do not have the same standards required for attorneys nor regulatory oversight. Their legal terms say their information and documents are not guaranteed to be correct or complete!
Also, each state’s laws for estate planning, probate and trust laws, are unique. As a result, an attorney makes sure you have the correct paperwork for your state. During the heartbreak of loss or illness is not the time to find out that paperwork is not legal.
If you already have a will, but it was written out of state, it is suggested to let a Florida attorney review it to ensure compliance with Florida law. Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have been helping clients for nearly 60 years with their estate planning needs.
More than 52 percent of people over the age of 55 do not have a will or other key documents they might need during the pandemic. Creating your estate plan with an attorney protects you, the people you care for, and your savings and property.
Avoid Food Poisoning in Restaurants
Food Poisoning in Southwest Florida Restaurants
From 1998 to 2015, 52 people in Florida died due to foodborne illnesses, or food poisoning.¹ This is compounded by over 31,000 illnesses and over 2,000 hospitalizations. Food poisoning is actually a reaction to harmful bacteria, viruses and microbes that enter the body through food. While it is possible to contract food poisoning through food prepared at home, according to the CDC 68% of outbreaks occur from restaurants.² If a restaurant fails to properly source, manage, and prepare food responsibly, resulting in sickness or even hospitalization, it may be prudent to seek litigation, especially if the incident resulted in incurred debt.
Three common bacteria and viruses that lead to food poisoning are salmonella, listeria, and norovirus. These are by no means the only causes for affliction but do comprise the largest percentage of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths related to foodborne illnesses.
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- Salmonella. There were more than one million people in the US from 2000-2008 that became sick due to the bacteria Salmonella.³ Salmonella results from undercooked meats and eggs, so make sure that a restaurant properly prepares your food to the proper temperature, especially if dining with small children or the elderly. Salmonella leads to flu-like symptoms that can last up to seven days.
- Listeria. This bacteria found mostly in dairy is especially important to monitor in Florida because over half of the cases of listeria in the US are in people 65 years or older. Listeria results in flu-like symptoms, which can cause dangerous levels of dehydration in the elderly. To prevent listeria poisoning, make sure to eat cheeses made with pasteurized milk, and refrain from eating soft cheeses.
- Norovirus. From 2000-2008, there were over five million cases of norovirus in the US, resulting in 150 deaths. This virus is incredibly contagious and just a small amount of it and can infect. Norovirus results in the inflammation of the stomach and intestines, causing flu like symptoms that are dangerous or the young and elderly. It is important that an infected person not prepare food for 48 hours after the symptoms stop, as food is often the biggest transporters of the virus.
Who to call
Many of us go to restaurants our whole lives and never contract food poisoning. However, if it happens to you it is important to determine if the restaurant acted in every way possible to prevent the illness. If you have become sick after eating at a restaurant and believe the establishment holds some responsibility, it is important to seek legal counsel. SWFL attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz have over 50 years of legal experience in dealing with personal injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What You Can Do With Extra Time in 2020
Plan Ahead: What You Can Do With Extra Time
During these uncertain times of the coronavirus outbreak, people may be finding themselves with available unplanned time. What you can do with extra time includes planning ahead for the future. It’s a great time to make sure all your insurance, estate and medical access documents are adequate and up to date and you and your loved ones know where to locate them are in case of emergency.
Many of us grew up in a different time. When a friend or relative was hospitalized, we could call the hospital to inquire about their well-being. Today with HIPAA regulations, hospitals and doctors are no longer able to give out any patient information or confirm a patient is even in the hospital, unless you are married. This is even true for parents whose children are over the age of 18! Parents have no rights to obtain medical information on legal-age children, even if the child is covered under the parent’s health insurance.
A signed HIPAA authorization and Medical Power of Attorney allows parents access to their adult children’s medical information, or unmarried partners to get information on their partner. Requirements for these documents can vary from state to state, so an attorney can make sure documents are appropriate for each situation.
Something that most people put off is to update or create a will or trust that makes sure your loved ones are cared for should something happen to you. Not having a will and/or trust may increase your family’s tax liabilities, not to mention the legal disputes or challenges that result when there is no estate plan in place. An experienced attorney can help guide your estate planning experience and tailor your documents to meet your needs and wishes for the future.
Why Plan?
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- There are people who count on you.
- The unexpected does happen.
- It’s not as complicated or time-consuming as you think.
What You Can Do With Extra Time
If you have already prepared your will or trust, know that it is not a one-time project but a lifelong process that requires revisiting. Now is a good time to review to make sure your wishes haven’t changed. Here are a few ideas about what you can do with extra time:
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- Are the beneficiaries you selected in your will and trust still the ones you would name today? How about alternates? Are they still willing and able to assume those responsibilities? Are the beneficiaries on your life insurance up to date?
- For those with minor children, are the guardians you named the persons you want to raise your children? What about pets? Have you designated who will care for them?
- Does your planning reflect all your assets, big and small?
- Have you created letters of instruction with key information in the event of an emergency, including names and contact information for key professional advisors, location of original records, how to find passwords and other key online information, key medical information, insurances summaries and other general instructions?
With hurricane season beginning May 1, you can take time to review your homeowners and medical insurance coverage. An attorney can review confusing homeowners and medical insurance policies and explain coverage and any limitations.
And while many people are staying home, time on the road or in grocery stores can still result in accidents, particularly with an anxious and stressed population. While it may seem like nearly everything is closed and you may feel like you are on your own, we are available and committed to providing our community and clients with service and representation you can depend on.
Speaking of what you can do with extra time: In the event of an accident, it is still important to take steps to collect information and get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible.
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- Check for injuries and start first aid if needed. Remain calm.
- Move yourself to a safe location if necessary.
- Call 911 for law enforcement and emergency medical personnel assistance.
- Take note of other vehicles, type, color, damage, license plate number, etc. Take pictures if possible.
- Identify witnesses and obtain their contact information.
- Speak to police only. Do not make any admissions to anyone.
- When being examined by EMS personnel, let them know how you feel everywhere on your body. Do not withhold injury information from them.
- Locate your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information for police.
- If your car is not drivable, ask for a towing company of your choice and have your vehicle towed to a location of your choice (dealer, body shop, or another storage free location). Towing companies charge $25 or more to store your car and if your bill is not paid within a specified time, the tow company may take ownership of your car.
- Have all injuries checked by a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant as soon as possible, but not more than 14 days after the accident.
- Report the accident to your own insurance company. (Do not give a recorded statement without legal representation).
- Seek all medical help recommended by your doctors.
Since 1962, we have weathered challenging times together. Our legal firm has been protecting our neighbors in Southwest Florida for nearly 60 years. We will continue to provide uninterrupted legal support through virtual services now available that include video conferencing and telephone consultations. Upon engaging our services, we offer secure electronic document signing and execution.
Our priority, as always, is the safety of the community and our neighbors. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic.
Broadside/T-Bone Collision
Broadside/T-Bone Collision
T-bone collisions are also known as broadside collisions or right-angle collisions. A T-bone collision is a car accident that occurs when a one-vehicle is struck by the front or rear of another vehicle, forming the letter “T.” A broadside/T-bone collision is likely to be more severe than other types of car accidents, however, the severity of the damage and/or injuries is dependent on the point of impact, the vehicles’ safety features, vehicle speeds, and vehicle weight and construction. Furthermore, in T-bone collisions drivers are often left less protected than in other types of collisions because only a door is protecting them from the other vehicle.
Stats (AVVO.com, a legal website)
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- 13% of all car accidents are T-bone collisions
- More than 50% of all car accident deaths involve a T-Bone style Collision
Causes and Avoidance
T-bone collisions can be caused by several different things, however most commonly are caused by one driver’s failure to yield right of way to another vehicle. Intersections are a common location for T-bone collisions because drivers may neglect to stop for traffic lights or stop signs. Additionally, power outages increase the risk of being involved in a T-bone collision because drivers may be unsure when it is safe to enter an intersection or may choose to enter the intersection at an unsafe time. There are several tips to avoid a broadside/T-bone collision for which drivers should be aware:
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- Cross intersections carefully, cautiously, and at a safe speed
- Check your brakes – Before you drive
- Follow traffic rules and signals – lights, signals, and signs were placed in their locations for a reason
- Be extra watchful for pickups and trucks with trailers
Who to call if injured in a broadside or T-bone car accident in Southwest Florida
T-Bone Collisions can be very severe. If you or someone you know has suffered injury, financial loss, or even fatality from a T-bone collision it is important to seek experienced legal counsel. The attorneys at Goldstein Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz have over 5 decades of legal expertise in dealing with personal injuries. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Car Seat Safety for Child Passengers
Every 32 seconds, a child under the age of 13 was involved in a car crash in 2018. Many times, injuries and deaths can be prevented by proper car seat safety, boosters and seatbelts. Car accidents are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the United States, according to Safe Kids.
Car Seat Safety Facts
As a parent or caregiver, one of the most important jobs you have is to keep your child safe. Learning the proper use of safety seats and seatbelts can not only help prevent your child from getting injured in an accident; these safety measures could save your child’s life.
According to Safe Kids, correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent, but more than half of car seats are not used or installed correctly.
Selecting the Right Car Seat Safety Record
With many types of safety seats available, choosing a car seat for your child can be overwhelming. There’s help! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a comprehensive guide in English and Spanish with information about finding the right car seat, installing it correctly and other tips.
The guide includes a searchable list by area of places offering car seat installation inspections, as well as recommendations for the correct seat for your child’s age and size, as well as for your vehicle. It also allows adults to register car and booster seats to receive up-to-date information about any recalls and defective parts.
Tips on Child Passengers’ Car Seat Safety
The National Safety Council offers these basic tips for keeping children safe.
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- If you are pregnant, schedule a car seat installation with a certified child passenger safety technician before the child is born.
- Children should ride in the back seat, at least through age 12.
- If your kids complain about wearing seatbelts, do not negotiate. Do not drive off until they buckle up.
- Always be consistent and wear your seatbelt; driver safety belt use strongly influences whether your child will buckle up.
- The life of a car seat ranges from six to 10 years. Be sure to find the expiration date set by the manufacturer.
- Airbags can save the lives of older children and adults, but they can be fatal for young children when not seated correctly, particularly in the front seat; never place a rear-facing car seat in a front seat near an airbag.
- Always read instructions provided by the vehicle and car seat manufacturers for properly securing children.
Seatbelt Safety
Seatbelts or safety belts are restraints that are meant to supply protection in case of a crash. By using them properly, crash deaths and injuries can be significantly reduced. Except for New Hampshire, all states and the District of Columbia require adult front-seat occupants to use seatbelts. Florida law requires the use of safety belts for all drivers and passengers in all motorized vehicles.
Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia have primary enforcement. Primary enforcement laws allow a police officer to stop and cite a motorist solely for not using a seatbelt. In states with secondary enforcement, police can only enforce the law if the motorist has been pulled over for another violation first.
Safety Belt Fit Test
According to Safe Kids, children should stay in a booster seat until between the ages of 8 and 12, depending on the size of the child. Here is a recommended Safety Belt Fit Test (watch video) to determine if a child is ready for a safety belt without a booster seat:
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- Check knees and feet. Your child’s knees should bend at the edge of the seat when their back and bottom are against the vehicle seat back. Feet should touch the floor for comfort and stability.
- Check the vehicle lap belt. It must fit snugly across the hips or upper thighs.
- Check the shoulder belt. The shoulder belt must fit across the shoulder and chest, not across the face or neck.
- Remember, just because the seatbelt fits your child in one car does not mean the seatbelt will fit in all cars. Do the Seatbelt Fit Test in every car before permanently moving from the booster seat to just a seatbelt.
Car Seat Safety Attorneys
As careful and as safe as you may be with your driving, and with the use of good car seat safety, auto accidents still happen. Other drivers speeding, running red lights, driving drunk and the driving the wrong way have caused tragic accidents that have altered the lives of many innocent families.
The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz have nearly 60 years of experience with personal injury cases. We have six offices in Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a free consultation.
Statistics About Rear-End Collision Accidents
Rear-End Collision Accident
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) there were 1.7 million rear-end collisions on U.S. roads in 2012. The rear-end collision is the most frequent type of automobile accident. The injuries sustained in a rear-end accident can be very serious and even deadly. The NTSB also mentions that many of these rear-end crashes could be prevented with more caution and better technology. Until these changes take place here are some things to know if you are involved in a rear-end collision.
Types of Rear-End Collision
A rear-end accident involves the front of one vehicle colliding with the back of another vehicle. There are two main types of rear-end crashes.
Front vehicle is stationary:
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- Stop light
- Sitting in traffic
- Parked
- Side of the road
The front vehicle would be moving in the other type of rear-end collision.
Speed will also be an important part of determining the severity of a rear-end accident. High speed crashes are more likely to result in serious injury or death. However, low speeds crashes can still result in severe injuries that might include whiplash, headaches or other injuries that develop over time.
Who Is At Fault?
Many people believe that the vehicle that runs into another vehicle will always be at fault. There are situations in which the front vehicle can be held liable for a rear-end collision.
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- Brake lights not functioning
- Disabled vehicle stopped in traffic
- Front vehicle backing into the other vehicle
It is important to work with an experienced attorney when you are involved in a rear-end accident.
Who to Call
If you or some you know have been involved in a rear-end accident it is important to know your rights. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz have over 5o years of experience with personal injury cases. We have six offices located in Southwest Florida. Call us today to set up your appointment for a free consultation.
Gulfshore Business magazine recently selected Christopher Smith, a managing partner, from hundreds of nominations for the publication’s 18th annual salute to 40 rising stars under the age of 40. “This year’s recipients draw experience from impressive backgrounds and have amassed significant accomplishments in their respective fields,” wrote Heidi Rambo Centrella, editor-in-chief for the publication.
Kudos to Christopher Smith!
The 40 people featured in the September issue of Gulfshore Business were celebrated virtually on Sept. 2. Smith remains humble as ever, crediting his father for the award. “My dad instilled in me that hard work will always get you where you want to be,” said Smith.
Smith joins his wife, Attorney Andrea Pleimling Smith, in receiving this distinction. She was selected in 2019 for Business Observer’s 40 Under 40.