South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

Wrong-Way Driver on I-95 Causes Devastating Crash in Palm Beach County

Published on: January 1, 2023 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

In Florida and the United States, drivers almost always are required to drive on the right-hand side of the road. This has been the practice since the days of the horse and carriage, and generally, it is easily followed by everyone on the road. As cities have grown and traffic control has become more complicated, the chances of wrong-way accidents have increased. One-way streets and divided highways can confuse some drivers and result in them traveling the wrong way into head-on traffic. A man was recently killed in Palm Beach County when he entered Interstate 95 going the wrong way and got into a head-on collision with another vehicle.

According to a local news report discussing the recent crash, a 26-year-old man driving a Toyota Corolla entered the I-95 northbound traffic lanes from the wrong direction on the 6th Avenue exit in Lake Worth Beach at around 4:00 AM on December 2nd. The wrong-way driver traveled a short distance on the interstate and then crashed head-on into a Chevrolet Silverado that was traveling northbound. Emergency crews responded quickly to the crash, but the driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The design and construction of freeway entrances, exits, and interchanges are not consistent across our state. Drivers approaching an unfamiliar traffic feature have a duty to pay attention to the signage and instructions and remain on the correct side of the road while getting on the freeway. Drivers who fail to abide by traffic rules and cause an accident can be found civilly, and even criminally liable for the consequences of their behavior. If an at-fault driver is killed in a crash, their insurance company and estate may be held civilly liable for injuries caused to other drivers involved in the crash. Florida law does not require motorists to obtain bodily injury liability coverage, however, most drivers do so. Because not all drivers in the state have liability converge, we recommend drivers obtain coverage for uninsured/underinsured on their own policies.

Orlando Test Drive Ends Tragically Ends in Woman’s Death

Published on: January 1, 2023 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

When a prospective car purchaser wants to try out a vehicle and go for a test drive, it can sometimes become a dangerous situation. Test drivers may not have experience driving the type of vehicle that they are trying out. Furthermore, the experience of test driving a vehicle can be distracting, as the driver is often trying to evaluate the car quickly, while performing a test drive that may include a dealership representative in the vehicle, further increasing the distraction. Last month, an Orlando test drive turned deadly when a prospective car purchaser was struck by another vehicle while entering the dealership upon completing the test drive.

According to a local news report discussing the accident, an elderly couple visited an Orlando dealership last month to test drive a Nissan SUV. The 86-year-old husband was driving the vehicle, his 76-year-old wife was in the passenger seat, and a dealership representative was riding in the back seat. When the driver attempted to make a left turn back into the dealership, he did so into the oncoming path of another SUV, which struck the Nissan near the front passenger side, causing the SUV to roll over onto its side. Emergency crews responded to the scene, where the 76-year-old woman was declared dead. The husband suffered minor injuries, and the dealership representative was not injured in the crash. According to the news report, all people involved in the accident were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

As drivers get older, their driving abilities generally diminish with time. It can be tough for authorities and the family members of aging drivers to assert that the driver may no longer be able to safely operate a vehicle. Florida has enacted the “GrandDriver program” to offer resources and support (as well as additional rules) for drivers over 80 years old and their families. Florida drivers over 80 years old must renew their license every 6 years (compared to every 8 years for younger drivers), and pass a Mature Driver Vision Test at an approved location. These additional rules have been enacted to help mitigate the dangers of allowing aging drivers to retain their driving privileges.

Man Killed While Delivering Bikes Due to Missing Stop Sign

Published on: December 23, 2022 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

When a missing street sign causes a car accident, it becomes abundantly clear how important street signs and properly working traffic lights are in road safety. Road signs and traffic lights exist to keep drivers safe by regulating traffic, alerting drivers to changing road conditions, or providing warnings, such as suggested speed limits when driving on a ramp. Missing road signs can pose serious risks because if a stop sign is missing from an intersection, it can lead drivers to keep going through the intersection without stopping, which may lead to accidents. Other important road signs, such as construction zone road signs, can help alert drivers to the fact that they should slow down due to construction ahead, and when these signs are missing, drivers will not know to slow down, which can lead to injuries. In addition, signs that alert drivers that a road is one-way, or even of speed limits, play an important role in regulating traffic and ensuring that road users remain safe while traveling.

According to a recent news report, a Michigan army veteran was tragically killed in Punta Gorda, Florida, while delivering free bikes to children in Florida affected by Hurricane Ian. The veteran was known for his passion for fixing bikes, creating Build a Bicycle – Bicycle Therapy, a shop where he fixed bikes, sold new bicycles and gave many away for free. He was driving a pickup truck with a trailer of bikes when he drove through an intersection that was missing a stop sign due to Hurricane Ian.

If a car accident occurs as a result of a missing road sign, it can be important to connect with an experienced car accident lawyer to help you navigate your case. In some instances, you may be able to hold whoever is responsible for maintaining the sign responsible for the fact that the road sign is missing, and this may be the local government or a company. It can be helpful to gather evidence to build your case, which can include having a lawyer who can help you investigate the accident, including what caused the accident, and taking photos of where the signage was missing. Because various circumstances could lead to a missing road sign, including natural disasters, it can be useful to talk through your possible claims with a lawyer who is an expert in car accident cases.

Two Dead In Orange County Crash Involving Northbound and Southbound Vehicles

Published on: December 23, 2022 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

It is no surprise that after a car accident, individuals have to juggle a lot. Whether it is figuring out insurance claims, dealing with medical expenses, or deciding whether to file a lawsuit and how to do so, the many decisions that follow a car accident can leave many dealing with a high level of stress.

According to a recent news report, a 53-year-old woman and a 66-year-old man died after a car collision in Orange County. The 53-year-old woman was traveling southbound and crossed over the median for unknown reasons. Her car crashed into a Chevrolet Malibu that the 66-year-old Orlando man was driving. The man was traveling northbound and swerved right in an attempt to avoid the collision, but the woman’s van struck the front left of his vehicle. Both drivers were taken to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead on the scene. The crash is still under investigation.

After a car accident, it is important to seek any medical treatment that may be necessary. After ensuring that your medical needs are tended to, you may be thinking about the next steps, which may include filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries. It is important to contact your insurance to file a claim and go through the next steps with your insurance company. It can also be extremely helpful to connect with an experienced car accident attorney who can then talk you through the steps of filing a lawsuit. If at the scene of the accident, you were able to take photos, gather contact information and/or statements from any witnesses, and document any other important details from the car accident, this can be helpful information to pass on to your accident attorney. In addition, every state has a statute of limitations for filing car accident suits, which is the deadline by which a person must file a lawsuit. Generally, you have four years from the date of the car accident in that you were injured in to file a lawsuit in the state of Florida. This is one of the many important factors to consider when thinking about filing a lawsuit. Connect with an expert lawyer in car accident cases who can help walk you through your case.

Seeking Punitive Damages in a Florida Negligence Claim

Published on: December 20, 2022 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

Florida negligence law allows for several different types of damages to be awarded in a negligence case. The primary damages awarded are known as compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are awarded to a victim to compensate them for the economic costs related to an injury. These costs could include medical bills, missed work, and property damage. Special damages, sometimes referred to as “noneconomic damages,” can be awarded to compensate victims for other harm related to an accident, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. Courts also may award punitive damages to a plaintiff, which are designed to punish a defendant for especially egregious conduct that resulted in harm to a plaintiff. A Florida appellate court recently rejected a plaintiff’s claim for punitive damages in a breach of contract claim that alleged gross negligence.

The plaintiffs in the recently decided case rented an apartment from the defendant. Based on poor living conditions and possibly harm and injury therefrom, the plaintiffs filed a breach of contract claim against the defendant, seeking financial damages for the defendant’s failure to market a safe and livable property for the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs requested punitive damages in the count of the complaint which alleged gross negligence by the defendant. The defendant’s attorneys objected to the damage request, arguing that such damages can only be awarded as part of an independent tort (negligence) claim, and not under a breach of contract allegation. The trial court allowed the plaintiff’s claim to proceed, finding that the “gross negligence” allegation was enough to meet the requirement.

The defendant appealed the decision to the Florida Court of Appeal, where the trial court’s ruling was reversed. The appellate court reiterated that punitive damages are not awardable in breach of contract cases unless an independent tort claim is made as well. The court found that an allegation of “gross negligence” contained within a breach of contract claim is not enough to satisfy this requirement. As a result of the appellate ruling, the plaintiff’s punitive damage claim will not reach the jury if the case goes to trial.

Appellate Panel Divided by Attack on Plaintiff’s Credibility in Recent Personal Injury Case

Published on: December 20, 2022 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

Plaintiffs who make a premises liability or other personal injury claim in Florida are often required to testify at the trial. A victim’s testimony can be used to describe how an injury occurred or to explain the effects that an injury has had on their quality of life. In cases of injuries with no eyewitnesses, surveillance footage, or other documentary evidence of a plaintiff’s injury, the plaintiff’s testimony can be the most crucial evidence in the case. Because a jury often decides cases based on the credibility and trustworthiness of a witness, defendants will often try to smear a plaintiff’s credibility so that a jury will not believe the testimony. The Florida Court of Appeal recently affirmed a trial judge’s ruling, which allowed the defendant’s counsel to attack the credibility of a personal injury plaintiff during cross-examination.

The plaintiff in the recently decided case was allegedly injured in a slip and fall incident at the defendant’s retail store. According to the facts discussed in the judicial opinion, the alleged slip-and-fall was not caught on camera, and the plaintiff’s credibility was a central feature of the trial. Before trial, the defense had asked the plaintiff’s attorney to furnish income and other financial information as part of the discovery process. The plaintiff’s attorney refused the request, responding that the requested information was not relevant to the plaintiff’s claims.

At trial, the plaintiff testified about what happened on the day of the incident. Defense counsel cross-examined the plaintiff, bringing up that their attorney refused to supply the requested income information. The questions were permitted despite the plaintiff’s objection that the questioning was irrelevant and damaged the plaintiff’s credibility. After the trial, the jury came back with a verdict in favor of the defendant.

Florida Court Grants PTSD Workers’ Compensation Benefits to Officer in Parkland Shooting

Published on: December 11, 2022 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

When employees and officers are injured on the job, sometimes injuries are not readily apparent. It can sometimes take weeks or even months to realize the full impact of emotional and physical injuries. And when injuries like PTSD or emotional trauma arise, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact date those injuries began.

In a recent case, the court grappled with an incredibly sensitive PTSD issue resulting from a highly publicized school shooting. After the court’s opinion, an officer involved in the aftermath of the shooting will be able to receive PTSD benefits. This case highlights how important workers’ compensation benefits can be in rectifying harms in the workplace.

Facts of the Case

The claimant in the case was a police officer who responded to the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. In the months afterward, he realized he was experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including anger, nightmares, and anxiety. He was eventually placed on administrative leave in November 2018, with various days of leave for the PTSD symptoms throughout the next year, followed by light duty and then termination in January 2020. He petitioned for benefits after he was terminated, listing dates he was taken out of work as “dates of accident.” Experts testified that his December leave was due to PTSD related to the shooting and that he did not meet all PTSD criteria until December 2018.

Florida Court Denies Workers’ Compensation Over Doctor Choice

Published on: December 11, 2022 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

Workers’ compensation laws can be confusing to navigate. Minor details like choice of doctor can change the validity of your claim even if you believed you were in the right. Working with a workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate these claims and complex laws before you mistakenly make a decision that gets your claim invalidated or overturned.

In a recent case, a Florida court of appeals judge expanded the definition of “specialty” under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws. Under Florida’s law, injured workers can change their physicians once so long as the new physician is qualified in the same specialty as the original physician. Until now, though, courts had varying opinions on how broad “specialty” really was.

Facts of the Case

The claimant in the case sustained a finger injury while using a food press. She received emergency care and then was evaluated by a doctor who was a general surgeon and plastic surgeon with a specialty in hand surgery. The surgeon recommended surgery for repair of the claimant’s nerve and the placement of a pin. The surgeon did the recommended surgery and follow up for pin removal in his capacity as a hand surgeon. After the second surgery, the claimant requested a new physician and the employer’s insurance carrier authorized a doctor who was an orthopedic surgeon with a specialization in hand surgery. The claimant said that because the second doctor was not also a plastic surgeon, the second doctor did not have the required specialty according to the statute. The judge of compensation claims agreed with the claimant and granted the claimant’s request to name her own physician.

Florida Appeals Court Reverses Trial Court Summary Judgement Decision in Negligence Case

Published on: November 29, 2022 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

In a recent case, the Third District Court of Appeals in Florida issued an opinion in an appeal involving a negligence and premises liability action between a plaintiff that was driving, and the defendant, a construction and engineering firm. The suit resulted from an incident where the plaintiff’s vehicle struck a protruding manhole cover while driving through Miami-Dade County. On the date of the accident, the defendant firm was performing roadwork in the area pursuant to a contract with the Florida Department of Transportation. The plaintiff subsequently brought suit against the defendant for negligence and premises liability. Following the hearing, the trial court granted the defendant’s motion for summary judgment, finding that the plaintiff failed to put forth sufficient evidence that the manhole cover he struck was located in the position he initially described it as.

During the trial, the plaintiff unequivocally testified at least three separate times during his first deposition that the manhole cover was located on West Flagler Street between 16th Avenue and 17th Avenue. During discovery, the plaintiff also produced close-up photographs of the manhole cover, testifying that he took the photographs some time after the accident occurred, though he could not remember exactly when. The photographs depict a manhole cover with a “W” in the center and several white striped circles around the “W.” The plaintiff also testified that he was unsure which of the two westbound lanes he was traveling in when he struck the manhole.

In a second deposition nearly two months later, when the defense counsel presented the plaintiff with a Google Earth photograph of the area where the incident occurred, the plaintiff identified the manhole cover in the right lane as the one he believed was involved in the accident. The manhole cover identified by the plaintiff had dots embedded across the cover and the word “sewer” displayed on it. The Google Earth photograph also showed a water main manhole cover in the left lane with a “W” in a box in the center. The defendant moved for summary judgment arguing that it was not liable to the plaintiff because the manhole cover identified by the plaintiff was different than the one depicted in the close-up photographs taken by him. The plaintiff argued that there was a genuine issue of material fact, precluding summary judgment. Following a hearing, the trial court granted summary judgment to the defendant.

One Killed Three Injured in Fatal Three-Car Florida Crash

Published on: November 29, 2022 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

Miami consistently ranks highly on the list of Florida cities with the most car accidents and crashes each year. This past year, Miami had more car crashes than anywhere else in the state of Florida. In a particularly concerning trend, fatal crashes in Miami have risen 14% between 2014 and 2021. One of the most accurate ways to measure the risks of fatal car accidents given disparities in populations of states is to measure deaths per 100 million miles traveled in a state. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Florida has a rate of 1.60 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, placing Florida behind only a handful of other states when it comes to the risk of drivers and passengers being killed in crashes. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, roughly 40% of all car accidents in Florida result in injuries.

It would serve Florida drivers and passengers well to know what factors can be used when calculating pain and suffering damages following a car accident. These factors include things such as recovery time, the severity of the injury, pain level, type of injury, and magnitude of the crash. These elements are weighed together to help deduce what the appropriate level of compensation should be granted in court following an automobile crash. A recent news article discussed a fatal three-car crash in Miami-Dade County from earlier this month.

According to the news article, the accident occurred when a fender bender between two vehicles escalated with a third vehicle striking the two other cars. The accident occurred overnight in West Miami-Dade County, with Florida Highway Patrol troopers and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responding to the scene of the crash around Southwest Eighth Street and 92nd Avenue just before 12:10 a.m. Police investigators stated that the crash began as a non-fatal fender bender that turned much more serious when a third vehicle struck the rear area of the other two vehicles and several pedestrians. Officials said that one person died at the scene. Three others were injured in the crash, with one person hospitalized. Officials said that the investigation into the crash was ongoing.