5 Weird Florida Road Laws
Traffic laws are obviously designed to reduce the risk of car wrecks. But some of them are a little odd, to say the least. Florida has its share of weird road laws. We'll cover five of them in this article. If you suffer an injury in an automobile accident caused by someone else's negligence, don't hesitate to contact The Eberst Law Firm online or call 1-888-CALL-JON. We'll work diligently to help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. 1. Strange Animals Must Pay for Parking Meters Okay, this is more of a rumor than an actual law, but we thought it would be interesting to add it anyway. Many websites claim that if someone leaves an elephant near a parking meter, they can receive a ticket if the meter is expired. But there's no evidence this law is on the books anywhere in Florida. It seems this rumor is based on the fact that Sarasota was once the winter home of the Ringling Bros. Circus. In fact, owner John Ringling reportedly used elephants in the 1910s and 1920s to help build St. Armands Circle, a tourist hotspot. It doesn't take much imagination to picture these massive animals walking around Sarasota. ...
Florida Hit and Run Laws
A hit and run accident happens when a motorist hits another vehicle or a pedestrian and then immediately leaves without stopping to provide any aid or give the victim their contact and insurance information. Law enforcement officials take these accidents very seriously, and the state hands out severe penalties when someone is convicted of this crime. The Eberst Law Firm will fight hard for your rights if you’ve suffered a severe injury or tragically lost a loved one in a hit and run accident. We’ll investigate to determine who was to blame and then pursue them for the compensation you deserve. If you would like to schedule a free review of your case, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or give us a call at 1-888-CALL-JON. The Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act In 2014, Florida legislators signed the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act into law. This law imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for drivers who cause hit and run accidents that result in serious bodily injury or death. The law is named after Aaron Cohen, a cyclist killed by a hit and run driver while cycling on a bridge in Key Biscayne. The driver who hit Cohen fled the...
Taxis vs. Ridesharing: Which One is Safer?
Any car accident is scary, but a wreck involving a rideshare service or taxi can be particularly troubling. You might not only be severely injured, but there’s also a chance you might have a hard time getting the compensation you deserve. To learn more about taxis vs. ridesharing and which one is safer, keep reading. An attorney with The Eberst Law Firm will fight hard for your rights, working to ensure you get every dollar you have coming to you. Contact us online or call 1-888-CALL-JON for a free consultation. Background Checks for New Drivers Taxis and ridesharing companies screen their drivers before allowing them to pick up passengers, but the screening processes differ. Taxis usually require their drivers to undergo a background check and have a clean driving record. However, ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have more rigorous screening processes, which include criminal background checks, driving history checks, and vehicle inspections. Ridesharing companies also use technology to monitor drivers' behavior, including speed and route. Some common reasons why someone may be ineligible to drive for a taxi company include the following: A history of driving offenses A criminal record A poor driving record Lack of a valid driver's...
Speedweek and Daytona 500 Brings More People and More Danger
The Daytona 500 is one of the most popular and well-attended events in the world of motorsports. Every year, people from all over the country and the world flock to Daytona Beach, Florida to watch the race and take part in the festivities. According to Sports Business Journal, some 150,000 people attend the NASCAR event and thousands more attend accompanying events. While the Daytona 500 is a thrilling and exciting event, it also poses a number of dangers, particularly when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. For residents of Daytona just trying to live their lives, an influx of people, drunk drivers, and road congestion can lead to more than just a serious headache. Daytona Raceweek Brings Elevated Amount of DUI According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 33,654 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2018. Of those, 10,511 involved alcohol-impaired drivers. These statistics are particularly relevant during the Daytona 500, as many people who attend the event also take part in heavy drinking and partying. Because of this, Daytona makes the top 10 most dangerous cities in Florida for a DUI death with 2.73 DUI-related deaths per 100,000 residents. Drinking and driving is a...
The Benefits of Learning Defensive Driving
It’s not fun to learn that you must take a defensive driving course because you were at fault for a car accident. It will be even worse if you’ve suffered any sort of serious injury. But there is a bright side to taking this course – one that could help you avoid being hurt in the future. In this article, you’ll learn some of the advantages of defensive driving programs. The attorneys with the Eberst Law Firm will be ready to help if you’ve been hurt in a wreck that wasn’t your responsibility. We’ll explain every part of your case in easy-to-understand terms and fight aggressively to ensure you get every penny you deserve. If you want to schedule a free consultation, you can contact us online or call us at 1-888-CALL-JON. What is Defensive Driving? When you take a defensive driving course, you’ll learn safe driving techniques that could help keep you from being in another accident. In most cases, the course takes anywhere from 4-6 hours, and you can take classes online from the comfort of your home. Most people have to take defensive driving because the government is forcing them to do so. But you can always...
Drug Use Among Truck Drivers Causes Accidents
Truck Driver Drug Use and Accident Risk Truck drivers are known to struggle with a number of issues that accompany their difficult lifestyle. The trucking life is not for everybody and it definitely shows. Semi-truck drivers are much more likely to suffer from serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, alcoholism, and addiction to drugs. These health issues, especially addiction to drugs, make semi-truck accidents significantly more likely to occur. Truck drivers turn to substance abuse for a number of reasons related to the trucking lifestyle, and they all hurt both truck drivers and the people they share the road with. Which Drugs do Semi-Truck Driver’s Use? Truck drivers must operate their vehicles for exceptionally long amounts of time in which they are seated and staring at the same road view stretching on continuously. This has a way of wearing a person down and leading them to seek respite in a number of different vices. Some of the drugs that semi-truck drivers turn to as a result of their job’s conditions include: Cannabis The most common drug that is used amongst truckers is Cannabis, more commonly known as marijuana or weed. The usage of cannabis amongst semi-truck drivers has become even more prevalent since...
What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Dies in the Crash?
Any kind of car accident that takes a life is tragic. When the at-fault driver is the one who dies, any other motorists who were severely injured may be hesitant to take legal action. Unfortunately, the hard truth is that those who were badly hurt will still face extremely high medical bills. And they will also suffer other types of monetary losses. They’ll still have to take action to recover those losses. At The Eberst Law Firm, we completely understand how difficult it can be for accident victims to file lawsuits when the motorist responsible for the collision dies. But we also realize how important it will be for those victims to make sure their rights are protected. If you’ve suffered a severe injury in a car wreck that was not your fault, we will help you do just that, while maintaining complete respect for the deceased. If you would like to learn more about how we may be able to help, please contact us online. Or give us a call at 1-888-CALL-JON to schedule a free consultation. Can I Still Pursue My Case if the At-Fault Driver Died? In a car accident case, any claims for compensation will come down to whether or not someone committed negligence that...
How Long Does it Take to get a Car Accident Settlement?
No matter what caused your car accident, if you’ve suffered a severe injury, you want to know how long it will take for you to get the settlement you deserve. You might be getting worried that you’ve exhausted your vacation time and sick days. And you’re losing your paycheck every two weeks. Of course, those medical bills just keep piling up, with no end in sight. The personal injury attorneys with The Eberst Law Firm will be ready to fight to help you get every penny you have coming. We’ve helped clients in cases similar to yours for several years. And we know how to get results. We won’t ever make any promises. But we can guarantee that we’ll do everything we can to hold those responsible for your injury accountable. Here’s a look at what you can generally expect as your case progresses. If you have any questions, or you’d like to schedule a free consultation, call us at 1-888-CALL-JON. Or contact us online. Process of a Car Accident Lawsuit It’s completely understandable that you at least have a general idea of how long it will take for your car accident case to either reach a settlement, or reach a verdict in a courtroom. The following is some information...
What Causes a Car to Catch on Fire after a Crash?
A car crash can be scary enough. When the car catches fire after a crash, that can be downright terrifying. Fire can destroy nerves, and cause other types of permanent injuries. In many instances, these injuries require not only excruciating treatment, but also grueling physical therapy – and that’s only if a person is lucky enough to survive. Please don’t allow a negligent driver to escape accountability for causing a car crash that leads to your car catching fire, and you having to suffer horribly as a result. The attorneys with The Eberst Law Firm will be here to help ensure you get the money you deserve. We will make sure you’re completely informed through the entire process, and that you fully understand what’s going on at all times. You can get in touch with us for a free consultation by contacting our firm online or calling 1-888-CALL-JON. The following is a look at some of the more common reasons a fire can start after a car crash. [caption id="attachment_2621" align="alignnone" width="900"] Burned car close up. Car after the fire, crime of vandalism, riots. Arson car. Accident on the road due to speeding. Explosion. High quality photo[/caption] Leaking Fuel Tanks This is probably the leading culprit when a car...
Car Accidents in Parking Lots
Parking lot car accidents typically occur at a low rate of speed. Nonetheless, they can still result in extensive vehicle damage. And they may also carry the risk of causing severe injuries. Being in any sort of wreck can obviously cause a lot of stress. But it can also lead to a lot of confusion as well. An experienced car accident attorney can handle all of the complexities on your behalf so you can get on with your life. An attorney with The Eberst Law Firm can help you obtain the compensation you deserve if you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Our firm delivers results. And we’re passionate about making sure our clients’ rights are protected at all times. Whether you were the driver or passenger of a car, or you were a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, we’ll be more than ready to provide the expert legal representation you need. Contact The Eberst Law Firm by using our online form. Or give us a call at 1-888-CALL-JON for a free review of your case. [caption id="attachment_2637" align="alignnone" width="900"] Cars parked in parking lot[/caption] How Frequently do Accidents Occur in Parking Lots? You might be surprised to learn that, according to some estimates, parking lot car accidents make up...
Long Term Nerve Damage Caused by Car Accidents
Car accidents happen for a lot of different reasons, and they result in a lot of different types of injuries. One of the most devastating is long-term nerve damage. Any accident that affects the nerves can make it difficult to use your hands, arms or legs to complete even the most basic of everyday tasks. Facial injuries can also lead to nerve problems that can result in permanent disfigurement. If you or someone close to you has suffered this kind of horrible injury, the car accident attorneys with The Eberst Law Firm may be able to help. We know how to hold negligent drivers accountable, and we know how to help our clients obtain the money they deserve. You’ve suffered greatly due to no fault of your own. You deserve justice, and that’s exactly what we’ll try to achieve on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to contact us whenever you like to schedule a free consultation. You can give us a call at 1-888-CALL-JON, or you can use our online contact form. How do Car Accidents Cause Nerve Damage? A car wreck will often lead to violent whipping of the body due to the strength of the impact. Blunt force trauma, glass and metal can all do incredible...
Facial Injuries Caused by a Car Accident
[caption id="attachment_2684" align="alignnone" width="900"] Young man with head injury in the doctor\'s office. Head bandaged with a bandage[/caption] When most people think of injuries resulting from a car accident, life-altering issues such as severe back injuries or traumatic brain injuries usually come to mind. Facial injuries typically aren’t near the top of the list. However, these types of injuries are not only incredibly painful. But they can also result in permanent disfigurement. Fractures can occur when a victim’s face hits a steering wheel or dashboard, and glass fragments can shred the skin. In many instances, victims not only have to endure physical pain, but emotional trauma as well. The car accident attorneys with The Eberst Law Firm have a long track record of success helping victims who have suffered severe facial injuries due to the negligence of others. If you’ve been seriously hurt due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, we’ll do everything we can to help you obtain the money you have coming to you. Please schedule a free case review by contacting us online or giving us a call at 888-CALL-JON. What Causes Facial Wounds in Accidents? Any time a vehicle accident occurs, the drivers and passengers involved are at risk of severe facial injuries. In fact, these are among...