Do Bicyclists Have to Follow The Same Rules and Laws That Drivers Do?
In Florida, bicycles are defined as vehicles, which means that bicyclists have all the responsibilities, rights, and privileges to use the roadways as motor vehicle drivers do.
What Are The Most Dangerous Roads in Tampa for Drivers?
In 2021, the roadways throughout Hillsborough County became more prone to serious and deadly traffic accidents. According to the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization, 255 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2021, making it the deadliest year ever on Hillsborough roadways.
Should I Take Photos of an Accident With My Phone?
Taking photos of an accident, even with your phone, can help paint a clearer picture of what occurred, how it occurred, and establish fault and liability for it.
What Do You Do If You Are in an Accident on a Rented Bike?
Bikeshare and rental bike programs are increasingly becoming popular in various U.S. cities, and the city of Sarasota is no exception
Steps to Take as a Witness to a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be frightening for the victims and other people who witness them.
What is an SUV Rollover Accident?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 10,000 people are killed every year in rollover crashes.
Steps to Take After I Was Hit by a Car in FL While Biking
Only about two percent of motor vehicle accident deaths are among bicyclists. However, Florida is unfortunately ranked number one when it comes to bicycle deaths from motor vehicle accidents across the nation.
Summer Brings More Hit-and-Run Accidents to Sarasota
According to Visit Florida, approximately 36 million people visited the state from January up to March 2022, a 14% increase over last year’s fourth quarter.
What are the Damages I Can Claim in an Accident?
Individuals who are injured in a car accident face many losses and expenses. For example, they are responsible for paying ambulance and emergency room bills, and they experience pain and suffering.
What If I Am Injured By an Out of State Driver?
If you have suffered injuries in an accident by an out-of-state driver, you must be ready to face certain challenges that are unique to crashes involving out-of-state motorists
Do I Have to Go to Court After a Car Accident in FL?
Being involved in a car accident brings a lot of stress and worry to the victims and their family members. They often want to seek justice and fair compensation, but they aren’t sure how to do so, or they are afraid of ending up in court.
What Are The Most Dangerous Roads in Sarasota for Drivers?
As of May 2022, there have been 2,348 motor vehicle crashes in Sarasota, and these crashed have resulted in 1,350 injuries and 17 deaths.
What To Do if the Person Who Hits Your Car in Florida Does Not Have Insurance?
Most drivers who get into an accident in Florida carry at least the minimum amount of car insurance required by law.
What Happens if I Do Not Report a Car Accident in FL?
Maybe someone backed into your vehicle in a parking lot, or you had what you thought was a simple fender bender at a stoplight.
Record Number of Pedestrian and Cyclist Deaths in Pinellas County
The Tampa Bay Area is known as one of the most dangerous places in Florida for pedestrians and cyclists.
Is Avoiding Car Maintenance a Form of Negligence?
Yes. Any crash that occurred because a driver failed to regularly maintain their car or make necessary repairs to crucial components isn’t an accident but a choice.
The Dangers of Large Trucks on Roadways in Pinellas County
On February 8, 2022, a bicyclist was killed after getting struck by a FedEx truck. The accident happened at 71st St. and 50th Ave. N. in Pinellas County.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Tampa, FL
Being involved in a truck crash can be overwhelming and leave you confused about what you should do next.
More Pedestrian Accidents in Sarasota County
On December 27, 2021, a sedan struck two pedestrians on Palmer Blvd. near Raymond Road. An unidentified 17-year-old was driving the sedan.
Do I Go to The Emergency Room or Urgent Care After an Accident in Florida?
When you have suffered injuries in an accident, like a slip and fall or auto accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away.
Can I Sue a Driver Who Hit Me While Texting?
Yes. You can sue a driver who was texting when they crashed into you. Texting while driving is among the most common causes of distracted driving accidents, and it is illegal in Florida.
What Factors Affect Car Accident Claims in Tampa?
While some car accidents can seem simple and straightforward, others can be more complicated.
Should I Drive with a Dashcam in My Car?
More now than ever before, Florida drivers are using dashcams in their cars. Maybe you want the security and protection that one can offer if you are pulled over by the police or involved in an accident.
How Often Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur in Tampa Grocery Stores?
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—often when the victim is least expecting. Over 8.5 million people in the U.S. are hurt in falls every year, and another 35,000 die from fall-related injuries.
How Much More Dangerous are Motorcycles Than Cars in Tampa?
Motorcycles are symbolic of American freedom, adventure, and the open road to many who ride them.
How Long Can a Truck Driver Drive in One Shift?
The most recent report on large trucks by the NHTSA found that 5,005 people were killed in 2019, and approximately 159,000 people were injured in truck accident crashes nationwide. A whopping 71% of the people who lost their lives in these crashes were drivers and passengers of other motor vehicles.
Planning Your Holiday Road Travel
The holiday season is the perfect time for friends and family to create unforgettable memories and experiences together. But during the holidays, Florida’s roadways can be among the busiest and most dangerous in the country. From November to December 2020, 1,052 motor vehicle accidents involving drunk and/or drugged driving occurred in Florida. Law enforcement officials also issued 5,442 tickets for DUI around that time.
What are the Current Florida Laws on Texting and Driving?
Based on a report by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, of the 17.5 million drivers in the Sunshine State, authorities only issued 3,174 tickets for texting while driving in 2020. The texting while driving law took effect in 2019, enabling law enforcement officials to give tickets to drivers caught texting behind the wheel. But it’s fairly easy to find loopholes in this law.
New Florida Law Emphasizes Cyclist Safety
In 2019, 846 bicyclists died in the U.S. based on the most recent NHTSA stats. Bicycle accidents and deaths are, unfortunately common, particularly in certain parts of the U.S., such as Florida, which is one of the most dangerous states for biking.
Should There Be Insurance Requirements For Bicycles In Florida?
Florida law does not require automobile drivers to have bodily injury liability coverage.
How Is Negligence Established Following A Catastrophic Truck Accident?
If you are driving in Tampa or Sarasota, Florida you will encounter semi-trucks on highways and interstates.
Increasing Pedestrian Injuries in Florida
Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami are just some of the cities on the list of 20 deadliest cities for pedestrians across America, according to the Dangerous by Design 2021 report by Smart Growth America.
Can a Preexisting Injury Impact My Car Accident Case?
Many people have conditions from previous injuries that they are living with. When you get into a car crash, it is entirely possible that the impact can worsen your preexisting condition, requiring additional medical care and presenting more challenges than you previously faced.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Florida
Bus accidents are common throughout the United States. Tour buses are a regular sight throughout Florida, carrying tourists and retirees interested in seeing different parts of the country.
Common Injuries and Causes of Truck Accidents in FL
Recently, four people needed to be airlifted to the hospital and several others transported by ambulance for severe injuries after a commercial truck driver failed to slow down and barreled into five different passenger cars on Interstate 75 in the Sarasota area.
Roadway Accidents Increase During The Thanksgiving Season
With tens of millions of people expected to take to the road this Thanksgiving season, you must be extra vigilant when traveling or just driving around in your community.
Possible Legal Issues with Self-Driving Cars
Self-driving cars were once thought of as something coming in the future, but many of these vehicles have now been tested or operated regularly on our roads.
What to Do If You Are a Passenger in an Auto Accident?
Accidents happen, and when they do, sometimes people get hurt. We see lots of advice on what to do if you are the driver involved in a car accident in Florida, but what do you do if you are an injured passenger.
Wearing Headphones While Riding a Bike - is it Safe?
You see it all the time. Bicyclists wear headphones to listen to music, podcasts, and fitness programs.
Is Florida Becoming More Dangerous for Cyclists?
Bicycle use is increasing, and so are bicycle injuries. According to some sources, in 2020, Florida was the most dangerous state in the U.S. for cyclists, pedestrians, and others who roll. In 2020, there were 5,948 bicycle crashes, with 163 fatalities.
One of Florida's Most Dangerous Boating Areas
Boating accidents are a very common occurrence in Florida. In fact, according to the National Safe Boating Council, there were more than 679 boating accidents in Florida in 2019 that resulted in 55 deaths.
Are Hands-Free Headphones Safe While Driving?
The use of hands-free headphones while driving has become a hot topic lately, with people on both sides of the debate.
What Happens If You’re Hit By An Uninsured Driver In Florida?
After a motor vehicle collision, it’s fairly common standard procedure for both drivers to stop, exchange insurance and contact information, seek appropriate medical care, and mutually come to a fair settlement to reimburse motorists who were not at fault for any losses.
Most Dangerous Metro Areas For Pedestrians In Florida
Florida is home to some fairly walkable and picturesque cities, like Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Orlando, and Miami. Unfortunately, this walkability can also be an extremely double-edged sword for both pedestrians and drivers who aren’t careful.
Florida Towns See More Pedestrians
Florida is known for being the “Sunshine State,” its numerous beaches, and for being home to many amusement parks. It also happens to be home to nine of the 20 most dangerous cities for pedestrians, including Tampa. Perhaps one reason for this is that Florida towns typically have more pedestrians.
What to Do if You Are in an Accident on a Rented Bike?
Those rented bikes that are popping up everywhere and that you can hire with the touch of an app are an incredible convenience. If you’re injured in a rental bike accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, however...
Watch for Self-Driving Trucks on the Road
We have all heard the gossip about self-driving trucks, but most of us think that’s a worry that we can put off for a long time to come. The future, however...
How Does Medical Malpractice in Florida Work?
Medical malpractice cases can be emotional for everyone involved. At a time when you or a loved one believed you were getting appropriate medical care, your medical providers let you down, possibly making things worse. If you believe you or a loved one have been a...
What Are My Workers Comp Rights?
Workers compensation, or workers comp, refers to insurance that most employers are required to carry for all of their W-2 employees. Its purpose is to cover lost wages and medical expenses for employees who become injured or ill in the workplace as a result of their...
Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Accidents involving commercial trucks can cause great harm due to a truck’s size, weight and cargo. Liability is highly complex in truck accidents compared with passenger car accidents, with their own unique set of laws and challenges. If you have been involved in an...
Florida’s Distracted Driving Laws: A Complete Guide
According to transportation statistics from the CDC, about eight people in the United States are killed every day in crashes involving a distracted driver. While distracted driving is a nationwide problem, laws vary by state. On July 1, 2019, a new law took...
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
In the United States, a pedestrian dies in an accident every 88 minutes. Many other people, including pedestrians and the drivers involved, sustain injuries. Roughly half of the deaths occur in just five states, and Florida leads the pack. If you live in Florida, you...
How Can Semi Truck Accidents Be Avoided?
When you are driving on the road, one of the biggest threats to your safety are collisions with 18-wheel commercial trucks. Each year, around 500,000 semi-truck crashes occur. About 20 percent of those involve injuries and approximately 1 percent involve fatalities —...
What Are the Differences Between a Truck Accident and a Car Accident Case?
Commercial semi-truck drivers carry a great deal of responsibility on the road, which means there are greater consequences at stake when a truck accident occurs. If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck crash, it is important to understand the...
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in Florida?
Losing a loved one is a life-changing event. Time and time again, victims of this tragedy experience further suffering when learning that their loss may have been preventable or caused by the negligence of another person or company. In this situation, the family is...
Will I Still Get Workers’ Comp if my Employer Goes out of Business?
According to the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation, you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation if you are a payroll employee, your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, your injury or illness is work-related, and you file within two years of...
When Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
After an on-the-job injury, some people file a workers’ compensation claim, get reimbursed for expenses, and all goes smoothly. Too often, however, claims get denied, payouts are too low to cover expenses, the employee gets let go in the midst of a claim, or other...
Will I Lose Workers’ Comp Benefits If I Get Laid Off or Fired?
Getting injured on the job is a stressful situation, and often leads to numerous pressing questions regarding medical costs. During uncertain economic times and periods of high unemployment, especially due to COVID-19, we get frequent questions from workers who get...
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one causes pain enough. It can feel many times worse when an untimely loss occurs due to the actions of another person, company, or entity. If you experience such a loss, you may be able to hold another party responsible through a wrongful death claim....
Is COVID-19 Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
As COVID-19 has swept across the country, it has dramatically changed the face of the American workforce. As the virus gained a foothold in February and early March, many non-essential workers continued to go to work each day where they may have unknowingly spread the...
How Can I Calculate Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
While no one plans to get injured on the job, it is a situation for which every working Floridian should be prepared. Thankfully, employees are entitled to workers’ compensation, which covers a portion of their lost wages as the result of a work-related injury or...
Does Medical Negligence Qualify for a Lawsuit?
Generally, we trust doctors and other medical professionals to provide competent, informed care. Unfortunately, negligence and malpractice sometimes happen. In some contexts, these two terms may seem synonymous. However, if you find yourself wondering if you can sue a...
Spinal Injury Claims: Everything You Need To Know
If you or a loved one has recently experienced a spinal cord injury, you probably have questions. Spinal injuries are some of the most complex and potentially devastating injuries a person can suffer—after all, the spine serves as the body’s neurological “command...
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident with a Car?
If you’re hit by a car or truck while biking on the road, follow this guide to protect yourself and your case. *Updated 8/28/2020 Tampa Bay, Bradenton, and Sarasota offer some of the most beautiful bike trails, parks, and paths in the country. Unfortunately, Florida’s...
Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
If you were injured or became ill because of an incident that happened while you were on the job, you are probably facing lost wages, medical bills, and anxiety about what comes next. Luckily, if you can provide qualifying evidence linking your injury to your...
Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury? Here’s How a TBI Attorney Can Help With Your Case
Unfortunately, many people suffer from a traumatic brain injury after an auto or workplace accident.You are, at a minimum, dealing with pain and discomfort after an accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In some cases, you might deal with lost time,...
A Concussion is a Brain Injury
Concussions are the most common type of brain injury, leading to thousands of emergency room trips each year. These mild or moderate traumatic brain injuries are caused by a bump or blow to the head, making your brain move back and forth at an accelerated rate. While...
Common Personal Injury Cases
Typically, we can trust that we will go through our day safely and happily, without coming to personal harm. Unfortunately, some people—other drivers, business owners, manufacturers, and even medical providers—violate that trust. Chances are, someone you know has had...
Personal Injury FAQs: Do I Have to Pay You to Fight for Me or My Family?
If you or your family have been affected by an accident or personal injury, things can seem overwhelming. There is a lot going on, like finding the right personal injury attorney to fight for you, choosing a doctor, and navigating the insurance and costs for your...
Summer: The Most Dangerous Season to Be on the Road
The sun is shining, the weather is nice, but summertime brings with it increased hazards for those hitting the road. But did you know that the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day represents the most dangerous time for drivers in Florida? Staying alert and practicing...
Matthews Injury Law Firm Represents Family Following the Tragic Death of a Sarasota Boy
SARASOTA, FL – The Matthews Injury Law Firm, in addition to attorney Karly Christine, are representing a Sarasota family grieving the loss of 9-year-old Roman Miller. A driver with a history of citations hit Miller while the third-grader was bicycling to school in...
Car Accident FAQs: I Was Injured in an Accident. What Should I Do?
Auto accidents happen every day. But that doesn’t make them any less challenging to deal with. Whether you were in a car accident recently, or you want to be prepared in case one happens to you, these FAQs answered by our car accident attorneys will help guide you...
Personal Injury FAQs: What is a Mediation?
Before a case is taken to trial, it is common for a mediation to take place. This process involves the plaintiff and the defendant agreeing to use a third-party mediator in an effort to resolve a claim before going to trial. The main purpose of a mediation is to give...