The Dangers of Florida’s Turnpike and Toll Highways
The Sunshine State boosts over 700 miles of toll roads, bridges and causeways, more than any other state in the country. Some of the most notable toll roads include I-75 and Florida’s Turnpike, which dates back to 1957. These roadways were originally designed to reduce traffic congestion and generate funding for improved infrastructure without taxing the general public. Today, thousands of commuters and travelers embark on these roadways on a regular basis. Although their use is invaluable, toll road expansion has resultantly augmented the number of car accidents throughout the state. On average, there are 500 car accidents a day in Florida, with an estimated 200,000 car accidents happening a year. In fact, Florida has one of the highest accident rates across the country, averaging 28% more than neighboring states. Because of this, it’s important for drivers to proceed with caution when driving on toll roads, bridges and causeways in the area. Since many drivers in Florida are visitors, they do not come into contact with toll roads on a regular basis. This causes an increased risk for confusion and distracted driving amongst toll roads. The attorneys at Porcaro Law Group have helped countless toll road accident victims through the difficult proceedings following a crash. We help clients establish culpability and begin the process of filing a personal injury claim. As skilled negotiators, we fight to recover the compensation that you deserve and settle for nothing less. Have you been injured in a toll road car accident? Request a free consultation today! Safety risks on Florida’s Turnpike and toll roads Each year, thousands of tourists descend upon sunny South Florida to enjoy the sandy beaches and family-friendly theme parks. As a result, toll roads become more congested, particularly by drivers who are new to the area or unfamiliar with Florida traffic laws. Unfortunately, this increases the odds of an accident on state roadways. Here are the main risks associated with Florida toll roads: Navigating toll booths One of the unique aspects of toll roads is the physical barriers between drivers and the road. Unlike toll-free highways, in order to enter Florida’s Turnpike you need to pass through a toll booth and pay a fee. Many Florida drivers opt for an annual Sunpass to avoid stopping. But outside drivers are presented with the challenge of choosing which lane to drive through. This makes them more prone to short stops, quick lane changes, and car accidents. Last minute merging When approaching a toll booth on Florida’s Turnpike, you’ll encounter last-minute merging and general confusion by new toll road users. Due to varying pay options and signage, drivers become more focused on getting to the right lane versus watching out for the traffic around them. This causes more slamming on the brakes, delayed lane changes, and sudden stops which play a factor in unexpected crashes. Distracted driving As one of the leading causes of car accidents nowadays, distracted driving continues to increase the number of reported toll road injuries and fatalities across the state. Speeding, drinking and driving, texting, and other reckless behaviors contribute to increased accident risks that result in injury or fatality. Do I need a personal injury attorney? You should always hire a personal injury attorney to help guide you through the process of a toll road accident lawsuit. Oftentimes, big insurance companies will use complicated jargon to try to trick victims into biased settlements. However, with the right attorney on your side, you can easily establish liability for damages, lost wages, and medical bills. In short, attorneys are the key to maximizing your personal injury settlement. In the event that the condition of the road or toll booth may have caused the crash, you’ll need an experienced attorney to help you determine liability as well. Contact Porcaro Law Group for help with your toll road accident The attorneys at Porcaro Law Group work vigilantly to ensure car accident victims receive just compensation. We understand how overwhelming life can get following the aftermath of a car accident, which is why we’ll support you through the entire process of filing a claim. With a knowledgeable approach to insurance company tactics, we’ll make sure you are not taken advantage of nor given a minimized payout. Our valued reputation in South Florida and groundbreaking case results offer victims relief and comfort during a difficult time. Contact our office at (561) 450-9355. You can also get in touch with us through our Free Case Review portal on our website.
When Is The Car Manufacturer At Fault for an Auto Accident?
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), the year 2019 saw more than 400,000 reported auto accidents. The organization noted various crash types, from pedestrian crashes to hit and runs. But there’s one question they don’t answer: When is the car manufacturer at fault for an auto accident? Automotive Defects and Car Accidents The car manufacturer is at fault if their product is defective. In the case of an auto accident that may be the fault of the vehicle itself, you’ll need to know what kind of defective products hold weight in court. This is just as important whether you’re dealing with a rideshare accident or a crash from your personal vehicle. Here are three different types of defective products from a car manufacturer that you can consider: 1. Design defects: This is a defect that’s rooted in the design of the product. It includes any design flaw that makes the overall vehicle unsafe for driving.2. Manufacturing defects: The vehicle’s design may be just fine, but perhaps the manufacturing is flawed. In this case, you’re dealing with a manufacturing defect, which means the vehicle has been made unsafe for driving as a result of manufacturing that doesn’t reach the required or expected standards.3. Warning or label defects: Even without a design or manufacturing defect, the car manufacturer may still be at fault. If there are dangers in the product, the automaker is required to provide adequate warnings or labels. Without this, they have failed to warn the driver of risks associated with product use, therefore making them liable for the accident. These defect categories can materialize in a few different ways. For instance, you may experience defects in your tires, airbags, steering system, fuel system, computer, seats, wiring or seatbelts. Car Manufacturer Liability When you want to hold a car manufacturer liable for a defective product that resulted in an auto accident, you’re aiming for one of three types of liabilities: 1. Strict: Strict liability makes the car manufacturer at fault for any damages resulting from their product’s defect, whichever type of defect it may be. You don’t need to prove negligence or even defect awareness. Rather, it’s enough that the product caused damage (like injury) to infer strict liability.2. Negligence: If a car manufacturer proceeds with design, manufacturing or otherwise while knowing the product may cause harm, they are negligent. Proving this gives way for negligence liability.3. Breach of warranty: Vehicle manufacturers include both implied and explicit warranties when selling their products. If you can prove that the vehicle’s defect actually breaches either of these warranty types, you can fight for breach of warranty liability. Today, this is the least common type of liability you’ll see in the court. If you can prove any of these liabilities in Florida court, you may receive compensation — otherwise known as damages. You could receive money for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, disability and disfigurement or even loss of life enjoyment (all of which depends on the severity of the auto accident and your ability to prove the car manufacturer was at fault). Evidence To Prove The Car Manufacturer Is At Fault For Your Auto Accident If you’ve decided that your car manufacturer is, indeed, at fault for your auto accident, take the time to gather the following evidence (where applicable) to prove their liability: Proof of vehicle defect, personal injury and causation between the two Proof of damage All police reports of the incident Witness statements Vehicle warranties, instructions, warnings and labels Medical records and interviews Testimony of others with the same vehicular defect Car Manufacturers Have an Obligation of Safety When a vehicle brand sells their product, they automatically have an obligation to keep their drivers safe. That’s why we have the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the first place — to hold auto manufacturers accountable when things go awry. Even when a make must implement a recall, they need to be on the ball. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, and auto accidents do occur as a result. By knowing when a car manufacturer is at fault for an auto accident, you’re empowering yourself to take action and receive the restitution you deserve. Reach out to the car accident attorneys at Porcaro Law of Delray Beach, Florida to work alongside you for your auto accident claim.
When To Hire An Auto Accident Attorney
In the U.S. alone, there are over 6 million auto accidents every year. While the majority aren’t fatal, about half of all accidents do result in injuries. If you’ve been in one of those accidents, you may be wondering how to handle the insurance companies and how to get the potential compensation you deserve. In cases like these, one course of action you can take is to hire an auto accident attorney. With the help of the right attorney, you’ll be able to recover any losses resulting from your accident, as well as cut down on all of the hassle related to filing an insurance claim. When To Consider Hiring an Auto Accident Attorney Have you been injured at all in an auto accident, even a minor injury? If so – it is time to consult with an auto accident attorney. The sooner you get legal advice from a qualified expert, the better it will be for your case. If You’ve Experienced Any Injuries, Not Just Severe Injuries If you have experienced any injuries as a result of an accident, you should consider hiring an auto accident attorney. The more severe your injuries and the more medical bills you accrue, the more likely you’ll experience pushback from insurance companies. That’s where having an experienced auto accident attorney can help. They’ll work on your behalf to ensure you get the level of compensation you deserve. Multiple Parties Are Involved Additionally, if the accident in question happened between more than two separate parties, it’s advisable to speak to an attorney. Accidents involving more than two parties tend to create complicated insurance claims and negotiations processes. So having a legal expert at your side can help make navigating the process much easier. You’re Unsure of Where to Begin Completing the insurance claim process can be challenging, especially if you’ve never experienced anything like it before. That’s where having a trustworthy auto accident attorney can help you navigate each step of the process, and help you understand the true value of the compensation you’re entitled to. Free Consultation With An Auto Accident Attorney If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident in the Delray Beach area, the legal experts at Porcaro Law Group want to help. If you’re looking for an attorney that will treat your case with the care it deserves, contact our South Florida office to discuss all of your options during your free consultation.
Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?
Car accidents are a startling experience that can have a lasting impact on physical and mental well being. When people are injured in a car accident they will often work directly with their insurance company for a settlement. While this can most certainly be done, working with an attorney after a car accident can be in your best interest. Here are five reasons why you should consider hiring an auto accident attorney. 1. Insurance companies do not always have your best interest at heart Insurance companies are businesses that have many factors to consider when assessing your claims, including their bottom line. Because of this, your interests and theirs may not always align. When you work with an auto accident attorney, you are hiring a representative for you and your best interests. This ensures someone is always in your corner and advocating on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. 2. Claims are not straightforward When people think of car accident claims, their mind may be immediately drawn to receiving compensation to cover medical bills and help with injuries. But, there are many more damages that you may deserve such as pain and suffering, emotional distress or lost wages. Settlement cases aren’t straightforward and working with an attorney will make sure you’re getting all of the damages you’re entitled to. 3. Filing a claim is a complex process Filing an insurance claim for a car accident involves a lot of paperwork, phone calls, negotiating with adjusters, paying bills and reviewing and understanding policies, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. When you’ve been injured in a car accident, the last thing you want to do (or should do), is overburden yourself with the process of filing a claim. When you work with an attorney, they take care of this process for you so you can focus on healing and getting back on your feet. Your personal health and well being should always be a priority. 4. Proving liability is complicated One of the most complicated parts of a car accident injury claim is proving that another person’s negligence caused your injuries. This is a crucial part of an accident claim. It’s impossible to get the compensation you deserve if you can’t demonstrate that your injuries are a the result of someone else’s negligence. When you work with an experienced car accident attorney they will be able sift through the evidence and put a together a strong case to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 5. Knowledge and experience Of all the reasons to work with a personal injury attorney after an accident, one of the most important is having a knowledgeable and experienced person on your side. When you’ve suffered from an injury that has an impact on your life, working with an experienced lawyer and their team, like the team at Porcaro Law, will ensure you’re putting your best foot forward to get the settlement you deserve. This will provide you with piece of mind knowing you are doing your part. A car accident can be a frightening experience. Most people do not know how much, if any compensation they are entitled to after they have been in an accident. With Porcaro Law Group by your side, you will feel confident knowing that your rights are protected and the responsible parties are held liable for their actions. We will help you get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, contact us today.
5 Mistakes People Make After An Auto Accident
Common Mistakes After Car Accident Each year, millions of auto accidents occur all across the United States. While the aftermath of some collisions can be devastating, many of the mistakes people make following a car accident can worsen the situation. Whether it’s a simple fender bender or a fatal wreck, avoiding these common mistakes after a car accident can help you when dealing with your insurance company and pursuing a legal claim down the road. 1. Leaving the scene of an accident Car accidents can have you feeling anxious in the blink of an eye. While it’s common to panic after a collision, it’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident. The best thing to do when you find yourself in a car accident is to remain calm and wait for first responders to arrive. Fleeing the scene of a wreck, no matter how minor, will only make your situation worse. Therefore, it’s important to stay calm and stay at the scene. 2. Unsuccessfully exchanging all details about the accident It’s extremely important to always exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If applicable, request the contact information from any witnesses that saw the crash occur. This will be highly beneficial if you need to take legal action against the driver and their insurance company. Consequently, make sure as much accurate information makes it into the police report and ask for a copy of the report. If you come across any incorrect information on the report, get it changed to accurately depict the car accident. Whether you choose to pursue legal action or not, it’s important to have the information on file in case later on you are more seriously injured from the accident than you originally thought. 3. Not reporting the accident Even if your auto accident is just a minor incident, always report the collision to the police. It’s never in your best interest to let the other driver convince you to avoid the hassle of calling law enforcement officers to the scene. Even if the other driver doesn’t want to report the accident, failure to report the accident and exchanging information can result in the other driver falsely accusing you of a hit and run later on. 4. Failure to receive medical attention No matter how “fine” you may seem or feel following a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention. Without a medical background, you are unable to evaluate yourself after a crash. It’s in your best interest to undergo a full checkup, especially if you may have hit your head during the collision. Only a medical professional can grant you a clean bill of health. 5. Not contacting an attorney It’s important to note that just because you may have car insurance, doesn’t mean that contacting an attorney isn’t a smart idea. Seeking compensation or just the act of filing an insurance claim can be a complex task. An experienced attorney who specializes in auto accidents, such as Peter Porcaro, can represent you and offer legal advice. Furthermore, Peter can assist with extensive paperwork and details of your legal claim as you focus on recovering from your physical and emotional injuries. Auto accidents can be a frightening experience no matter how minor or severe. After a collision, you may have been justifiably upset of seriously injured. Peter Porcaro is an experienced auto accident attorney who will help you deal with any issues needed to get you the best possible settlement. Call or email us today to start a conversation. We’ll do everything we can to get the best outcome for you and everyone involved.
What You Need to Know If You’ve Been in a Pedestrian Auto Accident
Florida is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians when it comes to auto accidents. According to the Florida DHSMV, in 2017, there were over 9,000 pedestrian auto accidents and over 600 pedestrian fatalities. As a pedestrian, you have legal rights. It’s important to understand what these rights are, and what course of action you need to take if you’ve been in a pedestrian auto accident. Timelines for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Case Each state has specific statutes of limitation (time limits for charges) that have to be followed when it comes to filing a case. If you’ve been in an accident as a pedestrian in Florida, you have four years from the date of the injury to bring forward a case, and two years for wrongful death. It’s important to follow the pedestrian auto accident timelines so that you don’t lose the right to file. Pedestrian Auto Accident Compensation Several damages are recoverable in pedestrian auto accident cases, and it of course depends on the case. Compensation for pedestrian auto accidents include: medical expenses and the cost of future medical care disability scarring and disfigurement lost earnings and potential earnings general damages for pain, suffering and emotional distress funeral expenses In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which is covered by the driver’s insurance company, pays up to $10,000 of the pedestrian’s medical bills. But, injuries suffered in an accident can easily far surpass these costs. A personal injury attorney like Peter Porcaro can help you negotiate for a larger settlement to cover damages. Qualifying for a Pedestrian Car Accident Claim For a pedestrian to recover damages from a pedestrian auto accident, the driver must have been negligent, meaning they must have been careless. The pedestrian must also prove that their physical injuries or pain and suffering damages are a result of the accident. Navigating this process is cumbersome, not to mention confusing. A qualified personal injury attorney like Peter Porcaro can help you understand if you qualify, and what course of action needs to be taken to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Working With a Pedestrian Auto Accident Attorney With pedestrian car accidents, there are many governing laws that need to be considered in a case. It’s essential that you work with an experienced auto accident attorney where you feel confident knowing that your rights are protected and the responsible parties are held liable for their actions. Our purpose at Porcaro Law Group is simple. We are here to help victims and their loved ones receive the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact us today to start a conversation.
What To Do After a Car Accident
Have you been in a car accident? Wondering what to do next? Well, you found the right article. Car accidents and injuries can be scary, nerve-wracking and a pain in the backside. Peter Porcaro, your (future) auto accident attorney, has litigated car accidents and personal injuries for years. Follow his steps to get started on the right path. If you have any questions, call us at 561-286-7561 for a free strategy session. Steps To Take After an Auto Accident 1. Drive to a safe area, away from traffic It is important, if it is safe, to move your car from the main road. The last thing you need is a distracted driver rear ending your car after you’ve already been in one accident. If you cannot move your car out of the way, put your hazard lights on so others can safely drive past! 2. Park your car and get out After you park your car, turn off your engine, and take a DEEP breath and relax. Before getting out, check for cars approaching. If you have traffic cones or flares, feel free to use them around your car’s parameter. 3. Check to make sure those involved are OK Whether it be passengers or pedestrians, check on all the other parties involved. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If someone is seriously injured, do not move them! They may have a spinal injury and any movement can cause paralysis. Even dizziness should be checked by a healthcare professional. 4. Call the police to the scene Even if the accident is minor, a police accident report can help when dealing with insurance and the other driver involved. It is best to cooperate with police, but avoid blaming anyone or causing conflict. The police can objectively judge what occurred and determine who is at fault (if anyone). Sometimes police can’t make it to the scene, especially if there are no injuries. If this is the case with your car accident, you can file an accident report through your state’s DMV. Call the DMV or go to their website! 5. Gather information about the accident Write down as much information as possible about the car accident, like: Driver and passenger names License plate numbers Insurance info Makes and models of all vehicles involved Contact info for any eyewitnesses Location of the accident The name and badge number of any responding police officers 6. Take photos of the scene Pull out your smartphone and snap some pictures of the auto accident scene, along with the road and the circumstance. Get Started With Your Car Insurance Claim Call us for your FREE strategy session.561-286-7561 7. Take photos of the scene Sit back and Relax – Porcaro Law will take care of the rest. Peter Porcaro at Porcaro Law Group is an experienced car accident attorney in Florida. He understands the hardships you might face when dealing with an auto accident. He will guide you and handle the legal part of your case while you heal and recover. Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation or give us a call at 561-286-7561.
Car Accidents in Florida Are on The Rise
Car Accidents in Florida Are on The Rise April is known as Distracted Driving Month and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) recently released statistics and data that showed 2017 was the worst year on record for accidents involving distracted drivers in Florida. In addition, there were a total of 387,900 total car crashes that amassed over 246,285 injuries. Unfortunately, the U.S Department of Transportation also shows a steady 12% increase in the number of fatal car accidents every year. According to the data, Miami and Broward County topped the list for the most car accidents. However, many of these accidents are caused by distracted drivers. What’s a distracted driver? Distracted driving is the act of driving while engaged in other activities that take the driver’s attention away from the road. All distractions compromise the safety of the driver, passengers, bystanders and those in other vehicles. For example: text messaging or being on your phone is considered a distraction while driving. The number of distracted drivers is on the rise due to the fact that more teenagers are growing up using cell phones to text, snapchat, and communicate with others. Text messaging and driving is one of the biggest problems on our roads today. When operating a motor vehicle, make it your duty to put your phone down and focus on the road. This is an important lesson to teach your kids and family members. More eyes on the road will result in less car accidents across our state. Other contributing factors Poor weather conditions are a contributing factor to car accidents in Florida, especially during the summer months. The number of retired Americans is also the highest in Florida which is also considered a contributing factor to the number of car accidents. Compared to teenage drivers, there are many more drivers over 65 involved in car accidents in Florida. Lastly, drunk driving causes numerous accidents and fatalities across the state each year. It’s important to recognize these statistics and be careful on the road. Due to the number of unqualified drivers on the road, car accidents in Florida continue to rise. Call us for a free consultation Peter Porcaro is a seasoned lawyer located in Delray Beach, Florida. He specializes in auto accidents and personal injury. If you have been injured in a car accident and need to speak to someone, call our firm today for a free consultation: 561-286-7561.