Willful Car Collisions in Hillsborough County
An average of 254 hit-and-run fatalities happens each year in Florida, with that number only continuing to rise. Most people can’t imagine hitting another person or car with their vehicle and then fleeing the scene. Unfortunately, it happens more than you think. Protecting yourself from willful car collisions is important when you’re driving on the road. You need to think about so many things when you’re operating a car. Unfortunately, you have to worry about the other people on the road as well.
This guide will go over ways to prevent being in a car accident, especially if a negligent driver caused it. Be proactive and find ways to protect yourself and your car when you encounter negligent drivers.
Don’t Get Confrontational
If you were in a car accident and didn’t cause it, your first instinct might be to get out of your vehicle and confront the other party. In many situations, that’s not the greatest idea. The negligent driver might be under the influence, resulting in them being dangerous or aggressive.
If you can see that the other driver is behaving erratically, it’s best not to make eye contact with them or confront them. If they approach your car, stay inside and keep the doors locked. Notify the police immediately.
Watch Out for Distracted Drivers
It seems that more and more distractions get added to vehicles every year. From in-car WiFi to smart systems, plenty of things are going on inside a car to capture someone’s attention.
To protect yourself from distracted drivers, you first need to notice them. Seeing a phone in their hand or another type of distraction in their vehicle is a sure sign they’re not paying full attention to the road. You’ll notice that they’re distracted most of the time based on how the car is moving.
Look out for drivers who are:
- Erratically or needlessly changing their speed
- Going much slower or faster than the speed limit
- Unpredictably weaving throughout traffic
- Stopping longer than necessary at a stop sign or traffic light
- Not staying in their lane
The driver could be under the influence or fatigued, but they could also be distracted. If you start to notice a distracted driver, there are a few things you should do. They are:
- Keep your car as far away from them as you can
- Assume that they’re unaware of everything around them
- Try to get past them, or slow down so they can get ahead
Your goal should be to keep you and your vehicle as far away from the distracted driver as you can. You want to minimize how much risk you’re exposed to.
Be Wary of Tailgaters
We’ve all had cars that follow us so closely that we can’t see their headlights in our rearview mirror. There are a variety of reasons a person will tailgate you. They’re not necessarily important when thinking about how to protect yourself.
While you can’t control the other driver, you can reduce how much of a threat they pose to you. No matter how tempting, don’t slam on your brakes. That’s a dangerous tactic for every vehicle involved.
Take a deep breath and stay focused on driving. Check your speed to ensure you’re not driving considerably slower than the speed limit. Give them room to pass you, if needed.
If you can, pull over to the side of the road. Sometimes there’s no way to win with a tailgater. Getting out of their way is essential to protecting yourself and your car.
Watch Out for Inebriated Drivers
Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous. In addition to carrying with it all the risks that reckless drivers have, you also have to deal with a driver whose judgment is impaired. Drunk drivers show the same signs as distracted drivers.
You should respond to a drunk driver the same way as you would a distracted one. Create as much distance as you can between your vehicle and theirs.
Don’t try to stop them or get their attention by yelling or honking. Doing so will increase the likelihood of an accident occurring. Police officers and emergency service workers are trained to deal with drunk drivers.
If you can, make note of the car’s license plate, make, color, and model. Pull over and contact emergency services to report the drunk driver. Tell the dispatcher the following items:
- You want to report a drunk driver
- Describe the car
- Give the nearest cross-streets
- Describe the driver’s behavior
Once you’ve made the call, you’ve done everything you needed to. You’ve reported the driver to the proper authorities. You’ve also removed yourself out of harm’s way.
Don’t Lend Negligent Drivers Your Car
Prevention is also another way to protect yourself and others from willful car collisions. If you know someone is a reckless driver, or that they’re under the influence, don’t let them get behind the wheel. Lending someone your car puts yourself and your property at risk.
Have Car Insurance
Auto accidents do happen even if you do your best to avoid negligence on the road. Having car insurance is essential to protecting yourself financially. Your insurance company will cover medical costs, car repairs, and other items if you’re in a car accident.
Additionally, you should also have health insurance. While car insurance does cover some medical costs, health insurance will provide you with added benefits. While you can’t always avoid reckless drivers, you can protect yourself as much as possible.
NEED Help With Willful Car Collisions
Being mindful of the other drivers on the road is essential to avoiding willful car collisions. Unfortunately, car collisions do happen. It’s vital to have an experienced auto accident attorney on your side.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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What Happens When a Driver Accepts a Plea Deal for a DUI?
One of the worst things you might think of happening to you is getting a DUI.
Florida has plenty of people who pay the price for this, with over 32,000 people in the state getting arrested for DUI charges last year.
When you think of a DUI, you may think of automatically losing your license or even going to jail.
But what if there was a way out of that? What if there was a way for you to have lighter charges against you than you might have expected?
A plea deal would be the best way for you to be able to take that option. This is what you need to know if you want to accept a plea deal.
Reducing Charges
In a plea deal, one of the key pieces of the negotiation between the prosecutor and the defendant’s lawyer is the reduction of charges. For a DUI, that can potentially mean avoiding jail time, reducing fines, and reducing the time of your license suspension.
When you accept a plea deal, one thing that might happen is that the penalties for your charges get reduced. An example would be that in Florida, you can be fined up to $1,000 for your first DUI.
Your DUI attorney may get a plea deal for you that reduces that fine to the state minimum of $500.
If you are lucky, other plea deals can allow you to have the DUI charge dropped entirely. One example could be that if there is not sufficient evidence to prove that you had a DUI. Such as a breathalyzer test. Then they may negotiate for you to accept a lesser charge that was piled on, such as unsafe driving.
These can be minor changes that end up on your record. But allow you to avoid a bigger criminal offense and more severe penalties from something like a DUI.
Number of Offenses
The number of offenses you have in the past will be a big factor in how much leniency you get with a plea deal. For example, it is highly unlikely that you will go to jail for your first offense for a DUI. You would most likely have more room to negotiate a plea deal in that situation.
Whereas if you are on your fourth offense, there are going to be higher minimum penalties for a DUI. Plus, the judge and prosecutor are going to be tougher on you. Because you keep coming back into their courtroom for the same charge.
Another example of this is the license suspension length. For a first offense, you may be able to get your months of suspension down to the minimum. But, on your fourth offense, it jumps up to a permanent license suspension with you not being eligible for hardship reinstatement for five years.
So, do not expect to get as easy a plea deal if you have more priors. The stronger the evidence and the case are for the prosecutor, the less negotiation room you have for your case.
Judge Can Reject It
When it comes to plea deals, they are generally made between a DUI lawyer and a prosecutor. What that means is even if an agreement is made between those two people, a judge has to sign off on it.
If the judge does not like what they are seeing on paper or feels that your punishment is too lenient. Then they have the power to reject the plea deal. They must declare this before you enter your plea. But nevertheless, that type of decision could impact whether you would want to plead guilty.
Say you get your fourth DUI and there is a negotiation going on between an attorney and the prosecutor over how much jail time you will serve. Those two may agree to give you 90 days in jail, which is just 60 days over the minimum amount required.
However, the maximum amount that you can give in this situation is five years, so a judge in this situation may feel like you are getting off easy by only having to serve 90 days. In that situation, they would reject your plea deal and demand that there be a longer jail sentence on your plea.
Avoiding Trial
One of the best reasons to take a plea deal is to avoid trial. For a DUI, you would have to be strongly confident that you are completely innocent of the charges that are against you.
Not going to trial allows you to avoid the possibility of facing even more severe penalties. And more severe charges on your record. On top of that, it can also save you a lot of money in attorney fees.
If you were to go to trial, you would have to pay your attorney more money for more hours of their time in a courtroom defending you. This is not always necessary. So in the case of a DUI, the majority of the time it is beneficial for you to take the deal to avoid this financial burden.
Hire a Lawyer to Get a Plea Deal
The best thing to have in your back pocket to get a plea deal is an experienced lawyer with DUI cases. Our representation can not only save you time but potentially save you money. As well as your privilege to drive, and even your freedom.
Are you a loved one looking for representation to try to get a deal for your DUI charge? Contact us today to learn more about what steps to take.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at (844) RHINO-77.
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Can I File a Claim for Compensation for a Single-Vehicle Crash?
The single-vehicle crash accounts for many of the 341,000-plus auto accidents that the state of Florida experiences each year. These accidents are often non-fatal, but they can result in serious injuries.
You might think the motorist is automatically at-fault in all such cases and ineligible for compensation. If so, you’d be wrong. You can receive compensation for a single-vehicle crash, but there are some parameters that must first be established.
Cause Must Be Established
The first step to getting compensation for a single-vehicle auto accident is to establish the cause. This is vital if the accident was unavoidable and caused through no fault of your own. Below, we’ll examine three scenarios where this might occur.
Pedestrian Versus Vehicle
Laws tend to favor pedestrians when it comes to pedestrian-versus-vehicle accidents, as Florida is the most dangerous state in the US for pedestrians. That said, it’s not automatically the motorist’s fault when such an accident occurs. As you’ll learn later in this article, there are circumstances where the fault is not your own.
Vehicle Versus Property
Striking property with a vehicle is another case that brings with it a higher burden of proof on the motorist. Property isn’t going anywhere. It’s static and, thus, avoidable if you are paying attention to traffic laws. However, there are some scenarios where that may not be the case.
Rollover Accident
A rollover accident is another frequent cause of a car accident. These generally occur when one is traveling at a higher rate of speed, but again, there are contributing factors in which the motorist may not be at fault. In these cases, they are eligible for compensation.
Contributing Factors Must Be Established
Receiving compensation for a single-vehicle crash is as much about the contributing factors as it is the cause itself. Contributing factors are where you can argue your case and establish the accident as being the fault of a second party. Here are the most common contributing factors that will work in your favor.
Poor Infrastructure
Infrastructure issues can establish the fault of the accident on another party. For example, conditions on a property that violate code and instigate an accident can become the responsibility of the property owner instead of the motorist.
When speaking to your attorney, make sure you tell them about any circumstances that impaired visibility and made it difficult to proceed. Also, take pictures as soon as you can so you can capture the conditions of the infrastructure at the time of the accident.
Unaddressed Vehicle Hazards
Another case for car accident compensation in a single-vehicle accident can be made when there are defects with the automobile you were driving at the time. Particularly, undisclosed defects or malfunctions that have yet to be recalled and reported.
When this occurs, you would have a strong case against the auto manufacturer and, potentially, the individual or dealership from which you purchased. That’s provided the seller knew about the issues and did not disclose them.
Roadway Objects
Another contributing factor that can turn these cases in your favor is the presence of roadway objects. For example, let’s say that a logistics company is transporting a load that is not properly secured. If an object comes loose from the load and results in you plowing into a barrier or experiencing a rollover, then you would be eligible for auto accident compensation.
Improper Crossing
It’s also possible that a pedestrian could be considered at-fault in a single-vehicle accident. For starters, there is the question of whether they were using established crosswalks when attempting to pass in front of you.
You still have an obligation to avoid the pedestrian as a motorist. But if the pedestrian lunges out in front of your car and you were not exceeding the speed limit or violating any other rules of the road at the time, then you could be entitled to compensation.
Now that we’ve examined the pro-motorist situational aspects of a single-vehicle accident, it’s time to take action. Here are the steps you should take in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
1. Do Not Admit Fault
The immediate aftermath of an accident, one vehicle or otherwise, can be a disorienting time. That’s particularly true if you’ve experienced an injury of some kind.
Never admit fault in the aftermath of a single-vehicle accident. Police might seize on this because it can make the reporting easier, but you owe it to your case to work back through your memories of the accident. Admitting fault puts you behind the 8-ball.
2. Obtain Police Report
The police report will have a specific rundown of the events, including any parties and properties involved. It also will have a record of any citations issued.
The issuance of a citation does not necessarily mean you are at fault. You can still fight the terms of the citation in court. A win there can influence the case in your favor and make you eligible for some type of compensation from whoever was responsible for the major contributing factor(s) of the accident.
3. Address Any Issues
Single-vehicle accidents are only going to be successful in your favor if you address the issues that are potentially holding back your case. That means challenging citations, collecting photographs of the contributing factors, and speaking to an attorney about any further research that your case will need.
4. File Your Claim
That brings us to the claim itself. Go ahead and file, but think about obtaining an attorney immediately as well. It’s always possible that an insurance adjuster will try taking the easy way out by going no-fault or taking the word of a faulty police report.
Attorneys experienced in fighting one-vehicle accident determinations will be able to help you steer through this situation. They can push back and get their clients the kind of representation they deserve.
A Single-Vehicle Crash Can Be Compensated
If a single-vehicle crash occurs, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have to simply accept what the insurance company is willing to give you. Instead, seek out someone who has your interests at heart and is good at pushing back against the common traps that these types of accidents can experience.
In Tampa and the surrounding area, those attorneys are RHINO Lawyers. Contact us today to see what quality representation looks like.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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What to do if You are a Victim of a Staged Auto Accident
What is a staged auto accident? This is when a driver purposely causes an auto accident so that they can make a fraudulent insurance claim. If you are the victim of a staged car accident, it may cause your insurance premiums to jump.
This is why it is important to take the right steps after car accident fraud. Do you want to learn more about the steps you should take if you believe you’re the victim of a fraudulent accident?
Keep reading this guide for everything you should do in this situation.
Understand the Types of Staged Accidents
One of the first things you need to do if you believe you were the victim of a staged car accident is to understand the types of staged car accidents. This way, it will be easier to identify what happened in your situation and will make it easier to know what steps to take.
First, there is a swoop and squat staged accident. This is when the driver in front of you is cut off and you rear-end them.
Next, there is something called a drive down. This happens when a driver waves you to merge into their lane and then hits you. Often, they will claim that they never waved you into their lane and that it was your fault.
Another common type of staged accident is a sideswipe. If you drift over slightly in your lane, the driver next to you will intentionally sideswipe you and claim that you drifted into their lane.
The last common type of staged accident is the t-bone. A driver will broadside your car and then claims that you ran a light or a stop sign and hit them.
Insist That the Police Come to the Scene
One of the first steps you need to take if you think that you’re the victim of a staged accident is to insist that the police come to the scene.
Often, these stagers will protest this and will claim that you can settle it between yourselves. However, they will try to convince you that the accident was your fault.
Instead, you need to call the police to the scene. When you call 911, make sure you tell them that you believe that it was a staged accident. This way, the police officers can look for helpful evidence.
Next, you also need to get a copy of the onsite incident report as well as the full police report.
Write Down Important Information
Next, it is vital that you write down as much information as you can about the accident, how it happened, and more.
First, you should write down the information about the other car. This includes their license plate number, how many passengers were in the car, and more.
You also need to gather their contact information, their driver’s license numbers, and more.
You may also want to write down how the other people involved in the accident behave while they wait for the police. Often, they will seem fine until the police come to the scene.
Then they will act injured when the police arrive to make their personal injury claim seem accurate.
Get Contact Information From Witnesses
When you are meeting with the police, you can also ask for contact information from the witnesses of your car accident. You can give this information to the department that is investigating the fraud.
Witnesses may be able to prove that the accident was staged and can provide other helpful insights into what happened.
Document Damage to Both Cars
The most important thing you can do if you believe you were involved in a staged car accident is document the damage to both cars. Make sure you write notes and take photos of both cars, even if it doesn’t seem like there is much damage.
This is because many stagers will file an insurance claim for much more money than the damage was worth.
Having photos of both cars will prove that there was not much damage to either of your cars.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After you gather any important information after your accident, you need to notify your insurance company of the accident. This way, you can get your claim filed as quickly as possible.
You also need to notify your insurance agent that you believe that you were the victim of a staged accident. Most insurance companies have a team that deals with auto accident fraud and can investigate the incident for you.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Finally, it is important that you hire a car accident attorney if you believe you were in a staged accident. They are experienced in these types of cases and can help prove your innocence in this case.
A car accident attorney will also help you receive compensation for your injuries or damages to your vehicle.
By having a legal professional on your team, you can feel confident that you will not be taken advantage of.
Are You the Victim of a Staged Auto Accident? We Can Help!
Insurance fraud is something that needs to be taken seriously. If you were the victim of staged auto accidents, it can cost you a lot of money and may even increase your insurance premiums.
By following each of these tips, you won’t be at fault after a staged auto accident.
Are you looking for a car accident attorney to help you through this process? RHINO Lawyers can help! Contact our team today to learn about our services and to get a free case analysis from our auto accident team.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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Symptoms To Watch Out for After an Auto Accident
In the United States, 4.4 million people are injured enough to require medical attention after a road crash. While some of these injuries may not seem serious, they may lead to worse complications or even death if they go untreated. By understanding what types of symptoms might indicate an injury after an auto accident, you can get the medical attention that you need.
Do you want to learn more about car accident injuries? Keep reading this article for the top symptoms of auto accident injuries to look out for after an accident.
Headaches
One of the most common symptoms that people experience after a car accident is headaches. You might experience a headache right after a car accident but headaches can also appear days after your auto accident.
Often, headaches are caused by whiplash, the tension in your neck or shoulders, and even due to anxiety or PTSD after your accident.
While headaches are typically a minor injury, they may be due to a more serious underlying issue. If your headaches last longer than normal or are worse than normal, you should visit your doctor to rule out any other causes.
Back or Neck Pain
Another common injury after an auto accident is neck or back pain. Most often, this pain is caused by stress and muscle tension after your accident. If this is the case, you can improve your pain by getting a massage or even by stretching.
However, other causes of back and neck pain include damage to your nerves or tissue, injuries to your muscles, and more.
Bruising
Next, it is common to experience bruising after being in a car accident This is because the force of the accident can damage the capillaries beneath your skin, which causes bruising and discoloration.
Often, bruises will get worse over the course of a few days after your accident and will heal on their own.
However, some car accidents can cause damage to your internal organs. If your bruising doesn’t improve after a few days, it can be a sign of something worse.
Abdominal Pain and Nausea
Something else that can be a sign of damage to your internal organs after a car accident is abdominal pain and nausea. When you wear a seatbelt during a car accident, it pulls tight across your body to protect you.
While seatbelts are effective forms of protection, they can also cause bruising and internal damage to your body. If you are experiencing serious abdominal pain or nausea, it can be a sign of internal bleeding or another serious issue.
Swelling and Stiffness
Something else that commonly occurs after a trauma, like a car accident, is swelling of your body. This can happen if you have damage to your muscles or tissue, whiplash and other sprains, and more.
Often, this swelling is accompanied by stiffness and difficulty moving. If you have minor swelling, you can improve this by icing the affected area. If it doesn’t heal on its own, you may need medical attention to improve your movement.
Swelling and stiffness also may not set in until a few hours or days after your injuries. Often, the swelling will get worse as your injuries are healing. If your swelling gets worse, you should also rest and elevate the injured area or wrap it to keep it immobilized.
Trouble Concentrating
Another serious symptom that often occurs after a car accident is trouble concentrating or problems with your memory. This most often occurs after a car accident where you hit your head or if you were in shock.
Even stress can make it difficult to concentrate and remember things. While it may not seem like a serious issue, difficulty concentrating may be an early sign of a brain trauma that needs to be addressed by a medical professional.
If your trouble concentrating stems from the stress of your accident, you may also need help from a mental health professional to resolve the issue. If you are experiencing memory loss or difficulty concentrating, this can also be due to a concussion. These are common injuries in a car accident and may require medical attention.
Dizziness and Blurry Vision
After a car accident, many people experience dizziness and changes to their vision. These can cause issues for weeks after your accident. Most often, these symptoms stem from concussions, post-traumatic stress, whiplash, and more.
If you have double vision or blurred vision after your car accident, these may resolve themselves. However, if it lasts more than a few hours or days, you may need to get treatment and testing to determine the cause of your vision changes.
Tingling Sensation
Finally, one of the auto accident symptoms includes a tingling sensation. If you were in a serious accident, this may be due to damage to your nerves or tissues in your back, neck, and shoulders.
This is also often accompanied by pain in the areas that have a tingling sensation.
Need Help After an Auto Accident? We Can Help
After an auto accident, it is important that you keep an eye out for these car accident symptoms to make sure you stay in good health. If you have been injured in an auto accident, it may be helpful to work with a lawyer.
If you are looking for a lawyer, RHINO Lawyers can help! Our attorneys can help you increase your settlement, reduce your medicals, and get money for your losses.
Contact us to get a free case analysis and learn how we can help you after a car accident.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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Car Accidents: What Does It Mean to Yield the Right Of Way?
Are you looking for clarification on what may or may not have led to your car accident? Do you want to learn the rules of the road and how they apply to your injuries? If so, then you need to first understand what it means to yield the right of way.
Every car driver has heard the term “the right of way” at one point or another, but what does it mean to yield the right of way for another driver?
See below for an in-depth guide on what it means to yield the right of way and why it’s such an important rule of the road.
What Does “Yielding the Right of Way” Mean?
When most people think of deadly car crashes, they tend to think of car accidents that occur on a highway, due to the higher speeds. However, you might be surprised to find out that intersections are just as dangerous, if not more so.
In fact, statistics from the Federal Highway Administration show that more than 50 percent of all fatal and injury car crashes occur at an intersection.
With traffic coming in so many different directions, it’s important that each driver understands the rules of the road and is willing to let their fellow drivers enter the intersection before themselves.
Yielding the right of way simply means that you’re allowing another vehicle to pass the intersection before you do. If everyone on the road applies this concept, then it can help everyone avoid an accident.
Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Drivers fail to yield the right of way and, as a result, get involved in serious car accidents.
All it takes is two drivers to head into the intersection at the same time—from different directions—to start a fatal car crash.
If you’ve been the victim of someone else not yielding the right of way to you, then you need to hire a lawyer right away. They can help you identify the guilty party, file an auto accident lawsuit, and build evidence to support your claims.
When Should You Yield the Right of Way When Driving?
Almost every driver understands the basic concept of yielding the right of way: if someone comes to a complete stop at an intersection before you, you should allow them to enter the intersection first.
That said, there are different scenarios in which you need to yield the right of way. Let’s list a few of the major ones to ensure you don’t become the root cause of a future accident:
- Yield for any pedestrians waiting to cross the street at a crosswalk
- Let the signage lead the way; if you have a stop sign, you should yield to all incoming traffic from a lane that does not have a stop sign
- Whenever you make a left turn, be sure to yield to oncoming cars and pedestrians crossing the road you’re turning onto—don’t assume they’ll stop for you (even if you have the right of way)
- When you see a yield sign, be sure to observe for any oncoming traffic or pedestrians; you’re not required to stop at a yield sign
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer for Your Case
Many of you reading this article have sustained injuries due to someone else not yielding the right of way for you. See below for why you should hire a lawyer to represent you.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
You didn’t ask for this to happen. You were driving safely when suddenly, someone violated the rules of the road and caused a car accident.
So, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your own financial well-being for an accident that you didn’t cause. If someone else is at fault, then their insurance company is liable for all of your lost income and costs.
When you hire a lawyer, they can help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. They’ll help you calculate things like medical bills, lost wages, and long-term costs to figure out the exact compensation you should hold out for in a settlement.
Peace of Mind
This is a stressful time. You’re trying to recover from serious injuries, make sure that your finances aren’t sabotaged, and try to settle with an insurance company. It’s too much.
When you hire a car accident attorney, you’ll find yourself much more at peace with the entire process. They’ll give you instructions to follow and take over as the primary representative for your case.
A lawyer will allow you to focus on your recovery while they work on building evidence and waiting it out for the right level of compensation. They can even direct you to a pre-settlement funding provider to pay for those costly medical bills in the short term.
They’ll Take Over Communications
If you’ve ever talked with an insurance company before, then you know how frustrating it can be. Just imagine trying to get them to hand over money. They’ll do anything they can to avoid that.
That’s why hiring an attorney is so crucial for your case. They will take over all communications with the insurance company so that you can focus on getting things back to normal.
Better yet, they’ll only update you on significant occurrences; that way, you aren’t tied up in the back and forth of a typical settlement.
Hire a Trusted Attorney for Your Case Today
Now that you have a firm understanding of what it means to yield the right of way, be sure to use this information to your advantage.
Take the time to read this article for more information on what to do after a fatal auto accident if you or someone you know has been involved in one recently. To get started, please reach out to us at 844.RHINO.77.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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7 Tips to Avoid a Car Accident When It’s Raining
Getting behind the wheel when it’s raining can be overwhelming for many drivers. The ability to drive safely when it’s raining is underrated and can be vital to saving your life. As well as, avoiding a car accident when it’s raining.
Driving in the rain increases the chances of car accidents claiming about 3,400 people and injuring 357,300 others yearly within the US. The problem with wet roads is that they’re slippery, and rain decreases visibility which can have catastrophic consequences.
You’ll therefore need to be careful to wade the situation and reach your destination safely.
One of the main ways for accident prevention is to postpone your trip. If possible, wait out for a few hours to avoid putting yourself in danger.
However, not every situation is delayable. If you must go, you’ll need to be prepared to face the conditions out there.
If the worst happens, and you get involved in an accident, you’ll need to hire a lawyer. A reputable car accident attorney will be best for you whether you’re injured in an auto accident or facing criminal charges.
Read on to learn the seven tips to avoid a car accident when it’s raining.
1. Ensure Ventilation And Wipers Are On
As a driver, you understand the necessity of having wipers on when it’s raining. It would be best if you also didn’t forget to ensure your car remains ventilated.
Your wipers are critical in the rain by clearing out water from your windshield. Having them on at an appropriate speed depending on the rains will ensure your visibility is retained.
Aside from the windshield, ventilation is necessary when driving in the rain. During such periods, humidity builds up on the inside, causing car windows to become foggy.
Unfortunately, visibility is a significant problem caused as a result, and you’ll need ventilation to combat that. By reducing the fog on windows, you’re offered access to visibility on the road and even for blind spots.
Ensure you pull over and wait out if you experience zero visibility.
2. Focus On The Road
Do you get quickly distracted while driving? Being alert is a necessity anytime you’re behind the wheel. Focus on the road is an extra precaution when driving in the rain and can assist you in avoiding accidents.
Distractions of all sorts, including your cell phone or even staring at sites, can end fatally for you. You wouldn’t want that, right? Be extra attentive on the road; check for road signs and stick to your specific lane.
It’s also imperative to look out for water puddles and avoid driving through them. Most of the standing water accumulates in potholes and, if hit wrongly, can cause the car to swerve. Avoid splashing water as well since it’s able to cause mechanical damage to your car.
3. Maintain a Safe Distance Between The Vehicles
It would be best if you protect yourself and other road users while driving. One of the major ways you can do this is by maintaining a safe driving distance between vehicles when driving in the rain.
In bad weather, cars tend to have less traction because of hydroplaning. Your vehicle, therefore, slides uncontrollably, which, if not managed, can end up in your car crushing. Maintaining a safe distance between you and the car in front of you will ensure you have a comfortable braking room.
Besides other cars, the distance also serves to reduce the risk of hitting pedestrians or animals crossing. You’ll have more reaction time with the distance maintained to brake or avert accidents.
4. Reduce Your Speed Cautiously
Speed is the number-one killer on roads. Safety when driving in the rain is largely dependent on the speeds you maintain.
Take your foot off the gas pedal to allow your vehicle to slow down, and make sure you have control before lightly pressing back. Low speeds while driving in the rain will assist with accident prevention.
When braking, avoid a hard press. You have higher chances of your car spinning out of control with hard braking, so be careful. It would be best if your braking were gentle to allow the car to gain traction on the road surface.
5. Turn on Your Headlights
As a driver, your visibility is paramount. Consider turning on your headlights to better your visibility when driving in poor conditions, including rain.
Having headlights on is a legal requirement when driving in bad weather. It, therefore, could be used in an accident when determining fault. Ensure that your hazard lights are off to avoid confusing other motorists.
6. Turn Off the Cruise Control
Do you enjoy driving with cruise control? Turning it off when driving in the rain can help avoid a car accident.
You’ll need control of your car to react appropriately when in the face of adversity. Disengaging cruise control is a smart move while driving in the rain.
7. Ensure the Tires Condition Is Perfect
Are your car tires well-treaded? Ensuring your tire conditions are in the best state can be imperative to avoiding car accidents while driving in the rain.
Tire traction loss is common in wet weather, having drivers to experience challenges while driving. It’ll serve you best if you check your tire condition before you start driving in the rain.
Consider The Above Tips for Accident Prevention When It’s Raining
You don’t always have to be worried about the challenges of driving in the rain. It would be best if you considered the above tips for accident prevention when driving while it’s raining. In the unfortunate event that you have an accident, hire a lawyer.
Are you looking for a car accident attorney? RHINO Lawyers are your go-to option. We are here to help in your car accident lawsuit, whether you’re injured or arrested. We believe in exceptional preparation to ensure no details are missed, which is critical to problem-solving and winning your case.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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What Traffic Violations Are Considered Criminal Offenses?
Whether it’s a traffic issue or any other part of life, we all want to keep our noses clean and stay out of trouble with the law. But if you see the flash of blue lights in your rearview mirror, you might wonder if you’ve committed a criminal offense.
There is a difference between going a few miles over the speed limit and committing a serious traffic violation. We’re going to shine a light on exactly what traffic violations are actually crimes.
Read on to find out what traffic violations are actually criminal offenses.
Traffic Violations: What’s the Law?
A traffic violation is any unlawful activity that occurs while you are operating a motor vehicle. Generally, each state has its own laws for this, so there are no federal traffic crimes as such. Federal agents do not usually have the authority to issue traffic tickets but can call the police to do so.
Many states categorize traffic violations in three ways:
- civil infractions
- misdemeanors
- felonies
It’s important to note that the police will take other factors into account when classifying the offense. This includes your prior convictions and the level of damage to people or property.
Traffic Infraction
A traffic infraction can also be known as a violation or a civil infraction. Although the action is against the law, it is not a crime.
This could include:
- failing to stop at a stop sign
- failing to signal
- not wearing a seat belt
- speeding (usually 5 – 10 mph over the limit)
- red light violations
So rest assured, if you got a couple of speeding tickets for going 5 miles over the limit, you are not a criminal. You have not committed traffic crimes. You will almost certainly, however, get demerit points on your license and a fine.
Traffic infractions are often broken down into two further groups – moving and nonmoving violations. Moving violations are usually the more serious, as there is greater risk involved.
Criminal Traffic Offenses: Misdemeanors and Felonies
Infractions are not punishable by jail time. A traffic offense that is punishable by imprisonment is usually considered to be a criminal offense. There are two types of criminal offenses: misdemeanor and felony.
As the name suggests, a traffic misdemeanor is a violation of traffic law. Many offenses can be either misdemeanors or felonies. The difference is usually the risk of harm to others that the violation causes.
For example, an infraction like speeding may become a misdemeanor. This happens in certain states if the driver exceeds the speed limit by an excessive amount. Serious speeding can be a traffic felony. In this case, it could become reckless driving.
Examples of traffic violations that are misdemeanors include:
- DUI – driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- driving while suspended
- hit-and-run
- vehicular homicide
- reckless driving
- expired registration
Some of these could become traffic felonies if certain aggravating factors are present. These include:
- being a repeat offender
- causing damage to property or people
- causing death
Repeat offenders face stiffer penalties in all states for the same offenses.
What Is a Habitual Traffic Offender?
Many states charge repeat offenders as habitual traffic offenders (HTOs). Each state has its own criteria for what qualifies as such. If you receive a certain number of convictions within a set period, you can face losing your license, hefty fines, and jail time.
If this is likely to happen to you, take legal advice. Get on board with driver improvement programs to get as far away from this as possible.
How States Handle Traffic Violations
For example, in the State of New York, a first DUI (known as a DWI – driving while intoxicated) may be a misdemeanor or a felony. This depends on aggravating factors. For your first offense, you could face a mandatory fine of $1,000-$2,500 and a maximum of 1 year in jail.
If you face a second aggravated DWI, you could face a mandatory fine of $1,000-$5,000 and up to 4 years in jail. A third could get you 7 years in jail, and a mandatory fine of up to $10,000.
Other states handle a first DUI differently. They may impose a fine and send you to mandatory alcohol addiction classes. However, other states have a zero-tolerance approach to driving while under the influence.
Each state will have its own way of classifying and handling traffic violations. The one thing they all have in common? Obey traffic laws, drive carefully, and you’ll never have anything to worry about.
How Traffic Violations Are Handled
The majority of minor traffic infractions result in a ticket from a police officer on the spot. But if you are charged with one of the major traffic violations we have discussed, the process is different.
Depending on the situation, the officer may arrest you. After charging you at the station, you will then appear in court to face the charges against you.
If you ever get into a car accident, whatever has happened, do not leave the scene. This in itself can become a serious traffic crime.
Appearing in Court
Whenever you receive a traffic ticket, you will be summoned to appear in court. Usually, you will have to pay a fine.
In more serious misdemeanor and felony cases, you may be facing a heavy fine, suspended license, probation, and possibly jail time. You will also now have a criminal record, which can affect your future job prospects.
You will need to hire a lawyer with proven experience in this type of case. An experienced lawyer can argue your case and help to get possible fines reduced or jail terms reduced to probation.
Without proper legal support, you are more likely to face severe consequences.
Traffic Violations? Find the Right Lawyer
Facing court for traffic violations is a scary business. If you ever find yourself in that situation, you need a crack legal team on your side to fight your case.
At RHINO Lawyers, your case is our passion. We focus on auto accident law. We will fight to get the best possible outcome for your individual situation.
Contact us today for a free case review.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at (844) RHINO-77.
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Is the Car Company Liable if the Airbags Do Not Deploy?
A car accident can be a terrifying experience for everyone involved. If you’re in an accident and the airbags don’t deploy, this is extremely dangerous.
When car manufacturers equip cars with airbags, they expect them to work when needed most. The airbags should protect passengers during car accidents.
Unfortunately, car companies sometimes fail to meet their responsibility of equipping cars with reliable airbags.
But the question is; is the car company liable if the airbags don’t deploy? Read on to understand how a car accident attorney can help determine who’s responsible for your defective airbags.
How Do Airbags Work?
During a collision, the impact triggers sensors if there’s a dangerous amount of pressure on the car seat. In response, an airbag system activates within milliseconds.
A carefully folded airbag rapidly inflates to cushion or prevent injury. This includes hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, window, or seatbelt during a crash.
An airbag deploys at speeds as high as 200 mph. That’s about the same speed a professional boxer hits another person. The bags deflate once they sense that a driver or passenger has moved away from them.
Why Would Airbags Sometimes Fail to Deploy?
Airbags have two separate phases. The supplemental restraint system includes sensors that detect when a collision has occurred. Then there’s an impact protection phase in which the airbag inflates.
The impact protection phase can be disrupted if the sensor thinks the vehicle is in free fall. This is possible in a rollover accident instead of in a crash.
Airbags should not deploy during sudden braking or swerving either. These abrupt movements could result in injuries caused by the bag rather than colliding with something else inside or outside of the car.
Airbag Defects and Malfunctions That Can Cause Injury
Airbags can be defective or designed poorly in several ways. All of which could lead to injuries when they don’t deploy properly.
Here are a few examples of car manufacturer defects that can result in defective airbag deployment:
Defective Computer Relay
A computer relay is an electrical device used to control car parts such as car locks, headlights, and horns. The car’s computer relay controls the car’s electronic diagnostic system included in the airbags.
A defective computer relay may cause the car’s check engine light to illuminate even though there’s no problem with the vehicle. When this occurs, it can prevent an airbag from deploying when a car accident occurs.
Defective Airbag Sensors
For car airbags to inflate during accidents, they need sensors that detect car collisions and deploy the airbag. If defective airbag sensors don’t detect car impacts or deploy when needed, they can cause serious injuries.
Accidental Deployment of Airbags
If your vehicle hits a large pothole or a curb, its airbag might inflate suddenly, causing injuries. As such, the driver might lose control, causing a collision that might cause severe injuries.
Delayed Airbag Deployment
Late airbag deployment can cause serious injuries. A bent steering wheel or marks on the dashboard from the car occupant are indicators that the airbag deployed late.
Injuries occurring from late deployment are more severe than those where the airbag didn’t get deployed at all.
Airbags Deploy Aggressively
The primary goal of airbags is to minimize injuries when a collision occurs at high speeds. However, it’s more likely to cause injuries when deployed at low-speed car crashes.
Aggressive airbags are dangerous for adults with small stature and small kids.
Not every car manufacturer defect results in car accident injuries. Yet, if a car company’s defective car part caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Damages Can You Collect When Airbags Fail to Deploy During a Car Collision?
Depending on the case and other circumstances, compensation for injuries resulting from faulty airbag systems could include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages if it’s determined that negligence caused the airbags not to deploy.
It’s worth noting that this could apply if a car company were aware of a defect. Yet, it did nothing about it for a long time.
What Type of Injuries Occur When Airbags Do Not Inflate?
Airbag failure can result in serious injuries or death anytime the system doesn’t work as intended. They’re designed to prevent injuries caused by being close to something hard, like a steering wheel or dashboard.
If they can’t deploy properly, drivers might hit the steering wheel with enough force to cause head and neck injuries. Airbags can also cause injuries when they inflate too quickly without proper warning.
Car accident injuries resulting from car parts not working correctly can be fatal. Common car injury injuries include:
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia requiring lifelong medical care and assistance
- Blindness resulting in disability with no way to work and pay for medical bills
- Broken bones were sustained because the body hit something inside the car at high speed.
Car companies should compensate you for these damages. This is because their products failed to protect car occupants or didn’t work as they were supposed to.
Holding the Car Manufacturer Liability for Defective Airbags
In case of an accident and the airbags fail to protect the car occupants, the car manufacturer or other parties may be responsible for car accident liability.
It’s every car manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure that the airbags function at optimal levels.
A car company may be responsible for airbag injuries because of the following:
- Defects coming from poor designs that expose the airbags to failure
- A change in specifications while manufacturing
- Failure to test the reliability and safety of the airbag components
- Use of low-quality materials
- Failure to provide enough instructions on how to use the airbags safely and their risks
- The defective design of the car’s components makes it difficult for the airbags to deploy
- Poor quality control during installation
- Airbag software control defects
- Poor calibration of the airbag system
Extensive investigations on what caused the airbag failure must be done to determine the responsible party.
Get the Best Car Accident Injury Lawyer Now
Did you get involved in a serious car accident that caused severe injuries due to an airbag malfunction? Engaging a reputable car accident lawyer can help you investigate and determine the responsible parties for the failure.
Here at RHINO Lawyers, we’ll evaluate your case and help you get the much-deserved compensation for faulty airbags. Call us now to get started.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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What Happens to Your Body in a Rollover Accident?
Being involved in a rollover accident can be a serious matter. Car accident injuries can have detrimental impacts on your health. In the U.S. alone, there were over 36,000 vehicle deaths due to car crashes in 2019!
You need to know what happens to your body in a rollover car accident. Keep reading to learn what takes place with this kind of event.
What Is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover car accident is what you might envision. Your car flips once, even several times, depending on your speed and the terrain.
With these car accident injuries, you are at the mercy of the elements around you. It may also depend on the vehicle you drive and where the impact gets the most attention. When you have a rollover accident, your body goes wherever the car travels.
Severe Car Accident Injuries
When you have a rollover accident, your body can sustain serious injuries. Since you get tossed around, it can cause spinal damage, broken bones, and even severe head trauma.
Spinal injuries can get caused by fractures or joint compression injuries. Many people get spinal cord problems, and those can cause paralysis or severe pain.
As your car rolls over, your head could hit the window, steering wheel, or other vehicle parts. That could result in concussions or skull fractures. Some people never get a full recovery from head injuries.
Some head injuries produce neurological problems. You may experience issues with speech, sensitivity to light, and headaches. For some people, neurological injuries change their personality and mood.
Some drivers or passengers may choose not to wear a seatbelt, and they can get thrown from the car. In some instances, the vehicle can land on top of them. Other times, it may cause terrible physical injuries that take years to heal.
You can get pinned into your car after a rollover accident. The vehicle frame can get bent, and the impact can cause parts to get crushed under all the pressure.
Some people become disabled due to rollover accidents. The car accident injuries sustained won’t allow them to work their regular jobs.
Less Severe Rollover Injuries
A frequent result of a rollover car accident is a broken bone. Your body moves in different directions at a fast rate of speed. It is easy to get shoved against the car door or dashboard.
In a rollover car accident, you cannot control anything. A seatbelt may hold you in place, but you have no way of stopping the car. Some people can get out with minor scrapes and cuts, but that is not always the case.
Even cuts and bruises can get semi-severe. Some lacerations need hundreds of stitches to fix the wound. Bruising can make it difficult to impossible to walk even short distances.
Emotional Injuries Affect the Body
After a rollover accident, some people live with mental and emotional struggles. These can affect your body as well. Many people who get anxious and depressed after a rollover car accident will have body pain.
Depression can cause joint pain, back pain, and even trouble sleeping. These body issues can manifest themselves after experiencing car accident injuries. In some cases, it can lead to problems working and living a regular life.
In a rollover accident, it is easy to come out of it with scars. Some people get so embarrassed by the change in their appearance that it makes them afraid to be in public.
Car accident injuries can also leave people with recurring pain. That changes their quality of life and sometimes they can’t enjoy the same things they did before.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
When people are in a rollover accident, they may not think about getting a car accident attorney. That could be because they have insurance and feel it’ll take care of them. It may also be because they don’t know they can.
Many people get into a rollover accident because they are avoiding another vehicle. If that happens, a settlement may get offered by the other party’s insurance company.
It is critical not to settle before you call a car accident attorney. The best lawyer will negotiate your case for you. A car accident lawyer will have experience in the amount of compensation you can get.
After a rollover accident, you could get called by the other party when you’re still recovering. That is no time to try to figure out how much money you may need. You won’t be in the state of mind to sort out all the details.
Also, you may need more compensation than you realize. Medical bills can keep rolling in long into the future. Depending on your injuries, you may need medical care for the rest of your life after a rollover accident.
The best lawyer will not let an insurance company force you into a fast decision. You will have someone to lean on to help you make critical decisions throughout the process.
Help After Rollover Car Accident
After a rollover accident, things can happen fast. Insurance companies want to settle for little to nothing. Bills will come in that you may not be able to pay.
If you’ve had a rollover car accident, you need an experienced attorney to help you with the process. It can be a difficult task to sort through medical costs while trying to heal from your injuries. RHINO Lawyers will handle everything else, so you can focus on getting better.
We settle most cases within 9-12 months, so you don’t have to wait around for years to get the money you need. We take the stress away but leave you in control. Contact us today, and let us plan a strategy that works for you!
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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