SWFL Traffic Collisions put Safe Driving in Focus

January 22, 2024 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

A spate of serious and fatal traffic collisions in Southwest Florida has authorities urging caution as we enter the height of tourist season.

Tragically, a 3-year-old died in a collision authorities are blaming on a drunk and unlicensed driver, The News-Press reported. A 21-year-old woman was killed in a head-on collision on I-75, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 28-year-old was killed in a collision involving two semis. A rollover crash in North Fort Myers sent an occupant to the hospital. Another closed a portion of Daniel Parkway and caused long traffic delays.

Our car accident lawyers in Fort Myers and Cape Coral know the next two months are the most dangerous of the year on the roads of Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties. Resolving to be a defensive driver, and avoiding the most dangerous driving behaviors, can go a long way toward keeping you and your family safe on the roads in 2024.

Gear Up with Us at the Tour De Cape!

January 18, 2024 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Hello from the team at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured! We’re excited to announce our role as proud sponsors in this year’s Tour De Cape, a standout cycling event in our Southwest Florida community. Our firm has always believed in the power of community events to unite people, and the Tour De Cape embodies this spirit perfectly. We invite everyone to join us in this celebration of fitness, community spirit, and the joy of cycling. Whether you’re riding in the event or cheering on the participants, let’s come together to make this a memorable weekend.

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📅 When: January 19th – January 21st

Cape Coral’s Trunk or Treat: Spooky Fun for All!

October 26, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Hey there, fellow Halloween aficionados! It’s that time of year when we don our costumes and get ready for thrills and chills. We’re excited to invite you to the City of Cape Coral’s Trunk or Treat, a night of family-friendly, Halloween-themed fun like no other, and we’re thrilled to be part of it!

Event Details:

📅 When: 10/27/2023

Golf Cart Death of 7-year-old in Fort Myers Reportedly Caused by 3-year-old Driver

August 5, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

The recent death of an adolescent struck by a golf cart driven by a 3-year-old boy has highlighted the risk of golf carts and other vehicles often operated in our Southwest Florida neighborhoods.

CNN reported the 7-year-old was struck on private property in Fort Myers as the 3-year-old rounded a curve.

Florida has recently passed a law that will take effect October 1, requiring drivers of golf carts to have a permit or driver’s license, although the law will apply to public property.

Across the country, more than 6,500 children are hurt by golf carts every year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Just more than half those injured are children under 12.

SWFL Drowning Prevention in Focus

August 1, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Florida has more than 1.5 millions swimming pools. Many of these are residential pools, but many resort, hotel and public pools and hot tubs are available for year-around enjoyment.

Our Florida swimming pool accident attorneys have noted small children are among those most at risk. This is particularly true for visiting family members and youngsters who do not have regular access to pools and may not have had proper swimming, safety and drowning-prevention training. Unfortunately, a recent report on the risks of young children drowning in the New York Times revealed the risks have not waned in recent years, despite frequent publications of the risks.

The Times reports that the impact of 30 years of drowning prevention efforts appears to have plateaued, and in fact risks have increased for some racial minorities, including blacks and Hispanics.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May 5, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

It’s time for motorists to renew efforts to watch for motorcycle riders as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month signals the beginning of the summer riding season.

Motorcyclists too, should keep safety awareness top of mind by having their bike serviced, riding responsibly, taking a basic or advanced rider safety course, and wearing appropriate safety gear. While most adult riders are not required to wear a helmet under Florida law, our motorcycle injury lawyers in Fort Myers recently wrote about legal changes that could limit or even eliminate a rider’s ability to collect damages when serious head injuries result in a collision with an at-fault driver if the rider was not wearing a helmet.

However, we know most riders keep safety at the forefront and want nothing more than to enjoy South Florida’s summer riding season and to make it home safely to their families. The reality is that the vast majority of motorcycle collisions involving other motor vehicles are the fault of the vehicle’s driver.

Hidden Holiday Risk: Dangerous and Defective Products

January 2, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

We bring more “stuff” into our homes throughout the long holiday season than at any other time of the year. Holiday decorations. Small appliances. Gifts. Clothing. Toys. Electronics.

While many of us make religious celebrations, time with loved ones, and volunteerism, a part of our holiday priorities, the consumerism is often an unavoidable part of our holiday celebrations.

But far fewer stop to think about the risk of bringing dangerous and defective products into our home. Yet our defective product attorneys know thousands of dangerous products are sold to consumers each year, and the risks continue to grow with the global, Internet economy.

Parking Lot Safety a Holiday Concern

November 30, 2022 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

After two holiday seasons marred by the coronavirus pandemic, there is early evidence that people are visiting the malls and big-box stores in record numbers as Black Friday officially opens the holiday shopping season.

Our injury lawyers in Fort Myers and Cape Coral recently wrote about the risks of holiday shopping injury But a significant number of injuries occur in the parking lot, before shoppers even make it to the store. Being aware of the risks, and what you can do to keep you and your family safe, can go a long way toward avoiding injury this shopping season.

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Travel Smart, Travel Safe this Thanksgiving

November 13, 2022 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

There is every evidence this will be a record Thanksgiving travel season.

The week of Thanksgiving is always the busiest week on the roads each year. But this year is expected to be busier than most for a number of reasons: Gas prices, while still high, have moderated, families are determined to get together after two years of holiday plans interrupted by COVID, and flying is an expensive mess.

The Thanksgiving Travel Survey 2022 projects nearly half of all adults — some 112 million motorists — plan to travel for Thanksgiving.

Avoiding Hurricane Scams in SWFL

November 1, 2022 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

The damage caused by Hurricane Ian was historic. By most estimates, the destruction will surpass Hurricane Katrina as the most costly storm in U.S. history.

At Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, our attorneys and staff members live and work right here in Southwest Florida. For 50 years since Bruce L. Scheiner set up his first downtown office, we have been dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and families in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.

While recovering from the destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian will be a monumental challenge, there is already evidence of scammers working the area to take advantage of the tragedy. Unfortunately, with tree-trimmers, roofers and general contractors in high demand, and residents desperate to make repairs and prevent further damage, too many homeowners will be vulnerable.