personal injury

SWFL Among Nation’s Deadliest Areas for Cyclists

February 22, 2024 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Both Lee and Collier counties are among the deadliest counties in the nation for bicyclists, according to new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In fact, 14 of the deadliest counties in America for bicycle riders were located in Florida.

Lee County’s 29 cycling deaths gave it a death rate per 100,000 of nearly 4. Bad enough to rank it 13th deadliest in the nation. Our bicycle accident lawyers have long flagged the Sunshine State as the nation’s most dangerous for both cyclists and walkers, a fact again supported by the latest statistics. Pasco, Sarasota and Manatee counties were the three deadliest in the nation. Other Florida counties on the list include Pinellas (5), Volusia (7), Marion (9), Hillsborough (10), Duval (12), Brevard (14), Osceola (16), Broward (17), Polk (18), and Collier (20).

Collier’s 12 cycling deaths gave it 3.19 deaths per 100,000.

Rise in Pedestrian Deaths gets National Spotlight

January 25, 2024 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

The New York Times recently examined the growing epidemic of pedestrian accidents, particularly those that occur at night, concluding walking deaths have reached a 41-year high.

Recently released federal data shows that 7,500 pedestrians were killed in 2022.

The data published by the Governors Highway Safety Associations showed pedestrian deaths are up 77 percent from the 4,302 deaths reported in 2010, compared to an increase of 25 percent for all types of traffic fatalities. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Cape Coral and Fort Myers have long warned of the risks to walkers here in Southwest Florida, which has repeatedly been identified as among the most dangerous areas for walkers in the United States.

SWFL Motorcycle Safety – Cape Coral Bike Nights

January 23, 2024 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Snow is paralyzing the Northeast, with areas of East Tennessee getting more than a foot of snow for the first time in decades. Millions have spent a good part of January snowed-in.

In Florida, it’s time to get out the motorcycles and go for a ride! The next two months are prime winter-riding season here in Florida. Daytona Bike Week in February will bring thousands of riders from all over the country to the Florida Coast. Here in Southwest Florida, we have a number of events, including Cape Coral Bike Nights, the areas premiere family friendly motorcycle event:

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.

Helmetless Motorcyclists at Greater Risk Under New Florida Law

November 2, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

On July 1, 2023, a new law went into effect in Florida that could have a significant impact on helmetless motorcyclists. HB837, also known as the “Comparative Fault” bill, changes how personal injury lawsuits are handled in the state.

Under the old law, Florida followed a system of pure comparative negligence. This meant that even if a plaintiff was partially at fault for their own injuries, they could still recover damages from the defendant, as long as the defendant was also at fault. The amount of damages that the plaintiff could recover would be reduced in proportion to their own negligence.

However, HB837 changes Florida to a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means that if a plaintiff is found to be 51% or more at fault for their own injuries, they cannot recover any damages from the defendant, even if the defendant was also at fault.

Drunk Driving Risks Increase as Football Season Begins

September 25, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Enjoying alcoholic beverages with friends and family, and watching college and pro football, may well be two of the most popular pastimes in the United States. But there is every evidence that the two frequently make for a deadly combination.

At Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, we have spent more than 50 years fighting for the rights of victims and families whose lives have been devastated by the senseless and irresponsible acts committed by those who choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. While we are also passionate about football, we urge you to be responsible and watch out for each other as the autumn football season begins.

A study published in the journal “Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research,” found eight percent of adult fans were legally drunk while attending pro baseball and football games. That is a staggering statistic when you consider the size of most pro-sports arenas. The study concluded the average stadium of 60,000 would have as many as 4,000 patrons who are intoxicated. Researchers point to tailgating as a primary factor, finding those patrons were 14 times more likely to be legally drunk.

T-bone Collisions Among the Most Dangerous in SWFL

September 17, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

South Trail Fire District and Iona McGregor Fire responded to a T-bone crash on Brantley Road Friday; one person had to be extricated from the vehicle and was trauma alerted to the hospital, according to FOX 4 News.

Our car accident lawyers in Cape Coral and Fort Myers know these types of collisions are among the most serious and frequently occur at intersections or when a vehicle enters the roadway from a parking lot or private drive. While these types of collisions account for 13 percent of serious traffic accidents in the United States, they account for nearly 20 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to federal data.

While modern vehicles have become much safer in recent years, direct impact to the side of a vehicle in a t-bone collision leaves occupants vulnerable to serious or fatal injuries. Front- and rear-impact collisions have become safer. But engineers can only do so much when it comes to passenger safety from impact to a vehicle’s long, vulnerable side. Crumple zones that protect occupants from impact to the front and rear are absent, and the close proximity to passengers make them much more vulnerable to cabin intrusion.

Driver Blamed for Multi-Vehicle Collision on I-75 in North Fort Myers

July 9, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

The Fort Myers New Press is reporting a local man has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash that involved eight cars and 18 passengers.

The 19-year-old driver has been charged with nearly 20 violations, including two counts of hit-and-run resulting in serious bodily injury. The crash occurred around 2 a.m. on I-75 in North Fort Myers. The Florida Highway Patrol reports the at-fault driver was traveling at speeds in excess of 130 mph.

Teen Tragedy a Stark Reminder of the Risks to Young Drivers and Passengers

July 8, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

The deaths of five young people in a Fort Myers car accident is a tragic reminder that teenagers are most likely to be seriously injured or killed in a traffic collision.

These accidents are among the most heartbreaking we have handled through half a century of fighting for the rights of victims and families dealing with serious personal injury or wrongful death in Southwest Florida.

WGCU reports the teenagers are believed to have drowned after running off the road along TopGolf Way. Four of them worked at a local restaurant. FOX 4 News reports the five teens drowned after running off the road and into a lake at a high rate of speed. Our deepest condolences go to the families and friends of the victims, all of whom attended or recently graduated from local high schools.

Boating Safety in Focus as Holiday Marks Height of Summer Season

July 6, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

The July 4 holiday ushers in the height of summer boating season and is a great time to review boating safety.

The boating season got off to a bad start in May after seven people were rescued in the waters between Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, according to FOX4 News.

Passengers called 911 after a collision between a 50-ft sailboat and a 30-foot fishing vessel. The sailboat was anchored outside the channel and was struck by the fishing vessel, according to authorities. That crash occurred just several weeks after a boat struck the base of the Cape Coral bridge and sank.