Bagen Law Blog

Getting behind the wheel is always a gamble. Even perfect drivers can get seriously injured in an accident through no fault of your own. A recent crash on I-75 in Gainesville demonstrates just how dangerous driving can be, even under safe conditions.

Every year, our office gets hundreds of calls about bicycle accidents. While do not take every case, it does make us very aware of the dangers when bicyclists share the roadway with cars. It makes us very concerned about bicycle safety.

Unfortunately, the primary cause for preventable injuries and deaths on roads are due to vehicle accidents. Staying safe on the roads of Florida requires attention and diligence, especially during the summer. It takes the carefulness of someone who appreciates their role in the chaos that is traffic whether it be in the city, country or suburban areas. Summer safety on the roads and highways, especially in the central areas of the state, means following the laws and guidelines and encouraging others to follow them, too. Each type of vehicle, whether powered by an engine or muscle, has certain rules of the road and they must be followed as this is what is expected from others.  Not doing so will create an uncertainty in them as it will for you in the same situation.

Living in Florida, one of the most popular activities in the heat of the summer, is to go swimming. I thought it would be beneficial to post some safety tips for this favorite summer time activity.

We have many motorcycle riders and enthusiasts in our community. It is a fun, as well as economical, way to get around. I urge all motorcyclists to practice safe and cautious driving, and I especially urge all other motorists on the road to look twice for motorcyclists before changing lanes, turning, backing up, etc. Recently, a helmeted motorcyclist was struck by a pick up truck being driven by a 17 year old attempting a left turn onto County Road 342 in Bell, Florida when his vehicle struck the motorcycle. The impact was so forceful it made the pick up truck rotate clockwise.  Although the motorcyclist was reported to be in critical condition, the fact that he was wearing a helmet saved him from a more serious, or possibly even a fatal injury.

On average, 38 children die each year from being left in a hot vehicle.  Most of these children were under the age of four years old.  As parents and caregivers lives get busier, the risk of leaving children in hot cars gets higher.  A large percentage of these cases are accidents and although this can happen to anyone, the price of this mistake can lead to the death of a child.

Operating a motor vehicle is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. Motor vehicles are a normal part of our everyday life, but when operated in a reckless manner, they can be as dangerous as any weapon. Recently in the news, a Canadian jury in Montreal found a motorist guilty on two counts of criminal negligence causing death. In Canada, this conviction can carry up to a maximum life sentence in jail.

Distracted driving is an increasing problem on our roadways.  While texting and other distractions, such as using GPS, eating, tuning MP3 players, etc., are obvious, the influx of new gadgets installed in vehicles by the auto industry raises questions about the level of distractions in many new technologies.

The purpose of an airbag in a vehicle is to help the occupants body absorb a substantial force in a collision, while at the same time, preventing more serious injuries that the occupant would otherwise receive without it. As you probably are aware, all kinds of airbag systems are installed in vehicles these days. They used to be optional, and now they are pretty standard in most vehicles. While airbags are a tremendous benefit in most cases, recent headlines would indicate otherwise.