Bagen Law Blog

It is a tragic fact that road accidents represent the leading cause of preventable injuries and deaths of children in our country. The numbers behind this preventability are sobering: When correctly used, a car seat or booster seat can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71%. One simple, yet essential piece of equipment can prolong the lives of children who have just begun to explore the world around us.

Auto insurance is the best way to protect yourself from potentially drastic financial burdens in the wake of an accident. The laws in the state of Florida mandate all vehicles registered in the state to carry an insurance policy with certain coverages to operate within the state. If you do not have car insurance, you could be subject to fees and the suspension of your vehicle or driving license.

One very important thing to consider when in the market for a new vehicle is its safety rating. Crash tests are done on most of the vehicles sold in America each year; these tests are what the safety ratings are based upon. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), is a nonprofit research organization that performs several types of crash tests on vehicles.

The last 40 years have seen a decline in highway fatalities. Unfortunately, 2015 saw the largest annual percentage jump over any year in the last 50, and, thus far, 2016 has been even worse. In the first six months of 2016, highway deaths increased by over 10% from a comparable period in 2015.

This morning was an unfortunate reminder of Florida’s status as the leader in the nation for bicycle deaths per capita.

Sometimes it’s easy to take for granted how much of a privilege driving is; other times it’s easy to take for granted how dangerous it can be. A recent automotive accident right in the heart of Gainesville left several hospitalized—including one who was ejected from her vehicle—proving that even under safe conditions and in safe vehicles, disaster can strike at any time.

 In early summer of 2015, Patricia Mincey ran through a red light while driving approximately 20 mph in her 2001 Honda Civic. Unfortunately, her car collided with an SUV. As is supposed to happen, her airbag inflated, but in her situation, hers inflated too much. Her lawsuit, intended to cover her medical bills, pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages against Takata and Honda, alleges that this overinflation caused Ms. Mincey to become paralyzed from the waist down.

Being the parent of a teen driver can be a stressful and apprehensive time. New drivers are a very high-risk category of driver; they are inexperienced and maybe a little to eager behind the wheel. Young drivers are involved in thousands of car accidents each year. When you hand over the keys to your car, you often worry about the safety of your child and the financial strain that may occur should something happen. If you’re left wondering who is liable for your child’s car accident, then read on.

When you’re held responsible for your child’s accident

The truth is that there are circumstances in which a parent can be liable for the child’s accident. The parent can be held responsible for negligence use of the vehicle if a few requirements are met. The court can hold the parent responsible for negligence if they are considered the head of the household, and that the vehicle used in the accident is concerned a vehicle used for the comfort or pleasure of the family. The parent must also have given permission, either direct or implied consent, for the child to operate the vehicle. If it can be proven that the child did not have permission to operate the vehicle, courts may rule that the parents are not liable.