• Limit distractions. Many accidents involve some sort of driver distractions, and the number continues to rise each year. Do not use your cell phone (even if it is hands-free), do not adjust your makeup, eat, mess with your GPS, etc. All of these distractions greatly increase your chance of being in a wreck.
• Do not speed. Drive at or under the speed limit. Limits are set on certain roads for a reason, and keeping within the speed limit keeps you and other motorists safe. Sometimes it can be difficult to not go slightly above the posted speed limit, but by staying at it you greatly reduce your risk.
• Do not drink and drive. This may seem like an obvious one, but it cannot be stated enough. Never under any circumstances operate a vehicle while intoxicated or get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
• Wear your seat belt. Even after following all of these safety tips there is still a chance you may be involved in a crash. You cannot account for the actions of other motorists. Better safe than sorry.

Do you have any questions about a car accident you were involved in?

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando personal injury attorneys.

One of the first things the insurance company will want you to do is speak with a third-party insurance adjuster. This is an independent entity that will assess the damage to your vehicle and determines fault. The third-party adjuster will likely ask you to submit a recorded statement about the accident. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney before submitting a statement to the adjuster. The adjuster’s job is to save the insurance company money, and the term ‘third-party’ can be misleading.

You have the right to have your vehicle repaired wherever you choose. The at-fault party must also supply you with a rental vehicle comparable to the one you had. You can also have your own insurance company cover the repair costs when the third-party is making you jump through too many hoops. You may have to pay your deductable, but can be reimbursed by the third-party insurance company.

If you were injured in the accident, you will want to immediately retain an experienced personal injury attorney.

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando personal injury attorneys.

• Keep still. If you are injured—even if it seems minor at the time—remain still until paramedics arrive to assist you.
• Call 911. This should be the first thing you do if you are involved, or simply witness the accident.
• Remain silent. Say as little as possible, even saying something simple like “sorry” or “I’m fine” can have repercussions that you may not even consider at the time. It is best not to even speak to the truck driver or other drivers, speak only to the arriving police officers.
• Pay attention to details. Try to remember everything about the crash. Write things down so you don’t forget them, including anything you noticed before or after the accident.
• Take pictures. Take pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, the truck and debris or injured parties.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a truck accident? Would you be able to remember these tips if you found yourself in an accident? It is important to remain calm to protect yourself and your rights as well.

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando personal injury attorneys.

Thomas James Smith, 28, died at Health Central hospitals from his injuries. Smith was riding in a Toyota Camry. The driver, Lakeisha Oglesby, 23, suffered injuries. Witnesses saw the Camaro run the red light, according to police reports. Both vehicles spun around in the intersection before striking a concrete wall. Two other passengers in the Camry, Patrick Chambers, 25, and Gabrielle Swann, 18, suffered minor injuries. The driver of the Camaro fled the scene on foot. Police are searching for a man with black dreadlocks.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in car accident when someone else was at fault?

Wooten, Kimrbough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando wrongful death attorneys.

The victim was eventually pulled out of the car, but rescuers had trouble getting to him. They rushed him to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Officials shut down the highway for several hours. The victim’s condition is unknown.

Every year 41,000-45,000 people die in the U.S. in car accidents. 9% of the deaths involve commercial trucks. 4% are related to truck driver fatigue.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a truck accident?

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando wrongful death attorneys.

“The driver over-corrected, causing him to cross into the southbound lane,” said the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was on his way home to Jacksonville. He has spent the day with the team delivering gifts to families at a local shelter after a morning football practice.

“Joey always had a smile on his face and had such a positive influence on everyone,” said Texas A&M Athletic Director Bull Byrne. “This is a sad day for Texas A&M and our hearts are broken for his family, his teammates and his friends.”

Vallavisencio was a radiological health engineer major. His loss is deeply felt in both the Jacksonville and Texas A&M communities.

“Although his life on this Earth was way too short, his impact on the people he met will be everlasting,” said Aggies Head Coach Mike Sherman. “I will never forget him.”

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a truck accident?

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando wrongful death attorneys.

The Miami-Dade jury awarded the family of the victim $8.8 million. Police originally charged Cruz-Govin with reckless driving and speeding. He was driving at 69 mph in a 40 mph zone. Phone records later showed that he was likely texting while driving prior to the collision. Police also found marijuana, cocaine and cough syrup in his vehicle.

Florida has no criminal law against private citizens using phones while driving, but a jury still found Gruz-Govin responsible for the wrongful death. Have you or a loved one been hurt or killed in a car accident where someone else is at fault?

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando personal injury attorneys.

“We have to do something,” Jackson told the Collier County transportation planning agency. “No one should have to go through what I went through or what my grandson’s gone through.”

The traffic light will not be up for a few months, and community officials are trying to come up with a short-term solution in the mean time.

“For six years, we have been trying to get a light there,” said Donna Fiala, commissioner of the Eagle Lakes community where the accident occurred. “I see people with stroller try to cross there all the time. “And Eagle Lakes is the most utilized park in the county parks system. We need a light now.”

The Department of Transportation says they need to meet requirements before the light can go up, and it is a process. There were 30 accidents at the intersection between 2009 and 2011, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. They plan on putting up signs posting drivers’ speed as a warning until the traffic light is approved.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident?

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando personal injury attorneys.

Legislation for a ban in Florida was proposed, but nothing has passed all the way through the state government. Some proposed legislation bans all drivers under the age of 18 from using a cell phone while driving at all. Another one banned cell phone use in school zones. The fines for the violations range from $30 to $60 for first time offenders.

Some officials claim that the law would be difficult to enforce, given advances in hands-free and blue-tooth technology.

“If you identify someone who has a hands-free set hooked up to their ear that doesn’t mean they are talking on their phone,” Captain Donald Melanson of the West Hartford, Connecticut Police Department. Others argue that the police can use new technology to detect phone use.

“It would be really easy for police to have a computer on board to pick up those [cell phone] signals,” says Fred Mannering, a Purdue University civil engineering professor. “But it’s sort of big brother.”

The Metier Law Firm, LLC, a Denver firm, posted about this issue as well. Would you like to see a statewide texting ban imposed on all Florida drivers? Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident?

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando personal injury attorneys.

Tippins ran a red light in his 2003 Hummer and collided with two other vehicles. 61-year-old Linda Fessell, driver of one of the vehicles, died instantly. Consuelo Cassagne, 55 and Felicia Rhodes, 35 were seriously injured.  Tippins fled the scene and returned to the Hard Rock, according to reports. Witnesses followed his vehicle back.

“At the time he was followed by two men, Good Samaritans,” says Sgt. Steve Gaskins of the Florida Highway Patrol. “And they followed him to Hard Rock Casino, called 911, the sheriff’s office responded, located the gentleman with his vehicle, and detained him until FHP investigators could arrive.”

Tippins is charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, DUI manslaughter, DUI with serious injury and DUI causing property damage. Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a car accident?

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando wrongful death attorneys.