Author: Stephen K. Brooks

Death of a Pedestrian in Winter Haven – What Can His Family Do?

On November 3, 2013, a 30-year-old man was struck and killed by a vehicle in Winter Haven around Lucerne Park Road, according to the Tampa Tribune. The man was found unconscious on the side of the road and pronounced dead at the hospital with injuries consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle. It is…

Death of Motorcyclist in Tampa Draws Attention to Wrongful Death Cases

According to Bay News 9, on the evening of November 8th, an 18-year-old man died when an SUV and took a left turn in front of him. The young man died at the scene. In a case like this, determining who would be able to bring a wrongful death claim is complicated, especially if the…

Teens Injured by Riding in Back of Pickup Truck Example of Comparative Negligence

On the evening of Halloween, four teens were seriously injured when the pickup truck that they were riding in was in an accident. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the four teenagers were riding in the back of another teen’s Ford F-150 in Palm Harbor when the pickup struck an SUV. As a result of…

Determining Legal Responsibility in Accident Involving Stolen Motorcycle in Pinellas Park

On October 31, 2013, a 31-year old man died after losing control of the stolen motorcycle that he was riding during a police chase. According to the Tampa Tribune, the man was traveling at high speed when he lost control of the motorcycle and hit a parked car. While in this case the rider of…

Woman Killed After Falling Out of Electric Vehicle Highlights Florida Motor Vehicle Insurance Requirements

A Redington Beach woman was killed Saturday evening after she fell out of the electric cart that she was a passenger in, according to Bay News 9. When the driver of the electric cart made a turn onto 168th street, the woman, who was not wearing a seatbelt, fell out of the cart and hit…

Arraignment of Bullies Allegedly Responsible for Suicide Brings Wrongful Death Responsibility to Forefront

A case of two Polk County minors that are allegedly being charged with bullying 12-year-old Rebecca Sedwick to the point where she committed suicide is getting heavy media attention with the involvement of some high-powered attorneys according to Bay News 9. The case is a tragic one and brings to the forefront who is responsible…

Death of Plant City Woman by Alleged Drunk Driver Raises Threshold Damages Issue

On October 14, 2013, an Orlando man allegedly hit a Plant City woman’s Toyota Corolla while driving drunk. According to the Tampa Tribune the 54-year-old man ran a red light while driving his pickup truck and hit the 52-year-old Plant City woman, who died at the scene. The alleged drunk driver then tried to dispose…

Sidewalk Project Along 301 Highlights the Importance of Safe Walkways for Pedestrians

In the last few months, Pasco County has been working on a pedestrian walkway that will stretch five miles from Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City to Mosstown Road in Lacoochee along U.S. 301. According to the Tampa Tribune many local residents are welcoming the project because it means safer passage along the highway. As…

Death of Local Teens in Moped Accident Highlights Importance of Motorcycle Insurance

Last week two Tampa teenagers were struck from behind by a 23-year-old woman while riding on a moped and were killed. It is unclear if the moped they were riding was had an engine over 50 cc which is the basic cutoff point under Florida law for whether or not the driver needs a special…

Death of Hudson 4-year-old Brings Parental Liability Into Question

On October 9th, a four year-old child was killed after being hit by the car her mother was driving, while her mother was leaving a parking space in front of their home. The mother did not see the child approach the car because she was speaking to the father of the child moments before the…

Who Is Responsible for Bills in an Accident Between a Car and a Bicycle?

Last week, a New Port Richey middle school student was riding his bicycle when he was hit by a pickup truck after turning in front of it. The child suffered severe injuries, partially due to not wearing a helmet, and was airlifted to the hospital. Luckily, it looks like the injuries are not life-threatening. When…

Determining Legal Responsibility for Injuries Sustained in a Bus Accident

On the morning of October 4, 2013, there was an accident between a school bus bringing special needs children to school and a car at an intersection in Clearwater. According to witnesses, the driver of the school bus ran a red light, hitting the car. The driver of the car was seriously injured, but the…

What Are Your Rights If You Are the Victim of a Hit and Run?

With the recent news that a Sebring teenager was severely injured in a hit and run, it is important to know what your rights are in such an accident and what you can do to protect yourself. Florida is a no-fault state, which means that most of the money for injuries sustained in an accident…

Explaining the NFL Concussion Settlement

Just before the start of the latest NFL season, football was in the news for a different reason, a $765 million dollar settlement between the NFL and 4500 former players. While there has been a lot in the news about the possible fairness of this settlement and whether or not players deserve this kind of…

What Happens When the Car Airbags Don’t Work?

In the past, most car drivers relied on seat belts to offer them some protection in case of an auto accident. But in the1970s, car manufactures began the development of airbag technology. In the 1980s, most car manufacturers offered airbags. And in 1984 the federal government made airbags mandatory for all cars built after April…