NOYES LEGAL NEWS

MORE DEATHS FROM CAR ACCIDENTS WHEN HALLOWEEN IS ON FRIDAY

 The number of motor vehicle deaths on Halloween rises an average of 30% to 151 deaths when October 31st falls on a Friday as compared to when Halloween falls on Monday through Thursday.  This may happen because two out of three adults ages 18 to 24 plan to throw or attend a Halloween party this year.  When you mix children, pedestrians and motorists on the neighborhood roads, danger increases.

Everyone--drivers and pedestrians and parents--need to be extra careful tonight.  Don't use cell phones when driving or walking.  Distractions is one of the highest reasons for car accidents.  Don't drink and drive.  Don't dart in between cars or run across the street without looking left-right-left.

Let's get this number lower so no family has to be haunted by a death or serious injury of a loved one.  Be safe and be on the lookout for those who are not!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida car accident this Halloween weekend, you can contact Attorney Matthew Noyes during the weekend by calling 727-796-8282 or by emailing Attorney Matthew Noyes at Matt@usalaw.com.  Don't wait for Monday for answers you need today!

For more information on car accident attorney Matthew Noyes or his Tampa Bay personal injury law firm, visit MatthewNoyes.com.

AAA Takes the Right Out of Driving Home Halloween Night

 

AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser will protect drivers on Halloween weekend through their 'Tow to Go' program.  This program provides a FREE confidential ride home and car tow.

 

Anyone who may thing they have had too much too drink can simply call 1-800-AAA-HELP from October 31 through November 2 to get a FREE safe ride home.  You do not have to be a AAA member to use this program.

 

So, if you are hosting a party or going out for Halloween festivities, program this telephone number in your cell phone now for you or someone you know to use later.

 

A DUI changes more than just your life.  It can change the life of someone injured in a car accident.  Take steps to prevent a tragedy.  Drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.

 

If you or a loved one is injured because someone was careless by drinking and driving, contact our office immediately by calling 727-796-8282 or through our firm's website, VoiceOfTheInjured.com, or through my personal website, MatthewNoyes.com.  We have been fighting for families changed by drunk drivers for over 53 years.

DON'T LET HALLOWEEN BASHES TURN INTO CAR CRASHES

With witches, goblins and super-heroes invading our neighborhood streets this Friday, it is important that each of us take steps to prevent a tragic car accident this Halloween.  With Halloween falling on a Friday night, more motorists are expected to be going or coming from Halloween parties at the same time treat-or-treaters take to the streets.  Sadly, the number of motor vehicle fatalities on Halloween rises an average of 30% when October 31st is on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, compared to other days of the week.

According to studies, two out of three adults ages 18 to 24 plan to throw or attend a Halloween party this year and 93% of children are expected to go trick-or-treating.  This combination can likely result in injury if both groups are not careful.  Thus, here are some tips for both group to reduce the risk of a car accident:

Partygoers and Hosts

1.  If you intend to consume alcohol, make plans in advance to get home safely by selecting a designated driver.

2.  Plan your travel route carefully.  Try to avoid cutting through residential areas that will likely have a large number of trick-or-treaters.

3.  If hosting a party, take care of designated drivers and offer alternatives to alcohol.

Trick-or-Treaters and Parents

1.  Review safety precautions with children including traffic safety rules such as staying on the sidewalk, cross the street at crosswalks, avoid walking behind or between cars.

2.  Select highly visible costumes.  Use reflective tape on costumes and buckets and bags to increase visibility.

3.  Get a flashlight with fresh batteries.  Also, bring extra batteries just in case.

Halloween can be a lot of fun, but it can be dangerous.  Take steps today to prevent a tragedy on Halloween.  Getting involved in a car accident or hitting a child could forever change your life.  Be careful and be aware of those who will not be.

If you or a loved one is injured in a Florida car accident, you should talk to an attorney before talking with the insurance companies.  Insurance companies have attorneys working for them, so should you!  My Tampa Bay personal injury law firm has been representing those injured in Florida car accidents and other personal injury matters for over 53 years.  For a free consultation with Attorney Matthew Noyes to discuss your rights, simply click here.

Drunk Driver Injures Two in Pasco County Car Accident

Joshua Vitori and Joseph Pascali were victims of a drunk driver early today.  Christopher John Sutherlin was speeding and apparently driving drunk when he slammed into the rear of Mr. Vitori's pick-up truck on U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.  Then, the drunk driver sped away from the accident and later arrested.  As a result, both Mr. Vitori and Mr. Pascali were injured.

This is yet another example of how drinking and driving effect more than just the drunk driver.  Mr. Vitori and Mr. Pascali now have to suffer from injuries because someone else thought it was alright to drive drunk.

If you have been drinking, don't drive.  It is not only your safety that you need to be careful of.  You need to make sure you don't injure innocent drivers or pedestrians.

If you are injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important that you understand your rights.  Insurance companies have attorneys protecting their interest after your car accident, so should you!  My Tampa Bay personal injury law firm has been fighting for those injured because of drunk drivers for over 53 years.  To contact me for a free case consultation, simply click here.

Man Killed From Hit & Run

It is unbelievable how someone can hit a person with their car, stop, and then drive off.  Sadly, that happened in St. Petersburg on Saturday night resulting in a man being killed.  Roy Solomon was trying to cross Martin Luther King Jr. Street near 22nd Avenue South when someone driving a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SUV slammed into him.  Mr. Solomon was taken to the hospital where he died.  The police have found the vehicle behind a home located on 28th Avenue South, but have been unable to find the driver.

Hit and runs car accidents are another reason why underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage is so important.  If you or a loved one is injured by someone who flees the scene of the car accident, you will be able to make a claim for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages under your uninsured motorist coverage.  If you did not carry uninsured motorist coverage, you would not be able to make a claim unless you found the hit and run driver.

My Tampa Bay personal injury law firm has been fighting for those injured in hit and run car accidents for over 55 years.  For more information on your rights after a Florida car accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident or other personal injury matter, simply click here.

A LITTLE BIT OF JUSTICE FOR FLORIDA WORK COMP CLAIMANTS

Until yesterday, the workers compensation insurance carriers in Florida could pay tens of thousands of dollars to their attorneys to fight an issue with an injured worker.  However, Florida law held that the injured worker's attorney could only earn $1,500.00 if they wanted to fight an issue for their client.  The Florida Supreme Court has now changed this!!

Now, the injured worker's attorney is entitled to a "reasonable" attorneys' fee decided by the Judge of Compensation Claims if they have to fight the insurance company for workers' compensation benefits.  Prior to the Florida Supreme Court's decision, claimant attorneys' were only able to earn $5 to $8 an hour to fight in some cases--making it impossible for the injured worker to obtain legal help.

Finally, a bit of justice in the Florida workers' compensation system.  But, it still needs work.  Injured workers are not getting the medical care they deserve.  Injured workers do not have the ability to have a second opinion.  Injured workers are not being properly compensated for lost time.  We need more change, but we'll take this baby step now.

If you have been injured in a Florida workers' compensation claim, you do have a few rights!  It is important that you talk with an attorney about them.  For more information about your rights after a Florida workers comp claim, click here.

Four Injured in Dunedin Car Accident Reminds Us About UM Coverage

Uninsured or Underinsured motorist coverage is SO important because one accident can cause so many people to get hurt.

A perfect example of this is when 4 people were hurt, two seriously, when a car going south on Belcher Road veered into oncoming traffic and crashed into a tree on the westbound shoulder.  As a result, the driver, Thomas Rindos and the front seat passenger, Amanda Smith, were seriously hurt.  Two back-seat passengers, Stephen Kline and Kimberly Keeler, were also injured.

With 4 people being injured, there may not be adequate bodily injury liability to compensate the medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages of all injured.  That is why everyone should carry uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage on your automobile insurance policy.  This coverage will protect you in the event you are injured in a car accident when the at-fault driver did not carry adequate insurance coverage.

If you are injured in a Florida car accident or motorcycle accident, it is important that you talk with an attorney before talking to the insurance companies.  Insurance companies have lawyers looking out for their best interest after your car accident, so should you!  For more information on your rights after a car accident, simply click here.

Another Death and More Injured Because of DUI Car Accident

Justin Jones was driving last night with five passengers in his car as he approached the intersection of Hillsborough and Himes avenues.  Now, one is dead and 5 people are injured because Justin Jones ran a red light and hit a tractor trailer.  According to Bay News 9, police said Jones was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.  Jones was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter.  His passengers and the driver of the tractor trailer are left to cope with the death and their own injuries.

Driving while under in the influence of alcohol kills.  How many times does it have to happen until people start believing it.  Now, family and friends have to bury someone who shouldn't have had to die.  Friends, don't get into a car with someone who has been drinking.  Their actions can kill you.

If you have been injured as a result of a drunk driver, you may have more rights than you think.  You should talk with an attorney before talking with the insurance companies.  Insurance companies have attorneys working for them, so should you! My Tampa Bay personal injury law office has been representing those injured in Florida car accidents and motorcycle accidents for over 53 years.  For more information on your rights after an automobile accident, contact Attorney Matthew Noyes by clicking here.

Fractured Pelvis After a Car Accident or Work Injury

Nancy Reagan is presently hospitalized for a fractured pelvis from a fall at home.  However, a fractured pelvis can easily occur from a car accident or work injury.  I know, I fractured my pelvis in my car accident when I was 16 years old.

Pelvis fractures can occur with sudden muscle contractions.  Often times, a small piece of bone from the ischium where the hamstring muscles attach is torn away by these muscles.  Pelvis fractures can also occur from a fall whether at home getting out of the bathtub or on the job site after a workers' compensation injury.  However, most pelvis fractures involve high-energy forces, such as those generated in a car accident, crush accident or fall.  Depending on the direction and degree of the force, these injuries can be life-threatening and require surgical treatment.

To diagnose a pelvic fracture requires x-rays from different angles to show how out of place the bones are.  A CT scan may be ordered to determine the extent of the pelvis injury.  The doctor should also examine the blood vessels and nerves of the legs to see if they have been injured.

Not all pelvic fractures require surgery.  Fortunately, mine didn't.  However, non-surgical pelvic fractures are still quite painful and prevent a person from walking for many months. 

We wish Nancy Reagan a speedy recovery from fracturing her pelvis.  If you have been injured in a work related accident in which you fractured your pelvis or like me, been involved in a car accident where you injured your pelvis or other parts of your body, it is important that you talk with an attorney before talking to the insurance companies.  Insurance companies have attorneys working for them, so should you!  For more information about your rights after a Florida car accident or work injury, simply click here.

"But I Don't Want to Sue My Employer."

These words I hear all the time when I am talking to client about their Florida workers' compensation claim.  The answer is that in 99% of the cases, you cannot sue your employer after a workers' comp injury even if you wanted to.

Under Florida workers' compensation law, the employer is given immunity from being sued by an injured employee for negligence as long as the employer provides workers' compensation.  Seems kinda odd that if the employer causes water to be spilled on the floor because of a faulty pipe it has not repaired and two people fall--one employee and one customer--the customer can sue the employer for negligence and be compensated for pain and suffering from the employee cannot sue the employer and cannot be compensated for pain and suffering.  However, that is the law.

Some employers threaten their employees about getting an attorney to oversee the injured worker's workers' comp claim in fear of being sued.  They need to know two things:  (1) such threats violate the law; and (2) the attorney cannot get the injured worker any more benefits than those the workers' compensation carrier is required to provide.  The attorney can only make sure that the injured worker gets all the benefits he or she is entitled to.

I always say that insurance companies--even the workers' compensation carriers--have attorneys looking out for the insurance company's best interest after your injury, so should you!  For more information about your rights after a Florida workers compensation claim, click here.