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Orlando, Florida
Auto Accidents Are Nation's Leading Cause of Deaths and Injuries - Wednesday, October 18, 2006
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 6 Million police-reported automobile accidents in 2005. Almost 2.7 Million people were injured in these accidents. Well over 43,000 people lost their lives in these accidents.On average, 119 persons died each day in motor vehicle accidents in 2005. That's about one every 12 minutes! Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 3 and 33.
Record Profits For Insurance Industry - Monday, October 16, 2006
The Insurance Information Institute is reporting that insurance companies expect record profits that may reach $ 60 Billion in 2006. Strong investment returns and higher premiums charged especially along the coasts have combined to make it a record-breaking year for profits. The insurers also had high profits on liability insurance like automobile, workers' compensation, and general liability insurance.These record profits follow a 2005 that brought payouts of $ 61 Billion for hurricane and storm damage, including Katrina's devastating damage to the Gulf Coast. But even with 2005 being one of the worst years for natural disasters in recorded U.S. history, the year was a good one for insurance companies who made $ 43 Billion in profits with good investment results, profits on liability insurance premiums, and declining claims under homeowners' policies on homes away from coastlines.
Speed Kills - Friday, October 13, 2006
On average, 1,000 Americans are killed every month in speed-related car accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The young are particularly vulnerable. Of all drivers between the ages of 15 and 24 involved in fatal automobile accidents, 32% were speeding. Of drivers under the age of 21 involved in fatal accidents, 38% of the male and 24 % of the female drivers were speeding.Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic accidents. Speed is a factor in almost 1/3 of all fatal traffic accidents, and the probability of death, disfigurement, or debilitating injury grows with higher speed at impact. The likelihood of such consequences double for every 10 mph over 50 mph that a motor vehicle travels.
To most drivers, who slow down in residential areas or when the weather is bad, a few miles over the speed limit is an acceptable risk. They believe the worst thing that will happen is that they might get a speeding citation. But those drivers are wrong. And they may be dead wrong. Driving too fast for conditions or exceeding the posted speed limit can kill you. So SLOW DOWN!
Over 1.5 Million Harmed Annually by Medication Errors - Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report in July finding that medication errors in clinics and hospitals harm at least 1.5 million patients each year. The report further found that, on average, hospital patients are exposed to more than one medication error per day! Preventing Medication Errors, IOM Natl. Acads., July 20, 2006. These statistics do not even inlcude errors where physicians fail to prescribe necessary medicine.When you find yourself or a loved one hospitalized, you must be vigilant in protecting yourself from these errors. Always ask the nurse what medication is being administered and why.
New Pick-up Truck Law - Monday, October 09, 2006
The State of Florida enacted a new law effective October 1, 2006 making it illegal to have children ride in the beds of pickup trucks on highspeed roads including Interstate 4, the Florida Turnpike, and Florida's toll roads, such as 408, also known as the East West Expressway. The new law applies to children between the ages of 6 and 18. Children under 6 must be restrained on all roads under Florida law.New Florida Trucking Regulation - Saturday, October 07, 2006
A new trucking regulation in Florida requires truck drivers traveling through Florida to spend fewer hours behind the wheel. Before the change, Florida allowed driving for 15 hours after 8 hours of rest. The new rule prohibits truckers from driving more than 12 hours following 10 consecutive hours of rest.According to the state Motor Carrier Compliance Office, the rule change is intended to reduce the number of traffic accidents involving truck drivers. According to the National Highway Trafffice Safety Administration (NHTSA), Florida had the second highest number of fatal large-vehicle traffic crashes.
While most truckers are conscientious and safe drivers, tired truckers contribute to causing severe automobile accidents all too often. Hopefully, this new rule will reduce the number of accidents caused by tired truckers. But don't count on "bad apple" truckers to follow the new rules, anymore than they followed the old ones.
Many truck drivers are required by their employers or by federal regulations to keep logs to prove compliance with company policy or federal regulations. At Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter, we have experience proving that tractor-trailor accidents were caused by exhausted truck drivers who have spent too many hours on the road in violation of either company policy or federal regulations.
If you are involved in a traffic accident, the attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter are skilled at evaluating and investigating your accident, particularly when it involves long haul or short haul truckers subject to these new regulations.
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