Blog - CGWC

Head On Collisions Most Often Fatal - Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Head on collisions are the car crashes that are most likely to result in highway fatalities. Head on collisions often result when a car leaves the roadway, over corrects, and crosses over a centerline or median. Head on collisions also occur when drivers mistakenly go the wrong way on multi-lane freeways, toll roads, or interstate highways. Essentially, these are all "roadway departure" accidents.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, such accidents account for many traffic accident deaths every year. In 2001, there were over 23,000 roadway departure deaths accounting for 55% of all roadway fatalities. There were almost 750,o00 injuries from such accidents. There were 267 freeway deaths from "crossover" head on collisions in 2001. The FHA says that there are an average of 250 people killed each year in freeway head-on collisions and about one death for every 200 freeway miles. Median crossover crashes are also 3 times more severe than other highway accidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a head on collision or any type of automobile accident, call CGWC for a free consultation about your legal rights.

Remember Our Troops - Friday, May 23, 2008

Pedestrian Accidents On The Rise -

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, pedestrian accidents are on the rise. In 2006, there were 61,000 pedestrians injured in automobile accidents in the U.S. and almost 5,000 pedestrian deaths. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration says that it was an increase in both pedestrian and motorcycle deaths that led to an overall rise in highway fatalities in 2005. The total number of fatalities rose to over 43,000 in 2005. Pedestrian deaths reached a 10 year high in 2007 in Washington, D.C. according to the Washington Post. According to the National Center for Statistics & Analysis, Florida most recently ranked second in the nation in pedestrian traffic deaths. Orlando ranked 9th worst city in the nation for pedestrian fatalities in their 2004 study. Miami and Tampa were even worse, ranking 1st and 2nd.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, whether as a driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian, or worse, if a loved one has died as a result of such an accident, call CGWC for a free consultation. Your family has legal rights that can and should be protected. Early investigation by your attorneys and independent team of experts is critical to the protection of your family and your legal rights.

Fire Losses Often Disputed By Insurers - Saturday, May 17, 2008

Literally hundreds of homes have been damaged or destroyed by fire in the last several weeks in Central Florida. One hundred sixty (160) were damaged or destroyed in Palm Bay alone in Brevard County. Total losses there were estimated at over 9.5 million dollars.

While you would think that it would be simple for your insurance company to come to the decision to pay you for your home if it burned to the ground, it is often just another opportunity for them to dispute the amount of your claim. Knowing that fire victims are desperate and scared, insurance claims adjusters and appraisers get set to do their job: save the insurance companies money. If you don't like what your homeowners' insurance company is telling you about your fire loss claim, call CGWC for a free consultation. Homeowners and fire insurance claims can often be handled on a contingent fee basis. In addition, the law often holds the insurance company responsible for your attorneys' fees.

Have A Safe Prom and Graduation Year - Saturday, May 10, 2008

This is the time of year when teens across the country and in Florida are preparing to celebrate graduations and prom nights. It's natural for teens to celebrate with alcohol. No matter what adults say, we all know it is going to happen. The safest practice is to acknowledge it and do what you can to make it a safe celebration.

Statistics show clearly that teen injuries from automobile accidents increase during the prom and graduation season. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles acknowledges this fact and suggests that teens, parents, and school administrations work together to make sure teens can celebrate this wonderful time in their lives and stay safe on Florida's streets and highways at the same time.

First of all, teens must understand that Florida law enforcement agencies have a zero tolerance for driving under the influence and that drivers under age 21 with a blood alcohol level of only .02 or more will have their license suspended for six months. Parents and teens should also remember these rules:

• Don't drink and drive;
• Don't get into a vehicle with someone who has been drinking;
• Buckle up - it's the law;
• Keep cell phones on so parents can reach you, but don't talk or text while driving;
• If you need help or assistance, call your parent or a trusted adult, and if it's an emergency, call 911;
• Limit the number of passengers in a vehicle to minimize distractions;
• If possible, have parents or transportation companies provide chauffeur services.

Cars and Bicycles Make for Deadly Mix - Thursday, May 08, 2008

Bicyclists are at risk for very serious and life threatening injuries or death whenever struck by a automobile or other motor vehicle due to the relative lack of protection a bicyclist has available in a crash. Bicyclists account for about 2% of road deaths and injuries. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, about 700 to 750 bicyclists died in traffic accidents from 2000 to 2004.

Here are ten ways bicyclists can avoid being struck by automobiles:

1. Get and use a headlight and rear light on your bike.
2. Get and use a loud horn on your bike.
3. Get and use a mirror.
   
4. Slow Down.
5. Avoid drivers' blind spots.
6. Don't ride on the sidewalk.
7. Don't pass on the right.
8. Look behind you before turning either right or left.
9. Wear something bright...even during the day.
10. Don't ride against traffic.

Orlando 4th Worst City For Commuters - Friday, May 02, 2008

According to a Forbes magazine report, Orlando ranks as the fourth worst city for commuters in the nation. The lack of public transportation leads to long and time consuming commutes. Central Floridians know that going to work can also be dangerous. Rarely a day goes by that doesn't involve lengthy delays caused by traffic accidents. Some cause serious injuries, requiring complete shutdown of lanes on major thoroughfares and toll roads. On occasion, hospital helicopters are the only way the seriously injured can be provided emergency care before it's too late. Just today, the Beach Line, S.R. 528, was closed eastbound until hospital helicopters and wreckers could care for the injured and clean up the roadway after a rollover accident

Be careful in Orlando's rush hour commute. Don't make split second decisions in a rush, only to regret them for a lifetime. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, a trucking accident, a motorcycle accident or any other motor vehicle accident, call CGWC for a free consultation.