Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers welcome the news that the number of Florida motorcycle accidents decreased last year, after increasing each year for more than a decade.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports the number of fatal accidents plunged 25 percent, from 532 in 2008 to 402 last year. The total number of crashes and the number of riders injured also decreased.

That's welcome news after a decade in which the number of riders killed on Florida roads each year nearly doubled, from 5,075 in 2000 to 9,618 in 2008. Still, motorcycle accidents accounted for 1 in every 6 fatal accidents on Florida roads during 2009. And thousands of riders were seriously injured in Florida motorcycle accidents.

For four decades, our Fort Myers injury lawyers have been fighting for the rights of riders who have been seriously injured or killed in motorcycle accidents across South Florida, including Naples, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, and Lehigh Acres. Ask a rider, they'll tell you to call Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

Last year, 402 riders were killed and 7,435 were injured in more than 8,000 Florida motorcycle accidents. Fourteen motorcyclists were killed in Lee County last year. Broward (23), Duval (18), Hillsborough (27), Miami-Dade (45), Orange (25), Palm Beach (18), Pinellas (24) and Volusia (22) counties reported more fatal motorcycle accidents.

2009 motorcycle fatalities
Lee:14
Charlotte: 4
Collier: 3

2009 motorcycle injuries
Lee: 172
Charlotte: 78
Collier: 74

Nationwide, more than half of all motorcycle accidents are the fault of a motorist who fails to yield the right-of-way or otherwise causes a serious or fatal accident. For rider safety information, visit our website dedicated to Florida bikers.

Well as it turns out, plenty.

Curbing a Trend
Here at the Florida Injury Lawyer Blog we are committed to informing our community across Florida on all types of motor vehicle safety. So when we learned recently that a New York Times writer and his staff were awarded the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for their “incisive work, in print and online, on the hazardous use of cell phones, computers and other devices while operating cars and trucks” we thought our readers should know. The Pulitzer win also noted the impact this safety reporting has had on the driving public, "stimulating widespread efforts to curb distracted driving."

Data Counts
And where did the NYT reporters get some of their research data for this award-winning journalism? In part, from the researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) whom we suspect would be proud to be named "research geeks" -- not only because VTTI is responsible for gathering much of the data for a front-page story that was central to the Pulitzer Prize win, but because they too are largely responsible for providing the facts that have supported a growing national movement.

In a groundbreaking study last year, the VTTI gave the public a very big safety gift. They told us, using data with which we could not argue, that texting while driving can kill.

From DC to Hollywood
And as the Florida Injury Lawyer Blog has previously posted, this issue is front and center for so many Americans from Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood who heads our Department of Transportation, to Oprah Winfrey who heads up a vast media empire. Ms. Winfrey has teamed-up with the DOT on this issue and has created a major "No Phone Zone" campaign getting celebrities to sign the pledge publicly on camera. Together they fight distracted driving with the rest of us.

Motorcycle Safety, Naturally
So what does all of this have to do with motorcycle safety? Now the VTTI has taken on a new study, considered to be the first of its kind in the world, on motorcycle safety. In this new study, VTTI will apply the same research techniques they applied to the Pulitzer Prize-related research on trucker distraction while driving. It’s called “naturalistic” and it is very important to vehicle manufacturers and the driving public. It is also apparently important to journalists who win Pulitzer Prizes.

In our next post, we will tell you more about what the VTTI motorcycle safety study intends to do and who is partnering with them to get it done. Please stay tuned for more on motorcycle safety research.

Related Web Resources

For more information on motor cycle safety and related information, please visit flbikers.com.

Continue reading "Poetic Justice – What Do Motorcycle Safety, The New York Times and Vehicle Accident Research Geeks Have in Common? " »

Everything a motorcycle does relies on that little patch of rubber that meets the road. If your tires are not in peak condition, your motorcycle can’t steer, stop or accelerate as it should. Yet, the generally lack of concern over tires is mind-boggling.

Two items that should be checked on a regular basis are tire inflation and tread depth. Ideally, tires should be checked prior to every ride; but, at the least, they should be checked every week. A tire doesn’t have to deflate entirely to get you in trouble. An under inflated tire decreases stability, limits traction and has increased possibilities to complete failure…a blowout! An over inflated tire decreases traction and, of course, it wears much faster. Check your owner’s manual to find the right PSI (pounds per square inch) of air pressure for your tires. Keep in mind that these recommendations are usually dependent upon the weight of you and your passenger, as well as any cargo. Some manufacturers advise adding 3 or 4 PSI when carrying a heavy load. Know your vehicle weight and load, and follow the recommendations specific to your motorcycle.

As with tire pressure, it only takes a few minutes to check your tires for excessive or irregular wear, punctures, cracks, cuts, and often overlooked…tread groove cracking. Every time you ride is not too often to check your lifeline to the road. If you don’t have a way to raise your bike off the ground, have someone roll the bike for you to inspect the tires.

Most riders notice a tire that’s getting thin in the tread. Wear bars have made it easy to tell when the tread is getting down to its last miles. Adequate tire tread not only allows tire integrity, it allows water to be channeled away from the contact patch, which helps maintain grip under wet conditions. If you do not have a tread depth instrument, a simple “coin check” will work. Using a quarter, make sure the tread is not lower than the top of Washington’s head when a quarter is touching the bottom of the tread groove. If it does, it is probably time to replace the tire. For more safety tips click HERE.

Also, did you know that when you have a new tire, most motorcycle tire manufacturers recommend a “break-in” period of 100 miles to “scuff” the tire before being too aggressive with braking and cornering?

You should also watch for safety recalls. A reliable source for information on safety recalls for tires and vehicles is: http://www.recalls.gov/nhtsa.html

Don’t forget…regular inspections for correct air pressure and tire wear will add more miles to the tires and help provide you with many safe miles.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner Personal Injury Lawyers would like to remind you to “Ride Safe, Ride Often, Have Fun!” However, if you need us, we’ll be there for you. We’ve been focused on justice since 1971, fighting for your rights. With 7 area offices, we are dedicated to serving your needs if you or a loved one is involved in an accident. Log on to www.focusedonjustice.com or call 1-800-DIAL-BLS.

Southwest Florida's largest bike night draws riders from all over, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.
Primary sponsor, Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, has been a supporter of motorcycle rights and organizations in Florida for four decades and represents motorcyclists throughout Florida who have been injured or killed in motorcycle accidents. The firm also publishes the website www.flbikers.com, dedicated to motorcycle riding in Southwest Florida.

"We look forward to promoting safety and awareness throughout the upcoming season," Bruce L. Scheiner said.

The event is Saturday October 3, 2009 from 5 to 10 p.m. along SE 47th Terrace in Cape Coral. More information is available at the Cape Coral Bike Night website. Admission is free.

"With our partnership with Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers and the support of Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers and our other sponsors, we are able to do bigger and better productions and look forward to putting on a great show for our attendees and their families," said Todd King, special events coordinator for the City of Cape Coral.

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, there are certain things you can do to help protect your rights. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, offer free appointments to discuss your case at any of the firm's offices throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Arcadia, Port Charlotte, Sebring and Venice.

And remember, Whatever you ride, ride safe!

On July 30, 2009, the motorcycling community lost one of the most recognizable names in the industry. Bruce Rossmeyer, the largest Harley-Davidson dealer in the World, died at 66 years of age due to injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident in Wyoming. In route to the 69th Annual Sturgis, SD Motorcycle Rally from the Harley-Davidson Summer Dealer Meeting in Denver, CO he was traveling with five friends on a two lane road in a remote area of Wyoming.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol report: “They were trailing a Ford pickup pulling a double axle camper-style trailer. The truck driver, Robert L. VanValkenburg, 73, of Rock Springs, WY, slowed down and began making a left turn when Rossmeyer tried to pass him. Rossmeyer, who was not wearing a helmet, struck the driver’s-side door. VanValkenburg’s turn signals and brake lights were working at the time of the crash.”

This is a tragic loss. Perhaps too early to discuss so soon after his death; but, it does present an opportunity to look at what can be learned from this accident. This isn’t about helmets or no helmets. And, it isn’t about placing blame on either party to the accident. It is about how to avoid situations because as riders we are ultimately responsible for our own safety.

Lyle McCreary a.k.a. “El Padre”, Motorcycle Consultant for Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, commented, “I hear so many people talk about the traffic in Florida being so terrible and that the automobile drivers here have no concern for motorcyclists. Keep in mind that the Rossmeyer accident happened on a two-lane road in remote Wyoming. In rural Wyoming you may not see another vehicle for miles…going either way. Matter of fact, in Wyoming, there are more motorcycling injuries and deaths due to collisions with animals than other vehicles.”

What can we learn…

There is much that we do not know about the accident because, at this point, we have not heard from any of the other riders. But, when something like this happens, it is normal to ask, “Could it have been avoided?”

Riding a motorcycle is a form of personal freedom, but can be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 37 times more likely than car occupants to die in a traffic accident. Whether motorcycling across town or across country, use the following tips to help stay safe:

Slow Down
Give yourself more time to avert obstacles like animals, road debris, children, or pedestrians in the road. Be better prepared to stop when a teenager or drunk driver ignores a stop sign. Cornering on sandy pavement is treacherous if you’re riding too fast.

Know You Are Invisible
Assume that drivers don’t see you. In spite of the “Start Seeing Motorcycles” campaign, drivers continue to make left turns into oncoming motorcyclists. They proceed through stop signs as if you don’t exist because they don’t pay attention. Understand that drivers often fail to check their blind spots, and ride accordingly.

Look Both Ways When Crossing the Street
Even when you’ve got the right of way, and a green light, check intersecting traffic. Now, you’re prepared if the cross-traffic fails to yield.

Wear Bright Colors
Although you may look great in a black leather jacket, you’re difficult to see, especially at night. Consider reflective apparel, and at night, light up your bike like a Christmas tree.

Don’t Tailgate
Should the car ahead of you stop short, you could rear end him. Also, when you’re too close to traffic, you don’t get sufficient warning of road debris ahead. Give yourself a better chance to miss construction lumber, dead animals, mattresses, and untold junk littering the road.

Leave Yourself an Out
If you’re boxed into traffic and an SUV driver wants your lane, you’re in trouble. Unless passing, in general, stay in the right lane where you can easily pull onto the shoulder of the road.

Don’t Drink and Ride
After drinking beer, wine, or cocktails--your judgment is impaired. Don’t let alcohol trick you into a false sense of well-being. Under the influence, you are less likely to identify and avert hazards—the other drivers on the road who maim and kill motorcyclists.

Wear a Helmet
The NHTSA estimates an un-helmeted rider is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury than a helmeted motorcyclist. Plus, helmets will protect your eyes and streamline your head. Put the odds in your favor!

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, P.A. at 1 (800) DIAL BLS. Fighting for your rights, the BLS firm has helped many cyclists over the past 25 years. Check out David Wyland’s Motorcycle Accident Survivor video at http://www.blslawyers.com. After a bad accident, “Wylie” explains how the trusted BLS law firm helped him and his family.

Florida injury lawyers is posting the Top 10 lethal driving mistakes, as compiled by MSN Autos, to remind motorists that safe driving habits are the best defense to prevent you or a loved one from being seriously injured or killed in a car accident or other traffic fatality.

Nationwide, 37,313 died in traffic crashes in 2008 -- more than 1,200 in Florida. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24.

Swerving: The No. 1 mistake drivers make is not staying in their own lane, running off the road, or drifting into another lane. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 15,000 people were killed in crashes in 2007 as a result of a driver who didn't stay in the proper lane.

Driving Drowsy: The NHTSA estimates more than 1,400 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2007 as a result of driver fatigue. Visit www.drowsydriving.org for more information.

Drinking and Driving: Every 40 minutes someone dies in a drunk-driving accident. Young drivers ages 21 to 34 are responsible for well over half of alcohol-related fatalities. According to the NHTSA, 60 percent of drivers who died after dark in 2007 were legally drunk. Alcohol is also a factor in half of pedestrian traffic deaths -- both drivers and pedestrians are culprits.

Overcorrecting: More than 4 percent of automobile fatalities occur because of driver overcorrecting, particularly while behind the wheel of an SUV driving on the highway at high speeds.

Speeding: Speeding is the second-highest cause of death in fatal crashes, according to the NHTSA. Thirty percent of fatalities occur at 55 mph or above. The worst case scenario is speeding without a seat belt or motorcycle helmet. Fatality rates for speeding motorcyclists are shockingly high -- 36 percent of motorcycle fatalities were caused by speed in 2007.

Failure to Yield the Right of Way: For drivers over the age of 70, failure to yield is the top cause of crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports drivers over 80 simply fail to see the vehicle, while drivers 70 to 79 misjudge the time and distance. Failure to yield the right of way was the 5th leading cause of fatal crashes in 2007.

Erratic or Reckless Driving: More than 1,850 fatalities in 2007 were the result of reckless driving, including weaving, tailgating, exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 mph or doing more than 80 mph.

Running red lights: Three out of every four automobile accidents occur in cities -- the most common cause is hitting the gas when the light turns red.

Not Wearing a Seat Belt: Despite the fact that wearing a seat belt is far more prevalent than even a decade ago -- not to mention legally required -- one-third of traffic fatalities result from unbuckled occupants. Without a seat belt, car drivers and passengers put themselves at risk of being ejected and 76 percent of the time ejection results in death.

Inattentive Driving:
Eating, talking on a cell phone, text messaging and fumbling with the car stereo all result in inattentive driving, which was responsible for 4,704 deaths in 2007. Talking on the cell phone has become the number one bad habit, with an estimated 1 million drivers talking on the phone at any given time and an increasing number of states, including Florida, considering outlawing the practice.

Continue reading "Florida injury lawyers urge motorists to review Top 10 lethal driving mistakes to avoid fatal car accidents, serious injury" »

Florida injury lawyers urge bikers and motorists to review safe driving habits to help prevent motorcycle accidents and fatalities as Florida proclaims May to be Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

"Motorcycling is a year-round activity in Florida and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month does not come around often enough," said Bruce L. Scheiner, founder and senior attorney at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, which has been fighting for motorcycle rights and representing motorcyclists injured or killed in Florida motorcycle accidents since 1971. "Motorcycle crashes are always very serious and are most often not the fault of the biker. We urge all motorists to watch out for motorcycle riders and wish everyone a long summer of safe riding."

Research shows that motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than a car occupant to die in a traffic crash. Between 2002 and 2007, U.S. motorcycle fatalities increased by 57 percent, from 3,276 to 5,154. There were 103,000 motorcyclists injured in 2007.

In Florida, motorcyclists account for 6 percent of the motoring public, yet account for 17 percent of all traffic fatalities.

"Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than other motorists in the event of a crash," said Colonel Chris Knight, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. "Research shows that approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill the motorcycle rider."

Safety Tips
* Remember motorcycles are vehicles with all the rights and privileges of any vehicle on the road. Always allow a motorcycle a full lane -- never try to share a lane.
* Motorcyclists should never ride between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic.
* Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
* Motorcyclists should assume they are invisible to other motorists and operate their motorcycle accordingly. Position yourself to be seen.
* Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging into traffic.
* Don't be fooled by flashing turn signals on any vehicle. Be aware that motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to make sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
* Remember that road conditions which may be minor annoyances to passenger vehicles can pose major hazards to motorcyclists.
* Allow for sufficient following distances. When following a motorcycle, make certain the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. Never tailgate.
* Motorcyclists should know and obey traffic laws, be alert to other drivers, never drink and ride and always wear protective gear.

"All too often after a crash, the drivers of other vehicles involved say they never saw the motorcyclist and were unable to respond in time," the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said in proclaiming safety month. "This is no excuse. Too many lives are being lost. The message to all driver is: make this the first year in recent years when motorcycle fatalities do not increase. Remeber that May is Motorcycle Safety Month. Do your part -- share the road with motorcycles."

Continue reading "Florida motorcycle lawyers promote message of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to reduce motorcycle accident deaths and injury" »

Motorcycle riders from across Southwest Florida will ride into Naples for this weekend's MASH BASH, sponsored in part by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

"We are excited to join all of our friends in Collier County for this weekend's motorcycle event," said Founder and Senior Attorney Bruce L. Scheiner. "Promoting motorcycle safety and awareness, preventing motorcycle accidents and fighting for the rights of injured bikers has been one of our firm's primary goals for 38 years."

The 23rd annual MASH BASH, hosted by the ABATE of Florida Gator Alley Chapter, is Saturday and Sunday May 1 and 2 at the KOA Campground, 1700 Barefoot Williams Road, Naples.

Gate fees are $10 Friday Night, $15 Saturday ($10 after 8 p.m.) or $20 for the weekend. Children under 12 are free (8p.m. curfew for minors). Gates open Friday at 5 p.m.

There will be a live radio remote by 96.1 K-rock and live music by Tantrum on Friday night as well as live bands all day Saturday, including Well Hungarians, Red Ball Jets and West Coast South.

Events include a 50/50 raffle and prizes, food and beverage vendors, bike show, bike games kids' activities, clothing and other vendors, tattoo contest and veterans' recognition presentation.

A limited number of primitive tent and camping sites are available free of charge to bikers. Full service sites also are available.

The event benefits ABATE's legislative efforts for motorcycle rights in Tallahassee. For more information contact Jim Kalvin, 239-280-6054; Heidi Yahl 239-455-5767; Paul Evans 239-961-1414 or visit www.gatoralley.net.

Continue reading "Florida motorcycle riders gear up for Naples MASH BASH, sponsored in part by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers" »

A pair of serious Cape Coral motorcycle crashes killed one man and seriously injured two others over the weekend. Florida injury lawyers remind motorists to use extra caution around motorcycles in an effort to avoid the tragic consequences that too often result from motorcycle accidents.

Ronald L. Johnson, 53, of Cape Coral, died Friday night from injuries suffered after his Harley-Davidson motorcycle was struck from behind by a car, according to a report in The News-Press. Johnson had slowed his motorcycle for a yellow light on Del Prado when the car behind him failed to stop.

The impact threw Johnson from his motorcycle. The newspaper said Johnson's death was the second fatality in Cape Coral this year -- both fatalities were the result of motorcycle accidents.

Two other Cape Coral residents were injured in a Sunday night crash on Pine Island Road. A 20-year-old man was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital with life threatening injuries. His 18-year-old passenger was seriously injured after their motorcycle was struck by a passing car driven by a 16-year-old girl.

Please remember to share the road with our local motorcycle riders so they can return home safely to their families. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges motorists to keep in mind the following safety tips:

Respect the motorcyclist: Give the motorcycle a full lane to travel and remember motorcycles have all the rights and privileges of any vehicle on the roadway.

Look Out: Look out for motorcycles on the roadway, at intersections, and when a motorcycle may be signaling a left-hand turn. Clearly signal your intentions.

Anticipate a motorcycle's maneuvers: Predict evasive actions. Potholes and debris you may ignore could be deadly to a motorcyclist.

Allow plenty of space: Don't follow a motorcycle too closely. Allow plenty of room.

While any traffic accident can be serious, getting into an accident with a motorcyclist is often deadly. Give them plenty of room and yourself plenty of time to react -- it's in everyone's best interest.

Continue reading "Motorcycle injury lawyers urge caution in wake of weekend Cape Coral motorcycle accidents" »

Finding a personal injury or wrongful death attorney that goes the extra mile for clients can make a big difference if your or a loved one are seeking compensation as a result of a car accident, motorcycle accident, trucking accident or other Florida personal injury case.

Trial attorneys at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, spent the weekend working with a focus group to fine tune strategy for an upcoming trial.

"We do it to try to forecast and predict the feelings of the potential jury. It helps us to understand how to better present our case so that we can cover the issues that are important to the jury," said Bruce L. Scheiner, founder and senior attorney at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers. "It gives you excellent insight into the issues that are in people's minds that you might not otherwise consider."

Attorney Preston Scheiner said convening such groups during trial preparation is another way the firm ensures clients are getting the best representation the firm's four decades of experience can provide.

Fourteen Southwest Florida residents recruited at random, through churches and other organizations, were brought together at an off-site location in Fort Myers to hear the case.

Lunch was provided to the participants, who received a small stipend, but the names of the firm, the attorneys and the client were withheld so that verdicts and opinions could be formed free from any associated bias or influence.

The event was filmed and each of the 14 mock jurors was asked to complete a form and offer input at various stages of the proceedings. They were then split into two groups for deliberations and separate verdicts.

"You learn an incredible amount because you step outside the looking glass and you see the facts from a different perspective," Attorney Preston Scheiner said. "You also come to understand how opinions in the community can come to bear on a particular case."

The event also provided an opportunity to help educate the public about the trial process, the challenges of helping someone through a personal injury claim and the benefits of finding a qualified firm to protect their rights.

"Thanks so much for the opportunity -- it was awesome," one participant wrote to an event organizer. "Never had I experienced anything like that before. Please consider me again next time -- I would love to be a part of it."

Continue reading "Fort Myers personal injury lawyers test case before mock jury to better prepare client's case for trial" »

More than 10,000 motorcycle enthusiasts came out to support the final Cape Coral Bike Night of the 2008-2009 season, with title sponsorship provided by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, has spent four decades sponsoring bike events and fighting for the rights of bikers injured in motorcycle accidents throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Port Charlotte, Arcadia, Sebring and Venice.

"It was the biggest and best bike night season we have had and we look forward to even better things in 2009-2010," said Todd King, special events coordinator for the City of Cape Coral. "It is through our partnership with Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers and our other sponsors that we are able to stage such a great series of events."

Cape Coral Bike Night season may be over until fall, but you can find Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, sponsoring two exciting upcoming events.

Support Our Troops Day is Saturday April 25 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Fort Myers Harley-Davidson on Colonial Boulevard. Anyone wanting additional information can contact Kay Caple at 239-671-8456.

MASH BASH is being held in Naples on May 1 and 2 at the KOA campground on Barefoot Williams Road. Anyone wanting additional information can contact Jim Kalvin at 239-280-6054.

Continue reading "Cape Coral Bike Night a huge success with title sponsorship provided by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers" »

In the wake of last week's series on www.injury-lawyer-florida.com about the hazards of aggressive driving, speeding and distracted and drowsy driving, Florida Injury Lawyers has found a comprehensive Internet resource to provide drivers with a refresher course of safe driving tips.

For most of us, driving has become a commonplace activity. Yet it is the only potentially deadly activity most of us engage in on a daily basis. Having written about what not to do, here is a look at 70 safe driving tips we could all benefit from reviewing.

As RoadTrip America put it in debuting its 70 Rules of Defensive Driving: "It's not something we ... like to dwell upon but about 50,000 people die each year in collisions on the roadways of the United States."

Please click here to visit the entire list, courtesy of RoadTrip America, which provides additional information on each safety tip.
1) Pay Attention
2) Don't Trust Nobody!
3) Yield Anyway
4) Don't Speed
5) Don't Drive Impaired
6) Wear Your Seat Belt
7) Buy and Use Other Safety Devices
8) Motorcyclist Protect Thyself!
9) Don't Run Red
10) Drive Precisely
11) Chill Out
12) Look Down the Road
13) Create Space & Use the two-seconds-plus rule
14) Drive to Communicate
15) Drive Predictably
16) Always Signal Your Intentions
17) Know Your Blind Spots
18) Avoid Distractions
19) Avoid Backing Up
20) Beware of Intersections
21) Be a Freeway Pro
22) Know How to Stop
23) Know When to Use Headlights
24) Slow Down in Rain or Snow
25) Maintain Your Vehicle's Tires

Click here for all 70 rules from RoadTrip America, complete with descriptions and other advice for each rule.

Continue reading "Florida injury lawyers urge frequent review of safe-driving habits to help prevent car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents in Southwest Florida" »

The grand finale of the 2008-2009 Cape Coral Bike Night season will be Saturday April 11 from 5 to 10 p.m., with title sponsorship once again provided by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

"Cape Coral Bike Night has become one of the area's premiere family-oriented events geared toward motorcycle riders," said Bruce L. Scheiner, founder and senior attorney at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, which has been fighting for the rights of motorcycle accident victims in Southwest Florida for four decades. "It is our pleasure to continue this partnership with the City of Cape Coral and the Southwest Florida motorcycle community as we continue a long tradition of promoting motorcycle safety and awareness."

The firm also operates a website dedicated to motorcycle riding and motorcycle safety in Southwest Florida, www.flbikers.com. Cape Coral operates a website for bike night at www.ccbikenight.com.

April's grand finale, often the year's biggest, is expected to draw more than 10,000 motorcycle riders from throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.

"This is the final event for the season," said Todd King, special events coordinator for the City of Cape Coral. "Our February and December bike night attendance figures have never been larger.

"We think it's going to be a great evening to celebrate rock and roll, motorcycles and a grand old time here in Cape Coral," King said.

Thousands of motorcycles will descend on SE 47th Terrace in Cape Coral, which will be closed to motorists. The event will feature food and clothing vendors, live bands, raffles, prizes and a slow bike race.

Continue reading "Cape Coral Bike Night season finale to draw motorcycle enthusiasts from throughout Southwest Florida with title sponsorship provided by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers" »

Speeding and traveling at speeds unsafe for road, traffic and weather conditions is the focus of Part 2 of Florida Injury Lawyer's three-part series on the high number of traffic accidents caused by aggressive drivers, unsafe speed and distracted and sleepy drivers.

Florida injury lawyers handle hundreds of car accidents, motorcycle accidents and trucking accidents each year caused by unsafe speed throughout Southwest Florida, including Naples, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Venice, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Sebring.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration estimated 15 years ago that speeding cost society $44,193 a minute: That's $63 million a day!

In 2006, more than 50 people lost their life to traffic crashes in each of Florida's 67 counties and speed was often a contributing factor.

Federal statistics show speed is a contributing factor in 1 out of every 3 fatal car crashes.

Speed reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway and it extends the distance required to stop a vehicle in an emergency.

Crash severity also increases with speed. Inversely, the effectiveness of restraint devices like safety bags and seat belts, and vehicle construction features like crumple zones, decline as impact speed increases.

The probability of death, disfigurement or debilitating injury doubles for every 10 mph over 50 mph, according to government statistics.

Many drivers don't consider these dangers. They slow their speed in neighborhoods or when the weather turns bad. To them, a few miles an hour over the speed limit is an acceptable risk. They believe that the worst that can happen to them is they'll get a speeding ticket.

But the facts are clear: Driving too fast for conditions or exceeding the speed limit can kill you.

Speed facts:
* Rural roads account for over 60 percent of all speed-related fatal crashes.
* 2 of every three speed-related crashes involve a single vehicle.
* 60 percent of all speed-related fatal crashes occur at night (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.).
* Drivers involved in speed-related fatal crashes are more likely to have a history of traffic violations.
* On average, 1,000 Americans are killed every month in speed-related crashes.

Youth and Speeding:
* Of all drivers under 24 involved in fatal crashes, 32 percent were speeding.
* Of all drivers under 21 involved in fatal crashes, 38 percent of the male and 24 percent of the female drivers were speeding.

Save gas -- slow down:
* Fuel consumption increases steadily above 45 mph. Cars and light trucks use 50 percent more gas traveling at 75 mph than they do at 55 mph.

Continue reading "Florida Injury Lawyers urge motorists to obey speed limit, reduce car accidents, serious injury, wrongful death" »

Preparations are well underway for what is shaping up to be the premiere spring motorcycle event in Collier County -- the 23rd annual MASH BASH, sponsored in part by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, has spent four decades representing victims of motorcycle accidents throughout Southwest Florida, including Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers and Cape Coral.

ABATE of Florida, Gator Alley Chapter, has announced a live radio remote by 96.1 K-rock and live music by Tantrum on Friday night as well as live bands all day Saturday, including Well Hungarians, Red Ball Jets and West Coast South.

The May 1st and 2nd event features a MASH television show theme and is being held at the KOA Campground, 1700 Barefoot Williams Road, Naples.

Gate fees are $10 Friday Night, $15 Saturday ($10 after 8 p.m.), $20 all weekend. Children under 12 are free (8 p.m. curfew for minors). Gates open Friday at 5 p.m.

Events include 50/50 and prize drawings, food and beverage vendors, bike show, bike games, kids activities, vendors, tattoo contest and a veterans recognition presentation.

A limited number of primitive tent and camping sites are available for bikers free of charge. Full service sites also are available.

The event benefits operation of ABATE's continued legislative efforts in Tallahassee. For more information, contact Jim Kalvin 239-280-6054; Heidi Yahl 239-455-5767; Paul Evans 239-961-1414 or visit www.gatoralley.net.

Continue reading "Bands, live remote announced for Collier County motorcycle MASH BASH, sponsored by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers" »

South Florida support for preventing serious injury and wrongful death in car accidents caused by distracted drivers could result in a new law banning cell phone use by drivers.

Florida car accident lawyers and personal injury and wrongful death attorneys in Southwest Florida represent hundreds of motorists who are injured or killed each year as a result of distracted driving.

"Stay Alive ... Just Drive!" has announced a joint agreement with "Safety as Floridians Expect," (SAFE), supporting a state and federal ban on text messaging while driving.

The partnership moves all of South Florida to the forefront in the fight against distracted driving. "Stay Alive ... Just Drive," is a driver-safety and awareness organization founded by retired Fort Myers-area paramedic Jay Anderson in Southwest Florida. SAFE is a fast-growing Southeast Florida based education and advocacy group.

Both the Florida House and the Florida Senate are debating measures that would ban text messaging and/or cell phone use by drivers.

There's a multitude of bills in the House and the Senate," Anderson said. "Based on what's happened across the country, there is an increased awareness of the dangers, especially the text messaging. I think we have an opportunity to join other states and it's long overdue."

If adopted, Anderson said Florida would join five other states that ban cell phone use by drivers, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington, California and Washington, D.C.

Anderson said the time has come to get real about cell phone use by drivers.

"Realistically, we all have to think about the times it's just not proper to use your cell phone," Anderson said. "Operating a motor vehicle is one of those times. A cell phone and texting ban will help protect all those who use our roads."

SAFE Chairman Jim Smith said it is time for lawmakers to act.

"Text messaging is responsible for many unnecessary deaths on our streets and highways," Smith said. "The only way it can be stopped is by adopting a law banning driver text messaging. It's time for legislators to put people's safety ahead of cell phone lobbyists' interests."

Continue reading "South Florida groups seek to reduce car accidents, serious injury, wrongful death by banning text messaging, distracted driving" »

Riders and Other Advocates for Road Safety (ROARS) is mounting a community action campaign aimed at reducing road accidents in Southwest Florida.

"We stand behind any cause that seeks to reduce accidents on our roads," said Bruce L. Scheiner, founder and senior attorney at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, which has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims in South Florida since 1971. "Groups like ROARS can make a real difference, particularly in a tough economy when local and state governments often reduce public-safety spending for education and other awareness programs."

The group will seek to educate the public in an effort to reduce the number of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and bicycle and pedestrian accidents throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Bonita Springs.

"Though there are many reasons for fatalities on our highways, it is truly the belief of this advocate that an alarming amount of these crashes can be avoided," said Frankie Kennedy, founder and chairman of ROARS.

When it comes to motorcycle fatalities, Kennedy said 85 percent are the result of a vehicle's failure to yield the right of way.

"Most people do no see the motorcycle and, because of its size, they nearly always misjudge its speed," Kennedy said. "Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, has supported the motorcycling community for many years and with their help, we are working very diligently to get our message out."

Kennedy said the group will focus on all forms of road safety as it seeks to educate the public and maintain safety awareness.

ROARS also is active in educating young drivers.

"We will bring our program anywhere we can get a gathering of interested drivers," Kennedy said. "We currently bring a motorcycle safety and driver-awareness seminar to all the local high schools in Lee County and we have touched thousands of student drivers since we started the program. It is of the utmost importance to reach as many people as possible."

Citizens are encouraged to join with ROARS and engage in programs and activities designed to raise public awareness in their communities. The coalition strongly advocates grass roots efforts in the areas of voter registration and the development of proactive relationships with the state's legislators to promote innovative ways to make streets, roads and highways safer for Florida residents and visitors.

ROARS recognizes the inherent dangers associated with every mode of transportation and understands the need for a purposeful and united effort by all drivers, riders and pedestrians to reduce loss due to injuries and death.

For more information about ROARS, please contact Chair and Founder Frankie Kennedy at 239-849-9065 or e-mail swchief2000@yahoo.com.

Continue reading "Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, supports prevention of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents in Southwest Florida" »

Motorcycle accident lawyers in Fort Myers, Naples and Punta Gorda-Port Charlotte remind new riders that the law now requires a rider safety course before new riders can obtain a motorcycle endorsement.

"I can't express the importance of taking a rider safety course enough," said Bruce L. Scheiner, founder and senior attorney of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, which has been fighting for motorcycle rights and representing motorcycle accident victims since 1971.

The firm publishes a website dedicated to motorcycle riding and safety in Southwest Florida. Visit www.flbikers.com. Click on the safety link to visit a list of approved rider safety courses throughout Florida. The website provides contact information for safety schools by city and county, including Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.

The state of Florida made the courses mandatory for new riders after July 1, 2008. The courses are $200 to $300 and motorcycles and safety gear are provided. Graduates are then eligible to get their motorcycle license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles without additional testing.

Continue reading "Florida motorcycle accident lawyers urge new riders to take safety course, comply with law" »

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 2009 M*A*S*H B*A*SH, a weekend motorcycle event in its 23rd year in southern Collier County.

The Florida injury lawyers and motorcycle accident attorneys at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, have been fighting for motorcycle rights in Southwest Florida since 1971. The firm represents motorcycle accident victims who have been seriously injured or killed while riding.

The firm also operates www.flbikers.com, a website dedicated to safe motorcycle riding in Southwest Florida.

The event, which is put on by the Gator Alley Chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education and themed after the MASH television show, is May 1st and 2nd at the KOA Campground, 1700 Barefoot Williams Road, Naples. The campground is located on the south side of Tower Road between Naples and Marco Island.

"This event started 25 years ago in the spirit of the old MASH tv show," Jim Kalvin, M*A*S*H B*A*S*H chairman. A limited number of primitive campsites are available at no extra charge.

The even features a 50/50 drawing, live music, bike show, bike games, recognition of veterans, vendors, tattoo contest, kids activities and food and beverages.
Gate Fees: $10 Friday Night, $15 Saturday ($10 after 8 p.m.), $20 all weekend. Children under 12 are Free (8 p.m. curfew for minors). Gates open Friday at 5 p.m.

Funds benefit the continued operation of ABATE's legislative efforts in Tallahassee.

Tent camping and full-service sites are available. Those wanting more information can contact Roger Janes: 239-352-7494, Heidi Yahl 239-455-5767 or Jim Kalvin 239-280-6054. Or visit www.gatoralley.net.

Click here to view the event flyer

Continue reading "Collier County Motorcycle Event -- "MASH Bash" -- sponsored by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers" »

The Florida injury lawyers at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, begin 2009 with a new toll-free phone number, 1-800-Dial-BLS.

Whether you are injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident or are the victim of a drunk driving crash or other personal-injury or wrongful-death situation, representatives are available 24 hours a day at 1-800-Dial-BLS to review your case.

The firm has four decades of experience handling car accidents and other personal injury cases throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Arcadia, Port Charlotte, Venice and Sebring.

Started in 1971 by Bruce L. Scheiner, the family-run firm is dedicated to representing Florida residents who have been injured by the negligent or careless acts of other individuals, businesses or insurance companies.

The firm has never worked for big businesses or insurance companies and practices exclusively in the area of personal injury law. Unlike many other firms, which split their attention between personal injury cases and other types of law, like divorce, real estate and criminal cases, Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, is a team of almost 100 professionals dedicated to fighting for justice for those how have been injured or killed in Florida.

Bruce L. Scheiner still hand selects each case the firm represents. Together with his wife Cheryl, who runs the office, and son, Preston J. Scheiner, who is an associate attorney, the Scheiner team is dedicated to getting you and your loved ones the compensation you deserve.

After four decades of service in Southwest Florida, there promise to you is simple: at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, you'll pay nothing unless we win.

Look for the new toll-free hotline throughout Southwest Florida, on billboards, on television, in the yellow pages and online.

Continue reading "Florida injury lawyers debut 1-800-Dial-BLS, for car accident, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents and other personal injury questions in Southwest Florida" »

A new education program aimed at increasing awareness of the dangers of distracted driving is now available in Southwest Florida.

Florida injury lawyers and personal injury attorneys routinely handles crashes caused by distracted drivers and urge motorists to pay attention to the road for their own safety and the safety of those around them. Distracted driving often contributes to car accidents, motorcycle accident, trucking accidents, and accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians throughout Southwest Florida.

The program -- offered by "Stay Alive... Just Drive!" and its founder, retired Fort Myers-area paramedic Jay Anderson -- is available for purchase or for presentation to non-profit and other groups as an educational resource.

"It's a very comprehensive presentation aimed at raising the awareness of distracted driving in all forms," said Anderson, who likens distracted driving to driving while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.

Anderson is supporting Heather's Law -- Florida Senate Bill 172, which will be debated in the upcoming spring session of the Florida legislature -- which would make it illegal to talk on the phone or text message while driving.

"Results of various studies have proven the dangers of distracted driving and obviously people are not going to make an attempt by themselves," said Anderson of the law. If passed, Florida would join half-a-dozen states with similar restrictions.

The law is named for a Florida teenager who was killed in a crash with a truck driver, who was allegedly text messaging at the time.

The distracted driving presentation "LOL I"M NT BSY I'M ONLY DRIVING," takes about 60 minutes.

Anderson said the typical driving distraction lasts three seconds -- enough time for a car going 45 mph to travel more than half the length of a football field.

A 2006 study of 100 drivers by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found driver distractions are the cause of 80 percent of vehicle crashes and 65 percent of near misses.

Those wanting more information can call "Stay Alive ... Just Drive!" at (239) 340-8693.

Continue reading "Distracted driving prevention program aimed at reducing car accidents in Southwest Florida" »

Southwest Florida motorists should pay close attention at Lee County's most dangerous intersections, where serious car accidents are often a weekly occurrence.

Florida injury lawyers and personal injury attorneys often deal with serious personal injury cases resulting from car accidents, motorcycle accidents and trucking accidents at dangerous intersections in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres.

According to the Lee County Department of Transportation, 103,550 vehicles a day passed through the intersection of U.S. 41 and Cypress Lake/Daniels Parkway in the most recent year for which statistics are available. The 106 accidents, or almost two a week, make the Fort Myers intersection home to the most accidents in Southwest Florida.

However, Gunnery Road/Daniels Parkway and State Road 82 had the highest accident rate when figured by traffic volume -- 53 crashes, or more than one a week, despite serving just 32,950 cars a day, or less than one-third the number of cars at U.S. 41 and Daniels.

Below is a listing of some of the area's most dangerous intersections. Note that an intersection could have a smaller number of total accidents but rank higher in overall accident rate (accidents per vehicle) because of the amount of overall traffic at that intersection.

Dangerous intersections in Fort Myers led to a high number of car accidents at the following locations:
- Cypress Lake/Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41: 106 annual crashes is the most overall. Ranks 9th highest of 117 rated intersections according to the rate of accident per vehicle.
- Gladiolus Dr/Six Mile Cypress and U.S. 41: 94 annual crashes is second-highest overall. Ranks 11th of 117 rated intersections according to the rate of accidents per vehicle.
- College Parkway/Woodland Boulevard and U.S. 41: 79 crashes is third-highest overall. Ranks 13th of 117 rated intersections according to the rate of accidents per vehicle.
- Colonial Boulevard and Ortiz/Six Mile Cypress: 77 annual crashes is fourth highest overall. Ranks 16th highest of 117 rated intersections when adjusted for overall traffic figures.

Dangerous intersections in Lehigh Acres led to a high number of car accidents and other crashes:
- Gunnery Road/Daniels Parkway and SR 82: 53 accidents gives it the highest rate of accidents per vehicle of the 117 rated intersections in Lee County.
-Gunnery Road N and Lee Boulevard: 45 accidents gives it the 6th highest accident rate of 117 rated intersections in Lee County.

Dangerous accidents in Bonita Springs, Estero, San Carlos Park areas contribute to a large number of car accidents and other crashes:
- Corkscrew Road and Three Oaks Parkway: 43 accidents gives it the 7th highest accident rate of 117 rated intersections.
- Corkscrew Road and I-75 Exit 123 Northbound Ramp: 23 accidents is the 9th highest accident rate of 117 rated intersections.
- Alico Road and U.S. 41: 54 accidents is 17th overall.
- Bonita Beach Road and U.S. 41: 52 accidents is 24th highest accident rate of the 117 rated intersections.

North Fort Myers and Cape Coral intersections that have a high rate of car accidents and other crashes:
-Pondella Road and U.S. 41: 62 accidents is the 4th highest rate of the 117 rated intersections.
- Del Prado Boulevard S. and Veteran's Parkway: 64 accidents is 12th highest rate of accidents of the 117th rated intersections.
- Pine Island Road and U.S. 41: 55 accidents is 15th highest rate of 117 rated intersections.

Click here for a complete list of intersections.

Continue reading "Southwest Florida car accidents likely to occur at Lee County's most dangerous intersections" »

Cape Coral bike night was enjoyed by more than 10,000 motorcycle riders from throughout Southwest Florida on Saturday night.

Thousands of motorcycles -- including hundreds of custom one-of-a-kind choppers -- drew crowds from throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte and North Port.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, once again provided primary sponsorship for the entire season -- the final bike night is scheduled for Saturday April 11. The firm has been an advocate for motorcycle safety and motorcycle rights in Southwest Florida since 1971.

Live music, great food, raffles, apparel sales, a slow bike race and a $25,000 contest sponsored by Fort Myers Harley-Davidson, brought the motorcycle community out in force for what has become Southwest Florida's largest motorcycle venue.

The City of Cape Coral shut down SE 47th Terrace and turned it over to motorcycle enthusiasts for the evening.

"The Cape Coral Bike Nights have turned into the area's premier venue for motorcycle enthusiasts in Southwest Florida and we are pleased to be the primary sponsor," said Bruce Scheiner, founder and senior attorney of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

Anyone wanting more information can visit www.ccbikenight.com or www.flbikers.com

Continue reading "Large crowds enjoyed Cape Coral Bike Night sponsored by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers" »

Motorcycle riders are gearing up for this Saturday night's Cape Coral Bike Night.

Southwest Florida's largest bike night draws riders from all over, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.

Primary sponsor Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, has been a supporter of motorcycle rights and motorcycle organizations in Florida for four decades and represents motorcyclists throughout Florida who have been injured or killed in motorcycle accidents. The firm also publishes the website www.flbikers.com, dedicated to motorcycle riding in Southwest Florida.

"We look forward to promoting safety and awareness throughout the upcoming season," Bruce L. Scheiner said.

The event is Saturday Feb. 7, 2009 from 5 to 10 p.m. along SE 47th Terrace in Cape Coral. More information is available at the Cape Coral Bike Night website. Admission is free.

"With our partnership with Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers and the support of Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers and our other sponsors we are able to do bigger and better productions and look forward to putting on a great show for our attendees and their families," said Todd King, special events coordinator for the City of Cape Coral.

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend.

Continue reading "Southwest Florida motorcycle riders geared up for Cape Coral Bike Night sponsored by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers" »

Nearly 1 in every 4 drivers on Florida roads is driving without insurance, a number likely to increase with a souring economy. The trend is prompting Florida injury lawyers to encourage motorists to make sure their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is adequate in the event of a serious accident.

The attorneys and staff at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, encourage Florida drivers to make sure they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It can be purchased as stacked or unstacked.

Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Preston J. Scheiner, said motorists with more than one vehicle are encourage to purchase stacked coverage because it affords the potential for better benefits in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.

Scheiner said motorists should purchase as much coverage as they can afford. "It is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of being hit by an uninsured driver," he said.

The recent report released by the Insurance Research Council ranked Florida as fifth-highest in the nation, with 23 percent of drivers without insurance, compared to a national average of 13 percent.

Florida joined New Mexico (29 percent), Mississippi (28 percent), Alabama (26 percent), and Oklahoma (24 percent) as the states with the highest number of uninsured motorists on the road.

While nationally the rate has decreased from 14.9 percent in 2003 to 13.8 percent in 2007, the Insurance Research Council reports the recent economic downturn is expected to trigger a sharp rise in the number of uninsured motorists on our roads.

"An increase in the number of uninsured motorists is an unfortunate consequence of the economic downturn and illustrates how virtually everyone is affected by recent economic developments," said Elizabeth A. Sprinkel, senior vice president of the IRC.

Continue reading "Florida accident attorneys warn of possible spike in uninsured motorists" »

Florida motorists will pay more for speeding, running red lights and other traffic infractions under a plan to raise money from motorists to help cover the looming state budget deficit.

Accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers handle hundreds of car accident and motorcycle accident cases in Southwest Florida each year caused by speeding motorists and a recent study suggests 1 in every 4 accidents is caused by a motorist who ignored a traffic control device.

In recent years, the state substantially increased the cost of red light violations, with a portion of the proceeds going to trauma centers, including Lee Memorial Hospital.

The Miami Herald reports running a red light would cost $208 under the new plan, while speeding 25 mph over the limit will come with a $258 fine.

Additionally, lawmakers would impose a new $10 charge on all traffic infractions, ranging from expired tags to running a stop sign. And the plan would eliminate the 18 percent discount available to violators who go to traffic school. And it would also take away the rights of a judge to waive the fine.

In some areas, the cost could be even higher because counties and cities have the option of imposing additional charges.

The state estimates the increases will bring in an additional $63 million a year.

Under state law, drivers who do not pay their fines face having their driver's license suspended.

Continue reading "Will higher fines reduce Florida car accidents, reckless driving?" »

Fatal traffic crashes dropped by more than 30 percent in 2008. However, nearly 1 in every 5 fatal accidents involved a motorcycle, according to preliminary data from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Officials point to a souring economy, fewer travelers and skyrocketing gas prices as reasons for the drop, according to an article in The News-Press of Fort Myers.

Car accident attorneys and motorcycle accident lawyers at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, want to remind motorists to use caution on the roads as gas prices drop and we enter prime tourism season in Southwest Florida.

Please remember every season is motorcycle season in Southwest Florida and riders will be sharing the road with other motorists throughout the winter months.

The Highway Patrol reported 70 fatal accidents in Lee County last year, compared to 106 in 2007 and a record 150 in 2005.

Gas prices hit $4 a gallon this summer before dropping late in the year.

"When they were at $3.50 and $4 a gallon, people definitely were driving less," AAA Division Manager David Pojero told The News-Press.

Lee County Sheriff's Sgt. David Petracca indicated the cost of fuel also deterred some people from speeding and driving erratically as they sought to conserve fuel.

"They're a little more cautious," he said.

Law enforcement also expects to have issued more tickets in 2008 -- final numbers will be available later this month.

At least 17 percent of fatal crashes involved a motorcycle. Preliminary statistics suggest at least 12 motorcycle riders were killed on Lee County Roads in 2008.

The sheriff's office reported the last four fatalities it worked in 2008 involved a motorcycle rider.

Continue reading "Fatal traffic accidents decline in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs" »

The dangerous and deadly business of running red lights at Southwest Florida intersections is increasingly caught on camera – a costly, if not fatal error for the driver and evidence increasingly used in court by criminal and accident lawyers.

Lee County is testing a camera at Colonial Boulevard and Summerlin Road, The News-Press reports, and cameras at other intersections could be on the way.

Orlando and Collier County, including the City of Naples, already use the cameras and have written local laws to get around a state prohibition against ticketing offenders based on video evidence (current state law only allows such ticketing for toll cheaters).

The accident attorneys and staff at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers urge motorists to use caution at intersections. The firm has handled hundreds of cases where motorists are seriously injured or killed in an intersection accident because an offender was in a hurry and failed to stop at a red light or stop sign.

Lee County will use the camera to determine how many tickets it could issue and how many extra staff members it would take to process violators. State lawmakers are likely to take up the cause of allowing tickets to be issued this year, even without a special ordinance.

Detractors point out that vehicle owners would get the ticket in the mail, regardless of who was caught on camera driving. And there is some data to suggest that rear-end collisions have increased at intersections where cameras have been installed.

But the deadly issue is getting increased attention. Several years ago, the state doubled the cost of red-light tickets and passed a substantial portion of the proceeds on to trauma centers, including Lee Memorial Hospital, which deal with the carnage left in the wake of someone in too big of a hurry to pay attention to one of driving’s most basic safety requirements.

More than 13,000 crashes were reported at Lee County intersections during the last three years.

A recent nationwide study of deadly crashes at traffic signals found nearly 1 in 4 failed to obey the light, injuring more than 144,000 people nationwide in 2006. Nearly half the fatalities caused by red-light runners are pedestrians and vehicle passengers, according to information gathered by Jay Anderson, a retired Fort Myers-area paramedic and founder of "Stay Alive ... Just Drive," a campaign that urges motorists to concentrate on driving and avoid distractions like cell phones.

A 2007 California study found red-light runners were three times more likely to have multiple speeding convictions, were less likely to use seatbelts and drove smaller and older vehicles, further increasing their chance of serious injury or death.

Continue reading "Southwest Florida points cameras at red light violators, aims to reduce accidents" »

A pair of motorcycle accidents in Fort Myers over the weekend serves as a stark reminder to motorists that bike-season is every season in Southwest Florida.

The motorcycle accident attorneys and staff at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, urge motorists to use caution and watch for bikers on our roads -- the lack of afternoon rain in the winter often puts more bikes on the road as northern tourists and snowbirds hit the area from states where motorcycles have been stored for the winter.

In fact, research by www.flbikers.com shows a greater percentage of Floridians take to the road on their motorcycles than anywhere else in America and the state's half a million registered motorcycles is second only to California in total number of motorcycle owners.

"Our season remains open 12 months out of the year," said Frankie Kennedy, president of the Southwest Florida Chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education. "Snowbirds and visitors have to become reacquainted with the realization that they are sharing roads with motorcycles."

A motorcycle accident with injuries was reported Monday afternoon in Estero on U.S. 41 at Williams Road. On Sunday, an 18-year-old Alva man was killed and a 16-year-old Fort Myers girl taken to the hospital in critical condition. The Florida Highway Patrol reported they were eastbound on State Road 80 approaching I-75 when their motorcycle collided with a car.

"In the last 30 to 45 days we have gone through a rash of bad wrecks," Kennedy said. "I was at a funeral Sunday."

Motorcycle riders also can benefit from frequently reviewing the basics of rider safety, which is available at www.flbikers.com. Meanwhile, Motorists need to take an extra moment of caution and remain aware, Kennedy said.

"They've got to be careful and watch out for them," he said.

Continue reading "Fort Myers motorcycle accidents prompt cry for caution, awareness" »

The motorcycle accident attorneys of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers are partnering with the City of Cape Coral and the Southwest Florida Chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education for a weekend of holiday biker events.

On Saturday Dec. 13 from 5 to 10 p.m. the firm once again partners with the City of Cape Coral to provide headline sponsorship of Cape Coral Bike Night, the areas premiere bike event featuring thousands of Southwest Florida bikers, food, merchandise and live entertainment in a family-friendly environment.

"The Cape Coral Bike Nights are the area's biggest and best outings for motorcyclists in Southwest Florida and we are pleased to be the primary sponsor," said Bruce Scheiner, founder and senior attorney of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

"Fighting for the rights of motorcyclists has been one of our primary goals for 37 years and we look forward to promoting safety and awareness throughout the upcoming season," Mr. Scheiner said.

For more information on Cape Coral Bike Nights visit www.ccbikenight.com. You can also visit www.flbikers.com.

On Sunday Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, teams with Fort Myers Harley-Davidson and the Southwest Chapter of ABATE for the 28th Annual Christmas Run to Gulf Coast Center, a state-run facility for mentally challenged adults in Buckingham.

Thousands of motorcycles will depart Fort Myers Harley-Davidson on Colonial Boulevard at 12:30 p.m. to bring gifts to the residents. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and gifts can be dropped off at Harley-Davidson anytime, according to Frankie Kennedy, president of Southwest Florida ABATE.

"The Southwest Chapter is very pleased to announce that our Grand Marshall this year will be Bruce L. Scheiner," said Ken "Teddy Bear" Miller of ABATE. "Mr. Scheiner is a long-time supporter of our Christmas Run and a staunch advocate for motorcycle safety."

Bruce Scheiner said the firm has been involved in bringing holiday cheer to the residents for decades.

"This is a very worthy cause where the entire motorcycle community gets together to help," Mr. Scheiner said.

Continue reading "Fort Myers - Cape Coral motorcycle lawyers team with Southwest Florida bikers for weekend of events" »

Motorcycle injury attorneys and the staff of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, have teamed up with the Southwest Florida Chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education and Harley-Davidson/Buell of Fort Myers for the 2008 holiday run to the Gulf Coast Center – a state home for challenged adults in Buckinham.

The firm has been teaming with the motorcycle club to put on the event for more than 20 years.

“We bring the holidays to them every year,” said Frankie Kennedy, local ABATE president. “These are adult people who still believe in Santa Clause and he shows up on his Harley to hand out presents.”

With about 1,000 friends – more than 600 motorcycles made the drive last year from Fort Myers Harley Davidson to the Buckingham facility with presents strapped to their bikes, including Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott, Florida Senator Dave Aronberg and attorney Bruce Scheiner.

“They love to see the motorcycles,” said Michael Mayfield, the home’s administrator. “For that hour or two everybody gets together and kind of becomes as one.”

Mayfield said many of the residents have no family in the area.

“It’s really the thought that counts,” Mayfield said. “We really appreciate everything that everybody does for this gala event. It’s really wonderful. You see everybody from all parts of life and all walks of life just getting together and giving back.”

The Motorcycles depart Fort Myers Harley-Davidson on Colonial Boulevard at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 14, 2008. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to bring gifts to brighten the holidays for the 50 men and 30 women of the home.

Presents may also be dropped off anytime at Harley-Davidson/Buell of Fort Myers, 2160 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers.

Much needed and appreciated items include:
- Adult sleepwear and slippers
- Pillows, blankets
- Bath towels
- Shoes, shirts, blouses, dresses, pants, socks and watches
- Games and arts and craft items
- CD Players and radios
- Dental floss, brushes, toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Other personal care items like cologne, deodorant, etc.

The home respectfully requests people not donate stuffed animals or other toys as they are not age appropriate.

Continue reading "Fort Myers - Cape Coral motorcycle attorneys partner with Southwest Florida bikers to provide holiday cheer" »

Increased patrol will be aimed at reducing car accidents and drunk driving crashes this Thanksgiving holiday as authorities seek to reduce serious injury and wrongful death on Florida highways.

“The Thanksgiving Holidays are typically a time of heavy traffic as people travel to spend time with their families so we urge everyone driving on our highways during the holiday period to drive carefully,” said Colonel John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination safely, drive sober and buckle up on each and every trip. The holidays are a time for celebration, but we cannot forget safety behind the wheel.”

The patrol cites failure to drive carefully and wear safety belts, along with drunk drivers, as primary causes of accidents through the holiday.

“Since Thanksgiving always produces a high volume of traffic, the Florida Highway Patrol will increase its presence on Florida roadways during the upcoming five-day holiday period,” Czernis announced.

The patrol said it will use troopers normally assigned to administrative duties as well as auxiliary and reserve troopers to patrol high-volume roadways.

Continue reading "Preventing holiday traffic accidents goal in Southwest Florida" »

Scooter drivers beware with a summer of record-high gas prices and the pending tourism season, more little motorized bikes and motorcycles on the road increases the danger of scooter and motorcycle accidents.

Tourists in cities across Southwest Florida – including Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Cape Coral, Naples, Port Charlotte, Sebring and Venice – will be taking to the road on rented scooters and motorcycles where they will join new riders prompted by skyrocketing gas prices.

"If in a car, that victim likely walks away," said John Moore of the Denver Post in a recent Naples Daily News article of the prospect of being rear-ended on a scooter. "But on a scooter, he dies. It's a risk every scooterist assumes."

Scooter sales are up more than 24-percent in 2008, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

"The beautiful state of Florida offers many free and exhilarating riding opportunities," said Bruce L. Scheiner, founder and senior attorney of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, which has been representing Southwest Florida motorcycle accident victims for four decades. “But remember, whatever you ride, ride safe!”

Authorities say scooters can be particularly dangerous in part because often inexperienced riders have a tendency to treat them as toys and can lack the proper rider training.

By law, scooters over 50cc are considered motorcycles and require a motorcycle endorsement and a rider-safety course. Directions on obtaining a motorcycle license and attending a rider-safety course can be found on our sister site, www.flbikers.com, a website dedicated to Southwest Florida motorcyclists and their safety.

The Naples article contained some standard safety tips for all riders:

Continue reading "Little Motorcycles no little danger as Southest Florida motorcycle season opens" »

Preventing motorcycle accidents and bicycle and pedestrian accidents is the aim of the “Give Others a Brake - Share the Road” campaign, launched this week by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Tragically, walking proved almost as deadly as riding a motorcycle in 2007. A total of 537 Florida motorcycle riders were killed in 2007, compared to 530 pedestrians.

Florida motorcycle deaths were the most in the nation in 2007. The “Give Others a Brake - Share the Road” program seeks to also remind motorists about pedestrians and bicyclists as the state heads in tourism season.

In Collier County, 120 bicyclists were injured or killed in accidents in 2007; in Lee County, 96 bicyclists were injured or killed in 2007; in Sarasota County 92 bicycle accidents caused injury or death.

Continue reading "Bicycle, Motorcycle, Pedestrian Accident awareness a goal of new Florida program" »

Florida motorcycle riders might cut the risk of death or serious injury from a motorcycle accident nearly in half by riding bikes with antilock brakes, according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

While ABS usually adds about $1,000 to the cost of a motorcycle, the study found riders with anti-lock brakes had a fatal crash rate 38 percent lower -- 4.1 per 10,000 registered motorcycles, compared to a rate of 6.6 fatal crashes for bikes without ABS.

The institute said the brakes were standard or optional equipment on about 40 models for the 2008 model year, including BMW, Harley-Davidson and Honda.

"It's definitely a bonus," said Frankie Kennedy, president of the Southwest Florida chapter of American Bikers Aimed Towards Education. "It takes some getting used to from senior riders who have been riding for years without them, but the advancement of antilock brakes on motorcycles is definitely a good idea."

Continue reading "Motorcycle accident less likely with anti-lock brakes, study suggests" »

Florida leads the nation in motorcycle deaths, according to statistics recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, based on 2007 motorcycle accidents.

Tragically, 537 motorcycle riders died in Florida last year -- far more than anywhere else in the United States. In fact, more than twice as many riders died in Florida than any other state in the country except California (495) and Texas (375).

Florida motorcyclists are encouraged to visit www.flbikers.com for information on motorcycle safety and Florida motorcycle licensing information, area locations for rider safety courses and area motorcycle events and other information dedicated to Florida motorcycle enthusiasts.

“We want you, as a rider, to experience the ride of your life each time you get on your bike, without any chance of an accident,” said Bruce L. Scheiner, the sponsor of www.flbikers.com and founder and senior attorney of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, a firm with four decades of experience fighting for the rights of motorcycle accident victims.

Florida motorcycle deaths have skyrocketed in the last 10 years – from 158 in 1998 to more than 500 in each of the last two years, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Nationwide, motorcyclist were about 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, offers free consultations to injured riders and their families throughout Southwest Florida. The firm has offices in Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, Arcadia, Sebring and Venice and can even arrange to meet you in your home or hospital room.

National Motorcycle Crash Statistics:

Continue reading "Florida leads nation in motorcycle deaths" »

Southwest area motorcycle safety courses in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Bonita Springs are reporting heavy attendance, thanks to high gas prices and a law change on July 1 that make the courses mandatory for all new riders.

“It’s been pretty busy since the law change,” said Dustin Munoz of Harley Davidson/Buell of Fort Myers, which offers a 5-day, 25-hour course that can be taken day or night.

A check of the area found courses available in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Port Charlotte. The courses range from 2-5 days at a cost of $200 to $300, which includes the use of a motorcycle and helmet.

For a complete list of courses and contact information, visit www.flbikers.com and click on safety.

“I can’t express the importance of taking a rider safety course enough,” said Bruce L. Scheiner, founder and senior attorney of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, which has been representing motorcycle accident victims since 1971. “Our roads are as safe as we make them.”

The state no longer issues temporary permits or conducts skills testing, according to Steven Zarabatany, president of Motorcycle Training Institute, which has a branch in Lehigh Acres that offers courses ranging from 2-4 days.

“In order to get your motorcycle endorsement you need to take a rider education course,” Zarbatany said. “Upon graduation, you are eligible to get your license.”

Continue reading "Motorcycle Safety Courses Can Help Prevent Accidents in Southwest Florida" »