Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
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.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed because of the negligence of another driver, there are certain things you can do to help protect your rights. The attorneys at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, offer free appointments to discuss your rights at any of the firms offices located throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Arcadia, Port Charlotte, Sebring and Venice.
