Bradenton’s scenic charm and proximity to major Gulf Coast attractions make it a magnet for tourism—and with that comes the frequent presence of large tour buses driving through our roads. Whether it’s along the Palma Sola Causeway or congested stretches of State Road 64, accidents involving tour buses pose unique legal challenges. As an auto accident attorney who has represented countless injury victims in Bradenton, I’ve seen firsthand how complex these cases can become. If you or a loved one is injured in a tour bus accident, it’s critical to understand your rights under Florida law and what steps to take to protect your claim.

Why Bradenton Tour Bus Crashes Are More Legally Complicated Than Car Accidents

Unlike standard vehicle crashes, tour bus collisions often result in far more severe injuries due to the size and weight of these commercial carriers. Florida’s legal landscape adds another layer of complexity, especially with our no-fault insurance system. All drivers in Florida are required to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which provides initial medical benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, tour buses—particularly those operated by private companies or government entities—may not be subject to the same PIP rules.

This creates complications, especially for bus passengers who may not carry their own PIP insurance or for pedestrians and cyclists who rely on the bus company’s liability policy.

How Florida’s 2023 Legal Reforms Affect Tour Bus Accident Claims

Victims must also handle recent 2023 legal reforms, which require greater transparency in medical financing arrangements, such as Letters of Protection. These changes can make it more difficult to pursue full compensation from tour operators, particularly those backed by multimillion-dollar insurance policies. That’s why immediate and informed legal action is essential following any collision with a tour bus.

Who Is Liable After a Tour Bus Accident in Bradenton?

When determining liability, it’s important to recognize that tour buses in Florida are categorized as common carriers, which means they are held to the highest legal duty of care under Florida Statutes. These operators are required to take every reasonable precaution to ensure passenger safety. In Bradenton, this could involve avoiding sudden braking near popular destinations like the South Florida Museum or maintaining proper distance from congested traffic around LECOM Park.

Other Liable Parties in a Bradenton Tour Bus Crash

Liability in these cases often extends beyond the driver and tour company. Third-party entities like bus maintenance contractors, other motorists, and even local government agencies may share fault. For example, brake failures caused by poor maintenance on US-301 or hazardous road conditions on Cortez Road could place partial responsibility on a maintenance firm or municipality.

Understanding the Graves Amendment in Tour Bus Cases

It’s also important to be aware of the Graves Amendment, which protects vehicle leasing companies from being sued unless direct negligence in maintenance or hiring can be proven.

What to Do Immediately After a Tour Bus Crash in Bradenton

If you’re injured in a tour bus crash in Bradenton, the actions you take immediately afterward can make or break your case.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

First, prioritize medical attention. Request advanced imaging at Blake Medical Center to rule out internal trauma, which is common in high-impact crashes.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

While on the scene, document everything. Use your phone to capture 360-degree video footage, focusing on skid marks, vehicle damage, and the position of the tour bus—particularly on streets like 75th Street NW, where visibility and traffic flow can be problematic. Also, try to collect witness contact information, especially from other passengers who may leave the scene before authorities arrive.

Filing Insurance Claims After a Tour Bus Accident in Bradenton

Filing insurance claims after a tour bus collision is far from straightforward. Injured drivers should initiate a personal PIP claim within 14 days and seek treatment at facilities like Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Preserving Onboard Footage from the Tour Bus Company

Claims involving the bus company will require a different approach. Your attorney should immediately request that the tour operator preserve any onboard video footage, which could prove vital if the crash occurred during a tour along Anna Maria Island or other local routes.

Other Drivers May Be Liable Too

If another driver contributed to the crash, their bodily injury liability insurance may also be a potential source of compensation.

How Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law Can Affect Your Bradenton Bus Case

One of the more complicated legal barriers in these cases is Florida’s pure comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault—for example, if dashcam footage shows you were distracted—you may still recover damages, but your award will be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. Insurance companies often exploit this rule to reduce payouts, arguing that victims failed to seek prompt treatment or violated traffic laws.

Special Legal Rules for Bradenton Trolley and City Bus Accidents

Collisions involving city-operated trolleys or buses that are part of the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway service introduce another challenge: governmental immunity. Claims against government entities are subject to strict protocols under Florida Statute §768.28. You must file a formal notice of claim within three years, and your compensation may be capped at $200,000 per person or $300,000 per incident.

How Our Bradenton Legal Team Handles Complex Tour Bus Injury Cases

At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, our Bradenton legal team brings extensive experience and local insight to every case. We conduct localized investigations using CMVSS-certified accident reconstructionists to analyze traffic patterns and crash data specific to corridors like Cortez Road. We subpoena critical records from area tour companies and enlist biomechanical experts to assess the physical forces involved in your injuries. This allows us to build robust, evidence-backed cases that insurance companies cannot easily dispute.

Strategies to Maximize Compensation After a Bradenton Tour Bus Accident

In terms of maximizing compensation, we utilize advanced settlement strategies tailored to complex injury claims. This includes negotiating Medicare Set-Aside Arrangements to cover future medical expenses and reducing medical liens that could otherwise erode your final settlement. Our goal is to not only win your case but ensure that you and your family receive the financial support you need for long-term recovery.

Don’t Wait—Get Legal Help After a Tour Bus Crash in Bradenton

Tour bus accidents are not ordinary collisions. They require a specialized legal approach, an experienced knowledge of local roadways, and a firm with the resources to go head-to-head with corporate and government legal teams. If you or someone you love has been injured in a tour bus accident in Bradenton, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact my office today for a free consultation, and let us begin building a case that delivers the justice and compensation you deserve.

The post Injured in a Bradenton Tour Bus Accident? Know Your Legal Rights and Next Steps appeared first on Justice Pays.

SARASOTA COUNTY – A tragic early-morning crash on Northgate Boulevard in Sarasota has resulted in the death of a 21-year-old passenger and the arrest of the driver for DUI manslaughter, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.

The crash occurred at approximately 2:45 AM on April 19, 2025, near the intersection of Northgate Boulevard and Independence Boulevard.

According to FHP investigators, a BMW carrying three young men was traveling westbound on Northgate Boulevard at a high rate of speed. The vehicle lost control, rotated off the roadway, and collided with a tree.

The rear passenger, a 21-year-old man from Bradenton who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver and front seat passenger, also both 21 and from Bradenton, were wearing seatbelts and sustained minor injuries.

Following a criminal investigation, the driver was arrested and charged with DUI Manslaughter.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.

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As a leading auto accident attorney serving Sarasota and Bradenton at the law firm of Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, I’ve seen a growing trend in recent years – more and more crashes involving delivery drivers. Whether it’s an Amazon Flex driver racing to drop off packages, a DoorDash driver speeding to deliver food while it’s hot, or even a traditional company like FedEx or UPS, the increase in delivery vehicles on Sarasota’s roads has led to a spike in serious accidents.

If you find yourself hit by a delivery driver, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. You’re not only dealing with the physical pain and emotional trauma of the accident itself, but also the exhausting task of handling insurance claims and legal issues against big corporations and their teams of adjusters and attorneys.

As someone who has helped countless Floridians in this exact situation, I want to share some key steps you should take to protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights after a delivery driver accident in Sarasota.

Prioritize Safety and Reporting at the Scene First and foremost

Make sure you and your passengers are safe. If anyone needs emergency medical attention, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s still wise to have a police officer respond to document the crash and facilitate information exchange.

Florida law requires reporting any crash involving injuries or significant property damage, so don’t let the delivery driver talk you out of calling the police. Be sure to tell the investigating officer that the other driver was working for a delivery service like Amazon or DoorDash at the time. This detail can impact insurance coverage and should be noted in the official accident report.

While you may feel shaken up, try to gather as much evidence as you safely can. Use your phone to photograph damage to the vehicles, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Get contact and insurance information from the delivery driver, including which company they were delivering for when they hit you. If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers as well.

Access Your PIP Benefits and Don’t Neglect Medical Care

As you may know, Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is the first source of payment for your medical expenses and lost wages, up to your policy limits. By law, all Florida drivers must carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.

One critical rule to remember: you typically must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for PIP benefits. Even if you feel okay at first, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some common crash injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not fully manifest for days or weeks after the impact.

Notify your auto insurer promptly to start the PIP claims process, but stick to the basic facts of the accident. Do not admit any fault or speculate about what happened. Your PIP coverage will pay 80% of your reasonably necessary medical expenses and 60% of your lost wages, up to $10,000. For many Sarasotans, PIP is just the beginning – which brings us to the complex issue of liability.

Understand the Liability Landscape: Delivery Company’s Insurance vs. Driver’s

In a typical car accident, you would look to the at-fault driver’s Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage to pay for your damages beyond PIP. But delivery driver accidents introduce a wrinkle: there may be multiple insurance policies in play, depending on the driver’s employment situation and what they were doing at the moment of the crash.

Most major delivery companies, like Amazon Flex and DoorDash, provide substantial liability coverage for their drivers – but only when the driver is actively engaged in a delivery. For example, if you’re hit by an Amazon Flex driver who is on their way to drop off a package, Amazon provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. Similarly, DoorDash has a $1 million policy that kicks in from the time a driver accepts a food order until that delivery is complete.

However, if the delivery driver was between deliveries or had just logged into the app and was waiting for a gig, the company’s coverage may not apply. In these gray area situations, you may need to seek compensation from the driver’s personal auto insurance policy first. This can get tricky, as many personal policies have “business use” exclusions that might void coverage if the driver was working at the time.

If you’re hit by an Instacart driver, the situation is even more complex. Unlike Amazon or DoorDash, Instacart does not provide any supplemental liability insurance for its drivers. This means you may be solely reliant on the Instacart driver’s personal policy – which, as mentioned, might deny the claim due to the business use exclusion.

The employment status of the driver also matters. Many app-based drivers are classified as independent contractors, meaning you generally can’t sue the delivery company directly for the driver’s negligence (with some exceptions). However, if you’re hit by a traditional delivery truck driver who is classified as an employee (like many FedEx or UPS drivers), the company may be vicariously liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior.

Navigating Uninsured/Underinsured Situations and UM Coverage

So what happens if you’re hit by a delivery driver who is effectively uninsured or underinsured for the accident? Perhaps their personal auto policy denied coverage due to a business use exclusion, and the company they were delivering for either doesn’t provide any insurance (like Instacart) or their policy doesn’t apply to the specific situation.

This is where your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage becomes critical. If you have UM coverage, it steps in when the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient (or any) insurance to cover your damages. Your UM coverage will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits. In Florida, UM coverage is optional, but I always recommend my clients purchase it. It’s often the most important piece of your policy in a state like ours with so many uninsured and underinsured drivers.

If you don’t have UM, you may be forced to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the uninsured delivery driver. While a court judgment in your favor can result in consequences for the driver (like suspended licenses), it can be difficult to collect substantial damages from an individual. That’s why UM coverage is so valuable – it pays you, then your insurer deals with pursuing the at-fault party for reimbursement.

Crossing the “Serious Injury” Threshold and Fighting for Full Compensation

One quirk of Florida’s no-fault system is that it sets a “serious injury” threshold for pursuing non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) from the at-fault party. To step outside the PIP system and seek these damages, your injuries must be significant and permanent. This could include loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury, significant scarring/disfigurement, or death.

As an experienced Sarasota auto accident attorney, one of my key roles is assessing whether a client’s injuries meet this threshold. We work with trusted medical experts to document the extent and permanence of crash-related conditions. If you do cross the threshold, we then pursue ALL available remedies to maximize your compensation. This includes negotiating with the delivery company’s insurer and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit to hold the driver and/or company accountable.

Throughout the process, we handle all the legal heavy lifting – dealing with the insurance companies, building your case, and advocating fiercely for your rights. We have the experience to stand up to big corporations and their legal teams. Perhaps most importantly, we make sure to pursue full compensation for all your damages: past and future medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost enjoyment of life. We don’t let the insurance companies get away with lowball offers that fail to account for the true impact this crash will have on your life.

Act Quickly and Reach Out to a Sarasota Delivery Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a delivery driver in Sarasota or Bradenton, the most important piece of advice I can give you is this: act quickly and reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The legal landscape surrounding delivery accidents is complex, and the early days are critical for building your case.

At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, we’ve been fighting for accident victims in Sarasota for decades. We understand the nuances of Florida insurance law, we know how to investigate delivery accidents and prove liability, and we have the resources to go toe-to-toe with national companies and their insurers.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless and until we secure compensation for you. If you’ve been hit by an Amazon Flex driver on Tamiami Trail, a DoorDash driver in Gulf Gate Estates, or any other delivery service in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, I encourage you to give us a call.

Together, we can navigate this challenging process and fight to get you the justice and financial recovery you deserve. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone – let our experience be your guide.

The post What To Do If You’re Hit by an Amazon, DoorDash or Other Delivery Driver in Sarasota appeared first on Justice Pays.

MANATEE COUNTY – A tragic crash Friday afternoon at a busy Parrish intersection claimed the life of a 71-year-old woman, the Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:19 PM on May 9, 2025, at the intersection of US 301 (SR 43) and County Road 675 (Rutland Road).

According to the report, a 71-year-old woman from Parrish was driving a Toyota Prius traveling west on CR 675 and had entered the left turn lane at the intersection with US 301.

At the same time, a 34-year-old Palmetto man was driving a Ram 1500 pickup truck northbound in the right lane of US 301, approaching the same intersection.

The investigation indicates that the driver of the Prius failed to stop for a steady red traffic signal and entered the intersection, directly into the path of the oncoming pickup truck. The front of the pickup collided with the left side of the Prius.

The woman driving the Prius sustained serious injuries and was transported to South Shore Hospital in Sun City Center, where she was pronounced deceased. The pickup truck driver was reported to be wearing a seatbelt and was not listed as injured in the report.

The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the crash.

Stay Alert at Intersections, Distraction Can Turn Deadly in Seconds

Crashes at intersections are among the most dangerous, and running a red light—whether by misjudgment, distraction, or urgency—can lead to devastating consequences.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

• More than 900 people are killed each year in red light running crashes in the U.S.
• Over half of those killed are not the violators themselves, but occupants of other vehicles, passengers, or pedestrians.
• Florida remains among the top states for intersection-related crashes and fatalities.

To stay safe:

• Always approach intersections with caution, even if you think the light will stay green.
• Never try to “beat the light.” A few seconds saved is not worth the risk.
• When turning left at a signalized intersection, ensure you have a green arrow or a clear, protected opportunity.

Intersections demand extra attention. Let this tragedy serve as a reminder to all drivers to obey traffic signals and remain alert—especially when making turns across traffic.

The post Parrish Woman Killed in Crash After Red Light Crash at US 301 and CR 675 appeared first on Justice Pays.

ENGLEWOOD FL – A tragic crash in Englewood Wednesday night claimed the life of a local man after his vehicle was struck while entering Indiana Avenue from a supermarket driveway, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.

The crash occurred at approximately 8:58 PM on May 7, 2025, near the intersection of Indiana Avenue (SR-776) and Dearborn Street, in front of the Publix Supermarket located at 55 N Indiana Avenue.

According to investigators, a 56-year-old man from Englewood was driving a Ford Fusion and attempting to cross the northbound lanes of Indiana Avenue from the Publix access drive.

At the same time, a 34-year-old man from Rotonda West was driving a Nissan Titan northbound on Indiana Avenue.

The front of the Nissan Titan struck the left side doors of the Ford Fusion as it entered the roadway.

The driver of the Ford Fusion sustained serious injuries, was transported to an area hospital, and was later pronounced deceased. The other driver was not reported to be injured.

The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the crash.

We Implore Drivers To Always Check Twice Before Turning Left, Especially At Night

This crash highlights a common and often dangerous maneuver: turning left across oncoming traffic, particularly at night. Visibility decreases sharply after dark, and drivers may struggle to judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Left-turn crashes account for 22% of all intersection-related collisions.
• More than 50% of fatal traffic crashes occur in low-light or nighttime conditions.

To reduce risk when turning left across traffic at night:

• Take your time. Make sure all lanes are completely clear and that you can safely complete the turn.
• Watch for headlight patterns. Judge oncoming traffic based on the speed and spacing of headlights—not just whether a vehicle seems far away.
• Avoid assumptions. Don’t assume a driver will slow down or that you’ll have enough time to complete the turn.
• Be extra cautious in poorly lit areas or driveways without clear traffic controls.

Staying patient and aware during left turns—especially in low visibility—can prevent tragic crashes like this one.

The post Englewood Man Killed in Crash After Pulling into Traffic from Publix on Indiana Avenue appeared first on Justice Pays.

SARASOTA COUNTY – A single-vehicle crash involving a box truck on Interstate 75 Monday evening claimed the life of one passenger, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash took place at approximately 5:01 PM on May 5, 2025, in the northbound outside lane of I-75 near mile marker 196.

According to FHP investigators, a 26-year-old man from Opalocka, Florida, was driving a box truck northbound when he lost control of the vehicle. The truck veered off the roadway and onto the grass shoulder.

The front of the vehicle struck a traffic sign, and the truck overturned during the impact.

A 36-year-old male passenger from Hollywood, Florida, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver suffered minor injuries.

The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The post Hollywood FL Man Killed in Box Truck Crash on I-75 Near Laurel Rd Monday Evening appeared first on Justice Pays.

Florida’s personal injury laws have undergone significant reforms in recent years—none more impactful than the 2023 shift from pure comparative negligence to a modified comparative negligence system. Now, in 2025, these changes are actively shaping the outcomes of auto accident cases in Sarasota and across Florida.

If you’ve been injured in a collision on Bee Ridge Road, Fruitville Road, or at the busy intersection of Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) and Bahia Vista Street, it’s critical to understand how this updated law can affect your ability to recover compensation.

What Is Comparative Negligence?

Comparative negligence is the legal doctrine that determines how much compensation you’re eligible to receive after an accident, based on your level of fault. It recognizes that more than one party may be responsible for an accident.

Under this rule, if you’re partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced proportionally—but under the modified version now used in Florida, there are stricter limits on how much fault you can bear and still recover damages.

Florida’s Transition to Modified Comparative Negligence (2023 – Present)

Prior to 2023, Florida followed a pure comparative negligence system, where even individuals 90% at fault for an accident could recover 10% of damages. But House Bill 837, enacted on March 24, 2023, replaced this system with modified comparative negligence.

The 51% Bar Rule

Under the modified comparative negligence law, if you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. This is known as the 51% bar to recovery.

Fault Percentage	Eligible for Compensation?
0–50%	Yes, proportionally
51% or more	No

For example, if you’re involved in a rear-end collision on Clark Road and Swift Road and found to be 52% at fault, you’re barred from recovering damages, even if the other driver also contributed to the crash.

How the 51% Rule Impacts Sarasota Auto Accident Cases

With the updated negligence standard, working with a skilled Sarasota auto accident lawyer is more important than ever. Your attorney’s ability to minimize your assigned percentage of fault could determine whether or not you receive compensation at all.

Real-World Example – U.S. 301 & University Parkway

Let’s say Driver A is texting while driving northbound on U.S. 301, and Driver B runs a red light at University Parkway. A collision occurs.

Driver A is found 55% at fault for distracted driving.
Driver B is found 45% at fault for failing to yield.

Result under current law: Driver A gets nothing—despite the shared responsibility—because their fault exceeds 50%.

Lesson: Even a few percentage points in fault determination can make or break your claim.

Broader Implications Beyond Auto Accidents

Although Sarasota auto accident attorneys deal with these cases most frequently, the law affects all personal injury claims, including:

Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Sarasota

Imagine slipping at a retail store on Main Street near South Orange Avenue. If the store failed to clean a spill, they’re liable. But if you were wearing improper footwear or ignored posted signage, your own fault may reduce your compensation—or eliminate it entirely if deemed 51% responsible.

Premises Liability (e.g., Dog Bites, Unsafe Properties)

In cases involving poorly maintained rental properties along Honore Avenue or beneath the high-rise condos on Golden Gate Point, plaintiffs must now provide strong evidence showing the property owner’s majority fault to secure compensation.

How the 2025 Law Shapes Settlement Negotiations

Because the new comparative negligence law raises the stakes, insurance companies are more aggressive than ever in trying to assign more fault to injury victims. This can significantly lower or eliminate their financial liability.

Without a Sarasota Auto Accident Lawyer:

• You might accept fault without realizing the implications.
• Insurers may manipulate statements or evidence.
• You could be assigned 51%+ fault—barring recovery.

With an Experienced Sarasota Auto Accident Attorney:

• Fault is professionally contested with legal and evidentiary support.
• Your case is built to show the other party’s greater responsibility.
• Negotiations are handled strategically to maximize your compensation.

2025 Example Of A Local Accident Situation And The New Law

Example 1: Multi-Vehicle Accident on Fruitville Road

Driver 1 is speeding.

Driver 2 is tailgating.

Driver 3 merges without signaling and causes a chain reaction crash.

Even if you’re Driver 2, your attorney may argue the main proximate cause was Driver 3’s unsafe lane change. If your fault can be argued to fall under 51%, you may still collect for injuries and vehicle damage.

What You Should Do If You’re in an Accident in Sarasota

 Document Everything

• Take photos of the accident scene (use street signs—like Bee Ridge Rd at Beneva Rd).
• Get medical records, dashcam footage, and witness contacts.

 Avoid Admitting Fault

Even casual statements like “I didn’t see the light” or “I should’ve braked sooner” can be used against you in court. Let your Sarasota auto accident lawyer handle all communications.

 Hire an Attorney Immediately

With the 51% rule in play, time and legal precision are critical. Don’t rely on insurance companies to “do the right thing.” Get a local legal team who knows the Sarasota court system, local intersections, and common accident patterns.

Why You Need a Sarasota Auto Accident Lawyer in 2025

Navigating the 2025 legal landscape alone is risky. An experienced Sarasota auto accident attorney can:

• Reconstruct the accident with expert investigators.
• Analyze local traffic patterns (e.g., frequent left-turn collisions on Cattlemen Rd).
• Use Florida traffic law to reduce your attributed fault.
• Protect your rights from insurance manipulation.
• Guide you through litigation if necessary.
  

Time-Sensitive Warning: Statute of Limitations

As of 2025, Florida’s statute of limitations for most auto accident injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline means losing the right to file—no matter how strong your case is.

Final Takeaway: Don’t Let 51% Rob You of Justice

Florida’s updated comparative negligence law in 2025 puts more pressure on injured victims to act quickly, document carefully, and hire experienced legal counsel.

If you’ve been involved in a collision at Bee Ridge and McIntosh, rear-ended on I-75, or sideswiped near Siesta Drive, your ability to recover compensation hinges on proving that you were less than 51% at fault.

Contact a Sarasota Auto Accident Attorney Today

Our Sarasota auto accident lawyers have decades of experience handling complex Florida injury cases under both the old and new negligence laws. We work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation possible—even under challenging fault scenarios.

 Call us today for a free consultation or visit us at:
2822 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34243

The post Understanding Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law (2025 Updates) appeared first on Justice Pays.

MANATEE COUNTY – FHP report an alleged drunk driver initiated a wrong-way crash involving four vehicles on Interstate 75 early Thursday morning that left two people seriously injured and resulted in the arrest of a driver for Driving Under the Influence, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.

The crash occurred at approximately 4:00 AM on April 24, 2025, near mile marker 228 in the northbound lanes of I-75.

According to FHP, a 45-year-old Palm Beach man was driving an SUV southbound in the northbound lanes of the interstate. At the same time, three other vehicles—a pickup truck, a sedan, and another pickup truck—were all traveling northbound on I-75.

The wrong-way SUV collided head-on with the first pickup truck, driven by a 58-year-old woman from Port Charlotte, who was traveling with a female passenger. Both the driver and passenger sustained serious injuries. All occupants were reported to be wearing seat belts.

Following the initial impact, a sedan driven by a 39-year-old Port Charlotte man struck crash debris, entered the median, and collided with the cable barrier. A second pickup truck, driven by a 39-year-old man from Indianapolis, also hit crash debris but sustained only minor damage. Those drivers reported minor or no injuries.

Following a criminal investigation on the scene, the wrong-way driver was placed under arrest for Driving Under the Influence after submitting a breath sample with a BAC of .158—nearly twice the legal limit. He was booked into the Manatee County Jail.

The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

After Tragic Crash, FHP Says: Never Get Behind the Wheel While Impaired

This crash is a sobering example of the life-threatening consequences of driving under the influence—especially when it results in wrong-way travel on high-speed roads like I-75.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• More than 13,000 people were killed in DUI crashes in 2021, accounting for 31% of all traffic fatalities.
• Wrong-way crashes are most often caused by impaired drivers, and they are more than 100 times more likely to be fatal than other types of highway crashes.
• In Florida, over 800 lives are lost every year in alcohol-related traffic incidents.
• Never drive impaired. If you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or stay put. Your decision could mean the difference between life and death—for yourself or others on the road.

The post Wrong-Way Drunk Driver Seriously Injures Two In Head-On Crash On I-75 appeared first on Justice Pays.

MANATEE COUNTY – A chain-reaction crash involving four vehicles sent multiple people to the hospital Monday afternoon at a busy Lakewood Ranch intersection, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:04 PM on April 21, 2025, at the intersection of State Road 70 and Greenbrook Boulevard.

According to FHP, a 2017 Infiniti SUV, driven by a 24-year-old Sarasota man, was traveling eastbound on State Road 70 in the middle lane when it failed to stop for a red traffic signal. Ahead of the Infiniti, a 2020 Kia Sedan, driven by a 56-year-old Lakewood Ranch woman, was stopped at the light facing south on SR-70 in the center lane. Also in the Kia was a juvenile passenger from Lakewood Ranch.

The Infiniti struck the rear of the Kia, propelling it across the intersection in a southeasterly direction. The Infiniti continued through the intersection, crossed the median, and entered the westbound lanes of SR-70.

There, it struck the left rear of a 2024 Mercedes SUV, which had been stopped at the red light in the westbound left lane. Immediately after, the Infiniti collided with the left side of a 2020 Honda sedan, which had been stopped in the westbound right lane behind the Mercedes.

The 56-year-old Kia driver and her juvenile passenger both sustained serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital. The Infiniti driver suffered minor injuries. The 16-year-old Mercedes driver and the 52-year-old driver of the Honda were uninjured or suffered minor injuries, respectively.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.

As experienced car crash attorneys at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh near Sarasota, we know how devastating multi-vehicle collisions like this can be. If you or a loved one were injured in this or a similar accident, our team of auto accident lawyers at Justice Pays is here to help. We work tirelessly to obtain justice for victims across Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and all of Manatee County.If you’re searching for an auto attorney near you, or a car damage attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve, contact us today for a free consultation.

The post Woman And Child Seriously Hurt in Four-Vehicle Crash on SR 70 in Lakewood Ranch Monday appeared first on Justice Pays.