West Palm Beach, Florida – 6/10/2024 – Attorney DJ Ward has proudly achieved board certification as a civil trial lawyer, a prestigious recognition awarded by The Florida Bar. This certification signifies the highest standard of legal expertise and professionalism, distinguishing attorneys who demonstrate exceptional knowledge, skills, and proficiency in their field.

Board certification is a mark of excellence and a testament to an attorney’s commitment to providing the highest quality legal services. Established by the Florida Supreme Court in 1982, the certification process is rigorous and demanding. It involves a thorough evaluation of an attorney’s experience, competence, and ethics by a panel of peers and experts in the field.

Attorney Ward’s board certification underscores his dedication to his clients and his profession. With this achievement, he joins an elite group of attorneys, as only 7% of eligible Florida attorneys have earned this esteemed certification. His expertise in civil trial law, coupled with his reputation for professionalism and ethical practice, sets him apart as a leader in the legal community.

“I am deeply honored to receive this board certification,” said Attorney DJ Ward. “This accomplishment reflects my commitment to excellence in civil trial law and my dedication to providing the best possible representation for my clients. I am grateful to my colleagues, mentors, and clients for their support and trust.”

Attorney Ward’s certification is a significant milestone in his career, reaffirming his status as a highly skilled and ethical legal professional. His clients can have full confidence in his ability to handle complex civil litigation matters with the utmost competence and care.

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When you get injured in a car accident in Florida, obtaining a copy of the police report can be an important step toward asserting your legal rights. The police report from your accident may contain several key pieces of information—and your lawyer may be able to use this information to determine where to find the evidence needed to prove your claim for just compensation.

So, how long does it take to receive the police report?

The answer to this question is partially up to you. To obtain a copy of the police report from your car accident, you need to request it. The longer you wait to submit your request, the longer it will take to obtain a copy. With this in mind, you should file your request promptly; or, if you are uncomfortable filing a request, you should hire a lawyer to submit a request on your behalf.

Requesting a Police Report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)

In Florida, police reports are available from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). As the FLHSMV states on its website, police reports “may take up to 10 days to become available.”

But, while it may take up to 10 days for the police report from your car accident to become available, this doesn’t mean that you should wait 10 days to file a request. Your police report may become available sooner; and, even if your police report isn’t available when you file, filing promptly will help make sure you receive a copy of the report as soon as possible. You have three option for requesting a copy of your police report:

• File a request online through the FLHSMV’s Florida Crash Portal
• File a request with the FLHSMV by mail
• File a request in person at the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troop Station nearest to where your car accident happened

Requesting a police report from the FLHSMV costs $10.00 (or $12.00 if you file your request online). When you file your request, you will be required to provide the following information:

• Your name, street address, email address and phone number
• The date and location of your car accident (including the county where the accident happened)
• The names of all parties involved in the accident
• Confirmation that you were involved in the car accident
• A statement under penalty of perjury that the information in your request is accurate and that you will not use the police report for commercial solicitation

How long does it take to receive a copy of the police report for your car accident once you file your request? The short answer is, “It depends.” The location of the accident, the severity of the accident and the agency’s workload will all play a role in determining how quickly your request will be processed. However, once your police report is ready, if you request a copy online it will become available immediately, and you will have 48 hours to download it. You will receive a link to download your report via email—so make sure you enter your email address correctly and be sure to check your inbox after you file your request.

If you submit your request for a copy of the police report by mail, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to receive your copy of the report. If you go to the local FHP Troop Station in person, you may be able to obtain a copy of the report immediately if it is available, or they may tell you to come back at another time (or file your request online) if it is not.

5 Tips for Making Sure You Receive a Copy of the Police Report as Soon as Possible

While certain aspects of the timeline are beyond your control when you request a copy of the police report from your car accident in Florida, there are some steps you can take to help make sure you receive a copy as soon as possible. These steps include:

1. Be Sure to Include All Required Information

When you fill out your police report request, be sure to include all required information. If you omit any necessary information, the FLHSMV may not be able to process your request—and this will lead to unnecessary delays.

2. Include as Much Detail About Your Car Accident as Possible

When filling out your request, be sure to include as much detail about your car accident as possible. This will help ensure that the FLHSMV (or FHP) can accurately locate your police report if it is available, or as soon as it becomes available if it is not. If possible, include details such as:

• Cross streets, mile markers, or other location identifiers
• The date and time of your car accident
• The other driver’s name and insurance information

3. Use the FLHSMV’s Online Florida Crash Portal  

Submitting your request through the FLHSMV’s online Florida Crash Portal is typically the quickest and easiest way to obtain a copy of a police report after a car accident. As noted above, if your police report is available, you should be able to access it immediately online.

4. Follow Up on Your Request If Necessary

If the police report is not immediately available, you should follow up as necessary. Be polite but persistent, and feel free to ask when a copy of the report is likely to be available.

5. Get Help from a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

A Florida car accident lawyer can request a copy of the police report for you, and your lawyer can follow up with the appropriate authorities as necessary. Our lawyers represent car accident victims at no out-of-pocket cost, and we can get to work on your case immediately.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Florida Car Accident Lawyer at Searcy Denney

Do you need help after a car accident in Florida? If so, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. To speak with a Florida car accident lawyer at Searcy Denney for free, call 800-780-8607 or request an appointment online today.

The post Florida Car Accident: How Long Until You Receive the Police Report? appeared first on Searcy Law.

Are chemical hair straighteners safe? For many people, the answer is “No.” Unfortunately, many companies have sold unsafe chemical-containing hair straightening products for years—even after discovering that the chemicals in their products can cause cancer and other serious health problems.

With this in mind, and given that there are safer hair straightening alternatives available, we recommend against using chemical hair straighteners. The health risks simply are not worth it. For those who have used chemical hair straighteners in the past, it is important to be aware of the potential consequences—and to see a doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

What Are the Health Risks Linked to Chemical Hair Straighteners?

The primary health risks linked to chemical hair straighteners are related to prolonged use. However, while using a chemical hair straightening product over an extended period of time can increase your risk of developing health problems, any amount of use can potentially have serious consequences. Several of the chemicals commonly used in hair straightening products are now known to be unsafe when they enter the human body, which they can do by either absorbing into the skin or entering the bloodstream through abrasions on the scalp.

Scientific studies and medical diagnoses have linked chemical hair straighteners to three primary health risks: breast cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer. While each of these forms of cancer can be treated, none can be fully cured, and treatment often involves radiation therapy, surgery or both. When surgery is necessary, this typically involves removing the affected body part—whether the affected breast, the ovaries or the uterus.

What Are the Signs of Cancer Caused By a Chemical Hair Straightener?

In light of the serious health risks associated with chemical hair straighteners, it is important for anyone who has used these products in the past to be aware of the signs of cancer. While everyone’s body will respond to cancer differently, the typical symptoms of cancers caused by chemical hair straighteners include:

• Signs of Breast Cancer: A lump on the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, and changes in the look or feel of the skin on the breast (i.e., changes in color, a “dimpled” look, flaking, peeling or scaling).
• Signs of Ovarian Cancer: Abdominal swelling or bloating, discomfort in the pelvic or lower back region, changes in eating habits, changes in bowel or bladder habits, and unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
• Signs of Uterine Cancer: Vaginal bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, and pain in the pelvic region.

You don’t necessarily have to have all of the symptoms associated with a particular type of cancer to receive a diagnosis. Additionally, individuals who have developed breast, ovarian or uterine cancer after using a chemical hair straightener may experience other symptoms as well. Once again, if you have any cause for concern, the best thing you can do is see your doctor as soon as possible. When you see your doctor, describe your symptoms in detail, and be sure to tell your doctor that you have used a chemical hair straightener. If possible, bring the bottle with you so that your doctor can review the list of ingredients.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Using Chemical Hair Straighteners?

The long-term effects of using chemical hair straighteners vary. Some people are lucky, and they never experience any adverse effects. But, for others, using a chemical hair straightening product can prove to be a life altering experience. A cancer diagnosis can be life changing; and, sadly, the forms of cancer linked to chemical hair straighteners can also prove fatal in some cases.

For many people, the consequences of using chemical hair straightening products include:

• The need for radiation therapy, surgery and other forms of treatment
• The need for long-term medical care
• Inability to work (either during the recovery process or indefinitely)
• Physical pain and emotional trauma
• Scarring and disfigurement due to surgery
• Loss of companionship, consortium and enjoyment of life
• Shortened life expectancy

If you receive a cancer diagnosis, your doctor will be able to help you understand what you can expect in the years to come. Your doctor should also be able to help you understand the costs involved and help you develop a plan for treating your cancer and coping with its effects long-term.

What Should You Do if You Receive a Cancer Diagnosis After Using a Chemical Hair Straightener?

In addition to consulting with your doctor, if you receive a cancer diagnosis after using a chemical hair straightener, you should also consult with a lawyer about your legal rights. You may have a chemical hair straightener lawsuit. Many individuals and families have filed lawsuits already.

If you have a lawsuit for cancer caused by a chemical hair straightener, your lawyer can help you seek financial compensation for all of the costs (both financial and non-financial) listed above—and this can be essential for managing these costs long-term. Over years or decades, a cancer diagnosis can prove incredibly expensive, and it can negatively impact all aspects of your life. While filing a lawsuit will not make your cancer go away, it can make living with your cancer more bearable. It can also provide financial stability and peace of mind for your family, and it is the one opportunity you have to hold accountable the company that sold you a dangerous hair care product. It costs nothing to find out if you have a claim; and, if you do, you will not have to pay any legal fees or costs unless you win.

Talk to a Lawyer at Searcy Denney About Your Legal Rights for Free

If you would like to know more about filing a chemical hair straightener lawsuit, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. We can help you make informed decisions with your (and your family’s) best interests in mind. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a lawyer at Searcy Denney, please call 800-780-8607 or contact us online today.

The post Chemical Hair Straighteners and Your Health: Are They Safe? appeared first on Searcy Law.

If you have a claim for a car accident in Florida, video footage of the accident could be the clearest evidence of your right to just compensation. Traffic accidents are increasingly being caught on video—with state and local government agencies, private businesses, and personal cell phones and dash cameras all potentially serving as key sources of evidence for victims and their families.

With that said, obtaining traffic camera footage—or any type of footage—after a car accident is not a straightforward process. There are several steps involved, and the specific steps you need to take depend on the type of footage that is available. With this in mind, this article provides an overview of what accident victims and families in Florida need to know.

Types of Camera Footage That May Be Available

After a car accident in Florida, camera footage may be available from a variety of different sources. For example, some of the types of footage that may be available to prove your legal rights include:

• FDOT Traffic Camera Footage – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) operates cameras throughout the state that provide a live feed of traffic on highways and at major intersections. While these live feeds aren’t always recorded, it is worth finding out whether the FDOT has footage of your accident if it happened in front of one of these cameras.
• Red Light Camera Footage – If your accident was captured by a red light camera, a local police department or government agency could have footage of the collision. Based on where your accident happened, our lawyers can determine which department or agency we need to contact to find out if footage is available.
• News Agency Traffic Camera Footage – A news agency could also have traffic camera footage of your car accident. If a news agency has footage of your accident, our lawyers can issue a subpoena to obtain the footage so that we can use it in support of your claim.
• Business Surveillance Camera Footage – Many local businesses have security cameras, and many of these cameras capture footage of the streets in front of (or behind) their buildings. When we investigate your car accident, we will determine if any surveillance camera footage may be available.  
• Cell Phone or Dash Camera Footage – Along with traffic camera and surveillance camera footage, cell phone or dash camera footage may be available to prove who was at fault in your car accident. During our investigation, we will also seek to identify any drivers, passengers, pedestrians or other eyewitnesses who may have captured your car accident on video.

Steps to Take to Obtain Footage of Your Traffic Accident in Florida

As we mentioned above, the specific steps involved in obtaining camera footage after a traffic accident in Florida depend on the type of footage that is available. With this in mind, the steps in the process generally include:

Step #1: Determine Where Camera Footage May Be Available

The first step in obtaining camera footage of a car accident is determining where footage may be available. Could the FDOT or a local police department or government agency have footage of your traffic accident? Did your accident happen in front of a business with a road-facing security camera? Do you need to contact a news agency or try to obtain footage from an eyewitness? Knowing where to look is the first step toward obtaining the footage you need.

Step #2: Contact the Owner (or Owners) of Any Potential Footage

Once you identify a potential source of camera footage of your traffic accident, the next step is to contact the potential owner. This can usually be done informally—though you may need to follow specific procedures when requesting footage for a government agency. However, to avoid any unnecessary issues or delays, it is best to have your lawyer submit this request on your behalf.

Step #3: Follow Up on Your Request (or Requests)

Oftentimes, it will be necessary to follow up on an initial request for camera footage of a traffic accident. But, persistence can pay off, and you can rely on your lawyer to follow up as necessary on your behalf as well. This is usually the most efficient way to obtain any footage that is available.

Step #4: Issue a Formal Written Request for the Footage (if Necessary)

If footage is available and the government agency, business or individual that owns the footage is unwilling to provide it voluntarily, then you (or your lawyer) may need to issue a formal written request. Subpoenas and other types of formal written requests are legally enforceable; and, once the owner of the footage receives a formal request, it will most likely provide the footage as requested.

Step #5: Seek to Compel Disclosure of the Footage in Court (if Necessary)

If the owner of the footage refuses to comply with a subpoena or other formal written request, then your lawyer can seek to compel disclosure of the footage in court. Hopefully this won’t be necessary; but, if it is, the effort will be well worth it if it means recovering the financial compensation you deserve.

With that said, as an accident victim (or as the family member of an accident victim), your first step is to schedule a free consultation with a local car accident lawyer. You should do this as soon after the accident as possible. Once you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer can take all of the necessary steps not only to obtain any camera footage that is available, but also to collect any other evidence that is available to prove your legal rights.

Contact the Lawyers at Searcy Denney to Learn More

Do you need to know more about proving your legal rights after a serious car accident in Florida? If so, we can help, but it is important that you contact us promptly. To speak with an experienced lawyer at Searcy Denney in confidence as soon as possible, give us a call at 800-780-8607 or request a free consultation online today. 

The post Obtaining Traffic Camera Footage in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Searcy Law.

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While we might not get snow in Tallahassee, seasonal weather hazards still play a role in our lives at various points throughout the year. Rather than snow storms, hurricanes and tropical storms are our primary concern—with heavy winds and rains presenting risks for both major property damage and serious injuries.

Along with tropical storms, summer thunderstorms and squalls in the Gulf of Mexico can present risks for motorists, boaters and other people as well. As a result, it’s always a good idea to check the forecast, and to consider staying home if you have concerns about the weather.

7 Personal Injury Claims Related to Seasonal Weather Hazards

When it comes to seasonal weather hazards, not only can storms themselves present risks, but other people’s negligence during storms can present risks as well. For example, here are seven examples of common weather-related accidents that will give rise to personal injury claims in many cases:

1. Auto Accidents in Heavy Weather

Even when driving in heavy weather, drivers in Tallahassee have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and observe the rules of the road. Driving too fast for the conditions, following too closely, running red lights and stop signs, stopping in the middle of the road, and other dangerous driving behaviors can all lead to auto accidents that justify claims for financial compensation.

2. Boating Accidents on Rough Seas

Boating in the Apalachee Bay or Gulf of Mexico in heavy seasonal weather can be dangerous even for highly experienced captains and crew. In rough seas, boats are more difficult to control, seawater is more likely to splash on deck, and passengers and crew are more likely to suffer injuries from falls and collisions onboard. Falling overboard in heavy weather is a very real concern as well, and near-drowning incidents can cause life-altering physical and psychological trauma. Just like drivers, boat captains have the same responsibilities regardless of the weather, and they (or, in many cases, their employers) can be held liable for boating accidents resulting from their negligence.

3. Slips on Wet Walking Surfaces

In low-lying areas like Tallahassee, water can accumulate quickly during heavy rains. Puddles in front of grocery stores, home improvement stores and other businesses present slip-and-fall risks; and, when businesses fail to take adequate steps to protect their customers, they can—and should—be held accountable.

4. Trips on Storm Debris and Other Hazards

Along with slip-and-fall risks, trip-and-fall risks are a serious safety concern during and after storms in Tallahassee as well. Just like slip-and-fall cases, trip-and-fall cases are governed by Florida’s premises liability laws. These laws hold property owners and tenants liable when they fail to remedy (or prevent access to) serious safety hazards as required.

5. Truck Accidents Involving Jackknifes and Rollovers

Heavy winds and rains increase the risk of truck drivers losing control of their rigs. Stopping an 18-wheeler safely becomes much more difficult when the road is wet, and there is a much higher risk that the truck will jackknife under braking. Heavy winds can cause 18-wheelers to rollover, especially on highways like I-10 where there is nothing to disrupt the wind’s path. Truck accidents frequently result in serious injuries; and, for victims, hiring an experienced Tallahassee injury attorney is the first step on the road to recovery.

6. Product Failures During Storms and Storm Recovery

When you are dealing with a storm (or a storm’s aftermath), the last thing you need is for your car, truck, yard equipment, or anything else at your home to fail. But, product failures can happen at any time, and these failures can lead to all types of serious injuries. Brake failures, electrical malfunctions, loose parts and all other types of product failures can give rise to personal injury claims under Florida’s product liability laws. If you have a personal injury claim based on a product failure, the product’s manufacturer may be fully liable for your injury-related losses.

7. Medical Malpractice Following Major Weather Events

Hospitals and clinics in Tallahassee can be overwhelmed with patients following major seasonal weather events. But, even when the waiting room is beyond capacity, healthcare providers must still treat all patients in accordance with their duty of care. Failure to provide an adequate standard of care constitutes medical malpractice; and, if you have concerns about the quality of your (or a loved one’s) medical care, you will want to speak with a Tallahassee personal injury lawyer in this situation as well.

Protecting Yourself After Suffering Injuries During (or After) a Storm

No matter what happened, if you or someone you love was seriously injured during (or after) a storm in Tallahassee, you should talk to a lawyer about filing a personal injury claim. Serious injuries can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs, and they can negatively impact your life in many other ways as well. If you have a claim, you can hire a Tallahassee personal injury lawyer at no out-of-pocket cost, and you can rely on your lawyer to handle your claim while you focus on your recovery.

With this in mind, if you think you may have a personal injury claim related to a seasonal weather hazard in Tallahassee, you should:

• See a doctor as soon as possible.
• Follow your doctor’s advice (or seek a second opinion if necessary).
• Take detailed notes and keep as much documentation as possible.
• Make sure you do not let the insurance companies talk you into accepting a settlement check.
• Talk to a Tallahassee personal injury lawyer about your claim for just compensation.

Speak with a Tallahassee Personal Injury Lawyer for Free

With multiple office locations in Florida, including an office in Tallahassee, we are no strangers to Florida’s hazardous weather. If you need help after suffering a weather-related injury, we encourage you to contact us promptly so that we can guide you through your next steps. To speak with a lawyer about your claim as soon as possible, please call 800-780-8607 or request a free consultation online today. 

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Between Meta and TikTok, social media has been a topic of much discussion in recent months. While most of the conversation revolves around ethical concerns and data privacy, it underscores just how ubiquitous social media has become. Social media has become a way to share mundane details of our daily lives as well as a way to connect with friends and family both near and far. As a result, people naturally share updates about their lives when going through a difficult time, such as recovering from an accident. An increasing number of people depend upon social media for their income. Accident victims should be aware, however, of how social media can impact their case should they need to pursue a claim. If you have been injured in an accident, a personal injury lawyer can explain what you should and shouldn’t do when posting online. 

Think Before You Post

The first thing to remember is that you give up control over whatever you post online. Giving some consideration to who might read or share what you post is the first step. Give some consideration to how what you are posting might be interpreted by someone who may not have your best interests at heart. We all have experience with posting things that are quickly misinterpreted or taken out of context. To save yourself a lot of grief down the road, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself before updating your social media: 

1. Check your privacy settings. Anything that you post on your social media accounts could potentially be used against you in your case. As a result, make sure that your profile isn’t public and open to everyone. Otherwise, everything you post can be obtained by the opposing party without a subpoena. Set your social media profiles to “private, but keep in mind that “private” can mean different things on different platforms. Just make sure that what you post isn’t viewable by the general public. 
2. Who are you sharing with? Even if your profile is set to private, remember that anything you post is potentially sharable. This may not be troubling by itself until you consider that many of your connections may be people you barely know. They could share your posts to their networks, essentially making your posts publicly available. The bottom line is that you can quickly lose control of whatever you post even when your profile is private. 
3. Remember that everything you post can hurt you. Seemingly harmless updates can come back to haunt you. Vacation photos may be used to argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed. Videos from a family party may be used to show that you are not really suffering as a result of your injuries. Everything you post could be used against you by the opposing party, their lawyer, or their insurance company to undermine your claim.  

Social Media Can Create Contradictions

Successful personal injury claims typically depend on the facts. In order to prevail, you need to be able to create a clear and compelling version of events that demonstrates why the other side should be held accountable for the accident and your injuries. To avoid liability and paying your claim,  the other side will try to challenge your version of the facts. 

One of the easiest ways to challenge the facts of your case is to point out contradictions or inconsistencies. Social media posts that contain inaccurate or contradictory statements can create big problems with your case. Regardless of context or your intent, the opposing party could use your social media against you by arguing that your account is not trustworthy due to your inconsistent statements. Contradictions or inconsistencies regarding even minor details can cause significant issues with your case. 

You also should also be aware that comments from your connections can also cause problems. Well-intentioned comments about your health or your recovery could undermine the strength of your case. Even worse, the friend who made that comment could be subpoenaed by the other side to testify against you. 

Unrelated Posts Will Be Scrutinized

Social media invites scrutiny from the opposing party. Even if you don’t post about the accident or your injuries, totally unrelated posts can be used as evidence that you are not as injured as you claim. Posts from your daily life could be used to argue that you are not as injured as you claim or that you are already fully recovered. Whatever you post, you can be certain that the other side may look for ways to use it to undermine your case. 

Should You Use Social Media At All? 

When it comes to your personal injury case, the best thing to do may be to stay off of it until your case is fully resolved. There are risks even if your profile is set to private. If you must use social media, our advice is to be very careful and refrain from discussing anything related to your injuries or the accident itself.  

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer at Searcy Denney Today

Don’t panic if you have already posted about your case on social media – we can help you minimize any potential damage. If you have been injured in an accident, we know how to build the strongest case possible so that you can get the compensation you need to make a full recovery. To discuss your case and your options, call us today at 800-780-8607 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

The post How Social Media Can Affect Your Personal Injury Case in Florida appeared first on Searcy Law.

As a cyclist, you have all of the same rights as drivers on Tallahassee’s roads. This means that you have the right to occupy your lane, and you have the right to not have drivers tailgate you or run you off of the road.

This also means that you have the right to file a claim when you get injured in a cycling accident.

Unfortunately, despite cyclists’ legal rights in Tallahassee, collisions between vehicles and bicycles are common. In the vast majority of cases, these collisions are the result of driver negligence. In a typical scenario, a distracted, careless or aggressive driver doesn’t see a cyclist until it is too late (if the driver sees the cyclist at all), and the cyclist is helpless to protect himself or herself from serious injuries.

Filing an Injury Claim After a Cycling Accident in Tallahassee

If you have been injured in a cycling accident involving a motor vehicle in Tallahassee, you may have a claim for just compensation. Cyclists who fall victim to driver negligence are entitled to just compensation for their financial and non-financial losses under Florida law. With this in mind, here are some important facts to know about protecting your legal rights:

1. Getting Treatment Should Be Your First Priority

When you get injured in a cycling accident involving a motor vehicle, getting treatment needs to be your first priority. If you didn’t ride to the hospital in an ambulance from the scene of the accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Do not ignore your pain and other symptoms, and do not try to treat your injuries yourself. Not only can this be detrimental to your long-term health (and potentially your ability to ride), but it can also make it much more difficult to assert your legal rights.

During your appointment, be sure to tell your doctor that you were injured in a cycling accident. This will help ensure that your medical records reflect the cause of your injuries—which can also be important when filing an injury claim.

2. You Should Write Down Everything You Can Remember About the Accident

You should write down everything you can remember about the accident as soon as possible. All of the details matter. This means that you should write down information such as:

• Where exactly your cycling accident happened
• Which way you were traveling and which way the vehicle was traveling at the time of the collision
• Your location in your lane (or on the side of the road) at the time of the collision
• How the vehicle hit you (i.e., whether you were rear-ended, side-swiped or T-boned in an intersection)
• The road, traffic and weather conditions at the time of your collision

These are just examples. You should write down anything that comes to mind so that you can be sure to discuss it with your Tallahassee injury attorney.

3. You Should Keep Any Photos and Videos You Took with Your Phone

If you were able to take any photos or videos with your phone at the scene of your cycling accident in Tallahassee, be sure to keep these to share with your attorney as well. Not only could these photos and videos be key evidence themselves, but they will also provide your attorney with insight into the other types of evidence that may be available.  

4. You Should Prioritize Your Recovery

While it is important to prioritize your recovery any time you suffer serious injuries in a cycling accident, this is especially true when you are thinking about filing an injury claim. If you ignore your doctor’s advice or you go back to work or school too soon, this could prevent you from recovering full compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.

5. Your Losses Could Be Much Greater Than You Think

One of the most important reasons to speak with a Tallahassee personal injury lawyer after a cycling accident is that your losses could be much greater than you think. If you have an injury claim for a cycling accident in Tallahassee, you are entitled to just compensation for all of your current and future losses. If you need ongoing medical treatment, if you are dealing with chronic pain, or if your injuries have any other long-term effects (whether financial or non-financial), these are all losses that will be critical for you to recover.

6. Auto Insurance Covers Bicycle Accidents

In many cases, filing an injury claim after a bicycle accident involves dealing with the negligent driver’s insurance company. While liability insurance isn’t mandatory in Florida, many drivers choose to purchase this optional coverage. Auto insurance covers bicycle accidents; so, if the evidence shows that the driver who hit you was at fault, your lawyer may be able to secure an insurance settlement on your behalf.

If you have auto insurance, your policy may apply too. At a minimum, you should be able to secure personal injury protection (PIP) coverage under your policy; and, if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, you may be able to use this coverage to your advantage as well.

7. You Can (and Should) Hire a Tallahassee Injury Attorney at No Out-of-Pocket Cost

To find out if you have an injury claim for your cycling accident, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. You can hire a Tallahassee injury attorney at no out-of-pocket cost, which means that you don’t pay anything unless you win. If you win, your legal fees will be calculated as a percentage of your settlement or verdict.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Tallahassee Personal Injury Lawyer at Searcy Denney

Were you seriously injured in a cycling accident in Tallahassee? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights. To speak with a Tallahassee personal injury lawyer at Searcy Denney as soon as possible, call 800-780-8607 or request a free consultation online now. 

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Pedestrian safety is a concern on and around university campuses across Florida. In 2020, a student at Florida State University (FSU) was tragically killed when she was struck by a driver in the crosswalk of the 1000 block of West Tennessee Street, and another student suffered serious injuries in a similar incident just a week later. Since then, FSU and its University Police Department have taken new measures to promote pedestrian safety—and to reduce the risk of students, faculty and visitors needing to hire a Tallahassee personal injury lawyer to help them recover just compensation for their losses.

In recognition of its efforts, the FSU University Police Department placed first in traffic safety in the Champions Category of the 2020 Florida Law Enforcement Challenge Awards. As stated on FSU’s website, this award recognizes the department’s efforts in several areas, including “distracted driving enforcement, impaired driving enforcement, . . . pedestrian and bicycle enforcement, and speed and aggressive driving enforcement, as well as the department’s training of officers in these areas.”

5 Steps Universities and Police Departments Can Take to Promote Pedestrian Safety

What can universities and their police departments do to help keep pedestrians safe? Here are some steps that can be taken both on and off campus to help minimize the risk of serious and fatal pedestrian accidents:

1. Identify High-Risk Intersections

A key first step toward minimizing the risk of pedestrian accidents is to identify high-risk intersections. Universities and police departments need to know where to focus their efforts in order to ensure that their efforts are as effective as possible.

Many of these intersections are likely to be located downtown, near campus, or near the school’s football stadium or basketball arena. This was the case with both of the pedestrian accidents involving FSU students in 2020. However, universities and police departments should not make assumptions, but instead rely on data that pinpoints the locations that present the highest risk levels for pedestrians.

2. Ensure Proper Timing of Traffic Lights and Crosswalk Signals

At controlled intersections, it is critical that traffic lights and crosswalk signals are appropriately timed. If a traffic light or crosswalk signal is even just a few seconds off, this can have a dramatic impact on pedestrian safety. Traffic studies can be performed to determine proper timing for vehicle traffic in order to minimize backups, and crosswalk signals should give pedestrians enough time to cross safely at a normal walking pace.

3. Install Crosswalks and Signs Notifying Drivers of Possible Pedestrians

Under Florida law, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians who are lawfully in a crosswalk. Crosswalks also signal to drivers that pedestrians may be present and preparing to cross once the light turns red. Studies have shown that crosswalks can reduce the number of pedestrian accidents significantly, and that “crosswalks are most effective when they are well lit at night and there is nearby signage alerting drivers they are coming up on a crosswalk.”

4. Position Officers at High-Risk Locations During Busy Times

From the morning rush to get to class to Saturday afternoons during the football season, there are several times when pedestrian traffic on university campuses is especially high. During these times, positioning officers at high-risk locations to control traffic can help to reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents significantly. This is true even at intersections with signals and crosswalks.

5. Increase Traffic Violation Enforcement in Areas with Pedestrian Traffic

University police departments (and other police departments) can also help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents on and around campuses by increasing traffic violation enforcement in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Not only does ticketing violators help deter these individuals from breaking the law again, but it also serves a broader deterrent effect as members of the community learn that enforcement is a risk.

How Students, Faculty and Visitors Can Help Protect Themselves While Walking

Along with taking the steps discussed above, universities and police departments can also work to reduce pedestrian accidents by informing students, faculty and visitors of what they can do to help keep themselves safe. For example, to minimize their risk of being hit by passing vehicles, individuals who are walking on and off campus can do things like:

• Observe all traffic signs and signals. Just like drivers, pedestrians have a duty to obey the law. Pedestrians should only cross streets in designated crosswalks, and they should only do so when they have the right of way. When a police officer is helping to control traffic, pedestrians should follow the officer’s instructions.
• Watch for oncoming traffic. Just because you have the right of way to cross an intersection, this doesn’t necessarily mean that approaching drivers are going to stop. Before crossing a street, check both ways to make sure you aren’t putting yourself in danger.
• Don’t stop in a crosswalk. Once you are in a crosswalk with the right of way, it is important to continue across to the other side of the street. If you stop or bend over to pick something up, approaching drivers might not see you.
• Stay on the sidewalk when walking along a road. When you are walking along a road with a sidewalk, stay on the sidewalk at all times. Stepping into the road can be dangerous, as drivers won’t be expecting you to be there.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. Just like driving while distracted, walking while distracted can be dangerous. Any time you are walking near vehicle traffic, it is important to pay attention to your surroundings to make sure you aren’t putting yourself in harm’s way.

Contact a Tallassee Injury Attorney at Searcy Denney

Searcy Denney is a Florida personal injury law firm with offices in Tallahassee that represents victims of pedestrian accidents. If you would like to speak with an attorney at our firm, we invite you to get in touch. Please call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you online to schedule an appointment today.

 

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