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An Urgent Call to Action: Rising Traffic Fatalities and the New Laws in Florida
In the Tampa Bay area, a disconcerting increase in road fatalities has been noted by various studies, some just published this week.
Preliminary data from 2022 indicated an alarming 434 fatal crashes across Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties, as reported by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The situation calls for a deeper examination of the factors driving these fatalities and decisive preventive measures.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, call Mickey Keenan PA. We’ll fight for your claim and do everything in our power to make you feel whole again.
Highlighting the Statistics: Traffic Fatalities in Tampa Bay
Traffic fatalities in Tampa Bay have shown a worrisome pattern. A week-long investigation by the Tampa Bay Times in April registered over 1,575 crashes, translating to more than nine every hour; resulting in 43 severe injuries and eight fatalities.
Interestingly, the majority of these accidents occurred during daylight hours, with half of all fatal crashes taking place at night. Men aged between 26 and 61 accounted for half of the fatalities, with 50% being motorcyclists. Driving infractions occurred in half of the cases, causing a financial toll exceeding $10.3 million in property and vehicle damage.
Rising Trends in Hit and Runs
Noteworthy are the incidents of hit-and-run and wrong-way accidents. Although smaller in number, wrong-way incidents are 27 times more likely to result in fatalities, demanding immediate attention and preventative measures.
You may be asking, why are hits and runs so common in Florida? Well, did you know that 20% of all drivers here in FL are uninsured?
Protect yourself against uninsured drivers > The Need for UM Coverage
Unveiling the New Personal Injury Laws in Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 837, Civil Remedies, into law on March 30, 2023, marking a pivotal change in Florida’s civil justice system. The law introduces significant changes, including:
- Reduction in the statute of limitations from four to only two years for general negligence cases
- Alterations to the comparative negligence system, potentially preventing a plaintiff who is more at fault from recovering damages
- Extension of immunity for property owners from lawsuits brought by injured criminal actors
- Modifications to the bad faith framework, making it more challenging to establish bad faith
- Changes to attorney’s fee rules, eliminating attorney’s fee multipliers, and limiting circumstances for one-way attorney fee provisions
- Introduction of uniform standards for medical damages
Given these critical changes, particularly the reduced statute of limitations and more stringent conditions for suing, prompt consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial following an accident.
You no longer have as long as you used to when filing your personal injury case, don’t wait.
Navigate Florida Safely with Mickey Keenan on Your Side
Safe driving extends beyond adherence to traffic rules - understanding your rights and the evolving legal landscape is essential. As we grapple with these new laws and strive for safer roads, staying informed and seeking professional legal guidance is paramount.
At Mickey Keenan, PA, we can help you navigate these new laws, ensuring your rights are protected, and you get the compensation you deserve. If you have questions about how these changes may affect your case, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experienced team is committed to helping our community through this challenging time.