Car crashes involving teens rise during prom season and summer break. Auto accident attorneys with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell offer tips for keeping your kids safe.

The high school prom season is well underway and summer vacation is just around the corner. Both mean more teenagers on the road and many of them throw caution to the wind while in a celebratory mood. Unfortunately, the celebration quickly turns to mourning for family and friends of teens lost in prom night or summer car crashes, often fueled by underage drinking.

The rate of car crashes involving teens rises during the prom season, and hits an annual peak from early June to late August, dubbed the “100 Deadliest Days” for teens on the road. But there are ways to help keep your teenager from becoming a tragic statistic.

• Make sure you know where and with whom your teen will be before, during and after the dance.
• Limit the number of prom-goers in one vehicle if a teen is driving.
• Better yet, splurge for a limo. It’ll impress the kids, and assure that a sober adult is behind the wheel.
• Set a strict curfew. The later teens stay out, the higher the risk of an accident.
• Make it clear that alcohol or drug use will not be tolerated and will result in your teen’s driving privileges being taken away.
• Assure your teens that you’re willing to pick them up if another driver drinks or if other trouble arises. Or, give your teen a list of taxi company phone numbers to call for a safe ride home.
• Remind teens that even if they follow all the rules, others on the road may not.

Prom and summer vacation should be a fun time that teens will remember fondly the rest of their lives. If your child is injured in a car crash, get medical treatment immediately. Then, contact an experienced auto accident attorney with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell, providing services throughout Northeast Florida, Orlando and South Georgia. Call 800-251-1111 or complete our online case evaluation form.

A lawsuit filed by chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists challenges the controversial new PIP law.

A controversial new Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law passed by legislators last year may be set for an overhaul, say personal injury attorneys in Jacksonville.

In a sternly worded ruling, Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis placed a temporary injunction on the law, saying that it severely limits care. The state filed an appeal with the First District Court of Appeal the next day and managed to get the injunction stayed. But the legal wrangling over this highly restrictive law is far from over.

Lewis’ ruling came by way of a case filed by a group of chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists arguing that the law violates their ability to contract to earn a living; violates due process; and violates victims’ access to courts, among other issues.

In effect as of January 1, the law limits payment for chiropractic treatment and disallows coverage for massage and acupuncture treatment altogether for auto accident victims. It requires victims to receive initial treatment of injuries within 14 days after the date of the accident – a requirement that makes sense for victims with obvious and urgent injuries such as broken bones, punctured organs or internal bleeding, but can further harm victims of soft tissue injuries, which don’t show up on X-ray images and may not be fully felt for weeks. The law also cuts potential benefits, capping payment for emergency medical conditions at $10,000 and non-emergency conditions at $2,500.

Also known as Florida’s no-fault law, PIP dates back to the 1970s and was designed to assure victims benefits and keep auto accident cases out of the state’s courts. But those taking advantage of the system in fraudulent ways, such as staging fake accidents and submitting bogus claims, sparked reform efforts. While the need to weed out fraudsters is a legitimate one, personal injury attorneys believe the current law too severely limits victims’ ability to secure fair and adequate compensation.

If you or your dependents are injured in a car crash, contact an experienced personal injury and auto accident attorney with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell at 800-251-1111.

Did you know that the sun’s heat can boost alcohol’s effect on your body and your BAC levels? Harrell and Harrell offers tips for a safe spring break.

March marks the beginning of the all-American tradition of spring break – a week of fun, sun and, unfortunately, a yearly spike in auto accidents and personal injuries, attorneys with Florida’s Harrell and Harrell say.

Statistics show that auto accidents spike in spring break markets during the March-April period. Driving those stats are accidents that involve alcohol or drugs. In fact a study at the University of Wisconsin showed that 75% of college males and 43% of college females have reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break. Keep in mind that three of the top spring break locations are in Florida – Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach and Panama City Beach.

Other alcohol-fueled injuries common during spring break are results of falls or fights, and criminals often target inebriated spring breakers, as their ability to fend off attackers is limited.

Many don’t realize that high-temperature weather and hot tubs, popular in spring break hotels, can boost the effectiveness of alcohol. So, drinking even a small amount can cause your blood-alcohol level to be higher than in normal circumstances.

Whether you’re a spring breaker yourself or live in a popular spring break area, take precautions during the next few months. Steer clear of known partying areas, limit your own alcohol intake, and never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Travel in groups, designate a non-drinking driver and be wary of strangers. And if you or a dependent are injured by another’s actions during spring break, contact an experienced personal injury or auto accident attorney immediately.

Harrell and Harrell have offices in several popular spring break locations including Jacksonville Beach, Fernandina Beach and Orlando. Reach any Harrell and Harrell office at 800-251-1111.

Slip and fall cases are among the top five most common personal injury claims, attorneys with Jacksonville’s Harrell & Harrell say.

Personal injury law is a complex multi-faceted legal field. And it’s a busy one! According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics, there are 32 million emergency room visits each year due to injuries – nearly 180,000 of which result in death.

When a person’s actions or negligence causes injury to or the death of another, it can be difficult to measure the losses. For injured victims, medical care and costs can persist for years. Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity also demand compensation, but a fair amount is not easily calculated. And of course, there is no dollar amount that can make up for the loss of a loved one.

Personal injury attorneys with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell specialize in helping victims secure fair compensation for their losses in the event of a serious injury or death. Among the top PI claim types are:

• Traffic / Auto Accidents: More than 6 million traffic accidents occur annually in the United States. These involve not just motor vehicles, but bicyclist and pedestrians as well. And America’s growing addiction to their smart phones and other mobile devices mean roadway accidents are on the rise.
• Workplace Injuries: Upwards of 3 million non-fatal workplace injuries are reported each year. Another 5,000 are fatal. Today’s tight economy and scarcity of jobs mean the actual rate is likely much higher, as many employees are afraid to report injuries. But depending upon the severity and frequency, injuries to necks, backs and limbs can significantly reduce a victim’s ability to continue making a living.
• Assault: The U.S. Bureau of Justice reported more than 2 million simple assault cases in 2010 alone. Many of the resulting personal injury claims come in conjunction with other issues including domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse or workplace violence. But it’s not just bodily injury that assault claims cover. Victims often can seek damages for emotional distress as well.
• Slip and Fall: Each year, more than 8 million slip and fall accidents happen, with upwards of 540,000 resulting in disabling injuries. They’re the single most common reason for emergency room visits and can cost an average $28,000 in medical and physical therapy bills, and lost wages.
• Products Liability: Unsafe medical devices, defective furniture and electronics, faulty children’s toys – all have led to product liability claims numbering an estimated 20,000 filed each year, and they’re among the costliest. Products liability cases have the second highest median damages awards, averaging $300,000 per claim.

If you or your dependents suffer bodily hurt due to the actions or negligence of another, contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell, with offices throughout Northeast Florida, in Orlando and in South Georgia, specializes in PI cases of all types. Contact us at 800-251-1111.

The revamped PIP law makes it tougher for insureds to claim benefits.

A revamped Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law went into effect January 1. And with it comes a wave of controversy. That’s because the new statute does more to profit insurance companies than it does to protect injured drivers’ rights, say auto accident and personal injury lawyers with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell.

First enacted in the early 1970s, the PIP law, otherwise known as the Florida No-Fault law, required drivers of all vehicles with four or more wheels to purchase PIP coverage. That coverage would pay 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to $10,000 for all drivers involved in a car accident – regardless which driver was at fault.

With the start of the New Year, changes in the statute place multiple restrictions on drivers’ rights, making it more difficult for them to claim the benefits for which they paid, and easier for insurers to deny valid claims. A major point of contention is a requirement that a car accident victim receive initial treatment within 14 days after the date of the accident. That may work fine for victims with obvious and urgent injuries such as broken bones, punctured organs or internal bleeding. But it does little, if anything for the victim who suffers only soft tissue damage. Because soft tissue injuries don’t show up on X-ray images, they almost inevitably are missed by emergency room workers. Plus, victims may not feel pain from this type of injury for weeks or even months after the fact. And it can cause victims pain and difficulty for years.

The new Florida No-Fault law also cuts potential benefits. It caps payment for emergency medical conditions to $10,000 and non-emergency conditions to $2,500. It also limits payment for chiropractic treatment and disallows coverage for massage and acupuncture treatment altogether.

Although the statue calls for a 10 percent reduction in PIP premiums, it also gives insurance companies an easy out. They simply must provide a detailed explanation as to why they consider the rate cut detrimental to their business and they’re off the hook. Insurance companies also can compel victims to give an Examination Under Oath (EUO), a formal statement typically given with a court reporter present. Victims unable to attend an EUO meeting may find their claims denied, despite their validity.

If you or your dependents are injured in an auto collision, get medical treatment immediately, ask physicians to check for potential soft tissue injuries, and contact an experienced auto accident and personal injury lawyer. Jacksonville’s Harrell & Harrell specializes in dealing with insurance companies to secure your rightful benefits.

Personal fireworks are just one holiday customs that pose a personal injury or product liability risk. Attorneys with Harrell and Harrell offer tips for a safe, happy holiday season.

Christmastime is meant to be a festive time of year happily spent with family and friends. But common holiday mishaps can turn holidays into horror stories. In fact, a significant number of legal cases filed each year involve Christmas and New Year dangers. Product liability and personal injury attorneys with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell offer tips for avoiding the most prevalent holiday-related troubles.

• Drunk driving: December and early January calendars are packed with holiday parties. And of course, enjoying a few cocktails is a big part of the celebration. If you’re attending a holiday party, designate a non-drinking driver or plan to take a taxi home. Be aware that other drivers on the road may be intoxicated and won’t be as careful as you are.
• Trucking accidents: Millions of holiday gift make their way to retail stores and homes via tractor trailer trucks. They’re on the road in big numbers throughout the holidays and many drivers are tired from pulling extra shifts. Be wary when sharing the road with a commercial truck.
• Fires: Electric Christmas lights, lit candles and fireworks all are fire hazards. Keep your Christmas trees well watered. Place lit candles in areas where they won’t be easily knocked over, or opt for battery-operated candles. And make sure that kids and teens using personal fireworks are supervised by adults by responsible, sober adults.
• Holiday toys: Keep toys with small parts that can come loose and be swallowed away from small children. Skip toys with small, magnetic parts. Hospitals have seen a rash of kids and teens swallowing high-powered magnets that cause violent illness and perforate intestine and stomach linings. Wheeled gifts like bicycles, skateboards and scooters put hundreds of kids in hospitals with sprains and broken or fractured bones. Insist that they use all appropriate safety gear.
• Packaging: Amazing how kids can get pricey toys for Christmas, but end up having the most fun playing with the big cardboard boxes those toys come in, isn’t it? But some packaging can be dangerous. Plastic bags in particular pose a suffocation risk, and those silicon packs designed to absorb moisture in product boxes can be dangerous if swallowed.

If you or someone you love is injured over the holidays, contact an experienced personal injury or product liability lawyer. Harrell and Harrell specializes in helping victims get fair compensation for their injuries. Call 800-251-1111 for a free consultation.

The risk of commercial truck accidents rises during the holidays, truck accident and personal injury attorneys with Jacksonville’s Harrell & Harrell say.

Millions of toys, electronics and other gifts are making their way to retailers and homes all across America this month, just in time for the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays. And many of them are making that journey in tractor trailers. Every December brings a heightened risk of commercial truck accidents, lawyers with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell say.

One contributing factor in tractor trailer crashes is driver fatigue. Hired truckers have been known to take on extra hours and additional gigs to make more money. Often, this means drowsy drivers behind the wheel of trucks carrying loads that can top 22 tons – a potentially devastating situation.

Other major factors, however, are mistakes made by drivers of passenger vehicles sharing the road with commercial trucks. Driving in a tractor trailer’s blind spot or hitting the brakes while driving in front of a truck can force a sudden lane shift or other movement by a truck driver, which can cause a load to shift. This can cause a truck to fishtail, overturn or jackknife, posting danger to everyone nearby.

Statistics show that the fault for most collisions involving tractor-trailers lies, at least in part, with the driver of the passenger vehicle. To protect yourself and your family, truck accident attorneys offer these tips:

• Avoid driving in a truck driver’s blind spot. Instead, stay behind a tractor trailer rather than beside it. This keeps you out of danger’s way should the truck switch lanes or begin to turn;
• If you’re driving behind a commercial truck, leave plenty of room between your vehicles. Trucks hauling heavy loads require more stopping time, which means a driver will start braking far ahead of the next stop or turn;
• If a truck starts to move into your lane, flash your lights or lay on your horn to alert the driver;
• Ban any in-car distractions such as cell phone calls, texting and loud music;
• Minimize stress and get plenty of rest. Avoid the holiday rush altogether by shopping online, and delegate errands if possible so that you’re not driving in a hurry or on inadequate sleep.

If you or your dependents are injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, get medical attention immediately, then call an experienced truck accident attorney. Harrell and Harrell specializes in helping victims of trucking collisions secure fair compensation for injuries. Contact us at 800-251-1111.

The holiday season means additional dangers on the roadways. Auto accident lawyers with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell offer tips for safe travel.

‘Tis the season for merry-making with family, friends and coworkers. Unfortunately, it’s also the season in which driving on America’s roadways brings higher than usual risks. Family gatherings and holiday parties can mean heavy traffic, as well as stressed out or inebriated drivers.

Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are among the top most dangerous holidays for drivers, according to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To help keep your family safe during the holidays, auto accident attorneys with Jacksonville and Orlando’s Harrell and Harrell offer these tips:

1. If possible, avoid driving during peak holiday times when more drivers are on the road. Remember that those heading out to family gatherings or corporate holiday parties may be stressed out. And those headed home may be driving under the influence of alcohol. The busiest days on the roads are the days immediately before and after a holiday. Opt for driving on the actual holiday, or extend your trip and travel two days earlier instead.
2. Carefully plan your route, opting for back roads over the main thoroughfares. Taking the long way will mean a little more time on the road, but those less-traveled paths will be safer.
3. Wear your seatbelt and insist all passengers do the same.
4. Put away your cell phone. Talking and texting while driving is dangerous enough on an ordinary day. Holiday stress, heavy traffic and the increased instance of drunken driving make it all the more risky.
5. Don’t drink and drive. We can’t emphasize this enough. If you plan to enjoy a few holiday cocktails, designate a non-drinking driver. And even if you remain perfectly sober, remember that many other drivers won’t. Be extra cautions on the roadways, watching for erratic driving by others.
6. If possible, don’t drive at all. Instead, host holiday gatherings at your own home and provide spare rooms or taxi services for inebriated guests.

If you or your dependents find yourselves victims of an accident caused by a drunken or careless driver during the holidays, contact an experienced auto accident lawyer. Jacksonville-based Harrell and Harrell has offices throughout Northeast Florida, in Orlando and in Brunswick, Ga. Contact us toll-free at 800-251-1111.

Impaired drivers are involved in 60 percent of Halloween night auto accidents, attorneys in Jacksonville say. Harrell and Harrell offers tips for keeping your family safe.

Kids and adults alike are excited about next week’s spooky fun celebrations. But auto accident attorneys with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell warn that many real-life horror stories play out on the roadways on Halloween night.

Statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration show that 60 percent of Halloween highway fatalities involve impaired drivers; and that children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween as any other night of the year.

Adults attending Halloween parties almost inevitably will enjoy a few alcoholic drinks. If you plan to drink, designate a non-drinking driver for the evening. If you’re hosting a Halloween party, keep in mind that you may be held partially responsible for an accident caused by a guest who drank at your party if you know that person then drove impaired.

If you have children who will trick-or-treat that night, go with them and watch vigilantly for cars speeding or traveling erratically down neighborhood streets. Remember that this is an exciting night for children, anxious to show off their costumes to friends they see along the way, and of course, to be first at the door to get the “good” candy. Despite your firmly stated rules, they’re apt to dart out into neighborhood streets without first looking both ways. Also, dark costumes make children less visible to drivers, impaired or not. Make sure drivers see your children by encouraging them to choose light or bright colored costumes or by marking dark costumes with strips of reflective tape that will shine in the beam of a car’s headlights. Having children carry flashlights or glow sticks helps as well.

If you or your child are injured in a Halloween night auto accident, attorneys with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell can help assure you get fair compensation. Call 800.251.1111.

From all of us here at Harrell and Harrell, have a safe and happy Halloween!

Most people have no idea what kind of insurance they have until AFTER they get into an auto accident. Every state is different when it comes to required coverages for your automobile. Florida is considered a “NO-Fault” state because of our required coverage or lack thereof. People call us all day long and tell me until they are blue in the face that they have full coverage. The definition of full coverage varies greatly from caller to caller. Have you ever heard the saying – you can never have enough insurance? What kind of insurance should you have?

The answer to that question also varies tremendously. In my opinion, the most important coverage you can carry in Florida is UM or under/uninsured motorist coverage. How do you know if you carry any or enough of this coverage? Find out BEFORE you have a car accident. Call your insurance company or agent to have them clearly explain to you what  type of coverage you have and then ask them what you don’t have. Run through different scenarios in your head to double check that you have not just the state mandated coverage but the coverage to give you and your family peace of mind in the event of an auto accident related injury. If you need some help, give us a call. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard almost every possible scenario you could dream up.

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