Author's Archive

Generally, speaking there are two different charges for possession of cannabis. One is possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis and the other is possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis. The major difference between the two is that possession of more than 20 grams is a felony of the third degree, which […]

A habitual traffic offender (HTO) is a person who has received either three driving while license suspended (DWLS) offenses in a period of five (5) years, these three driving while license suspended can either be all civil citations for driving while license suspended, all three can be criminal or it can be a combination of […]

by Ian Pickens Established in October 2000, DUI Court’s mission has been to reduce the number of repeat DUI offenders. DUI Court provides alternative community-based treatment and is structured to provide repeat offenders with intense outpatient treatment while on supervised probation. The Court monitors the individual’s compliance with the program and progress through regular court […]

by Ian Pickens The Florida Legislature recently passed a criminal justice reform bill. On May 3, 2019, the Florida House of Representatives put the final stamp of approval on House Bill 7125 by a vote of 110-0, sending the bill to the desk of Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill includes changes to multiple areas of […]

Despite countless public safety campaigns and stricter traffic laws that encourage safe driving, more and more drivers take risks when they get behind the wheel. Drunk driving, cellphone distraction, and aggressive driving result in impaired, distracted, and angry drivers. This toxic roadway culture places everyday drivers at risk for serious injury. If you’ve been seriously […]

Lyft is a major player in the current rideshare industry. It’s an up-and-coming rideshare choice, second only to Uber, that provides yet another option for catching a ride. With an estimated 1.4 million Lyft drivers on America’s highways and city streets, you face a real chance of being involved in an accident with a Lyft […]

At the same time that you leave your home for a quick trip to the store, someone else is likely leaving a bar or party across town. That individual’s decision to have a few drinks before getting behind the wheel may result in devastating consequences if he or she collides with your vehicle. In such […]

During an investigation for driving under the influence an officer may ask a person if they would agree to participate in a few exercises so the officer can determine if they are ok to drive. The most common exercises are Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), the walk and turn, one leg stand and finger to nose […]

With the summer months approaching many people will take to the Florida’s vast and beautiful lakes, rivers, and other waterways for some fun in the sun. Keep in mind though that just because you are on the water and not a road or highway you aren’t immune from being arrested for operating a vessel under […]

After an arrest for driving under the influence an officer typically will request that a person provide a breath sample for the purpose of determine the level of alcohol in one’s body. A person may also be requested to provide a urine sample instead of a breath sample or in addition to a breath sample. […]

In Florida, driving is considered a privilege and to operate a motor vehicle on a highway in Florida a person must have a valid driver’s license. If a person doesn’t have a valid driver’s license they could be charged with the offense of No Valid Driver’s License, which is outlined in Florida Statute 322.03. Florida […]

Sometimes when a person is arrested for driving under the influence they also receive or are cited for additional civil traffic infractions or violations. If a person is arrested for driving under the influence with property damage since the vehicle was involved in some type of accident even if it is a single vehicle crash, […]

A common question for Florida drivers who have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) is, “If I’m convicted, how long will my license be suspended?” The short and honest answer to that question is, “It depends.” Under Florida’s DUI laws, convicted offenders are subject to tiered sentencing. This means that each case is […]

Some consumers mistakenly believe collision and comprehensive insurance are the same things. However, each provides important but different protections for a driver’s vehicle and finances. Collision Insurance Under Florida law, all owners of vehicles registered within the state are required to purchase a minimum of $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage, and $10,000 […]

Driving while license suspended can be a civil traffic infraction or it can be a criminal offense. The key difference between the two charges is knowledge. Driving while license suspended unknowingly is a civil traffic offense, the criminal charge requires knowledge that their licenses were suspended. The State can attempt to prove knowledge by your […]

Know your rights, regardless of whether you have been accused of a crime or arrested for one, you have rights and it is important that you not only know them but fully understand them. One of the most important and potentially the bedrock of our criminal justice system is the presumption of innocence. This means […]

The South Florida, Miami-Dade area is a popular tourist attraction with its balmy temperatures and beautiful backdrops. It also has a reputation as a haven for drug trafficking, given many miles of shoreline available for bringing illegal substances into Florida. In addition, DUI arrests are often commonplace, with numerous nightclubs, bars, restaurants and other outlets serving […]

The Degrees and Levels of Florida Felony Charges What’s your score? If you have been charged with a felony in the State of Florida then you may have heard that question. In Florida, every felony charge has a degree and a level. The most common three degrees are first, second and third. A third-degree felony […]

Leaving the scene of an accident is commonly referred to as a “hit and run”, it happens when a vehicle is involved in an accident and then leaves without having complied with the requirement outlined in Florida Statute 316.062. That statute lists the information that a person needs to provide when involved in a motor […]

If you are arrested for Driving Under the Influence in the State of Florida you have 10 days to make a decision regarding your driver’s license. Now there are two types of license suspensions that will affect your ability to drive during a DUI. DHSMV Administrative Suspension The first one is an administrative suspension through […]

To prove the offense of Driving Under the Influence the State has to prove two elements. First is that the defendant was driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle and second that the person was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug to the extent their normal facilities were impaired. […]

Half of all drivers admit to driving while drowsy at least once. For truck drivers who spend hours on the road every working day, that number may increase substantially. Unfortunately, drowsy driving increases accident risk and often increases the severity of accidents. Tired truck drivers put everyone on the road around them at risk for […]

We get this question a lot. As with many questions personal injury lawyers field, the answer is: It depends, primarily on the facts of your case. Typically, however, if you have been injured or damaged as a result of a bus accident, there are several parties the experienced team at Meldon Law may look to […]

Every day, countless children and adults ride buses to and from school and work, while others take buses for tours. Although most bus trips are accident-free, sometimes crashes do occur. When bus collisions happen, they’re usually much more severe than just the usual vehicle fender bender. Because buses are significantly larger and have more occupants […]

Anytime you either drive or ride in a vehicle, you put yourself at risk. Data gathered by the Association for Safe International Road Travel  indicates that vehicular accidents in the United States result in about 37,000 fatalities and 2.35 million injuries each year. While some of these accidents couldn’t have been prevented, most were the […]

Being involved in a car accident can be traumatic experience, whether it’s a fender bender or a serious multi-car accident. Many cases involve physical injuries, property damage, and even death. Moving forward after an accident can also prove confusing and difficult in the face of both physical and emotional trauma. Do you know what steps […]

The tragic New York limousine accident that resulted in 20 fatalities has brought much-needed attention to industry safety. Seventeen passengers, the driver, and two bystanders died as a result of the accident, which remains under investigation. New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo told reporters that the limo had failed a recent inspection and thus should […]

With the warm summer weather and beautiful blue skies, many people hit the beach to get some sun or to enjoy one of the many water sports available to vacationers. However, water activities can cause injury, or even turn deadly, if proper safety precautions are ignored. The improper use of jet skis in particular can […]

In the state of Florida, there’s a “no fault” accident law. Essentially, this law means that in the case of an accident, each driver is responsible for contacting their insurance companies to pay for the cost of lost wages, medical expenses, and other fees associated with the accident. Thanks to this no fault law, a […]

Have you ever wondered if someone could be pulled over or even charged for driving under the influence (DUI) without actually being drunk? For a person with ADHD there is a chance this could happen. The methods used by officers when deciding whether to pull someone over or arrest them for DUI can be inaccurate […]

Reports indicate that before a 48-year-old man was arrested, he first fled from police and then, once stopped, exited his vehicle and chugged a beer. The man was arrested and faces numerous criminal charges, including: Felony driving under the influence (DUI) Driving with a suspended license Failing to submit a breath sample Fleeing from a […]

Cruise Ship Excursion Tours Ask people who work a full-time job how much vacation time they have and many, if not most, will respond, “Not nearly enough!” As hardworking Americans, we highly value our vacation time and want to make sure that we get the most out of every single vacation that we take, whether […]

You’ve probably heard someone call a rear-end collision a “fender-bender.” This name incorrectly implies that rear-end collisions are not serious accidents and cause only minor damage to the fenders of vehicles. However, many people who have been in this type of accident know from experience that it can cause serious injuries. One tragic crash involving […]

A car accident can be scary, especially if it’s the first time you’ve had to deal with everything that comes along with it. Many of my clients have little idea what to do immediately afterward (PRO TIP: everyone reading this blog should immediately download or order our book “Seven Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida […]

Each year, the State of Florida releases statistics regarding auto accidents throughout the Sunshine State for the previous year. As 2018 comes into full swing, it can help to look back at the prevalence of auto accidents and injuries and to find ways to increase safety on the roads. The following are some statistics regarding […]

Over 400 years ago Turkish traders introduced the brightly colored Tulip flower to the Dutch and all the Germanic people wanted to get their hands on this “rare” commodity. The spark of Tulip mania or as the Dutch refer to as, “tulpenmanie,” is very similar to today’s Bitcoin rage: they’re novel, a limited supply, and […]

The spring break crowd in Ft. Lauderdale in 2017 was one of the biggest – and rowdiest – crowds the city has seen in a long time. Police received numerous calls regarding public intoxication, drugs, fighting, and other disorderly conduct and in response, the city has spent the past year enacting stricter rules for the […]

Meldon Law has helped protect both victims and the accused of Domestic Violence for over 30 years. While Domestic Violence (“DV”) is more often associated with criminal charges, those brought by the State of Florida in a criminal prosecution, it is important to remember for both victims and the accused that civil claims, those brought […]

If you are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), you will be held in jail for up to eight hours until officers believe you are no longer impaired. Often, you will leave jail with a court date for you first hearing regarding DUI charges. In other situations, however, you may leave jail […]

There was a grisly scene on Florida’s Turnpike in nearby Lauderhill at 5:00 a.m. on January 14th. Emergency crews responded to a crash report and had to remove the roof of the vehicle to free the driver trapped inside. The driver was then taken by helicopter to Broward Health Medical Center and reports indicated the […]

Every car accident is different, and some can involve many different factors and vehicles. One recent accident on Interstate 75 in Ocala demonstrates the complicated nature of chain reaction crashes. On December 9, an older driver was reportedly driving slowly in the left lane of the interstate. A pickup truck driver—not expecting such a slow […]

In early December, a semi-truck carrying packages for the U.S. Postal Service crashed into another large semi-truck near Gainesville in the wee hours of the morning. The mail truck then burst into flames, destroying all of the packages on the truck, many of them probably holiday gifts. However, the packages were only one loss resulting […]

Walking through a major city is risky and potentially dangerous—every seven minutes a traffic accident injures a pedestrian. Even if you are careful, you could still sustain severe injuries. As a victim of a pedestrian motor vehicle accident, learn your rights and whether your actions could change the amount of monetary damages awarded in your case. […]

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have spent a lot of time in the news these past few years. Millions of people suffer TBIs each year from accidents and sports. Since TBIs can lead to death and permanent disabilities, take the time to learn how to identify and prevent a TBI. What Is a TBI? A traumatic brain injury damages the […]

Every commercial truck driver knows the potential for accidents, so wise drivers are well-insured every time they take to the road. Truck accidents are unpredictable—but did you know that some events substantially increase the likelihood of a commercial truck driver getting into an accident? Drivers knowing about these events could mean the difference between an […]

Florida has some beautiful scenic highways and byways, but a car accident can disrupt an enjoyable or routine drive when you least expect it. If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, you’ll learn that the car accident recovery process is far from straightforward. Understanding the settlement process can help you move forward with […]

Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affect the functioning of your brain. The effects of a concussion can include headaches, concentration problems, and difficulties with balance and coordination, and are usually temporary. Concussions—like all TBIs—are typically caused by either a blow to the head or the violent shaking of the head. […]

An unlimited number and type of birth injuries can occur as a result of a delivery room doctor’s carelessness or negligence. One of the most common birth injuries is cerebral palsy. According to United Cerebral Palsy, an estimated 764,000 children and adults have some form of cerebral palsy, and nearly 8,000 newborns are diagnosed with […]

Single-vehicle motorcycle accidents involve only the lone driver (and passenger, if applicable) and no other vehicles. These accidents can involve reckless driving or impairment, but other factors that have nothing to do with the driver, including road defects, can also cause them. Florida ranks high for motorcycle accident fatalities, so if you ride, ride safe, […]

Single-vehicle motorcycle accidents involve only the lone driver (and passenger, if applicable) and no other vehicles. These accidents can involve reckless driving or impairment, but other factors that have nothing to do with the driver, including road defects, can also cause them. Florida ranks high for motorcycle accident fatalities, so if you ride, ride safe, […]

“Big box” retail stores have become a popular one-stop shopping destination for many Floridians. Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, and others all allow you to purchase groceries, household goods, clothing, electronics, and much more without traveling around to different stores. All of these large retail establishments have a significant amount of foot traffic coming through […]

Florida weather makes it ideal to ride a bicycle for exercise, recreation, or your main mode of transportation. Unfortunately, reports indicate that Florida bicyclists are at a particularly high risk of serious injuries, as the state had a higher rate of bicycle crash-related fatalities than any other state during a four-year period of time. Any […]

Many truck accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the commercial driver and one of the most common acts of negligence is driving too fast. It’s risky to speed in any type of vehicle, but it is particularly dangerous when you are operating an 80,000 truck full of cargo that is already difficult […]

There are millions of products on the market that consumers can purchase to complete certain tasks, engage in recreation, or otherwise make a household run smoothly. Some products – such as food – are necessary while others simply make our lives easier or more enjoyable. What you may not realize is that manufacturers can make […]

Pregnancy is supposed to be a time of joy for soon-to-be parents, and most expectant mothers and fathers anticipate their child will be born healthy and without complications. While many children are, unfortunately some children are born with avoidable birth injuries. According to reports, approximately 7 in every 1,000 children born in the United States […]

As the school year comes back into focus here in Ocala, parents will want to begin discussing pedestrian safety with their children. Ocala features pleasant weather for much, if not all, the school year. The weather makes it much more attractive for Ocala’s younger residents to walk to and from school. Pedestrian safety is very […]

Congress is attempting to enact a directive to review the technology behind Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) installed on interstate commercial trucks. Congress is attempting to prevent states from enacting laws that would set meal and rest requirements for interstate truck drivers as well. For many, these Congressional efforts signal a move away from making interstate […]

Like many cities across America, Gainesville has experienced a rapid increase in ride sharing vehicles in recent years. Uber, Lyft, and other ride sharing apps make it easy to hail a ride on demand. But what happens when your ride share vehicle is involved in a car accident? This is a new and developing area […]

It is a well-known fact that the vast majority of car accident cases settle without either party ever setting foot in a courtroom, leaving many car accident victims to wonder whether they need to hire an attorney to represent them. While it certainly is possible and permissible for accident victims to represent themselves in settlement […]

If you’ve been in a major car accident in Florida that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you probably know that it’s in your best interests to retain an experienced car accident attorney. But things aren’t always as black and white when it comes to less serious accidents. Even fender benders are upsetting, and when […]

While the majority of car accidents are caused by driver error, road defects nonetheless cause a significant number of wrecks each year and often leave victims with serious injuries that could have been avoided through proper planning or maintenance. Thankfully for victims, Florida law allows people to recover compensation for the losses they sustain as […]

Car accidents – no matter how major or seemingly minor – are upsetting events that damage your property and can result in serious injuries. Because the physical and financial repercussions can be ongoing, a car accident involving another vehicle should never be trivialized. Car crashes can result in a wide variety of injuries, including broken […]

For some people in the Ocala area, this 4th of July weekend was spent dealing with the aftermath of an injury-causing accident rather than enjoying fireworks and other traditional celebrations with family and friends. Unfortunately, each year, car accidents spike around the 4th of July because of issues like heavier-than-usual traffic and an increased number […]

Not surprisingly, many car accident victims are curious to know how much their case is worth and often ask their lawyer how much they can expect to receive the first time they meet.  This is completely understandable, as many victims are dealing with significant medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and will experience substantial pain […]

If you have ever been on a motorcycle, you can likely attest to how much fun they can be to ride. They are fast, maneuverable, and provide operators with a connection with the road that few other vehicles can. Unfortunately, these same characteristics can make them extremely dangerous, and thousands of motorcyclists are injured in […]

Ocala, Florida is a popular tourist destination. This means it also experiences heavy traffic – including large trucks such as eighteen wheelers, tractor trailers, semi trucks and other big rigs. If you have been involved in an Ocala auto accident involving a truck, contact an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible to protect […]

Like any metropolitan area with heavy traffic, Gainesville experiences serious vehicle accidents every day. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced, aggressive attorney who will protect your right to compensation. Dangers on the road are especially problematic for motorcyclists, who are both harder for other drivers […]

Because of the way they are built, large commercial trucks like semis and big rigs are more prone to certain types of accidents than smaller passenger vehicles are. For example, their relatively high centers of gravity and broad, flat sides can make them susceptible to rollover accidents, which occur when a truck tips over onto […]

For the past 50 years, Florida law has required that drivers carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP is no-fault insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses and related losses no matter who was at fault in an auto accident. The House of Representatives in Florida recently successfully passed a bill that aims to eliminate […]

There are many different ways two vehicles can collide, and while any type of crash can be life-threatening, some types of collisions present particular risks of severe injuries for motorists. One often-deadly type of car crash is the broadside collision. Sometimes known as a “T-bone,” a broadside crash happens when the front of one vehicle […]

With summer right around the corner, many people in the Ocala, Florida, area are making plans to get out of town for a week or two and relax with friends and family. If you are planning a summer road trip, it is important to keep in mind that every time you get behind the wheel […]

Drunk drivers can be on the roads in Florida in any season. However, when the school year comes to a close, drunk driving accidents can happen more frequently. The following are some reasons you should be particularly careful of drunk drivers in the coming weeks. More Time and Freedom for Young Drivers During the school […]

With April upon on and May around the corner, many young people in the area are getting ready for their annual prom. Prom is often the highlight of a person’s high social life and often represents a significant milestone in the transition to adulthood. There are many traditions that adults will remember from their high […]

Due to their immense size, tractor trailers pose a significant threat on the road; as such, the Department of Transportation (DOT) was poised to mandate that these road giants use speed limiters to physically limit their maximum speeds. The mandate’s inspiration was to increase road safety while decreasing carbon emissions. According to a report in […]

Spring will soon be upon us, and a lot of people feel the call of the open road. For many, there’s no more beautiful time to travel, but it’s important to plan your trip carefully in order to ensure that it’s as safe as it is enjoyable. The Road Trip Checklist AAA (American Automobile Association) […]

Car accidents are capable of causing serious damage to your vehicle that is extremely expensive to repair. In many cases, extensive body damage can even result in your car or truck being declared a “total loss” by the insurance company, meaning that it is not worth repairing in their estimation. While damage to your vehicle […]

These days, many people go on social media to share events in their lives both large and small. From the birth of a baby to what you made for dinner, sharing your experiences on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media sites is a normal behavior. Therefore, if you are in a serious car accident, […]

Car accident scenes can be chaotic. Even in relatively minor accidents, victims often do not know exactly what they should do. They may not be aware that certain actions – or the failure to take certain actions – can significantly affect their chances of obtaining compensation for their injuries in a subsequent legal claim. While […]

A rear-end accident is often called a “fender bender” because the damage and injuries that result are often minor compared to other types of car crashes. However, some people who are involved in rear-end accidents come away with serious injuries that can require ongoing medical care and that can hinder their work or everyday activities. […]

One of the most common injuries caused by auto collisions is referred to as “whiplash.” Whiplash can actually refer to a variety of injuries to the soft tissue of the neck, including sprains or strains of various ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Over the past decades, many people have stopped taking whiplash seriously due to the cliched […]

Any surgical procedure comes with risks of complications. In addition, recovering from surgery is often painful and can significantly limit your abilities, causing you to miss work and even preventing you from caring for yourself for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, a number of car accident victims will require surgery as part of their […]

Traumatic brain injuries, often called TBIs, are one of the most serious type of injury that you can sustain. They occur when a blow to the head causes a disruption in the way in which the normally functions. In fact, they can even occur in cases where the head simply snaps quickly back and forth on […]

Over the past few years, the popularity of smartphones has increased dramatically. While they were once used by professionals for productivity purposes, it is now not uncommon to see teenagers with smartphones that are capable of browsing the internet, texting, playing games, and sending and receiving email. As with many things in life, smartphones have had […]

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that millions of people are injured in preventable accidents each year. These accidents can take many forms, including traffic crashes, slip and falls, playground accidents, or accidents involving defective consumer products and can leave victims with injuries ranging from mild to severe. If you have sustained […]

With the 2016 holiday season nearly upon us, many people in the Gainesville area are making their holiday travel plans. Every time we get behind the wheel of a car we out ourselves at risk of involvement in an accident, and holiday road trips are no different. If you are planning on driving to visit […]

Commercial trucks come in many different shapes and sizes. Some commercial vehicles are designed to carry passengers and others a specifically to transport goods. Some products may have unique properties that require a special type of truck. For example, oversized or awkwardly-shaped materials may require a flatbed trailer. Another type of special truck commonly seen […]

While everyone wants to have a memorable Thanksgiving, you want to ensure that your holiday is memorable for the right reasons. You certainly do not want to remember Thanksgiving of 2016 as the time you got injured in an accident. Many accidents happen around Thanksgiving because others act in a negligent manner. In such cases, […]

If you are in a collision with a drunk driver, the police may place that driver under arrest at the scene of the accident. The driver will then likely face criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and, if convicted, may face suspension of their driver’s license, fines, and even possible jail time. […]

In the overwhelming majority of Florida car accidents in which the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage threshold is crossed and a lawsuit can be filed, the at-fault party simply concedes liability and comes to a settlement agreement with the victim. In some cases, however, you may find yourself dealing with an insurance company or driver […]

As the 31st of October approaches, many of us in the Ocala area are helping our children prepare for the traditional Halloween activity of trick-or-treating. While dressing up in costume and going from door-to-door collecting candy can certainly be fun, it also exposes kids (and adults) to a risk of involvement in a pedestrian accident. […]

  Traumatic brain injuries,1 often called “TBIs,” are a serious injury that can have long-term and serious consequences for people who sustain them. The most common form of mild TBI is a concussion, which itself is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention and can keep people out of work for weeks or even […]

Mark your calendars for November 5th, at The Ocala Civic Theater, as the TEDx program returns to Ocala for its second year. This year’s theme is “Cultivating Imagination”, and Manal Fakhoury, the head organizer for the Ocala program, expects it to be a wonderful reflection of last year’s program. Fakhoury has 11 speakers coming for […]

After an accident, you would think that you should know if you need to see a doctor or not. If the accident was minor and you were just shaken up, you would probably think that seeing a doctor would simply be a waste of time. For many individuals though, even those involved in minor fender-benders, […]

In Gainesville and Ocala, and all of Florida for that matter, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content or breath alcohol content of .08% or higher. So what exactly is BAC and why does it matter? What is BAC? As the name suggests, BAC generally speaking is […]

Slip and fall accidents are consistently among the most common causes of accidental injury in the United States, reportedly1 sending some 8.9 million people to emergency departments around the country each year. Fortunately for victims, when slip and fall accidents are the result of someone else’s negligence, they can often recover for their losses by […]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates1 that there were approximately 438,000 large trucks involved in police-reported crashes during 2014. A substantial number of these accidents involved commercial trucks such as semis, tanker trucks, or other specialized vehicles that are operated by trucking companies that haul goods and materials for a profit. There are […]

For all individuals, driving offers a freedom to do what you want, when you want. For seniors and teens, though, driving also means being at a substantial risk of getting into an accident. Sadly, both teenagers and individuals over 65 share considerably higher risks of getting into an accident. Teenage accidents are typically attributable to […]

Florida law1 requires drivers to drive a safe distance behind other cars based on the traffic and road conditions. Following another car too closely is commonly referred to as “tailgating” and is a common cause of auto accidents. Drivers must use their judgment to determine what distance is reasonable to keep between cars depending on […]

It may seem fairly self-explanatory: cars drive on the road and people walk on the sidewalk. However, in between those two clear cut examples lay several possibly confusing situations. Though it is fairly rare to hear about people getting in real trouble for using the sidewalk when they’re not supposed to, knowing the law beforehand […]

Getting dropped by your insurance, or in some instances not getting your policy renewed, can be a crushing feeling that leaves you angry and confused. When it happens you’re probably wondering why it happened, but most importantly, you’ll be concerned about what to do next. Although the process is by no means fun, you can […]

At some point in their lives, almost everyone is bound to be pulled over by the police at least once. Even the most law-abiding drivers may unknowingly have a tail light out or just by pure coincidence be driving the same vehicle as a reported criminal. Many individuals are unaware of what their rights are […]

Teens dream of the day and parents dread it. For teens it’s a chance to finally go places without having mom or dad awkwardly drop you off and pick you up. For parents though, it’s handing over a two ton machine that can fly down a highway at 80 miles per hour. Not quite as […]

In some car accident cases, it is extremely obvious who caused the accident. For example, if a clearly drunk driver was driving the wrong way down a one-way street and hit another car, there will likely be no question who should be held liable for the losses sustained by accident victims. However, in many cases, […]

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering whether you should speak with an attorney, especially if you have already received a settlement offer from the insurance company. There are several ways that an attorney can help you after an accident, several of which are discussed below. An Ocala Lawyer […]

To begin with, it should go without saying that if you plan on drinking, you absolutely should not be driving. Arrange a designated driver, get an Uber, or find some other way home after you’ve been drinking. If you’re just out for a beer or two, though, you may not think that you have anything […]

One of the most stressful moments while driving is when the driver in front of you slams on their brakes without warning. You instinctively slam on your brakes to avoid hitting them and when you finally come to a stop you check your rear view mirror and hope that the person behind you was paying […]

Floridians, possibly more so than people in any other state, use golf carts for a variety of things other than golfing. Walking around retirement communities and college campuses you would be hard pressed to not see a few golf carts zipping around. Combine these with the golf carts that occupy the over 1,000 golf courses […]

As the school year and football season are about to begin the need for Ubers in the Gainesville area is about to skyrocket. An unfortunate reality of this increase in Ubers is that they’re likely to be involved in accidents around town. All members of the community should be aware of Uber’s insurance policies as […]

In every city there are some intersections that are more dangerous than others. Whether heavy traffic, poor signage, confusing lanes, changes in speed, or a terrible combination of all of the above cause it, these are intersections that see more accidents than any other. Ocala has several of these intersections that for whatever reason are […]

The hours and day after a car accident can be difficult and confusing and stressful. In many cases, victims are in pain, have to deal with a wrecked car, and are concerned about how they going to pay their bills. Fortunately, in many cases, victims are able to recover compensation for their injuries by filing […]

Two weeks ago Dan Weisman from the firm had American Legion Post 16 commander Vickie Van Buren on Law Talk Live, and they discussed everything the American Legion does. Listen to the audio, from WSKY 97.3, here. The American Legion is a veterans’ services organization dedicated to our veterans and their families.  It has been […]

A 31-year-old man died April 30th [1] when he collided with the rear of a gasoline tanker at a Palm Harbor intersection, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was driving north on U.S. 19 in a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt and was approaching the intersection of Alderman Road. The driver failed to stop and […]

On May 2, 2016, a 17-year-old pupil was running across a road to get to a bus stop when he was struck by a vehicle in Lakeland, Florida. The stretch of road, along Clubhouse Road near the entrance to the Summerland Hills, a gated community, has been the site of deadly pedestrian crashes[1] in the […]

Chest injuries after a Florida car crash certainly will be serious or even life threatening and are not unusual. They could cause chest injuries to people who are involved with car accidents though seatbelt use certainly saves lives. Within an accident, the seat belt tightens in order to vigorously support the person in position. This […]

A traumatic brain injury[1] can occur when the head is hit, abruptly jerked, or penetrated by a foreign object. The harm can be in the range of moderate to serious. There will be memory loss or lengthy unconsciousness for a prolonged period of time after the injury when a severe brain injury is inflicted. 1.4 million […]

In May of 2016, United States regulators more than doubled the recall of Takata airbag inflators to include tens of millions more cars, making the order the largest automotive recall in history[1]. The inflators, meant to save people in the event of a crash, are prone to explode, expelling fragments of metal. Some 63.8m cars […]

Based on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institution, there were 2,336 deadly crashes in Florida in 2014, resulting in 2,494 deaths[1]. Despite all these injuries, many consumers do not understand what steps to take or what fundamental info to share, or not to share, after an accident. People may even put […]

Ocala, Florida Motorcycle Accidents Florida motorcycle accidents caused nearly 500 deaths in 2013, states the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration[1]. There were 478 motorcycle fatalities in 2014, as well. Types of Ocala Motorcycle Collisions With this information, Marion County motorcyclists are urged to know what types of motorcycle accidents exist, and how they are caused: […]

Alachua County Auto Accidents For the first time since 2012, traffic fatalities are on the rise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released its Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2015. The report estimates that some 35,200 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents, an increase of 7.7 percent when […]

In 2015, the state of Florida had 374,031 automobile collisions[1]  causing 243,234 injuries. With this many car wrecks, it is likely that you or someone you love will be involved in an auto crash. If you’re associated with an automobile crash, you may have injuries along with some or all of your passengers. During trying […]

More than 9 people are killed in the United States and over one thousand are injured daily by distracted drivers, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Driving while doing another activity or not keeping your eyes on the road is the definition of distracted driving[1] . Driving while distracted increases the likelihood of […]

  The newest craze to hit the mobile world is the Pokémon Go app for iPhone and Android. This new game (based off the popular franchise that hit the United States over a decade ago) is interactive version featuring live feed maps where users search for and locate Pokémon scattered throughout the world. This seeming […]

Injuries sustained from a rear-end accident can range from minor to severe, even fatal. Including the back and neck, arms, legs, hands and wrists, and the face and head, these injuries can be painful and debilitating. Rear-end car accidents account for 2.5 million of the nation’s more than 6 million which take place every year, […]

The breath test for determining blood-alcohol content is the most recognizable part of the process of being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). The breath test has become so popularized that many companies even sell portable breathalyzers for personal use. Like many other parts of the DUI process though, very few individuals are aware […]

Social media is everywhere. Do you know anyone that doesn’t have a Facebook account? If you happen to know that ONE person who is not on Facebook, then odds they are one of these: LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, Flickr, Snapchat, Twitter, Pinterest, and the list goes on. Most people believe that if they set their setting […]

#1: Interstate 95 in Florida is consistently named one of the deadliest roads year after year. Each year hundreds and hundreds of people die on this road in Florida. I-95 has one of the worst rates of deaths per mile in the country, according to the Florida State Department of Transportation. This stretch of 95 […]

The police stop vehicles for many reasons. Some officers are conducting routine traffic stops while others are looking for reasons to stop a vehicle to see if the person has been drinking or to see if the person has contraband in the car. Even if you are driving the speed limit, obeying traffic signals, and […]

Adult Supervision. A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children during their neighborhood rounds. If your children are going alone on Halloween, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. Use a flashlight when trick-or-treating at night. Flashlights not only notify […]

If you are pulled over for being suspected of boating under the influence you may be asked to perform field sobriety tests just like you were driving a car. If you do not consent to blowing into a breathalyzer you may lose your boating and driving privileges. If your blood alcohol content in .08% or […]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating whether to require a recall by at least seven major auto manufacturers whose vehicles are equipped with Takata brand airbags. Some automakers have already voluntarily recalled several million vehicles, beginning with model year 2008 and continuing through 2014. The issue seems to be a defective airbag […]

– – – – – When stopped by a Florida police officer on suspicion of driving under the influence, suspects are often asked to perform field sobriety tests. Even when a suspect is not intoxicated, these tests can be frightening and stressful. The following is an overview of what the arresting officer may be looking […]

– – – – – While travelling on Florida’s roadways, you have likely encountered a semi-truck driving alongside you. These trucks dwarf the other vehicles with their massive size and weight. Unfortunately, when accidents occur involving a large truck, the injuries and property damage that result are often magnified. This includes rollover accidents where the […]

– – – – – Imagine a scenario where you are visiting a store, and while searching for your favorite morning cereal, you step in some spilled water, slip, and fall to the ground. As a result of the slip and fall, you suffer a terrible back injury that takes many months to rehabilitate. If […]

While victims of dog bite attacks in Florida can take advantage of the state’s strict liability statute, recovery is not guaranteed. Some dog owners may try to fight victims’ attempts to obtain recovery. Victims rely on compensation after a dog bite attack as they face mounting medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. With […]

Under Florida law, landlords can be held liable for dog bite injuries that occur on their property, even if they do not own the offending dog. What happens, however, when the Gainesville dog bite attack occurs off their property? It may be surprising for landlords to learn that they could potentially still be held responsible. […]

– – – – – Facing a charge of second offense of driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida has serious consequences. One such consequence is the loss of your license. This loss could last for as much as five years following the DUI charge. Fortunately, an experienced Gainesville DUI lawyer can help defend you […]

Wearing a seat belt significantly increases the odds of surviving a Florida car crash. Not only can failing to buckle up raise the chance of death or serious injury, it also could reduce the amount of compensation that a victim is entitled to recover following an accident. When Florida courts allow for a reduction to […]

Operation Safe Driver Week. This continent-wide program sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) aim is to go after distracted drivers. This week there will be stepped-up law enforcement officers on the road looking for unsafe driving behaviors especially in regions where the most commercial motor […]

Two Ocala women suffered serious injuries last month on I-75 just south of Gainesville when their car blew a tire and overturned. Florida Highway Patrol reports that the two women were traveling north on the left lane at the point where I-75 crosses Paynes Prairie when the left rear tire blew out on their Isuzu […]

Child Passenger Safety Week: This annual event, sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is meant to raise awareness of the vulnerability of small children riding in automobiles and the necessary precautions that parents, caregivers, or relatives must take to ensure their safety. There can be little argument regarding the seriousness of child […]

– – – – – Hip replacement surgeries have become so popular that most of us probably know someone who has undergone the procedure. In fact, the New York Times claims that approximately 250,000 hip replacement surgeries are annually performed in the United States alone. As a medical malpractice lawyer, I have recently, however, seen […]

Every year in the U.S., acute knee pain generates more than 1 million emergency hospital visits and approximately 1.9 million outpatient visits. As an experienced Gainesville accident attorney I know that in a car crash, the knee is susceptible to acute injury to the bones forming the joint, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and menisci. Particularly common […]

Getting ready for the start of a new school year or Labor Day weekend vacation plans, on top of everything else going on in your life, can be stressful. Keep in mind, stress, no matter the source, can lead to distressed driving, a form of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration […]

A personal injury or death resulting from a DUI accident can be unimaginably traumatic. Often, there is nothing a court can do to ‘fix’ emotional or bodily damages caused by a drunk or drugged driver, especially in the event of a wrongful death. But, the civil justice system can help make DUI victims “whole,” awarding […]

It’s dark outside, and you’re stopped at a red light on the way home. Suddenly, you’re rear-ended by a drunk driver with a .10 BAC, who is legally intoxicated and had “brake failure.” In fact, the driver knew he was operating a truck with defective brakes. Last week, he experienced total brake failure when he […]

Even though they’re still in high school, they party, and then they drive. According to one study, 30% of high school seniors reported driving after using alcohol or other illicit drugs or riding with a driver who had-at least once in the two weeks prior. “Driving under the influence” (DUI) among teens is widespread-and it […]

Families go to great lengths to ensure an unborn baby receives proper nutrition and medical care. But did you know that car crashes are the single leading cause of traumatic fetal death and mortality in pregnant women? As an experienced Ocala and Gainesville car accident attorney, I support the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) […]

I estimate that less than 25% of today’s drivers have adequate Bodily Injury Liability Insurance . The major reason may be because it is not required in the state of Florida, but that doesn’t mean you should make yourself a victim. There are four reasons I believe everyone should have Bodily Injury Liability insurance (BI). […]

Imagine: You are having fun at a party. You’ve had a few beers, celebrating after your last exam, maybe even had a shot with friends. You are having a good time, but, now it’s time to go home. You think you feel fine enough to drive and do not want to take a cab. It’s […]

John Funderburk, 55, of Keystone Heights was killed after striking a semi-truck with his pick-up in Starke. The semi had been stopped on U.S. 301 so the driver could visit a fruit stand along the side of the road. Funderburk was wearing his seat belt when he struck the back of the 2003 semi-truck, but […]

Nationwide, pick-up truck drivers in rural areas are among those least likely to comply with safety belt laws. As an experienced car accident lawyer, also know as a personal injury attorney, I agree that pick-up drivers in North Central Florida are no exception to the national trend. Florida’s unrestrained pick-up occupants, especially children, are at […]

After taking our driver’s test, it is easy to forget the specific rules of the road. As an experienced Gainesville accident lawyer, I’ve seen many drivers who drive out of habit and fail to remember the etiquette of the road. However, it is important to remember the correct ways to enter an intersection in order […]

In light of the recent deaths from a big truck accident and a bus accident in North Florida, I would like to give some basic information on how driver’s of cars can protect themselves. Truth is, the majority of accidents that occur with big trucks or buses, Big Rigs, Semi’s, call them what you will, […]