PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY in car accident in Seminole ♦ Seminole Blvd at 110th Avenue

SEMINOLE — A deputy sheriff was extricated from his cruiser at the intersection of 110th Avenue and Seminole Boulevard after he was involved in a two car crash. Sunstar EMS transported both drivers to the Bayfront Medical Center with personal injuries.

The accident remains under investigation.

BICYCLE ACCIDENT on Park Boulevard in Seminole ♦ Serious Head Injuries

SEMINOLE — Law enforcement officials are investigating a traffic crash that left a bicyclist seriously injured. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the accident on Park Boulevard at 90th Street. The bicyclist was riding eastbound on the sidewalk approaching 90th Street when he collided with the car making a right turn onto Park Boulevard. The bicyclist struck the passengers door of the car and fell to the ground striking his head on the pavement

The bicyclist was transported to the trauma unit at Bayfront Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. It was unclear whether the bicyclist was wearing a helmet.

Traumatic brain injury from a slip and fall, motorcycle crash, auto accident – Clearwater, Dunedin, Indian Rocks, Largo, Madeira Beach, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, Seminole, Treasure Island

The leading cause of a traumatic brain injury are falls (28%) and motor vehicle / motorcycle crashes (20%).  A traumatic brain injury or also known as a TBI is caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a traumatic brain injury.

The severity of can range from "mild," i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to "severe," i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. A traumatic brain injury may develop or result in short or long-term problems.

CALL US AT (888) 392-LAWS (5297) for an IMMEDIATE TELEPHONE CONSULTATION. We are available 24 hours a day. Home and hospital visits available upon request.

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DAVIS ISLAND CAR CRASH – Several injured – DUI investigation – Single car accident

TAMPA – The backseat passenger is in critical condition after an early morning crash on West Davis Boulevard near Erie Avenue. Apparently the driver lost control of the vehicle, hit a curb and slammed into a concrete wall. All occupants of the vehicle are dorm students at the University of Tampa.

The injured were transported to the Tampa General Hospital trauma unit for treatment of their accident-related injuries.

Tampa Police continues their investigation as to the cause of the crash. Investigators drew a blood sample from the driver. The DUI investigation is pending the results of the blood test.

2.1 MILLION STORK CRAFT CRIBS – Recalled – Sold by BJ’s, Sears, WalMart Stores, K-Mart, Target, J C Penney, and Costco Wholesale Warehouse

NATIONWIDE – Safety hazard! The cribs’ drop-side plastic hardware can break, deform, or parts can become missing. In addition, the drop-side can be installed upside-down, which can result in broken or disengaged plastic parts. All of these problems can cause the drop-side to detach in one or more corners. When the drop-side detaches, it creates space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. The bodies of infants and toddlers can become entrapped in the space which can lead to suffocation. Complete detachment of drop-sides can lead to falls from the crib.

The cribs, which were manufactured and distributed between January 1993 and October 2009, were sold at major retailers including BJ's Wholesale Club, Sears and Wal-Mart stores and online through Target and Costco. They sold for between $100 and $400, and were made in Canada, China and Indonesia.

CPSC urges parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the recalled cribs, wait for the free repair kit, and do not attempt to fix the cribs without the kit. They should find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO READ MORE:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10046.html

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MULTI CAR CRASH on I-275 Sunshine Skyway in Manatee County early morning crash caused back up

MANATEE COUNTY – A multi car crash at about 8:05 a.m. this morning caused all northbound lanes of Interstate 275 to be blocked on the approach to the Sunshine Skyway.

According to a member of the St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue, the wreck involved four (4) vehicles with and one (1) person needed to be extricated from the vehicle wreckage. The injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment of their accident-related injuries.

TAMPA - 15 passenger van transporting student cheerleaders rolls over due to BLOW OUT on I-275 – Church van heading home to Pinellas County

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – This past weekend thirteen (13) teenagers sustained non-life threatening injuries when the van they were in flipped on Interstate 275 near Lois Avenue in Tampa.

Law enforcement officials said, the van blew a tire and crashed into the median.  Several fire rescue units and ambulance crews treated the passengers and the driver. The injured were transported to St. Joseph's and Tampa General for treatment of their accident-related injuries.

MILLION DOLLAR VERDICT - Florida Jury - $300 Million in Damages for Ex-Smoker

BROWARD COUNTY - A Broward County jury recently ordered cigarette maker Philip Morris USA to pay $300 million in damages to a 61-year-old ex-smoker who is wheelchair-bound due to emphysema.

The Broward Circuit Court jury assessed $56.6 million in past and future medical expenses against the company as well as $244 million in punitive damages.

This is the largest verdict in the so-called Engle progeny cases that have been tried.

PINELLAS PARK POLICE investigating fatal bicycle accident - Bryan Dairy - 118th Avenue - Belcher Road - Pinellas County

PINELLAS COUNTY - A fatal accident involving a bicycle and two cars has shut down parts of Belcher and 118th Avenue (Bryan Dairy).  According to the Pinellas Park Police Department, a person on a bicycle was hit by a car just before 5 a.m. on Belcher Road at 118th Avenue North.  Homicide investigatiors have been at the scene trying to determine how the accident occurred.

Law enforcement authorities did say two vehicles may have hit the bicycle although the second vehicle likely did not hit the person. Officials closed southbound Belcher Road between 116th and 118th to conclude their investigation

TOYOTA / LEXUS unintended sudden acceleration risk - NHTSA says 15 fatalities

NATIONAL - According to The Detroit News (11/20, Tierney) reports, "After a highly publicized crash in August that killed four people when the driver lost control of a Lexus sedan, Toyota has come under intense pressure to reduce the risk of unintended acceleration. The Japanese automaker and U.S. safety regulators are discussing changes to the gas pedal, as well as adjustments that would make it easier to stop a car that's accelerating, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 15 fatalities, including the four in August, are linked to hundreds of reports of unintended acceleration of Toyotas it has received since 2002." George Peterson, president of AutoPacific Inc. in Tustin, CA, said that "the issue could be costly...if the company is found to be at fault -- and if juries are convinced Toyota knew about the problem."

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PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT on Seminole Boulevard near Bay Pines VA Hospital

SEMINOLE - A Seminole man is in critical condition after being struck by a car as he attempted to cross Seminole Boulevard near 54th Avenue.

The pedestrian was crossing the street just south 54th Avenue when he was struck by a car driven by a Madeira Beach resident. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s office the pedestrian was seriously injured and taken to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.

No charges have been filed against the driver of the car.

VOLVO XC60 Recall for seatbelt failure

NATIONAL - In the "Wheels" blog at the New York Times (11/17), Cheryl Jensen wrote, "Volvo is recalling 9,667 of its 2010 XC60s, most of them in the United States and Canada because in a crash test the driver's seat belt came undone."

James Hope, "a Volvo spokesman, said there were no reports that this had happened before and it never happened in any of the about 50 side-impact tests conducted at the Volvo Safety Center in Gothenberg, Sweden."

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TOYOTA - Floor mats or electronic technology caused unintended acceleartion?

NATIONAL - Toyota is discussing additional fixes for sudden-acceleration problem.  According to The Detroit Free Press (11/18, Gardner) reports, "Federal regulators and Toyota Motor Corp. are discussing whether the automaker needs to fix gas pedals or floor pans in millions of recalled vehicles instead of blaming floor mats, which the automaker had maintained was the source of unintended acceleration cases.

The talks are the result of new evidence from safety tests and allegations in some lawsuits, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which has received more than 400 complaints about acceleration problems that include several fatalities." Toyota "continues to deny that electronic technology was a factor in any reported case of unintended acceleration."

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Maclaren knew of stroller defect for 5 years - Could face MILLION DOLLAR FINE

According to the New York Post, "Maclaren knew for at least five years that its strollers could lop off a child's finger, but did nothing about the dangerous defect until federal regulators all but forced it to, The Post has learned."

Despite recently issuing a recall, Maclaren "failed to notify the Consumer Products Safety Commission when it first became aware of even a 'potential danger,'" and could "face a fine of $1 MILLION DOLLARS or more, sources said."

Robert Moro, an engineer and former compliance officer with the CPSC, "testified in 2007 that 'this stroller contains a substantial design defect when compared to other types of designs of strollers intended to be used by children.' The way the stroller was designed and manufactured in China violated federal guidelines intended to prevent a gruesome 'scissoring effect,' Moro said."

♦ PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS ♦ Tampa Bay Area ♦ Clearwater ♦ Dunedin ♦ Largo ♦ Pinellas Park ♦ Seminole ♦ Gulf Blvd ♦ Gulf Beaches

TAMPA BAY - According to a recent study, the Tampa Bay Area is number two in the country for the number of pedestrian accidents. The Greater Orlando area is number one in the country for pedestrian accidents. REASON? Due to our climate we have a high number of people that walk a night. In addition, we have many visitors, guests and tourists who walk while on holiday or vacation; and are struck by a vehicle.

The Bay Area has had 192 fatal pedestrian accidents in 2007 & 2008 and 29 fatalities in 2009.

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RECALL ♦ Maclaren ♦ CPSC ♦ Target Stores ♦ Babies R Us ♦ CHILD HAZARD for finger amputation

A million Maclaren strollers sold by Target and Babies "R" Us have been recalled, after 12 reports of children having their fingertips amputated by a hinge mechanism.

The amputation risk occurs when a child's finger is placed in the hinge mechanism of a stroller while it is being unfolded.

When the opened stroller locks into place, it can cut off the tip of the child's finger. Maclaren has offered free hinge covers in an attempt to prevent future incidents. According to the CPSC, the covers should not be removed unless the stroller is being cleaned.

The CPSC spokesperson said, “Our message to parents, grandparents and all caregivers is to make sure that you stop using these strollers until you get the repair kit, which zips the covers in place."

For more information click on the link to the CPSC - www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10033.html

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TWO MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS in Pinellas County claim three (3) lives near Dunedin / Palm Harbor and Clearwater

PINELLAS COUNTY - According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, a motorcycle collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of Curlew and Fisher Roads near Dunedin. The biker was not wearing a helmet and ejected off the bike. He was transported by EMS to Mease Countryside Hospital and was pronounced dead around 7:30 a.m.

The day before this crash, the driver of his motorcycle failed to negotiate the curve on Montclair Road and was ejected from the bike. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the bike was transported by EMS to Mease Dunedin Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The investigation of this accident continues as law enforcement suspect that both speed and alcohol may have contributed to this crash.

GOLF CART CRASH crossing road or highway from sidewalk – SERIOUS INJURIES – Liability insurance

According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, golf cart-related injuries are on the rise. Today, more golf carts are being used on and off the greens. If you are using your golf cart off the greens, you should consider purchasing a special golf cart insurance policy.

Golf carts are NOT covered under a person's auto policy. A homeowner's policy may provide limited liability and physical damage coverage for golf carts while used ON the insured person's property or ON THE GOLF COURSE. NOTE: Consumers likely would NOT be covered for an accident that occurs off the golf course.

Why is this important? In the event of an accident, lack of insurance coverage could mean that the operator of the golf cart would be legally liable for any and all property damage and personal injuries as a result of their negligence.

Golf carts may be inexpensive alternative way to get around in local communities, but the money saved is nothing compared to the money you may lose if the golf cart is uninsured.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart crash, call the TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law for a FREE telephone case evaluation. We are available 24 hours a day.

Call us NOW at (888) 392-LAWS (5297).

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Big Bend Road ♦ Lincoln Road is finally getting a traffic signal near Big Bend Road and U.S. Hwy 301

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY - This is a dangerous intersection in Hillsborough County near Summerfield Crossings. High traffic counts from shoppers at the Publix Super Market and other well established retail stores and eight restaurants make this area for one of the worst intersections for accidents in the county.

Three years ago, when more plazas began to go up on the southwest side of Big Bend Road less than 1/4 of a mile from the existing intersection, residents began to see traffic accumulate in the medians of Big Bend, especially the one at Lincoln Road.

Statistics for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, reports are that in 2006 11 accidents occurred at Lincoln Road and Big Bend Road, 26 accidents occurred in 2007 and 21 accidents occurred in 2008. Some of the accidents involved fatalities.

According to the county’s traffic planning department, the signal light is in the design phase now, but may not be installed this year because of recent drastic budget reductions.

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SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT in Ruskin sends 10 children to local hospitals

RUSKIN — A school bus carrying 39 children crashed into a truck Wednesday morning on the way to school. The crash was investigated by the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office. The bus driver and ten (10) students were taken to local hospitals for treatment of minor injuries.

The bus driver was given a citation for failure to yeild the right of way.

The Gardens ♦ Colony Cove ♦ Terra Siesta ♦ Ellenton ♦ Manatee County ♦ GOLF CART ACCIDENT ♦ US Hwy 301

MANATEE - Golf carts are illegal on state roads, with a few exceptions: The golf cart crossing at U.S. 301 and Colony Club North/Coquina Drive in Manatee County is legal.

Recently, the president of the Homeowners Association of Colony Cove said the residents have stopped driving their carts on the U.S. 301 sidewalks. Residents are hoping to change the law so they can legally drive their golf carts on the 8-foot-wide sidewalks that line both sides of U.S. 301. Residents have approached legislators, the Florida Department of Transportation, and have asked Manatee County commissioners for their support.

“Something needs to be done,” “The law should be changed.” One HOA president said, “Some of our residents are no longer able to use their cars so it’s much safer for them to be on the sidewalk in a golf cart.” Traffic light or no traffic light, crossing US 301 to go to shopping at Publix could spell disaster; especially when the highway (US 301) is widened to four lanes. If residents are no longer able to drive their cars, what says they are able to safely drive a golf cart?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident, call the TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law for a FREE telephone consultation. Our injury law team is available 24 hours a day.

CALL NOW – (888) 392-LAWS (5297) for an immediate confidential consultation.

NO FEE or NO COST if NO RECOVERY.

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GOLF CART ACCIDENT at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground injures child

LAKE BUENA VISTA - On Saturday night, a golf cart flipped and seriously injured a child at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground. The child was a passenger in a golf cart being driven by her father who swerved to avoid another golf cart coming toward them with out lights.

The child was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando and is listed in guarded but stable condition.

The Fort Wilderness is a campground near Disney's Magic Kingdom.

I-75 • I-4 • I-10 • TRUCK ACCIDENTS • Florida State Trucking Laws •

NATIONAL - There are approximately 5,000 deaths, 100,000 injuries, and 500,000 trucking accidents every year. Trucking accidents are more likely to cause serious injury because trucks are bigger. A commercial tractor-trailer can weigh over 80,000 pounds, while an average passenger car weighs around 3,000 pounds. Thus, tractor trailer accidents often result in serious or fatal injuries for the occupants of the car.

You should know that you are NOT negotiating on level ground when dealing with a trucking company after a trucking accident. Most trucking companies are highly skilled at auto truck accident investigation and claims practice. These insurance company adjusters and investigators represent the trucking company.

Do not give them any type of statements (recorded or oral) or sign any type of release for medical records or employment records. Often the medical release allows the investigator or claims adjuster to talk to your doctors without you or anyone being present. Never accept a check from the adjuster to “cover your out of pocket expenses.”

Most trucking companies have accident investigators and adjusters that are on-call 24 hours a day and are dispatched to the scene of the crash. Many times the investigator and adjuster arrive on the scene while the police are still conducting their investigation. While the families of the accident victims are tending to emergency medical care or are making funeral arrangements, the trucking company is investigating the truck accident and setting up a legal defense.

This is just one reason why the victims of auto truck crashes should have a team of investigators and a qualified truck accident attorney fighting for their rights. The Florida Department of Public Safety has adopted Title 49, Parts 382-384 and 390-399 of the federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Title 49, Parts 350-399) govern all vehicles engaged in interstate traffic.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, call the TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law at (888) 392-LAWS (5297) for an immediate telephone consultation.

Our injury law team is available 24 hours a day. There is NO CHARGE for the telephone consultation and is 100% confidential.

NO FEE or NO COST if NO RECOVERY.

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INSURANCE CLAIMS PROCESS ♦ Car / Truck Accident ♦ FLORIDA ♦ Personal Injury ♦ TOTAL LOSS

After a serious collision, the insurance company's claims adjuster begins to protect the driver and their interests immediately. An investigator will begin to collect evidence in order to defend or minimize the claim.

The investigator or adjuster will try to take a recorded statement from you. Do not give the adjuster a recorded statement while you are in duress or until you have discussed your claim with a qualified accident injury attorney. The insurance company may also attempt to steer you away from legal counsel, because they know that if you have an attorney, you are statistically likely to receive a greater settlement then if the “control” you.

The insurance company representative takes also takes immediate measures to actively insure that the company is protected against your claim. They are experts, it is their job, and they are not your friends! What have you done to protect yourself and your family as the result of permanent disability, a fatal collision, or other tragedy?

WE ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY! Home and hospital visits available upon request.

Call the TRIPP LAW FIRM ♦ Personal Injury Law for a FREE immediate telephone consultation. 1 888 392 LAWS (5297).

Our licensed investigators are experienced and will gather the necessary evidence to protect you and your family.

NO FEE or NO COSTS if NO RECOVERY

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