Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Percentage of Accidents Are Caused by Drunk Driving?
In some areas, alcohol is a factor in over 80 percent of fatal traffic accidents. Fewer drunk driving crashes was supposed to be a “silver lining” of the dark coronavirus lockdown cloud. But the coronavirus pandemic, and its associated mental health effect, has dramatically, and seemingly permanently, increased the number of fatal drunk driving… Read More »
What Are Distractions to Drivers?
Distractions to drivers include manual distraction (taking a hand off the wheel), visual distraction (eyes off the road), and cognitive distraction (mind off driving). Most people multitask their way through their days at work, home, and/or school. This multitasking is sometimes annoying, but usually safe and efficient. Therefore, many people assume that multitasking behind… Read More »
My Injured Child Wasn’t Wearing a Bicycle Helmet. What Happens in Court?
Most states have a mandatory bicycle helmet law. Florida’s version of this law requires all cyclists under 16 (bikers and passengers alike) to wear helmets. Usually, criminal laws, such as the DUI law, establish the standard of care in civil court. But that’s not always the case. The bicycle helmet law is a good… Read More »
What Causes Truck Accidents?
The number of truck accidents has increased significantly in recent years. These vehicles are bigger than ever, and many truck drivers are more inexperienced than ever. The maximum allowable weight for a large truck recently increased to 80,000 pounds. Furthermore, regulators routinely issue waivers that allow bigger vehicles on streets and highways. Additionally, due… Read More »
Should I Worry About Fatigued Truck Drivers?
Since the coronavirus pandemic ended, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has repeatedly diluted HOS (hours of service) requirements, such as the definition of rest. Previously, according to the FMCSA, resting usually meant sleeping or at least napping. Now, in most situations, the r-word means “not driving.” These activities include pumping gas, loading and… Read More »
The Five Kinds of PTSD
Many people are surprised to learn that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is one of the most common car crash injuries. Normally, trauma causes head injuries. But PTSD is different. A stress-induced chemical change causes this brain injury. Stress causes the amygdala to swell and the hippocampus to shrink. As a result, the brain’s emotional… Read More »
What is the Leading Cause of Truck Accidents?
Driver impairment, in one form or another, is the leading cause of truck accidents. Usually, impaired drivers know they shouldn’t get behind the wheel. But truck drivers are under such enormous financial and other pressure to complete their runs on time that they often disregard the safety of others, hope for the best, and… Read More »
PIP Time Limitations You Should Know About
In Florida, all drivers are required to purchase $10,000 worth of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance, which covers a portion of a policyholder’s medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an accident. Because Florida is a no-fault state, drivers who are involved in accidents must initially file claims with these PIP… Read More »
Motorcycle Accident Injury Patterns
Riding motorcycles is inherently risky, even for the most conscientious and careful of motorcyclists. For instance, motorcyclists are six times more likely to be involved in a crash than other motorists. Furthermore, these collisions almost always result in some sort of injury for the rider, especially to the musculoskeletal system. The types and severity… Read More »
Obtaining Reimbursement For Vehicle Repair Costs After An Accident
Even car accident victims who are fortunate enough to escape suffering serious injuries will most likely sustain some sort of damage to their vehicles. Unfortunately, many car accident victims are forced to contend with both injuries and vehicle repair costs. Recovery of these costs requires a careful evaluation of the damage to the vehicle,… Read More »