Miami Personal Injury Lawyer, Auto Accident Lawyers, Serious Injury Attorneys

Sexual abuse of children is a societal problem that deeply affects everyone involved, especially the victim.  When allegations are ultimately made, they tend to lead to an outpouring of emotions that can be difficult to control, particularly for the minor victim’s family.  This reality was reinforced today after a bond hearing that was being held for a Lake Worth man accused of raping a minor at least 50 times over the past several years.

According to witnesses and other statements, the accused defendant, Rafael Remize Allen repeatedly raped the daughter of his girlfriend, and this conduct allegedly began when the girl was 11 years old.  Since then, the girl has given birth to a child that was proven by DNA testing to be the defendant’s.  The defendant has been charged with sexual assault on a victim 16 to 17, sexual assault on a victim under 12, and child cruelty.  A brawl nearly broke out more than once both inside and outside the courthouse where the bond hearing for the defendant was held today.

Florida Sexual Abuse Statistics

We would first like to send our hopes to the young lady who had to endure years of sexual abuse according to these allegations.  It seems that she only came forward with her story after her child was born, and this situation only highlights the fact that statistics regarding Florida sexual abuse are likely under-reported.  However, these statistics do show that more than 6,000 acts of forcible rape occur every year in Florida, and the victim in this case stated that as she became older, she tried to resist her attacker but was unable to do so.

Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Clearly, the defendant in this case faces serious criminal charges.  However, this is not the only form of justice that could be pursued.  It’s possible for the victim and her family to file a Florida personal injury lawsuit against the alleged perpetrator, and if such a case was successful it could bring damages that compensate her for her extreme emotional distress and pain and suffering.

If your child has suffered because of this type of deplorable conduct, seek the help of Florida sexual abuse lawyers who have been holding those responsible for this conduct accountable for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to at 800-429-4529 schedule a free initial consultation.

One of the more overlooked aspects of car accidents is the costs that are incurred as a result of every collision.  Those who have been harmed are often beset by property damage, medical costs, lost income and other forms of loss that are difficult to recapture unless someone seeks the help of an experienced car accident lawyer.  Recently, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study that breaks down the costs of car accidents in the country, and the results are startling.

Overall, the CDC found that if only the cost of injuries are accounted for, the total cost to the American economy is $99 billion.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration added to this amount by including higher insurance premiums, delays and taxes to come to a stunning figure of more than $230 billion per year.  This amount comes to a total of about $500 per year for every licensed driver in the United States.

A Comparative Analysis of the Costs of Car Accidents

While the amounts reported are clearly startling, they are also put into context when compared to the costs associated with other societal problems.  For instance, by the year 2030, car accident deaths are expected to be the fifth-leading cause of deaths around the world, and would lead to more fatalities than diabetes, HIV/AIDS and heart disease.  The study also concludes that more states need to more strongly enforce laws dealing with seat belts and other safety devices.

Florida Car Accident Lawyers

Fortunately for those who have been injured and suffered losses as a result of a Florida car accident, there is an option for them to obtain justice and to recapture those losses.  This option involves the filing of a Florida personal injury lawsuit, and if such a lawsuit is successful against a negligent driver, he or she could recover damages that compensate for medical costs, lost income, property damage and pain and suffering.

However, the decision regarding whether or not to pursue such an action should only be made with the help of experienced Florida car accident lawyers who have years of experience in holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they have caused.  If this has happened to you or someone you love, contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today at 800-439-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.

We posted earlier this year in regards to a fatal Boca Raton car accident that occurred in May that was truly gruesome and horrifying.  A woman lost control of her vehicle and landed on top of another vehicle, crushing both of its occupants and killing them.  Now comes word that the driver in what is now being classified as a fatal Boca Raton DUI accident has been charged with a string of felonies after police investigated the situation.

The Boca Raton car accident at issue occurred on May 21 of this year when the now-defendant, Angela Stracar, lost control of her SUV and and wound up airborne at the entrance to the entrance of the Boca Isles South residential area at Cain Boulevard and Point Royal Drive west of Boca Raton.  She crashed through the entrance sign on her way into the air and landed on a vehicle occupied by Odette Kane, 51, and Robert Kane, 79.  Both were crushed by the impact and killed at the scene.  Stracar now faces two counts of DUI manslaughter and two counts of vehicular homicide.  According to investigators, the defendant had anti-anxiety drugs, alcohol and THC in her system.  THC is the active ingredient in marijuana.

To learn more about drunk driving accidents in Florida visit this page. http://www.floridadrunkdrivervictimslawyer.com

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First, we hope that this prosecution will allow the family of those killed to eventually find some level of peace with this terrible loss.  In addition, this incident will wind up on the overall statistical report for Florida car accidents.  Every year, approximately 200,000 people are injured and 3,000 more are killed in Florida car accidents, and about one-third of all fatalities result from accidents where intoxicants are listed as a factor.

Florida Wrongful Death Lawyers

No word has been given as to whether the family of those killed has looked into the possibility of filing a Florida wrongful death lawsuit against the driver, which is their right if they so choose.  If they filed a successful case, they could be awarded damages that include compensation for medical, funeral and burial costs as well as lost income and loss of companionship.

If this has happened to someone you love, seek the help of Florida wrongful death lawyers who have been holding negligent drivers accountable for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today at 800-429-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.

When drivers get behind the wheel of a vehicle, they owe a legal duty of care to those around them, including any other motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and passengers they’re transporting.  This duty basically requires people to not put others in situations of unreasonable danger.  Tragically, a passenger lost his life early this morning when the driver in the vehicle he was riding lost control and crashed in a fatal Davie, Florida car accident.

According to police, the accident occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. on the westbound I-595 at the exit off-ramp with State Road 7.  The driver, Roee Chai Ben-Amor, 18, lost control of his Kia on the exit ramp and struck a sign pole.  The car then erupted in flames.  The passenger in the vehicle, whose name has not been released, was killed at the scene, and the driver was transported to a nearby hospital and is listed in serious condition.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of the passenger who was killed, and we hope that the driver is able to recover from his injuries.  Unfortunately, this fatal Davie car accident will only add to the overall statistics regarding Florida car accidents that occur on an annual basis.  Every year, approximately 200,000 people are injured and more than 3,000 people are killed in these types of incidents.

Florida Car Accident Lawyers

More facts would need to be uncovered in this situation before a definitive assignment of fault can take place.  However, if it turns out that the driver was negligent, the family of the passenger who was killed could potentially file a Florida wrongful death lawsuit against the driver.  If the case was successful, the family could be awarded damages designed to compensate them for financial losses and other intangible forms of loss.

However, this type of decision should only be made with the help of a Florida wrongful death lawyer who has been holding negligent drivers accountable for these types of tragic losses for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today at 800-429-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.

When people get out of their vehicles to deal with a problem on or along a road, there is danger that’s encountered.  People may not realize that a vehicle is stopped or they may simply not be paying attention to what’s in front of them.  Regardless of the reason that’s ultimately discovered for the crash, a local minister was seriously injured in a Miami Gardens hit-and-run accident on Saturday night, and police are looking for the driver.

The accident occurred just after 11 p.m. on Saturday at Northwest 27th Avenue and 191st Street in Miami Gardens.  Rev. Luis Gordon, who serves at the New Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Liberty City, was with his wife and they were towing a vehicle behind their own that was attached by the chain.  For some reason, the chain broke, and Reverend Gordon got out to make the necessary repairs.  Suddenly, a vehicle came up from behind and collided with the rear vehicle, sandwiching the victim between his own vehicle and the one he was towing.  The vehicle fled the scene, and the victim was taken to a hospital.  He is expected to recover.

Florida Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to express our relief that this Miami Gardens hit-and-run accident was not worse, and we hope that the Reverend Gordon is able to recover from his injuries quickly.  We also hope that the driver is ultimately identified and apprehended.  This incident will only add to the already troubling statistics regarding Florida hit-and-run accidents.  Every year, approximately 3,300 accidents of this type take place, and the majority of drivers who flee the scene of an accident are ultimately found.

Miami Car Accident Lawyers

If or when the driver is apprehended, he or she will face significant criminal charges.  In addition, the driver could face significant civil liability.  If the victim were to bring a Florida personal injury lawsuit against the driver, he could recover damages that compensate him for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering and other forms of compensation depending on the specifics of the situation.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Florida hit-and-run accident, seek the help of Miami car accident lawyers who have been holding these drivers accountable for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today at 800-429-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.

It usually takes some time for a state to compile traffic statistics, and the Florida car accident statistics for 2009 are now available.  The comparison of Florida car accidents between 2009 and 2008 appears to reveal a mostly positive trend in regards to a downturn of several types of crashes, but one set of statistics stood out – Florida drug-related car accidents and injuries are on the rise.

There could be any number of reasons for this rise in Florida drug-related car accidents, but it appears to be moving in the opposite direction in terms of a trend when compared to Florida alcohol-related car accidents, which fell by almost 10 percent from 2008 to 2009.  Of course, Florida drunk driving public safety campaigns continued to saturate the airwaves during the past year, while Florida drug-related crashes got little notice.

2009 Florida Drug-Related Car Accident Statistics

Specifically, the number of Florida drug-related car accidents rose in 2009 to 1,283 after the state recorded 1,161 in 2008.  In terms of the number of injuries these car accidents caused, that number rose by almost 20 percent, to 977 in 2009, which was up from 819 in 2008.  However, the number of fatalities from these crashes fell to 113 in 2009, which was down from 136 in 2008, a drop of almost 17 percent.

Florida Car Accident Lawyers

What does this mean?  Initially, those who have been harmed by a driver who has ingested any sort of intoxicant should understand that many times, the mere fact that the other driver was under the influence of a substance would equate to negligence, with the negligence being displayed merely by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.  There is no difference in this analysis between someone who drinks and drives and someone who consumes some other controlled substance or even prescription medication and then gets behind the wheel and causes an accident.

What this should also tell anyone who drives in Florida is that risks are encountered every time such a step is taken.  If you or someone you love has been harmed by a driver who was under the influence of an intoxicant, you need to seek the help of Florida car accident lawyers who have been holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today at 800-429-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Two months ago, a police officer was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call after she lost control of her vehicle and was killed.  At the time, it was believed to have been a single-vehicle Florida car accident, but now comes word that there was another driver involved, and he has been arrested in connection with the incident.  According to police, Nicolas Briand, 23, was arrested for making an improper turn and with leaving the scene of the accident.  His arrest was made based on statements of witnesses who saw the fatal Florida car accident.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Melissa Powers was killed in the crash on June 22 when she was speeding at over 100 mph in response to a call in the left-hand, northbound lane of U.S. 1.  Mr. Briand had just turned onto U.S. 1 from Michelle Drive in Monroe County and moved into the same left lane.  He saw the officer coming up behind him with the sirens on, and began to move to the right and turned on his signal to do so.  However, he decided at the last minute to stay in the left lane because the officer had already begun to pass him on the right.  Officer Powers lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a parked tractor-trailer at mile marker 101.8.  She did not survive the crash, and Mr. Briand did not stop.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

We’d initially like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family of Officer Powers.  Working in such a capacity brings danger every day, but this sort of sudden loss is truly tragic.  In addition, this Florida car accident will only add to the overall statistics in this regard.  Every year, approximately 200,000 people are injured and another 3,000 people are killed in Florida car accidents.

Florida Car Accident Lawyers

Given that Officer Powers was killed in the line of duty, it could present different options for her surviving family.  Her family could file a Florida wrongful death lawsuit against the other driver for his part in the crash, and there are also likely public benefits available to them.  However, the decision regarding whether or not to file a lawsuit should only be made with the help of Florida wrongful death lawyers who have been successfully fighting for the rights of suffering families for many years.  If this has happened to someone you love, contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Motorcyclists face a challenging task when they venture out into traffic.  Not only must they avoid accidents like everyone else, but they must also deal with the harsh reality that when a Florida motorcycle accident does occur, those on the motorcycle generally face a greater amount of harm given their exposure.  They also have a duty to keep their passengers safe.  Tragically, a passenger on a motorcycle was killed Wednesday night when the driver of the motorcycle collided with the back of another vehicle.

According to police, the latest fatal Florida motorcycle accident occurred on Wednesday night at approximately 11:45 p.m. when Mustafa Filiz, 39, of Miami was headed in a northbound direction on Interstate 95 near Hallandale Beach Boulevard.  Cheryl Aletta Adams, 38, of Hollywood was his passenger.  For some reason, the motorcycle crashed into the rear of a maintenance vehicle.  Both people on the bike were thrown from it, and Ms. Adams was killed at the scene.  Neither person was wearing a helmet.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Adams.  Losing a life in such a sudden and violent manner will be a difficult situation for those close to her to overcome.  Secondly, this fatal Florida motorcycle accident will only add to the overall statistics regarding these occurrences.  Every year, more than 9,o00 Florida motorcycle accidents occur, leading to more than 8,000 injuries and more than 500 fatalities.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

As stated above, drivers of any vehicle owe a duty of care to their passengers.  While it’s not yet known what led to this collision, it’s possible that the driver could be liable for damages in a Florida wrongful death lawsuit if one is filed by the family of the woman who was killed.  If such a claim was successful, they could be awarded damages that compensate them for medical, funeral and burial expenses as well as lost income and loss of companionship.

If you have lost someone you love has a result of a Florida motorcycle accident, you need the help of Florida wrongful death lawyers who have been holding those responsible for these tragic losses accountable for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Driving a motorcycle on the highway can be a dangerous proposition, as those who choose this form of transportation are extremely vulnerable to harm as a result of even the slightest mistake or collision.  Tragically, a man paid the ultimate price for some sort of mistake early this morning in a fatal South Florida motorcycle accident.  It appears that the death was a result of a collision from behind.

According to police, the latest fatal Florida motorcycle accident occurred just after midnight on Interstate 95 in the southbound lanes just north of Stirling Road.  53-year-old , Edward A. Glines, of Hallandale was riding his motorcycle on the highway when he was struck from behind by another vehicle.  He was sent flying off of his motorcycle and killed at the scene.  Police identified the driver in the incident as Tracy Beth Lawrence Bloomquist, 38, of Coral Springs.  She was not injured in the accident.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Glines.  These types of tragedies are difficult for the surviving loved ones to overcome when they encounter them so suddenly.  In addition, this fatal Florida motorcycle accident will only add to the statistics regarding Florida motorcycle accidents overall.  Every year, more than 9,000 such accidents take place, leading to more than 8,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths.

Miami Wrongful Death Lawyers

Police have stated that they are investigating the cause of the crash, but generally speaking, hitting someone from behind indicates that the driver in the rear could be at fault absent some intervening cause.  If that’s the case and the family of the man killed filed a Florida wrongful death lawsuit, it could lead to an award of damages designed to compensate the family for funeral, medical and burial costs as well as lost income and loss of companionship if the case is successful.

However, these determinations need to be made with the help of Miami motorcycle accident lawyers who have been obtaining justice for grieving families for many years.  If this has happened to someone you love, contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today at 800-429-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Florida car accidents that lead to serious injuries are always difficult to handle for those who have been harmed and for those who are close to the person or people who have been injured.  This is particularly true if the accident winds up as a hit-and-run, as it adds the steps of identifying and apprehending the driver to the situation before justice can be obtained.  Unfortunately, another Miami hit-and-run accident has occurred, and this one has left a woman seriously injured.

The latest Miami hit-and-run accident took place at approximately 3 a.m. near the intersection of 16th Street and Collins Avenue.  The woman was run down by a vehicle that fled the scene immediately thereafter, and the woman suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center.  Police stated that they believe that the woman will survive her injuries, and the search for the driver involved has begun.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to express our hope that the woman who was injured in the latest Miami hit-and-run accident is able to recover from her injuries quickly.  Secondly, this incident will only add to different bodies of statistics regarding Florida car accidents.  Every year, approximately 200,000 people are injured and another 3,000 are killed in Florida car accidents, and estimates indicate that as many as 3,300 Florida hit-and-run crashes take place on an annual basis.

Miami Personal Injury Lawyers

Generally, drivers involved in Miami hit-and-run accidents are ultimately identified and apprehended, and if or when this happens with this case the driver will face significant criminal liability.  However, this would not prevent the woman who was injured from filing a Florida personal injury lawsuit as well, and if such a claim was successful she could stand to collect damages for medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering.

Therefore, those who have been injured in a Miami hit-and-run accident should not wait to seek legal help.  If this includes you or someone you love, seek the counsel of Miami personal injury lawyers who have been holding hit-and-run drivers accountable for the harm they have caused for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today at 800-429-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.