Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Symptoms
Posted on by Rainmaker

While the numbers of drivers on the road increase—along with the number of traffic accidents—there is a nationwide emphasis on safety. Innumerable campaigns have been launched against distracted driving, trying to put an end to the temptations so many motorists give in to (mainly emanating from their cell phones) while behind the wheel. Efforts have been in place for decades to keep impaired drivers off the road, as well as drowsy drivers, inexperienced drivers, and so on. Clearly, there are many dangers on the highways today, and most of them are due to other drivers. It often seems though that much less information is available to the public regarding dealing with the aftereffects of car crashes, from how to help loved ones afterward, to understanding all the aftereffects that can linger either temporarily or even permanently.

After a car accident, you may have sustained injuries that affect your quality of life significantly, along with your ability to produce an income if you cannot work. Not only that, some car crash victims also experience complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a serious condition that may present itself after what seems like only a mild injury. CRPS is diagnosed as either Type 1, which occurs after a more minor injury, like a sprain to the wrist—that caused no initial or obvious nerve damage—or Type 2, which results after a major injury or even a surgery, where nerve damage was already apparent.

As experts from the Mayo Clinic explain, often ‘the pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury.’ CRPS usually presents itself in one limb, with varying symptoms—and the pain may also spread to other limbs after time. Typical symptoms include:

  1. Burning sensations, as well as throbbing pain in the extremities such as arms and legs and feet – at times, the patient may almost feel as if they are being shocked. One limb is usually affected, and it may become extremely painful and sensitive to touch.
  2. Changes in skin temperature, texture, and appearance. The skin may feel cold or clammy. Those affected may also be shocked to find that their skin becomes thinner and blotchy, tinged with blue or pink. Nails may also become brittle, and the rate of growth may change significantly, whether increasing or decreasing.
  3. Inflammation and swelling of the area, as well as joints.
  4. Muscle spasms – such discomfort may be severe, and in some cases hands or feet may be left in a fixed position.
  5. Restriction of movement – this may become worse over time for many CRPS who associate moving around with pain. Stiffness and tremors may make movement difficult, and the muscles may feel weakened to the point where they cannot move the arms or legs, with the possibility of atrophy.

CRPS may last months, years, or indefinitely, and is usually diagnosed through a variety of scans and different tests evaluating the nervous system.

If you have been affected by an injury caused by the negligence of others and are seeking a skilled CRPS lawyer, contact Heintz & Becker today. Our attorneys have helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you.

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

 

Car Crash Survivors May Exhibit Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Posted on by Rainmaker

The average adult American today is quite comfortable sitting behind the wheel, and usually due to necessity. Most of us are usually involved in several short trips a day or one long commute, but others must travel constantly for work, or perhaps even drive a truck full-time. The exercise of operating a motor vehicle can become extremely routine, almost like washing the dishes or doing some other ordinary task. The difference is that when you make a mistake in your kitchen, it is rare that someone is injured or becomes a fatality.

Recent data shows that Americans are driving more than ever, sitting in traffic more than ever, and experiencing more auto accidents than ever. Information from the National Safety Council shows that fatalities from car crashes were up by six percent in 2016, although cars are becoming even safer to drive thanks to so many new innovations by car manufacturers. The usual killers are to blame though: excessive speed, drivers who are distracted by cell phones and other activities, and motorists who are impaired by alcohol. And even though this information is widely available, most of us are still used to going back and forth to our usual destinations, often lulled into a false sense of security. Because of this, being involved in a car accident can be even more traumatic emotionally—not to mention physically; in fact, some motorists may be reluctant to get behind the wheel again for some time after an accident.

If you have experienced just a mild fender bender you may have been very shaken up. Imagine this on a much worse level, and it is not a stretch to understand how motorists who are in major crashes (and may sustain serious injuries too) might develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Research outlined in ‘Assessment and treatment of PTSD after a motor vehicle collision: Empirical findings and clinical observations’ states that individuals who are in car crashes are susceptible to PTSD, with one of the most common symptoms being the inability to forget about the experience, constantly rehashing the event over and over in their minds. They may also experience other symptoms such as continued obsessive thoughts, ongoing nightmares, feelings of detachment, irritability and mood swings, and more—along with a reluctance to drive.

To make matters worse, many car crash survivors with PTSD may also be coping with chronic pain from injuries sustained during the accident. Anxiety and depression may be exacerbated due to having to make life adjustments after a serious injury—while mourning the loss of others who were in the car with them. A serious auto accident can also lead to loss of income either temporarily or permanently if the individual is unable to go back to work. If you have been injured in a car crash due to the negligence of others, consult with an experienced auto accident attorney from a firm like Heintz & Becker as soon as possible.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a car or motorcycle accident due to the negligence of others who are uninsured? Call our office for a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. We handle all types of Florida personal injury cases, and our law firm has established an impressive record of verdicts and settlements. If you have been seriously injured, call us now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

Numerous Health Benefits Are Tied to Motorcycling
Posted on by Rainmaker

Motorcycles often get a bad rap when it comes to safety, although much of the danger on the roads emerges from larger vehicles such as cars and trucks. There might be some safety risks involved (as there are for anyone traveling on the roads), but if you speak to an experienced motorcycle enthusiast, chances are they will be overflowing with all the reasons why they enjoy riding. The thrill of being on the open road with the air in your face seems to be one of the most common reasons, leading to an addicting adrenaline and endorphin rush. It is often said too that the sense of freedom leads to an almost spiritual experience—and one that is shared in camaraderie with many other motorcyclists on the road.

And while getting your Zen on out in the open air is undoubtedly a huge benefit for both mind and soul, a recent news article outlined some substantial and very real health benefits that just happen to come with the territory of riding a motorcycle. You may not even be looking to get healthier while out there on the highway, but several positive aspects are just built-in perks.

Your Brain Gets a Constant Workout

As a motorist, you probably drive the same routes so much that you feel like you are almost on autopilot, traveling from home to work, taking children to school and activities, and running errands. When riding a motorcycle, however, you will probably find that a much more intense level of attentiveness is required, from making lane changes and doing double duty making sure that motorists are noticing you—to navigating through intersections safely. Riding a motorcycle requires constant focus and keeps the mind sharp. Along with that, you have the chance to soak up sunshine and good amounts of Vitamin D.

You are Exercising Even When You Don’t Realize It

The exercise factor is tremendous too and may come as a surprise if you are new to riding a motorcycle. The core gets a thorough workout every time you ride, along with the neck. Maintaining the proper posture is important and will give you a better workout too. This is especially true if there is wind to contend with. Along with the core, your thighs, knees, and legs overall get exercise each time you travel, gripping the bike, and especially when leaning in for turns.

The Commute is Much Better & Less Expensive

Less stress during your daily commute to work is one of the great benefits of riding a motorcycle too. Cutting down on road rage is always a plus for the health, with the motorcycle allowing you to get outside and work your way through traffic faster. Not only that, stress levels are reduced even further regarding finances as your gas expense—and maintenance expenses—are dramatically lower. Greater fuel efficiency while operating a smaller vehicle emitting less pollution means you are putting less stress on the environment itself too.

Always Watch Out for Other Drivers on the Road!

The goal is to balance all these great health benefits with safety on the road. All too often though, car drivers may put you in danger simply because they completely overlook your presence on the road or are distracted by other activities such as talking or texting on a cell phone.

Contact Us for Help If You Have Been in a Motorcycle Accident

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact the attorneys at Heintz & Becker. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

Tipping Hazards Result in Product Recalls
Posted on by Rainmaker

Approximately a year ago, IKEA was involved in a massive product recall as a result of millions of chests and dressers not having adequate “anchoring.” The anchoring is used to secure the furniture to a wall and deter it from toppling over. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stated that unanchored or improperly anchored chests and dressers posed a large risk to  young children. IKEA’s recalled furniture was even linked to the deaths of six children and other non-fatal injuries. Recently, South Shore Furniture and Homestar North America have collectively recalled nearly 70,000 chests due to issues with anchoring the furniture to walls. The CPSC is again reporting that these recalled chests are likely to pose a serious risk to young children, resulting in injury or death.

South Shore Furniture’s recall involves roughly 68,300 “Summer Breeze Style” 5-drawer chests sold on Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Wayfair.com for roughly $160. The CPSC attributes the recall to a serious tip-over and entrapment hazard. Like IKEA’s recall, these chests are unstable if not securely anchored to a wall. The CPSC determined that South Shore’s chests do not meet the performance requirements of the U.S. Voluntary Industry Standards. Specifically, consumers need to be on the lookout for the “royal cherry,” “blueberry,” “chocolate,” and “white” colored chests, as these are the models being recalled. These chests are by no means light and weigh in at 88 pounds. Per the CPSC, owners of these chests should immediately stop all use and relocate it to an area inaccessible to children.

On a smaller scale, Homestar North America has recalled approximately 1,470 “Stockholm three-drawer TV chests.” These chests also present the same risks as South Shore’s and do not comply with the performance requirements of the U.S. Voluntary Industry Standards.  However, Homestar’s chests were sold exclusively on Target.com.

The recalled chests manufactured by South Shore include: 3746035A, 3294035A, 3210035A, and 3219035A. For Homestar North America, recalled chests include the model numbers: 249-09-2740, 249-09-0041, 249-09-2739, or 249-09-3429; the model number is located on the back panel of each unit. Both companies are offering to remedy the recall via refunds and free, one-time in-home installations of the anchoring kits.

Fortunately, these products have no reported incidents or injuries to date. However, as we have seen with IKEA, furniture which is prone to tipping without a proper wall anchor is certainly capable of tragedy. If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of furniture tipping over, call the offices of Heintz & Becker at (941) 748-2916 or visit online.

Written by Tanner Heintz

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

‘Arbitration Clause’ Controversy
Posted on by Rainmaker

Arbitration is a common procedure to resolve disputes between “parties” to a contract.  Most contracts existing today have an “arbitration clause” contained in the fine print of the document.  They can be non-binding (voluntary) or binding (mandatory).

Recently, arbitration clauses have come under increased scrutiny.  If an average consumer chooses to fight for his right after being subjected to an unfair business practice, he/she will most likely lose to the larger corporation.  This is likely due to the big business atmosphere of big money, big power, big executives and lots of fine print.  The following sentence is an example of this problem and is contained in the American Express credit card contract:  “[You] may elect to resolve any claim by individual arbitration…”  That clause makes it very improbable for “Joe Schmoe” to fight a corporation for any wrong doing it may have done to one individual or thousands of individuals.

On May 5, 2016, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau intervened in the arbitration clause controversy when it proposed a regulation that would eliminate mandatory clauses in financial sectors.  These clauses specify that a company or a consumer may require disputes that arise between them must be resolved by chosen arbitrators, “except for cases brought in small claims court.”  These clauses generally prohibit average consumers from joining class-action or group claims through the arbitration method, thereby, forcing each individual to solely wrestle with the company that may have caused the harm or unfair practice to them; even though collectively, the group cannot jointly fight together via class-action lawsuits.

In 2014, a US District Court in California disagreed with Samsung’s contractual tactics and ruled for the plaintiff in Norcia vs. Samsung.  The Court held that the case could not move forward with its intended arbitration clause attempt; and suggested that Samsung’s ‘warranty booklet’ was sufficient in supplying customers the opting-out of the contract.  The holding was appealed and on March 3, 2017, the Ninth Circuit Court affirmed the District Court’s decision by denying Samsung’s motion “to compel arbitration of a class action complaint.”  The plaintiff in the case, Daniel Norcia, bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 phone, signed a receipt stating the agreement of the arbitration clause, but the customer, Norcia, exited the store without the cellphone box which contained the warranty booklet, containing the fine print clause.

There have been victories by companies in their quest to uphold opting-out clauses.  Case in point is the Uber Technologies, Inc. vs Suarez (May 4, 2016) case.  In a federal court, Uber and the arbitration clause ‘won’ their case based upon a double check/agreement system that gave the drivers two reasonable chances/options to ‘opt-out’ of the clause and then additionally gave the drivers 30 extra days to ‘think about it.’  The federal court determined that the arbitration clause was ‘not unconscionable.’

Arbitration is generally faster and more efficient than court room settings where legal proceedings to their credit, are totally public and transparent.  Arbitration can be very costly.  The average cost is $9,000 to start the process for an $80,000 dispute.  In addition, there are many national arbitrator groups that actually offer their services to companies, creating a ‘biased’ position at the bargaining table.  Arbitration disputes are located in private settings, and thus may be tainted and unfair. The arbitrators themselves may have been specifically chosen for their expertise to represent a company unbeknownst to the smaller individual consumer; whereas a court judge may not be familiar with the subject or the particulars of the disputed case.  An advantage of a court ruling in a dispute is the fact that it can be appealed to a higher court whereas an arbitration case can only be removed to a court after its final judgment.

Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

Written by Tanner Heintz

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Made Worse by Stress
Posted on by Rainmaker

Complex regional pain syndrome is a challenging condition that is not only unknown to many, but also misunderstood. It can persist for years, and while treatment is available, a cure is not. Usually presenting itself after an injury or a trauma, CRPS is characterized by a surprising amount of pain and discomfort in comparison to the event that caused it.

If you have been in a car accident recently, you may have received other injuries but did not realize at first that you were also experiencing CRPS. It is important to report any symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible because treatment is much more effective for CRPS if it is caught in the initial stages. Symptoms generally include pain and burning, along with:

  • Swelling
  • Stiffness of joints
  • Limited mobility in the affected area, as well as the possibility of atrophy
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Changes to skin, not only in temperature but also color and texture

Experts at the Mayo Clinic state that there are two different types of CRPS. Type one may also be referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD). This is the most common type, affecting most who suffer from CRPS, and occurring after a trauma or sickness that was not centered in the symptomatic limb or area. Type two is usually due to direct damage to the nerve.

Without medical help, CRPS can continue to escalate in severity. Treatments (which must be specific to the individual) range from anticonvulsants and steroids to different types of therapy. The condition can be exaggerated further though if you are under stress—and that is to be expected if your initial trauma was a car accident caused by the negligence of others. Normal activities may not be possible, or may be constricted, and you may be worried about how to adjust your life to CRPS.

Living in pain and discomfort can cause enormous stress alone, but you may be experiencing emotional stress and anxiety caused by a disturbance in your finances as you are unable to go back to work either temporarily or even permanently. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and you may feel like you have nowhere to turn. If your condition has been caused by an accident due to the negligence of others, consult with an experienced CRPS attorney as soon as possible to see that you receive the compensation you are owed.

The attorneys at Heintz & Becker have helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

Construction Zones are Perilous to All
Posted on by Rainmaker

Driving is probably one of the most normal things you do every day, but unfortunately it can also involve enormous peril. Defensive driving is a requirement for staying safe, and if you live in a city, there may be some days where you feel as if you are dodging an obstacle course on the road, while so many other motorists seem to be focused on doing everything but driving.

A decade ago most of us were concerned about too many drunk drivers on the road or those talking on cell phones, but that has been eclipsed by a world of communication and access offered by the smartphone. And that is not always a good thing, evidenced by disturbing statistics on accidents and fatalities caused by distracted drivers. We must also worry about motorists who are reckless, drive at excessive speeds, refuse to follow traffic rules, and are a hazard on the roads otherwise. Road conditions and weather must be considered too.

While getting from one place to another should be easy enough, that is often not the case—and changes in infrastructure can play a part too; in fact, there may be times when you feel like your entire path of travel is a construction zone, depending on what projects are happening city and statewide. The slowdowns may seem like a hassle, but often the repairs are necessary to help with traffic congestion and other issues. No matter the reason for the construction, it is imperative to practice extreme caution in these areas as roads are narrowed and there may be unexpected curves. Those warning signs, orange cones, barrels, and other devices are laid out very carefully to prevent accidents from happening to motorists and those working on the roads too.

Even if you drove through such an area the day before, the route may have changed, and reduced speed limits should still be followed. Watch for road workers slowing down traffic and gesturing for one lane to stop or start moving. Such activity may be a hindrance in your day, but their safety is the priority for all involved. These areas are responsible for hundreds of motorists’ deaths every year, according to the CDC, along with those of workers.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident due to the negligence of others, please call Heintz & Becker for a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. We handle all types of Florida personal injury cases, and our law firm has established an impressive record of verdicts and settlements. If you have been seriously injured, call us now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

 

Is My Car Crash Serious Enough to File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?
Posted on by Heintz & Becker

In no-fault states like Florida, knowing when to file a personal injury claim can be tricky. Below, the Florida car accident lawyers from Heintz & Becker shed some light on this confusing question: how serious does a car accident have to be to file a personal injury claim in Florida?  

Florida’s No-Fault System Explained

Florida’s no-fault system makes it easy for accident victims to obtain relief through mandatory coverage called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

PIP allows drivers to collect damages from their own insurance provider, but it prohibits victims from suing other drivers—even if the other driver caused the accident. In theory, this helps reduce the state’s judicial caseload and speeds along recovery.

In Florida, minimum PIP coverage is $10,000; in the event a driver doesn’t have medical insurance, this coverage will function similarly to cover lost wages and other injury-related expenses.

To step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim, there are specific criteria an injury must meet. The medical thresholds outlined in Florida’s statutes.

To file a personal injury claim, an injury must meet one of four broad categorizations:

  • Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
  • The permanent injury is within a reasonable degree of medical probability

Minor injuries such as sprains, bumps, and bruises typically won’t meet the medical threshold; however, broken bones generally qualify. To simplify, any injury that seriously impairs an important function (e.g., walking, typing, lifting) generally meets the medical threshold. Pain or discomfort, however, generally does not.

Medical thresholds can be applied differently to the same injury. For example, a person recovering from a recent surgery will likely suffer an accident differently than a healthy driver. It’s best to consider the injury on a case-by-case basis.

If you have questions about an injury, call Heintz & Becker at 941-748-2916.

Personal Injury Claim VS. Personal Injury Protection

You might wonder why any driver would file a personal injury claim if they can collect damages directly from their insurance company.

PIP covers economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, etc.), but it does not extend to noneconomic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, etc.

Victims unable to work a preferred profession or enjoy activities they once loved may benefit from additional financial compensation. This is when a victim may file an injury claim.

In the event of death, surviving family members might struggle to compensate a lifetime of lost wages. Families may also need time away from work to grieve or prepare a funeral.

These things matter to victims and their families and are why personal injury claims exist.

At Heintz & Becker, we’ve been providing compassionate, ethical, and effective legal representation for more than 30 years. If you’ve got questions about a personal injury claim, we’ve got the answers.

For more answers to frequently asked questions about personal injury in Florida, follow Heintz & Becker on Twitter, or ‘like’ us on Facebook.

Motorcycle Knowledge: Get Used to Your New Bike Before Heading Onto the Highway
Posted on by Rainmaker

Riding—and owning—a motorcycle may have been a dream of yours for years. And while there are many reasons to do so, one thing is certain: as a motorcycle enthusiast, you join an ever-expanding population of likeminded souls who enjoy a sense of brotherhood and community around the world. Benefits include affordability all around, from your purchase to gas and maintenance. For some, the opportunity to take off on road trips and enjoy fresh air and nature is a draw, while others may enjoy riding in city areas, cutting off time on the commute to work as they are able to travel through traffic quickly. Some even believe that riding a motorcycle is good for your health, offering meditative properties (with that Zen factor many of us have heard so much about) and stress relief—qualities we rarely hear associated with driving a car.

Safety is always the priority though, and this is especially important for novices. Cars and trucks are one of the greatest dangers on the road to motorcyclists. In driving a car, you are probably aware of the need for defensive driving. As a motorcyclist, you will find that your defensive driving techniques must be taken to a new level though as you work harder to be seen and heard. Congested areas, intersections and turn lanes, doors being flung open on side streets, and more all present hazards. Before you take all that on, consider the following steps to becoming one with your bike, and the road:

  • Learn how to be highway ready – if your bike is used, make sure all proper maintenance has been performed, to include inspecting the condition of the tires. Are the mirrors situated properly? What type of gas mileage can you expect? Be familiar with all the parts of the bike and how they operate.
  • Know what to wear – be prepared to buy more than just a helmet. Because you are without any other protection, you will need a jacket that can withstand the elements, as well as protective pants and sufficient footwear, usually in the form of boots. Your body is incredibly vulnerable in the event of an accident, so this is not an area where you should skimp. Dressing in layers is always recommended, and especially in colder areas.
  • Get schooled – a course in motorcycle riding instruction could save your life. Learn all the basics, and the nuances, of motorcycle riding before you head out on to the highway, and get to know your new bike in the process. You may also be able to receive a discount on your insurance, as well as other benefits.
  • Read the owner’s manual – although this could be one of the easiest exercises, it is also one of the most ignored. Chances are though, you will find this little book chock full of information that will save you a lot of time and guesswork.
  • Know the laws, and those specific to motorcycles – Refresh your memory regarding traffic laws, and get to know what is also expected of you as a motorcyclist, from requirements on protective gear to that of insurance.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact the attorneys at Heintz & Becker. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

Foot Traffic: Cell Phone Distractions Are Not Just a Problem with Drivers
Posted on by Rainmaker

Sometimes you may find it amusing to think back to the days of yore when we left home without smartphones in our pockets (or more likely today, in the palms of our hands). This meant shutting the door and leaving phones and messages behind us until we got to the office or returned home later, often eager to hear what communications had accrued during the day. It is probably not lost on you, either, that without the constant chatter via calls and text, we had more down time—even if that was just on the commute to work.

Constant access to social media and news means that we may have little time off from screens, during the day or night. You may have friends or family who simply cannot ever look away. It may be difficult to get their attention at home, during meals, or even fun events away from home or work. And while that may be a source of frustration during more insulated moments, it becomes dangerous when combined with driving, walking, or even riding a motorcycle or bike in traffic.

Clearly, far too many motorists have an issue with distracted driving, allowing smartphone activities to eclipse responsible driving. They may be engaged in texting, talking, or even surfing the net. And while many consider that to be a safe activity ‘because they were at a red light’ or ‘stopped in traffic,’ it leads to a lack of focus that can be dangerous anytime a motorist is behind the wheel.

What about everyone participating in the flow of traffic though? Today, you may notice crowds of pedestrians walking with their heads down as they check out their phones. The question is no longer whether you can walk and chew gum at the same time, but whether you can walk and type. This behavior often continues for the entire time pedestrians in busy city areas are on crosswalks. You may even notice bicyclists engaged with their phones on and off, as well as motorcyclists. Because defensive behavior is so important in high traffic areas, distracted driving, distracted walking, and distracted riding all pose the potential for catastrophic injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligence of others, please call Heintz & Becker for a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. We handle all types of Florida personal injury cases, and our law firm has established an impressive record of verdicts and settlements. If you have been seriously injured, call us now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.