Recent Blog Posts
Florida Tort “Reform”: Key Changes That Impact Injured Plaintiffs
Florida’s sweeping tort reform legislation (HB 837) has made a number of important changes that will impact those who are injured in terms of how long they have to bring a claim against a defendant (known as the statute of limitations). HB837 further changes the comparative negligence standard and the ability for injured plaintiffs… Read More »
OSHA Penalizes Florida Company Responsible for Wrongful Deaths of Workers
It was a day many in Florida will never forget: A $153-million bridge expansion project on I-95 in Fort Lauderdale that went terribly wrong last December, and set off a chain reaction. Suddenly the project’s crane sank forward, sending carpenters tumbling onto the pavement below. Sadly, as a result of negligence exhibited by this… Read More »
Wrongful Death in Florida Amusement Parks
The link between Florida amusement park rides and wrongful death – especially for the young people who ride them – has come to light this summer, as summer season is the time when so many individuals and families choose to visit these parks. One six-year-old boy is currently home recovering from serious injuries –… Read More »
A New Type of Bicycle Accident That’s Injuring & Killing Teens
There is no question that there has been a scourge of e-bike accidents around the country, including here in Florida. In fact, in Miami-Dade County alone, more than 750 e-bike crashes were recorded in 2020. As a result, some cities are now declaring a state of emergency when it comes to this technology, as… Read More »
The Dangers of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Cars & Auto Accidents on the Road
There is no question that some feel apprehensive with the overall safety risk posed by “self-driving” cars. . Unfortunately for others, fully self-driving vehicles are nothing short of a deadly experiment with our lives, including here in Florida. According to recent estimates, Tesla’s autopilot has been involved with more than 700 crashes since 2019,… Read More »
What Is Microsleep & the Link to Truck Accidents?
The alarming surge in traffic accidents involving large trucks here in Florida – and everywhere else – has raised red flags, and microsleep behaviors have stood out as the primary catalyst. (Please define Mircosleep. I have never heard of the term and I think it would benefit the reader if it is defined earlier… Read More »
Florida Supreme Court Makes Decision with Implications for Medical Malpractice Cases
In July, the Florida Supreme Court made a decision that will inevitably make medical malpractice cases more difficult for plaintiffs by allowing defendant hospitals and practitioners to more easily challenge expert witness qualifications. Previously, defendants had to wait until the end of trial to challenge the plaintiff’s expert qualifications, however, they can now do… Read More »
Should Florida Make Lane-Splitting Legal?
Lane-splitting is where a motorcyclist rides between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic on a highway or other multi-lane roadway. While it is legal in some states, for the majority of states, including Florida, it is not legal. What is Lane-Splitting? Lane-splitting is when a motorcycle rider travels between two lanes of stopped or… Read More »
Florida Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience that many Floridians enjoy. However, motorcycle riders are at a significantly higher risk of sustaining severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident, especially with Florida’s lax helmet laws. Who Must Wear Helmets in Florida? Since July 1, 2000, Florida has had a partial helmet… Read More »
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
You may have many questions if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident. Who can be held liable? How long do you have to file a claim? The Florida personal injury attorneys at Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Florida Injury Lawyers have answers to some of the most common questions about motorcycle accidents. Who… Read More »