We live in a world where cell phones dictate the lives of most — fingers are fastidiously sending one text message after the other, scrolling through social media, and Googling every piece of information imaginable.

Sure, these things happen a lot while people are doing mundane activities such as laying in bed and relaxing on the couch, or perhaps even while sitting at their desks during work hours. The one place it’s still happening, although it shouldn’t? Behind the wheel.

 And that has ‘accident’ written all over it.

Distracted driving, such as texting while driving, is a leading factor in the occurrence of car accidents. In fact, a car crash is 23 times more likely to happen when a person is texting and driving. Our team of auto accident attorneys at South Florida law firm, Wolf & Pravato wants to ensure that our South Florida community is well aware of the dangers that come with texting and driving.

For starters, there is no method that can make it safe to text while you are driving. None. So don’t go trying to reinvent the wheel and come up with a new and improved way to send a text message. In order to send a text, you must look down at your phone to type. In that moment, even if for only one second, you have taken your eyes off the road and are distracted from driving. And in that one second, a life can be injured, or worse, lost.

There are many things a person can do to keep themselves from having contact with their phones while driving. It seems hard — we all become eager once we’ve heard the sound of our phone, and immediately want to know who it is and what they’re saying — but our auto accident attorneys strongly advise that you take precautions while you are in the driver’s seat, and keep your phone out of reach, i.e., in the glove compartment, trunk, or inside a purse or briefcase that is located in the back seat of the vehicle. The main objective here is to keep the phone in a place where you will not be tempted to reach for it or sneak a peek at the screen.

Alternatively, you could simply turn your phone on silent, so the beeps and buzzes aren’t an issue, or completely turn it off so there is no excuse whatsoever to look at it. Do not put it on vibrate either, as the vibration — even at the quietest volume — can still be distract you from the road. There are also apps you can download that will prevent you from texting and driving; these apps will actually lock the phone and prevent you from sending or reading a text message while the car is in motion. Some Smartphones even have an option to turn on a “Do Not Disturb” message, which will alert whomever sent you the message that you are, in fact, driving, and you will get back to them once you’re arrived at your destination.

Whatever method works best for you, do it — and stick to it. By resisting texting and driving, you are not only keeping yourself safe, but you are keeping those around you safe as well.

There are seasoned, experienced drivers who are found to be culprits of these unsafe driving practices which is scary enough, until you realize it’s happening with teenagers who have just learned to drive. Parents of teenagers who have their license can help take control of this situation and lead by example. There should be no exceptions to the no-texting-while-driving rule, and by following it yourself, you are showing your teens that it is an important, non-negotiable standard. Parents should make sure to follow these tips, in addition to the ones mentioned previously, on how to stop texting while driving, so that their children may follow suit.

If you have an urgent need to send a text message, make or answer a call, pull over to a safe part of the road. Once your vehicle is stopped, this is when it’s acceptable to take out your phone and proceed with whatever it is you need to do. It only takes a few minutes out of your time to find a safe place to pull over — and if you don’t have the time to do this, your text message or phone call must not be that important. No text message is more important than your own safety.

Just as there are apps that will lock your phone while the car is being driven, there are apps that allow parents to monitor their teens’ phone activity. These texting behavior apps that will alert them about anything going on while their child is behind the wheel and ensure that the no-texting-while-driving rule is being followed at all times.

As with all rules enforced upon children, there must be consequences if they are broken. Parents need to be tough when it comes to rules on the road, as one wrong move can result in serious injuries or even a fatality. You do not want it to come to this simply because a rule was not taken seriously. If you find out that your teen has been texting and driving, do not brush it off with a simple finger wag and statement of “promise you won’t do it again.”

The dangers of texting and driving are a big deal, and you must treat it as such. If you continue to enforce these rules, and stress their importance, it won’t take long before your teen is on the same page as you.

It’s also helpful to enroll your teens in a defensive driving course that will teach them the valuable lessons needed for safe driving. Parents should consider taking these courses with their teens to reinforce the fact that everyone needs to practice safe driving, no matter what their age or how long they have been driving.

Should you or your loved one become the victim of an auto accident in South Florida due to texting and driving, it’s important that you call on a Florida personal injury law firm right away. Wolf & Pravato’s expert team has years of experience successfully bringing justice to personal injury cases that involve automobile accidents, and in more recent times, those that also involve texting and driving. Our Fort Lauderdale attorneys will always fight to win every case and to maximize every claim.

Contact our personal injury law firm in Fort Lauderdale today to schedule a free consultation, and let our skilled team evaluate your personal injury case and find the best way to get you the compensation you deserve.

One of the main concerns of a personal injury attorney is safety. That could mean safety while on the road either as the driver or passenger of a vehicle, while walking the streets as a pedestrian, while handling equipment on the job, or any other scenario where a person could be seriously harmed or injured.

Personal injury lawyers exist to help you in the event that either you or your loved one’s safety has been violated in some way, shape, or form, causing you the need to go after another person or entity to claim justice in the form of compensation. At South Florida law firm, Wolf & Pravato, we will always fight to win every case and to maximize every claim.

But we aren’t just here to talk to you about the kinds of services our Florida personal injury law firm can provide. We also want to empower our community with the knowledge needed to stay safe in today’s somewhat wild and crazy world.

Women’s safety in South Florida is a prioritized topic of discussion, and with recent news stories coming to light about women being taken advantage of by men whom they believed to be their Uber drivers or their actual Uber drivers themselves, we feel it’s the perfect time to discuss tips for women’s safety, especially during and after happy hour, when they may be a little under the influence and not particularly in the right state of mind.

• Our Fort Lauderdale attorneys stress the importance of being aware of your surroundings. When you’re sitting at a bar or restaurant, play close attention to your drink and never lose sight of it. Do not let any kind of distraction open the opportunity for something bad to occur, i.e., someone slipping drugs into your drink, switching your glass with a glass that has been drugged, etc.

• If you do happen to leave your drink alone, even for just one short moment, do not drink it. It’s worth spending the extra money to buy a new one — your life could depend on it. Be aware of the “tag team” approach, which is similar to the way a pick-pocket team works. One person acts as the distracter, while the other puts a date-rape drug into your drink. Nearly 11 million women in the United States have been raped while drunk, so it is definitely worth your time to pay extra attention to everything going on around you while you are out drinking.

• Confidence is key. As in all self-defense situations, looking and behaving as if you’re confident makes a huge difference. Even if you do not feel 100% sure about your surroundings, it’s crucial that you always appear as though you are in total control of the situation, whether you are walking alone on the street or sitting at a table in a restaurant. No matter where you are, always act like you own the place, even if you do not particularly feel that way. If you look timid, afraid, or nervous because you are alone, you don’t know anyone closeby, or you’re uncomfortable being by yourself, you will attract predators just waiting to pounce on someone who seems unsure of themselves.

• Sadly, one of the things women are left to deal with while at the bar are intoxicated men who exude much more confidence than they should. If this happens, and he does not leave you alone, it’s time to get firm and strongly advise him to “back off.” If the bar staff does not see the interaction occur, make sure to get someone’s attention so they are well aware of the situation. Do not go anywhere with him, and most definitely do not leave the bar by yourself if you feel as though someone is watching you or bothering you. Do not hesitate or feel embarrassed to ask a bartender or security guard to walk you to your car or wait with you until your cab or Uber arrives. You should never walk anywhere alone if it can be avoided.

• Speaking of Uber, it’s best not to get into an Uber alone. We suggest taking these strict safety precautions before getting into the car, whether alone (if you absolutely have to) or with another person, to ensure that it is, in fact, the right vehicle.
  • Wait indoors until the ride has arrived. If possible, ask someone to wait with you.
  • Make sure the vehicle make and model matches the one listed on your Uber app, and check the license plate as well.
  • Look for the Uber “beacon,” a new concept Uber has launched. It is a sign on the dashboard that glows in a color chosen by the passenger, so they know for sure this is the car they ordered.
  • Never get in a car with someone who claims to be an Uber driver and offers your a ride when you did not specifically order it.
  • Sit in the back seat to ensure there is room on either side of you to exit the car if need be.
  • Share your status with a friend or family member as soon as you’ve entered the vehicle. Uber has a “Share Status” feature on the app that allows you to do this easily.
  • Be careful not to share too much information about yourself during the trip. Remember, this is a stranger and there is no need for you to divulge details about yourself personally.

• Take self-defense courses. Although it is extremely important to be aware of your surroundings, it is smart to have a few moves in your back pocket just in case you find yourself in a situation where you may have to get physical. It’s also a good idea to have some kind of self-defense item on you at all times, i.e., things that can be easily concealed, but also can be retrieved at a moment’s notice if needed.
• There are actually quite a few safety monitoring Apps available for your phone, but the most efficient feature to use is your phone’s location services. Make sure that someone, i.e., a friend, boyfriend, husband, family member, has you linked into their phone tracking so they are able to tell where you are should a questionable situation arise.

Our Fort Lauderdale attorneys also want to advise that these same safety tips can be applied to men just as much as they pertain to women. No matter what, at any given time or day, safety should be the main concern for everyone, man or woman.

If you would like to speak with a personal injury law firm in Fort Lauderdale regarding information about safety precautions, or you feel as though you may have a personal injury case surrounding a safety issue, contact our personal injury attorneys at Wolf & Pravato today to schedule your free attorney consultation.

More and more people in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach are using ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft to get around. It’s a convenient, hassle-free way to travel to and from anywhere near or far. Uber has even expanded to now feature Uber for Business, which allows people to expense work-related trips and order rides for their clients and customers, and Uber Eats, a restaurant online ordering and delivery service.

It’s safe to say that Uber has become quite the phenomenon in today’s society. It is available in 600 cities across 65 countries all over the world. There have been over five billion trips made worldwide — 15 million of which are made in just one day. There are 75 million people who ride as an Uber passenger, and a total of 3 million drivers throughout the world. The United States is Uber’s biggest market, with 750,000 drivers based here in the U.S., and as of March 2018, 41.8 million users have been recorded.

These numbers indicate that Uber is probably not going anywhere any time soon. Since Uber is such a prominent part of our daily lives, it is important to our team of personal injury attorneys to keep our South Florida community informed of the top reasons to know when to call an Uber. One of these reasons is because of its safety features — and these features keep improving with time.

There is also insurance coverage for every single ride. If you get into an accident while riding as an Uber passenger, Uber’s insurance covers you no matter who is at fault, whether it was your Uber driver or the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash. Uber’s insurance covers up to $1 million in liability coverage, and also covers up to $1 million in uninsured motorist coverage. The medical coverage from PIP is for up to $10,000.

There are many additional reasons as to why someone may choose to be an Uber passenger for their travels instead of driving themselves in their own car, many of which involve alcohol.

Our successful and experienced team of auto accident attorney don’t have to tell you twice… We are all very well aware of the dangers that can occur when someone gets behind the wheel while under the influence. With Uber out there as an option, there is absolutely no reason why someone should be driving drunk.

Alcohol is the number one reason our South Florida law firm recommends that you always call an Uber. If you are planning a night out drinking — whether for some kind of celebration with family or friends, attending an event with an open bar, or going to a wine or cocktail tasting/pairing dinner — and you know that you will be imbibing throughout the evening and will be drunk by the end of the night, plan ahead and take an Uber both to and from your destination.

If you are out and end up drinking more than you planned, and don’t feel entirely confident getting behind the wheel and driving home, don’t. It’s a far better and safer idea for you to leave your car wherever you are and call an Uber to pick you up. Don’t stress out about leaving your vehicle in the parking lot of a restaurant or bar. If this idea worries you, call a sober friend or family member and ask if they can arrange to pick up your car and drive it safely home.

Other reasons as to why calling an Uber is a smart idea include the following:

• You’ll be able to wait safely indoors until your Uber arrives, which can protect you from bad weather or keep you safe if you happen to be in a not-so-great part of town. Using the app’s tracking device, you will know exactly when your Uber is outside, ready and waiting for you.
• There is a digital record of your travel, which can be useful in many different scenarios.
• A driver-rating system allows passengers to know how many rides their driver has given and how long they have been driving, what people are saying about them (i.e., comments can be left that specify “great conversation” or “neat and tidy”). An overall star rating gives you a good idea of how good this particular is.
• Uber is completely hands-off when it comes to payment. You can pay through the app, and tip too, so there’s no need to even take out your wallet. It’s particularly helpful if you happen to forget or lose your wallet, or don’t have any money on you.
• Uber is extremely customer-friendly and easy to use.
• There are a variety of different sized cars available to choose from, which is helpful when you are traveling with a group and need more space. There is also UberBlack, which offers high-end vehicles for an elevated experience, and UberWAV for those who need a wheelchair-friendly car.
• You also have the opportunity to take UberPool, which can save a little money if you don’t mind the possibility of an additional stop during your trip.

Wolf & Pravato, a personal injury law firm in Fort Lauderdale, has a team of Uber accident attorneys who are both knowledgeable and aware of all the ins and outs regarding ride-sharing companies, their vehicles, drivers and passengers. There are a lot of complicated details that Uber customers might not always completely understand should they find themselves in an accident or any kind of situation that involves the law.

In the event that you have been injured in an Uber accident in Fort Lauderdale or the greater South Florida area, Wolf & Pravato is here to guide you through the process to make sure all of your valuable rights are protected. Our personal injury attorneys will always fight to win every case and to maximize every claim, and we want to be able to do this for you.

We will be able to alert the proper authorities about the accident and take all the necessary steps to ensure that you receive the proper care and compensation you deserve. We will advocate for your full financial recovery through detailed, meticulous preparation for trial.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury law firm distinguishes itself because of decades of experience and the legal resources to handle virtually any case that involves personal injuries or injuries to loved ones, and in light of recent trends, personal injury cases having to do with Uber rides have shot to the top of our list of practice areas.

Contact us today to discuss your legal options when it comes to Uber accidents, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding Uber law in general.

Picture it now… You just purchased a motorcycle and you’re cruising down the highway with the sun on your back, the wind in your face, and not a care in the world.

Did you know that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a collision than someone riding in a passenger car? In 2017 alone, there were 5,172 fatalities due to motorcycle crashes, accounting for 14 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths that year, which is more than double the amount of motorcycle deaths that occurred ten years prior.

It’s an attractive idea — one we’re sure many of you have fantasized about — but there is a lot more to motorcycle-riding than we see on the television and movie screens.

If you or a loved one is considering purchasing a motorcycle, it’s a good idea to thoroughly read through this blog full of advice from Wolf & Pravato, a personal injury law firm in Fort Lauderdale with a team of motorcycle accident attorneys.

There are many reasons as to why motorcycle accidents are so prevalent. For instance, motorcycles do not provide the same kind of enclosed protection as a car does. These motorcycles are also often performing at high capabilities, meaning riders are going much faster and using much more power than they typically would if they were driving a car.

In cases where another vehicle is involved in the crash, it’s more than likely that the accident was caused by the other vehicle violating the motorcyclist’s right of way. This begs us, as auto accident attorneys, to feel the need to stress how important it is for both motorcyclists and automobile drivers to pay attention and obey the traffic laws. By actively abiding all safe riding practices, you will not only help keep yourself out of harm’s way, but others as well.

For motorcyclists specifically, there are quite a few problems that are unique to their particular situation on the road. First and foremost, there is the issue of visual recognition. Motorcyclists are much smaller visual targets, and at times they can be obscured by other cars or objects on the road, the road itself, weather conditions, or other outside factors. Intersections can be especially dangerous, since blind spots are likely to occur. In fact, 70 percent of motorcycle vs. vehicle collisions happen at intersections.

Because of the lack of secure protection riders get while on a motorcycle, they are more susceptible to road hazards, much more than they would be if they were safely behind the metal enclosure of a car. Potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris, ruts, uneven pavement, railroad tracks – all of these things may merely be minor irritations for a car — and are barely even noticeable if you’re driving a larger truck or SUV — but for a motorcycle, they can be extremely dangerous.

We’ve touched upon the fact that motorcyclists are normally operating at a pretty high speed, which adds to its risk factor. When driving at these high speeds, the front of the motorcycle can become very unstable and begin to shake or wobble, putting the rider in what could become a very dangerous situation. There are times when this shaking and wobbling is due to actual manufacturer issues, such as misalignment of the front of rear tires. If an accident occurs and this is determined as the cause, the motorcycle manufacturer may be held responsible for any injuries incurred.

Another major concerning factor about riding a motorcycle is the level of skill involved. This is not the same as learning how to drive a car, in any way. There is much more skill and coordination required in order to operate a motorcycle properly, and it may take years of riding before one can consider themselves well -easoned. Many accidents are caused by a rider’s sheer lack of experience on their motorcycle, whether it be because of their lack of basic riding skills or their failure to appreciate the inherent operating characteristics and limitations of the motorcycle itself.

It’s crucial that all motorcyclists practice extreme caution when they are out riding. Always follow these safety tips:

• Wear a helmet, every single time you get on the bike.
• Do not get ahead of yourself and purchase a motorcycle that is way too big and/or out of your comfort zone. Make sure the motorcycle fits you correctly. When you are seated, you should have no trouble being able to rest both feet flat on the ground — not tiptoeing allowed — and the handlebars should be easy for you to reach.
• Invest in safety features such as anti lock brakes, which have proven to save people’s lives time and time again. Motorcycles equipped with antilock brakes are 27 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than bikes without them. That is one statistic to take very
• Don’t try to teach yourself how to ride. Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riding course in your area. These courses range from free to about $350.
• Always wear the proper gear while riding, as this will help to keep you protected from environmental forces such as wind chill, flying bugs and debris. Wear a leather or reinforced jacket, gloves, long pants and over-the-ankle footwear — even in the summer. Yes, we know the South Florida summers can be hot, but we’d bet you’d rather be a sweaty motorcycle rider rather than an injured one any day of the week.
• Stay alert while riding. Always keep an eye out for cars that may suddenly change lanes or make a turn, avoid people who you notice are texting and driving or doing anything else that takes their attention away from the road. Also, never tailgate another vehicle. You need to make sure you have plenty of time to react should the car in front of you do something unexpected.
• Don’t ride in bad weather. Rain will affect your visibility, and it also reduces your tires’ grip on the road. If you absolutely have to ride when it’s windy, move to the side of the lane that the wind is coming from so you avoid being pushed by it.
• Watch out for any and all road hazards, including even the most mundane things you might not think matter, such as wet leaves and small pebbles, and anything that may cause your bike to slide unexpectedly.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in South Florida, contact our team of Fort Lauderdale attorneys to help take care of all the technical and legal processes that need to be handled in order to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. Your main focus should be on recovering from your injuries. Let us handle the rest.

You may be able to collect compensation for things like medical expenses, including your hospital stay, any past, present, and future loss of earnings as a result of the accident, your pain and suffering, and any additional care or help that you need at home. Our Florida personal injury law firm will always fight to win every case and to maximize every claim, and we want to be able to do this for you.

Contact our South Florida law firm today to schedule a consultation so that our expert team of personal injury lawyers may review your case and help bring you justice.

We see South Florida residents riding around on electric scooters very frequently — and why shouldn’t we? The weather is beautiful, so it makes sense for more and more people to ride an electric scooter to get around, rather than be trapped inside their cars. (see also bird scooter lawsuit)

It’s also very easy and inexpensive to rent one of these electric scooters, also known as e-scooters. They are quickly becoming a preferred method of transportation for getting around Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

But, there is more to these scooters than meets the eye.

Sure, these e-scooters are fun and make you look “cool” while you’re riding in the wind, but there is absolutely no protection for riders should they find themselves in an accident. They are the only ones getting hurt. Pedestrians accidents are also very common in Fort Lauderdale and there is a scooter ban during spring break. Unlike an automobile, there are no windows, doors, or strong metal material surrounding you that can protect you from outside dangers.

It’s important to take scooter safety precautions when participating in any kind of vehicular activity, especially one that does not provide adequate protection. Remember these safety guidelines when riding your electric scooters, and make sure to share with your friends and family who ride them as well.

• You must be 18 years old to rent an e-scooter.
• Wear a helmet and other protective gear.
• Do not operate a scooter while intoxicated or drowsy.
• Never carry a passenger; e-scooters are made to accommodate one standing operator.
• Do not use a cell phone while in motion.
• Follow all posted city and municipal rules which may prohibit riding on the sidewalk.
• Never ride a scooter on a highway or the Florida Turnpike.

Our South Florida law firm, Wolf & Pravato, specializes in personal injury law. With e-scooter accidents becoming more and more prevalent in our Fort Lauderdale community, our auto accident attorneys have also come to specialize in these particular kinds of cases as well.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-scooter accident, it’s time to call on our electric scooter accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale to help you recover your deserved damages for medical bills, lost pay, and any other losses due to your accident.

Our Fort Lauderdale attorneys will always fight to win every case and to maximize every claim, and we want to be able to do this for you. In order for us to do, there are a few things you need to make sure you do immediately following your electric scooter accident.

First things first. Get medical care! Do not wait, and most importantly, do not disregard even the most minor of scratches, bumps and bruises. Sometimes it could take hours or even days before symptoms from injuries, such as whiplash, to reveal themselves. A medical professional should be the only one to accurately assess whether or not you have sustained any injuries from your accident — do not try to diagnose, or not diagnose, yourself.

As a personal injury law firm in Fort Lauderdale, we are well aware of the recent sharp rise in electric scooter injuries, and are well equipped to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Our team of electric scooter accident lawyers know the ins and outs of Florida’s liability laws, as well as the insurance claims process. We will do all of the legwork and research needed to find out if you are eligible for compensation for damages.

If our accident attorneys are able to show that you were indeed the victim of someone’s negligence, there is an opportunity for you to receive compensatory damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other expenses.

There are a few conditions that must be considered in order to show negligence. We must:

Establish that the driver (or person who caused the accident) had a duty of care to act safely and reasonably to avoid the collision.

Show that the driver was negligent by failing to uphold this duty of care (for example, distracted driving or speeding).

Establish that the accident caused you to suffer bodily injuries and property damage.

Demonstrate how these injuries have caused you damages in the form of physical, emotional, or financial harm.

There are two types of damages that you could recover after an electric scooter accident, and it’s our job at Wolf & Pravato to help determine if you quality for one, or both, of these damages.

Special damages refer to the specific expenses that come as a result from the accident itself, and they depend on the circumstances and severity of your injuries.

These could include things like:

• ambulance and emergency room services
• hospitalization
• lost pay
• reduced earning ability as a result of your injuries (temporary or permanent)
• past and ongoing medical bills such as rehabilitative therapy
• surgery
• prescription medicine
• and others, property damage, and reimbursement for alternative transportation

Our accident lawyers will take care of submitting all necessary paperwork, including medical bills and pay stubs, that act as evidence of accident-related expenses.

The other type of damage, referred to as general damages, are determined through careful consideration of your injuries, special damages, and projected health outcome.

Common types of general damages include temporary or permanent disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship or consortium, lost income, or in the worst case scenario, wrongful death.

Electric scooter accidents are just as devastating as automobile accidents, with injuries happening to riders up to ten times every week. These injuries include everything from concussions, broken/fractured/crushed bones, abrasions and whiplash to traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding and organ damage and spinal cord injuries.

Even if you have only sustained a minor injury, there is still cause for concern, and still a reason for you to reach out to our Florida personal injury law firm for help.

A personal injury lawsuit is a civil remedy brought by a plaintiff to pursue compensation for the expenses and losses you experienced because of an accident caused by a defendant’s negligence.

In general, to file a personal injury case in Florida, you must first:

• Investigate the accident
• Identify the at-fault party
• Collect evidence to prove negligence and liability
• Document your accident-related damages

For example, imagine you suffered serious injuries in a car accident while driving to the bank on an errand for work. Another driver failed to yield the right of way and turned left in front of you at a green light. While you might receive workers’ compensation because you were hurt during work, you might also be able to pursue damages through a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

You would need to collect evidence to prove the other driver is responsible for the accident and your injuries and prove your losses. This is where a personal injury attorney comes in. The team from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can get started on your case today.

Types of Personal Injury Cases

Many types of accidents fall under the personal injury category. Almost any incident that causes you to suffer injuries and occurs because of someone else’s negligence can support a personal injury lawsuit. If you are not sure if you have a viable case, we offer free case reviews for accident victims. We can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you explore your legal options.

Some of the types of personal injury cases we handle include:

• Auto accidents
• Uber and Lyft accidents
• Hurt during work
• Birthing injuries
• Medical malpractice
• Slip and fall accidents
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Wrongful death
• Other negligence accidents

Recoverable Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If we can win a personal injury lawsuit in your case, you may be eligible to recover damages to cover your losses and expenses related to the accident. This is the goal of a personal injury lawsuit — to make you whole again through a payout of damages.

For example, in the car accident case we mentioned previously, your recoverable damages could include:

• Medical care costs
• Ongoing care costs
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Repair or replacement of your vehicle
• Other property damages
• Pain and suffering

If a member of your family passes away because of an accident caused by negligence, we may also be able to pursue wrongful death damages on behalf of the surviving family. Once we complete our investigation into your accident, we will have a much better idea of the types of damages that might be recoverable in your case.

Pursuing Compensation Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit

We will investigate your accident and build a case to support the pursuit of compensation for damages. This may include filing a personal injury lawsuit. We will go to work immediately protecting your rights and managing all communication about your case. As a part of our investigation, we will:

• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Recover and analyze all possible evidence
• Interview witnesses, if necessary
• Prove negligence and liability
• Work with experts and specialists, when necessary
• Document your accident-related expenses and losses

Once we conclude an investigation and have a strong argument for damages, we will take legal action in your case. We may try to negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the at-fault party and their insurance company, or we may go ahead and file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue a payout in your case.

If we take your case to court, we will represent you throughout the process. We will fight for your best interests, presenting a strong argument for the damages you deserve.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney in Fort Lauderdale

If you suffered injuries in an accident in South Florida, the team from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation. We can explain your rights and put a plan in place to go after the damages you deserve. Let us investigate your case today. We can identify the liable party and take action to hold them accountable.

Reach out to a member of our team today by calling 954-633-8270. We are standing by for your free case review and initial consultation.

While some accidents are simple rear-end collisions or fender benders, bad car accidents can result in injuries or even fatalities. Like other states, law enforcement agencies in Florida submit accident reports, and we can compile statistics using these reports.

Statewide Accident Statistics Show Decreasing Injuries, Fatalities

Florida motor vehicle accidents decreased in 2018 over 2017, but only by a little more than one percent. Statewide, agencies reported there were 397,812 total accidents reported in 2018. This includes 251,970 injuries and 3,004 fatalities. This is an improvement over the previous year. According to records, there were 402,489 total traffic accidents reported in 2017. More than 254,300 people suffered injuries, and there were 3,114 deaths on Florida roads in 2017.

While this is a downward trend, there is still a significant increase in the number of traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths over just a few years ago. However, more people are on the roads and traveling to the Sunshine State.

A Closer Look at Florida Traffic Accident Statistics in 2018

Not all traffic accidents involve only passenger vehicles. Luckily, the number of truck and commercial vehicle accidents and the number of car versus pedestrian and car versus bicycle accidents also decreased in 2018. Unfortunately, though, there were more fatalities of pedestrians and cyclists in 2018 over the previous year.

County-by-County Statistics

While many car accidents in Florida are simple fender benders, many others involve injuries and even fatalities. By understanding the statistics for a bad car accident in South Florida, it may be possible to prevent future accidents. Here is a breakdown of the 2018 statistics by county in our service area:

Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade County is the largest county in Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population to be 2.752 million as of 2017. Law enforcement agencies in Miami-Dade County reported the following traffic accidents for 2018:

• Total Crashes: 63,034
• Injury Crashes: 20,704
• Total Individuals Injured: 30,562
• Total Traffic Fatalities: 299

Broward County

While Broward County is smaller than neighboring Miami-Dade County, with only 1.936 million residents, Broward County is more densely populated. With almost 1,445 people per square mile, people live closer together and must cross paths more in Broward County. The 2018 traffic accident statistics for Broward County, Florida, include:

• Total Crashes: 40,560
• Injury Crashes: 16,482
• Total Individuals Injured: 24,329
• Total Traffic Fatalities: 202

Palm Beach County

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that Palm Beach County had 1.471 million residents as of 2017. Expressways I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike cut through the county, in addition to U.S. 1 and SR A1A. These major roads bring a lot of traffic into the county from other areas of the state. The 2018 traffic accident statistics for Palm Beach County include:  

• Total Crashes: 26,521
• Injury Crashes: 10,502
• Total Individuals Injured: 15,725
• Total Traffic Fatalities: 166

Monroe County

Monroe County encompasses the southwest tip of the Florida mainland and the Florida Keys. It contains Key West, Key Largo, Marathon, and Islamorada. The main highway through Monroe County is U.S. 1, which runs the length of the Florida Keys.

Census Bureau estimates the county population to be 77,013 as of 2017. The 2018 traffic accident statistics for Collier County, Florida, include:

• Total Crashes: 1,566
• Injury Crashes: 623
• Total Individuals Injured: 931
• Total Traffic Fatalities: 16

Every year, thousands of us become one of these statistics. We suffer injuries or lose a loved one in a car accident. If this happened to you, you do not have to go through this alone. The team from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is standing by to review your car accident case. We can help you take legal action.

Call us today at 954-633-8270 to get started.

In October 2018, a class-action lawsuit was filed against electric scooter rental/rideshare companies Bird Rides Inc. and LimeBike and other companies who have taken part in the escalating presence of electric scooters in the U.S., including Xiaomi United States and Segway, the electric scooter manufacturers who supply vehicles to the rental companies.

If You Have Suffered Injuries Similar to Those Sustained by the Initial Plaintiff(s)

If you suffered injuries caused in the ways described in the class-action lawsuit filed against these companies:

• You are automatically included in the class action. You do not need to join the class.
• Once a class in a class-action lawsuit is certified and a settlement is proposed, notices are sent to all identifiable class members. Notices also appear in various media outlets including newspapers, websites, television, radio, and magazines.
• You can also contact the class-action attorney so he or she can add your name to the class registry, ensuring you receive details about participating in recovery, providing evidence to the attorneys and receiving your share of the settlement.
• As a member of the class-action lawsuit, you are entitled to a percentage of damages if the defendant(s) settles or loses at trial.
• When many victims are likely to emerge, making it difficult to identify and contact all the injured parties, a fund is created and made available to individuals who can prove the defendant’s actions injured them.

Details of the Complaint Filed Against Bird, Lime, et al

The initial plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit filed against Bird, Lime, and others allege the following:

• The defendants’ contributions to the injuries suffered by people with whom electric scooters have collided constitute “aiding and abetting assault.”
• The defendants were negligent both in “dumping” scooters on public streets without notice or authorization and in their ignorance as to the dangerous “public nuisance” their vehicles presented.
• The defendants, in their failure to facilitate an end to the accidents that injured pedestrians, contributed to “assaults” on pedestrians.
• Bird’s and Lime’s safety instructions were inadequate.
• Bird’s and Lime’s scooters are mechanically deficient.
• Bird and Lime have breached their vehicles’ warranties, and the scooters are “not suitable” for repeated public use.

Regarding its legal objectives, this lawsuit:

• Is seeking damages for the plaintiffs.
• Is pursuing the requirement that “adequate warnings and/or instructions” are provided with scooters and the apps with which they are associated
• Proposes that each company should be prohibited from continuing to deploy scooters in California

Your Three Options If You Receive a Class-Action Notice

There are three courses of action you can take upon receiving a class-action notice in the Bird, Lime, et al. class-action lawsuit:

• Choose to participate as a class member: you give up your rights to pursue personal injury remedies in a private lawsuit

1. 1. Opt-out: you decline participation as a class member, by following instructions in your notice by the specified date

• Choose to participate as a named plaintiff: you hire your attorney and participate in the lawsuit as a named party

It is a good idea to consult with an experienced class-action attorney before you act on your class-action notice, especially if your electric-scooter accident injuries are serious and/or you have a lot at stake in this class-action lawsuit.

Opting Out and Pursuing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

The purpose of a class-action lawsuit is to accommodate a large number of plaintiffs; more than what can be accommodated in a standard personal injury lawsuit.

If you have suffered injuries or losses caused by the actions of Bird, Lime, Xiaomi, Segway, or other defendants in this class-action suit, but you feel that the circumstances of your injuries do not resemble those experienced by the initial plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit, or you lack confidence in the abilities of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs, you might consider seeking remedies in a personal injury lawsuit.

Damages You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

When you decide to seek damages you have suffered as a result of negligence on the part of Bird, Lime, or other electric scooter companies, a civil court will hear your case and determine to which damages you are entitled.

The court could decide to award you some or all of the following recoverable damages:  

• Medical expenses
• Emotional suffering
• Physical pain damages
• Diminished potential earning capacity

• Prescription medication, including pain management
• Lost wages
• Ongoing medical costs
• Replacement services, such as housekeeping, landscaping, childcare
• Ambulance transportation
• Repair or replacement of any personal property damaged in the accident

Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Today

If you would like to discuss your options for pursuing damages in your Bird or Lime electric scooter accident, contact a bird scooter accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for a free consultation. You can reach us by phone at (954) 633-8270.

No one wants to face criminal charges in Florida for something that could have easily been avoided, right?

Of course not.

If there’s one thing our team of accident attorneys at Wolf & Pravato want you to take away from this blog post, it’s this: Do not, under any circumstances, leave the scene of an hit and run accident you are involved in!

Even if you are the one to blame, and you are scared or nervous about the consequences, stay at the scene. You will only make things worse if you leave. It is a big crime to run, no matter who is at fault.

Hit-and-run cases are seen often in Florida, with almost 25 percent of all crashes involving a hit and run. Some of these accidents may only damage property, but there are still those that result in serious injuries or even death. Just a couple months ago, a Miami woman was left in critical condition following a hit-and-run collision. Luckily neighbors and innocent bystanders witnessed the crash and called 911 right away.

The state of Florida is trying to reduce hit-and-run accidents and has taken a large step in that direction the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles implement a “Stay at the Scene” campaign. This campaign is aimed at reducing the number of hit-and-run crashes by educating drivers on their responsibilities if and when they are involved in this type of car accidents. The main point they are “driving” home is how serious the consequences are if they choose not to stay at the scene.

Leaving the scene of a crash that involves property damage is considered a second-degree misdemeanor which could cost you up to 60 days in prison and a $500 fine. Leaving the scene where injuries were sustained is considered a second- or third-degree felony, which will result in a revoked license for at least three years, and could mean up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. In the worst-case scenario, leaving the scene of a hit-and-run that caused a fatality is considered a first-degree felony, and will be penalized with a revoked license for at least three years, as well as up to 30 years in prison time with a mandatory minimum of four years, as well as a $10,000 fine.

South Florida accident attorneys Our personal injury attorneys will always fight to win every case and to maximize every claim, and we want to be able to do this for you.

If — where someone hits you and flees the scene — there are six very important steps for you to take that can help win your case.

Call 911 if you were in your vehicle when it was hit, or if someone was injured. As you wait for the police and/or ambulance to come, take a moment to write down any and all details you can recall about the other car that was involved and fled the scene. This includes color, make, model, and license plate — even if you can only remember a few digits.

Look around for witnesses. If there are businesses or homes nearby, do not hesitate to ask anyone there if they happened to see the accident, or the car that ran. If you do find a witness, get all of their contact information so the police and/or your insurance company can reach them if need be.

Take out your Smartphone and snap as may photos as you can! This is imperative to your case. So long as the scene of the accident is safe, take pictures where the collision occurred as well as any damage done to your vehicle and the surrounding property. This includes any paint that may have transferred onto your vehicle from the one that hit it.

Call your insurance company to report the accident.

If you sustained injuries, seek medical attention right away. It’s actually recommended to get medical attention even if you don’t appear to have been injured, as you never know if something may creep up in the days after the accident. .

Last, but certainly not least, contact our attorneys at Wolf & Pravato, and let us evaluate your case.

In the event that your vehicle was damaged during a hit-and-run accident, you might be wondering who will be responsible for said damage if the at-fault driver is never found? Luckily, this type of damage is generally covered under the collision section of your car insurance policy — if you have this kind of coverage. You should be well versed in your car insurance policy so you never have to worry about what is and what isn’t covered if you get into an accident.

If this is included in your insurance, the deductible is usually $500, which will need to be paid out-of-pocket. If you have opted out of this collision coverage on your insurance, you will be expected to pay for the damage repairs on your own.

Hopefully, this can be avoided and either you or a witness will be able to remember the license plate number so the hit-and-run driver can be found and pay for his or her crime.

If you are concerned about whether a hit-and-run accident will affect your car insurance premium, do not worry. As long as you reported the accident to the police and your insurance company considers it a “not-at-fault” loss, there should not be an impact on your premium. If you find that your insurance does increase after this kind of claim has been made, it would be for a different reason not related to the hit-and-run.

Have you or a loved one been involved in a hit-and-run accident and need a South Florida auto accident attorney to fight for your rights? Wolf & Pravato personal injury lawyers have over 20 years of experience, have won over 5,000 cases and have brought in over $100 million in accident settlements.

Contact our law offices today at 954-633-8270 to schedule a free consultation and let our skilled team do everything in their power to get you the compensation you deserve.

Uber and Lyft ride-sharing services have completely changed how people get around in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach. Uber completes more than 15 million trips per day; 15 billion worlkdwide. http://www.businessofapps.com/data/uber-statistics/#1. With so many drivers working for Uber and Lyft on the city’s busiest streets, it might just be a matter of time before you find yourself involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Fort Lauderdale.

WHAT DO YOU DO?If Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence caused the accident, Uber or Lyft could be responsible. Following an Uber or Lyft accident, it is essential to obtain as much available data as possible about the at-fault driver. A Transportation Network Company (TNC) like Uber must maintain driver records for at least one year following the driver’s departure from the TNC. Contact the Uber Accident Attorneys at Wolf & Pravato and we will make sure that all of your rights are protected. At a minimum, an injured party’s attorney should demand the following for the Uber/Lyft driver:

Full driving record

Any passenger complaints or other negative feedback, either from the app itself or online

Safety inspection reports and vehicle maintenance records

In-vehicle monitoring reports

The preservation of data is important in these types of cases and a primary reason that it is better to speak to an attorney sooner rather than later.

FLORIDA REULATIONS – UBER and LYFT

Under Florida’s Uber and Lyft Law, Uber and Lyft (transportation network companies TNC) must follow rules regarding who may drive for them and what kind of insurance coverage they must carry. Under the law, the coverage available depends on the driver’s status at the time of the wreck.

App on, no passenger. Uber and Lyft’s liability policy covers people injured by the Uber driver while available for passengers, but waiting for a request. The liability coverage in this scenario is $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury liability coverage and $25,000 property damage liability coverage.

On the way to pick up a passenger. Uber and Lyft’s policy covers their liability, or fault, for injuries to people in the amount of $1 million in total liability coverage.

With passenger in vehicle. The same policy as when the Uber driver is on the way to pick up a passenger applies when the rider gets in the vehicle, $1 million in coverage. This extends to passengers in the Uber/Lyft, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage also extends to vehicles, bikes and pedestrians hit by the Uber or Lyft driver.

Offline. If the driver is not using the Uber app and unavailable to pick up passengers, then the driver’s personal insurance policy applies.

The Uber and Lyft Law also requires them to run background checks on all drivers; criminal and driving records. By law, no one with any of the following convictions in the past five years may drive for a rideshare company:

Any felony

DUI misdemeanor

Misdemeanor hit-and-run or fleeing or eluding police

Misdemeanor sexual battery or violent crime

Indecent exposure/ lewdness

Driving with a revoked or suspended license

Uber and Lyft are also subject to Florida’s Consumer Protection statutes. These laws protect consumers from misrepresentations, deceptive advertising, and unfair trade practices.

WHY ARE UBER ACCIDENTS AND LYFT ACCIDENTS MORE DANGEROUS?

Drivers are continuously distracted as they rely on their mobile phones for business and on the GPS systems for locations; THEY ARE CONSTANTLY DISTRACTED DRIVERS!

Inexperienced drivers

Unfamiliar to areas driven

Background checks for Uber and Lyft may not be thorough and this exposes passengers to criminal acts.

WHAT COMPENSATION CAN YOU GET?

Pursuing full compensation requires a careful analysis and an understanding of the accident’s impact on your life. The Uber Accident Attorneys at Wolf & Pravato fight to win every case and to maximize every claim. Your recovery could include any of the following:

• Past, ongoing and future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering (past and future)
• Emotional distress
• Prescription medication, medical equipment
• Therapy and rehabilitation expenses (past and future)
• Accessibility and remodeling accommodations
• Property damages
• Lost wages (past and future)
• Loss of consortium for a Spouse
• Wrongful death compensation for victim’s estate and the family