Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Ridesharing Crashes in Florida: A Closer Look
Since 2016, Uber has almost doubled in size. Worldwide, Uber drivers transport about 1.6 billion passengers per quarter. Many observers believe that Uber’s increased volume is connected to the increasing number of distracted driving crashes in Florida. Additionally, the increased vehicle traffic alone is dangerous. Most auto insurance companies do not cover commercial losses…. Read More »
Runaway Driver Strikes Tampa Pedestrian
Few details were available after a 39-year-old woman was instantly killed while she tried to cross the street. The wreck occurred near the intersection of East Busch Boulevard and North 18th Street. After the fatal collision, the 22-year-old driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police. It is unclear whether or not the… Read More »
Deadly Shooting at Tampa Apartment Complex
Law enforcement officers arrested a convicted murderer in connection with a fatal shooting at a Plant City apartment complex. The 29-year-old man faces first-degree murder charges in the slaying of a man at an apartment complex on Park Springs Circle. Prior to his arrest, the suspect tried to hide in Polk County around Crystal… Read More »
Legal Options in Distracted Driving Claims
Mostly because of the rise of Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing companies, the number of distracted driving accidents has increased significantly in recent years. Most people multitask their way through their days. So, they assume they can do the same thing behind the wheel. But there’s a big difference between multitasking during a Zoom… Read More »
Cyclist Nearly Killed in Hit and Run Accident
Police have one suspect in custody following a hit-and-run bicycle crash in Tampa. The other suspect remains at large. According to police, a dark Nissan Murano struck a 56-year-old bicyclist at the intersection of West Wyoming and South Westshore. Although the force of the collision knocked the bicyclist to the ground, the driver did… Read More »
The Five Kinds of Driving Impairment
Human error accounts for over 90 percent of the vehicle collisions in Florida. Sometimes, that error involves an operational mistake, such as speeding or making an illegal turn. Frequently, the error involves driver behavior. In fact, many drivers know they are impaired before they get behind the wheel, yet they choose to drive anyway…. Read More »
High-Speed Police Chase Injures Two
A multiagency pursuit ended when a teenager struck and nearly killed a 67-year-old man from Davenport. Officers investigating a string of vehicle burglaries ordered a white Honda SUV to pull over on East Melburne Boulevard. Rather than comply, the suspect fled onto Interstate 4, with numerous officers in pursuit. The chase ended on Highway… Read More »
The Fatal Four Construction Accidents
As is so often the case, the environment sets the stage for workplace accidents in the Sunshine State. Florida’s construction industry is quite competitive. A few dollars could be the difference between winning a contract and watching another company complete a project. Many bosses try to trim costs by cutting corners when it comes… Read More »
Runaway Tow Truck Kills Teenager
A 15-year-old Spring Hill girl is dead after a tow truck backed out of a driveway and nearly crushed the vehicle it struck. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Mazda Miata was eastbound on County Line Road near the Hernando County – Pasco County line when a tow truck suddenly backed out of… Read More »
When Animals Attack Children in Florida
Since 2003, the average dog bite settlement has increased 134 percent. Most of that increase is attributable to a better understanding of the nature of dog bite injuries, as outlined below. While substantial compensation is available in these claims, insurance companies do not simply give this money away. In fact, their lawyers fight hard… Read More »