Author Archives: Jay Butchko
The Comparative Fault Defense In Vehicle Collision Claims
Each year, vehicle collisions cost over $1 trillion. Insurance companies bear most of these medical bills and other costs. Since so much money is at stake, insurance company lawyers often rely on legal loopholes, such as the comparative fault defense, to reduce or deny compensation. Credible evidence, and the presentation of this evidence, is… Read More »
Vicarious Liability Issues In Rented Boat Accident Claims
Many boat rental companies in the Tampa Bay area rent high-powered watercraft to people and do not ask too many questions. If the owner or agent knows the operator is not competent to safety operate a boat, the owner is normally vicariously liable for any collision damages. But due to the federal Graves Amendment,… Read More »
Liability In Substance Abuse-Related Car Wrecks
The legalization of marijuana has led to an increased number of “stoned driving” collisions. Since many drivers aren’t tested for drugs, observers believe the official number might be vastly understated. Pot is by far the most common substance. Prescription opioid painkillers are second. Street drugs, like cocaine and heroin, and some over-the-counter medicines, like… Read More »
Hit-and-Run Driver Seriously Injures Bicyclist
Police have few clues about a hit-and-run driver who rear-ended a bicyclist in Pinellas Park and immediately fled the scene. Investigators state that a 34-year-old man was riding south on 66th Street when a vehicle rear-ended him. Emergency responders rushed the bicyclist to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Officials are looking for a… Read More »
One Dead Following Interstate 75 Wreck In Tampa
Few details were available about a serious collision which killed one person and sent two others to a local hospital. Based on the evidence at the scene, investigators concluded that an 18-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle near mile marker 153. His vehicle careened into another vehicle. Both cars then tumbled down an… Read More »
Obtaining Compensation For Bedsore Injuries
Prevention and early detection are the two most effective defenses to serious bedsore injuries. Unfortunately, both these defenses are missing at many Tampa long-term care facilities. Pressure ulcers usually develop on bony parts of the body, such as the ankles or elbows, which remain stationary in bed. So, as long as the person changes… Read More »
Officer-Involved Serious Injury Collision On Interstate 75
A driver who stopped in the middle of the interstate triggered a multi-vehicle collision which injured several people. Investigators believe the stopped driver was intoxicated. This wreck occurred near State Highway 56 in Pasco County. According to police and witnesses, a 34-year-old man suddenly stopped his vehicle in traffic. A trailing police officer, who… Read More »
Breaking Down A Restaurant Slip And Fall Claim
These incidents make up over half of food service insurance claims. Slip-and-fall claims have increased over 300 percent since 1980. The compensation available in these cases has increased almost as significantly. Wet spots on floors are the most common fall hazard. Entrance falls are a close second. Slight elevation changes often cause people to… Read More »
Passenger Dies In Distracted Driver Accident
A driver who failed to slow down for stopped traffic hit several other cars before his vehicle careened off the road. The wreck happened near the intersection of Highway 574 and Williams Road. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 26-year old driver did not slow down for stopped cars. When he swerved to… Read More »
Electronic Evidence in Truck Wreck Claims
The truck driver shortage is reaching crisis proportions. In 2020, there were 80,000 fewer drivers to haul and ever-increasing amount of cargo. As a result, many truckers are new and have little experience behind the wheel. These drivers must not only operate massive vehicles. They must also navigate through unfamiliar areas, typically using a… Read More »