First Storm-Related Car Wreck of 2016
Although the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season just began, there has already been one-near fatal vehicle crash, and forecasters predict that there could be many more before November.
In Clearwater, a man swerved to avoid a downed tree near Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Duncan Avenue, triggering a four-car pile-up collision. Several people were injured, but they are all expected to survive. Tropical Storm Colin left over 2,000 residents without power, and Duke Energy is still working to restore utility service to all households. According to The Weather Company, a division of IBM, the 2016 season should be the most active one since 2012. The estimate of fourteen named storms includes eight hurricanes and three major hurricanes; both these numbers are well above the 30-year average for these kinds of storms.
Dr. Phil Klotzbach, at Colorado State University, said last winter’s strong El Nino may mean a busier than normal season, especially in September through November.
General Duty in Negligence Cases
Drivers have a duty of reasonable care towards other motorists, pedestrians, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and anyone else on the road. The duty of reasonable care means different things in different contexts. For example, there are some who argue that mentally-challenged individuals should not be held to the same duty as other people.
The duty of reasonable care changes according to the weather, a concept that is of particular interest here in Florida. When storms hit, drivers generally have a duty to stay off the road as much as possible. If they must drive, they must slow down and anticipate unfavorable conditions, like strong winds, heavy rains, downed trees, and other environmental hazards.
If the victims suffers a serious injury, damages in a car crash case typically include compensation for both economic losses, like property damage, and noneconomic losses, like emotional distress. Punitive damages are also available, in some cases.
Contact Attorneys Who Are On Your Side
Sustaining injuries in a car accident related to a hurricane does not mean that you will have to cover the resulting costs alone. Instead, you may be eligible for a variety of different types of compensation based on the harms you suffered, including money to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and even any short or long-term disability you experienced due to the wreck. However, it is in your best interests to reach out to a skilled attorney first who can examine the specifics of your case and help you pursue the greatest amount of compensation to which you are entitled.
For prompt assistance with a vehicle collision or other negligence claim, contact an aggressive personal injury lawyer in Port St. Lucie from Eighmie Law Firm, P.A. You have a limited amount of time to act.