Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

Is a settlement on behalf of a minor in the best interests of the child? This is important question that must be asked in every child injury case. Who gets to decide or make the determination if the settlement is in the best interests of the child? In Florida, the answer to this question is . . . "It depends." A personal injury settlement on behalf of a minor child must receive Court approval if the settlement is over a certain amount of money. Furthermore, in some cases, a Guardian Ad Litem is appointed in order to review the settlement on behalf of the minor child and issue a report to the court on the matter. Finally if the net proceeds from the minor settlement exceed $15,000 then the proceeds from the minor settlement must be put into a restricted account or placed in an annuity that pays the child injury victim a sum certain over time. Here are some of the people who may be involved with a minor settlement:

The Child. Of course, the child is the most important person in the process. All persons involved with a settlement on behalf of a minor child must focus on the best interests.

The Child Injury Attorney. The Florida Child injury attorney represents the interests of the minor child. It is the duty of the child injury attorney to make sure that the child's interests are well represented and that any settlements obtained on the minor child are in the best interests of the child. When necessary, the child injury lawyer will obtain court approval and follow other safeguards as to the minor settlement. It is important that the attorney selected by the parent or guardian to represent the child has experience and knowledge in the area child injury so that the safeguards are followed.

The Parent or Guardian. Due to the age of minority and lack of ability to pursue a legal case or claim on his or her own, a parent or guardian must be involved in the pursuit of an injury claim or a lawsuit. While a parent or guardian must be involved, the case is brought on the child's behalf.

The Judge. When court approval is required, the Judge will review the settlement documents, medical records, medical bills, and other documents and information to determine if the settlement is fair, reasonable, and in the best interest of the minor child.

The Guardian Ad Litem. The Guardian Ad Litem is appointed by the Judge in certain cases. Typically, the Guardian Ad Litem is a local attorney familiar with child injury cases and settlements. The Guardian Ad Litem has the responsibility to advocate on behalf of the minor child and make sure that the child's interests and rights are protected and honored.

The Liability Insurance Company. Most cases are settled with the payment of liability insurance payments including but not limited to automobile insurance, homeowners insurance, and / or commercial liability insurance. Most adjusters are familiar with the basic requirements for the proper settlement of a minor child's injury claim. Because of this, the proper documents and Court approval will be required by the adjuster before the funds will be released or paid by the liability insurance company.

The Annuity Company / Insurance Company. In some cases, the case is settled with the payment of an Annuity which is a one time payment in the future or a stream of payments in the future. The Annuity typically must be a guaranteed amount in order to obtain Court approval of the same.

A child injury case can be complicated for parents and guardians depending on the facts and circumstances of text. Because there are many laws and safeguards, it is often times in the best interests of the child for the parent or guardian to hiring attorney to represent the child in the personal injury case. Child injury cases are typically handled on a contingency basis. In other words, if there no recovery - there will be no attorney fees. Until the settlement funds are paid, there will be no financial obligation on the part of a parent or guardian up front on these cases and the attorney will wait to get paid from the settlement collected.

There are two books that can assist a parent trying to deal with the aftermath of a child injury. While the books are not a substitute for legal representation, the books do contain some basic information that will help educate a parent / guardian about child injury cases and claims. The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Day Car Center Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topcis. You can get this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury. Another book - Florida Day Care Center Injuries - Building Blocks of Knowledge for Parents - has chapters on Day Care Center Cases, Outdoor Facilities / Playgrounds, Indoor Facilities, Record Keeping, Emergency Procedures and other topics. This book will be available for free in February 2012 through the website for Wood, Atter & Wolf - Florida Personal Injury Attorneys.

When a child is injured in an automobile accident, slip and fall accident, day care center, school, theme park, or other location, there are several factors that are considered when valuing a child injury case. It should be pointed out that each child injury case should be evaluated on its own facts and merits. Every child is different. Similarly, every personal injury claim is different. Individual attention should be given to the child's case by the Florida Personal Injury Attorney, the parent or guardian, and any other individuals involved with assisting a child with the pursuit of damages and compensation for the child injury case. The are various factors that may be considered when valuing a child injury case.

Liability (Fault). Liability refers to the cause of the incident or accident. In Florida, with the exception of a dog bite case, a plaintiff or claimant must prove that the child was injured due the fault or negligence of another person or business. In other words, a person or business failed to do something in a safe manner for the protection of the minor child or alternatively acted in a careless matter that caused the child injuries. With better care and attention, on the part of the at fault person or business, the injuries would have been avoided.

Damages. Damages refer to the losses that are sustained due to the child injuries. Damages can be classified as either Economic Damages or Non-Economic Damages.

Economic Damages. Economic damages refers to expenses that are incurred in the past or future due to the child injuries. Economic damages are expenses that can be calculated and estimated with some reasonable certainty as follows:

Past Medical Bills;
Future Medical Bills;
Past Wage Loss (when applicable);
Future Wage Loss (when applicable); and
Education / Tutoring Expenses (incurred due the injuries).

Non-Economic Damages. Unlike economic damages there is no strict formula and no set number for non-economic damages. Non-economic damages typically refer to the following:

Pain;
Suffering;
Loss of Enjoyment of Life;
Loss of Companionship; and
Loss of Services.

The value of economic and / or non-economic expenses will depend, in part on the following factors:

Age of the child;
Condition of the child prior to the incident / accident;
Permanency of the child injuries;
Severity of the child injuries;
Impact on the child's activities of daily living;
Impact on the child's cognitive abilities;
Impact on the child's education; and
Impact on the child's future income / employability.

Evaluation of a minor's personal injury case can be quite complicated and often times requires the services of a child personal injury attorney to evaluate the case and advise the parent/guardian regarding value legal options and settlement opportunities. On the issues of liability and damages, there are two books available to parents for free that contain information regarding Liability, Damages and other topics. The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Day Care Center Injuries, Theme Park Injuries, and other topics. Get this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury. Florida Day Care Center Injuries - Building Blocks of Knowledge for Parents - has chapters on Day Care Center Regulations, Outdoor Equipment and Playgrounds, Indoor Facilities, Record Keeping, Emergency Procedures, and other topics. This book will be released in February 2012. Visit the Wood, Atter & Wolf Website in the near future to get a free copy of this book. If you have a question or concern about a child injury and or the valuation of the same, contact a Florida child the injury lawyer for advice, consultation, and legal representation. All initial consultations are free of charge and all of these cases are handled on the contingency basis meaning that there will be no payment of fees unless there is a financial recovery for the injured child.

In Florida, children are the unfortunate victims of automobile accidents. When a child is injured in an automobile accident, a parent often times has questions, challenges, and issues as to medical treatment, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss wages and other issues. When faced with these issues, a Florida Personal Injury Attorney / Florida Child Injury Attorney can represent the interests of the injured child and the parents. See Florida Automobile Accident Lawyer.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Automobile Insurance, Damages Compensation, Medical Treatment, and other issues that arise when a child is an unfortunate victim of a Florida automobile accident case. Get this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

If a child is injured as a result of an automobile accident, it is vital that a parent seek medical treatment for the child. This may include treatment through the Emergency Room, an Urgent Care Center, Pediatrician, Orthopedist, Neurologist, and other medical professionals. A Florida personal injury attorney typically is knowledgeable as to the availability of medical care for an injured child when there is an automobile accident. Not all doctors treat automobile accident victims and it is helpful to know which ones accept the automobile insurance otherwise known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and which ones do not. There are many insurance issues that can arise with treatment and compensation. The handling of the insurance claim can be done by the Florida personal injury attorney.

First and foremost, it is important that the child receive medical care and attention. If the injuries are serious, immediate transport will be required to a local hospital. After discharge from the hospital, it is important that the child receive follow-up care by specialist for the accident related personal injuries. After the child receives the necessary initial necessary medical treatment, a parent is often faced with the issue of payment of bills. In Florida, automobile insurance policies and coverages can be quite confusing. Florida has a set of "No-Fault" laws in place which govern the upfront payment of medical bills. In most cases, the medical bills of the child are covered under the parents automobile insurance policy even if the parents were not responsible or were not at fault for the accident. Your child may be able to recover damages for personal injuries from his or her parents' automobile insurance policy, the owner of the vehicle's policy, the at-fault driver's policy, and / or the owner of the at fault vehicle. The insurance and automobile accident laws can be quite confusing. Because many automobile insurance policies may apply and the laws can be confusing and complicated, it is often times helpful to have the advice, representation, and benefit of a Florida child injury lawyer to guide a parent through the process of an insurance or legal claim.

In Old Town, Florida, a tragic automobile accident was recently reported. Three-month-old Jacob Patterson suffered personal injuries in Old Town Florida automobile accident. The Gainesville Sun reported that Jacob Patterson was a passenger in a parked vehicle that was hit or sideswiped by another vehicle driven by relatives of Jacob. The incident took place on Smith Road near Old Town. As a result of the impact of the vehicle , Jacob was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious personal injuries. No parent or family member can ever be prepared for the aftermath of an accident or the injuries like the ones suffered by Jacob Patterson. If you have a child who has been injured as a result of the negligence or fault of another person, contact a Florida child injury lawyer for advice, consultation, and legal representation.

In Florida, pedestrians are unfortunately injured while crossing the streets. Some of these Florida pedestrian accidents take place in or near a crosswalk. Other tragic injuries and pedestrian accidents take place when a pedestrian is not using a crosswalk. While a pedestrian should use a crosswalk when accessible, the failure of a pedestrian to use a crosswalk does not mean that legal rights are necessarily waived. Furthermore, a pedestrian, who is injured as a result of the negligence of a driver, can pursue a civil case or claim for damages and compensation even if the pedestrian is hit by a vehicle while the pedestrian fails to use a crosswalk.

When a pedestrian is injured in Florida, it is often times helpful to hire the services of a Florida personal injury lawyer to assist with issues involving insurance, compensation, damages, medical bills, medical treatment, and other matters. A Florida pedestrian personal injury lawyer can also assist the injury victim and family as to the investigation as to the cause, preventability, and fault for the automobile accident / pedestrian accident.

Florida has comparative fault laws in place. In other words, an injury victim can be partially at fault and still be able to collect compensation against a negligent driver for injuries caused by a Florida pedestrian accident. Even if a pedestrian could have or should have used a crosswalk, this does not excuse a driver from an accident caused by negligent driving. Drivers should yield to pedestrians and bicyclists when possible and practical. Just because a crosswalk is not being used does not mean that a driver can speed and / or ignore the presence of a pedestrian or bicyclist in or near the roadway or highway. See also Florida Traffic Laws and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions.

In Miami, Florida, a tragic pedestrian accident was recently reported.It was reported by the Gainesville Sun and other news outlets that a young boy was killed as he was crossing the street with his family. See P Pedestrians Hit by Car in Miami Florida. The family had been shopping at a local shopping center prior to the pedestrian accident. Since a death resulted from this accident, a full accident investigation will be conducted. It was reported that the family was not using a crosswalk at the time of this incident.

The above case and others still can be pursued by a Florida personal injury attorney. Each case must be evaluated on its own merits and the attorney will consider a number of factors in advising the injury victim and family on a Florida pedestrian accident case.

In Florida, some may think that it is very safe for a child to be transported in the typical yellow school bus. However, many people do not realize the seat belt regulations or the lack of seat belt regulations that have been in place for many years in the State of Florida and other States. Would a seat belt make travel on a school bus safer? Should seat belts be limited to lap belts? Should a seat belt be comprised of both a lap belt and shoulder harness? These are all excellent questions on the issue of school bus and seat belt safety.

Unfortunately, children are the unfortunate victims of accidents involving school buses and automobiles. If a child is injured as a result of a Florida school bus accident, it is often times helpful to consult with a Florida child injury attorney to find out the child's legal rights and the availability of insurance and other forms of compensation for the injured child.

Lap belts are now required on newer school buses. That leaves open the provision of safety belts on older school buses. Furthermore, shoulder harnesses are not currently mandated on either older school buses or newer school buses in Florida.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration now requires shoulder harness seat belts on smaller school buses. As to the larger school buses commonly seen in most Florida cities and communities, the NHTSA has left it to the individual States to make the decision as to the provision or requirement of shoulder harnesses and lap belts as part of the safety belt / seat belt for children.

If you have a child attending school and riding a bus, you should find out the following:

What bus will my child be transported on?

What is the size and type of the bus?

What type of seat belts are provided on the bus?

What does State law require as to seat belts on this type and year of bus?

What does Federal law require as to seat belts on this type and year of bus?

What do the local school board rules and regulations provide or require as to transportation and safety during transportation?

Children, who are riding on a school bus, suffer personal injuries when there is a crash that results from the school bus driver's negligence or the negligence of another driver. It is important that all drivers including school bus drivers do their best to avoid driver distraction and obey all applicable Florida traffic rules and regulations. See Florida Traffic Rules and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions.

See also Manatee County School Bus Accident for a discussion on the Florida and National seat belt rules and regulations.

A serious, tragic automobile accident was reported in Manatee County, Florida. Brett Wagner, who was only 18 years old at the time of the crash, died as a result of head trauma from this Florida Automobile Accident. It was reported that the accident took place on State Road 64 at Rye Road. Joshua Rogers, age 18 as well, was driving the vehicle that was occupied by Brett before he was ejected.

There are often times a number of legal and insurance issues involved with a Florida Automobile Accident. This is especially true when a person dies or a person suffers serious personal injuries as a result of the automobile accident. A Florida Automobile Accident Attorney can assist the family with many of these issues.

Florida Automobile Accident cases are governed by Chapter 316, Florida Statutes (Traffic Regulations), Chapter 627, Florida Statutes (Automobile Insurance), and Chapter 768, Florida Statutes (Florida Wrongful Death Act).

A Florida Automobile Accident case requires knowledge of the above statutes. It is important for the family to be properly advised by a Florida Personal Injury Attorney regarding these statutes, available insurance, fault / liability, damages, medical bills / medical treatment, and the other issues involved with cases of this nature.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, Damages / Compensation, and other issues. You can receive a free copy of this book at The ABCs of Child Injury.

In Florida and other states, children are the unfortunate victims of pedestrian / automobile accidents that cause the untimely and wrongful death of children. Wrongful death cases in Florida are governed by Chapter 768 - Florida Statutes which is titled the Florida Wrongful Death Act. It is important for drivers of motor vehicles in Florida to drive with the utmost of caution when there are children in the area. This would include school bus zones, school zones, playgrounds, and residential areas. A Florida Wrongful Death case filed due to the untimely and negligent death of a child can be very complicated. There are many issues and facts facing a parent with these Florida legal cases. A Florida Child Personal Injury Lawyer can guide, counsel, and represent parents in these legal matters. See also The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know.

In Metropolitan Dade County v. Dillon - 305 So.2d 36 (Fla. 1974), Darlene Dillon, age six, was the unfortunate and tragic victim of a Florida automobile / pedestrian accident that caused her death. The case went to a jury trial and the jury entered a verdict for compensation to the Darlene's parents. Dade County and its lawyers appealed the verdict all the way up to the Supreme Court of Florida. Florida's highest court affirmed the verdict award for the family. In this case, a garbage truck driver, who was looking in his rear view mirror observing the activities of his co-workers, ran over Darlene. It was reported that the truck had travelled 105 feet before striking the child. One of the pedestrian accident witnesses reported that Darlene's body flipped through the air "like a rag doll".

The appeal dealt with issues of liability or fault for the pedestrian / automobile accident. The Supreme Court of Florida ruled that the parents had in fact proved their case against the County for causing the accident and death of this Florida child. The record from the trial included evidence that the driver of the county garbage truck violated Dade County traffic ordinances and was being operated in an area designated for pedestrians like Darlene. While each side had presented arguments and circumstantial evidence on this and other points, the Supreme Court of Florida ruled that the jury had sufficient evidence to support the verdict.

In Florida, the general law provides that the violation of these traffic ordinances normally constitute prima facie evidence of negligence which can be overcome and challenged by other evidence. This means that the violation of the ordinances can be used as evidence of negligence or fault but does not automatically guarantee a win or victory on the case.

In the Florida, children under the age of 6 years old cannot be negligent or partially at fault as a matter of law. Children, who are 6 years old and older, can be held to be negligent. The child's age and maturity can be considered in assessing whether the child was at fault or partially at fault for the automobile accident / pedestrian accident. As noted in Swindell v. Hellkamp - 242 So.2d 708 (Fla. 1971), a child under six is conclusively presumed to be incapable of committing contributory negligence.

In Metropolitan Dade County v. Dillon, the jury determined that the 6 year old child was not at fault and the Supreme Court of Florida affirmed this verdict. The Supreme Court of Florida cited Foulk v. Perkins - (Fla. App. 1966) and noted that "Moreover, one who si not in a position to appreciate or apprehend the danger to which he is exposed can hardly be deemed guilty of contributory (comparative) negligence.

A Florida lawmaker (State Representative Irv Slosberg) is seeking to pass a Florida law that would ban texting while driving. Technology has made great advances over the past decade or so. We can communicate faster and better through devices like laptop computers, iPads and touchscreen devices, and, yes, smart phones like the iPhone and Droid. Unfortunately, these same devices have caused many Florida automobile accidents, Florida bicycle accidents, and Florida pedestrian accidents. Many of these accidents have resulted in serious personal injuries and deaths to children. One such victim texting while driving was James Caskey, Jr. who was riding a tricycle in North Naples when he was struck by a driver who was allegedly texting while driving. See Florida Lawmaker Looks to Ban Texting While Driving.

In Florida, drivers should do their best to limit distracted driving. Wait until you arrive at your destination to respond to that text or e mail. Waiting a few minutes to respond can save a life and avoid a serious Florida automobile accident. Florida drivers should drive with the utmost of caution and otherwise follow Florida's traffic laws and regulations and pay attention to road conditions and traffic. See Florida Traffic Statutes, Rules and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions.

In Orange Park, Florida, a family is mourning the death of a 13 year old son - Brien Andrew Alvezios who died while riding his bicycle in a hit and run accident. Brien was a student at Wilkinson Junior High School. The family is seeking help to find the driver of the vehicle that his Brien and fled the scene of this Florida automobile / bicycle accident.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating this accident. It is most unfortunate and tragic that a young life was lost. Even worse that the driver did not have the decency to stop and offer assistance to Brien. See Family Mourns 13 Year old Killed in Hit and Run Bicycle Accident / Automobile Accident.

The death of this child is a tragedy and a moment in time that will never been forgotten by the family of Brien Andrew Alvezios. When a child suffers an injury or death from an automobile accident or bicycle accident in the State of Florida, there are often many issues and questions for a family to deal with. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Damages / Compensation, Automobile Accidents, Medical Bills / Treatment and other topics

In Orange Park (Clay County), Florida, a family and community are mourning the unfortunate and tragic death of 13 year old Brian Andrew Alvezios. The Florida Times Union reported that there was a hit and run bicycle accident on Branan Field Road in Clay County, Florida. The fatal bicycle accident took place South of Trail Ridge Road at approximately 9:40 p.m. This Florida bicycle accident is being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. Hopefully, information will lead to the identify of the driver and vehicle involved in this tragic hit and run bicycle accident. See Hit and Run Crash Ends Life of Orange Park Boy - Brian Andrew Alvezios.

The Florida wrongful death of a child is a life changing event for a family as well as the community. It is not something that anyone can prepare for or that anyone can expect. It is also unnatural for a child to die before a parent. Nevertheless, children are the unfortunate victims of hit and run accidents. Anytime that a child is riding a bicycle or walking in or near a roadway - drivers should exercice the utmost of caution and slow down.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, and other topics. See Free Book for Parents Dealing with the Aftermath of a Child Injury.

When there is an automobile accident that ends up in a river, lake, canal or other body of water, there is a risk of drowning to the driver and occupants. This is especially true if there is a child in the vehicle. In Pembroke Pines, Florida, a vehicle careened into a Florida law. Tragically, the father drowned in the vehicle. There was a child in the vehicle as well who miraculously was saved by a floatation device known as a diaper. Yes, the diaper popped the child to the water's surface where the child was saved. See Florida Child Saved After Vehicle Goes into Florida Lake.

Drivers in the State of Florida should drive with the utmost caution especially when there are children in the car or in areas like parks, playgrounds, and schools that are near roadways. See Florida Traffic Rules and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions.

In Miami, Florida, a terrible automobile accident was reported. The accident took place on the Dolphin Expressway when the vehicle crashed into a median and a pole. Tragically, the driver (Alejandra Maria Gomez - Age 17) and the front passenger (Jennifer Garcia - Age 18) died at the scene of this Florida automobile accident. A third passenger was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.

The deaths resulted from this automobile accident are certainly a great loss to the respective families and communities. It was reported that the accident took place at approximately 2:30 a.m. News reports indicated that the car split in half as a result of the impact. Due to the circumstances of the accident and deaths involved, a full Florida homicide investigation will be completed by local law enforcement and / or the Florida Highway Patrol. See Teens Die in Accident on Dolphin Expressway in Miami, Florida.

Continue reading "Automobile Accident in Miami (Dolphin Expressway) Leads to Death of Two Teens and Injuries to Rear Passenger" »

Florida's year round weather allows bicyclists and pedestrians to be out on the sidewalks, and streets virtually every day. The Florida Department of Transporation is trying to prevent pr aty least reduce the number of incidents leading to personal injuries / deaths to bicyclists and pedestrians in Florida. See Campaign Aims to Stop Bike and Pedestrian Personal Injuries and Deaths.

It is important for drivers to slow down in any area where there are bicycle riders or pedestrians. This is especially important when there are children riding bicycles or walking on or near the streets and roadways. It is also important for all drivers to follow and obey Florida traffic rules and regulations and otherwise drive with caution depending on weather conditions and traffic. See Florida Traffic Rules and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions.

In Florida and other States, child safety is key when transporting children. Whether the child is transported by a parent, babysitter, friend, neighbor, day care center, or school, it is important that safety measures are taken for each and every child being transported. This includes the proper selection and use of child booster seats. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ranked child car booster seats. For parents, schools, and day care centers, it is important to review this list and other reviews to determine which seats are recommended and proper for the children being transported. See Group Rates and Evaluates Child Booster Seats.

Unfortunately, children suffer injuries every day on Florida roads and highways even when safety measures are taken by the transporter of the children. It can be quite stressful for a parent to deal with all of the challenges and difficulties of a child injury. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should know has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, and other topics. Get this book for free at Child Injury Book for Parents Looking for Help.

In Jacksonville, Duvall County, Florida and other locations throughout the United States, there is a problem with motorist ignoring stops school buses. In Florida, it is the law that a driver must stop when a school bus is stopped with flashing red lights activated and stop signs extended. Unfortunately, Florida drivers tend to ignore these flashing red lights and stop signs and drive right pass stopped school buses. The Florida times Union website recently reported a news story on this problem. It is estimated that almost 2,000,000 incidents (that's right Two Million incidents) take place every year involving a driver who ignores stopped school bus and drives past the school bus. In Florida, a driver can be find up to $500 for this driving violation or this traffic citation. It is important for the safety of children that all drivers be on the lookout for school buses whether stopped or not. Unfortunately, many such incidents have resulted in serious personal injuries to children. Many of these Florida pedestrian accidents / automobile accidents would have been avoided if the driver has stopped and obeyed Florida traffic rules and regulations pertaining to school buses. For more information on this topic see Drivers Frequently Ignore Stop School Buses in Jacksonville Florida in other cities.

In the early morning hours and the afternoon hours, thousands of Florida children travel to school in a county school bus. Unfortunately, many children are injured while on the bus or while walking to or from the bus stop. In Sanford, Florida, it was reported that a 14 year old boy was hit by a car while standing at a school bus stop. The driver of the vehicle stated that he did not see the boy because there was dew on his windshield. The driver was issued a citation for careless driving. The boy suffered personal injuries as a result of this school bus stop pedestrian / automobile accident. See 14 Year Old Hit by Vehicle at School Bus Stop.

It has been reported that at least 12 children have been hit by vehicles in the Central Florida area since the 2011 - 2012 school year began.

Florida has specific traffic laws and regulations regarding school zones, passing, pedestrian crossings, and other traffic matters. See Florda Traffic Laws and Regulations.

A one year old child died on Monday in Orlando, Florida as a result of injuries suffered from an automobile accident. The car that the Florida child was riding in hit a pole when the driver lost control in rainy weather conditions. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the child was sitting in a car seat; however, the car seat was not secured properly to the family SUV. The car seat that Darvin Thomas Jr. was siting in was thrown out the rear door of the SUV. The child's mother was also injured in the accident. The Florida Highway Patrol stated that the mother was not wearing a seat belt. Darvin Thomas, the driver and father of the child also suffered minor injuries. Officials from the Florida Highway patrol report that the driver was driving without and license and the tires were worn on the SUV. Since a death resulted from this accident, local law enforcement and / or the Florida Highway Patrol will conduct a full investigation into the cause and preventability of the death of the child.

In the State of Florida, children under the age of 5 must be properly restrained while riding in a motor vehicle. The law also requires children under the are of 3 to be fastened in a separate safety seat. Every time you place your child in a car seat, make sure it is properly installed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers child car seat safety inspection stations. Certified technicians will inspect you child's car seat to verify proper installation. Check the NHTSA website to locate a car seat inspection location near you. For more information see, Tragic Automobile Accident Reported in Orlando Florida- Toddler Ejected From SUV and Dies.

Teaching children about safety can help prevent many unfortunate accidents and incidents from taking place. In some Florida cities and towns, "safety towns" have been created to teach children about traffic and pedestrian safety. The "safety towns" are minature versions of towns that have streets and crosswalks. The "safety town" concept is a great way to teach children about crosswalks, bus stops, and the dangers of traffic and busy intersections. You can read more about the concept and usefulness of "safety towns" at Teaching Children in Florida Safety Towns.

It is well known that children (especially young children) lack good safety awareness. Because of this, it is important for drivers to slow down in and near school zones, bus stops, parks, playgrounds, and all other locations where children play, walk, or ride bicycles. By slowing down and reducing driver distraction, many automobile accidents involving child pedestrians and bicyclists can be avoided.

When a child is a victim of an accident and suffers serious personal injuries, many challenges are presented to the parent caring for the child. How are the medical bills going to be paid? Who is legally responsible for the medical bills? What insurance benefits are available? What are the legal rights of the injured child? The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injuries - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Medical Bills / Medical Care, Damages / Compensations, and other topics. You can receive a free copy of this book at The ABCs of Child Injury.

Orange City, Florida and its residents have a concern about child safety. In particular, residents, school officials, and parents are concerned about the safety of children as they walk or ride their bicycles to and from school. Unfortunately, in Orange City, Florida, there are danger zones for children travelling to and from school. This is especially problematic in areas where there is a lack of sidewalks. Orange County Officials have met to discuss this issues. Hopefully, action will be taken to make it safer for children. Drivers in Orange City and elsewhere should do their best to drive safe in and near school zones as well as other areas where children are present as pedestrians and bicyclists. By slowing down and limiting driver distractions, many unfortunate and tragic automobile accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents can be avoided. See Orange City Meeting to Discuss School Safety Isssues for Child Pedestrians.

In Orlando, Florida, a horrible accident took place in the Festival Bay parking lot. It was reported by the Orlando Sentinel that a mother (Amara Khan) was fatally injured by her own vehicle when her 4 year old son put the car in reverse. At the time of the tragic incident, Ms. Khan was walking behind her vehicle while it was operating. Many drivers and parents leave their vehicles on while taking care of other children or putting the groceries in the car. While it does not seem that dangerous, a vehicle can be put into gear by even a small child like a four year old. For more information regarding this incident, see Mother Backed Over by Her Own Vehicle in Mall Parking Lot.

Safety is key when operating a motor vehicle in the State of Florida. It is well known that children have poor safety awareness even when riding in an automobile. A moment of inattention can lead to serious personal injuries and, in some cases, even death.