Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

In Florida, children are the unfortunate victims of accidents as pedestrians, bicyclists, or scooter riders. When a child suffers serious personal injuries in an accident caused by the negligence of a driver, there are many challenges faced by both the child and the family. First and foremost, the medical needs of the child should be met. The medical care may involve fire rescue paramedics, emergency room personnel, orthopedists, neurologists, surgeons, therapists, and other medical professionals. Once the initial medical needs of the child are met, the parents are often faced with the issue of payment of bills and then follow up care. Soon after accidents, parents are often contacted by investigators, insurance adjusters, and others seeking information regarding the child and the parents. At these most challenging times, it is often helpful to have the advice, consultation, and representation by a Florida Child Injury Lawyer. An experienced attorney in child injury cases can advise a parent as to issues including medical bills, medical treatment, insurance coverage, insurance claims, legal rights, compensation, damages, and other matters. These legal claims / legal cases are handled on a contingency basis (i.e. No Recovery - No Fees). Because of these available attorney fee arrangements, parents are able to secure the services of a qualified Florida personal injury without having to pay any money up front to the attorney for investigation or representation.

There are three basic issues that are part of most every child injury case involving a child pedestrian, child bicyclists, and child scooter rider.

1. Liability. This refers to the part of the case involving fault. Florida is a comparative fault type of state. In other words, the attorney for the child injury victim does not have to prove that 100% of the fault was attributed to a particular driver. Even if the child victim is partially at fault (in addition to the driver's fault), a case / claim for personal injuries can still be pursued. In determining the liability, fault, and / or responsibility for a particular accident or incident, the investigation may include review of the police report and accident scene. In addition, if there were witnesses to the accident, statements can be taken as well. While it is helpful if the police officer issues a traffic citation to the alleged at fault driver, the issuance of a traffic citation is not required to pursue claim for personal injuries. Because of the issue of liability can be quite confusing and complicated, it is often times helpful to hire a Florida personal injury attorney to review the facts and details of the accident.

2. Damage. This typically refers to injuries sustained by the child as a result of the bicycle, pedestrian, or scooter accident. The value of the case is usually contingent on the extent or seriousness of the injuries. Factors that may be considered include the following: length of the medical treatment, type of medical treatment, diagnostic testing results, permanency of the injuries, the manner in which the child's life has been affected or disrupted, the need for future care, the need or performance of surgery, extent of scarring, extent of disfigurement, and other factors. A one time emergency room visit is valued much differently than a case involving a year of treatment and many specialists.

3. Automobile / Liability Insurance. If a liability can be proved and the damages or injuries warrant the pursuit of a legal claim / legal case then practical considerations must be considered. One major practical consideration involves the availability and amount of automobile / liability insurance. While there are Florida laws in place that require an owner of a vehicle to maintain automobile insurance, the basic or minimal requirements are typically insufficient to properly compensate a child injury victim. Because of this, it is important for a parent to determine the amount and type of coverage that are in place for a particular injury or accident. Hopefully, the vehicle owner or driver purchased a policy in excess of the minimal requirements. A Florida personal injury lawyer can help a parent review the available insurance and advise the parent as to the practicalities of a particular claim or case.

The Associated Press recently reported that a 6 year old boy suffered serious personal injuries when he was hit on scooter in Broward County, Florida. The driver of the vehicle had hit another vehicle and the boy as well. Its appears that the at fault driver ran a stop sign according to the Broward County Sheriff's Office. See 6 Year Old Boy Suffers Critical Personal Injuries as a Result of Being Hit by a Vehicle.

In a case like the one mentioned above, it is certainly most unfortunate and tragic that a child was injured as a result of a driver failing to stop at a stop sign. Traffic rules and regulations are in place for a reason. When a Florida traffic regulations or traffic sign / signal is violated, serious accidents can take place. See Florida Traffic Rules, Regulations, and Laws - Frequently Asked Questions. Beyond the liability or fault aspects of this accident, it appears that the injuries or damages are quite serious which then brings us to the final consideration - that of automobile or liability insurance.

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.

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.

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.

Halloween is a great holiday full of fun and festivities. Unfortunately, Halloween also brings with it dangers to children walking around neighborhoods. It has been reported that a child's risk of getting hit by a car is four times more than at other times of the year. It is well known that children often times have poor safety awareness. This is especially true when there are distractions like a night full of candy and trick or treat activities. The American College of Emergency Physicians issued a Press Release regarding the dangers to children as pedestrians on Halloween Night. Planning and safety measures are key to help reduce or prevent tragic automobile accidents / pedestrian accidents from taking place on Halloween. See Child's Risk Higher on Halloween Night - Safety Measures for Children and Parents.

It can be quite difficult for a parent to deal with the aftermath of a child injury. There are many issues and problems 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 automobile accidents, damages / compensation, medical bills / treatment and other topics.

The Orlando Sentinel reported that a 7 year old boy suffered personal injuries when he was hit on his bicycle while crossing a street. At the time of the bicycle accident, the 7 year old boy was with his grandmother. The driver of the van involved in the accident told police that she stopped at the stop sign and then began to make her turn when the accident took place. The driver was issued a citation by the Florida Highway Patrol for Careless Driving. See Child Hit on Bicycle by Van - Importance of Safe Driving.

Florida Laws regulate drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Due care should be taken anytime that bicyclists or pedestrians are on or near the roadway. Drivers should slow down and pay close attention to the movement and location of pedestrians and bicyclists. Unfortunately in Central Florida and many other areas, children are the unfortunate victims of bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. Many such accidents can be avoided or prevented with better driving and the reduction or elimination of driver distraction.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injuries - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Damages / Compensation, Automobile Accidents, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, and many other topics. You can get a free copy of this book at Free Book to Parents Looking for Answers to Common Questions Involving Child Injuries.

A Sunny Isle, Florida child, was put in critical condition at the Joe DiMaggio Children's hospital after being hit by a car . Six year old Jacob Shaked was riding his bicycle in his quiet gated neighborhood when he was struck by an unidentified driver. The driver sped away without helping. The child was hospitalized with a broken bone, a head injury, and was placed on a respirator. The child was found on the side of the road by a neighbor who called 911. The parents of Jacob, are asking for any information regarding this tragic hit and run.

The quiet neighborhood of Sunny Isle, Florida has several speed limit signs posted as well as speed bumps to warn drivers to slow down. The police are reviewing the community surveillance tapes in an attempt to identify the hit and run driver.

When operating a motor vehicle you must obey the rules and laws of the road. Obey posted speed limit signs and watch for bike riders and pedestrians. Drivers have a responsibility to stop and provide assistance when in a motor vehicle accident.

If you have any information regarding this accident call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. For more information regarding Sunny Isle Florida Hit and Run Leaves Six Year Old Boy in Critical Condition with Serious Personal Injuries.

On Friday August 26, 2011, at around 8:45 p.m. a 15-year-old bicyclist and his friend were riding home when he was struck by an Ford pick-up in Flagler County, leaving the young man critically injured. Kirt Smith, the victim in this accident, was taken by ambulance to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida after AirOne, the Volusia County helicopter, had technical difficulties getting off the ground. Reports say that Flagler County did have a working helicopter that was close to the scene but the county had not used the helicopter outside its 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. service time for over two years in order to save money. Smith's friend did not sustain any injuries in the accident.

The driver of the Ford pick-up, 31-year-old Gary Wright Jr., of Palm coast, was driving southbound in the inside lane on Seminole Woods Parkway when the accident occurred. After the accident, Wright turned his truck around and came back to the scene to await local authorities to arrive. Wright spent most of the time sitting on the back of his truck bed with Flagler County Sheriff's officers and paramedics making sure he was okay and giving blood samples for testing.

According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, Smith's bicycle was shattered into several pieces at impact and both southbound lanes were closed for over an hour to clean the debris up. The impact had been strong enough to smash the truck’s left headlight and buckle its hood.

Authorities said Smith was not wearing a helmet.

For more on this story, see Palm Coast bicyclist injured in collision on Seminole Woods Parkway.

A 16-year-old boy was struck by a SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) while riding his bike eastbound on Greenland Road in Jacksonville, Florida. The teen, Samuel Bellett, was on his way up to Mandarin high school for cross-country practice when the incident occurred. Samuel was going to the early morning practice scheduled so the team could avoid the heat of the day.

Samuel was immediately rushed to Shands Jacksonville where he was placed in intensive care and treated for a broken leg, head injuries, and possible internal damage.

Paul Sluder, Samuel's grandfather, said that Samuel was trying out for the team for the first time. He also said that at the hospital, over half of the cross-country team as well as the coach, school principal, and athletic director came to the hospital to show their support. The JSO (Jacksonville Sheriff's Office) will investigate the bicycle accident as to the cause of the accident and the preventability of the accident.

For more on this story, see Bicyclist struck in front of Mandarin High identified

On the evening of Thursday, August 4, 2011, 14 year-old Morris L. Taylor and his friend were bicycling through the Tampa Bay Riverview area when Taylor was suddenly struck off his bicycle by a Dodge Ram pickup truck. The 31 year-old man who was driving the truck was heading northbound on U.S. Highway 301 when he collided into Taylor's bicycle. Though his friend rushed to get help, Taylor tragically died at the scene. The 31 year-old only suffered minor personal injuries.

The Florida Highway Patrol report stated that both of the cyclists were wearing dark clothes and that neither of their bicycles were equipped with the proper lights necessary for biking in darker conditions. Furthermore, the report stated that no charges have been filed at this time.

During summer months in Florida as well as the rest of the year, adults and children alike enjoy biking and other recreational outdoor recreational activities like running and playing sports. Many such activities take place on or near Florida roadways and highways. During the evening and night hours, visibility is reduced which, in turn, can put bicyclists and pedestrians (especially children) at risk for serious personal injuries.

Just remember that if you and your child are going to take an evening bike ride, make sure that you and your child are equipped with the proper safety equipment before you go out on the road. Products such as bike lights, helmets, and bright or neon clothing are just a few things that can help prevent accidents and tragedies from taking place on or near Florida roadways and highways It is also important to remember that if you are driving in the evening time, pay attention to your surroundings and to watch for any pedestrians and bicyclists (especially children) who may be out at night. These steps, while not 100% effective, can greatly reduce the risk of serious personal injury and help make the summer time much more enjoyable.

For more on this story, see 14-year-old boy bicyclist dies in crash.

In Florida, children can be seen in every community riding their bicycles. Whether near schools, parks, homes, or commercial areas, there are many bicyclists including children bicyclists out there. Unfortunately and tragically, some children suffer serious personal injuries and death every year in Florida and other States that result from being hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle. While helmets and other bicycle safety can help reduce the incidence and severity of an automobile / bicycle accident, a child on a bicycle that is hit by a car often times is left with a serious permanent personal injury. In some cases, a child is hit by a motorist and the driver flees the scene of the accident. The Orlando Sentinel reported an accident involving a 7 year old boy (Maximillian Guerra) of Merritt Island who was hit by a driver who fled the scene of the accident. Rather than stay to render assistance to the injured child, the driver (Bryan Berka) fled the scene but was later arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol after Berka admitted to that he hit the child and left the scene of the accident. While it appears from the news report that Mr. Berka will have an uphill battle defending himself against these criminal charges, Mr. Berka will still be entitled to representation from a Florida criminal defense attorney or the public defender's office. For more information on this story, see Man Struck 7 Year Old Boy on Bike - Fled in Pickup Truck According to Florida Highway Patrol.

It is often difficult for a parent to deal with the myriad of issues presented by a serious personal injury whether caused by an automobile accident, bicycle accident, pedestrian accident or other cause. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child What Every Parent Should Know has chapters on Medical Bills & Medical Treatment, Damages / Compensation, Automobile Accidents, Day Care Injuries, Sports Related Injuries, Playground Injuries and other topics. You can receive a free book at Free Child Injury Book for Parents Needing Help. The book is also available for $4.99 at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple i Books. When a child is injured, it is important for the child to have a voice to advocate for the child's rights, safety, and welfare.

In Palm Springs (Palm Beach County) Florida, two teens (Yoanelis Candelaria-Perez) and other girls were charged with felony battery and cruelty towards a child. The story reported in the Orlando Sentinel and other news outlets involved two groups of girls who had a dispute. There was a chase of some kind that ended with an 11 year old boy allegedly being pushed into the street. The Defendants will argue that it was merely an accident and there was no intent or malice involved with the boy who was apparently an innocent bystander. The teen girls will be entitled to legal representation through a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney or the services of the Public Defender's Office. It was reported that the 11 year old boy suffered personal injuries including fractured ribs, abrasions to her legs and left arm, a collapsed lung, and a wound to his back. See Police: Teen Girls Pushed Palm Springs Boy, 11, into Path of Car.

When there is an injury that takes place away from the home, there still may be a possible homeowner's claim for the negligence of the homeowner or a resident relative. Each case must be evaluated on its own merits and the homeowner's policy must be read carefully to determine coverage and exclusions. Most homeowner's policies exclude criminal or intentional conduct on or off the premises from coverage. Since this is somewhat confusing concept that is evaluated case by case and policy by policy, it is often helpful to have a Florida Child Injury Lawyer evaluate the case, liability, and applicable insurance coverage (if any).

When a person is injured as a pedestrian or a bicyclist, there may be coverage available through an automobile insurance policy as well. Again, the insurance policy and facts must be evaluated to determine eligibility and coverage. When a pedestrian or bicyclist is injured, there may be coverage under a parent's automobile insurance policy for PIP (Personal Injury Protection), Med Pay (Medical Payments), and / or Underinsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM) insurance coverage. Again, these issues can be complicated and confusing. As such, guidance and representation through a Florida Child Injury Lawyer is important and helpful to make sure that benefits and claims are paid pursuant to the policy and Florida law.

A 5-year-old boy was fatally struck by a van while riding his bicycle recently in Lauderhill, Florida. The child was identified as Joshua Richardson, the accident occurred near the Northwest 20 Street. Joshua apparently got stuck underneath the tire of the van, causing him to be dragged for several feet after the initial impact. Lauderhill Police say the driver of the van has not been identified. However, police could confirm that the driver was in the neighborhood after doing some remodeling work on a nearby home. Captain Rick Rocco of the Lauderhill Police said the diver initially thought he had hit a rock until he was eventually waved down by a neighbor and realized the severity of the situation. The police were immediately called and Joshua was airlifted Broward General Medical Center where he was ultimately pronounced dead. Police believe Joshua rode his bike into the street and, as of now, it does not seem likely charges will be pressed against the driver. However, Captain Roccos did say the investigation is ongoing and is in its earliest stages. For more details read Boy fatally struck by van while riding bicycle in Lauderhill, Florida.

Florida law places an affirmative duty of on drivers to use extreme care towards pedestrians and bicyclists while driving. If you would like to read more information on Florida law concerning its drivers and pedestrians please read Florida Laws Regarding Pedestrians and Traffic Regulations - Importance of Exercising Due Caution When Pedestrians Are Present.

A 7-year-old girl sustained serious personal injuries after she was struck by a pickup truck while riding her bicycle in Orlo Vista, Florida, just west of Orange County. The young girl was identified as Angela Caraballo, of Union, Georgia. Angela was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital where she was treated for serious personal injuries to her face and head. Officials say that Angela was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. Florida officials were unable to say whether or not an adult was supervising the child. Reports identified 66-year-old Lucien Joseph, of Ocoee, as the driver of the pickup truck. A witness told Florida Highway troopers that the little girl attempted to turn her bicycle away from the road, but "failed to turn or stop due to inexperience riding the bike." Troopers also said Joseph attempted to stop, but the right front end of his truck struck the back of Angela's bicycle. The impact pushed Angela onto the pavement. The reports by the Florida Highway Patrol do not indicate any charges are being pressed against Joseph. For more see 7-year-old girl sustains serious personal injuries to face and head after struck by pickup truck while riding bicycle, reports indicate she was not wearing a helmet.

Bicycle helmets are scientifically proven to reduce the severity of personal injuries and death in victims of bicycle accidents. Parents and guardians should teach their children to always wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. The risk of personal injury can also be reduced if the child is supervised by an adult or other competent person while riding his or her bicycle. For more information on helmet safety see Importance of Bicycle Helmets to Child Safety.

A young boy has died after he was tragically hit by a pickup truck while riding his bicycle. Authorities identified the 10-year-old boy as Younique Miller of Port Charlotte, Florida. Younique was riding his bicycle a little before 6:30 p.m. when he was struck by a truck while he was trying to cross a paved driveway. The boy was instantly taken to Peace River Hospital but he was, unfortunately, pronounced dead shortly after. Younique was not reported to be wearing a helmet. The driver of the truck was identified as 26-year-old Jacqueline Leigh. Also inside the truck was an 8-year-old child. Neither Leigh nor her 8-year-old passenger sustained personal injuries in the accident. To read more on this story please see 10-year-old boy of Charlotte County, Florida killed after hit by truck while he was riding on bicycle.

The death of this young boy is a tragedy for his family and community. Florida drivers need to keep their attention and focus on the road at all times. Also, parents should teach their children to always wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Helmets have been scientifically proven to save lives and reduce the risk of sustaining serious head injury or other personal injuries. To read more on helmet safety please read Importance of Bicycle Helmets to Child Safety.

Below is a summary of the leading cause of fatal personal injuries in children ranging in age from less than one-year-old to 19-years-old:

- From 2000-2006, the leading cause of death for children were personal injuries due to transportation. Although a substantial amount of deaths involved pedestrian or bicyclist accidents, the highest rates were among occupants of motor vehicles in traffic.

- For children less than one-year-old, 2/3 of death caused by personal injuries were due to suffocation.

- For children aged 1 to 4-years-old, drowning was the leading cause of personal injury-related death.

- For children aged 5 to 19-years-old, the most personal injury-related deaths were due to being an occupant in a motor vehicle crash.
(Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Also, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions, an average of 12,175 children between the ages of birth to 19-years-old are killed annually in the U.S. from unintentional injury. Gary Hamner, a public education officer, said many of the childhood fatalities caused by unintentional injury are preventable, especially if people become more aware of traffic safety. Outside the home, fatal childhood personal injuries can be avoided by keeping children in seat belts or age- and weight-appropriate child safety seats. Inside the home, Hamner stresses that preparing for a fire emergency is critical. Homes should always have smoke detectors, the devices save lives. The batteries in smoke detectors should be checked once a month and replaced twice a year. Also, parents and guardians should have and teach their children an emergency exit plan should a fire occur. Children should know exactly what to do when a smoke detector signals; they need to know the fastest and best way to get out of every room in the home and a safe meeting place once no longer in the home. To read more see Avoid fatal childhood personal injuries, simple tips on prevention.

="bicycle%20helmet%20pink.jpg" src="http://www.floridachildinjurylawyer.com/bicycle%20helmet%20pink.jpg" width="100" height="75" align="left" style="margin-right: 5px;" target="_blank">

Section 316.003 - Definitions - Florida Statutes - defines a bicycle as follows:

Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and every motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels. The term does not include such a vehicle with a seat height of no more than 25 inches from the ground when the seat is adjusted to its highest position or a scooter or similar device. No person under the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.

It appears from this definition that most tricycles built for children would not meet the definition of a bicycle because the seat height of most tricycles are less than 25 inches from the ground.

Section 316.2065 - Bicycle Regulations - requires a helmet for children under 16 years old as follows:

A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely upon the passenger’s head by a strap, and that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z 90.4 Bicycle Helmet Standards), the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation (1984 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling), or any other nationally recognized standards for bicycle helmets adopted by the department. As used in this subsection, the term “passenger” includes a child who is riding in a trailer or semitrailer attached to a bicycle.

While it does not appear the Florida law mandates that a child riding a tricycle wear a helmet in most instances, parents, child care providers, and day care providers should have children wear a protective helmet when riding a tricycle or other riding toys. A helmet can prevent or at least reduce the severity of a head injury / head trauma to a child.