Miami-Dade Prosecutor Arrested Following Hit-and-Run Crash

Posted on May 24, 2013 by The Gerber Law Group, P.A.

According to the Miami Herald, a south Florida prosecutor is facing charges after she allegedly sideswiped a car on a busy road and left the scene of the crash. The Herald reports that ay 29-year-old Caycie Blake Flitman was arrested following the accident that took place on May 7.

Flitman allegedly made an improper lane change and struck the car next to her. The Herald reported that other motorist involved in the crash said Flitman stopped, got out of her car and cursed at him, then drove away. Flitman works as an assistant Miami-Dade County state attorney.

Thankfully, nobody was injured in this crash. There is never an excuse for leaving the scene of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Florida has nearly 3,300 hit-and-run accidents annually. Some of the most common reasons drivers flee the scene of accidents include intoxication, not having a license or having outstanding warrants for their arrest relating to other crimes.

If you have been injured or have had a family member killed by someone else’s negligent actions, attorney Maria Gerber is here to assist you with compassionate counsel. Visit our website and fill out a contact request or call our office at (866) 233-4529.

The Gerber Law Group, P.A.– Sarasota injury attorney

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Polk County ATV and Bicycle Crash Kills One, Injures Three

Posted on May 22, 2013 by The Gerber Law Group, P.A.

According to WWSB-TV, Polk County investigators are trying to determine what caused an accident between an ATV and a bicycle that killed one person and critically injured three others on May 11. WWSB reports that a witness called the sheriff’s office saying that a black all-terrain-vehicle was speeding without its lights on when it swerved to avoid hitting a bicycle.

The ATV landed upside down in a ditch and the bicycle was found mangled nearby, according to WWSB. 18-year-old Israel Bible Jr. was killed in the crash, while 19-year-old Danny Bermea Jr., 21-year-old Ginno Cano and 21-year-old Jose Luis Cano-Mendez were injured.

WWSB reported that none of the victims appeared to be wearing helmets.

Use Caution While Operating An ATV

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ATV operators should take the following safety precautions:

  • Children and young people under the age of 16 should not ride adult ATVs.
  • All ATV users should take a hands-on safety-training course.
  • Always wear a helmet and safety gear such as boots and gloves while on an ATV.
  • Never drive an ATV on paved roads.
  • Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The CPSC reported that in 2006, an estimated 903 people died nationally because of ATV accidents.

If you have sustained an injury or lost a loved one because of negligence, please contact our office for a free consultation. To speak to an attorney, visit our website and fill out a contact request or call our office at (866) 233-4529.

The Gerber Law Group, P.A.– Sarasota injury attorney

Gerber’s Guidance: According to the CPSC, 131,900 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms because of injuries sustained during ATV crashes in 2009.

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Sarasota Injury Attorney: Red Light Crash Injures Five at Fruitville Road and Lime Avenue

Posted on May 20, 2013 by The Gerber Law Group, P.A.

According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, three adults and two children were injured on May 11 following a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Fruitville Road and Lime Avenue. According to the newspaper, Sarasota County Fire Department, EMS and Sarasota police responded at about 12:35 p.m. to the crash that delayed traffic for about an hour until it was cleared.

The Sarasota Police Department said the “accident appeared to have been caused when a driver ran a red light.” The accident remains under investigation. Police said that emergency medical professionals “cut the driver out of a white sedan, removing the top and driver’s side doors.” According to the Herald-Tribune, four people were removed from the car. The driver of the blue SUV was also transported to the hospital with injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2008 there were more than 2.3 million reported intersection-related crashes, resulting in more than 7,770 fatalities and approximately 733,000 injury crashes. A majority of these crashes are the result of a driver running a red light.

If your family suffers a tragedy or you have a relative who is severely injured because of a car accident, you could be entitled to damages. Visit our website and fill out a contact request or call our office at (866) 233-4529.

The Gerber Law Group, P.A.– Sarasota injury lawyer

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Santa Rosa County Deputy Strikes, Kills Pedestrian

Posted on May 17, 2013 by The Gerber Law Group, P.A.

According to the Northwest Florida Daily News, a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s deputy struck and killed a pedestrian while driving his patrol car on May 4 on U.S. Highway 90.

The website reported that Deputy Joseph Dunne was driving west on U.S. 90, just past Sunset Drive about 8:20 p.m. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), due to lighting conditions, Dunne was unable to see Bruce Crutchfield walking within the boundary of the outside lane.

Crutchfield was walking west with his back to approaching traffic and wearing dark clothing. Dunne was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting Crutchfield, according to the FHP.

Crutchfield, 56, who lived in Milton, was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where he was pronounced dead. The FHP announced that they are not filing charges in the wreck.

Although a driver may not face criminal charges for his or her role in a fatal car accident, they can still be held liable if their negligence contributed to someone’s death. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in 2010, 7,894 auto accidents injured 7,290 pedestrians and killed 499 pedestrians.

If your family suffers a tragedy because of driver’s negligence, you could be entitled to damages. Visit our website and fill out a contact request or call our office at (866) 233-4529.

The Gerber Law Group, P.A.– Sarasota injury attorney

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