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Florida Car Accidents & Truck Collisions

  Florida Car Accident and Florida Truck Collision Lawyer

Clearwater Accident Attorney Jim Dodson wrote the book on Florida car accident cases
                
                      > Click Here to request your FREE book <

Clearwater attorney Jim Dodson and his staff have over twenty years experience handling car and truck accidents.  He has obtained millions of dollars in recovery for clients seriously injured in Florida car accidents and Florida truck collisions.

Most Florida accident victims have no idea how to find a good personal injury lawyer they can trust. Many do not understand how Florida No-Fault works. They believe they can trust the insurance company because they are unaware of the tactics big insurance companies use to reduce what they owe an accident victim.  There is many times a lack of understanding among accident victims concerning  how adjusters value a claim.

Learn these things and much more in Jim Dodson's new book: The Five Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case offered FREE if you have been injured in a Florida vehicle crash. In this book you will find answers to all of your questions, written in easy to understand language,  about your legal rights against negligent drivers.

At the Law Office of James W. Dodson, we understand the devastation that occurs as a result of being seriously injured in a Florida accident or truck collision. We are committed to helping car accident, truck accident and motorcycle accident victims recover every dollar of just compensation they are entitled to receive under the law. 

Why you need to get started now
Hiring a Florida Car Accident attorney promptly after an accident helps your case in two important ways.

First, it allows your lawyer to begin to investigate your case as quickly as possible by hiring investigators and experts to gather necessary evidence. This is vital because the passage of time may make it difficult to locate witnesses or preserve necessary evidence.

Second, it relieves you of the anxiety of dealing with the insurance company adjusters on your own. Remember, their goal is to reduce the value of your claim.  Your lawyer will communicate with adjusters directly while working to protect your interests. This provides you the time you need  to focus on recovering from your injuries.

Types of Car Accident and Truck Collision cases we handle:
We represent Florida car accident victims injured in all types of motor vehicle accidents in Florida including:

• Car Accidents and Truck Collisions
• Motorcycle accidents
• Semi-Tractor trailer accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Rental car accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Moped, scooter, razor accidents

Types of injuries 
We represent people with serious injuries received in Florida vehicle collisions. In the worst cases, those  involving the tragic death of a loved one, a wrongful death claim may be filed. People injured in these accidents may suffer all types of injuries including:

• spinal cord injury
• traumatic brain injury  and closed head injury   (subdural hematoma)
• broken bones and fractures
• back injury, herniated disc , back pain
• shoulder injury (torn rotator cuff)
• knee injury, knee pain, requiring (knee surgery), ankle injury
• scarring, disfigurement, crush injuries
• burn injury

FREE Car Accident/Truck Collision Case Review
Contact us now for a FREE consultation about your Florida car accident case. There is no obligation to hire a lawyer. Many accident victims are concerned about how they will pay for lawyer fees when they have been seriously injured and unable to work. All of our personal injury cases  are handled on a contingent fee basis, so you will never pay any fees to us unless you obtain recovery on your claim. 

We handle cases all over Florida
Although our law firm is based in Clearwater, we have handled cases all over Florida including car accident and other injury clients in Clearwater,  Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, and Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Treasure Island, Madeira beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Ellenton, Kenneth City, Belleair Shores, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O'Lakes, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other Florida Counties. 

Library for Florida Car Accidents & Truck Collisions:

• Florida Car Accident Victim's Guide   
  Description: Florida Car Accident attorney provides essential information summarizing what car accident victims need to understand about Florida No-Fault insurance, handling the repair or replacement of their car and paying for a rental vehicle.
• Influence of Seat Belts in Reducing Traumatic Injuries and Fatalities in Motor Vehicle Accidents | Part 2   
  Description: Florida Spine Institute: Even though restraint systems have been shown to be very effective in preventing injury, they also present the potential for injury. Air bags have been associated with injuries to the head, neck and upper extremities. Neck injuries are usually minor; however, cervical strain injuries can be seen with air bag deployment. Overall, however, air bags and seat belts are a safe technology, and injuries related to these restraints are relatively infrequent and minor.
• Influence of Seat Belts in Reducing Traumatic Injuries and Fatalities in Motor Vehicle Accidents | Part 1   
  Description: Florida Spine Institute: Motor vehicle accidents remain the most common cause of death or trauma in persons age 1-34. Seat belts have been very effective in reducing traumatic injuries and reducing fatalities. Air bags also have been shown to reduce trauma and fatalities resulting from motor vehicle accidents.
• 15-Passenger Van Rollover Safety Recommendations by NHTSA   
  Description: Fatal Van Accident Lawyer James W. Dodson located in FL knows there is growing concern regarding the crash involvement and safety of 15-passenger vans and the resulting injuries and fatalities. Between 1990 and 2002, there were 1,576 15-passenger vans involved in fatal crashes that resulted in 1,111 fatalities to occupants of such vans. Of these, 657 vans were in fatal, single vehicle crashes, of which 349 rolled over.Safety recommendations by NHTSA are listed to help reduce the chances of 15 passenger rollover injuries and deaths.
• Car Crash Severity and Changes in Speed Rate   
  Description: Car Crash Lawyer in FL James W. Dodson published the Federal Highway Administration's report on the relationship between a car crash, its severity and the change in speed of the vehicle at the time of impact. The fatality risk increases with the change in speed to the fourth power. International research indicates the change in injury crashes will be twice the percentage change in speed squared, and fatal crashes will be four times the percentage change in speed. These relationships are based mainly on speed limit and speed changes on high-speed roads.
• 15-Passenger Van Fatalities | A NHTSA Study   
  Description: NHTSA conducted a study to increase the knowledge of fatalities of occupants of 15-passenger vans by looking at the demographics of those that drive and ride in these vans when they are involved in fatal crashes, in addition to updating rollover and restraint data.
• Vehicle and Infrastructure Based Technology to Reduce Rear-End Collisions   
  Description: The National Transportation Safety Board investigated nine rear-end collisions in which 20 people died and 181 were injured. Common to all nine accidents was the rear end following vehicle driver’s degraded perception of traffic conditions ahead. Existing technology in the form of Intelligent Transportation Systems can prevent rear-end collisions.
• Needed: Healthcare Professional Training on Medical Conditions and the Ability to Drive Safely   
  Description: Dozens of people have been killed and injured in accidents in which the NTSB found drivers with serious medical conditions or those who took prescription medicines that impaired their driving.
  The NTSB calls for improved healthcare professionals awareness and training on impact of serious medical conditions and medications on our nation's drivers.
• NSF: Impact of Sleepiness on Driver Performance   
  Description: Some states are taking action to get drowsy drivers off the road. Yet,many Americans still don't understand the serious impact sleepiness has on driving performance.(NSF) New Jersey, has a specific law for fatal crashes caused by drivers who fall asleep. Nine states have pending bills which target drowsy driving in various ways. The NSF's annual Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is designed to boost public awareness and increase advocacy around the issue. This year's campaign focuses on special at-risk groups such as young drivers, working adults, commercial drivers and people with untreated sleep disorders.
• Warning Signs | Feeling Sleepy? | Stop Driving   
  Description: The National Sleep Foundation reports each year there are 100,000 car crashes, 71,000 injuries and 1550 fatalities due to drivers falling asleep at the wheel. Warning signs and tips for drowsy-free driving are made in this article.

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Frequent Questions for Florida Car Accidents & Truck Collisions:

• I have read in your book, Five Mistakes that Can Wreck your Florida Accident Case, about the problems with car wrecks in which there is no visible crush damage (a minor impact collision) as well as  the importance of the injured person being candid and believable. Do you have any evidence to support your position? 
• I was in a car accident and suffered a crush injury to my knee. My doctor has recommended hyperbaric oxygen therapy. What is it and how will it help me?
• What is a compulsary medical evaluation and why are they used?
• My doctor said I have a permanent injury. What does this mean?
• Are there disadvantages if I use my Employer Sponsored Health Plan for my treatment after an accident? My employer said it is an ERISA Plan.
  
• Once my lawyer has begun discussing settlement with the insurance company, who decides whether an offer the insurance company makes will be accepted?
• I was in a car wreck and my primary care doctor says my neck pain is whiplash. Can I pursue a claim for my pain and suffering under Florida's No Fault?
• I was in a car wreck which was not my fault. It resulted in a obvious facial scar. Does that qualify as a threshold injury under Florida's No-Fault law?
• What does open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of a bone fracture mean?
• Who will pay my medical bills after an accident?
• Should I give a recorded statement or sign the forms the insurance adjuster has sent?
• What is an independent medical examination?
• What about my property damage, does a lawyer handle those claims too? 
• Do I really need a lawyer, or can I handle my accident case on my own?
• What If I Am Injured by an Uninsured Driver?
• I was involved in a collision which caused only minor damage to my car.  The other driver was clearly at fault.  I have been treating with my doctor for low back pain. He sent me for an MRI which shows I have a herniated disc.  I have been referred to a surgeon for low back surgery.  Now the adjuster claims my injury could not have been caused by such a low impact collision.  What can I do?
• What if I was not injured in the accident, but I have property damage to my car?
• I was hurt in an accident which was not my fault. Now my own insurance company is requesting that I submit to an examination by a doctor they have chosen. Do I have to go?
• I am confused by the information on my insurance declaration sheet about the types of coverage. What is BI, UM, and PIP?
•  If I own a car in Florida and loan it to another person, will I be liable if they injure someone by causing an accident?
• I was injured in a car crash and the other driver was at fault.  The claims adjuster for the other driver has called me requesting I give a recorded statement.  What should I do?
• I was injured in a car accident.  The other driver's insurance company paid to repair my car and paid for my rental car.  Can I rely on them to give me a fair settlement on my injury claim?
• I have a bad whiplash injury from a car collision caused by the other driver.  I have a lot of medical bills which were not paid by my no fault insurance and I have lost time from work.  The other claims adjuster wants to settle with me.  Can I rely on the adjuster to be fair and pay my unpaid medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering?

Videos about Florida Car Accidents & Truck Collisions:

• Florida No Fault Insurance | Florida | Clearwater | Car Insurance Lawyer
• Texting While Driving | Car Accident Attorney | Clearwater | Florida
• St. Petersburg | Clearwater | Auto Accident | Injured while on the job
• Clearwater | St. Petersburg | Car Accident Lawyer on Diminished Value Claim
• Florida Auto Accident Lawyer | Five Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Florida Auto Accident Case
• New Crash Tests of Small Cars 2009 | Clearwater Car Crash Lawyer
• Auto Insurance | AllState | Anderson Cooper Explains
• Auto Insurance | AllState | Anderson Cooper Explains Part 2

Web Resources for Florida Car Accidents & Truck Collisions:

• 15- Passenger Vans | Facts | Problems | Safety Precautions

  Description: The National Transportation Safety Board outlines some grim facts, rollover risk problems and safety precautions if you own or ride in a 15-passenger van; as many church groups, sports teams, day care children, and elderly people do in Florida.

• 2009 Top Safety Picks for Autos | Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

  Description: To determine crashworthiness — how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash — the Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.

• National Automobile Dealers Association

  Description: Another helpful site with information about your current cars value and other information about new car reviews. Find information about your car now!

• Kelly Blue Book | Find the Value of Your Car!

  Description: Helpful link to Kelly Blue Book which you can enter your car's information and find the true value of your vehicle!

• Florida Deaths by Motor Vehicle Accidents

  Description: A chart, by county, listing the number of deaths (with age groups) caused by motor vehicle accidents in the state of Florida, for the year 2007.

• Safety Techniques for Avoiding Car Accidents Caused by Driving on Rain Slicked Roads

  Description: Rain is blamed for thousands of accidents yearly. Many of these accidents are preventable, but are caused by intrepid drivers who don't realize that fair- and foul-weather driving are fundamentally different. Taking a few precautions and using wet-weather driving techniques will keep you from becoming a statistic.

• Statistics for Truck Accidents

  Description: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has given high priority to research regarding collisions between large trucks (gross vehicle weight > 4,540 kilograms (10,000 pounds) and other vehicles on the roadway. This research aims to improve knowledge about the high-risk behaviors of truck and passenger vehicle (car) drivers.

• Text Free Driving Organization

  Description: An organization of concerned citizens want to make highways, roadways and neighborhood streets as safe as possible. The use of cellular phones while driving has reached epidemic levels. Their increased usage has caused countless car accidents,while driving while texting is even more dangerous. The group hopes to raise awareness of motorists to this growing danger and act as an information center for interested citizen’s groups.

• American Medical Association Supports Ban on Text Messaging While Driving

  Description: Tapping out text messages on a cell phone while driving is dangerous and the American Medical Association has agreed to lend its name in support of state legislation to ban it. Research has shown that talking on cell phones also distracts drivers and can cause more accidents -- even with hands-free devices -- the AMA supports laws against talking on cell phones too.

• Top 10 Safety Features To Consider When Buying a Car

  Description: Florida car accident attorney Jim Dodson recognizes safety is an important area to consider as you shop for your new car. No one likes to think about getting involved in an accident, but if the worst does happen, you'll stand a better chance of walking away from it if your vehicle is properly equipped. Here are the top 10 tips designed to help you make sure that the vehicle you buy has the safety features you need, published by Edmunds.

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Blog for Florida Car Accidents & Truck Collisions

• Free Florida Car Accident Victim Guide | Clearwater Florida Car Accident Lawyer
• Florida Seat Belt Law in Effect | Florida Auto Accident Attorney
• Plaintiff Loses Case In Minor Impact Collision and Credibility Attack | Car Collision Attorney | Clearwater
• Fatal Car Crash | 5 -Car Pile-up on I-75 | Fatal Car Crash Lawyer | Tampa Florida
• Spring Hill Good Samaritans | Spring Hill Car Wreck Lawyer | Florida
• Florida Highway Patrol | Seat Belts Save Lives | Florida Car Collision Attorney
• Illegal Street Racing Trap in St. Petersburg | St. Petersburg Car Accident Attorney
• Kenneth City Man Crashes into House | Kenneth City Car Accident Lawyer
• Gas Guzzler Information | Clearwater Car Attorney | Florida Emissions
• Pinellas Park Police Car Crash | Pinellas Park Car Crash Attorney
• Costly Low-Impact Collisions in Microcars | Clearwater | Florida Collision Lawyer
• 15 Passenger Roll-Over Accident | Florida Auto Accident Lawyer
• Update on Infant Crash Victim | Car Crash Attorney | Florida
• Infant Passenger Suffers Serious Injuries in Car Collision with Garbage Truck | Florida Serious Injury Lawyer
• Car and Semitrailer Truck Collision on I-4 | Florida Car Collision Lawyer
• Yield to Emergency Vehicles | Avoid an Accident | Clearwater Accident Attorney
• Tips to Avoid Car Accidents When Driving in the Rain | Florida Car Accident Attorney
• Driver Distraction on the Rise in Florida | Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer
• Driver Who Waves Another Vehicle On Into Traffic Liable for Collision? | Motorcycle Accident Attorney | Clearwater | St. Petersburg
• Fatal Accidents and Teen Drivers | Clearwater | St. Petersburg Fatal Accident Lawyer
• Accident is Not Your Fault? | St. Petersburg | Florida Auto Accident Lawyer
• Do You Have a Dangerous Intersection in Your Neighborhood? | Car Accident Attorney Florida
• Memorial Day Road Safety Tips to Avoid Car Crashes and Fatal Injuries | Clearwater Car Crash Lawyer
• St. Petersburg Beach Car Accident Lawyer | Pass-a-Grille crash Teen was Speeding
• Pinellas Park Car Accident Lawyer | 1 Dead in Accident in Pinellas Park
• New Port Richey Accident Lawyer | New Seat Belt Laws Show No Mercy
• Clearwater | Safety Harbor | Car Accident Lawyer | Fatal Wreck in Clearwater Causes Lanes to Close
• You Might Be the "Other Guy" | Clearwater, Florida Traffic Accident Attorney
• Head Down and Thumbs Busy | Text Message Car Accident | Clearwater Attorney
• Emergency Vehicle Crash Injures Driver | Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer
• Injured in An Accident? | Don't Be Hurt By Your Own Lack of Insurance | St. Petersburg | Clearwater Brain Injury Attorney
• Tampa Car Crash Lawyer | 3 Die in I-95 Crash
• 5 Hospitalized in Pinellas Park Crash | Clearwater Car Wreck Lawyer
• Teen Drivers on the Web | Clearwater Car Crash Lawyer
• Clearwater | St. Petersburg Car Wreck Attorney | Teens on the Road
• Man With Prior Speeding Record Involved in Crash That Took Infant's Life | Clearwater Auto Accident Lawyer
• Mistakes to Avoid In Your Injury Case | Clearwater | St Petersburg Accident | Injury Lawyer
• UnIntended Consequences of Law for Teen Drivers | St. Petersburg | Clearwater Auto Accident Attorney Jim Dodson
• Baby Dies In Clearwater Crash | Clearwater Car Wreck Lawyer
• Clearwater | Tampa Bay Auto Crash Attorney | Crash Tests Yield Poor Ratings for Some Cars
• Clearwater | St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer | 4 Teens Killed in Crash in Seminole
• Clearwater | St. Petersburg Accident Attorney | Large Pick-Ups Score Poorly in Crash Tests
• Tampa Bay Auto Accident Lawyer | Jazz Singer, Tina Harrison Killed in Car Wreck
• St. Petersburg Auto Accident Lawyer | Car Crash on 34th Street
• Clearwater Auto Accident Attorney | Walk Away From An Accident
• Clearwater Personal Injury Attorney | High Gas Price, Fewer Road Deaths
• Hillsborough Auto Accident Lawyer | SUV Flips near I-4
• Pasco County Car Accident Attorney | High Number of Car crashes and Fatalities on S. R. 54 in Pasco County
• Clearwater | St. Petersburg Accident Lawyer | Defense Medical Exams-What's the Doctor's Real Motive
• Hudson Car Accident Lawyer | Hudson Man Dies in I 4 Accident
• Clearwater Auto Accident Attorney | NHTSA Survey Results on Unsafe Driving Activities
• Pinellas Car Accident Lawyer | I-275 Minivan Fire Delays Traffic
• Manatee County Injury Lawyer | Asst. Football Coach Dies in Truck Accident
• Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer Jim Dodson discusses what you need to know about car repair & replacement after a car crash.
• Clearwater Injury Lawyer | Rash of Irresponsible Drivers
• Manatee Car Accident Lawyer | Two Car Collision Both Drivers Face Charges
• Wesley Chapel Car Accident Attorney | Teen Driver Critical in Car Crash
• Clearwater Auto Accident Attorney | Car Accident Statistics
• Florida Accident Attorney| Ignition Lock Law in Florida
• Tampa Accident Attorney| Tampa Police Car Crashes with 2 Vehicles
• Manatee Car Accident Attorney/Bradenton Crash Sends 6 To Hospital
• Pinellas Car Accident Lawyer | Fatal Crash Claims Life of a Young Man
• Indian Rocks Beach Car Crash Lawyer | Indian Rocks Beach City Commissioner Victim in DUI Accident
• Dunedin Auto Accident Lawyer | Concerned Citizen Follows Erratic Driver
• Clearwater Auto Accident Lawyer Jim Dodson's New Auto Insurance Article!
• Pinellas Auto Accident Lawyer | Pasco | Rain Slick Roads Lead to Accidents in Pinellas and Pasco Counties
• Downturn in Economy Impacts Number of Deaths on Florida Highways
• St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer | Three Injured in School Bus Crash
• Intersection has History of Crashes
• Premiums Go Up When you’re Not at Fault
• Head On Collision Takes 3 Lives
• Hit and Run Man Hits Two
• New Year’s Eve Crash, One Dead others Hurt
• Two-Car Pinellas Crash Injures 2
• 2 Friends Killed in Crash
• Accidents in Pinellas County are Rising
• Car and Truck Collide on Bayshore Gardens Parkway
• Tampa Crash Injures Two
• Things to Consider Before Settling Your Injury Claim Without an Attorney
• As Budget Concerns Force Cuts Will Accidents Increase?

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