Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer - All Topics

Fort Myers Teen Arrested In Hit and Run Accident

Chrissie Cole — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:43:00 GMT

A Fort Myers teen was arrested following a hit and run accident that happened Friday at the corner of Rofles Road and Colonial Boulevard.

According to police, Boyd Iven Grigsby III, 10, was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.

It appears on Friday night at 6 p.m. Grigsby hit another vehicle with a mother and toddler inside and then left the scene. Grigsby didn’t stop to ensure that the victims weren’t hurt, investigators said.

Florida ranks third-highest in the nation with an average of 3,300 hit and run accidents per year. California and Texas are the highest.

In Florida, drivers that fail to stop and remain on the scene following a crash face possible felony charges, revocation of their driver’s license, court ordered community service and other fines.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Fort Myers Man Killed In Car Crash

Chrissie Cole — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:39:00 GMT

A car accident on Tuesday afternoon claimed the life of an 88-year-old Fort Myers man when he failed to yield at a stop sign.

The accident occurred when Mark Gruell Jr., was traveling east and failed to stop at the intersection on McGregor Blvd/S. Town and River Drive, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

His car was struck on the left side by a 1998 Plymouth driven by Sergio Ponce, 27, who was traveling south on McGregor at the time of the crash.

When FHP arrived, they found Ponce was driving without a license. Gruell was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An estimated 43 fatal car accidents occur in Florida each year.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Multiple Car Crash In Heavy Smoke In Lee/Hendry Counties on State Road 25

Joseph Bernardo — Sat, 17 May 2008 23:39:21 GMT

A multiple vehicle pile-up involving cars and trucks occurred early this morning in thick smoke from nearby brush fires. It happened on SR 25 near the Lee/Hendry county line. There were numerous injuries and a death.

A 1998 Lincoln four-door was traveling northbound when it rear-ended a semi, according to FHP reports. As traffic slowed because of the crash, another semi failed to slow down for unknown reasons and crashed into the Lincoln and the semi it had collided with.

This caused a domino effect, and, in the end, 11 vehicles, including a bus and at least four semi-trucks, had been involved in five separate crashes.

The driver of one of the vehicles died, but no information was available about the death. The victim has not been released pending notification of the family.

Slowing down in reduced visibility situations is common sense. It appears, unfortunately, not all drivers wish to use it. This type of multiple car/truck crash with resulting numerous injuries and death can be avoided with the above mentioned common sense and appropriate driving behavior in the situation.Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Joseph Bernardo

Allstate Insurance getting spanked by Fla. court

Joseph Bernardo — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:18:53 GMT

Allstate is at it again. Misbehaving badly has become their norm and they are finally getting some of what they've been giving:

Wednesday's 1st District Court of Appeal ruling denied Allstate's request for a rehearing of an earlier decision that sided with the state's Office of Insurance Regulation, giving it the power to sanction the company for failing to cooperate in the ongoing investigation.

"Allstate's willful, indeed potentially criminal, failure to comply with its disclosure obligations has prevented OIR from adequately investigating its reasoned belief that Allstate is systematically defrauding its policyholders," wrote Judge Paul Hawkes for a unanimous three-judge panel.

They do the same thing to their own policy holders and to claimants in third party claims. Oh well, at least they're consistent. I especially like the potential criminal failure to comply language by Judge Hawkes.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Joseph Bernardo

Drowning Death of Toddler in Lee County Update

Joseph Bernardo — Sun, 04 May 2008 14:54:24 GMT

I received an important and insightful response to my May 2 post on this subject. These events do occur to even the most careful and caring parents. It takes so little time for a child to be in danger, whether from a pool, spa, bathtub, lake or so many other things. Awareness, I would think would be the main method to at least help most of these tragic deaths. That will lead to prevention of some , and hopefully all of the primary factors that lead to drowning deaths of children. Not all things can be prevented, of course. Safety is increased though by awareness and prevention. Thank you Catherine. People might like Sam Cook's column today in our local paper, The News Press.

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080504/COLUMNISTS02/80504001/1075

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Joseph Bernardo

Toddler drowning death in Lee County Again!

Joseph Bernardo — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:02:00 GMT

A young boy tragically died in a pool April 30th here again in Lee County. This is the third child that has drowned in a pool in Fort Myers and Cape Coral in just the last two(2) weeks. What is going on? These deaths have been all over the news and yet they continue to happen. Family safety is apparently suffering a disconnect somewhere in our town. There are numerous pool safety classes and information provided by our Parks & Recreation Depts. and the NSPI. Families must recognize and learn of the dangers associated with pools and children!

The Following Is Based on the National Spa and Pool Institute's Brochure

Drowning Prevention information is not "for someone else". It is for you. Because only by increased awareness and effort can we reduce some very alarming statistics. Drowning is one of the largest causes of accidental death for American infants and children under the age of five. This brochure contains tips on how to help prevent these unfortunate accidents. Read on and learn how you can help make your pool or spa area safer for children.

Drowning Prevention Tips

There is no substitute for adequate supervision.

Pools and spas are attractive to children, and children must be kept away from them in the absence of adequate supervision. A fence, wall or natural/artificial barrier should completely enclose your pool or spa. All gates or doors with access to the pool or spa should have a spring lock, self-closing and self-latching mechanism that protects against unauthorized entry and use. (The inside latch should be above the reach of toddlers or young children.)

Check with you state or local government to learn their specific legal requirements concerning fencing around pools and spas. You cannot be too cautious. If your pool, spa or hot tub is indoors, lock the door to the room or have a cover that locks, to keep out children and other unauthorized users.

Do not place objects (e.g., chairs or tables) near the pool or spa fence that would allow a youngster to climb over. Tree limbs and low overhanging roofs should be removed or made inaccessible.

A float line stretched across a pool indicating where the deep end begins can avoid a dangerous excursion by young children into water over their heads.

A clear view of the pool or spa from the house should be assured by removing vegetation and other obstacles.Trespassers or unexpected swimmers can be discovered by an occasional glance at the pool or spa area.

Reaching and throwing aids should be kept on both sides of the pool. These items should remain stationary and not be misplaced through play activities.

Pools or spas should never be used if any of the grate outlets are missing or broken.

Make certain that all doors leading from the house to the pool or spa area have a self-closing, self-latching mechanism above the reach of toddlers to protect against unauthorized entry and use.

If you use a pool or spa cover, carefully read and follow the manufacturer's directions for safe installation, use and maintenance. Always completely remove the cover before using your pool or spa, to avoid the possibility of anyone - especially a small child -- being trapped and drowning under the cover. Drain any standing water from the surface of your pool or spa cover. An infant or small child can drown even in the smallest amount of water. Be especially alert for the potential for drowning accidents if you use any of the lightweight, floating pool or spa covers. These floating covers are not solid and no one can crawl or walk on them. They are not for safety.
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Safety Tips

Never leave a child alone out of eye contact supervision in or near the pool or spa - not even for a second.

Young children should never be considered water safe despite their swimming skills, previous instruction or experience.

Access to the pool or spa should be limited by locked doors or gates whenever swimming or soaking cannot be supervised.

Teach your children good pool or spa safety habits: no running, pushing playmates, no jumping on others, no diving or jumping in shallow water or "dunking".

Do not rely solely on plastic inner tubes, inflatable arm bands or other toys to prevent accidents.

Keep toys, particularly tricycles or wheel toys, away from the pool or spa. A child paying with these could accidentally fall into the water.

Do not allow anyone of any age to swim without a "spotter" nearby. Examples of good safety behavior by adults are important for young children.

During social gatherings, be certain that someone has the major responsibility for watching the children and swimmers at all times.

Do not permit playful screaming for help (false alarms) which might mask a real emergency.

Teach your children the most effective way to get out of the pool or spa quickly.

Do not allow your child to swim immediately after eating a heavy meal.

Do not allow swimming during thunder or other storms.

Do not allow glass in the pool or spa area.

Do not allow the use of drugs or alcohol by persons using the pool or spa, or in the pool or spa area.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Joseph Bernardo

School Bus and car accident with critical injuries update

Joseph Bernardo — Thu, 01 May 2008 22:26:58 GMT

The recent serious car and school bus crash at a local dangerous intersection has apparently prompted action to get a street light installed. Things are now moving faster after a woman and her teenage daughter ended up in critical condition(where they remain). I noted yesterday that there was the need for a light at this location, Surfside Blvd. and Trafalgar Pkwy. It is now supposed to be installed by the end of May. Tommorrow might be a better idea. I'll be happy to round up some volunteers and we will all go out and help. Bonita Bay group or City of Cape Coral, just let me know. I don't think we need another accident there if it can be prevented.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Joseph Bernardo

School Bus and car accident in Cape Coral cause serious injury

Joseph Bernardo — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:14:48 GMT

A school bus and car collided at a dangerous intersection this afternoon injuring students from a local school and the passengers in the car. The intersection at Surfside and Veterans has no traffic light yet in spite of the dangerous nature of the intersection and the high traffic. A passenger in the vehicle had to be airlifted to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. Several students and the bus driver were taken by ambulance. I happen to live near this area and know it to be a problem. It is a shame that better planning for this recently constructed area didn't produce the appropriate traffic control device. Lee county has its share of accidents which I've been commenting on lately, and we certainly don't need additional and unnecesary ones to add to the total.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Joseph Bernardo

Near Drowning of toddler in family pool

Joseph Bernardo — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:46:12 GMT

A week ago I wrote of the death of an infant here in Lee county by drowning in a pool. Here, a week later(this past Saturday) a toddler was found floating face down in the pool by family after perhaps as long as three(3)minutes or more. This child nearly drowned when the mother went inside for just a moment. That, of course, is all it takes to lead to such tragic consequences --- a moment. The only way to safely have your children of young years near a pool is for you, the parent to be with and watch them at all times. Even pool fences are not infallible and are not a substitute for constant supervision near the water.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Joseph Bernardo

Plastic bottles recalled due to safety concerns

Joseph Bernardo — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:45:38 GMT

Nalgene bottles with BPA are being recalled over safety concerns. Wouldn't it be nice to see companies studying these issues sufficiently before shoving their product into the stream of commerce and hope for the best. Good god, everyone from healthy hikers to kids in school lunch rooms have been drinking out of these bottles for years. So have I. A group of scientists looking into the effects of BPA have apparently determined their is sufficient concern to warrant further study. Whatever that means. Canada was already smart enough to ban baby bottles with BPA. Its enough for me to not fill that bottle of mine up any more when I head for the beach !

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Joseph Bernardo

Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer - All Topics

Fort Myers Teen Arrested In Hit and Run Accident

Fort Myers Man Killed In Car Crash

Multiple Car Crash In Heavy Smoke In Lee/Hendry Counties on State Road 25

Allstate Insurance getting spanked by Fla. court

Drowning Death of Toddler in Lee County Update

Toddler drowning death in Lee County Again!

The Following Is Based on the National Spa and Pool Institute's Brochure

Drowning Prevention Tips

Safety Tips

School Bus and car accident with critical injuries update

School Bus and car accident in Cape Coral cause serious injury

Near Drowning of toddler in family pool

Plastic bottles recalled due to safety concerns