Lakeland Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

A possible problem shortly after take-off led to the fatal crash of a small airplane in Winter Haven, FL Thursday morning.

According to Bay News 9, the crash occurred a few miles from the Winter Haven Airport.

The plane went down near Highway 92 W and Pickney Drive in Winter Haven, FL just after 9:30 a.m.

Two men who were aboard the plane slid across the road and slammed into some trees.
The plane's pilot, 45-year-old James "Jim" Trefz of Brooksville, FL died shortly after the crash.

The passenger, George Azize, 37, of Mulberry, FL was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.

A dog named Zulu, who belonged to Trefz, was on board the plane and survived the crash.

According to planecrashinfo.com, "a grand total of 1,300 fatal accidents worldwide, involving commercial aircraft, from 1950 thru 2009 for which a specific cause is known." Some warning signs that are mentioned on planecrashinfo.com are;

• Auto pilot disconnect
• Incorrect take off configuration
• Altitude lost after takeoff or go-around
• Bank angel exceeds 35 degrees
• High speed at low altitude

These are just some of the signs to look or listen for when flying and/or riding on a plane. Plane crashes happen every day and no one will ever know when it will happen unless the pilot mentions something about it over the air ways. There is a reported number of 5,315 plane crashes in the database system.

Rivas Law Group, LLC is a personal injury law firm located in Winter Haven, FL. If you or a loved one has been injured, please call us immediately to schedule your free legal consultation. There is no cost or fee unless you obtain a recovery. Call us now at 877-299-5539.

A 60-year-old man who may have been homeless was hit and killed by a car, according to Polk County, FL Sheriff's Office traffic deputies.

According to Bay News 9, the incident occured around 9 p.m. on Friday in Lake Wales, FL. Lewis Earl Crawford was attempting to cross the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27 in Lakeland, FL near Washington Avenue in Lakeland, FL.

He reportly entered the path of a 65-year-old man driving a red Chevrolet heading southbound. The driver immediately stopped and remained on the scene until law enforcement arrived.

Crawford died from his injuries, but neither the driver nor his passenger was injured.

According to Polk County, FL deputies, Crawford was not at a crosswalk, but he was at a spot where there were no street lights.

Traffic along U.S. Highway 27 in Lakeland, Fl southbound lanes were reduced to one lane for several hours.

The driver is not expected to be charged in the accident.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Florida reportedly has the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in the United States alone. The U.S. Environment Protection Agency implemented the Florida Pedestrian System Plan(FPSP) which promotes the safety and comfort of pedestrians in the State of Florida.

According to the US Department of Transportation, there were approximately 175,000 pedestrian fatalities, in the United States, between the years of 1975 and 2001. To date, an estimate of 12% of automobile accident fatalities increased due to reported pedestrian accidents during 2001.

Young children, older drivers, texting while driving, drinking while driving and other driver related distractions that can and/or may occur during the duration of your drive, are just some factors that cause pedestrian accidents in the United States. However, pedestrian accident statistics are much higher than drinking and driving accident statistics.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident be sure to consult with an attorney immediately. Many times, insurance companies contact the injured victim to discuss the claim or even offer to settle. This can be to your detriment. Thus, it is best to hire an attorney who will deal with the insurance company on your behalf.

Attorney Tania L. Rivas is a personal injury attorney in Winter Haven, FL. Attorney Rivas represents injured victims, never the insurance company. The firm handles a variety of personal injury cases, including automobile accidents, slip and fall accidents, motorcycle accidents, dog bites and inadequate security cases. Call Attorney Rivas today for your free legal consultation.

Three people, two of them police officers in Avon Park, in Polk County, FL were injured tonight in an accident on Cypress Gardens Boulevard, in Winter Haven, FL, Polk County, FL authorities stated.

According to the Lakeland Ledger, Around 5:12 p.m. today, a red Mazda Miata driven by Bernice Nacrelli, 59, of Eagle Lake, in Polk County, FL was heading west on Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven, FL. She was attempting to turn south onto Lake Ruby Drive in Polk County, FL when her car collided with an eastbound Jeep Wrangler, the Polk County Sheriff's Office stated.

The Jeep was driven by Jacob Andrew Bratten, 35, of Winter Haven, FL who was on his way to work in Avon Park in Polk County, FL where he is a sergeant with the police department. Bratten was ejected from the Jeep upon impact, and was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, in Lakeland, FL where he remains in critical condition, the Winter Haven Sheriff's Office stated.

Lawrence Shnider, 41, of Winter Haven, FL a passenger in the Jeep, received an injury to his right leg. He was taken by ambulance to Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, FL where he is in stable condition. Shnider is an Avon Park, FL police officer and was on his way to work with Bratten.

Nacrelli received minor injuries. She also was taken to Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, FL and is in stable condition.

The accident remains under investigation, the Polk County Sheriff's Office stated.

According to City-Data.Com, during 2008, there were a total of 3 fatal accidents reported in Winter Haven, FL. There were a total of 4 vehicles involved in fatal accidents in Winter Haven, FL, as well as, one fatal accident that was caused by a drunken driver. There was also a reported total of 4 fatalities in Winter Haven, FL during 2008. Of the reported fatal accidents, 8 people were involved which included 2 pedestrian's that were reported to have been involved in a fatal accident during 2008, in Winter Haven, FL.

A fatal accident can be a shocking an unexpected tragedy. Often times, fatal accidents claim the life of young victims. If your loved one has been killed in a fatal accident, talk to a lawyer immediately. Florida law limits the amount of time you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit

Merlin M. Hart, 74, of Avon Park, FL died Monday night of January 25, after his 2001 Volts Wagon Bug collided with a semitrailer in Polk County, FL according to the Florida Highway Patrol report.

According to Tampa Bay Online, Hart was eastbound on County Road 640, in Polk County, FL when the semitrailer, driven by Devon E. McPherson, 56, of Winter Haven, FL turned into his path from 5400 Garfield Road, in Polk County, FL according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Hart's car ran under the truck's trailer and came to a stop underneath, the Florida highway patrol report stated.

Hart was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, while McPherson was, according to the Florida Highway Patrol report.

Whether alcohol was a factor in the crash is pending the investigation's outcome.

Hart died at the scene from injuries he suffered in the accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 43,000 people killed in fatal car accidents each year in the United States. Roughly, 40 percent of the fatal crashes are alcohol-related. In addition to fatal accidents, about 2.9 million people are injured each year.

Failure to wear a seat belt contributes to more fatalities than any other single traffic safety related behavior. About 63% of people killed in accidents are not wearing seat belts. Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective thing we can do to save lives and reduce injuries on America's roadways

Tania L. Rivas is an attorney who represents injured victims in Polk County, FL. The office is located at 274 W. Central Avenue, Suite C in Winter Haven, FL. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please call Attorney Rivas today to schedule your free consultation. There is no fee or costs unless you win.

A 33-year-old Lakeland man died in a two-car crash about 11 a.m. Monday, January 4 in North Lakeland, the Polk County Sheriff's Office stated.

According to the Lakeland Ledger, Jason Daniell was driving south on U.S. 98, in Lakeland, FL in a 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier. As he neared Duff Road, in Lakeland, FL Daniell made a left turn into a side road leading to a bank drive-through.

Daniell drove into the path of a 1994 F-350 being driven north on U.S. 98, in Lakeland, Fl by Benigno Lopez, 50, of Lakeland, FL.

Lopez and his passenger, Elena Lopez-McTarskey, 15, were injured. They were treated and released from Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

Daniell died at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing.

According to a WDEF 12 2009 news article "

Lt. Charles Lowery, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, "A lot of the rural roads are curvy. Most of them are two lane so."

In my experience of as a personal injury attorney, practicing in Polk County, FL, I have seen a number of deadly collisions. As stated by Lt. Lowery, rural roads can be dangerous. I have especially seen this where the driver is from out of town and not familiar with the unique curving of the road.

A two-vehicle accident on Monday, January 25, in Lakeland, FL killed one man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

According to the Lakeland Ledger, Jeffrey Branam's 1997 Dodge Ram pickup truck was traveling south on Pit Road, in Lakeland, FL, which is a dirt road, on the northbound portion of the roadway. A 1981 Dorsey trailer was parked on the northbound portion of the roadway and Branam's left front-end of his truck collided with the left front of the trailer.

According to an Florida Highway Patrol report, the accident occurred on Pit Road, in Lakeland, FL just south of Cox Road, in Lakeland, FL.

Branam was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident remains under investigation.

According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) which is conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), there were approximately 120,000 fatal and injury crashes nationwide during the 33-month study period that involved at least one large truck; 141,000 large trucks were involved in those crashes from 2001- 2003.

Of the 141,000 reproted large truck crashes that occurred between April 2001 and December 2003, a total of 963 crashes involving 1,123 large trucks and 959 motor vehicles that were not classified as large trucks.Of the 963 crashes reported, 249 were crash fatalities and 1,654 were crash related injuries.

Trucking accidents are often serious crashes that result in fatalities. If you or your loved one has been injured or killed in a trucking accident, consult with a lawyer immediately to preserve your legal rights. Rivas Law Group, L.L.C. is a personal injury law firm, located in Winter Haven, FL. Attorney Tania L. Rivas handles a variety of personal injury cases, including trucking accidents. Contact us for a free legal consultation.

A hit-and-run crash was reported shortly before 9 this morning on State Road 60, in Polk County, FL east at south county line Road near Mulberry, FL.

According to the Lakeland Ledger, two accidents were reported in West Polk County, in Polk County, FL shortly after 7 this morning, the Florida Highway Patrol stated.
There were no reports of blocked roads or of injuries.

The first accident was a hit-and-run crash with injuries which was reported around 7:30 this morning on Winter Lake Road, in Lakeland, FL, and Reynolds Road in Lakeland, FL the Florida Highway Patrol stated.

The road was not blocked. There was no report of injuries.

The second collison happened around the same time on State Road 33, in Polk City, FL about half a mile south of Van Fleet Road in Polk City, FL.

The road was not blocked. There was no report of injuries.

According to national government statistics, more or less than 11% of all motor vehicle accidents are hit and run incidents. This equates to almost 7,000 cases of hit and run accidents in the United States every year.

In a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, the rate of hit and run accidents has increased by 15% from 1998 to 2002 all over the U.S. In certain states, such as California, the increase rate for such incidents is even greater

In my practice as a personal injury lawyer in Polk County, FL, I have represented many victims of hit and run accidents. Hit and Run accidents are a common occurrence. Many times, the offending driver is not identified. If the driver is unknown, the injured victim can pursue and uninsured motorist claim with his/her own automobile insurance.

Uninsured motorist coverage is that which compensates the injured victim when the at fault party does not have any insurance or the amount of his/her coverage is insufficient to compensate the victim. It is important to note that uninsured motorist coverage is optional in the State of Florida. If you do not carry uninsured motorist coverage on your policy, be sure to call your carrier today to purchase the highest amount of coverage you can afford. It's better to be safe than sorry.

A 68-year-old Winter Haven, FL man was killed and a 4-year-old child injured in a multi-vehicle collision Tuesday night near Auburndale, FL, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.

According to the Lakeland Ledger, Milton Edward Jacobs was westbound in the center lane of U.S. 92, in Auburndale, FL, on the overpass in Auburndale, FL around 7 p.m. when he crossed the median and drove into the eastbound lanes, his truck then struck the left side of a vehicle driven by Gary Smith, 41, of Auburndale, FL, the Florida Highway Patrol report stated.

The impact knocked Smith's car, which was traveling in the center lane, into the path of a car driven by Christopher Terall McKnight, 19, of Winter Haven, FL who was behind Smith in the outside lane. McKnight's vehicle hit the guardrail before he took an evasive turn and crossed the median, going into the westbound lanes where it struck a vehicle driven by Carolyn Parsons, 33, of Winter Haven, FL who was traveling westbound in the outside lane, the Florida Highway Patrol report stated.

Jacobs was pronounced dead at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, in Lakeland, FL. Kirra Parsons, 4, who was in Carolynn Parsons' vehicle, was taken to Tampa General Hospital, in Tampa, FL where she is in stable condition. Carolynn Parsons was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, in Lakeland, FL and is in stable condition, according to the Florida Highway Patrol report.

All other drivers received minor injuries.

Everyone involved in the accident was using a seat belt, the report said.

The accident remains under investigation.

According to the Florida Police Chiefs Association, during a crash, properly fastened safety belts distribute the forces of rapid deceleration over larger and stronger parts of the person's body, such as the chest, hips and shoulders. The safety belt stretches slightly to slow your body down and to increase its stopping distance.

The difference between the belted person's stopping distance and the unbelted person's stopping distance is significant. It's often the difference between life and death.

Rivas Law Group, LLC, is a personal injury law firm located in Winter Haven, FL. Attorney Tania L. Rivas represents injured victims in Polk County, FL. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please call us immediately to schedule an appointment with Attorney Rivas. The consultation is free and you owe no fees or costs unless you win.

A 52-year-old Bartow man died as a result of injuries he received in a vehicle crash Monday, January 1, the Polk County Sheriff's Office stated.

According to the Lakeland Ledger, Hubert L. Hagans, 52, of Weston Road in Bartow, FL had been traveling west on 91 Mine Road in Bartow, Fl around 6 pm in his 1991 Nissan when he collided with a 1997 Cadillac being driven by Christopher Scalici, 41, of Key Largo Court in Haines City, FL.

According to a Polk County sheriff's report, Hagans pulled into the path of the Cadillac, Scalici swerved but his car struck the Nissan on the driver's side door.

Hagans was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he died of his injuries a few hours later, the Polk County Sheriff's Office stated. Scalici was transported to Winter Haven Hospital where he was treated and released.

Investigation into the accident is continuing, the Polk County Sheriff's Office stated.

According to the 2008 Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles report, the reported fatalities as a result of traffic crashes on Florida roadways decreased from 2007 by 3,221 to 2,983 in 2008. As reported, 2008 is the third consecutive year that crash fatlities in Florida have decreased. Also, according to the report, state milage death rates decreased to 1.50 deaths per 100 million vehicles traveled in 2008, which is the lowest rate calculated for 2008.

According to the report, drivers ages 15 to 19, were involved in more traffic accidents than any other age groups and had more fatal crashes in the state of Florida. Drivers, ages 20 to 24, had the highest rate of alcohol-related accidents and within that age group, 21-year-old drivers had the highest involvement rate in all crashes and in fatal crashes involving alcohol in the states of Florida.

This report also examines the day and time of crashes reported in the state of Florida. Based on the data, the most traffic accidents occurred on Fridays during the 5:00 PM rush hour. The majority of fatal crashes happened on Saturdays during the 7:00 PM rush hour.

Pursuant to Florida law, survivors have a limited time to file a wrongful death claim. If your loved one has been killed in an automobile accident, be sure to hire a qualified attorney immediately. Rivas Law Group, LLC is a personal injury law firm dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout Polk County, FL. Call us today at (877) 299-5539 for your free consultation!

The driver of an SUV died when his vehicle crossed a median, leading to a five-vehicle pileup on U.S. 92 in Winter Haven, FL the Florida Highway Patrol stated.

According to the Tampa Tribune, the wreck happened when Milton Jacobs, 68, of Winter Haven, FL was heading west on U.S. 92 in Winter Haven, FL and crossed the median into eastbound traffic near Sandy Lane, in Winter Haven, FL around 6:50 p.m., on January 3, the Polk County investigator's report stated.

Jacobs, driving a 2005 Dodge Durango, first hit a Dodge Charger driven by Gary Smith, 41, of Auburndale, FL and forced it into a 1992 Mercury sedan driven by Christopher McKnight that hit a guardrail, the report stated.

McKnight, 19, of Winter Haven, FL tried to avoid the collision and crossed the median into the westbound lanes, where his car hit a 2006 Saturn SUV driven by Carolynn Parsons, 33, of Winter Haven, FL.

After hitting the first car, the SUV driven by Jacobs continued west and hit a 1999 Plymouth sedan driven by Lawrence Denslow, 78, of Winter Haven, FL the report stated.

Kirra Parsons, 4, was in the Saturn, driven by Carolynn Parsons and was injured. She is in stable condition at Tampa General Hospital, the highway patrol said. Carolynn Parsons is in stable condition at Lakeland Regional Hospital.

Jacobs was taken to Lakeland Regional Hospital, where he died, the highway patrol said.

Everyone involved in the incident was wearing a seat belt, the highway patrol stated.

According to a 2005 Florida Highway Patrol news article, driving on Florida highways became busier, deadlier and more dangerous in 2004, according to an annual report released recently by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The number of cars, trucks, SUVs and vans on the road swelled in 2004 to more than 14,512,000, the Florida Traffic Crash Statistics Report said. In 2004, 2,936 crashes killed more than 3,250 people, an increase of 2.5 percent. "It's sad that people won't buckle up," said Lt. Bill Ferrell. "We've sold this for many, many, many years as a highway patrol that people buckle up because we know for a fact that seatbelts save lives."

Often times, it can be difficult to identify the negligent party in a pile up involving multiple vehicles. While one driver may have caused the initial impact, other drivers may also be a contributing cause to the crash. For this reason, it is imperative to seek legal counsel immediately. As a personal injury attorney practicing in Polk County, FL, I fight for the injured. If you or a loved one has been injured, please call us for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.

A pedestrian crossing U.S. 92 in Lakeland, FL was struck by a car and killed Thursday night, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

According to the Lakeland Ledger, 53 year old Lee Anthony Tighe, was hit shortly after 9 p.m. as he tried to cross U.S. 92 in Lakeland, FL, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Ray Beasock, who was traveling west on U.S. 92 in Lakeland, FL, had just crossed Fairway Avenue in Lakeland, FL when Tighe tried to cross the highway heading south.

Tighe died at the scene. Investigators have been unable to locate any next of kin.

Beasock, however, was not injured.

Deputies closed all lanes of U.S. 92 between Fairway Avenue and East Lake Parker Drive while the accident was being investigated, the Polk County Sheriff's Office stated.

The investigation into the crash is continuing, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

According to Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System, specifically, 4,749 pedestrians were reported to have been killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2003. These deaths accounted for 11 percent of the 42,643 motor vehicle deaths nationwide that year. An estimated 70,000 pedestrians were injured or killed in motor vehicle collisions, which represents 2 percent of the 2.9 million total persons injured in traffic crashes. A drop in pedestrian fatalities in recent years may reflect the fact that people are walking less, according to the U.S. Census and the Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey (NPTS). The need to reduce pedestrian deaths and injuries while promoting increased walking continues to be an important goal for the engineering profession.

Pedestrian and/or motor vehicle crashes are the most serious problems that are being faced by the world today and the United States has a particular problem with pedestrian deaths and injuries.

Pursuant to Florida law, wrongful death actions must be brought by a surviving spouse, child, or parent who qualifies as the personal representative of the estate. If there is no next of kin, as defined by the wrongful death statute, there is no cause of action.

Attorney Tania L. Rivas is a personal injury lawyer who practices in Polk County, FL. If your loved one has been killed in an accident, do not delay in consulting with a lawyer. The law limits the time you have to file a claim.

A 56-year-old Lakeland, FL Police Officer died Monday afternoon after a car accident, according to the Florida Highway Patrol report.

According to the Lakeland Ledger, Lakeland, FL veteran police officer Charlie Dallas, was driving a 2008 Ford Explorer, around 4:20 p.m. Monday, when he was involved in a crash as he drove north on U.S. 27 in Lakeland, FL just south of Lake Wales, FL, according to Polk County investigators.

While driving south on U.S. 27, Federico Vasquez, 23, of Sebring, FL swerved left to avoid hitting a 1989 Ford station wagon, driven by 54-year-old Lake Wales, FL resident Sharon Kolbinskie, who was crossing the road at Jackson Street, the FHP reported.

Vasquez, who was driving a 2006 Pontiac G6, crossed the median and traveled into the path of a 2008 Ford Explorer that Dallas was driving.

The left side of Vasquez's car struck the left side of the Explorer, according to the FHP. The Explorer went out of control and rolled over, throwing Dallas out.

Vasquez and his passenger, Katie Boyette, were not injured.

Dallas's Explorer overturned, and he was ejected. He wasn't wearing a seatbelt, according to the FHP. No one else was injured in the crash.

Dallas, a former Lakeland, FL firefighter, had been working an off-duty detail for the Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland, FL when the crash occurred. Dallas' passenger, 33-year-old Karyn Spencer of Lakeland, FL was taken to Lake Wales Medical Center in Lake Wales, FL with minor injuries, the report said.

"Charlie was one of the bravest and most courageous officers I've worked with," police spokesman Jack Gillen said. "To say the mood in the police department was somber after hearing the news would be an understatement," Gillen said. "It was extremely sad. Charlie was extremely well respected throughout the department."

The crash remains under investigation.

According to a 2002 press release on the 2001 preliminary statistics report presented by the Florida Bureau of Investigation(FBI), 140 of the Nation's law enforcement officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2001. This number includes the 71 officers killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. By circumstance, ten officers were murdered in 2001 while answering domestic disturbance calls, and ten were killed during traffic pursuits and stops. Eight officers were slain investigating drug-related matters, while another eight officers were killed attempting other arrests or serving arrest warrants. Sadly, Officer Dallas' death appears to be accidental and not in any way connected with a felony.

As a personal injury attorney, located in Winter Haven, FL, I am honored to represent the residents of Polk County, FL. My heart goes out to the family and friends Officer Dallas left behind. This truly is tragic loss.

A Lakeland, FL man trying to help a dog was hit by a bus and killed Friday night, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.

According to the Lakeland Ledger John Christopher Morgan, 22, stopped his car in the turning lane on State Road 60 in Plant City, FL just east of County Line Road in Plant City, FL . The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Jan. 15 when Morgan and his friend and neighbor, Ray Callins, were stopped at a red light on State Road 60, in Plant City, FL. While in the left-turn lane at County Line Road in Plant City, FL they saw a truck hit a black Labrador that had been trying to cross the road.

"It's a tragic accident," Kraus said. "It doesn't look like there's any negligence on the part of the bus driver."

But his friend, an animal lover who had adopted strays, bolted out of the car, leaving Jersey, Morgan's butterscotch-colored dog, in the back seat.

Morgan was walking in the eastbound lanes of SR 60 in Lakeland, FL when an eastbound bus driven by James R. Borgiet of West Palm Beach, FL drove past while transporting middle school students on a field trip when they drove past, Callins stated. The sideview mirror struck Morgan in the head and snapped his neck. He remained standing for a moment before toppling into the grass.

Callins sat in shock. Then he ran out of the car, leaving the keys in the ignition and Jersey behind in the backseat., according to the FHP report.

An off-duty paramedic had also seen the accident. As she worked on Morgan, Callins called 911. But neither Morgan nor the black Labrador survived. Callins said Jersey watched from the back seat.

According to a recent article on child safety and school bus safety, every year school buses carry around 24 million students and collectively travel more than 4 billion miles. Considering how many kids the buses carry and the distance they cover, deaths on the road are extremely rare. School buses have a rate of 0.2 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. The rate of deaths in automobiles is eight times higher.

Rivas Law Group, LLC is located in Winter Haven, FL. Attorney Tania L. Rivas primarily practices personal injury law. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact us for a free consultation. There is no fee or cost unless you win.

One person was killed and five others were critically injured in a two-vehicle crash early Friday at 7:32 at the intersection of Berkley Road and Drexel Boulevard in Auburndale, FL, Auburndale Police Department reported.

According to the News Cheif, About six hours earlier, on New Year's Eve, a 48-year-old man on a bicycle was struck and killed by a car on Berkley Road in Auburndale, FL.

In the two-car crash, one of the vehicles involved had just fled a traffic stop, according to an Auburndale Police Department report.

According to the report, a police officer attempted a traffic stop on a black Acura Integra at 1:26 a.m. on New Year's Day, but instead of stopping, the driver of the Integra fled west at high speed along U.S. 92 in Auburndale, FL. Auburndale, FL police reported that they dropped their pursuit of the car, the driver of the Integra continued to speed down the highway.

According to a witness who spoke to police, the Integra ran two red lights before colliding with a white, four-door Chevrolet that was making a turn north onto Berkley Road from eastbound U.S. 92.

Three out of four people in the Chevy were ejected from the car, police reported, and a passenger in the Integra was ejected when that car overturned and landed in the ditch on the west side of U.S. 92, in front of a Shell gasoline station.

The driver of the Integra was killed instantly and five people were taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center in critical condition, police reported.

Polk County, FL Police on Saturday identified the decedent as David Valles of 146 18th St. W. in Wahneta in Auburndale, FL. No other information was available about the injured crash victims.

The investigation for both crashes was turned over to the Polk County, Fl police department's Traffic Homicide Unit. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Cpl. Roger Tribble at 863-965-5555.

According to the 2008 Crash Reports of Motor Vehicle Crashes/Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, bicycles are linked to more childhood injuries than any other consumer product except the automobile. More than 70 percent of children, ages 5 to 14, ride bicycles. This age group rides 50 percent more than the average bicyclist and accounts for approximately 16 percent of all bicycle-related deaths and more than half of all bicycle-related injuries. In 2008, 511 children, ages 14 and younger, were injured or killed on bicycles in Florida

Rivas Law Group, L.L.C. is a personal injury law firm located in Winter Haven, FL. Attorney Tania L. Rivas is dedicated to meeting the legal needs of Polk County, FL and representing injured victims.

The crash at Broadway Boulevard and Commonwealth Avenue of Polk County, FL happened around 5 a.m., on January 2, 2010, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office crash reports.

According to the Lakeland Ledger, Cynthia Renfroe, 45, of Stagecoach Road, of Polk City, FL, was traveling north on Commonwealth in Polk County, FL in her 2003 Ford F-150 pickup truck when a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, which was hauling a 36-foot pleasure boat west on Broadway in Polk County, FL, failed to stop at the stop sign.

The Silverado, driven by Clendon Smith, 63, of Cruisers Drive, of Polk City in Polk County, FL, struck the passenger side of the F-150, the Sheriff's Office reported. The Silverado pushed the F-150 into a power pole and the boat and trailer broke free, hitting another power pole.
Both drivers were transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, in Lakeland, FL in stable condition.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office reported that the intersection was closed for the crash investigation and repairs to the utility poles and power lines. Traffic didn't flow freely again at the accident site until about 2 p.m.

Florida ranks near the top of the list of states for intersection crashes and a third of those are caused by running red lights," said Randall Smith, Traffic Safety Administrator for the Florida Department of Transportation. Research indicates that nearly all of us are afraid of being hit by a motorist running a red light and yet half of us admit we've run one ourselves. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2005, the last year for which statistics are available, there were 96 fatalities and 6300 injuries in Florida as a result of people running red lights.

Rivas Law Group, L.L.C. is a personal injury law firm located in Winter Haven, FL. Attorney Tania L. Rivas is dedicated to meeting the legal needs of Polk County, FL and representing injured victims.