WHY DRIVERS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD INTENTIONALLY KILL THE PEDESTRIANS THEY HIT
Jason B. Goldman • September 17, 2015
Imagine the horror of accidentally striking a bicyclist, backing into a young child, or crashing your car into a pedestrian in the Port Charlotte or Punta Gorda Publix shopping center. How would you feel? What are the first three things you would think to do when it comes to motor vehicle accidents in Charlotte County? According to this article in Slate online magazine, which was also discussed on National Public Radio just a few days ago, an alarming number of people in some other parts of the world intentionally kill the pedestrians they hit rather than provide them aid. These types of car “accidents” have been referred to as “double-hit cases”. Please be advised the article contains graphic descriptions of actual accidents caught on film, as well as links to the film itself, and is incredibly disheartening to read.
Based on the research of the article’s author, a law professor at Fordham University in New York who is a partner in the New York law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP, it has become economically more beneficial for drivers in some other countries to kill pedestrians and bicyclists rather than “merely” injure them. This phenomenon has become common enough that an adage has been adopted to describe it: “It is better to hit to kill than to hit and injure”. In these locales, the cost of compensating for a life lost is less than the cost of paying for a lifetime of medical care.
The purpose of this post is three-fold:
- To get readers to think about the level of automobile insurance coverage they need. Do you have enough automobile insurance coverage should you be involved in a motor vehicle accident in Charlotte County?
- To get readers to think about their responsibility, both financially and as human beings, should they cause tragic motor vehicle accidents in Charlotte County.
- To appreciate that while automobile insurance laws are weaker than they should be, and the very limited levels of coverage required by the Florida Legislature are far, far less than what they should be required in order to be considered a responsible motorist, these cited “double-hit cases” would clearly not be tolerated by any Court or jury in Florida in regards to motor vehicle accidents in Charlotte County.
Please drive responsibly, protect yourselves and others by being a thoughtful and responsible purchaser of appropriate automobile insurance, and always make rendering aid to the injured your top immediate priority should you be involved in a serious motor vehicle accidents in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood or Sarasota involving injuries. For more information on how to protect yourself and others, CONTACT US anytime.
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Getting injured because of someone else’s negligence is stressful enough but what happens if the person or business responsible doesn’t live in Florida? Many people wonder if they can pursue a personal injury claim against someone out-of-state. The answer is yes, but there are some important details to understand. How Out-of-State Laws Affect Your Case When a defendant lives outside Florida, courts may need to consider jurisdiction . Essentially, whether Florida courts have the authority to hear the case. In many situations, if the incident happened in Florida or caused harm here, the court can still proceed. Additionally, different states have different laws regarding personal injury claims, including statutes of limitations, liability rules, and damages. This can affect how a case is filed and what compensation may be available. Steps to Take Consult an Experienced Attorney: A skilled Florida personal injury attorney can determine whether your case can proceed here or if another state’s laws may apply. Gather Evidence: Documentation such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements is crucial, especially if the defendant is out-of-state. Understand Service of Process: The defendant must be formally notified of the lawsuit. Serving someone in another state follows specific legal procedures to ensure the court has jurisdiction. Consider Legal Strategy: Sometimes, pursuing a claim in Florida is straightforward; other times, filing in the defendant’s home state may be necessary. Your attorney will guide you through the best approach. Protect Your Rights Handling a case with an out-of-state defendant can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone . The team at GTS Law Firm has experience helping clients pursue personal injury claims, even when the responsible party lives outside Florida. We focus on protecting your rights and working toward the compensation you deserve. Contact GTS Law Firm today to speak with an attorney about your personal injury case. (941) 625-6666
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