Law Office of Craig GibbsLaw Office of Craig Gibbs2026-09-14T11:32:45Zhttps://www.craiggibbslaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1104511/2022/05/cropped-Gibbs-OG-image-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[An auto accident could lead to PTSD]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2528692026-09-14T11:32:45Z2026-09-14T11:32:45ZPost-traumatic stress disorder is certainly possible after a car accident. Not only is that a potentially traumatic event, especially if someone is injured or another person passes away, but it is often unexpected. It happens so suddenly and can feel so jarring that it has a major mental and emotional impact on the person who is involved.
The exact way that this PTSD manifests can be different from case to case. Some people find themselves having flashbacks or nightmares, for example. Others feel nervous to drive or may find it impossible to get in a car. Even if they can ride in a motor vehicle or drive themselves, they may start avoiding the scene of the crash or practicing other similar avoidance behaviors. PTSD is often strongly linked to issues like depression and anxiety.
Can you get PTSD without being injured?
In many cases, the chances of PTSD are higher if there are serious injuries. Naturally, the injuries cause a lot of pain and suffering, and they may lead to significant life changes. A person who is dealing with chronic back pain or spends months in the hospital getting treatment after a car accident could find themselves extremely anxious about driving once they finally get released.But even when there is just a risk of injury, PTSD can happen. One woman was rear-ended while her baby was in the backseat, for example. The baby was ultimately unharmed in the crash, but the woman had a moment of panic thinking that the child had been killed in the accident. This led to the onset of PTSD in the wake of that crash.PTSD can be life-changing, affecting someone’s emotional well-being, earning capacity and medical needs. If you have been involved in a car accident someone else caused, you may deserve financial compensation.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Can you sue a drunk driver who was not convicted?]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2528662026-08-28T22:22:03Z2026-08-28T22:22:03ZNone of these events prevents a civil claim
A criminal drunk driving case and a personal injury claim may arise from the same event, but they’re entirely separate legal proceedings. The outcome of one doesn’t necessarily determine the outcome of the other.
Criminal cases have a much higher legal standard of proof than civil claims. Prosecutors generally must prove a criminal charge “beyond a reasonable doubt.” By comparison, a claim of negligence in a civil personal injury case must only be “more likely than not” true to succeed.
While a criminal conviction can be powerful evidence in a related civil case, it’s not necessary to prove a driver was somehow responsible for a crash. It may not even be necessary to prove they were impaired. Instead, evidence that they were speeding, weaving in traffic, ignoring traffic signals and tailgating can all be used to make a case for negligent behavior. Police reports, officer observations, bodycam and dashcam footage and witness statements can all be useful.
Drunk driving cases are dismissed all the time for procedural reasons or dropped for evidentiary issues. That doesn’t put compensation out of reach for your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering and more. The absence of criminal charges or a failed prosecution does not have to mean that a personal injury claim against a drunk driver will fail.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[What’s a no-contact motorcycle accident?]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2528622026-08-12T16:19:47Z2026-08-12T16:19:47ZYou do not have to collide with another vehicle to be injured in a motorcycle accident. Another driver can make a maneuver that suddenly puts them directly in your path, leaving you only a split second to react. If you brake hard, swerve or lay down your bike to avoid being hit, you may suffer serious injuries even though the other vehicle never touches you.
This is called a no-contact motorcycle accident. These cases can be more difficult to prove than accidents involving a direct collision, but they are not impossible.
Who can be liable for a no-contact motorcycle accident?
Liability for a no-contact accident generally relies on proving that the other driver was somehow negligent – meaning that they behaved in a way that demonstrated a lack of reasonable care toward other drivers. Liability might be indicated when a driver:
Changed lanes without checking their blind spots
Abruptly turned left in front of your approaching motorcycle
Pulled out of a driveway or parking lot without looking or yielding
Followed your motorcycle too closely (tailgated)
Drifted into your lane because they were distracted by their phone or GPS
Forced you onto the shoulder or entirely off the road by driving too closely
A motorcyclist does not have to wait to be hit before taking evasive action for the other driver to be responsible for a crash. Swerving or braking and laying down the bike to avoid a more serious collision can be a reasonable response to a dangerous situation created by another driver.Even so, proving what happened for the sake of liability can be tough when the vehicles never actually made contact. The other driver may deny being involved in the wreck or claim you overreacted and laid your bike down for no reason. Traffic-camera footage, dashcam video, witness statements, skid marks and nearby surveillance recordings may help establish how the accident occurred, however. A prompt police report and medical evaluation can also provide important documentation that will later help your claim.A no-contact motorcycle crash can leave you facing devastating injuries and months of recovery. Because video recordings can be erased and witnesses can become hard to find, acting quickly can make an important difference in a no-contact motorcycle accident claim. Before you talk to an insurance company, you may want to speak with a skilled attorney, instead. They can best protect your interests and help you take the next steps forward.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[How Florida treats drunk driving claims differently]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2528462026-07-28T09:23:01Z2026-07-28T09:23:01Zallows you to seek compensation from the at-fault driver and hold them responsible for their actions.
Your options after being injured
Florida treats drunk driving crashes differently than standard car accidents. State law may even hold bars and restaurants responsible under specific legal and liability rules. This is applicable if they willfully serve alcohol to minors or knowingly serve someone with drinking problems. The intoxicated driver’s actions can affect the legal options available to you after a collision.
When seeking compensation, keep these key options in mind:
Eligibility for punitive damages: If you suffer injuries in an impaired driving crash, you may request punitive damages. A court may order the drunk driver to pay these extra damages because of their recklessness.
Compensation beyond Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits: If you suffer serious injuries, you may pursue damages beyond what your basic insurance covers. You can recover compensation for remaining medical bills, future healthcare costs and lost wages.
Separate civil claims: Filing criminal charges against an intoxicated driver is different from filing a civil claim. You can still file a separate civil claim to seek payment for your injuries and losses.
To support your accident claim, you should collect evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs from the scene and medical records. You may need to file an insurance claim through Florida’s no-fault system. You can file a claim against the negligent driver’s insurance if you suffer serious injuries in the crash.
Protecting your rights
Every driver on the road must drive safely. Driving under the influence violates this responsibility and puts you and others at risk. You shouldn’t have to pay for another driver’s careless actions. Fortunately, Florida law makes it possible for you to hold the at-fault driver accountable and receive compensation for your losses from the crash.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Was the driver who hit you taking medication?]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2528442026-07-19T16:28:01Z2026-07-19T16:28:01ZWhen people think about impaired driving, alcohol often comes to mind first. However, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and even certain supplements can affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely as well.
If you have recently been injured in a Florida car accident, it is going to be important to question whether the driver who hit you was taking medication that impaired their judgment, reaction time or ability to focus on the road. If there is a possibility that they were impaired at the time of the collision, that may affect the strength of your case against them in your favor.
Not all medications are safe for motorists
Many medications carry warnings about drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision or delayed reaction times. Prescription pain medications, sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications and muscle relaxers are common examples. Even medications that are legally prescribed can create dangerous driving conditions if an individual fails to follow instructions or ignores warnings about operating a vehicle while affected by a particular drug.Over-the-counter products can present risks as well. Certain cold medications, antihistamines and cough suppressants may affect alertness or coordination. Some drivers underestimate the impact these products can have, particularly when combined with other medications or alcohol.In Florida, a driver does not have to be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol to be considered impaired. If prescription or nonprescription medications affect a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle, that evidence may become relevant in a personal injury claim.If you suspect the driver who caused your Florida accident was impaired by medication, it is important to act quickly. A skilled legal team can investigate the circumstances, preserve relevant evidence and work to secure any compensation to which you are rightfully entitled.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Who pays for the costs of an e-bike collision?]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2528422026-07-03T12:09:46Z2026-07-03T12:09:46ZFinancial liability depends on fault
The party at fault for the crash is typically responsible for the costs it produces. E-bike riders who are at fault for collisions may need to compensate pedestrians, cyclists and other people who sustain injuries or property damage losses because they are irresponsible in traffic.
While some people do purchase e-bike insurance, many e-bike operators may not have liability coverage, as the law does not require it. In cases where e-bike riders are at fault for crashes but there is no available insurance, injured people may file lawsuits against unsafe riders.
When a larger vehicle causes an e-bike collision, then the driver at fault for the crash may need to pay collision costs. A driver's liability insurance coverage can help pay for some of the costs.
If the e-bike rider also has a car insurance policy, they may be able to use their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for some of their medical expenses. The terms of the policy dictate if coverage applies to motorized bicycle crashes or not.
Lawsuits and complex insurance claims are common after e-bike crashes. Reviewing policy paperwork and crash reports with a personal injury attorney can help those involved in e-bike collisions understand their options.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Drunk drivers are primarily responsible for wrong-way accidents]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2528082026-06-21T12:01:31Z2026-06-21T12:01:31ZMost wrong-way accidents are caused by drunk drivers. Studies have found that driver impairment is one of the primary reasons these accidents have become more common in recent years. This is not to say that either wrong-way driving or impaired driving is necessarily new, but simply that statistics show there is a strong correlation between the two.This does help explain how wrong-way accidents happen, as they otherwise often seem very avoidable. A sober driver in the middle of the day is highly unlikely to take the wrong ramp, pass multiple wrong-way signs and drive the wrong direction on the interstate. But an impaired driver at two in the morning is far more likely to do so simply because alcohol clouds their judgment, and visibility issues can make it more difficult to tell which direction they are supposed to be driving.
A risk for everyone
But a key thing to remember about these wrong-way accidents is that they are not just a risk for the impaired driver. Anyone who shares the road with them is also in danger, and wrong-way accidents are often head-on collisions that carry a statistically high chance of causing serious or fatal injuries.It is important for drivers to understand the risks they face and always be on the lookout for wrong-way drivers. But these accidents happen quickly, and there may be little warning. Even an attentive and sober driver could certainly be involved in a high-speed crash caused by someone who is under the influence.When this happens, drivers who have suffered serious injuries need to know how they can seek financial compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[How SUV design can increase the risk of rollovers]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2528052026-06-10T20:39:49Z2026-06-10T20:39:49ZSUVs are popular because they feel roomy, strong and safe. They often sit higher than cars, giving you a better view of the road and more space for passengers or cargo.
That same design can also create rollover risks. A rollover happens when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof, often during a sharp turn, a sudden swerve, or a crash.
The hidden risks built into the shape
An SUV’s design can affect how it moves in an emergency. While not every SUV is unsafe, certain features may make a rollover more likely. These design factors can increase the risk:
Higher center of gravity: SUVs sit higher off the ground, so their weight is raised. This can make the vehicle less stable during quick turns.
Narrower track width: If the wheels are closer together compared to the vehicle’s height, the SUV may tip more easily.
Heavy roof loads: Cargo racks, luggage or equipment on top can raise the center of gravity even more.
Soft suspension: A softer ride may feel comfortable, but it can allow more body roll during fast steering moves.
Large size and weight: A heavier SUV can be harder to control once it starts to slide, spin, or lean.
Tire and handling issues: Poor tire grip, worn tires or weak stability systems can make sudden movements more dangerous.
These risks can worsen when a driver is speeding, overcorrecting, driving on a rural road or trying to avoid another vehicle. Even a careful driver may lose control if the SUV reacts poorly during a sudden hazard.If you were hurt in an SUV rollover, the design of the vehicle may be one part of the story. It can help to speak with a legal professional who can carefully review the crash, the vehicle and the facts. ]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Your rights if you’re injured on the water this tourist season]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2528032026-05-26T14:04:39Z2026-05-26T14:04:39ZBoating accidents can happen for many reasons. Operator inexperience, intoxicated boating, excessive speed, equipment failures and distracted navigation are all common causes of collisions and injuries. Tourists may also be unfamiliar with local waterways, weather conditions or boating regulations, increasing accident risks during busy travel seasons.Florida’s warm weather and beautiful waterways attract millions of tourists each year. And boating, jet skiing, fishing charters and other recreational water activities are especially popular during tourist season. Unfortunately, increased traffic on the water also leads to a higher risk of boating accidents and serious injuries. If you are injured on the water in Florida, understanding your legal rights may be extremely important to the outcome of that unfortunate situation.
Injury victims are often empowered by law to take action
Florida law generally allows injured boating accident victims to pursue compensation when another party’s negligence contributed to the incident. Depending on the circumstances, claims may involve boat operators, rental companies, tour operators, marinas or vessel owners. For example, a rental company that fails to maintain watercraft properly or allows inexperienced operators onto the water without adequate instruction may face potential liability. Boat manufacturers may also be responsible for certain harmful situations. Reporting the incident to law enforcement or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission may be wise, depending on the severity of the accident at issue. Documenting photographs, witness information and documentation of any vessel involved – if at all possible – is also going to be important, as these points of reference can serve as valuable evidence later.If you are injured on the water during Florida’s tourist season, understanding your legal rights early may help protect both your recovery and your financial future. Know that you can always seek personalized legal guidance so that you can exercise your rights as effectively as possible in the event of injury. ]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Can victims sue a drunk driver even after criminal charges are filed?]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2527892026-05-17T23:43:59Z2026-05-17T23:43:59ZMany accidents caused by drunk drivers happen in an instant, but the effects can last for years. Victims are often left dealing with painful injuries, emotional trauma and unexpected financial stress while also trying to recover from the shock of what happened.
When criminal charges are filed against the drunk driver, many people assume that the criminal case is the only legal action available. However, victims may still have the right to pursue compensation through a separate civil claim.
Criminal cases and civil claims serve different purposes
When someone is charged with drunk driving, the criminal case is handled by the state because it's a criminal offense. Criminal cases involve acts considered harmful to society as a whole. In these cases, the defendant is accused of committing an offense against the state or the public.A civil injury claim is different because it focuses on the victim’s losses rather than punishing the driver. Through a personal injury claim, an injured person can seek compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages connected to the crash. Even if the driver has already been arrested or convicted, a separate civil claim may still move forward.The outcome of the criminal case does not always determine the outcome of the civil case. In some situations, a drunk driver may not face criminal penalties and still be held financially responsible in civil court. Civil claims also operate under a different burden of proof, which means victims may still have legal options even when criminal proceedings become complicated or delayed.Recovering after a drunk driving accident can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, insurance companies and legal questions at the same time. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can help victims better understand their rights and what steps may be available to pursue financial recovery.]]>