Law Office of Craig GibbsLaw Office of Craig Gibbs2026-05-26T14:04:39Zhttps://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[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.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Are drivers getting worse?]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2527872026-05-01T21:40:42Z2026-05-01T21:40:42ZDo you ever feel like the drivers around you are getting worse? Maybe you see people making more mistakes on the road. Perhaps you have read news articles about car accidents, and it feels like it is becoming more common.
It might not be just your imagination. Some researchers have argued that drivers are getting worse, specifically because auto technology is getting so advanced. Modern cars have more sensors, cameras and safety systems than ever, but could that actually be detrimental to people’s driving ability?
Complacent and distracted drivers
There are two main issues here. The first is that some drivers become complacent. They start to trust in the technology.For instance, if someone has a forward collision warning system or an automatic braking system, would they be more likely to tailgate other vehicles? Would they feel safer driving at dangerous speeds? These systems are designed to prevent accidents, but if people put all of their faith in the car to avoid a crash, they may drive in ways that make those accidents more likely.Similarly, drivers may be more prone to distraction because of their own safety technology. If they feel like the car can keep them safe, they may be more likely to check their text messages, look away from the road to talk to passengers and do things of this nature. These distracted drivers are then more likely to make the very mistakes that could cause the accidents they believe their vehicle can avoid.
Seeking financial compensation
Have you suffered significant injuries in an accident caused by another driver? You may deserve compensation for lost wages and medical bills, so take the time to carefully look into your legal options.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Can you challenge fault after a car accident in Florida?]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2527852026-04-16T16:50:45Z2026-04-16T16:50:45ZYou were involved in a serious crash, and you know the other driver caused it. However, their insurance company is now pointing the finger at you or splitting the blame in a way that seems unfair. Is there anything you can do about it? The short answer is yes.
You have the right to challenge an unfair determination of fault, and knowing what to do could be the difference between a fair settlement and settling for less than you’re entitled to.
Why is this important?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found more than 50% at fault for an accident, you’re barred from recovering damages at all. Below that threshold, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.Fault percentages carry serious financial weight, and insurance companies know it. They have every incentive to inflate your share of blame. For instance, if you’re found to be 40% at fault, you can only recover 60% of your damages. Fortunately, their findings are not final, and your hands are not tied.
Build a strong case
Challenging a fault determination starts with building a stronger case than the one being used against you. This means gathering and preserving evidence as early as possible, before memories fade, witnesses become unreachable or physical evidence disappears.Start with the basics, such as photos and videos from the scene, damage to both vehicles, skid marks, traffic signals and road conditions. If traffic or security cameras captured the crash, request that footage quickly before it’s overwritten. Witness statements can also help contradict an insurer's version of events.Remember, the police report doesn’t settle the question of fault. Officers document what they observe and what parties report, but their findings are not legally binding. Request a copy and review it carefully for any inaccuracies. You may also engage an independent accident reconstruction expert if necessary. Their professional insights can be invaluable.
Seek legal guidance
Going up against insurance companies that prioritize their own interests can quickly become frustrating and stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. Working with someone who understands how these cases are handled can help safeguard your rights and improve your chances of a fair resolution.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Is a “front driver” ever at fault for a rear-end crash?]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2527832026-03-31T23:32:04Z2026-03-31T23:32:04ZWhat causes rear-end crashes?
The rebuttable presumption of a rear driver’s fault stems in part from the need to maintain appropriate following distances. The law requires that drivers leave enough space between vehicles to be able to slow down, stop or otherwise maneuver to avoid a collision.
Especially when combined with distracted driving, tailgating or following too closely is very dangerous behavior. However, the person in the front vehicle could have potentially caused the crash through aggressive driving, improper vehicle maintenance or failure to indicate a turn.
If a driver cuts another vehicle off while merging or turning, they may leave inadequate space for the rear vehicle to slow down or stop. The failure to use turn signals appropriately could also prevent other drivers from responding to planned maneuvers. Finally, burned-out bulbs and other electrical issues with a vehicle could prevent a driver from communicating their intentions to others in traffic effectively.
Reviewing the circumstances of a crash with a skilled legal team can help those involved in rear-end collisions determine who was at fault and what options they may have for pursuing compensation. While rear drivers are often to blame, front drivers can sometimes be liable as well.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Why is that drunk driver less seriously injured than you?]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2527812026-03-12T09:36:17Z2026-03-12T09:36:17ZIf you have been seriously injured in a collision caused by a drunk driver, it’s normal to be angry that they could have avoided it if they hadn’t taken the reckless step of getting behind the wheel when they were in no condition to drive.
If that drunk driver suffered only minor injuries in the crash, that can compound these feelings of anger. They or their insurance company may even try to argue that your injuries aren’t as bad as you’re contending they are, since the other driver didn’t suffer the same level of injuries.In fact, it’s not uncommon for a drunk or drugged driver to escape from a crash with far less serious injuries than their victims. That’s because sober drivers and passengers are more likely to suffer “deceleration injuries.”
What causes deceleration injuries?
When a person who is unimpaired by alcohol or other substances that act as depressants senses danger like an impending collision (even if only for a split second), their muscles become tense and their body braces for impact. This happens reflexively. A person may hit the brakes, turn the steering wheel, reach over to shield a passenger or simply freeze.After the collision, the vehicle typically stops suddenly, but the body continues moving (although less so if the occupant is wearing a seat belt or has an airbag for protection). This continued movement can cause damage to organs, the brain, muscles and more.When the body has tensed up, it has less ability to absorb the energy of the crash, which can lead to more serious injuries than if it hadn’t tensed up. That’s where the drunk driver has an “advantage.”That drunk driver may have been unaware that they were going to crash. If they were, their body was likely in a more relaxed state, so they didn’t have that tension. The same can be true of a driver under the influence of marijuana, sedatives or other drugs (legal or not) that slow reaction time.This can help explain why you can’t compare the severity of injuries between a drunk driver and their sober victim(s). What’s also important to remember is that even though that driver is likely facing criminal consequences, you have every right to seek compensation to cover your medical expenses and other costs and damages. Having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Why do drivers run red lights?]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2527782026-03-05T17:55:18Z2026-03-05T17:55:18ZRunning a red light is one of the most dangerous things that a driver can do. It is also one of the easiest to avoid. Understanding traffic signals is a fundamental part of driving that is taught on the first day of driver's ed.
However, statistics do show that people still run red lights, and they cause numerous accidents, leading to both injuries and fatalities. In order to become a defensive driver and keep yourself safe, it can help to understand why other drivers may make this mistake.
They are trying to rush through the yellow light
Many drivers who run red lights are just in a hurry, so they try to rush when they see that the light has turned yellow. But if they mistime it by a second or two, they end up running the red light instead. Some drivers will even be in such a hurry that they intentionally run a red light so that they do not have to wait for the whole light cycle.
They did not see the light change
In other cases, the driver is unaware that the light has changed and believes that it is green. For instance, a driver could be under the influence of alcohol or distracted by their cellphone. Either way, they may not notice that the light has changed until it is too late to stop.
They did not see anyone else at the intersection
There are also drivers who will slow down at a red light and look to see if there is cross traffic. If there is, they stop and wait. But if they do not see any oncoming vehicles, they decide that it is “safe enough” to run the red light.None of these are valid reasons to run a red light, but it helps to know what issues to look for. If you do get injured in an accident caused by one of these drivers, then it is important to know what rights you have to financial compensation.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Why fatalities increase with speed ]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2527692026-02-18T15:17:55Z2026-02-18T15:17:55ZSpeeding is a factor in about a third of fatal crashes in this country. In Florida, as in many other parts of the country, some drivers don’t just exceed the posted speed limit. They engage in excessive speeding.
Collisions involving one or more speeding vehicles can increase the risk of serious and potentially fatal injuries for a number of reasons. Some may be obvious, but others are less so. For example,
As vehicle speed increases, the driver’s field of vision narrows.
Every added 10 miles per hour (mph) can double the risk of a crash being fatal, according to the Florida Safety Council. A driver or motorcyclist traveling at an excessive speed leaves other drivers and pedestrians little if any time to get out of their path.
Some Florida motorists are going well over 100 mph
Some Florida law enforcement agencies say they’re clocking more drivers and motorcyclists at over 100 mph. One Volusia County motorcyclist was caught going 145 mph. A driver in Polk County was stopped for going 130 mph. One Florida sheriff attributes the rise in speeds to bad driving habits people developed during the pandemic, when far fewer people were on the road.Those who are seriously injured or survivors of loved ones killed by a speeding driver are wise to get experienced legal guidance to help them seek the maximum possible compensation to deal with medical bills and other expenses.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Does Florida car insurance cover drunk driving crashes?]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2527672026-02-02T00:12:46Z2026-02-02T00:12:46ZMisconduct does not negate coverage
Some people mistakenly believe that illegal behavior renders a liability insurance policy invalid. They think that a liability policy may not apply if a driver flagrantly broke the law by driving drunk. Thankfully that is not the case.
Liability insurance coverage applies even in scenarios where the motorist who caused the crash clearly and knowingly violated the law and then harmed others. That being said, there are significant limitations to the basic policies required by law.
If a drunk driver only has the minimum coverage required, they may not have injury-related liability coverage. The $10,000 in property damage liability coverage mandated by law may not be enough to replace a vehicle. Drivers may instead need to use their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which may only cover $10,000 in losses. In such cases, insurance alone may not be sufficient.
Those dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving collision may need help looking into their options. Filing a lawsuit may sometimes be the best option for compensation after a drunk driver causes a car crash that leaves other people injured and dealing with costly property damage.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Craig Gibbs<![CDATA[Do not swerve for animals in the road]]>https://www.craiggibbslaw.com/?p=2527642026-01-21T10:06:44Z2026-01-21T10:06:44ZWhen an animal like a white-tailed deer runs in front of your car in Florida, your first instinct is probably to swerve around it. You are trying to avoid a car accident. You want to avoid injury, and you also want to avoid damaging your vehicle. Many animal collisions result in severe damage to the front of a car, even if the people inside do not suffer serious harm.
However, this instinct is generally wrong. Swerving to avoid an animal in the road can be very dangerous.The problem is that the alternatives often increase your risk. If you swerve to the left, you could be struck by an oncoming vehicle. This is a much more violent and dangerous crash and puts both you and the occupants of the other vehicle at risk. If you swerve to the right, you could lose control of the vehicle, leave the roadway, and strike a stationary object, such as a tree or telephone pole. This is also extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries.
What should you do instead?
Instead of swerving, try to brake as quickly as possible while maintaining control of your vehicle. Reducing your speed before impact can help limit the severity of the collision. In some cases, you may even be able to stop before striking the deer, or slowing down may give the animal time to leave the roadway.It can also be helpful to honk your horn while braking. This may startle the deer and cause it to run out of the road. Even if you cannot stop in time, it is generally safer to slow down and hit the deer.
Other drivers make mistakes
Even if you know how to respond when an animal enters the roadway, another driver may instinctively swerve into your lane while trying to avoid a collision. If you suffer injuries in a crash caused by another driver’s actions, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other losses.]]>