Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC 2026-07-16T15:43:41Z https://www.thackermulvihill.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1604472/2024/01/cropped-Thacker-Mulvihill-site-icon-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC <![CDATA[Nearly 1,000 crashes a day? Florida car accident statistics 2025]]> https://www.thackermulvihill.com/?p=47251 2026-03-04T15:05:05Z 2026-03-04T15:05:05Z How often crashes happen on Florida roads Florida recorded more than 360,000 traffic crashes in 2025. That averages close to 1,000 crashes every day statewide. Breaking that number down further means roughly 40 crashes per hour or about one crash every minute. These reports come from statewide crash data collected by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

How many crashes lead to injuries or deaths

Thousands of crashes each year involve serious consequences for drivers and passengers. Recent data shows around 2,800 to 3,000 traffic deaths annually in Florida, along with over 170,000 crash-related injuries. While many incidents involve property damage only, a significant number result in injuries that require medical treatment or lead to long-term effects.

Where and why crashes happen most often

Many Florida crashes occur in high-traffic counties where population density, commuting and tourism overlap. Miami-Dade County alone recorded more than 55,000 crashes in 2025, which averages over 150 collisions every day. Counties such as Broward and Orange consistently rank among the highest in the state for total crash reports. Busy highways, crowded intersections and dense urban traffic create conditions where collisions happen more frequently. Distracted driving, speeding and impaired driving remain some of the most common reasons crashes happen on Florida roads.

What these numbers should make drivers think about

These statistics show that crashes happen far more often than most drivers expect. That means the possibility exists every time you get behind the wheel. If you find yourself in a wreck, your next steps matter just as much as the accident itself. Speaking with a car accident lawyer can help you understand what options exist and what mistakes to avoid. Taking that step early can make a difficult situation much easier to handle.]]> On Behalf of Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC <![CDATA[Which days result in the most car accidents?]]> https://www.thackermulvihill.com/?p=47166 2026-01-08T07:25:18Z 2026-01-08T07:25:18Z Special days to be wary of The National Safety Council considers America’s major holidays to be very dangerous. Car accident cases increase as people celebrate, lowering their inhibitions and, in some cases, even causing drivers to drive under the influence. While Memorial Day and Independence Day are said to be the most dangerous holiday periods in America, drivers in Florida also need to worry about Spring Break. In Florida, the days with the most car accidents include:
  • Spring Break: Late March to early April
  • Memorial Day: May 22 to 25
  • Independence Day: July 2 to 5
  • Labor Day: September 4 to 7
  • Thanksgiving: November 25 to 29
  • Christmas: December 24 to 27
  • New Year’s: December 31 to January 3
It is also important to be familiar with the factors that make holiday driving so dangerous in the first place. Typically, the number of car accidents in Florida increases due to a combination of the following factors:
  • Heavy traffic: Locals and tourists alike travel during the holidays, increasing the number of cars on the road.
  • Stress and fatigue: Many people travel in and out of the state during the holidays to spend time with family and friends, and long-distance driving is physically and mentally taxing.
  • Drunk driving: People celebrate the holidays by drinking alcohol, though many have to drive home despite being under the influence.
Being cautious in general is one of the best practices, but it is just as essential to keep track of the major holidays. This way, you can mentally prepare yourself for the increased traffic and stress.

Avoiding car accidents

Car accidents are more common during the holidays, but this does not mean they are impossible to prevent. By refraining from alcohol, traveling days before or after a major holiday and managing your stress and fatigue before a long drive, you can reduce the likelihood of getting into an accident significantly.]]> On Behalf of Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC <![CDATA[Do you have to pay taxes on a personal injury settlement?]]> https://www.thackermulvihill.com/?p=47121 2025-11-21T12:39:09Z 2025-11-21T12:39:09Z When you accept a personal injury settlement in Florida, the funds are meant to cover the trauma, the medical treatment and the income you lost. How much of that money truly stays in your pocket? Understanding the tax implications is as critical as winning the settlement itself.

The federal rule

Federal law, specifically Internal Revenue Code Section 104, states that gross income does not include the amount of any damages you receive on account of personal physical injuries or physical sickness. This rule applies to compensation:
  • Medical expenses: This includes your payment for hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, and future medical care.
  • Lost wages: Compensation that replaces income you lost because you could not work during your recovery.
  • Pain and suffering: Money awarded for physical pain, emotional distress or mental anguish.
The law considers personal injury settlements as replacements for what the injury took away, not as new income you earned. Florida does not have a state income tax. If you are injured in the state, you only need to worry about the federal rules set by the IRS. This means a larger portion of your settlement generally stays in your pocket.

Critical taxable exceptions

While the majority of a settlement remains tax-free, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may require you to pay taxes on:
  • Punitive damages: Courts award punitive damages to punish the responsible party for extreme wrongdoing, not to compensate you for a loss.
  • Emotional distress (not tied to physical injury): If your claim is only for emotional distress and no physical injury occurred, the compensation becomes taxable.
  • Interest on the award: If a court awards you interest because a long time passed between the injury and the final payment, the IRS taxes that interest.
  • Medical expense deduction: If you previously deducted medical expenses related to your injury on a prior year's tax return, you must pay taxes on any settlement money that reimburses you for those specific deducted costs.
These distinctions are relevant for your financial planning. For example, if you receive $100,000 for physical injuries and $50,000 in punitive damages, you will need to report that $50,000 as taxable income.

Protect your financial recovery

Understanding the tax implications of your settlement is the final, crucial step to protecting your financial future. You deserve to keep every dollar intended for your recovery. One effective way to achieve that is by ensuring that your settlement agreement clearly allocates, or assigns, specific dollar amounts to the tax-free and taxable categories. This clear allocation can help you defend the tax status of the funds if the IRS ever questions your tax return. An experienced legal professional can help you structure your case and settlement to protect the money you need to heal.]]> On Behalf of Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC <![CDATA[When do you need to hire a Clearwater personal injury lawyer?]]> https://www.thackermulvihill.com/?p=47100 2025-09-19T15:55:53Z 2025-09-19T15:55:53Z Facing a serious injury An accident can leave you with serious injuries, such as bone fractures, neck trauma and spinal cord damage. Depending on the severity of your injuries, expect costly immediate medical treatments, extensive care and long-term rehabilitation. With the help of an attorney, you can gain a better chance of recovering compensation for the damages you sustained. They can assist you in building a personal injury claim against the at-fault party by gathering evidence and outlining the worth of your injury.

Negotiating with an insurance company

Receiving a low settlement from an insurance company can happen. While you may get an offer that covers bills, it may be insufficient if you consider other factors in your injury. An attorney can review the settlement offer for you. If they believe the amount is less than what you deserve, they can negotiate on your behalf.

Navigating an accident that resulted in a wrongful death

Filing a wrongful death claim can be a complex and lengthy process that could overwhelm your family. If a loved one dies after an accident caused by another party’s negligence, hiring legal representation might be the best available option. Your lawyer can handle collecting incriminating evidence, estimating losses and negotiating a fair settlement.

Confronting a dispute from the at-fault party

In Florida, the party responsible for the accident can dispute your claim and insist that you are partly to blame for your injuries. If they succeed, the court can significantly reduce your compensation. An attorney can navigate the dispute for you and provide evidence that can help disprove the other party’s statement. In a nutshell, the presence of a personal injury attorney comes with benefits. They can educate you on Florida statutes, explain the available options for your case and represent you in court when matters escalate.]]> On Behalf of Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC <![CDATA[Aggravation of a pre-existing injury]]> https://www.thackermulvihill.com/?p=47090 2025-08-28T14:00:35Z 2025-08-28T14:00:35Z car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, trip and fall accidents, etc.), an individual sustains an injury to a part of their body that already had problems. Logically it makes a lot of sense, a previously injured body part is normally more susceptible to reinjury or aggravation of the existing injury. The difficult part comes in delineating what was a previous injury and what is a new injury or an aggravation of the pre-existing condition. At trial, the Florida Courts have a standard jury instruction that deals with pre-existing conditions.  The jury instruction states: "If you find that the (defendant(s)) caused a bodily injury, and that the injury resulted in [an aggravation of an existing disease or physical defect] [or] [activation of a latent disease or physical defect], you should attempt to decide what portion of (claimant’s) condition resulted from the [aggravation] [or] [activation]. If you can make that determination, then you should award only those damages resulting from the [aggravation] [or] [activation]. However, if you cannot make that determination, or if it cannot be said that the condition would have existed apart from the injury, then you should award damages for the entire condition suffered by (claimant)." Basically, the jury instruction asks the jury to attempt to decide what part of the injury existed prior to the accident and what part of the injury was caused by the accident. In theory this sounds like a simple task, however, in practice it can become extremely difficult.  A personal injury claimant is left with the task of articulating to the jury how the accident in question aggravated a preexisting injury. This can be done with medical records, radiographic films, and medical opinion testimony. However, we find the most important and relevant evidence is the testimony of the injured individual. The injured individual needs to be prepared to fully explain to the jury the injuries and symptoms sustained in the accident. The explanation to the jury needs to be presented in manner that the jury can relate to and sympathize with. At trial the presentation of the evidence can become almost as important as the evidence itself.  If evidence is presented in a confusing, disjointed, or disorganized manner a jury may never be able to connect the evidence to arrive at a fair and just verdict. For these and many other reasons it is important that if you or a loved one are injured in personal injury accident that you hire an experienced trial attorney. Although not all cases go to trial, it is important that you hire an attorney that is preparing from day one as if your case may go trial.]]> On Behalf of Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC <![CDATA[Should I Call the Police After I Am Involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident In Pinellas County?]]> https://www.thackermulvihill.com/?p=47080 2025-07-30T15:35:31Z 2025-07-30T15:35:31Z motor vehicle accident in the Tampa Bay area it is important to notify the proper authorities. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, New Port Richey or anywhere else in Florida it is important to properly document the facts of the motor vehicle accident. Law Enforcement involvement in a car accident investigation ensures that proper and correct information is provided and documented. The police will ensure that the drivers involved in the accident provide proper insurance and contact information. If you are involved in a car accident and for some reason you are unable to call the police or choose not call the police – it is very important that you obtain all the insurance information from the other drivers involved in the accident. This includes the name of the insurance companies and the policy numbers.  Every driver in Florida is required to carry proof of insurance in his or her vehicle; therefore, you should be able to obtain the insurance information off of the driver’s insurance card.  Additionally, it is extremely important that you write down the name and address of the other drivers involved in the accident.  You can easily obtain this information off of a driver’s license. Last, write down the make, model, color and license plate number of all the vehicles involved in the accident. If at any point a driver is not being cooperative or is being combative – call the police immediately. If you or a loved one were injured from an accident, please contact us at [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] for a free consultation. Care, Compassion, and Preparation: Florida Personal Injury Law As It Should Be.  ]]> On Behalf of Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC <![CDATA[What are the most dangerous roads in Florida?]]> https://www.thackermulvihill.com/?p=47079 2025-07-23T16:35:20Z 2025-07-23T16:34:26Z Interstate 95 (I-95) Interstate 95 runs north-south along Florida's Atlantic coast as part of its 1,900-mile journey connecting major cities like Boston, New York, Baltimore, Jacksonville and Miami. This multi-state highway has earned a troubling reputation as one of America's deadliest highways. Research shows that it had the highest number of overall fatalities (284) and fatalities per 100 miles (14.88) in 2019. It's particularly dangerous due to its high traffic volume and frequent merging lanes, especially through Jacksonville and Brevard County in Florida.

Interstate 75 (I-75)

Running along Florida's Gulf Coast, I-75 presents serious dangers to drivers, especially in heavily populated areas, such as Tampa, Bradenton and Naples. Farther south in Sarasota and Fort Myers, the mix of vacation travelers unfamiliar with the roads and local commuters creates a recipe for accidents. During Florida's rainy season, the water pooling on roadways becomes particularly hazardous. Drivers familiar with the area know to be extra cautious around the I-75/I-275 split in Tampa, which has been the site of numerous serious crashes over the years.

Hillsborough County roads

Home to Tampa and its surrounding communities, Hillsborough County consistently ranks among the deadliest places to drive in Florida. Local statistics show alarming fatality rates of approximately 15 deaths per 100,000 residents. This is because busy streets, many tourists and complicated road networks create dangerous spots. The worst roads include Fowler Avenue, Fletcher Avenue and parts of Dale Mabry Highway. Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are also common in this county. Many crashes occur during rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) and in bad weather when drivers can't see very far ahead. Drivers should maintain safe following distances and stay alert, especially when traveling through these high-risk areas.

How to stay safe in these danger zones

When traveling on Florida's most dangerous roads, protecting yourself requires more than just basic driving skills. Stay safer by following these extra precautions:
  • Maintain a greater following distance than you normally would, especially during rush hour or bad weather.
  • Avoid distracted driving completely — put your phone away and set the route on your GPS before driving.
  • Drive defensively and expect others to make sudden lane changes or stops.
  • Use your turn signals well in advance of lane changes or exits.
  • Stay particularly alert at complex interchanges and merging areas.
  • Reduce your speed during rain, as Florida's roads become exceptionally slippery when wet.
  • Consider other routes during peak tourist seasons when possible.
Taking these extra steps can really reduce your risk of becoming another statistic on Florida's dangerous roadways. Remember that even familiar roads require your full attention and caution. Stay safe out there.]]> On Behalf of Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC <![CDATA[More evidence we need to share the road with bicyclists in Florida]]> https://www.thackermulvihill.com/?p=47058 2026-01-05T13:41:20Z 2025-07-01T23:43:29Z Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, New Port Richey, Brandon, or the rest of Tampa Bay it is always important to be aware of you surroundings and protect yourself from a car accident. As we know and have previously talked about, bicyclists are traffic too and we need to share the roadway. Additionally, bicyclists are required to obey the same traffic laws as cars and other motor vehicles.  Further, bicyclists should take additional steps to protect themselves and make themselves more visible to motor vehicle traffic. However, the responsibility also lies on the driver of a motor vehicle to keep a look out for bicyclists.  After all bicyclists are “traffic too” and we need to make sure we “share the road” with bicyclists. Why do we bring this up again, because according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida has 8,418 bicycle v. motor vehicle crashes in 2023.  7,096 of these bicycle accidents resulted in injuries and 234 of them resulted in fatalities. With the price of gas continuing to increase and the use of alternative vehicles, such as bicycles, on the rise we should only expect this number to increase, unless we take steps to protect our fellow motorists and ourselves.  Remember to “share the road.” If you or a loved one were injured from an accident, please contact us at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC for a free consultation.  Care, Compassion, and Preparation: Florida Personal Injury Law As It Should Be.  ]]> On Behalf of Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC <![CDATA[Punitive damages for DUI accident victims]]> https://www.thackermulvihill.com/?p=47056 2026-01-23T21:11:35Z 2025-06-18T21:55:55Z driving under the influence if they are operating a motor vehicle under the influence of an intoxicating substance to the extent that the driver’s normal faculties are impaired. In 2023, there were 969 traffic fatalities in Florida related to alcohol and/or drug impaired driving. These numbers are staggering and alarming. The dangers drunk drivers pose on law-abiding drivers is not taken lightly by the State of Florida.  In addition to the strict penalties imposed on convicted drunk drivers, in Florida if a drunk driver causes a motor vehicle accident that results in injuries to another individual, the injured party may attempt to collect punitive damages from the at-fault drunk driver. In order to collect punitive damages against a drunk driver that caused bodily injury to you or a loved one, it is important to hire a skilled and experienced Clearwater personal injury attorney. There are several nuanced procedures that must be followed and properly pled in the lawsuit against the drunk driver.  An experienced attorney will be able to guide you through the legal process and advise you of your rights as a victim of drunk driving. If you or a loved one were injured from an accident, please contact us at [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] for a free consultation. Care, Compassion, and Preparation: Florida Personal Injury Law As It Should Be.]]> On Behalf of Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC <![CDATA[Does car color affect crash risk?]]> https://www.thackermulvihill.com/?p=47042 2025-05-20T13:46:19Z 2025-05-28T13:42:31Z You’ve probably heard that red cars get pulled over more or that black vehicles have a higher chance of getting into accidents. But does your car’s color affect your chances of getting into a crash in Florida? If you live in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, namely Tampa, Clearwater or St. Petersburg, knowing how color impacts visibility on the road can help you stay safer. One way a vehicle’s color can affect its likelihood to be involved in an accident is if it plays into its visibility on the road.

A car’s color can affect its visibility

Darker vehicles like black, gray or dark blue are more likely to be involved in accidents, especially in low light or bad weather. For instance, black cars are 12% more likely to be in a collision during the day, and that risk jumps to 47% during dawn or dusk. Colors with higher crash risks include:
  • Gray: 11% higher crash risk than white cars
  • Silver: 10% higher crash risk
  • Blue and red: 7% higher crash risk each 
By contrast, white cars are among the safest. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that white vehicles tend to be involved in fewer accidents and are easier to spot in various conditions. This is especially important in Florida, where rapid weather changes and shifting light conditions make staying visible even more important. Pay attention to how Florida’s roads can make it tougher for you to stay visible.

How car color can affect your case

While your car’s color doesn’t decide who’s at fault in an accident, it can still be a factor. Especially in low-light conditions or bad weather. If another driver says they didn’t see you, a lawyer you consult with may investigate whether your vehicle’s color contributed to reduced visibility. That detail could strengthen your case. Now that you are aware of the risks, here’s what you can do to reduce them.

Steps to stay safe on Florida roads

Improving your visibility on the road can significantly reduce your risk of a crash. Simple choices can help you stand out to other drivers and stay safer behind the wheel. Apart from picking a lighter color to improve your car’s visibility, here are some other steps to consider:
  • Use bright lights: In conditions such as fog and storms, bright lights will make your car more visible
  • Use visibility aids: Daytime running lights and reflectors will help other drivers see your vehicle better
  • Drive cautiously in poor conditions: Slowing down in bad weather can prevent high-speed collisions and give you enough time to respond to obstacles
Should you and your vehicle be involved in a collision due to poor visibility, consider reaching out to a local attorney. A legal professional can advise you on your case and help protect your rights in court if the matter escalates.

Car color is a safety factor, but not the only one

While your car’s color doesn’t directly cause accidents, it can affect how easily others see you, particularly in low light or heavy traffic. Opting for a more visible color and using features like daytime running lights or reflectors can improve your visibility. However, safe driving remains the most important factor in preventing collisions If you're in a crash caused by low visibility, consulting with a Florida personal injury lawyer may help protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.]]>