U.S. 17-HAVENDALE INTERSECTION MOST DANGEROUS IN POLK COUNTY - AGAIN
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 815
For the fifth time in six years, the intersection of U.S. 17 and Havendale Blvd. in Winter Haven is the most dangerous one in Polk County, Florida, according to 2006 figures recently released.
There were 58 collisions at the intersection that year, an increase of eight from the year before. As anyone who has driven through the intersection can attest, it is large, heavily congested, and has an array of confusing traffic signals. Add to that the occasional impatient/angry driver, and it's a wonder more accidents don't occur there.
Whether the collision occurs there, or anywhere else, there are some important tips to remember if you are involved in a collision.
1) Make sure you and your passengers are uninjured. If you are injured, don't move, and don't attempt to move others who are injured unless staying in the vehicle presents a dangerous situation. Immediately seek medical care for you and your passengers.
2) Call 911.
3) If you are uninjured, assist others involved in the accident, if doing so does not expose you to unreasonable risk.
4) Do not move your vehicle unless directed to do so by law enforcement or it presents an unreasonable risk to you or others. The location of your vehicle and the other vehicles provides valuable information for the investigating officer.
5) Do not discuss what happened in the accident with anyone except the investigating officer.
6) If you have a camera - even if it's the one on your cell phone - take photographs of the scene and vehicles involved. Again, though, use common sense. Don't put yourself or anyone else in harm's way.
7) Often, there are witnesses to accidents who are willing to help and tell their story early on, but later get cold feet. Try to get the names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses, and provide them to the investigating officer. Encourage them to tell their story while they are at the scene.
8) Afterward, do not give a statement to anyone before contacting an attorney.
To contact Mr. Bouchillon, email him at kc@loblawyers.com or visit his firm's website at www.loblawyers.com.