Thanksgiving Holiday Wishes from Gonzalez & Cartwright!

Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. is urging Palm Beach County residents to buckle up during the 2011 Thanksgiving season. Intoxicated drivers, road congestion and holiday festivities   significantly  contribute to car accidents and fatalities during this heavily traveled time of the year.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

•    During the 2009 Thanksgiving holiday travel season, 303 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide.  Of those, 52 percent were unrestrained, based on known restraint use. (The 2009 Thanksgiving’s holiday period was from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, to 5:59 a.m. Monday,  November 30.)

•    During the Thanksgiving holiday travel season in 2009, 115 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes occurring during daytime  hours  (6 a.m. - 5:59 p.m.) nationwide.  Of those, 49 percent were unrestrained, based on known
restraint use.

•    During the Thanksgiving holiday travel season in 2009, 187 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle crashes occurring during nighttime hours (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) nationwide.  Of those, 54 percent were unrestrained, based on known restraint use.
 

Seat belts save lives so make sure the only belt unbuckled is the one around your waist when you are seated at the Thanksgiving dinner table... not the belt in your vehicle!

 •    In 2009 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 12,713 lives. An additional 3,688 lives could have been saved if seat belts had been worn at the time of the crashes.

•    Almost one in five Americans still fail to buckle up regularly.

•    Employing safe driving practices, day and night, is the key to keeping drivers, their passengers, and other motorists on our nation's highways safe. A seat belt can mean the difference between life and death.

Please make a note that Florida AAA members, who have a little too much to drink during the holidays can receive a free and confidential ride home through AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser's "Tow and Go" program.  
 
The staff at Gonzalez & Cartwright would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday.  If you or a loved one is injured in a traffic accident, we are here to represent you.  We will explain your rights in plain language that you can understand.  We will defend your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Gonzalez & Cartwright to make an appointment for a free consultation at (888) 888-3903 or visit www.gonzalezcartwright.com.

SalsaFest this Weekend!

Come out this weekend- Saturday, Nov. 19th and Sunday, Nov. 20th and join Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. at SalsaFest …A two-day Hispanic festival held at Greenacres Community Park, 2095 Jog Road, Greenacres, FL 33463. 

More than 25,000 people are expected to attend this annual event, which is themed to appeal to the growing Hispanic population in Palm Beach County and surrounding South Florida areas. 

The event will feature a rainbow assortment of Latin music including hot Salsa rhythms and sounds, entertainment, carnival rides, Chihuahua races, bounce houses, salsa cook-offs, domino & dance competitions, business expo, arts & crafts vendors and authentic Hispanic food - a fun filled day for the entire family! Visit Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. at Booth #91 and try your hand at the prize wheel!
 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or pedestrian accident in Palm Beach County, Florida or the surrounding areas, please contact experienced accident attorneys Gonzalez & Cartwright at 1-888-888-3903 to schedule a consultation. You have rights! At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we are here to represent you.  We will explain your rights in plain language that you can understand.  We will defend your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve! 

Visit www.gonzalezcartwright.com for additional information.

5 Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

Most people are unsure about what to do after a car accident. The chaos after an accident can cause a lot of confusion. It is important to know the steps to take before you find yourself in an accident situation. Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A can help you navigate through this process. Below are the 5 Steps to Take After an Auto Accident.
 

1. Pull Over                                                            
Do not leave your car in the middle of the road after an accident. You are just creating a possible danger for other drivers. Safely move your car to the side of the road, turn off the ignition and turn on your hazard lights.
 

2. Check for Injuries and Call the Police
Check to see if anyone is hurt or has sustained any injuries. If someone is hurt, do not move them. Moving an injured person can cause further injuries. If anyone is hurt or cannot tell you if they are hurt, immediately call 911 and let the paramedics make the decision on moving someone. Report the accident to the police. Do not discuss what happened with anyone else but the police. Do not say that it was your fault, and do not make accusations. These comments may be used against you later.
 

3. Exchange Information
Exchange information with everyone involved in the accident. Be sure to exchange the following: Name, address, phone number of all drivers, Name, address, phone numbers or all passengers and witnesses, Drivers license numbers and license plate numbers, Insurance companies of all drivers involved, Registered owners of all cars, Year, model, make, etc. of all cars involved.
 

4. Call a Lawyer
Call Gonzalez & Cartwright at (888) 888-3903 before you call your insurance company. You may still be recovering from the incident and unable to give accurate information. The insurance representatives can then use your errors and temporary confusion to build a case against you. If you are an accident victim and try to represent yourself, you might end up hurting your own case. We can prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of your vulnerable condition. A competent car accident injury lawyer like Gonzalez & Cartwright can make a difference in your recovery and your right to financial compensation.
 

5. Document the Scene                                                                                                       
Take pictures of everything. Take pictures of the accident scene, any debris, skid marks, your car, the other person's car and any visible injuries. As a precautionary measure, keep first aid supplies and an emergency kit in your car. Flares, a bright orange vest, a cell phone, and a disposable camera are all helpful objects to have in case of an accident. . If time and accident conditions allow, take notes about your perception of what happened. If you get a chance to look inside the other driver's car, observe whether he had any evidence of work on his seat. Are there papers opened up that he could have been writing on or working on? Is a laptop computer open? Did he have a cell phone out? Is there a half-eaten sandwich open on the seat?
 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or pedestrian accident in Palm Beach County, Florida or the surrounding areas, please contact experienced accident attorneys Gonzalez & Cartwright at 1-888-888-3903 to schedule a consultation. Visit www.gonzalezcartwright.com for additional information.