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Hide valuables. Thieves are more likely to target a vehicle if they can see something of value inside. Before leaving your car, stow away shopping bags, electronics, purses, and other tempting items in the trunk or out of sight. Even loose change or charging cables can attract unwanted attention. Use your garage. A locked garage provides an added layer of security for your vehicle. Ensure the garage doors are in good working order and equipped with strong locks. Get to know your car’s security features. Modern vehicles have lots of security features, such as secondary car alarms, kill switches, and tracking systems, so learn how to activate them. Before leaving your car unattended, ensure your car’s security system is active and all doors and windows are properly secured.
allowing your steering wheel to be turned. While that may seem old- fashioned, they still get the job done! Be alert after parking. In parking lots and garages, when walking away from your vehicle, scan the area for anyone loitering. Criminals tend to be on the lookout for individuals who are not paying attention to their surroundings. If you notice anything that doesn’t look or feel right, move your vehicle to a safer location.
Don’t leave your car running unattended.
During winter months, it’s tempting to warm up your car while you wait inside. However, leaving your vehicle running on its own is an open invitation to thieves. Always stay with your car when it’s running or invest in a remote starter that allows you to start your car without a key. Keep in mind that prevention is essential for a worry-free and secure holiday season! Don’t become another statistic — protect your vehicle from criminals and ward off theft by keeping these simple tips in mind.
Invest in a steering wheel lock. Steering wheel locks, also known as “club” locks, are classic anti-theft tools. They make it much more challenging for criminals to drive away with your vehicle by not
Are Government Agencies Ever Liable for Car Crashes in Florida?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
In many motor vehicle accidents with another car, you can seek compensation through insurance or a personal injury claim against the other driver. But what happens when it isn’t the other driver who is to blame but a government agency? Instances Where Government Agencies Are Liable for Motor Vehicle Accidents in Florida People make mistakes, even when working for the government. In several types of collisions, Florida government agencies may be liable for your accident. Among the other civilian motor vehicles, government vehicles are commonly on the road, too. Some of these include:
In most car accident cases, you can pursue compensation from the other party’s insurance. When it comes to crashes with government vehicles, this process is a little more complex. Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), you can sue the government for the actions of someone acting on behalf of the United States, like the driver of a government vehicle. Government Negligence You don’t need to collide directly with a government vehicle for a government agency to be liable. Sometimes, car crashes are out of both drivers’ control. Instead, they may be due to poor road conditions. It is the state of Florida’s responsibility to maintain safe roads for its citizens. When the government fails to do this, they are negligent. Citizens pay tolls and taxes to fund road construction. When there are potholes, for example, the government should fill them promptly. Similarly, Florida is prone to tropical storms. When storms leave debris on the road, it’s the government’s job to clean it and ensure the safety of drivers. When they fail to do so, and you’re injured in a car crash, you may be able to file a claim against the state government. Many construction companies operate under government contracts. If the workers fail to keep the roads safe while they’re working, this is another instance in which the government agency can be liable for your car accident in Florida.
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Military vehicles
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Ambulances
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Police cars
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Public transportation buses
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Fire trucks
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Garbage trucks
If you’re in an accident with a government vehicle, you may have the right to hold the government employee and the agency they work for accountable. You can report this accident to the police, collect evidence from the accident scene, and seek compensation with help from a Florida motor vehicle accident lawyer for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
2 • www.AttorneyShapiro.com
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