Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Know Your Rights in a Tampa Bicycle Accident Case
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Florida’s bike fatality rate is the highest in the nation and, at 0.57 per 100,000 individuals, is more than double that of the nation’s overall biker fatality rate. Even more alarming is the fact that while the rest of the nation (save for Wyoming) has managed to decrease… Read More »

Youth Violence
When cell phone video revealed several girls attacking a 14-year-old peer in a Boca Raton park in December 2017, viewers were outraged. Some claim it was a hate crime inspired by Islamophobia; others say it was no more than a tussle over a boyfriend. Whatever the motivation, the images of hair pulling and flying… Read More »

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
The sunshine state is home to numerous motorcyclists, and is a destination point for many others who long for the open road and pleasant temperatures. But riding the Florida highway is more than fun and games. In fact, Florida holds the dubious honor of leading the country in motorcycle fatalities. What we know about… Read More »

Wrongful Death Charges related to DUI
Driving fatalities occur all too often in this country, with 40,000 deaths predicted for this year alone. The harrowing statistics in Florida are the third worst in the nation, topping 1,500 traffic deaths between the months of January and June of 2016. No collision fatality is easy to accept. But when drugs or alcohol… Read More »

Teen Driving Perils
If you have a teen who has just acquired a driver’s license, chances are you are experiencing a bit of anxiety. There is good reason for apprehension as you turn over the car keys to a new driver: statistics relate some alarming facts about driving behavior and accident rates. If your teen is involved… Read More »

Workplace Fatalities
You kiss your spouse good-bye as they head out the door to work, never in a million years anticipating that the day will end with a chilling visit from someone in a dark suit telling you that a tragic accident occurred, and your loved one is dead. Fatal Occupational Injuries Studies indicate that roughly… Read More »

Driving Mode: Getting to your Destination Safely
Distracted driving has long been a source of consternation for first responders, who arrive at the scene of accidents due to cell phone use on a regular basis across the country. But finally, there is an intervention that just may make a difference: driving mode applications on cell phones. The Problem With Cell Phones… Read More »

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act
If you have lost a loved one to a sudden and unexpected event, you are no doubt dealing with an abyss of emotions. In addition to the cruel absence of that person in your daily life, you may also have to face a dramatic loss of income to support your family. No one likes… Read More »

Early Retirement and Social Security Disability
Let’s say you were gainfully employed for 30 years or so, and then retired at age 55. At age 57, you experience a debilitating accident, the effects of which have extended well over 12 months. Are you eligible for Social Security Disability? Many people find the Social Security rules and application processes cumbersome and… Read More »

Social Security Income Benefits vs. Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits
If you or a loved one suffers from a severe disability, there are federal programs available that have the potential to assist with the financial burden. Unfortunately, the majority of claims are denied upon the initial submittal. It is therefore essential to understand the application criteria for individual assistance programs before undertaking such an… Read More »